Daxton - Episode 5
The 5th Compass | Tales of Stonehaven [1,280 words]
Daxton is the first book in the 6-book series, The 5th Compass, which takes place in Stonehaven. Released in serial form, two episodes each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The audio version is coming in the future for paid subscribers only. Visit the table of contents for a list of previously published and upcoming episodes.
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Upon hearing the name, Paragon, both Corwinn and Krieger knew what they needed to do first. For some, the Paragon was a tale used to scare the young into behaving. But there were those who believed in the legend of the Paragon and revered what it stood for. Krieger was a believer, while the only thing Corwinn believed in was what he held in his hand, a flagon of ale. Yet, the name was not unknown to him, either. He remembered a day, many moons ago, when King Rowan told him what he believed to be a tale. Lunacy and ravings of an eccentric king willing to say anything to command fear. It never occurred to him the story might be true, and he scoured the far reaches of his mind to remember how it was told to him.
A young, precocious boy by the name of Woodvale was destined to become king of Diamar, a smaller kingdom surrounded by mountains that made it difficult for overzealous kings to conquer. The people of Diamar were known for being extremely kind and not as ruthless as other neighboring kingdoms. Because of their eagerness to be liked by others they gave and gave until they had practically nothing left. Then, as luck would have it, a group of travelers, led by Tobias, found themselves passing through Diamar, in need of accommodations.
Woodvale’s parents owned a home not too far from the castle. They worked for the throne but had no direct lineage to it. The travelers arrived to see speak with the king of Diamar very late and knew they would not be admitted at such an hour. As luck would have it, they saw a light shining in the window of a home nearby and decided to ask the inhabitants if they could stay there for the night. Woodvale’s parents took one look at the attire of the travelers, adorned in fine clothes and jewels, and decided to let them stay. That night the travelers, to show gratitude for the hospitality and meal they were given by a family they knew had very little to spare, put on a show in the form of magic. Woodvale was instantly mesmerized, and Tobias saw something in the boy’s eyes, unlike anything he’d ever seen before. Without consulting his traveling companions, he decided to take the boy under his wing and sneak him away with them when they were finally given entry to see the king.
In very little time, Woodvale had surpassed his teacher and in their continued travels he began to see something in many they met. He wanted to pass on his knowledge of magic just like Tobias had done with him, but he was constantly cautioned against it.
Finally, Woodvale had enough of being told what to do and in a fit of rage he destroyed Tobias along with his abilities, turning them into an evil of his own design. Woodvale created a being he called the Paragon. But like all magic, it came at a steep price, one that only he and those who attended the school he created soon after, await.
There were many other stories told amongst the nobility of the Paragon, each with their own unique embellishments. Peasants were the only class unaware such a being existed. They had their own tales they told each other. Their lack of knowledge about the Paragon was evidenced by the Barman who wore a look of confusion on his face. But his relationship with Corwinn, his best customer besides Krieger, was a tepid one. There were some battles he knew he couldn’t win with those two, so he pretended not to hear and went about his business.
Not wishing to be heard by nosey patrons, Krieger staggered from the bar and with the aid of his friend Corwinn, sat at the table previously occupied by Traix and Adelaide. In hushed whispers, they discussed what to do with the news of the Paragon’s presence.
“You must take this to the king. He will reward you handsomely for it,” Krieger slurred.
“I couldn’t take this opportunity from you, Krieger. you have been a loyal friend to me, even when I was run out from the castle after—.”
“Don’t say it. We swore to each other we’d never speak of that time. It was not your fault. I tried to tell King Rowan, but you know what a hard-headed man he can be. He was not interested in reason, then. He was still young and full of himself. I’d like to think the years have changed him and now he’d accept you in his court, even if just to lend you his council.”
“I still think it should be you who goes. He’s likely to bestow upon the bearer of this news some station, that would be unworthy of Corwinn the Coward. I’d be proud to fight under your command,” Corwinn argued, trying to reason with his friend, but it was no use.
“Look at me Corwinn. I am not fit to see the king, let alone receive a title that would require my swordsmanship. I cannot even hold a pint of ale steady in my hands.” He demonstrated by holding them both up in front him. They shook uncontrollably. He clasped them together and laid them on the table. “I cannot fight anymore. And if I am honest with myself, I never could. You were always better than I. It is time the king was reminded of that. But you must go with haste. That boy will soon find his missing friend and be on his way to the king with the news himself. I shudder to think what someone like him would do if he were given men to command.”
Corwinn knew his longtime friend was right. He also had his pregnant wife to consider. Ever since he was dishonorably stripped of his title as general of the king’s army, he busied himself taking odd jobs wherever he could. When she told him the news that she would be providing him with an heir he felt besot with guilt that he had nothing of value or self-worth to give. And he buried his shame in ale, with his friend Krieger, every night at the Serpent’s Head.
Now he was given a second chance. Fortune has fallen in his lap when news of the Paragon crossed Traix’s lips. But he furrowed his eyebrows with worry as another more sinister and dangerous thought crossed his mind. “What of the Paragon, though? Why would the king be foolish enough to summon him? If what I was told by the king was true, even partly so, then to summon the likes of him is to call forth Death upon any in its path. I would not wish that upon my worst enemy.”
“There must’ve been a reason, and it is up to you to find out what that reason was at all costs. You mustn’t lose focus. I know you expect a child soon and with each glass you drink you have made feeble attempts to drown your worry. The future of your unborn child is at stake as well as the kingdom I know you still have a great affection for. While you defend her, you must never drink.” Krieger placed his hand on Corwinn’s forearm and looked him in the eye, holding his gaze for a long time. “I only hope you are blessed with a son and not cursed with a daughter. Leo comes to mind.” Both men laughed at his jest as the barman brought them another round of ale. They lifted their mugs and clinked them in unity.