It was an ordinary day in Trestlebridge, which was by no means glamorous. The town still bore the hardship and battle-scars of war, chiefly through the shattered buildings that littered the streets. The people of Trestlebridge had already commenced a restoration of the damage caused by the marauding orcs that relentlessly raided the boarders, but it would take much longer than anyone originally anticipated.
Captain Carrock stood at the base of one such structure, which was once a most agreeable tavern reduced to ash and rubble. The bare bones of the structure had already gone up, but the hardest part was yet to come. Carrock appreciated the people who came from distant lands to help with their effort. One such individual was Lovejoy, a regular visitor to the town and friend of the people. Davron Carrock and Lovejoy went way back, for it was Lovejoy who forged the wedding ring he now bore on his finger. It was a rather plain ring, unlike that he made for Carrock’s wife, which was lavishly jewelled and patterned with artistry unparalleled by any smith in Breeland. He was indebted to the man, as upon Carrock’s proposal, the ring undoubtedly sealed the deal.
“Lovejoy!” cried Carrock, raising a hand to his brow to shield his vision from the spring-time sun. “Time for lunch, come down here!”
Lovejoy was atop the structure working on the roof trusses. Nails held between his lips as he hammered them individually into the wooden beams. Carrock moved over to the ladder beside him and held it secure, allowing Lovejoy to descend safely. “I must have lost track of time” he said in a muffled voice, promptly removing the nails from his lips and placing them in a belt pocket wrapped around his midriff. “What are we having?” he asked, clapping his hands together and rubbing them in anticipation.
“Mrs Carrock fixed us up a fish supper. I hope you like salmon.”
“A welcome treat! I expected nothing but bread and cheese” replied Lovejoy, clapping Carrock on the back as they made their way across the street towards a structure saved from the flames.
The two men sat at a makeshift table. Carrock removed a tea towel from the top of a basket, revealing a cooked piece of salmon decorated with new potatoes, green beans and long stem broccoli. He offered a plate to Lovejoy, who had already cut a knob of butter to spread upon his portion, which was offered.
“How long do you think it will take?” asked Carrock.
“It’s hard to say” said Lovejoy, skewering a new potato with his fork. “Once the foundations have been finished, we can start adding the roof and walls. It’s a mammoth task, though. I doubt it’ll be finished by midsummer.”
Carrock sighed. “That’s where Rosie and I met, in that tavern. Second table at the back, in a nice little corner. She thought I was a fool.”
“Was she wrong?” retorted, grinning.
“Not really” said Carrock, looking rather crestfallen at his own plate. “It’s just about the only thing I was good at, courting her. Certainly, better than my leadership. Just look at the state of this place, Lovejoy. How could we have let this happen?”
“You mustn’t blame yourself” said Lovejoy, lowering his knife and fork. “The war has taken its toll on us all.”
“Perhaps” said Carrock, “But it’s a bloody mess, I’ll tell you that much.”
Once their meal was finished, they took a moment to allow their stomachs to settle before returning to work. It was not long however before a loud knock came at the door.
“Enter!” shouted Carrock.
A scrawny looking fellow entered, dressed in chainmail and a helm. At his waist he wore a short sort and had a buckler mounted on his wrist. “Captain Carrock” said the boy.
“What is it?” Carrock asked.
“You’re needed at the gate, urgently” he said in a panicked voice. “They’re back…”
“Who?” asked Lovejoy.
“For cryin’ out loud. What do they want now?” said Carrock, rising to his feet.
“Sorry, am I missing something?” asked Lovejoy.
“Politics, Lovejoy. Of the worst sort.”
With such a vague answer it was impossible for Lovejoy not to follow the men to the gate. Carrock and his man made no effort to send him away, if anything they seemed relieved by his company. There was a small gathering of men, women and children at the gate, huddled round as if watching some sort of commotion. As they weaved their way through the crowd, Lovejoy noticed a group of rough-hewn looking men, armed with swords, clubs and axes.
“There he is!” cried the ringleader, stepping forward and pointing his blade toward Carrock. “I knew we’d have to dig you out.”
“What is the meaning of this?” asked Lovejoy.
“Who the devil are you?” asked the leader.
“No one, he’s a friend” said Carrock. “Listen, I told you not to come back until-”
“I know what you said” said the man, raising his voice. “But you don’t command me or any of my men. Where is it?”
Carrock clenched his teeth, he was clearly uncomfortable by the situation. Yet, what struck Lovejoy as strange was he made no effort to rally the guard.
“We need more time” said Carrock.
“Time?” said the leader, spitting on the ground. “You’ve had time! So, I’ll ask again, where is our money?”
“What is he talking about, Davron?” asked Lovejoy, turning to his friend.
“Your Captain here owes us some money. Quite a bit of it, in fact. How do you think he’s been able to acquire all this timber and means of building? You think the coffers of Trestlebridge are flowing? No, we gave a loan, and now we expect to be repaid in full, with interest!”
Lovejoy was taken aback by this news. Of course, he did wonder how Carrock was able to muster up the funds for this venture, but he had no idea that he would turn to brigands for aid.
“Listen, all of you!” the brigand announced. “I’ll say this only once. My name is Alfric Ravenwood, and I am not a man to be trifled with! If you want your… town, or what’s left of it to remain standing by noon tomorrow, I suggest that you implore your captain here to cough up what is owed!”
There were murmurs in the crowd, people exchanging concerned looks whilst pointing and whispering towards Carrock.
“If he fails” continued, “We will take what is owed by force, meaning anything we can lay our hands on from your homes!” continued Alric. “It’s a bad business to be in when you owe me, let me tell you. As you will learn!”
Alfric turned and urged his men to exit through the gate. Carrock stood, humiliated and ashamed before his people. Eventually, as the crowd began to move off, he lifted his head and turned to Lovejoy. “What am I to do?” he said, hopelessly.
