Read The Unknown Man: Book 1 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series for Free Online

his brow. “Look, I’ll cut right to the point. I’m a very busy man with better things to do. I only agreed to this meeting because I was intrigued to meet a man who was naïve enough to think they could bother me with such a mundane conversation.”
    The man looked to the ground in irritation.  He didn’t know what he expected from the lord, but he definitely hoped he would be more amenable to helping. “I’m sorry to have taken you away from your busy affairs.  I just hoped—given my current attire—you would recognize me.”
    The lord offered a flippant wave. “I suggest you remember your place next time. Ask around town, try and look for something familiar, or put up some signs for god’s sake.”
    Looking defeated, the man said, “I thank you for your time, my lord, and sorry to have bothered you.”
    The lord stood as the man turned to leave.  The light caught the armor of the mysterious man as he turned, and Brukahn suddenly caught sight of the crest. “Wait, wait, wait. Turn back toward me.”
    The man did as instructed, wondering what he would want now. “Is there something else, my lord?”
    “Come closer to me,” he said as he waved him forward, excitement filling his eyes. “That crest.  The one on your armor.  Do you recognize it?”
    The man looked down at his chest. It was an extravagant crest with a lion, sword and shield. “It’s a nice crest, one that I don’t recognize though.” He shrugged. “Should it mean something to me?”
    “It’s the Havenbrook crest, so yeah I would say it means something.” The lord looked confused. “If I don’t know you, why are you running around claiming my city as your own? Perhaps you should tell me a little more.  Start from the beginning of what you can remember.”
    Perturbed, the man said, “As you wish.” He began retelling everything that began that morning, although his irritation grew. After such a rude greeting, he wasn’t sure he wanted the lord’s help.  Then again, he didn’t really think he had a choice.
    When he finished, the lord sat and pondered his words for a moment. He consulted with the lady, before he said, “Your story intrigues me. I’m not sure the best way to proceed.” He stopped, while he considered his next course of action. As the man shifted, he caught the sight of a chain around the man’s neck. “What are you wearing around your neck?”
    The man pulled out the chain and displayed the silver medallion for the lord. “I’m not sure what it signifies.”
    Brukahn’s eyes lit up.  He knew exactly what it was. This man is a keeper! And one who doesn’t know what that means. If I play my cards right, this man could be a worthy addition to my troops. “That is an interesting piece of jewelry, although I have to say I don’t know what it signifies either,” he lied.
    The man slid the medallion back below his breastplate. What good are all of these clues to my past, if no one else recognized them either? He wondered.
    Brukahn knew he needed to help the man now, at least for his own mischievous purposes. “Very well, I find it all very peculiar.” Lord Brukahn stopped to let this statement soak into the man’s mind. “I still don’t know if I trust you, but the best course of action would be for you to seek out the old wizard, Norlun. This would require a guide, as the village where he resides is a long journey from here.”
    The name Norlun struck a chord with him. He seemed familiar and he tried—to no avail—to conjure an image of him. “I’ll do whatever it is you advise.” Remembering what Pudge had said about the lord being interested in hands of combat, he added, “And offer any form of support I may upon my return, as payment for your guidance.” He bowed his head to show respect. “I’d be honored to accept any who you deem appropriate to accompany me on this journey.” He was excited to be actually getting somewhere, for the moment at least.
    Lord Brukahn stroked his mustache