November 17, 2020 • 40 mins
Imagine Game of Thrones, but Neanderthals never died off: MORE INFORMATION AT: neanderthalking.com
It’s 1107, and the once-great Neanderthal empire is no more, laid waste by the dark Sapien king, Isaac, the same bastard who slaughtered the Thal queen’s young heirs. A brutal reversal of medieval power forged in blood and fueled by Sap ingenuity.
But one babe escaped the mad king’s wrath.
Raised the son of a simple Thal herder, Maralek’s a rough lad with the ferocious pride and temper of his ruined people, a scorn for rules and rulers, and less than a little creativity in his thick skull. In a word, your average Neanderthal.
And life’s livable, until King Isaac resumes his bloodthirsty crusade, and Maralek’s forced into slaving shackles. Then, a rowdy caravan, a mysterious gypsy, a whispered prophecy… A whirlwind of devastation and war as his master is murdered, his fate unwoven, and his world ripped asunder in an epic battle to end all.
Neanderthal King is a historic epic YA fantasy by renowned science fiction and fantasy author, Matt Ward, that features savage twists and darker secrets, raging kings and enslaved heirs, and an audaciously ambitious coming of age quest set in an alternative medieval Europe. If you love Brandon Sanderson, Ursula le Guin, or Robin Hobb, or explosive high and low fantasy classics like Lord of the Rings, the Kingkiller Chronicles, and the Earthsea Cycle, you’ll love this heroic historical tale.
For more information, to purchase the complete audio adventure or to download the entire technothriller free with a free trial of Audible, visit neanderthalking.com
--
Want to follow along with Maralek's adventure? For a limited time, grab your FREE illustrated map of Tharkal and the six kingdoms of Sapdom by visiting mattwardwrites.com/map.
--
More information on the author at mattwardwrites.com.
It’s 1107, and the once-great Neanderthal empire is no more, laid waste by the dark Sapien king, Isaac, the same bastard who slaughtered the Thal queen’s young heirs. A brutal reversal of medieval power forged in blood and fueled by Sap ingenuity.
But one babe escaped the mad king’s wrath.
Raised the son of a simple Thal herder, Maralek’s a rough lad with the ferocious pride and temper of his ruined people, a scorn for rules and rulers, and less than a little creativity in his thick skull. In a word, your average Neanderthal.
And life’s livable, until King Isaac resumes his bloodthirsty crusade, and Maralek’s forced into slaving shackles. Then, a rowdy caravan, a mysterious gypsy, a whispered prophecy… A whirlwind of devastation and war as his master is murdered, his fate unwoven, and his world ripped asunder in an epic battle to end all.
Neanderthal King is a historic epic YA fantasy by renowned science fiction and fantasy author, Matt Ward, that features savage twists and darker secrets, raging kings and enslaved heirs, and an audaciously ambitious coming of age quest set in an alternative medieval Europe. If you love Brandon Sanderson, Ursula le Guin, or Robin Hobb, or explosive high and low fantasy classics like Lord of the Rings, the Kingkiller Chronicles, and the Earthsea Cycle, you’ll love this heroic historical tale.
For more information, to purchase the complete audio adventure or to download the entire technothriller free with a free trial of Audible, visit neanderthalking.com
--
Want to follow along with Maralek's adventure? For a limited time, grab your FREE illustrated map of Tharkal and the six kingdoms of Sapdom by visiting mattwardwrites.com/map.
--
More information on the author at mattwardwrites.com.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to the Disruptors, the podcastabout the future of all of us,
where we look at the technologies,trends, and societal norms shaping our collective
future. Hear the world's top mindsshare their insights and predictions on the convergence,
direction and ethics of exponential technologies transforminglike as we know it. You
can learn more and stay up todate at Disruptors dot fm. Merimani Press
(00:27):
presents Neanderthal King by Matt Ward.More information on the author at matt Wardwrights
dot com. You can purchase NeanderthalKing in its entirety or download the entire
audio masterpiece free with a free trialof Audible at Neanderthal King dot com.
(00:51):
Want to follow along with Mary Leck'sadventure for a limited time, grab your
free illustrated map of Tackle and thesix Kingdom of Septom by visiting a matt
Wardwrights dot com slash map. Again, that's m A T T W A
R D W R I TS dotcom slash map. But now let's get
(01:15):
on with the adventure. I askedWilliam about it and he smiled, it's
cheap and the newsy happenings be bettertoo, good for business, knowing who's
trading and romping with whom, latestcourt proceedings and such. You know,
(01:36):
not really, but I said nothing. Dinner was a first or nothing affair,
and we were early mutton stew,glorious smells, but a bit heavy
on the turnips. Such was life. We managed to stomach a bowl each.
Once we'd finished, I decided totry my dice with William. How'd
(01:59):
you get into this? Now that'sa long story, he said, after
a gassy salute to the cook.None of us could match. And it
was born poor and beadless in Hojajh. His father hadn't been able to feed
all six from his shop, evenafter their youngest fell to pox. Par
(02:21):
wasn't the brightest bead never did valuehis craft. After a terrible winter,
William and Born had stepped into handlenegotiation. One thing led to another,
he shrugged. We were ten,he added, as if that explained everything,
few details and not a word more. He'd make a great swindler.
(02:46):
Talk turned to Odanic, and Williamscrutinized his slave. What about you?
What's your tail? O'danic relayed hergruesome telling, and William flinched and believe
it he had feelings. After all, conversation collapsed until a gaudy trio of
(03:06):
cloaked scholars entered discussing islander astra labsand ship times. They plumped their hefty
bums next to us. They saythe Islanders be allied with Elguro's, that
they've spread as far west as Africa. William's ears perk, and he leaned
(03:29):
in as the fop headed minstrel ingreen with matching stockings approached the roaring fire.
The flick of his finger before strummingthe crooked instrument, a melody erupted
that touched my insides, made themdance forth. The itching urge couldn't help
it. Even my bloody foot tapped. If I was a less at all,
(03:53):
wet would have touched my eyes.It didn't. The flimsy man's soft
lips and an echoing voice rang out, hath any, but I oh loved
you so, my dear. You'llsee twas burning fire in the fields.
My love is free. You maybe sap and I are tall, but
(04:15):
this cannot forget them. All kingsand roars would die for us to be
You'll see, hath any, butI oh loved you so and so it
went on and on, the timelesstale of love of tall and sap of
friend and foe. Many jeered,others cheered, but all listened with baited
(04:39):
breath until the skirt of a manbelted the final verse, hath any,
but you, oh scorn'd me,So, my dear, you'll see twas
seething pain. Your father forged anend for me. The blade was turned.
Our world is lost. My peopleflee as you were cost and we
(05:00):
know the end is near. Ofthis you'll see, my dear, my
dear, a crushing finality as thecrescendo faded, silencing the room empty,
melancholy, avoid in heart, anda collective sigh as magery ended. Yolanik
(05:23):
would have loved it. He'd sungwith the best of them, but his
tellings of thrinek and as Delda wasscarce a story in comparison. How is
Yolannic and my clan? I hadn'tthought of them for many a fortnight,
out of sight and mind, butnow I did. A stabbing pain.
(05:46):
Jayalik sent Olaric's brutal murders, myfailure to avenge them or even grant a
proper earthing to save their souls eternal, wistless, wandering to grant them their
slumber. And then there was mycreator for Garrick, even tarassic. They
(06:09):
could be anywhere, anywhere. Butwhat's done is done. Unless I could
end that bastard Royce, he'd receivedhis just due. The next days flew
by, except five days notorious service. We must go, William said,
(06:29):
as we entered the two story earthand ode to all things. Have to
win the trust of some ignorant Ninnysat through the whole two quarter our oddity
even butchered a cat. But outsideof a few strange errands, we spent
every waking hour preparing for a dawarunning about to fill the sea Wolf's deep
(06:54):
hold. Space is beadage, asWilliam was prone to say. Tuesday morn
and early up at first light,enterprising boat hands gathered along the blust'ry dock,
all waiting born who'd land at midday. A group of Ruffians William had
(07:15):
hired looked on from a distance,made eye contact with William, and patrolled
the side streets as well. Williamdidn't leave anything to chance. Yet,
for all his smarts, William mademistakes. Returning from the wheelwright, he
turned left instead of right. Lostfor half quarter hour before finding our way,
(07:36):
and two nights prior folks tailed usto the inn. He never even
noticed. Guess I haven't a headfor faces, was all he said,
as o'danick and I pulled him intoan alley and lost the thugs on the
wharf waiting as hundreds of clacking slavesrattled towards the auction house. Was hard
(08:01):
to focus on the seas with sucha sight, Thank my dice every day.
It wasn't me such empty, hopelesseyes. O'danic jumped up and broke
my cart of thought. I seeit, blinked back. Gleaming sunlight stared
into the distance. A mast hadbroken the horizon. William squinted harder and
(08:24):
reached for his looking glass. Areyou sure what color of the sails white?
O'danic, and I replied, Ared insignia on the top. That'll
be her, the seawolf. Hisface lit up. Your eyes must be
sharper than mine. The beautiful galleygrew larger and larger, stretching four or
(08:50):
five houses long. Mahogany built craftsmanetched swirls and leaves gave the hurried craft
a wild and tall sails billowed asthe blood red wolf howled and danced in
the breeze. Tan sailors through thicklengths of rope and leaped ashore, tying
(09:11):
the floating bohemuth to ironclad hooks.Before a fellow could whip out, A
whiz started carrying crates and barrels downthe walkway and tossing them to the deck.
We hopped on in search of BorronBarron knew sod. William yelled as
he crossed the polished deck. Whereare you? A solid, sandy haired
(09:35):
man with blue eyes and a matchingshirt appeared from below. He dropped the
crate he'd been carrying with a slamand rushed over. I've missed you,
brother. A bear hug among brethren, yet for brothers, they couldn't appear
more dissimilar, even though all SAPslooked alike. All is well, Brother
(09:58):
Barron asked, what of guardian ofIsaac? William recounted all and born was
goodhearted about it and ingesting spirits untilit came to being followed. You're sure,
he asked, I nodded, tworoughs, eyes up to no good
(10:20):
could be Paul's people or suthis Born, mused or simple muggers. I suppose
made it a strong arm or two. This was our dice call, and
I dove for it. Made myown fate. What about us, I
gestured to Daniic, and I yes, it's perfect. William said, I've
(10:45):
seen these brutes brawl, rogue guardsand drunkards. Saved my life. After
some discussion, it was agreed i'daccompany Born while o'danic escorted William wing of
frustration. William had been growing onme, but still an eternity better than
ship duty wouldn't push my dice toofar. After we were roped into helping
(11:11):
the other slaves and hands while Borronand William went aft for a private chat.
Soon we'd finished and the ship wasset. We all left, but
a few stayed to guard the goods. The rest carted everything to the storehouse,
but we didn't. We separated atMain Street Borron needed to make a
(11:31):
deposit. It went smooth until wewere leaving, when a feeble, tall
woman with a fisherman's cart caught myeye. She froze recognition, flashing her
ancient face before she looked away,but couldn't place her odd I never forgot
a face, took a step towardher as chicken skin flushed my arms,
(11:56):
stomach nodding. Do I know you? I yelled? But she ditched the
cart, bolted down a side alleyand was gone before I could cross the
street. Did you know that?Urchin? Borron asked? I shook my
head. Come on, we havean all day, a trip to the
(12:18):
tailor for Borron's new tunic, andthe smith's guild to set African iron terms.
Borron's weary eyes raked me several times, and when he thought I wasn't
looking a peculiar suspicion, he'd warmup. Eventually, he was William's brother,
after all. Borron got lost twicein a maze of side streets before
(12:41):
a towering stone building appeared with awrought iron sign, a crossed hammer and
tongs. It was one of thelargest in boot, a three story masterpiece
of masonry. And might let medo the talking, Borron said to me.
As we strode to tall double doors, ruthless the lot of them.
(13:03):
He grasped the hammer handle and openedit. Two story lofted ceilings, empty
saved benches and tables littering the opendownstairs, where twenty some men jested and
jeered. A wooden podium dominated thefar wall, seating upstairs endless. God's
strewn windows streaked light and colored theday. As we entered, conversation croaked
(13:30):
its last. A tall, bald, dark skin stepped forward. Ah Barren,
and so we deal, So wedeal. Barron walked to the well
dressed African man with coffin eyes anda confident smile, and stuck out an
(13:50):
embellished hand. It's been too long. Cave caves jangles rattled as they shook
a forced smile. I trust yourtrip was a success. Born nodded.
The room was silent as Smith's watchedintently. One hundred guardian pounds of raw
(14:15):
iron. That was what we agreed, half a beat a pound. Cave
nodded, without protest or renegotiation.It is. They shook again, and
Born handed him a weathered scroll topick up the iron at the warehouse Cave
weighed toward the back. Tom bringthe man his beads. A small fellow
(14:41):
with a tiny head and busheled blackhair to hide it appeared with a leather
pouch, which he handed to Born. Was that it that wasn't so bad.
But instead of heading for the door. Borron walked to a secluded table
and sat began to count the heapingpile. Check these, make sure I
(15:03):
don't miss any. Half quarter hourand three counts later, it was clear
they'd shortbeaded us cave, Laren snapped, you, swining heathen. The Africans
smiled a shrug. Had to tryjust business, my friend, he signaled
(15:26):
Tom, and a second to pouchmaterialized. Lren counted these as well,
five times. They were all there. Trust but verify, he said,
as we left the shadowed guild.Trust but verify. And if they hadn't
paid up, he laughed, We'vegot lads for that would have given him
(15:48):
the clubbing run around. We don'thire x murks for no reason. Always
have a backup plan. We hustledto the bank to make a deposit.
Borren checked his shoulder five times.Never carry a bid longer than you need,
he added. Once the teller disappeared, par taught me that the hard
(16:11):
way. His final act. Damnedfool. He shook his head as his
face narrowed, But I said nothing. Didn't know what to say. Once
business was concluded, we exited thebank to beaming sunline. Barren plopped into
a pile of dog shite and kepttalking. Oblivious was his funny nose.
(16:36):
That bad squelched along until the rightshop. Apparently it was a thudding clatter
of thunder. I looked up andyanked Borren back as a night roared past.
Barren jumped and did a double take, breathing hard, pale, holding
his chest. I must have flashinghim a reassuring smile. That's what I'm
(17:00):
here for. God's damned glad rightabout now, and forgot to ask earlier,
you count, I thought your kind. I fought off the prideful grin,
fought to remain level and honorable.Valgaric taught me my creator needed to
(17:22):
keep track of beads. All Ericspent on ale bit of a slasher silence
the rest of the way to theinn. Fine by me. There were
so many new sights and smells,accents too. Boot was a week old
pottage medley. Every day in anew ingredient stirred and simmered into something all
(17:45):
its own, a world of opportunityin chaos, an unexpected encounters, an
interesting place. It was too badwe had to head to a dower in
the morn. William and o'danic weren'tback when we arrived, but there was
plenty of raucous laughter of music,nothing like the minstrel of yester night,
(18:07):
though the fateful song still haunted me, invaded my dreams and inner moments.
An age before of equals and oflove, war power, the age of
gods. Grabbed seats on the crowdedbench, and Borron surprised me with a
heaping mug of tall beer. Youearned it. Reached for my glass.
(18:33):
It had been ages since my lastgood ale born raised our matching cup to
his lips. To health, happinessand profit. Someone screamed outside, a
smashing thud as odanic burst in welocked eyes, white hot, fury and
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(19:00):
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back to the episode, Chapter six, The History of the World. We
sprang to our feet as the ruinfilled silent what we're born rushed to the
(21:44):
door, and we hurried after Odenic. We didn't have to go far.
At the edge of a dark side, Ellie, not thirty paces from the
inn's hazy entrance. Like William,a crowd had gathered a choking wheeze from
the center. William barn bully threwand bent over his brother. Took you
long enough, William coughed with agrimacing smile. His chest was soaked in
(22:10):
crimson, face bruised. What happened? I asked? A thief tried for
my purse, stabbed me before o'daniccould stop him. Born's eyes thrashed her,
but William cut him off. Hecame from behind brother. She couldn't
have known he's over it. There. O'danic pointed to a motionless man further
(22:33):
down the winding alley. Tried torun, not fast enough. Not a
spot of blood on the lad musthave bludgeoned him to death with her bare
hands. Impressive. A swelling pridewithin my chest. Even as Born touched
William's Are you okay? Stretches allhe waved a lazy hand. Brogard stabbed
(22:57):
me twice, ought to see adoctor, Send someone to fetch one.
Borren snapped off directions, and o'danicdisappeared into the pitch night. As we
applied pressure to the wounds, footstepso'danic, a graying sap with beady eyes
in tow. The little man bent, exhausted, pale mouth agape, Oh
(23:23):
what happened? Mangled fingers. Wentto work as we told him. He
severed William's ruined tunic and set itaside, grabbed a stop at yellow vial
from his sack and removed the cork. The horrific whiff of heat aged urine.
Even William winced, can't be helped, son. The doctor motioned to
(23:45):
o'danic, hurry the smithy. Weneed a quarterizing burn. Soaking the tunic
in piss, he dabbed the slitteredcraters in William's flaccid chest and abdomen ah
william body shaking. Guess I oughtto be glad you're not wearing your pox
mask, he hissed through gritted teeth. The physician's eyes darkened. Let's not
(24:11):
tempt the gods for all our sakes. Two more soaks and o'danic was back
with Doric, a seething rod inhis gloved hand and a smile on his
bearish face, I might actually enjoythis. He pressed the white hot bar
to William's chest, a surging roar, writhing spasms as his body convulsed.
(24:36):
Two screams later, the wounds weresealed. William, jittering and covered in
sweat. The doctor Walter was hisname, applied a hefty layer of fragrant
ointments and prodded the flesh that oughtto do it but an easy few days
rest, I ought think. Hehelped William to his shaky feet. Thank
(24:57):
you. William wins in pain ashe reached into his pocket, but Walter
protested, after all you did formy brother helping him stow away, consider
us. Even William's eyes narrowed andhe pursed his lips as the dock vanished
into the shadowy night, put hisarm over Born for support. So who's
(25:22):
hungry? The next day was abusy affair, loading timber destined for a
Dawa, and last minute terms withDoric his contract had to be extended.
In the end, he agreed tocome to Adawa, and by midday we
were set to sail. Born leaptfrom the sturdy dock to the swaying ship,
(25:45):
helped William across and gestured for O'danicand I to follow. She did,
but my feet froze, sunken intime. As I gripped the handrail.
My stomach swirled, as the enormityof the sea caught my eye,
wanted my weakness twisted my gut.So this is what Tadjack had meant.
(26:07):
At last, a bell told andthe ship began to sail. I sprang
aboard, steadied myself, and shuffledto what I'd later learned was the starboard
side, peering over to the glisteningblues and greens forever below us, an
explosion of color and possible demise.Odanic was pale and green. Not quarter
(26:29):
hour later, she sprinted to theside, slumped to trembling knees, and
hurled chunks to the splashing evil below. As dozens looked on poor thing.
I promised myself not to come tothat. Stumbling towards her, I helped
her to her feet. You okay, A shutter mouthed nod. Cheeks flushed
(26:49):
green. She smelled vile, butI held my tongue. She'd been dishonored
enough, and we still had overa fortnight. The first night aboard the
Sea Wolf was spectacular. But bythe fifth fiery sunsets and lapping waves no
longer thrilled me. Neither did therancid fish, and that filled our empty
(27:11):
days. By the bucket and barrel. Borin tried to teach me Checkers and
nine men's Morris twenty five miserable gameswithout coming close. I both loathed and
loved the calculating game. This wasthe twenty sixth, and it was my
move. Moved my drari two piecesto the right to take his red rack
(27:36):
and lay my trap. His nightswept in and I had him peasant forward
for the kill. He smiled ashis priest cut down my dra and checkmated
my dra ruined everything, crushed myplan, crafty, he said, as
I smacked the board and sent thepiece of scattering, setting the net with
(28:00):
your rider. He shook his head. Always have a backup plan. You
need to see the move within themove. The deeper game, I stood
and shoved my chair away, scowledand headed for the door. Anywhere but
here, twenty six damned times I'dhad him. Damn it. Slammed the
hatch as Burren chuckle to himself,went in search of Doric least with Doric
(28:26):
I could keep up an interesting,good lad not like these guily SAPs.
Born to a paddy farm east ofwhere I'd grown up, He'd apprenticed early
to a local smith, real artistewith a hammer. Together they traveled from
Jivraj to Akaj in search of workhired to outfit the Rautic Imperial Army.
(28:51):
He said as we strode along.The quiet bow was there when Isaac stormed
the redrack. That was all notanother word, terrible storyteller. Nothing of
the king's butchery, of torching theplace, the mass murders to Doric.
It was as if the battle thatdefined our people meant nothing. Like he
(29:14):
was a Sap at heart. Butstill I liked Doric. He was a
character and made the voyage bearable.Land came into sight on the fifteenth day.
By the sixteenth we'd arrived. IfI never set foot on another boat,
I'd be happy. The bustling harborwas overcrowded with two other ships.
(29:37):
We couldn't dock fast enough, asBrown and Tan SAPs jumped ashore, tying
us up. Two hours later,everything was unloaded on the endless dock.
Further down, an African crew luggedhuge barrels and casks aboard the spotted Lion.
William hailed their dark captain, whileBorron dealt with the gray harbor Master
(29:59):
and his little red book. Thedamn King would have his due. Beads
changed hands as waiting carters loaded mountainsof scrawled crates onto waiting trolleys. Quarter
hour and a meandering path later,Barron's favorite pub, the Lovable Liqueur,
at last Bloody Starving, which skippedbreakfast. The building was odd, proportioned,
(30:26):
all wrong. The door was tiny, the windows low, literal flowers
blanketed the second floor patio totally overdone. But Williams and Barron's eyes lingered SAPs
and their weakness for beauty and artinside was better lest flowery clan crests above
(30:48):
a glass filled bar, half nudewomen pouring ale all SAPs. No respectable
tall would flaunt her neck as such. It was obscene, but for some
reason I couldn't look away, invitingcleft into a forbidden bosom Born ordered meat
pies to celebrate, and got downto business. Rumor is the thug that
(31:12):
jumped William is part of a bandhere O danik merelech, keep your watch
sharp. He had a knife,I blurted out when naked without weapons.
William looked at his brother, noddedand cleared his throat. Planned blades for
both of you while you're here,havin' much choice given what's happened. First
(31:36):
we'll talk to the sheriff. He'llbrand the both of you in the records.
Then, if anything happens, Cheerfu'llknow what happened and deliver justice.
No slaves ever escaped their brand.I clenched my fists under the table,
but said nothing. Least a swordmade it worth it. Maybe they had
(31:56):
bought us fair and square after all. After nack the sheriffs a swerving road
of stunning views overlooking the coast.Even o'danic stopped to steer. At the
bottom of the hill, we deadended with an all God's chapel and had
to backtrack again. Hard to saywhich brother was worse with his ways.
(32:17):
At last we found our way toa busy square where sap lads kicked a
pair of balls while a handful ofgirls played with their hair to the side.
Their eyes longed to join in,kept looking up. I'd never seen
the game before, but felt forthem. Looked fun at the far corner
of the square, between the painterand the potter was the sheriff, complete
(32:40):
with full pillory. Up front.Two men and a tall woman were bent
and silent, arms and necks lockedin mocking unpleasantness. The gaunt tall reeked
of gin and more as we passed. Inside. The jail was empty,
two cells with noise but hanging chains. A frizzy haired dark skin I mean
(33:04):
African born said they ought to becalled Africans, not dark skins, even
though they were dark as night,with iron eyes, a brown robe,
and a sheathed blade at his side. Sat at an oaken table. He
looked up from his priceless book.Nothing better to do, made sense to
learn to read? I guess well, he asked, with his finger halfway
(33:30):
down the page. We're here toregister slave contracts, William said. The
sheriff huffed a sigh. One secondhe folded the corner of his book before
standing, Let's see under the messydesk. He jostled logbooks before grabbing the
right one. Ah. Here itwas huge, big enough to hold the
(33:53):
history of the world a hundred timesover two hundred, perhaps least half hands
width. He opened it and handedit to us sign here best you can,
and write a description of your property. You write you have a brand
registered? We do. You'll findit under born wolf. Borren's eyes scoured
(34:17):
the scrawling contract before signing it.William scrawled his approval with scarce a glance,
while the sheriff found another fancy ledgerthumbed through a half hundred scribbled pages.
Ah, yes, the little mansaid, follow me. My skin
tingled as we stood, heart pounding. I had sealed wounds before when Barrack
(34:43):
stabbed me for the last drumstick,and that time with Jaellik at the badger.
But something like fear clawed at mychest, ate away at my gut,
braced myself, ought have smacked myface. What bloody tall couldn't handle
a little burn? Jaw clenched aswe marched to the ominous smithy. In
(35:06):
the end, it wasn't bad.And two quarter hours later a howling wolf
reared up at me from my stinginghand. Scrutinized the powerful beast least it
was a mighty symbol filled with rageand dominance like me. Now let's see
about weapons, William remarked. Severalmore side streets to the brick building covered
(35:29):
in iron bars, the windows,the door. A massive lock too made
sense. A knock and we wereadmitted. Swords, shields and pikes dominated
the table and wall farside littered withshields. My fingers trembled, heart shuddered,
(35:50):
pure, longing to touch the blades. Behold once again, odanick and
I rushed forward. A midsized buttecaught my eye, forged hilt and guard,
witching my hand towards it as myfingers caressed the double edged blade.
It was perfect, the right size, easy to draw, ideal for crowded
(36:12):
streets, more than capable of agood kill, enough to hold off any
sap bastard. William put a handon my shoulder and daggers will do for
an hour what he couldn't be serious. My shoulders slumped as reality struck Daggers.
(36:32):
Besides, William added, with halfasked optimism, they're easier to conceal
and a bore. But he hada point, and anything was better than
our naked defenselessness. Heavy disappointment asI put the divine sword back into the
slot, struggling to rip my lingeringfingers from the ornate mastery. Oh well,
(36:59):
it didn't take life after that,daggers were easy, daggers were dull.
We each selected the biggest blades andhanded them to Born. A short
internal debate, and I added,you two need weapons as well. You
never know. Barron smiled and elbowedWilliam what I tell you, William grimaced.
(37:22):
It took some convincing, but inthe end we walked away with four
daggers. I couldn't stop massaging thehilt of my blade as we waded through
the city. Earned a few uncomfortablelooks, but it didn't matter. After
a short stroll, we stopped ata two story circular house adorned with a
howling red wolf. This is whereit all happens, William gestured as I
(37:49):
gorked the princely white facade, darktiles, gleaming windows, and tall built
red chimney, even doric whistled.Business must be swelled. Born nodded and
unlocked three locks. The brothers gotto work at once, while o'danick and
I am busied ourselves. Learning thespace no small task. Something about the
(38:14):
rounded walls rubbed me wrong. Butthe African ivory jar above an inlaid fireplace,
piles of paintings in the far cornerand a stack of books made up
for it. Even what looked likea world map on the wall, with
most ports and cities labeled and colorcoded. Least I assumed it was the
(38:34):
world. I continued into the stockedkitchen of spices and herbs. There was
an echoed thud, and I liftedup the stitched rug. There was a
trap door, probably a food seller, I'd checked later. At the opposite
side was a set of wooden spiralstairs. Hurried up them to a series
(38:55):
of shuttered doors, opened each actualbeds and topped with sewn linen's pillows,
soft as sleep, not a speckof hay. A big window too.
I stepped towards it. There wasa gray man across the dusty street watching
our door. Looked surly. Henoticed me in spun, but it was
(39:19):
too late. I'd seen him.He darted away as if he could fool
me. But I wasn't berthed yesterday. I sprinted downstairs to tell the others.
You have been listening to Neanderthal Kingby Matt Ward. For more information
on purchasing the complete epic fantasy adventure, or to download the entire audio masterpiece
(39:45):
free with a free trial of audiblevisit Neanderthal King dot com. Be the
change you want to see in theworld. That's something I strive towards and
foul towards every single day. Ifyou enjoyed this podcast, if you think
the world could benefit from conversations likethis, The greatest compliment you can give
us is referring to The Disruptors toa friend or talking about us on social
(40:07):
media. Please take thirty seconds todo so. It would mean the world
to us, and if we're lucky, help us build towards a better world.
Thanks so much for listening, Thanksso much for helping us spread the
message, and have a great day. If you want more of the Disruptors,
you can subscribe to the podcast oniTunes or go to Disruptors dot fm,
where you'll find tons of audio andvideo interview stories with leaders in the
(40:28):
fields of genetics, cryptocurrency, longevity, AI, space, VR, and
much much more. You can alsofollow me on Twitter at Matt ward Il.
If you enjoyed the show, pleaseleave a quick review on iTunes at
Disruptors dot fm slash iTunes to helpmore people discover the podcast and help us
make a bigger impact.
Welcome to the Disruptors, the podcastabout the future of all of us,
where we look at the technologies,trends, and societal norms shaping our collective
future. Hear the world's top mindsshare their insights and predictions on the convergence,
direction and ethics of exponential technologies transforminglike as we know it. You
can learn more and stay up todate at Disruptors dot fm. Merimani Press
(00:27):
presents Neanderthal King by Matt Ward.More information on the author at matt Wardwrights
dot com. You can purchase NeanderthalKing in its entirety or download the entire
audio masterpiece free with a free trialof Audible at Neanderthal King dot com.
(00:51):
Want to follow along with Mary Leck'sadventure for a limited time, grab your
free illustrated map of Tackle and thesix Kingdom of Septom by visiting a matt
Wardwrights dot com slash map. Again, that's m A T T W A
R D W R I TS dotcom slash map. But now let's get
(01:15):
on with the adventure. I askedWilliam about it and he smiled, it's
cheap and the newsy happenings be bettertoo, good for business, knowing who's
trading and romping with whom, latestcourt proceedings and such. You know,
(01:36):
not really, but I said nothing. Dinner was a first or nothing affair,
and we were early mutton stew,glorious smells, but a bit heavy
on the turnips. Such was life. We managed to stomach a bowl each.
Once we'd finished, I decided totry my dice with William. How'd
(01:59):
you get into this? Now that'sa long story, he said, after
a gassy salute to the cook.None of us could match. And it
was born poor and beadless in Hojajh. His father hadn't been able to feed
all six from his shop, evenafter their youngest fell to pox. Par
(02:21):
wasn't the brightest bead never did valuehis craft. After a terrible winter,
William and Born had stepped into handlenegotiation. One thing led to another,
he shrugged. We were ten,he added, as if that explained everything,
few details and not a word more. He'd make a great swindler.
(02:46):
Talk turned to Odanic, and Williamscrutinized his slave. What about you?
What's your tail? O'danic relayed hergruesome telling, and William flinched and believe
it he had feelings. After all, conversation collapsed until a gaudy trio of
(03:06):
cloaked scholars entered discussing islander astra labsand ship times. They plumped their hefty
bums next to us. They saythe Islanders be allied with Elguro's, that
they've spread as far west as Africa. William's ears perk, and he leaned
(03:29):
in as the fop headed minstrel ingreen with matching stockings approached the roaring fire.
The flick of his finger before strummingthe crooked instrument, a melody erupted
that touched my insides, made themdance forth. The itching urge couldn't help
it. Even my bloody foot tapped. If I was a less at all,
(03:53):
wet would have touched my eyes.It didn't. The flimsy man's soft
lips and an echoing voice rang out, hath any, but I oh loved
you so, my dear. You'llsee twas burning fire in the fields.
My love is free. You maybe sap and I are tall, but
(04:15):
this cannot forget them. All kingsand roars would die for us to be
You'll see, hath any, butI oh loved you so and so it
went on and on, the timelesstale of love of tall and sap of
friend and foe. Many jeered,others cheered, but all listened with baited
(04:39):
breath until the skirt of a manbelted the final verse, hath any,
but you, oh scorn'd me,So, my dear, you'll see twas
seething pain. Your father forged anend for me. The blade was turned.
Our world is lost. My peopleflee as you were cost and we
(05:00):
know the end is near. Ofthis you'll see, my dear, my
dear, a crushing finality as thecrescendo faded, silencing the room empty,
melancholy, avoid in heart, anda collective sigh as magery ended. Yolanik
(05:23):
would have loved it. He'd sungwith the best of them, but his
tellings of thrinek and as Delda wasscarce a story in comparison. How is
Yolannic and my clan? I hadn'tthought of them for many a fortnight,
out of sight and mind, butnow I did. A stabbing pain.
(05:46):
Jayalik sent Olaric's brutal murders, myfailure to avenge them or even grant a
proper earthing to save their souls eternal, wistless, wandering to grant them their
slumber. And then there was mycreator for Garrick, even tarassic. They
(06:09):
could be anywhere, anywhere. Butwhat's done is done. Unless I could
end that bastard Royce, he'd receivedhis just due. The next days flew
by, except five days notorious service. We must go, William said,
(06:29):
as we entered the two story earthand ode to all things. Have to
win the trust of some ignorant Ninnysat through the whole two quarter our oddity
even butchered a cat. But outsideof a few strange errands, we spent
every waking hour preparing for a dawarunning about to fill the sea Wolf's deep
(06:54):
hold. Space is beadage, asWilliam was prone to say. Tuesday morn
and early up at first light,enterprising boat hands gathered along the blust'ry dock,
all waiting born who'd land at midday. A group of Ruffians William had
(07:15):
hired looked on from a distance,made eye contact with William, and patrolled
the side streets as well. Williamdidn't leave anything to chance. Yet,
for all his smarts, William mademistakes. Returning from the wheelwright, he
turned left instead of right. Lostfor half quarter hour before finding our way,
(07:36):
and two nights prior folks tailed usto the inn. He never even
noticed. Guess I haven't a headfor faces, was all he said,
as o'danick and I pulled him intoan alley and lost the thugs on the
wharf waiting as hundreds of clacking slavesrattled towards the auction house. Was hard
(08:01):
to focus on the seas with sucha sight, Thank my dice every day.
It wasn't me such empty, hopelesseyes. O'danic jumped up and broke
my cart of thought. I seeit, blinked back. Gleaming sunlight stared
into the distance. A mast hadbroken the horizon. William squinted harder and
(08:24):
reached for his looking glass. Areyou sure what color of the sails white?
O'danic, and I replied, Ared insignia on the top. That'll
be her, the seawolf. Hisface lit up. Your eyes must be
sharper than mine. The beautiful galleygrew larger and larger, stretching four or
(08:50):
five houses long. Mahogany built craftsmanetched swirls and leaves gave the hurried craft
a wild and tall sails billowed asthe blood red wolf howled and danced in
the breeze. Tan sailors through thicklengths of rope and leaped ashore, tying
(09:11):
the floating bohemuth to ironclad hooks.Before a fellow could whip out, A
whiz started carrying crates and barrels downthe walkway and tossing them to the deck.
We hopped on in search of BorronBarron knew sod. William yelled as
he crossed the polished deck. Whereare you? A solid, sandy haired
(09:35):
man with blue eyes and a matchingshirt appeared from below. He dropped the
crate he'd been carrying with a slamand rushed over. I've missed you,
brother. A bear hug among brethren, yet for brothers, they couldn't appear
more dissimilar, even though all SAPslooked alike. All is well, Brother
(09:58):
Barron asked, what of guardian ofIsaac? William recounted all and born was
goodhearted about it and ingesting spirits untilit came to being followed. You're sure,
he asked, I nodded, tworoughs, eyes up to no good
(10:20):
could be Paul's people or suthis Born, mused or simple muggers. I suppose
made it a strong arm or two. This was our dice call, and
I dove for it. Made myown fate. What about us, I
gestured to Daniic, and I yes, it's perfect. William said, I've
(10:45):
seen these brutes brawl, rogue guardsand drunkards. Saved my life. After
some discussion, it was agreed i'daccompany Born while o'danic escorted William wing of
frustration. William had been growing onme, but still an eternity better than
ship duty wouldn't push my dice toofar. After we were roped into helping
(11:11):
the other slaves and hands while Borronand William went aft for a private chat.
Soon we'd finished and the ship wasset. We all left, but
a few stayed to guard the goods. The rest carted everything to the storehouse,
but we didn't. We separated atMain Street Borron needed to make a
(11:31):
deposit. It went smooth until wewere leaving, when a feeble, tall
woman with a fisherman's cart caught myeye. She froze recognition, flashing her
ancient face before she looked away,but couldn't place her odd I never forgot
a face, took a step towardher as chicken skin flushed my arms,
(11:56):
stomach nodding. Do I know you? I yelled? But she ditched the
cart, bolted down a side alleyand was gone before I could cross the
street. Did you know that?Urchin? Borron asked? I shook my
head. Come on, we havean all day, a trip to the
(12:18):
tailor for Borron's new tunic, andthe smith's guild to set African iron terms.
Borron's weary eyes raked me several times, and when he thought I wasn't
looking a peculiar suspicion, he'd warmup. Eventually, he was William's brother,
after all. Borron got lost twicein a maze of side streets before
(12:41):
a towering stone building appeared with awrought iron sign, a crossed hammer and
tongs. It was one of thelargest in boot, a three story masterpiece
of masonry. And might let medo the talking, Borron said to me.
As we strode to tall double doors, ruthless the lot of them.
(13:03):
He grasped the hammer handle and openedit. Two story lofted ceilings, empty
saved benches and tables littering the opendownstairs, where twenty some men jested and
jeered. A wooden podium dominated thefar wall, seating upstairs endless. God's
strewn windows streaked light and colored theday. As we entered, conversation croaked
(13:30):
its last. A tall, bald, dark skin stepped forward. Ah Barren,
and so we deal, So wedeal. Barron walked to the well
dressed African man with coffin eyes anda confident smile, and stuck out an
(13:50):
embellished hand. It's been too long. Cave caves jangles rattled as they shook
a forced smile. I trust yourtrip was a success. Born nodded.
The room was silent as Smith's watchedintently. One hundred guardian pounds of raw
(14:15):
iron. That was what we agreed, half a beat a pound. Cave
nodded, without protest or renegotiation.It is. They shook again, and
Born handed him a weathered scroll topick up the iron at the warehouse Cave
weighed toward the back. Tom bringthe man his beads. A small fellow
(14:41):
with a tiny head and busheled blackhair to hide it appeared with a leather
pouch, which he handed to Born. Was that it that wasn't so bad.
But instead of heading for the door. Borron walked to a secluded table
and sat began to count the heapingpile. Check these, make sure I
(15:03):
don't miss any. Half quarter hourand three counts later, it was clear
they'd shortbeaded us cave, Laren snapped, you, swining heathen. The Africans
smiled a shrug. Had to tryjust business, my friend, he signaled
(15:26):
Tom, and a second to pouchmaterialized. Lren counted these as well,
five times. They were all there. Trust but verify, he said,
as we left the shadowed guild.Trust but verify. And if they hadn't
paid up, he laughed, We'vegot lads for that would have given him
(15:48):
the clubbing run around. We don'thire x murks for no reason. Always
have a backup plan. We hustledto the bank to make a deposit.
Borren checked his shoulder five times.Never carry a bid longer than you need,
he added. Once the teller disappeared, par taught me that the hard
(16:11):
way. His final act. Damnedfool. He shook his head as his
face narrowed, But I said nothing. Didn't know what to say. Once
business was concluded, we exited thebank to beaming sunline. Barren plopped into
a pile of dog shite and kepttalking. Oblivious was his funny nose.
(16:36):
That bad squelched along until the rightshop. Apparently it was a thudding clatter
of thunder. I looked up andyanked Borren back as a night roared past.
Barren jumped and did a double take, breathing hard, pale, holding
his chest. I must have flashinghim a reassuring smile. That's what I'm
(17:00):
here for. God's damned glad rightabout now, and forgot to ask earlier,
you count, I thought your kind. I fought off the prideful grin,
fought to remain level and honorable.Valgaric taught me my creator needed to
(17:22):
keep track of beads. All Ericspent on ale bit of a slasher silence
the rest of the way to theinn. Fine by me. There were
so many new sights and smells,accents too. Boot was a week old
pottage medley. Every day in anew ingredient stirred and simmered into something all
(17:45):
its own, a world of opportunityin chaos, an unexpected encounters, an
interesting place. It was too badwe had to head to a dower in
the morn. William and o'danic weren'tback when we arrived, but there was
plenty of raucous laughter of music,nothing like the minstrel of yester night,
(18:07):
though the fateful song still haunted me, invaded my dreams and inner moments.
An age before of equals and oflove, war power, the age of
gods. Grabbed seats on the crowdedbench, and Borron surprised me with a
heaping mug of tall beer. Youearned it. Reached for my glass.
(18:33):
It had been ages since my lastgood ale born raised our matching cup to
his lips. To health, happinessand profit. Someone screamed outside, a
smashing thud as odanic burst in welocked eyes, white hot, fury and
concern, horror and death whom's beenattacked. Today's episode is brought to you
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back to the episode, Chapter six, The History of the World. We
sprang to our feet as the ruinfilled silent what we're born rushed to the
(21:44):
door, and we hurried after Odenic. We didn't have to go far.
At the edge of a dark side, Ellie, not thirty paces from the
inn's hazy entrance. Like William,a crowd had gathered a choking wheeze from
the center. William barn bully threwand bent over his brother. Took you
long enough, William coughed with agrimacing smile. His chest was soaked in
(22:10):
crimson, face bruised. What happened? I asked? A thief tried for
my purse, stabbed me before o'daniccould stop him. Born's eyes thrashed her,
but William cut him off. Hecame from behind brother. She couldn't
have known he's over it. There. O'danic pointed to a motionless man further
(22:33):
down the winding alley. Tried torun, not fast enough. Not a
spot of blood on the lad musthave bludgeoned him to death with her bare
hands. Impressive. A swelling pridewithin my chest. Even as Born touched
William's Are you okay? Stretches allhe waved a lazy hand. Brogard stabbed
(22:57):
me twice, ought to see adoctor, Send someone to fetch one.
Borren snapped off directions, and o'danicdisappeared into the pitch night. As we
applied pressure to the wounds, footstepso'danic, a graying sap with beady eyes
in tow. The little man bent, exhausted, pale mouth agape, Oh
(23:23):
what happened? Mangled fingers. Wentto work as we told him. He
severed William's ruined tunic and set itaside, grabbed a stop at yellow vial
from his sack and removed the cork. The horrific whiff of heat aged urine.
Even William winced, can't be helped, son. The doctor motioned to
(23:45):
o'danic, hurry the smithy. Weneed a quarterizing burn. Soaking the tunic
in piss, he dabbed the slitteredcraters in William's flaccid chest and abdomen ah
william body shaking. Guess I oughtto be glad you're not wearing your pox
mask, he hissed through gritted teeth. The physician's eyes darkened. Let's not
(24:11):
tempt the gods for all our sakes. Two more soaks and o'danic was back
with Doric, a seething rod inhis gloved hand and a smile on his
bearish face, I might actually enjoythis. He pressed the white hot bar
to William's chest, a surging roar, writhing spasms as his body convulsed.
(24:36):
Two screams later, the wounds weresealed. William, jittering and covered in
sweat. The doctor Walter was hisname, applied a hefty layer of fragrant
ointments and prodded the flesh that oughtto do it but an easy few days
rest, I ought think. Hehelped William to his shaky feet. Thank
(24:57):
you. William wins in pain ashe reached into his pocket, but Walter
protested, after all you did formy brother helping him stow away, consider
us. Even William's eyes narrowed andhe pursed his lips as the dock vanished
into the shadowy night, put hisarm over Born for support. So who's
(25:22):
hungry? The next day was abusy affair, loading timber destined for a
Dawa, and last minute terms withDoric his contract had to be extended.
In the end, he agreed tocome to Adawa, and by midday we
were set to sail. Born leaptfrom the sturdy dock to the swaying ship,
(25:45):
helped William across and gestured for O'danicand I to follow. She did,
but my feet froze, sunken intime. As I gripped the handrail.
My stomach swirled, as the enormityof the sea caught my eye,
wanted my weakness twisted my gut.So this is what Tadjack had meant.
(26:07):
At last, a bell told andthe ship began to sail. I sprang
aboard, steadied myself, and shuffledto what I'd later learned was the starboard
side, peering over to the glisteningblues and greens forever below us, an
explosion of color and possible demise.Odanic was pale and green. Not quarter
(26:29):
hour later, she sprinted to theside, slumped to trembling knees, and
hurled chunks to the splashing evil below. As dozens looked on poor thing.
I promised myself not to come tothat. Stumbling towards her, I helped
her to her feet. You okay, A shutter mouthed nod. Cheeks flushed
(26:49):
green. She smelled vile, butI held my tongue. She'd been dishonored
enough, and we still had overa fortnight. The first night aboard the
Sea Wolf was spectacular. But bythe fifth fiery sunsets and lapping waves no
longer thrilled me. Neither did therancid fish, and that filled our empty
(27:11):
days. By the bucket and barrel. Borin tried to teach me Checkers and
nine men's Morris twenty five miserable gameswithout coming close. I both loathed and
loved the calculating game. This wasthe twenty sixth, and it was my
move. Moved my drari two piecesto the right to take his red rack
(27:36):
and lay my trap. His nightswept in and I had him peasant forward
for the kill. He smiled ashis priest cut down my dra and checkmated
my dra ruined everything, crushed myplan, crafty, he said, as
I smacked the board and sent thepiece of scattering, setting the net with
(28:00):
your rider. He shook his head. Always have a backup plan. You
need to see the move within themove. The deeper game, I stood
and shoved my chair away, scowledand headed for the door. Anywhere but
here, twenty six damned times I'dhad him. Damn it. Slammed the
hatch as Burren chuckle to himself,went in search of Doric least with Doric
(28:26):
I could keep up an interesting,good lad not like these guily SAPs.
Born to a paddy farm east ofwhere I'd grown up, He'd apprenticed early
to a local smith, real artistewith a hammer. Together they traveled from
Jivraj to Akaj in search of workhired to outfit the Rautic Imperial Army.
(28:51):
He said as we strode along.The quiet bow was there when Isaac stormed
the redrack. That was all notanother word, terrible storyteller. Nothing of
the king's butchery, of torching theplace, the mass murders to Doric.
It was as if the battle thatdefined our people meant nothing. Like he
(29:14):
was a Sap at heart. Butstill I liked Doric. He was a
character and made the voyage bearable.Land came into sight on the fifteenth day.
By the sixteenth we'd arrived. IfI never set foot on another boat,
I'd be happy. The bustling harborwas overcrowded with two other ships.
(29:37):
We couldn't dock fast enough, asBrown and Tan SAPs jumped ashore, tying
us up. Two hours later,everything was unloaded on the endless dock.
Further down, an African crew luggedhuge barrels and casks aboard the spotted Lion.
William hailed their dark captain, whileBorron dealt with the gray harbor Master
(29:59):
and his little red book. Thedamn King would have his due. Beads
changed hands as waiting carters loaded mountainsof scrawled crates onto waiting trolleys. Quarter
hour and a meandering path later,Barron's favorite pub, the Lovable Liqueur,
at last Bloody Starving, which skippedbreakfast. The building was odd, proportioned,
(30:26):
all wrong. The door was tiny, the windows low, literal flowers
blanketed the second floor patio totally overdone. But Williams and Barron's eyes lingered SAPs
and their weakness for beauty and artinside was better lest flowery clan crests above
(30:48):
a glass filled bar, half nudewomen pouring ale all SAPs. No respectable
tall would flaunt her neck as such. It was obscene, but for some
reason I couldn't look away, invitingcleft into a forbidden bosom Born ordered meat
pies to celebrate, and got downto business. Rumor is the thug that
(31:12):
jumped William is part of a bandhere O danik merelech, keep your watch
sharp. He had a knife,I blurted out when naked without weapons.
William looked at his brother, noddedand cleared his throat. Planned blades for
both of you while you're here,havin' much choice given what's happened. First
(31:36):
we'll talk to the sheriff. He'llbrand the both of you in the records.
Then, if anything happens, Cheerfu'llknow what happened and deliver justice.
No slaves ever escaped their brand.I clenched my fists under the table,
but said nothing. Least a swordmade it worth it. Maybe they had
(31:56):
bought us fair and square after all. After nack the sheriffs a swerving road
of stunning views overlooking the coast.Even o'danic stopped to steer. At the
bottom of the hill, we deadended with an all God's chapel and had
to backtrack again. Hard to saywhich brother was worse with his ways.
(32:17):
At last we found our way toa busy square where sap lads kicked a
pair of balls while a handful ofgirls played with their hair to the side.
Their eyes longed to join in,kept looking up. I'd never seen
the game before, but felt forthem. Looked fun at the far corner
of the square, between the painterand the potter was the sheriff, complete
(32:40):
with full pillory. Up front.Two men and a tall woman were bent
and silent, arms and necks lockedin mocking unpleasantness. The gaunt tall reeked
of gin and more as we passed. Inside. The jail was empty,
two cells with noise but hanging chains. A frizzy haired dark skin I mean
(33:04):
African born said they ought to becalled Africans, not dark skins, even
though they were dark as night,with iron eyes, a brown robe,
and a sheathed blade at his side. Sat at an oaken table. He
looked up from his priceless book.Nothing better to do, made sense to
learn to read? I guess well, he asked, with his finger halfway
(33:30):
down the page. We're here toregister slave contracts, William said. The
sheriff huffed a sigh. One secondhe folded the corner of his book before
standing, Let's see under the messydesk. He jostled logbooks before grabbing the
right one. Ah. Here itwas huge, big enough to hold the
(33:53):
history of the world a hundred timesover two hundred, perhaps least half hands
width. He opened it and handedit to us sign here best you can,
and write a description of your property. You write you have a brand
registered? We do. You'll findit under born wolf. Borren's eyes scoured
(34:17):
the scrawling contract before signing it.William scrawled his approval with scarce a glance,
while the sheriff found another fancy ledgerthumbed through a half hundred scribbled pages.
Ah, yes, the little mansaid, follow me. My skin
tingled as we stood, heart pounding. I had sealed wounds before when Barrack
(34:43):
stabbed me for the last drumstick,and that time with Jaellik at the badger.
But something like fear clawed at mychest, ate away at my gut,
braced myself, ought have smacked myface. What bloody tall couldn't handle
a little burn? Jaw clenched aswe marched to the ominous smithy. In
(35:06):
the end, it wasn't bad.And two quarter hours later a howling wolf
reared up at me from my stinginghand. Scrutinized the powerful beast least it
was a mighty symbol filled with rageand dominance like me. Now let's see
about weapons, William remarked. Severalmore side streets to the brick building covered
(35:29):
in iron bars, the windows,the door. A massive lock too made
sense. A knock and we wereadmitted. Swords, shields and pikes dominated
the table and wall farside littered withshields. My fingers trembled, heart shuddered,
(35:50):
pure, longing to touch the blades. Behold once again, odanick and
I rushed forward. A midsized buttecaught my eye, forged hilt and guard,
witching my hand towards it as myfingers caressed the double edged blade.
It was perfect, the right size, easy to draw, ideal for crowded
(36:12):
streets, more than capable of agood kill, enough to hold off any
sap bastard. William put a handon my shoulder and daggers will do for
an hour what he couldn't be serious. My shoulders slumped as reality struck Daggers.
(36:32):
Besides, William added, with halfasked optimism, they're easier to conceal
and a bore. But he hada point, and anything was better than
our naked defenselessness. Heavy disappointment asI put the divine sword back into the
slot, struggling to rip my lingeringfingers from the ornate mastery. Oh well,
(36:59):
it didn't take life after that,daggers were easy, daggers were dull.
We each selected the biggest blades andhanded them to Born. A short
internal debate, and I added,you two need weapons as well. You
never know. Barron smiled and elbowedWilliam what I tell you, William grimaced.
(37:22):
It took some convincing, but inthe end we walked away with four
daggers. I couldn't stop massaging thehilt of my blade as we waded through
the city. Earned a few uncomfortablelooks, but it didn't matter. After
a short stroll, we stopped ata two story circular house adorned with a
howling red wolf. This is whereit all happens, William gestured as I
(37:49):
gorked the princely white facade, darktiles, gleaming windows, and tall built
red chimney, even doric whistled.Business must be swelled. Born nodded and
unlocked three locks. The brothers gotto work at once, while o'danick and
I am busied ourselves. Learning thespace no small task. Something about the
(38:14):
rounded walls rubbed me wrong. Butthe African ivory jar above an inlaid fireplace,
piles of paintings in the far cornerand a stack of books made up
for it. Even what looked likea world map on the wall, with
most ports and cities labeled and colorcoded. Least I assumed it was the
(38:34):
world. I continued into the stockedkitchen of spices and herbs. There was
an echoed thud, and I liftedup the stitched rug. There was a
trap door, probably a food seller, I'd checked later. At the opposite
side was a set of wooden spiralstairs. Hurried up them to a series
(38:55):
of shuttered doors, opened each actualbeds and topped with sewn linen's pillows,
soft as sleep, not a speckof hay. A big window too.
I stepped towards it. There wasa gray man across the dusty street watching
our door. Looked surly. Henoticed me in spun, but it was
(39:19):
too late. I'd seen him.He darted away as if he could fool
me. But I wasn't berthed yesterday. I sprinted downstairs to tell the others.
You have been listening to Neanderthal Kingby Matt Ward. For more information
on purchasing the complete epic fantasy adventure, or to download the entire audio masterpiece
(39:45):
free with a free trial of audiblevisit Neanderthal King dot com. Be the
change you want to see in theworld. That's something I strive towards and
foul towards every single day. Ifyou enjoyed this podcast, if you think
the world could benefit from conversations likethis, The greatest compliment you can give
us is referring to The Disruptors toa friend or talking about us on social
(40:07):
media. Please take thirty seconds todo so. It would mean the world
to us, and if we're lucky, help us build towards a better world.
Thanks so much for listening, Thanksso much for helping us spread the
message, and have a great day. If you want more of the Disruptors,
you can subscribe to the podcast oniTunes or go to Disruptors dot fm,
where you'll find tons of audio andvideo interview stories with leaders in the
(40:28):
fields of genetics, cryptocurrency, longevity, AI, space, VR, and
much much more. You can alsofollow me on Twitter at Matt ward Il.
If you enjoyed the show, pleaseleave a quick review on iTunes at
Disruptors dot fm slash iTunes to helpmore people discover the podcast and help us
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