November 23, 2020 • 32 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 Merrileck's adventurefor a limited time, grab your free
illustrated map of Tackle and the SixKingdoms of Saptom by visiting a matt Wardwrights
dot com slash map. Again,that's m A T T W A R
D W R I TS dot comslash map. But now let's get on
(01:15):
with the adventure. Chapter seven,the mangy Dog, Born and William were
in the middle of a heated debatewhen I hit the landing. Born was
pacing. Of course, we oughtto warm the Tall. That's just good
business. And if Isaac finds out, William snapped, face redder than I'd
(01:38):
ever seen. Besides, you'd supportTall, why not? William shook his
head. Trades one thing, butweapons, weapons to kill SAPs soldiers.
Born rolled his eyes before his gazemet mine. Must have read my face.
Seemed to always know what I wasthinking. We'll talk later, merelech.
(02:02):
What is it? I told him? And he's jaw tightened. We
must deal with this, brother,not like we can go to the sheriff.
And how do you suggest we dealwith it, dear brother? Wasn't
it obvious? What about a trap? I suggested? Haven't you ever hunted?
Both looked at me bewildered. EvenOdanic's brow furrowed. What you have
(02:28):
in mind? Barron asked. Ioutlined the beginnings of a plan, same
as we'd done so oft with thefoxes and badgers, and that Barron had
done with our damned chess games.We need more men, some real brawlers.
Born and William added their two beads, and we all hurried off.
(02:50):
Barron and I headed to the docks, where an army of brown faced Indians
and tall slaves were unloading crates fromthe Eastern Star, while guards heard more
of my chained brothers up another rampinto the hull. East Case galled slave
trade was alive and well with allthe bodies. There must be the good
stuff in those crates, Cinnamon,ginger, maybe pepper. My stomach rumbled,
(03:16):
but I deal with that later.Borron waved to a curly blonde further
down the wharf who'd sailed with usfrom boot Brom. I think the wiry
man with the scar under his crookedright eyes strode towards us. I'm in
need of a couple of lads whocan handle rough stuff this night or morrow.
Borron said, you in double theusual rate. Brom's face lit up,
(03:42):
and he nodded how many least four? I answered, without thinking sunset.
Brom's eyes narrowed as he eyed me, but Borron nodded his ascent.
Okay, Brom said at last,after a weighty pause. Wasn't used to
taking orders from a slave, orworse at all. After he ran off,
(04:05):
Barron grabbed my shoulder. Be carefulhow you talk around here, boy,
I smiled, but said nothing.He must be getting to know me
better, not well enough. Holdmy tongue for my betters as if,
I smiled. As we headed homequite a day. At the corner of
(04:27):
Proper and Maine, a crazed tallfortune teller wearing what was once a gown,
sprang into the street and wrenched myarm. I flung the mad broad
off me, and I drew mydagger, my child. She cackled,
turquoise's eyes sparkling, It's true,the raw ticked prophecies, My droar,
(04:48):
you live. Confused, I tooka step back. Something about her struck
me as distinctly evil and familiar.Chicken skin my arms as borne grabbed my
shoulder. He had his knife outas well. The wretch mate to touch
me, but I recoiled from hercurling fingertips. The people await, she
(05:11):
began, shut up crow. Iturned away, hurrying before I killed the
hag, hard hammering brain wheels foggedand flailing. Born followed, and we
turned down the first side street Wefound is acts times are numbered. The
witch shrieked. The shrill voice echoedthe alliance, and tingled through my spine.
(05:33):
As we hurried away. Neither ofus said anything until we reached our
street. I'd calmed, breathing backto normal, but Borne seemed more scatter
brain than usual. Two wrong turns. I didn't say anything. A bond
was forming, but he was stillmy master. Better to keep up his
(05:53):
illusion of superiority could be useful.Then again, he always saw right through
me. We passed the Bakers andhe started humming to himself the old Drice
tune, the Potato Famine of fiveO three SD, the sheep in the
storm, I asked as he finishedthe second. He nodded, surprised you
(06:16):
know it, of course? Haveyou been to the aisles once long ago?
Barron's eyes glimmered far away adventure,a touch of regret too, something
deep within a woman. His eyesnarrowed. You were mystic now, he
(06:38):
brushed it off. Yeah, alasmighty wile one at that a sigh.
It's a long story. He'd beenbased in a carge ten passings ago and
worked with the Drow of the Dry'smaster shipbuilders and the girl. Borne nodded.
(07:00):
The girl. She'd been a SAP'sslave at Iraq, working the kitchens
of a clansman of the draw.Best rabbit pie you'll ever eat, hence
the love of meat pies. Anothersigh. I didn't have the beads to
buy her freedom. Then Will andI were just getting started, two hard
(07:21):
heads with big dreams and little else. He shrugged. I didn't say anything.
It was the same kind of helplessI'd felt as Jaellic lay dying,
spilling out, and not a thingI could do about it, Not even
Oorn's foolish followers said the world wasfair. Keep that between us, he
(07:43):
added, with a hard stare fineby me, long as you don't go
all flowery on me, I added, with a grin. We both laughed
until I noticed the charred wolf onmy hand. The mood died. After
that. We met at the MangyDog for a quick meal of fish head
stew and ale, and set offa little after sunset. Borron and I
(08:09):
went east while the others prepared theambush. After twenty paces of quickening darkness,
a tail I could make out hisface, but something about the way
he carried his hef told me itwas the same guy. I bumped born
the prearranged signal, and we turnedat the mason's shop. Another left by
(08:31):
the tailor, and we were nearlythere any moment. Now kept walking past
the butcher, the thatcher, andthe sky blue painters. Nothing and the
rogues were gaining on us. Hadsomething happened. Fingers twitching as I longed
to snatch my dagger, but Icouldn't, not without alerting out pursuer.
(08:56):
The sliver of a moon fell behinda heavy shadow. I tensed back,
arching as footsteps approached three sets,Barron fidgeted and the thieves sprang. I
spun, grabbing my dagger. Barnedid likewise as a body slammed into him,
slashed the first hooded attacker and onto the second. Before his lackey
(09:18):
had crumpled to the dirt. Heswung a knuckled club, which I dodged,
dropping him with a right fist.Just as a rod smashed my back,
Barn stabbed the man. Luckily,the attacker spun and sent Borne's blade
flying, or to have finished mewhen he had the chance. I tackled
the brute and cracked his head onthe cobblestone twice once more to be sure.
(09:41):
Blood everywhere, hands dripping in goreand glory. Felt for a pulse,
but the bastard was gone. Iseized the injured thug before he could
escape, held him in a crushinggrip as I questioned him, who are
you? What do you want?Barn had recovered by now and stepped closer,
(10:01):
glowering. The man glared back,but there was no spark of recognition
in his empty eyes, nothing tosay it was anything more than a failing
mugging. Yet where were the others? Something must have befallen them. We
ought to get back to the house, Borne said, as if reading my
mind. The man made to protest, so I knocked the scoundrel out and
(10:24):
slung him over my shoulder. Wedidn't have time and hustled back to avoid
the sheriff. Borrene fumbled with themany locks before forcing the door open and
slamming it shut behind us. Lockedit at once as our panting subsided,
but the house was empty. NoWilliam or o'danic. I tossed the low
(10:46):
life into an armchair, and Barnesmacked the young lad with the mason's build.
Who are you? He'd retrieved hisdagger and pressed it to the man's
scruffy neck, widening eyes as theman recoiled. I ain't have nothing to
do with it, just a job. I don't know nothing. Who hired
you? Bourne held up his handto smack him again. And why don't
(11:11):
know the bitcher's name? I swearshe she, I cut in, must
be at all no sap woman,Yeah she He gestured at me, like
him, but light a brown ear. Let's have a chin and black eyes.
That made me insides crawl. Hegrimaced as he said. It sounds
(11:35):
like a southick, all right,Barron said, as I tied the prisoner's
hands to the chair. Broad's beenhorning in on our roots for passings,
He paused, thinking how much didshe pay you? And what's your bloody
name? Names? Charan Teren Cooperman. So not a mason, a copper
(12:00):
smith, no one he needed thework. Wasn't every day someone commissioned a
bell two hundred beads to offer bothof you, Terren said in a hushed
voice, embarrassed, scared only twohundred, Barn asked, I'd have hoped
for more. Marilech get the sheriff, tell him to ready the gallows for
(12:26):
a swinging attempted murderer, or wecould kill him now say it was self
defense. Actually I like that better. He twisted the blade between his fingertips
and Terren's eyes bugged actual tears,sire, I mean barn stepped forward,
(12:50):
eyes crazed. I leapt into Barne'spath. He couldn't kill a defenseless man.
A casual wink only I could seeas he thrust me aside. Let's
get home with it. He twistedhis dagger and nicked Terran's neck from pale
to bone white. A drizzle downthe man's trousers as he whimpered, I'll
(13:11):
tell you anything. You want toknow anything. Barren smiled, tucked his
dagger back into his belt and pattedthe man's neck. You work for us,
now, boy, tell me everything, and I mean everything. You're
to keep eyes on Suti, keepus informed of her movements. Another wink.
(13:35):
This time I got it. He'dnever meant to kill the lad.
Oh fine. Terran quivered as hetold us everything. A bang at the
door as his tail ended. Weall spun to the scratching lock, reach
for our weapons. A faint clickanother the door opened, and William and
(13:56):
o'danic appeared, covered in shock fear. A gosp of skype. William slips,
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Chapter eight, Fatted and Slaughtered.You're here, we will worried, William
said, between heaved panting. Ihurried to the entrance. Where are the
(15:48):
others? Peered out somber windows,not a trace of light in the murky
abyss. William took a seat bythe week fire and recounted what happened.
We were by Molly's when they struck. Must have been eight or nine,
armed to the tooth. Bastards fellon us without mercy, Brom and the
others. They didn't make it.They a crippling pause before William burst out,
(16:15):
laughing, you ought to see yourfaces like you've seen a spirit or
witchery. All's well, their homessafe in their beds. What happened to
you two? We figured the ninnieswere chicken footed and ran. Barron forced
a cold fake laugh. Are youkidding me? Brother? After all this
(16:37):
a ferocious glare, at which pointI took over the tail. In time,
Barron's huffing slowed, face returned tonormal, Only his shoulders remained strained
as rotten tension cloud of the air. He still hadn't said a word or
looked at William, who, aftera half dozen fiery warnings, sent terran
(16:59):
on his way to port Back.Nightly, the lad had left at a
run, and talk turned to themorrow. The brothers planned to spend the
day discussing various trades and lettering fortheir contacts. Duller than thatching and pistole
for o'daniic and I to do.I asked about Doric. Ever, consider
me apprenticing with him. I'd bemore valuable for you. Don William grinned
(17:25):
was all about knowing the right stringsto jerk, and his greedy smile told
all great idea if we could harveDoric's rates. Shite hadn't expected that.
The next morning I headed to seethe smith, bright and early. Barron
had set him up in a retiredsmithy a few roundabouts away between the cutler
(17:48):
and the mason. I rounded thecorner to a double take other smiths as
well SAPs, and where was Doricdirted my boots on a dead rat in
my haste before walking into the clamoringshop past burly men and hard breathing Doric
was out the back examining a setof dark iron winnie shoes. He wore
(18:11):
a hefty brown robe and leathered fingerlessgloves, and was guiding a silk skinned
smith with shoulders that hadn't smith theday. See here, Doric pointed to
the outer edge, how the heelcork meets the shank, so mounts can
cover greater distances a day. Ah, Merrilech, Come here, lad,
(18:37):
I sidestepped the busy anvils. Merrilechmeet Adam. Barren hired a few lads
to speed the contract. Adam isfinishing a small shoeing commission for Isaac's cavalry.
We set our good days, andDoric sent him off. Praise somebody's
god. You're here. Barren hiredbloody SAPs. Sure they have a mind
(19:00):
for it, but nothing beats atall touch. My stomach tightened. Didn't
want to tell him I'd never smith, but he'd notice was better off coming
straight out hesitated. I'm a bitgreen, actually, Doric nodded, I
know I'll venture a guess. Theyhave me teach you so you can replace
(19:25):
me one day. Right. Didn'twant to lie, but couldn't break their
trust either. I bit my lipand Doric smiled. That's all right,
lad, I think they're so clever. But deal with enough SAPs and you
get the picture. Even hogs hideafter enough friends have been fatted and slaughtered.
(19:47):
Careful with that, especially with folkslike born. But enough mischievary,
Let's get on with it. Heled me to an unmanned anvil and selected
a few of the smaller hamm demonstratedwhat to do, flushing humiliation as I
talked. The first shoe all wrong, tried again, similar rubbish, and
(20:10):
all the other smiths were experienced.With a little more than an occasional eye.
Doric kept the men banging out swordsat a mighty pace, adjusting grip
here, pulling a quenching blade there. He controlled everything with a master's artistry,
a playwright's lofty ease, all thewhile explaining details, sharing his tale,
(20:33):
and cracking the occasional shite or ofa jest. I'd spend every day
in the smith here if I could. It was peaceful. Something about the
controlled chaos and craftsmanship of the shop, of turning raw iron and forging steel
into weapons of war. These ladswere the gods of war. I wanted
(20:53):
that, felt it in my bones. It was darkening and stormy when I
prepared to leave everyone else gone.I was getting there on my latest blade
and hadn't noticed a thing. Where'llyou be back, Doric asked, as
he hung the remaining hammers and returnedthings to their right place. Good question,
(21:18):
soon, I hope. I letthe obvious go unsaid, and his
lack of retort told me he understood. As we were finishing the last of
the tidying, a thought hit me, said, you were there when the
deroic Oric fell at the redract.I mean why? A fire turning tail
(21:41):
danced in his warm eyes as hesmiled. I was only ten, and
my master brought me. Held mytongue, hoping for more, needing to
know, craving a vaunted telling,but that was that. Didn't say another
word, and I left hands tinglingwith them dissipation of Next, I held
(22:02):
a hammer, my ears rang heartpounded a god's great day past the bathhouse,
face to face with fiending witchery,the horrible woman, her eyes bulging
as her red lips quivered. Ahmarilech, bringer of death, sot off
(22:26):
creeping chicken skin. As I pushedpast her, ragged fingernails clawed my exposed
arms, and I shoved the wenchto the earth. Ran a raven pitched
laugh, cackling after me as Ihurried away, Bringer of pain and sorrow
and war faster as my chest thumped, and queer unease poisoned my veins until
(22:51):
our street. Then things were quieter. I knocked, and a jittery Barron
opened the door. How was ita well done day? I told him
everything. When I had finished,he nodded, good good. The bird
from Isaac's quartermaster sounded urgent, wantedrushed terms. Did Doric give you any
(23:17):
updates? I shook my head andsurveyed the empty home where the others go
late to be out things considered?Who knows? Barren huff some late shipman
from the east, He sounded,mad, Williams off to dig up body?
Can damn pirates? Why did ithave to be our ship? Ensure
(23:41):
would cover it, of course,Yet still he fumed, and conversation stalled.
Without warning, Barren glanced at thedoor have you noticed anything off with
William lately? A touch suspicious?A touch suspicious? No? Why?
Born shrugged? Don't know. Mytug's telling me something's not quite so he's
(24:07):
been acting oddish. Has he saidanything? Shook my head and Born's brow
furrowed. Well, keep eyes out, but don't say nothing. It's probably
nothing, and I don't want tocause trouble, But that tug in my
belly, it's almost always right.Of course I knew the feeling, that
(24:33):
itchy witchery somehow just knew. Thanksmarilech a knock and Borne jumped half to
a kash. It opened William ando'danic My skin prickled? What had they
been up to? Was there athing? Chapter nine, The Princess Awakens
(25:03):
after Supper was a lazy affair,And try though I might, I couldn't
get either to tell me where they'dbeen without right out asking. And as
always, William talked our ears toan early earthing. It was amazing,
though for such a busy talker.He said nothing careful with words, and
(25:23):
sharp as tit. I'd have topractice my words smithery. Terran showed up
after dusk, but nothing new toreport, and left soon after. The
next day was like any other.O'danick and I got up at sunrise,
Borron an hour later, and William, well, William got up when he
pleased a goose shoot of a guestsfrom sunrise to midday like it depended on
(25:48):
a die throwne. Borron and Ihad run to the butcher, visited the
baker, and brashingly flirted. Atleast Born had with Rob Taylor's daughter.
By the time I'm William emerged,he'd been burning the tello, crunching figures,
and ripping out his hair. Theabacus had that effect on people.
(26:08):
Twice the brothers near came to blowsover the positions of a red button.
A pricey inkpot had spilled two souring. Another night, the Princess awakens,
Barren snapped. When William reached thebottom of the stairs, he rolled his
eyes. We don't need the contract. They're tall. We agreed. You
(26:33):
saw the figures, you know aswell. As William raised his hand to
cut Born off and turned to hiscustomary bowl of steaming porridge. O'danick had
prepared a touch of cinnamon left overrabbit, fowl or cheese, and a
swish of fresh cow's milk stirred clockwiseto ward off spirits. William raised the
chunky spoon to his lips without acknowledginghis brother, a right heady gesture of
(26:57):
defiance. So this was what Borronwas on about. Sure enough, Borron
gritted his teeth, but surprisingly saidnothing. Looked as if William would again
get the last word. I caughtOdanick's eye and gestured outside. She followed
into the chilly mown. Have younoticed oddities with William? I asked,
(27:22):
no, why? I told herabout Borron that he was worried about William,
and her eyes flashed realization, Well, he's checking his shoulder a lot,
always fearing pursuers. But might bethe whole sootick thing. Been a
fidgety bitch as well, always moving. Made sense that it, She thought
(27:48):
about it, tapped her head toclear the wheels and opened her mouth.
I ne'er forgot he met with Broma couple days ago, and some others
day after, but I couldn't hearwhat they said. Made me wait at
the door. Interesting, what doyou want with Brom? Probably just shoring
(28:08):
up cruise. Maybe Borne had wantto know either way, was about to
say more When William opened the door, are you ready, o'danick, He
asked a nod and they left Borneand I hung around a few hours.
He wrote several letters and had mebring the sealed scrolls to contacts around the
(28:30):
city. I knew most, buta few, like Simon Hunter and the
one eyed bowstringer, I had tohunt down a slog of a morn.
By midday I was famished. Theothers returned home for NAK as well.
They secured transport for Isaac's blades onceDoric got his asser going and finished them,
(28:53):
and William had taken a line ofcredit with Indian bankers. NAK was
a tasty affair of winny roast andhard aile. We all needed it.
Borron, especially bloodshot eyes in aqueasy face, said scarce a word and
wouldn't look at his brother save theoccasional fleeting glare. That afternoon they sent
(29:18):
me to the smithy, while Williamand o'danick headed to the docks. Barron
stayed home. I was wading througha polished delegation of island as shipwrights when
there was a yell in the square. A crowd had gathered around a pair
of chiseled tall, trading blows andblocking traffic. People shoved and clamored for
(29:40):
a better view. A blistering manto the side, holding three fingers to
signal the odds. I stopped towatch. It had been ages since my
last good brawl. Even just asan honored observer, My fingers trembled,
heart racing. The bearded brutes werewell matched, circling, vicious concentration,
(30:02):
fearless. Rage wondered who'd started Itwas about to ask, until someone yelled,
thank yer, tarfa than us andheaved a stone at them another.
Soon rocks flew as the sporting fightturned bloody, barbaric. A cord apple
struck the blonde's head. He falteredus. The sap crowd surged, rushing
(30:26):
the fighters, screaming and roars asangry blows rained crushed the men, stomping
cheers as I stood transfixed, heartshaking. It's our land now, a
man cried. Both fighters were gone, fury and sadness. That feeling that
(30:48):
wasn't fear couldn't be a true tourwas never scared, uncertainty, maybe head
spinning. As I stepped toward thecrowd, I ought to help them someone
snatched my arm. Where do youthink you're going? Spun? Bracing myself
for the blow. You have beenlistening to Neanderthal King by Matt Ward.
(31:14):
For more information on purchasing the completeepic fantasy adventure, or to download the
entire audio masterpiece free with a freetrial of Audible, visit Neanderthal King dot
com. Be the change you wantto see in the world. That's something
I strive towards and foul towards everysingle day. If you enjoyed this podcast,
(31:36):
if you think the world could benefitfrom conversations like this, The greatest
compliment you can give us is referringto the Disruptors to a friend or talking
about us on social media. Pleasetake thirty seconds to do so. It
would mean the world to us,and if we're lucky, help us build
towards a better world. Thanks somuch for listening, Thanks so much for
helping us spread the message, andhave a great day. If you want
(31:56):
more of the Disruptors, you cansubscribe to the podcast on iTunes or go
to Disruptors dot fm, where you'llfind tons of audio and video interview stories
with leaders in the fields of genetics, cryptocurrency, longevity, AI, Space
VR, and much much more.You can also follow me on Twitter at
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(32:21):
the podcast and help us make abigger 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 Merrileck's adventurefor a limited time, grab your free
illustrated map of Tackle and the SixKingdoms of Saptom by visiting a matt Wardwrights
dot com slash map. Again,that's m A T T W A R
D W R I TS dot comslash map. But now let's get on
(01:15):
with the adventure. Chapter seven,the mangy Dog, Born and William were
in the middle of a heated debatewhen I hit the landing. Born was
pacing. Of course, we oughtto warm the Tall. That's just good
business. And if Isaac finds out, William snapped, face redder than I'd
(01:38):
ever seen. Besides, you'd supportTall, why not? William shook his
head. Trades one thing, butweapons, weapons to kill SAPs soldiers.
Born rolled his eyes before his gazemet mine. Must have read my face.
Seemed to always know what I wasthinking. We'll talk later, merelech.
(02:02):
What is it? I told him? And he's jaw tightened. We
must deal with this, brother,not like we can go to the sheriff.
And how do you suggest we dealwith it, dear brother? Wasn't
it obvious? What about a trap? I suggested? Haven't you ever hunted?
Both looked at me bewildered. EvenOdanic's brow furrowed. What you have
(02:28):
in mind? Barron asked. Ioutlined the beginnings of a plan, same
as we'd done so oft with thefoxes and badgers, and that Barron had
done with our damned chess games.We need more men, some real brawlers.
Born and William added their two beads, and we all hurried off.
(02:50):
Barron and I headed to the docks, where an army of brown faced Indians
and tall slaves were unloading crates fromthe Eastern Star, while guards heard more
of my chained brothers up another rampinto the hull. East Case galled slave
trade was alive and well with allthe bodies. There must be the good
stuff in those crates, Cinnamon,ginger, maybe pepper. My stomach rumbled,
(03:16):
but I deal with that later.Borron waved to a curly blonde further
down the wharf who'd sailed with usfrom boot Brom. I think the wiry
man with the scar under his crookedright eyes strode towards us. I'm in
need of a couple of lads whocan handle rough stuff this night or morrow.
Borron said, you in double theusual rate. Brom's face lit up,
(03:42):
and he nodded how many least four? I answered, without thinking sunset.
Brom's eyes narrowed as he eyed me, but Borron nodded his ascent.
Okay, Brom said at last,after a weighty pause. Wasn't used to
taking orders from a slave, orworse at all. After he ran off,
(04:05):
Barron grabbed my shoulder. Be carefulhow you talk around here, boy,
I smiled, but said nothing.He must be getting to know me
better, not well enough. Holdmy tongue for my betters as if,
I smiled. As we headed homequite a day. At the corner of
(04:27):
Proper and Maine, a crazed tallfortune teller wearing what was once a gown,
sprang into the street and wrenched myarm. I flung the mad broad
off me, and I drew mydagger, my child. She cackled,
turquoise's eyes sparkling, It's true,the raw ticked prophecies, My droar,
(04:48):
you live. Confused, I tooka step back. Something about her struck
me as distinctly evil and familiar.Chicken skin my arms as borne grabbed my
shoulder. He had his knife outas well. The wretch mate to touch
me, but I recoiled from hercurling fingertips. The people await, she
(05:11):
began, shut up crow. Iturned away, hurrying before I killed the
hag, hard hammering brain wheels foggedand flailing. Born followed, and we
turned down the first side street Wefound is acts times are numbered. The
witch shrieked. The shrill voice echoedthe alliance, and tingled through my spine.
(05:33):
As we hurried away. Neither ofus said anything until we reached our
street. I'd calmed, breathing backto normal, but Borne seemed more scatter
brain than usual. Two wrong turns. I didn't say anything. A bond
was forming, but he was stillmy master. Better to keep up his
(05:53):
illusion of superiority could be useful.Then again, he always saw right through
me. We passed the Bakers andhe started humming to himself the old Drice
tune, the Potato Famine of fiveO three SD, the sheep in the
storm, I asked as he finishedthe second. He nodded, surprised you
(06:16):
know it, of course? Haveyou been to the aisles once long ago?
Barron's eyes glimmered far away adventure,a touch of regret too, something
deep within a woman. His eyesnarrowed. You were mystic now, he
(06:38):
brushed it off. Yeah, alasmighty wile one at that a sigh.
It's a long story. He'd beenbased in a carge ten passings ago and
worked with the Drow of the Dry'smaster shipbuilders and the girl. Borne nodded.
(07:00):
The girl. She'd been a SAP'sslave at Iraq, working the kitchens
of a clansman of the draw.Best rabbit pie you'll ever eat, hence
the love of meat pies. Anothersigh. I didn't have the beads to
buy her freedom. Then Will andI were just getting started, two hard
(07:21):
heads with big dreams and little else. He shrugged. I didn't say anything.
It was the same kind of helplessI'd felt as Jaellic lay dying,
spilling out, and not a thingI could do about it, Not even
Oorn's foolish followers said the world wasfair. Keep that between us, he
(07:43):
added, with a hard stare fineby me, long as you don't go
all flowery on me, I added, with a grin. We both laughed
until I noticed the charred wolf onmy hand. The mood died. After
that. We met at the MangyDog for a quick meal of fish head
stew and ale, and set offa little after sunset. Borron and I
(08:09):
went east while the others prepared theambush. After twenty paces of quickening darkness,
a tail I could make out hisface, but something about the way
he carried his hef told me itwas the same guy. I bumped born
the prearranged signal, and we turnedat the mason's shop. Another left by
(08:31):
the tailor, and we were nearlythere any moment. Now kept walking past
the butcher, the thatcher, andthe sky blue painters. Nothing and the
rogues were gaining on us. Hadsomething happened. Fingers twitching as I longed
to snatch my dagger, but Icouldn't, not without alerting out pursuer.
(08:56):
The sliver of a moon fell behinda heavy shadow. I tensed back,
arching as footsteps approached three sets,Barron fidgeted and the thieves sprang. I
spun, grabbing my dagger. Barnedid likewise as a body slammed into him,
slashed the first hooded attacker and onto the second. Before his lackey
(09:18):
had crumpled to the dirt. Heswung a knuckled club, which I dodged,
dropping him with a right fist.Just as a rod smashed my back,
Barn stabbed the man. Luckily,the attacker spun and sent Borne's blade
flying, or to have finished mewhen he had the chance. I tackled
the brute and cracked his head onthe cobblestone twice once more to be sure.
(09:41):
Blood everywhere, hands dripping in goreand glory. Felt for a pulse,
but the bastard was gone. Iseized the injured thug before he could
escape, held him in a crushinggrip as I questioned him, who are
you? What do you want?Barn had recovered by now and stepped closer,
(10:01):
glowering. The man glared back,but there was no spark of recognition
in his empty eyes, nothing tosay it was anything more than a failing
mugging. Yet where were the others? Something must have befallen them. We
ought to get back to the house, Borne said, as if reading my
mind. The man made to protest, so I knocked the scoundrel out and
(10:24):
slung him over my shoulder. Wedidn't have time and hustled back to avoid
the sheriff. Borrene fumbled with themany locks before forcing the door open and
slamming it shut behind us. Lockedit at once as our panting subsided,
but the house was empty. NoWilliam or o'danic. I tossed the low
(10:46):
life into an armchair, and Barnesmacked the young lad with the mason's build.
Who are you? He'd retrieved hisdagger and pressed it to the man's
scruffy neck, widening eyes as theman recoiled. I ain't have nothing to
do with it, just a job. I don't know nothing. Who hired
you? Bourne held up his handto smack him again. And why don't
(11:11):
know the bitcher's name? I swearshe she, I cut in, must
be at all no sap woman,Yeah she He gestured at me, like
him, but light a brown ear. Let's have a chin and black eyes.
That made me insides crawl. Hegrimaced as he said. It sounds
(11:35):
like a southick, all right,Barron said, as I tied the prisoner's
hands to the chair. Broad's beenhorning in on our roots for passings,
He paused, thinking how much didshe pay you? And what's your bloody
name? Names? Charan Teren Cooperman. So not a mason, a copper
(12:00):
smith, no one he needed thework. Wasn't every day someone commissioned a
bell two hundred beads to offer bothof you, Terren said in a hushed
voice, embarrassed, scared only twohundred, Barn asked, I'd have hoped
for more. Marilech get the sheriff, tell him to ready the gallows for
(12:26):
a swinging attempted murderer, or wecould kill him now say it was self
defense. Actually I like that better. He twisted the blade between his fingertips
and Terren's eyes bugged actual tears,sire, I mean barn stepped forward,
(12:50):
eyes crazed. I leapt into Barne'spath. He couldn't kill a defenseless man.
A casual wink only I could seeas he thrust me aside. Let's
get home with it. He twistedhis dagger and nicked Terran's neck from pale
to bone white. A drizzle downthe man's trousers as he whimpered, I'll
(13:11):
tell you anything. You want toknow anything. Barren smiled, tucked his
dagger back into his belt and pattedthe man's neck. You work for us,
now, boy, tell me everything, and I mean everything. You're
to keep eyes on Suti, keepus informed of her movements. Another wink.
(13:35):
This time I got it. He'dnever meant to kill the lad.
Oh fine. Terran quivered as hetold us everything. A bang at the
door as his tail ended. Weall spun to the scratching lock, reach
for our weapons. A faint clickanother the door opened, and William and
(13:56):
o'danic appeared, covered in shock fear. A gosp of skype. William slips,
something was wrong. Today's episode isbrought to you by Well aware master
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Chapter eight, Fatted and Slaughtered.You're here, we will worried, William
said, between heaved panting. Ihurried to the entrance. Where are the
(15:48):
others? Peered out somber windows,not a trace of light in the murky
abyss. William took a seat bythe week fire and recounted what happened.
We were by Molly's when they struck. Must have been eight or nine,
armed to the tooth. Bastards fellon us without mercy, Brom and the
others. They didn't make it.They a crippling pause before William burst out,
(16:15):
laughing, you ought to see yourfaces like you've seen a spirit or
witchery. All's well, their homessafe in their beds. What happened to
you two? We figured the ninnieswere chicken footed and ran. Barron forced
a cold fake laugh. Are youkidding me? Brother? After all this
(16:37):
a ferocious glare, at which pointI took over the tail. In time,
Barron's huffing slowed, face returned tonormal, Only his shoulders remained strained
as rotten tension cloud of the air. He still hadn't said a word or
looked at William, who, aftera half dozen fiery warnings, sent terran
(16:59):
on his way to port Back.Nightly, the lad had left at a
run, and talk turned to themorrow. The brothers planned to spend the
day discussing various trades and lettering fortheir contacts. Duller than thatching and pistole
for o'daniic and I to do.I asked about Doric. Ever, consider
me apprenticing with him. I'd bemore valuable for you. Don William grinned
(17:25):
was all about knowing the right stringsto jerk, and his greedy smile told
all great idea if we could harveDoric's rates. Shite hadn't expected that.
The next morning I headed to seethe smith, bright and early. Barron
had set him up in a retiredsmithy a few roundabouts away between the cutler
(17:48):
and the mason. I rounded thecorner to a double take other smiths as
well SAPs, and where was Doricdirted my boots on a dead rat in
my haste before walking into the clamoringshop past burly men and hard breathing Doric
was out the back examining a setof dark iron winnie shoes. He wore
(18:11):
a hefty brown robe and leathered fingerlessgloves, and was guiding a silk skinned
smith with shoulders that hadn't smith theday. See here, Doric pointed to
the outer edge, how the heelcork meets the shank, so mounts can
cover greater distances a day. Ah, Merrilech, Come here, lad,
(18:37):
I sidestepped the busy anvils. Merrilechmeet Adam. Barren hired a few lads
to speed the contract. Adam isfinishing a small shoeing commission for Isaac's cavalry.
We set our good days, andDoric sent him off. Praise somebody's
god. You're here. Barren hiredbloody SAPs. Sure they have a mind
(19:00):
for it, but nothing beats atall touch. My stomach tightened. Didn't
want to tell him I'd never smith, but he'd notice was better off coming
straight out hesitated. I'm a bitgreen, actually, Doric nodded, I
know I'll venture a guess. Theyhave me teach you so you can replace
(19:25):
me one day. Right. Didn'twant to lie, but couldn't break their
trust either. I bit my lipand Doric smiled. That's all right,
lad, I think they're so clever. But deal with enough SAPs and you
get the picture. Even hogs hideafter enough friends have been fatted and slaughtered.
(19:47):
Careful with that, especially with folkslike born. But enough mischievary,
Let's get on with it. Heled me to an unmanned anvil and selected
a few of the smaller hamm demonstratedwhat to do, flushing humiliation as I
talked. The first shoe all wrong, tried again, similar rubbish, and
(20:10):
all the other smiths were experienced.With a little more than an occasional eye.
Doric kept the men banging out swordsat a mighty pace, adjusting grip
here, pulling a quenching blade there. He controlled everything with a master's artistry,
a playwright's lofty ease, all thewhile explaining details, sharing his tale,
(20:33):
and cracking the occasional shite or ofa jest. I'd spend every day
in the smith here if I could. It was peaceful. Something about the
controlled chaos and craftsmanship of the shop, of turning raw iron and forging steel
into weapons of war. These ladswere the gods of war. I wanted
(20:53):
that, felt it in my bones. It was darkening and stormy when I
prepared to leave everyone else gone.I was getting there on my latest blade
and hadn't noticed a thing. Where'llyou be back, Doric asked, as
he hung the remaining hammers and returnedthings to their right place. Good question,
(21:18):
soon, I hope. I letthe obvious go unsaid, and his
lack of retort told me he understood. As we were finishing the last of
the tidying, a thought hit me, said, you were there when the
deroic Oric fell at the redract.I mean why? A fire turning tail
(21:41):
danced in his warm eyes as hesmiled. I was only ten, and
my master brought me. Held mytongue, hoping for more, needing to
know, craving a vaunted telling,but that was that. Didn't say another
word, and I left hands tinglingwith them dissipation of Next, I held
(22:02):
a hammer, my ears rang heartpounded a god's great day past the bathhouse,
face to face with fiending witchery,the horrible woman, her eyes bulging
as her red lips quivered. Ahmarilech, bringer of death, sot off
(22:26):
creeping chicken skin. As I pushedpast her, ragged fingernails clawed my exposed
arms, and I shoved the wenchto the earth. Ran a raven pitched
laugh, cackling after me as Ihurried away, Bringer of pain and sorrow
and war faster as my chest thumped, and queer unease poisoned my veins until
(22:51):
our street. Then things were quieter. I knocked, and a jittery Barron
opened the door. How was ita well done day? I told him
everything. When I had finished,he nodded, good good. The bird
from Isaac's quartermaster sounded urgent, wantedrushed terms. Did Doric give you any
(23:17):
updates? I shook my head andsurveyed the empty home where the others go
late to be out things considered?Who knows? Barren huff some late shipman
from the east, He sounded,mad, Williams off to dig up body?
Can damn pirates? Why did ithave to be our ship? Ensure
(23:41):
would cover it, of course,Yet still he fumed, and conversation stalled.
Without warning, Barren glanced at thedoor have you noticed anything off with
William lately? A touch suspicious?A touch suspicious? No? Why?
Born shrugged? Don't know. Mytug's telling me something's not quite so he's
(24:07):
been acting oddish. Has he saidanything? Shook my head and Born's brow
furrowed. Well, keep eyes out, but don't say nothing. It's probably
nothing, and I don't want tocause trouble, But that tug in my
belly, it's almost always right.Of course I knew the feeling, that
(24:33):
itchy witchery somehow just knew. Thanksmarilech a knock and Borne jumped half to
a kash. It opened William ando'danic My skin prickled? What had they
been up to? Was there athing? Chapter nine, The Princess Awakens
(25:03):
after Supper was a lazy affair,And try though I might, I couldn't
get either to tell me where they'dbeen without right out asking. And as
always, William talked our ears toan early earthing. It was amazing,
though for such a busy talker.He said nothing careful with words, and
(25:23):
sharp as tit. I'd have topractice my words smithery. Terran showed up
after dusk, but nothing new toreport, and left soon after. The
next day was like any other.O'danick and I got up at sunrise,
Borron an hour later, and William, well, William got up when he
pleased a goose shoot of a guestsfrom sunrise to midday like it depended on
(25:48):
a die throwne. Borron and Ihad run to the butcher, visited the
baker, and brashingly flirted. Atleast Born had with Rob Taylor's daughter.
By the time I'm William emerged,he'd been burning the tello, crunching figures,
and ripping out his hair. Theabacus had that effect on people.
(26:08):
Twice the brothers near came to blowsover the positions of a red button.
A pricey inkpot had spilled two souring. Another night, the Princess awakens,
Barren snapped. When William reached thebottom of the stairs, he rolled his
eyes. We don't need the contract. They're tall. We agreed. You
(26:33):
saw the figures, you know aswell. As William raised his hand to
cut Born off and turned to hiscustomary bowl of steaming porridge. O'danick had
prepared a touch of cinnamon left overrabbit, fowl or cheese, and a
swish of fresh cow's milk stirred clockwiseto ward off spirits. William raised the
chunky spoon to his lips without acknowledginghis brother, a right heady gesture of
(26:57):
defiance. So this was what Borronwas on about. Sure enough, Borron
gritted his teeth, but surprisingly saidnothing. Looked as if William would again
get the last word. I caughtOdanick's eye and gestured outside. She followed
into the chilly mown. Have younoticed oddities with William? I asked,
(27:22):
no, why? I told herabout Borron that he was worried about William,
and her eyes flashed realization, Well, he's checking his shoulder a lot,
always fearing pursuers. But might bethe whole sootick thing. Been a
fidgety bitch as well, always moving. Made sense that it, She thought
(27:48):
about it, tapped her head toclear the wheels and opened her mouth.
I ne'er forgot he met with Broma couple days ago, and some others
day after, but I couldn't hearwhat they said. Made me wait at
the door. Interesting, what doyou want with Brom? Probably just shoring
(28:08):
up cruise. Maybe Borne had wantto know either way, was about to
say more When William opened the door, are you ready, o'danick, He
asked a nod and they left Borneand I hung around a few hours.
He wrote several letters and had mebring the sealed scrolls to contacts around the
(28:30):
city. I knew most, buta few, like Simon Hunter and the
one eyed bowstringer, I had tohunt down a slog of a morn.
By midday I was famished. Theothers returned home for NAK as well.
They secured transport for Isaac's blades onceDoric got his asser going and finished them,
(28:53):
and William had taken a line ofcredit with Indian bankers. NAK was
a tasty affair of winny roast andhard aile. We all needed it.
Borron, especially bloodshot eyes in aqueasy face, said scarce a word and
wouldn't look at his brother save theoccasional fleeting glare. That afternoon they sent
(29:18):
me to the smithy, while Williamand o'danick headed to the docks. Barron
stayed home. I was wading througha polished delegation of island as shipwrights when
there was a yell in the square. A crowd had gathered around a pair
of chiseled tall, trading blows andblocking traffic. People shoved and clamored for
(29:40):
a better view. A blistering manto the side, holding three fingers to
signal the odds. I stopped towatch. It had been ages since my
last good brawl. Even just asan honored observer, My fingers trembled,
heart racing. The bearded brutes werewell matched, circling, vicious concentration,
(30:02):
fearless. Rage wondered who'd started Itwas about to ask, until someone yelled,
thank yer, tarfa than us andheaved a stone at them another.
Soon rocks flew as the sporting fightturned bloody, barbaric. A cord apple
struck the blonde's head. He falteredus. The sap crowd surged, rushing
(30:26):
the fighters, screaming and roars asangry blows rained crushed the men, stomping
cheers as I stood transfixed, heartshaking. It's our land now, a
man cried. Both fighters were gone, fury and sadness. That feeling that
(30:48):
wasn't fear couldn't be a true tourwas never scared, uncertainty, maybe head
spinning. As I stepped toward thecrowd, I ought to help them someone
snatched my arm. Where do youthink you're going? Spun? Bracing myself
for the blow. You have beenlistening to Neanderthal King by Matt Ward.
(31:14):
For more information on purchasing the completeepic fantasy adventure, or to download the
entire audio masterpiece free with a freetrial of Audible, visit Neanderthal King dot
com. Be the change you wantto see in the world. That's something
I strive towards and foul towards everysingle day. If you enjoyed this podcast,
(31:36):
if you think the world could benefitfrom conversations like this, The greatest
compliment you can give us is referringto the Disruptors to a friend or talking
about us on social media. Pleasetake thirty seconds to do so. It
would mean the world to us,and if we're lucky, help us build
towards a better world. Thanks somuch for listening, Thanks so much for
helping us spread the message, andhave a great day. If you want
(31:56):
more of the Disruptors, you cansubscribe to the podcast on iTunes or go
to Disruptors dot fm, where you'llfind tons of audio and video interview stories
with leaders in the fields of genetics, cryptocurrency, longevity, AI, Space
VR, and much much more.You can also follow me on Twitter at
matt ward io. If you enjoyedthe show, please leave a quick review
on iTunes at disruptors, dot fm, slash iTunes to help more people discover
(32:21):
the podcast and help us make abigger impact
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