November 30, 2020 • 30 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.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Today's episode is brought to you guysby bit trust. Do you want to
add bitcoin to your retirement account?Do you think cryptocurrencies are going going,
going somewhere special? If you thinkthat bitcoin really has the potential and you
want to get involved in the space, the world of cryptocurrency can be confusing.
How do you get involved? That'sthe question so many people have.
But you can diversify your portfolio,get into crypto investments and more by checking
(00:23):
out bit TRUSTIRA, dot com,slash Disruptors. They can help you seamlessly
add cryptocurrency, store the private keysin nuclear bunkers with military grade protection,
and they've got the lowest trading feesin the industry. Make sure you guys
check them out bit Trust, IRA, dot Com, slash Disruptors, that's
dis rup trs, and for alimited time, they're waving the sign up
(00:47):
fee a fifty dollar value just forsigning up, checking them out and putting
Bitcoin and other awesome cryptocurrencies into yourretirement account. Want to diversify a little
bit with some digital gold? BitTrust, ir dot com, slash Disruptors
for more details, and now let'sget back to the episode. Welcome to
the Disruptors, the podcast about thefuture of all of us, where we
look at the technologies, trends,and societal norms shaping our collective future.
(01:12):
Here, the world's top minds sharetheir insights and predictions on the convergence,
direction and ethics of exponential technologies transforminglike as we know it. You can
learn more and stay up to dateat Disruptors dot fm. Merimani Press presents
(01:32):
Neanderthal King by Matt Ward. Moreinformation on the author at Matt Wardwrights dot
com. You can purchase Neanderthal Kingin its entirety or download the entire audio
masterpiece free with a free trial ofAudible at Neanderthal King dot com. Want
(01:56):
to follow along with Merrileck's adventure fora limited time, grab your free illustrated
map of Tarcole and the Six Kingdomsof Septom by visiting a matt Wardwrights dot
com slash map. Again, that'sm A T T W A R D
W R I TS dot com slashmap. But now let's get on with
(02:21):
the adventure. Chapter ten options.It never came. It was the crazy
woman, the Witch, a niledfinger to her prunish lips, run Dror.
She shoved me hard on my legs, obeyed, disappeared into an alley
(02:43):
as the wicked sounds of violence faded. Made it to doric shop, Safe
at last. I bent, panting, pure confusion. No one noticed me
until Doric appeared and dropped his apple. Hurried towards me. Mirrlech, what
happened? You look like you've seena spirit? The crowd, the fight.
(03:07):
I was breathing hard. He puta sooty hand on my shoulder.
Out with it, boy, whatare you talking about? I told him
everything, and as I did,his eyes narrowed to emerald slits. God's
damned bastards. He shook his headand guided me to a blade I'd been
working. Take this, take itout on the steel, but controlled.
(03:32):
He handed me his hammer. Ibrought it, smashing home, another slam,
another. Everything fell away to focus, purity, to rhythmic pounding.
Doric tapped my shoulder. A momentlater, the Smiths were gone, sunlow
in the sky, my body ached, stomach raging. What happened? A
(03:55):
double take on the emptiness around me, A knowing sparkle in Doric's eyes.
They left an hour ago. Neverseen a man so focused, so show
me. He took the blade andturned it in his hands, leathered brow
furrowing, nodded to himself and clappedmy back. You have the touch.
(04:21):
Good work, son, I grinned, before, managing to hide my pride.
Wouldn't do now. I'll talk toWilliam or maybe Born. Doric continued.
He's more reasonable. He held upthe blade. This is great work,
especially for a novice. Come backmorn. We've work to do.
(04:46):
I promised to try, and leftin high spirits. Great work. I
had the touch glowing on it asI hurried past the roundabout and through darkened
streets, scarce no notice the eeriemist before Jeffreys Square. I was crossing
the heavy shadow of old King Tom'svictorious statue when there was a yell from
(05:09):
the other side of the square.Footsteps pounded as a cloak whished. Another
set of running footsteps. Sh mehaste in here It was William. Another
furtive group appeared, led by SimonHunter and Quicknick the one eyed Archer.
The others I couldn't see until anotherface materialized, Peter Slater. I delivered
(05:32):
a message to him too, cartwheelsturning in my pounding head. What was
going on? Nick? Knocked anarrow and loosed it with a cutting snap.
Nothing happened, no scream. Theydrew swords and entered the murky alley.
As I crept toward them, carefulfor the tall Slater, said Snut.
(05:57):
Closer, drew my dagger. Williamwas in trouble. I could feel
it. The clang of steel onsteelers. Odanic roared, A man moaned,
and William hurled a curse as athud echoed through the alley. Running
now, sprinting towards them, turningright, where were they? The bandits
were down a side street. Iknife the first without a sound, when
(06:20):
I heard a cry, William's culturedscream, an arrow protruding from his belly.
Another yellow's o'danic cried out in pain. I cut down Hunter and Slater
and dashed for the archer, butNick's next arrow caught William in the throat.
He collapsed as I slammed Nick,killing him with a jerk of the
(06:42):
blade, jamming at home twice more, ripping the life from the monstrous scoundrel,
Spinning looking for the last mugger.But they were all down. There
was blood everywhere, and William wasn'tbreathing. Checked his throat, but no
pulse. Skidded to her Danic's dyingform and knelt beside her. What happened,
(07:06):
poorn, she said, as shecoughed up red bile. He betrayed
the words died on her blewing lipsas her thumping heart stopped. Realization clubbed
the air from my lungs. Strugglingto breathe born the letters everything I ought
(07:30):
to have known. Surveyed the chaosaround me, betrayal and anger, hesitating
uncertainty. Didn't know what to door where to go. Held my head
in my hands to make it morelevel, and played through everything again.
What were my options? What couldI do? Options number one Go back
(07:54):
to Born and pretend nothing happened.Two, go back to Born and pretend
I didn't know it was him.Three kill Born. Four run. Nothing
seemed promising. Could number one work? No, not a dice roll of
(08:16):
chance. His crafty eyes would seeright through me. That meant option two
was out as well. God's damnedsap crafty. I guess I could kill
him. I was good at thatright, he'd never see it coming.
Twisted the solid blade in my hand, thinking the wolf's blood red eyes glowered
(08:39):
back. Shite the wolf brand thesheriff. They'd know I'd killed him,
or blame the tall anyway, runthat just left running. There wasn't another
choice. Would have to work.But where where could I go? And
(09:03):
how? Didn't have the beads,didn't have papers alone. Toll was suspicious
enough, especially a slave. Whatif they found me out? What about
a backup plan? Born said alwaysto have one, But I was out
of options and out of time.They'd find me here soon. Had to
(09:26):
go now. I slammed my fistinto the wall. The pain didn't help,
same thing with my head. Nothingcame loose. But then my brain
wheels clicked and changed direction. Doric, Yes, the smith he'd know what
to do. He traveled before,was a freeman. He could help me.
(09:50):
He had to Chapter eleven, anominous knock, doc you there,
My voice shattered the dreadful night.As I raced into the little workshop.
He wasn't there. The smithy wasempty. But I needed him, by
(10:11):
all the gods and goddesses and hogwash. I had to find him. If
anyone's listening, I whispered, Icould use a hand. Of course,
no answer, so I hurried backto the street. It was busy as
believers left Solarious as shabby Temple,and others crowded to the taverns, pubs
(10:33):
or in search of whores. WasDoric a drinker? The nearest pub was
William's Wallows, rough place the kindsailors and Smith's frequented for a hardy night,
maybe a fight. A lad behard pressed to find a strumpet or
minstrel in these parts. Fed Doriclike a glove. He wasn't there the
(10:56):
stale ale and bread either. Theresult at six Stars and Jenny's Jewels.
I gave up after an hour andheaded home. Born would get suspicious soon,
He answered on the third knock,and I slipped in, avoiding eye
contact. It got troublesome as hestared at me. Seemed to know something
(11:18):
was amiss. Everything okay. Decidedto play the thick headed tall mumbled something
about Doric's thumb and a throbbing hammer. A hated lying, but had no
choice. Gave me a particular sidewayslook, but seemed to buy it.
You're hungry, he asked. Inodded, had Marjorie over He continued with
(11:43):
a demon's grin a few romping detailshad he really been carnal while he had
his brother butchered? Sickening, Mystomach churned acid rage. Even as he
described her mean duck Stew patted hisbelly. There's more in the pot.
Help yourself. I did anything tofill my mouth and busy my tongue to
(12:07):
avoid his weary eyes. Slipped mydagger on the table alongside my eating knife
for fast access. This wasn't oneof my four options. Not at all
time. Dragged like a stubborn mule, slow and rough, knowing the kick
would come at any moment, thebucking jolt that would ruin everything. Sometimes
(12:31):
I could scarce look at Borron andothers. We talked of Doric's progress,
the upcoming games, meaningless gobble,the pitting bitter never left my groin.
An ominous knock interrupted my thoughts.The sheriff soldiers. Had one of Barron's
men seen the whole thing. Ireached for my dag of it, Born
(12:54):
didn't notice already at the door,peeped through, and his jaw dropped.
Doric, What are you doing here? My chest jumped Doric. Good,
he was here, that was perfect? But wait? Why was he here?
Was he in on it? IBorn open up, Born did,
(13:18):
and the hairy tall clamored through Tokyolong enough, Oh merrilech. Born was
pale quiet. What is it?Doric didn't know, just an update.
He rattled off figures and rates fasterthan a teller, as Borne's eyes glazed.
(13:41):
Had to repeat a couple numbers too. That never happened with Born.
Once he'd finished, Barne's ghastly facerelaxed a false yawn. I'm off to
bed, it's been a night.He paused at the rickety steps, hand
on the railing, hesitated. GiveWilliam an earful when he gets in.
(14:05):
He ought to be out so late. I promised to shovel it on thick,
and he stomped off, hopefully forgood. Doric's gaze flicked back to
me. What was that? ShI pointed upstairs and put a finger to
my lips, gesturing outside. Comeon. We tiptoed out, leaving the
(14:30):
place unlocked. I'd have to prayBorn didn't come back down and burglars didn't
roll. Lucky dice. We walkedin silence, checking our shoulder as we
went. What is it? Doricburst out once he'd had enough, eyes
bordering on anger. He grabbed myshoulder and spun me toward him. William
(14:52):
was murdered. O'danic too. Iexplained what I'd seen, everything, how
Born had ordinated it, even hadme deliver the letters, I said,
with a WinCE, like I wasa tweaking ninny. His face went from
shock to raw. Crimson Bull's eggboy, Are you sure? I nodded,
(15:18):
Damn, damn it da Kama's warringshite. I must get out of
here, I said, I knowsome people. They can get you out.
But where I held up my brandand his eyes narrowed. Damn the
North, then tall Land, That'sthe only option. Rand's new bastard king
(15:41):
revived, slaving again. Needed tobuild a new fortress north. You mean
the north the vic hands, Doricnodded, I if we can find a
ship, oh, the vicar Lands, a hundred thousand forevers from here,
(16:06):
but a myth and a legend inthe icy aisles? Was he serious?
How he outlined the beginnings of astartling plan that just might work. Chapter
twelve, would that I could?We were hustling to his workshop when a
(16:26):
strange thought hit me and I stoppeddead, A crushing realization. You're coming
with me? Are you a tiredsmile? Sorry? Merelick would that I
could, but I can't. Businessis here and Barron hasn't paid up.
I'm only a small deposit on thecommission. Have faith, son, it'll
(16:49):
work. They've helped friends in thepast. Long story. I was about
to ask more when a snarling houndappeared. We held our ground, but
my spine tingled. It growled andstarted to advance on us. And who
is it? A voice called storm? Come here, boy, Carve emerged
(17:15):
Oi Merrileich that you scorning eyes lockedon mine, and I froze. Did
he know? The change certainly benefitedthe guild, meant more weapons of war
and greater commissions. Yeah, it'sme. What are you doing out in
this? He waved a hand atthe blackened skies, which were fit to
(17:37):
burst. Even the air was heavywith looming storm with Sooth's speed, even
William would applaud, I said,Doris agreed to apprentice me. We were
discussing terms. Good good. Carveturned and headed off. Better hurry,
(17:59):
pigs about to open the star worldand unleash her Wroth. So he was
a believer, too tense to eavenstifle a chuckle instead, I said nothing
as he vanished into the night.We did likewise, and Doric led me
through a complex maze of side streetsand alleys to a descending set of crumbling
steps. A quick glance confirmed thatwe were alone, sweeping downward to a
(18:25):
simple black door. Tried the handle, but it was locked. He knocked
twice, counted to three, andknocked twice more, and I appeared at
the hidden keyhole, uttered a blasphemouscurse, and unlocked a locksmith's dream.
The door crept open, and acrotchety man with graying hair, a heroic
(18:48):
beard, and a nondescript gray cloakstepped out. And just what it me
wanton this time of night, Doric, He rasped, rain A you sod
has been too long. Doric threwhis bulky arms around the hunched man and
lifted him into the air. Protestsbe damned, hurry, come on in.
(19:11):
Rainard jerked the two of us withsurprising force and slammed the door without
a sound, before locking the quadruplebolt box. So the room was shadowed
and dark, empty save for us. Three and four rows of wooden seats
in the shape of a three angle. The pale gray walls were adorned with
(19:33):
images of Zorak, teeth, beard, spirit pack at his heels. The
wolf's hunt common among the mountain tall, but Rainhard was sap. Doric cleared
his throat. Merrilech needs out ofthe city, out of sap lands.
Actually best would be zero or recacif you can manage Rainhard. Winced double
(20:00):
checked the door was locked. HowBant's been hit hard since the last time,
lost two tolls and four SAPs inspring. Unfortunately there's good money and
slaves. Zarek's wishes be damned.Doric nodded, was afraid of that,
not on good terms with any ofthe Van leads. Were But what's done
(20:25):
is dead. If you can waituntil autumn, I shook my head.
No chance. I told him aboutthe bodies, about the brand, and
how they'd know at once a murderousman hunt. I had a day tops
William's murder would only complicate things.What about a ship, I asked,
(20:48):
between gritted teeth, A ship,another bloody ship, told myself I wouldn't
never again, sloshing sickness. Evenas we worked out details, anger and
upset stomachs and rage, William hadbeen a good man, least for a
(21:08):
sap warring desires for vengeance and freedomas the planning war on for justice in
the world, so that Borron wouldn'tget off clean the crooked fiend. But
no one said the world was fair. Once we'd finished, Raynard hobbled off
to make arrangements. I'd catch atrade ship across the rick at dawn and
(21:33):
from their caravan north with traders loyalto ZP the secret followers Tall and sapperlike
somehow that were dedicated to the trueteachings of the Wolf God from Leak.
The van would split half to northto supply the ailing now Isaac controlled towns,
(21:56):
and the others veering east to skirtthe Dark King forces, and arrived
six fortnights, hence en Quarack.Once there, I'd be free to head
further north. Seemed easy enough untilYelanik's favorite phrase hit me, the gods
laugh while you make your ninnied plansthirteen. That settles that Doric stayed into
(22:26):
the wee hours. How late,was impossible to tell down here with no
lights or sundial and those locks onthe door. This wasn't the culting sect's
first scheme seemed a risky lot,which begged the question why was Doc risking
everything to help me? Couldn't getmy head around it, so I asked
(22:48):
him. He shrugged. Seemed athing to do. My creator raised me
right, and I see a bitof meself in you. Son. Would
love to be out of on theroad, honest, But I need the
beads, especially with what this triplecost me, I sighed, the almighty
(23:08):
bead mightier than any god or army, bender of men and morals. While
you say to Borron, Doric's eyeswidened. Shine hadn't thought of that?
What'll tell? The Fiendi brogue conversationdied as he fell into a thinking trance,
(23:29):
and a quarter hour later he left, promising to stop buying the morn
a fitless night on the hard floor. Least it'd be my last, lest
I was caught and killed and fellinto the great slumber. Actually that'd be
my last as well, either way. You sliced it, awoke with a
start, Reynard over me. Talkyea long enough. My shirt was drenched
(23:55):
like a drowned hog. Can't believeI wasted a good leck of ale,
aren't you? He added? Comeon, big day. He shoved the
cheapest hunk of salted pork liver intomy hand. I devoured the bloody organ
as he opened the door. ShipsI'll leave it in three quarter hours,
(24:15):
yeah, best beyond it. Headedinto blistering sun and shot still by the
buzz of the city. Come on, kid, Raynard hurried off faster than
seemed possible. I pumped my shortlegs to keep pace with his frail body.
Frenzy at the new gur Chapel house, we turned right, and the
harbor appeared with it a flurry ofactions. Sailors ran crates and barrels of
(24:41):
something stronger toward chained vessels as wecrept a hurried shuffle through the street,
floggers, eyes weary as I scouredthe docks, still a full quarter hour
before it sets, sail as longas we didn't see Born Alas bent and
his calculating face emerged by another flowerytrader. Deep in conversation. I froze
(25:06):
at the far end of the docks. The sheriff stood at the ready.
My tug tightened as dread mounted,but Reynard didn't slow, kept right on
towards Born. What was he shite? He didn't know Born. I yanked
the old man into a small alleyopposite the harbor master's office. That's Born,
that's him. I motioned with myhead and Reynard ap peered around the
(25:27):
angled corner. I see his eyespopped. That Doric, the big tall,
slipped into the alley with a pantingsmile. Ah, there you are,
miss jula ath the den. Born'shere, I said, without dawdling
for simple niceties. Shite. Doricfollowed my gaze and winced. I'll talk
(25:52):
to him, see what I cando. He headed off without waiting for
a reply. Running out of time, this was our one chance. I
led the way down a side streetparallel to the wharf until we'd passed them.
Snuck a glance, but Born waslooking away. We sped toward the
small shipper with maroons sails, darkrails and stern and a rush of hurried
(26:15):
seamen running the gangway. The tiger'stail paused at the plank and turned back.
I was searching until I found Doricstriding towards us. Borron was gone.
He had to check something at theoffice. The big smith thudded my
shoulder. You're in luck, toldhim you were at the smithy working on
(26:37):
a set of blades. He boughtit and placed another commission, five hundred
tall blades. No more William toworry for. Paid off the first contract
in full. He held up thedebted scroll with a huge smile. That's
great, I said, with aforced cheer. Great for him. That's
(26:59):
not all, added as Reynard excusedhimself to talk with the captain and give
us a privacy, at least whatwould have been privacy if the witch hadn't
shown up a cackling smile as shestepped towards Doric, who recoiled. So
you've met that? A roar?Quite that a strayer, isn't he?
(27:21):
Doric's bewildered eyes flick between the twoof us. What's she on about?
Bloody hag roar? A shattering crash. The sheriff turned towards us in the
woman's eyes widened. The lawman brokeinto a run and grabbed his club straight
at us. I stepped onto thegangway and stumbled up. Doric at my
heels. That settles that, hesaid, I've got the beads. I'm
(27:47):
coming with you. Move it,son. We scurried faster and I palmed
my knife, waiting for the sheriffto board to run us down, but
he didn't. He blew past ourramp. After the fleeing hag, yelling
insults and twisted threats. We madeit to the opening, tripped over the
knotted twine, and stumbled to ourfeet, peering after the disappearing pair.
(28:10):
If we could just set sail andraise the bloody anchor, times snailed by.
We had to leave before Burron returnedany second now. An echoing horn
shattered the still as the ship shook. Finally, we crept away as the
sails billowed to full mast, clearedthe busy waters, city falling away behind
(28:32):
us, a heavyweight sigh, agallower's noose lifted into crystalline waters. We'd
made it. You have been listeningto Neanderthal King by Matt Ward. For
more information on purchasing the complete epicfantasy adventure, or to download the entire
(28:56):
audio masterpiece free with a free trialof Audible, visit Neanderthal King dot com.
Be the change you want to seein the world. That's something I
strive towards and fail towards every singleday. If you enjoyed this podcast,
if you think the world could benefitfrom conversations like this. The greatest compliment
you can give us is referring tothe Disruptors to a friend or talking about
(29:18):
us on social media. Please takethirty seconds to do so. It would
mean the world to us, andif we're lucky, help us build towards
a better world. Thanks so muchfor listening, Thanks so much for helping
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of the Disruptors, you can subscribeto the podcast on iTunes or go to
disruptors dot fm, where you'll findtons of audio and video interview stories with
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(29:44):
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 slashiTunes to help more people discover the podcast
and help us make a bigger impact.
Today's episode is brought to you guysby bit trust. Do you want to
add bitcoin to your retirement account?Do you think cryptocurrencies are going going,
going somewhere special? If you thinkthat bitcoin really has the potential and you
want to get involved in the space, the world of cryptocurrency can be confusing.
How do you get involved? That'sthe question so many people have.
But you can diversify your portfolio,get into crypto investments and more by checking
(00:23):
out bit TRUSTIRA, dot com,slash Disruptors. They can help you seamlessly
add cryptocurrency, store the private keysin nuclear bunkers with military grade protection,
and they've got the lowest trading feesin the industry. Make sure you guys
check them out bit Trust, IRA, dot Com, slash Disruptors, that's
dis rup trs, and for alimited time, they're waving the sign up
(00:47):
fee a fifty dollar value just forsigning up, checking them out and putting
Bitcoin and other awesome cryptocurrencies into yourretirement account. Want to diversify a little
bit with some digital gold? BitTrust, ir dot com, slash Disruptors
for more details, and now let'sget back to the episode. Welcome to
the Disruptors, the podcast about thefuture of all of us, where we
look at the technologies, trends,and societal norms shaping our collective future.
(01:12):
Here, the world's top minds sharetheir insights and predictions on the convergence,
direction and ethics of exponential technologies transforminglike as we know it. You can
learn more and stay up to dateat Disruptors dot fm. Merimani Press presents
(01:32):
Neanderthal King by Matt Ward. Moreinformation on the author at Matt Wardwrights dot
com. You can purchase Neanderthal Kingin its entirety or download the entire audio
masterpiece free with a free trial ofAudible at Neanderthal King dot com. Want
(01:56):
to follow along with Merrileck's adventure fora limited time, grab your free illustrated
map of Tarcole and the Six Kingdomsof Septom by visiting a matt Wardwrights dot
com slash map. Again, that'sm A T T W A R D
W R I TS dot com slashmap. But now let's get on with
(02:21):
the adventure. Chapter ten options.It never came. It was the crazy
woman, the Witch, a niledfinger to her prunish lips, run Dror.
She shoved me hard on my legs, obeyed, disappeared into an alley
(02:43):
as the wicked sounds of violence faded. Made it to doric shop, Safe
at last. I bent, panting, pure confusion. No one noticed me
until Doric appeared and dropped his apple. Hurried towards me. Mirrlech, what
happened? You look like you've seena spirit? The crowd, the fight.
(03:07):
I was breathing hard. He puta sooty hand on my shoulder.
Out with it, boy, whatare you talking about? I told him
everything, and as I did,his eyes narrowed to emerald slits. God's
damned bastards. He shook his headand guided me to a blade I'd been
working. Take this, take itout on the steel, but controlled.
(03:32):
He handed me his hammer. Ibrought it, smashing home, another slam,
another. Everything fell away to focus, purity, to rhythmic pounding.
Doric tapped my shoulder. A momentlater, the Smiths were gone, sunlow
in the sky, my body ached, stomach raging. What happened? A
(03:55):
double take on the emptiness around me, A knowing sparkle in Doric's eyes.
They left an hour ago. Neverseen a man so focused, so show
me. He took the blade andturned it in his hands, leathered brow
furrowing, nodded to himself and clappedmy back. You have the touch.
(04:21):
Good work, son, I grinned, before, managing to hide my pride.
Wouldn't do now. I'll talk toWilliam or maybe Born. Doric continued.
He's more reasonable. He held upthe blade. This is great work,
especially for a novice. Come backmorn. We've work to do.
(04:46):
I promised to try, and leftin high spirits. Great work. I
had the touch glowing on it asI hurried past the roundabout and through darkened
streets, scarce no notice the eeriemist before Jeffreys Square. I was crossing
the heavy shadow of old King Tom'svictorious statue when there was a yell from
(05:09):
the other side of the square.Footsteps pounded as a cloak whished. Another
set of running footsteps. Sh mehaste in here It was William. Another
furtive group appeared, led by SimonHunter and Quicknick the one eyed Archer.
The others I couldn't see until anotherface materialized, Peter Slater. I delivered
(05:32):
a message to him too, cartwheelsturning in my pounding head. What was
going on? Nick? Knocked anarrow and loosed it with a cutting snap.
Nothing happened, no scream. Theydrew swords and entered the murky alley.
As I crept toward them, carefulfor the tall Slater, said Snut.
(05:57):
Closer, drew my dagger. Williamwas in trouble. I could feel
it. The clang of steel onsteelers. Odanic roared, A man moaned,
and William hurled a curse as athud echoed through the alley. Running
now, sprinting towards them, turningright, where were they? The bandits
were down a side street. Iknife the first without a sound, when
(06:20):
I heard a cry, William's culturedscream, an arrow protruding from his belly.
Another yellow's o'danic cried out in pain. I cut down Hunter and Slater
and dashed for the archer, butNick's next arrow caught William in the throat.
He collapsed as I slammed Nick,killing him with a jerk of the
(06:42):
blade, jamming at home twice more, ripping the life from the monstrous scoundrel,
Spinning looking for the last mugger.But they were all down. There
was blood everywhere, and William wasn'tbreathing. Checked his throat, but no
pulse. Skidded to her Danic's dyingform and knelt beside her. What happened,
(07:06):
poorn, she said, as shecoughed up red bile. He betrayed
the words died on her blewing lipsas her thumping heart stopped. Realization clubbed
the air from my lungs. Strugglingto breathe born the letters everything I ought
(07:30):
to have known. Surveyed the chaosaround me, betrayal and anger, hesitating
uncertainty. Didn't know what to door where to go. Held my head
in my hands to make it morelevel, and played through everything again.
What were my options? What couldI do? Options number one Go back
(07:54):
to Born and pretend nothing happened.Two, go back to Born and pretend
I didn't know it was him.Three kill Born. Four run. Nothing
seemed promising. Could number one work? No, not a dice roll of
(08:16):
chance. His crafty eyes would seeright through me. That meant option two
was out as well. God's damnedsap crafty. I guess I could kill
him. I was good at thatright, he'd never see it coming.
Twisted the solid blade in my hand, thinking the wolf's blood red eyes glowered
(08:39):
back. Shite the wolf brand thesheriff. They'd know I'd killed him,
or blame the tall anyway, runthat just left running. There wasn't another
choice. Would have to work.But where where could I go? And
(09:03):
how? Didn't have the beads,didn't have papers alone. Toll was suspicious
enough, especially a slave. Whatif they found me out? What about
a backup plan? Born said alwaysto have one, But I was out
of options and out of time.They'd find me here soon. Had to
(09:26):
go now. I slammed my fistinto the wall. The pain didn't help,
same thing with my head. Nothingcame loose. But then my brain
wheels clicked and changed direction. Doric, Yes, the smith he'd know what
to do. He traveled before,was a freeman. He could help me.
(09:50):
He had to Chapter eleven, anominous knock, doc you there,
My voice shattered the dreadful night.As I raced into the little workshop.
He wasn't there. The smithy wasempty. But I needed him, by
(10:11):
all the gods and goddesses and hogwash. I had to find him. If
anyone's listening, I whispered, Icould use a hand. Of course,
no answer, so I hurried backto the street. It was busy as
believers left Solarious as shabby Temple,and others crowded to the taverns, pubs
(10:33):
or in search of whores. WasDoric a drinker? The nearest pub was
William's Wallows, rough place the kindsailors and Smith's frequented for a hardy night,
maybe a fight. A lad behard pressed to find a strumpet or
minstrel in these parts. Fed Doriclike a glove. He wasn't there the
(10:56):
stale ale and bread either. Theresult at six Stars and Jenny's Jewels.
I gave up after an hour andheaded home. Born would get suspicious soon,
He answered on the third knock,and I slipped in, avoiding eye
contact. It got troublesome as hestared at me. Seemed to know something
(11:18):
was amiss. Everything okay. Decidedto play the thick headed tall mumbled something
about Doric's thumb and a throbbing hammer. A hated lying, but had no
choice. Gave me a particular sidewayslook, but seemed to buy it.
You're hungry, he asked. Inodded, had Marjorie over He continued with
(11:43):
a demon's grin a few romping detailshad he really been carnal while he had
his brother butchered? Sickening, Mystomach churned acid rage. Even as he
described her mean duck Stew patted hisbelly. There's more in the pot.
Help yourself. I did anything tofill my mouth and busy my tongue to
(12:07):
avoid his weary eyes. Slipped mydagger on the table alongside my eating knife
for fast access. This wasn't oneof my four options. Not at all
time. Dragged like a stubborn mule, slow and rough, knowing the kick
would come at any moment, thebucking jolt that would ruin everything. Sometimes
(12:31):
I could scarce look at Borron andothers. We talked of Doric's progress,
the upcoming games, meaningless gobble,the pitting bitter never left my groin.
An ominous knock interrupted my thoughts.The sheriff soldiers. Had one of Barron's
men seen the whole thing. Ireached for my dag of it, Born
(12:54):
didn't notice already at the door,peeped through, and his jaw dropped.
Doric, What are you doing here? My chest jumped Doric. Good,
he was here, that was perfect? But wait? Why was he here?
Was he in on it? IBorn open up, Born did,
(13:18):
and the hairy tall clamored through Tokyolong enough, Oh merrilech. Born was
pale quiet. What is it?Doric didn't know, just an update.
He rattled off figures and rates fasterthan a teller, as Borne's eyes glazed.
(13:41):
Had to repeat a couple numbers too. That never happened with Born.
Once he'd finished, Barne's ghastly facerelaxed a false yawn. I'm off to
bed, it's been a night.He paused at the rickety steps, hand
on the railing, hesitated. GiveWilliam an earful when he gets in.
(14:05):
He ought to be out so late. I promised to shovel it on thick,
and he stomped off, hopefully forgood. Doric's gaze flicked back to
me. What was that? ShI pointed upstairs and put a finger to
my lips, gesturing outside. Comeon. We tiptoed out, leaving the
(14:30):
place unlocked. I'd have to prayBorn didn't come back down and burglars didn't
roll. Lucky dice. We walkedin silence, checking our shoulder as we
went. What is it? Doricburst out once he'd had enough, eyes
bordering on anger. He grabbed myshoulder and spun me toward him. William
(14:52):
was murdered. O'danic too. Iexplained what I'd seen, everything, how
Born had ordinated it, even hadme deliver the letters, I said,
with a WinCE, like I wasa tweaking ninny. His face went from
shock to raw. Crimson Bull's eggboy, Are you sure? I nodded,
(15:18):
Damn, damn it da Kama's warringshite. I must get out of
here, I said, I knowsome people. They can get you out.
But where I held up my brandand his eyes narrowed. Damn the
North, then tall Land, That'sthe only option. Rand's new bastard king
(15:41):
revived, slaving again. Needed tobuild a new fortress north. You mean
the north the vic hands, Doricnodded, I if we can find a
ship, oh, the vicar Lands, a hundred thousand forevers from here,
(16:06):
but a myth and a legend inthe icy aisles? Was he serious?
How he outlined the beginnings of astartling plan that just might work. Chapter
twelve, would that I could?We were hustling to his workshop when a
(16:26):
strange thought hit me and I stoppeddead, A crushing realization. You're coming
with me? Are you a tiredsmile? Sorry? Merelick would that I
could, but I can't. Businessis here and Barron hasn't paid up.
I'm only a small deposit on thecommission. Have faith, son, it'll
(16:49):
work. They've helped friends in thepast. Long story. I was about
to ask more when a snarling houndappeared. We held our ground, but
my spine tingled. It growled andstarted to advance on us. And who
is it? A voice called storm? Come here, boy, Carve emerged
(17:15):
Oi Merrileich that you scorning eyes lockedon mine, and I froze. Did
he know? The change certainly benefitedthe guild, meant more weapons of war
and greater commissions. Yeah, it'sme. What are you doing out in
this? He waved a hand atthe blackened skies, which were fit to
(17:37):
burst. Even the air was heavywith looming storm with Sooth's speed, even
William would applaud, I said,Doris agreed to apprentice me. We were
discussing terms. Good good. Carveturned and headed off. Better hurry,
(17:59):
pigs about to open the star worldand unleash her Wroth. So he was
a believer, too tense to eavenstifle a chuckle instead, I said nothing
as he vanished into the night.We did likewise, and Doric led me
through a complex maze of side streetsand alleys to a descending set of crumbling
steps. A quick glance confirmed thatwe were alone, sweeping downward to a
(18:25):
simple black door. Tried the handle, but it was locked. He knocked
twice, counted to three, andknocked twice more, and I appeared at
the hidden keyhole, uttered a blasphemouscurse, and unlocked a locksmith's dream.
The door crept open, and acrotchety man with graying hair, a heroic
(18:48):
beard, and a nondescript gray cloakstepped out. And just what it me
wanton this time of night, Doric, He rasped, rain A you sod
has been too long. Doric threwhis bulky arms around the hunched man and
lifted him into the air. Protestsbe damned, hurry, come on in.
(19:11):
Rainard jerked the two of us withsurprising force and slammed the door without
a sound, before locking the quadruplebolt box. So the room was shadowed
and dark, empty save for us. Three and four rows of wooden seats
in the shape of a three angle. The pale gray walls were adorned with
(19:33):
images of Zorak, teeth, beard, spirit pack at his heels. The
wolf's hunt common among the mountain tall, but Rainhard was sap. Doric cleared
his throat. Merrilech needs out ofthe city, out of sap lands.
Actually best would be zero or recacif you can manage Rainhard. Winced double
(20:00):
checked the door was locked. HowBant's been hit hard since the last time,
lost two tolls and four SAPs inspring. Unfortunately there's good money and
slaves. Zarek's wishes be damned.Doric nodded, was afraid of that,
not on good terms with any ofthe Van leads. Were But what's done
(20:25):
is dead. If you can waituntil autumn, I shook my head.
No chance. I told him aboutthe bodies, about the brand, and
how they'd know at once a murderousman hunt. I had a day tops
William's murder would only complicate things.What about a ship, I asked,
(20:48):
between gritted teeth, A ship,another bloody ship, told myself I wouldn't
never again, sloshing sickness. Evenas we worked out details, anger and
upset stomachs and rage, William hadbeen a good man, least for a
(21:08):
sap warring desires for vengeance and freedomas the planning war on for justice in
the world, so that Borron wouldn'tget off clean the crooked fiend. But
no one said the world was fair. Once we'd finished, Raynard hobbled off
to make arrangements. I'd catch atrade ship across the rick at dawn and
(21:33):
from their caravan north with traders loyalto ZP the secret followers Tall and sapperlike
somehow that were dedicated to the trueteachings of the Wolf God from Leak.
The van would split half to northto supply the ailing now Isaac controlled towns,
(21:56):
and the others veering east to skirtthe Dark King forces, and arrived
six fortnights, hence en Quarack.Once there, I'd be free to head
further north. Seemed easy enough untilYelanik's favorite phrase hit me, the gods
laugh while you make your ninnied plansthirteen. That settles that Doric stayed into
(22:26):
the wee hours. How late,was impossible to tell down here with no
lights or sundial and those locks onthe door. This wasn't the culting sect's
first scheme seemed a risky lot,which begged the question why was Doc risking
everything to help me? Couldn't getmy head around it, so I asked
(22:48):
him. He shrugged. Seemed athing to do. My creator raised me
right, and I see a bitof meself in you. Son. Would
love to be out of on theroad, honest, But I need the
beads, especially with what this triplecost me, I sighed, the almighty
(23:08):
bead mightier than any god or army, bender of men and morals. While
you say to Borron, Doric's eyeswidened. Shine hadn't thought of that?
What'll tell? The Fiendi brogue conversationdied as he fell into a thinking trance,
(23:29):
and a quarter hour later he left, promising to stop buying the morn
a fitless night on the hard floor. Least it'd be my last, lest
I was caught and killed and fellinto the great slumber. Actually that'd be
my last as well, either way. You sliced it, awoke with a
start, Reynard over me. Talkyea long enough. My shirt was drenched
(23:55):
like a drowned hog. Can't believeI wasted a good leck of ale,
aren't you? He added? Comeon, big day. He shoved the
cheapest hunk of salted pork liver intomy hand. I devoured the bloody organ
as he opened the door. ShipsI'll leave it in three quarter hours,
(24:15):
yeah, best beyond it. Headedinto blistering sun and shot still by the
buzz of the city. Come on, kid, Raynard hurried off faster than
seemed possible. I pumped my shortlegs to keep pace with his frail body.
Frenzy at the new gur Chapel house, we turned right, and the
harbor appeared with it a flurry ofactions. Sailors ran crates and barrels of
(24:41):
something stronger toward chained vessels as wecrept a hurried shuffle through the street,
floggers, eyes weary as I scouredthe docks, still a full quarter hour
before it sets, sail as longas we didn't see Born Alas bent and
his calculating face emerged by another flowerytrader. Deep in conversation. I froze
(25:06):
at the far end of the docks. The sheriff stood at the ready.
My tug tightened as dread mounted,but Reynard didn't slow, kept right on
towards Born. What was he shite? He didn't know Born. I yanked
the old man into a small alleyopposite the harbor master's office. That's Born,
that's him. I motioned with myhead and Reynard ap peered around the
(25:27):
angled corner. I see his eyespopped. That Doric, the big tall,
slipped into the alley with a pantingsmile. Ah, there you are,
miss jula ath the den. Born'shere, I said, without dawdling
for simple niceties. Shite. Doricfollowed my gaze and winced. I'll talk
(25:52):
to him, see what I cando. He headed off without waiting for
a reply. Running out of time, this was our one chance. I
led the way down a side streetparallel to the wharf until we'd passed them.
Snuck a glance, but Born waslooking away. We sped toward the
small shipper with maroons sails, darkrails and stern and a rush of hurried
(26:15):
seamen running the gangway. The tiger'stail paused at the plank and turned back.
I was searching until I found Doricstriding towards us. Borron was gone.
He had to check something at theoffice. The big smith thudded my
shoulder. You're in luck, toldhim you were at the smithy working on
(26:37):
a set of blades. He boughtit and placed another commission, five hundred
tall blades. No more William toworry for. Paid off the first contract
in full. He held up thedebted scroll with a huge smile. That's
great, I said, with aforced cheer. Great for him. That's
(26:59):
not all, added as Reynard excusedhimself to talk with the captain and give
us a privacy, at least whatwould have been privacy if the witch hadn't
shown up a cackling smile as shestepped towards Doric, who recoiled. So
you've met that? A roar?Quite that a strayer, isn't he?
(27:21):
Doric's bewildered eyes flick between the twoof us. What's she on about?
Bloody hag roar? A shattering crash. The sheriff turned towards us in the
woman's eyes widened. The lawman brokeinto a run and grabbed his club straight
at us. I stepped onto thegangway and stumbled up. Doric at my
heels. That settles that, hesaid, I've got the beads. I'm
(27:47):
coming with you. Move it,son. We scurried faster and I palmed
my knife, waiting for the sheriffto board to run us down, but
he didn't. He blew past ourramp. After the fleeing hag, yelling
insults and twisted threats. We madeit to the opening, tripped over the
knotted twine, and stumbled to ourfeet, peering after the disappearing pair.
(28:10):
If we could just set sail andraise the bloody anchor, times snailed by.
We had to leave before Burron returnedany second now. An echoing horn
shattered the still as the ship shook. Finally, we crept away as the
sails billowed to full mast, clearedthe busy waters, city falling away behind
(28:32):
us, a heavyweight sigh, agallower's noose lifted into crystalline waters. We'd
made it. You have been listeningto Neanderthal King by Matt Ward. For
more information on purchasing the complete epicfantasy adventure, or to download the entire
(28:56):
audio masterpiece free with a free trialof Audible, visit Neanderthal King dot com.
Be the change you want to seein the world. That's something I
strive towards and fail towards every singleday. If you enjoyed this podcast,
if you think the world could benefitfrom conversations like this. The greatest compliment
you can give us is referring tothe Disruptors to a friend or talking about
(29:18):
us on social media. Please takethirty seconds to do so. It would
mean the world to us, andif we're lucky, help us build towards
a better world. Thanks so muchfor listening, Thanks so much for helping
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disruptors dot fm, where you'll findtons of audio and video interview stories with
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(29:44):
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