The Fall of Belvedere

by B Cameron Lee

  Trelin chuckled to herself.

  “Where did you find this boy Cristal? He has a fine tactical mind on his young shoulders. We’ll be grateful to have him here with us.”

  Arwhon turned to Trelin.

  “I’m afraid I have other obligations Madam. I’ll be involved in the war but not here.”

  “A pity,” she replied and took up her knitting.

  Not for any other reason than it helped to calm her nerves. Knit one, pearl two, click, clack.

  Willem was beside himself.

  “All this is just supposition at the moment. I suggest we stick to reality and discuss what we know for sure.” This boy knows too much, I will have to have him killed and send a pigeon to Martine to warn her that her plans are discovered.

  The Council members began to talk over each other. Old Baldin brought order by banging his gavel repeatedly and the meeting devolved into a general discussion on the points which Arwhon had raised. As they debated, Arwhon put pencil to paper and wrote a short note for Cristal.

  ‘Willem is Martine’s spy

  He contacts her by carrier pigeon

  He will contact her tonight

  And he wants to have me killed

  Truth will always out in my presence

  He is the only one.’

  He passed the note to Cristal who read it, then read it again before folding it up and placing it inside the bosom of her dress.

  “Master Willem, I hear you are a bit of a pigeon fancier.”

  “What’s that got to do with anything,” he grunted, scowling.

  “Nothing really, I just like pigeons.” No I don’t, they shit on everything and breed uncontrollably. Only good in a pie.

  Arwhon smiled to himself, sometimes the Truth was funny.

  Cristal caught Merdon’s eye and nodded to the door. He winked.

  “Excuse me gentleman but I need a moment for some fresh air.”

  With that Cristal stood and went out to the antechamber. Merdon arrived shortly thereafter.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  “Willem is Martine’s spy. He sends messages by carrier pigeon and has been keeping her up to date on our plans.”

  “Are you positive?”

  “Have I ever yet been wrong? He’s planning to report when he gets home this evening. He has to be stopped. You’re the only person I can trust to get the job done at such short notice.”

  “Leave it with me Cristal.” Merdon replied as he turned quickly away to the door. Cristal returned to the Council chamber.

  “Councillor Merdon has been called away on a minor emergency but gave me his voting right until he returns. Is there a motion?”

  Old Baldin banged his gavel.

  “You haven’t got my job yet you impossible woman. Do I have a motion?”

  “I motion we give serious consideration to Arwhon’s information and form an action plan.” Cradon volunteered.

  “Seconded?”

  “Aye.” Timid Trelin was becoming less timid by the hour.

  “Those for.”

  Six hands were raised around the table. “Mine counts for two.” Cristal reminded them.

  The three who didn’t vote were Old Baldin, Willem and Bertran.

  “Carried. Any further business? No?”

  Cristal raised her hand.

  “Yes Cristal.” Old Baldin sighed resignedly.

  “I would like to hear from the Commander-in-Chief as to what his plans are.”

  Old Baldin swivelled his rheumy gaze to Jorgen de Frie.

  “What say you Commander?”

  Before the Commander could answer, the door opened and Merdon slipped into the room.

  “Sorry Sirs and Ladies, a minor emergency but it’s over now.”

  He took his seat and tipped Cristal a small surreptitious nod. Jorgen cleared his throat and shot Trelin a pleading glance.

  “I haven’t finalised my plans yet and would rather not go into them at this time. I am however, working on a defensive strategy which is quite far reaching and should be finished soon. I’ll present the whole plan to the Council within the week under the strictest secrecy. That’s all gentlemen and ladies.”

  He sat down again and Trelin’s eyes followed him. Another soldier who needed a person schooled in strategy to help. Her father, Fate rest his soul, was a General way ahead of his time. He believed his only child, although a daughter, should learn as much about strategic planning as any man. Trelin kept this knowledge close. She would however, seek a private conversation with Cristal, a woman her father would also have respected.

  Council business finished with, the meeting broke up and its members headed for their individual homes. Willem would never see the sunrise. He was found next morning in his pigeon loft with his throat slashed. In his hand, a message capsule containing a note to Empress Martine detailing the Council meeting. It was the talk of the town for a week and the murderer was never found.

  Not that anyone bothered to look too hard.

  In Cristal’s library, later that evening, Arwhon detailed the Truth he had picked up through his Ring, even to catching Cristal out. They all had a laugh before they turned in for the night.

  In bed, Arwhon hovered on the edge of sleep, warm and contented. He enjoyed having Shiri curled into his back. Her skin felt like the finest velvet and the warmth from her body comforted him.

  His promise to honour Shiri was sometimes a bitter sweet burden.

  The following day was a busy one for all. Arwhon and Shiri took Chalc to one side to discuss their forthcoming journey north. Chalc was chafing to go, especially as their final destination would be his homeland. Arwhon’s sighting of a possible relation in a vision had made Chalc think, just maybe, not all of his family had been lost. His daughters would be in their late twenties by now.

  Even though it would be at least a couple more days before they were ready to leave, Master, Shield and Servant spent their day checking gear, laying out everything they thought they would need in the coming months. They also chose to assemble what dried provisions they thought necessary rather than scramble around looking for them later. Kuiran offered his mother’s healing belt but Arwhon turned the gift down.

  “You’ll need it to use here far more than I will and it was given for your use but thanks for your concern. I realise you’re my Arm and should be going with me but I would prefer your service to be the protection of my family, Cristal and Raleen, while I’m away.”

  Kuiran agreed. He’d never been in a war before and he was equally excited and anxious as to what it would be like. Chalc tried to reassure him.

  “Battle is like having a fight with a series of opponents but sometimes it lasts all day and into the night. Guard against tiredness and drink plenty of fluids as you’ll sweat a lot. Also, don’t forget to wear your mesh gauntlets if you value your fingers.”

  In the study, Cristal was encouraging Raleen to repeat her ability to move objects. On the table in front of them was a small brass ornament. Raleen had been trying to move it with her magic for an hour but it hadn’t budged an inch. Lareeta sat in the corner, a wry smile on her face, amused at Raleen’s efforts and her perspiring, flushed countenance. Cristal had been patient so far but it occurred to her that previously, the girl had reacted to a strong stimulus. She waited like a shark circling a swimmer until Raleen relaxed then leaped to her feet and slammed her fist onto the table, yelling.

  “YOU DAMN IDLE GIRL. MOVE IT!”

  Raleen’s hand, which was resting on the table, flexed involuntarily with the shock of her normally placid Grandmother’s outburst. The brass ornament shot off the table and smashed into the wall not inches from Lareeta, whose amused smile instantly vanished as she leapt to her feet.

  Cristal sat down again.

  “Sorry Raleen. I didn’t mean what I said but I thought the shock might jog a reaction from you. Can you remember the feeling inside you when the ornament moved?”

  Raleen’s heart began to slow down and she mentally rev
iewed what had occurred internally at the very moment the ornament started to fly off the table. A smile lit her face through the tears in her eyes as she held her hand out in front of herself. The ornament wobbled up from the floor and Lareeta hastily dived out of the way. With intense concentration, Raleen managed to bring the small sculpture back above the table where it fell with a thud. Cristal was capering around the room like a lunatic, laughing with sheer delight.

  “Try something heavier while you remember how.”

  Raleen stood up and stepped back from the table and pointed at it. The weighty oak table rose a few inches off the floor before dropping back heavily.

  “I know how to do it now Grandmother but oh, it’s so exhausting.”

  “That’s fine Raleen. It’s a bit like riding a horse. When you first set out from Trugor to come here, it was difficult but by the time you arrived, it was easy. Just keep practicing every day and don’t overtire yourself. Strength will come.”

  She held Raleen in a joyous embrace, rocking her granddaughter to emphasise her words.

  “I’m very proud of you and happy for you too. Who knows what you’re capable of?”

  They went out to the dining room for lunch and Raleen’s day was completed when Kuiran came and sat beside her to eat.

  During the afternoon, news of Willem’s demise reached them and Arwhon gave his Grandmother a long searching look but said nothing.

  In the evening, they all dined together, enjoying the relaxed friendship of each other’s company.

  An uneventful day followed. A time to rest, all the preparation and hard work having already been completed. In the early afternoon, Arwhon, Shiri and Chalc rode over to the forge to exercise the horses. Duran, Darla and Rancid were glad to get out of the stables for a change and stepped proudly through the streets, heads held high.

  At the forge, work was progressing smoothly. Chalc suggested to those in charge of the sword manufacturing that distributing the first of the swords to those folk who actually knew how to use one might be advantageous, as they could then train the people who didn’t. It was sound advice taken seriously. After the visit to the forge they explored a little more of Belvedere before riding home to Cristal’s mansion.

  After dinner, Arwhon, Shiri and Chalc slipped out of the house. The churchman had been bribed by Cristal and the door to the church tower left open for them. It was a dark, clear night with no moon but a sky full of stars. Arwhon now had no difficulty seeing in the dim light and he realised it was another of the advantages of Ch’ron’s changes.

  Before long they reached the church and made their way to the unlocked entrance of the tower. Arwhon checked the door. It opened with a creak as Chalc craned his head back to see how far they would have to climb. The top of the tower was barely visible in the low light. One after the other they ascended the spiral stairway, climbing the inside of the tower, passing slit window after slit window. Higher and higher from the ground. At the top of the square tower was a flat area broad enough for ten people to stand, with a chest high parapet all around. Arwhon and Shiri had a splendid view of Belvedere, the harbour and the surrounding countryside. All barely visible to Chalc, the only one of the three possessing Man eyes.

  Arwhon had never been in a building so tall in his life. It had to be all of seven stories.

  “I must tell Cristal of the view; it would be a good spot to have a lookout posted. Plenty of advance warning from up here but it’s not why we’ve come. Ready Chalc?”

  Chalc nodded and stood stock still, gathering himself and thinking of the Mage Escarion and how he’d looked in the cavern beneath Gildon’s Keep. Finally he was ready, the image locked in his mind. He took a lungful of air.

  “ESCARION,” he yelled into the night. The echoes dwindled away in the distance as dogs commenced barking all over Belvedere. Soon all was quiet again.

  “Try again.” Arwhon suggested.

  “ESCARION.”

  More barking from the dogs then all became still as the echoes of the shout died.

  “One last time Chalc, then if he doesn’t appear, we’ll go home.”

  “ESCARION.”

  An owl flew onto the tower and perched on the parapet, cocking its head to one side, quizzically regarding the group. It spoke.

  “I’ll come soon. Look for me in the morning.”

  Then the owl rose from its perch to glide away on silent wings. The three of them looked at each other in amazement at having witnessed a talking owl. They left the tower and made their way back to Cristal’s grand home through the darkened streets.

  The next morning, early, there was a commotion at the gates of the mansion with loud arguing which could be heard by those within the house. Eventually a rough looking stranger was admitted and came to the front door to see Cristal. She listened to his stammering report.

  “Merdon sent me. A huge flying creature ha’ jus’ landed on’t top of the church tower an’ it’s waitin’ there. An’ that’s not all, there’s someone up on’t top wi it. Merdon says it may be somat’ to do wi you, so he sent me to tell you on it.”

  She thanked him and gave him a silver piece before sending him on his way and rushed inside to find Arwhon, Shiri and Chalc. Quickly apprised of the situation, they hurried to the church tower. In the square before it, a large throng of people stood, staring upward, the hubbub of exclamation growing louder as more of Belvedere’s population arrived to see a sight out of legend. Perched on top of the tower was a very large gryffon, blinking unconcernedly down on the masses below.

  Another of Merdon’s men, standing guard, let Chalc’s party through the door at the base of the tower and they raced up the stairs two at a time, before arriving at the door onto the roof. They moved cautiously out onto the belfry’s open top, all the time keeping the gryffon in view and didn’t see the thin, bearded Mage standing behind them, still wearing his now washed and pressed black three quarter coat. He spoke.

  “Sorry, I forgot to mention about not appearing immediately.”

  They whipped around in surprise at the sound of his voice, completely forgetting about the huge gryffon for the moment.

  “Good morning all. I was far away when I heard your call, so it took me a while to reach you, riding on the gryffon. How can I help?”

  Chalc introduced them. Escarion nodding at each name.

  “Yes, the man with the Ring, Arwhon, changed since I saw you last and you now have M’Herindar eyes. You carry a huge responsibility, one I cannot help you with unfortunately.

  Ah, Shiri, one of the M’Herindar if I am not mistaken. Impressive armour. No wonder you use a glamour to conceal yourselves. You must be the one who provided the cloak of invisibility in the cave at Gildon’s Keep.

  Now, Chalc the Servant. You have much to do before you can rest again but your honour and courage do you proud. You will have a partner again. Someone you least expect.”

  Chalc nodded solemnly and made his request.

  “We need you to come and meet others of our small circle of friends and relatives before we discuss our problem with you. All are trustworthy.”

  Escarion nodded, made a motion to the gryffon, which took off, leaping upward, huge wings beating for lift, circling up into the sky. The Mage turned back to them.

  “Lead on.”

  “Where’s the beast going?” Arwhon enquired.

  “Not far, he’ll find a cliff somewhere, perhaps hunt and wait until I summon him again. Useful sort of transport.”

  As they exited the church tower, Duke Dalvan, waiting with a dozen of the City Guard, hailed Chalc.

  “Master Chalc, I might have known. Do we have anything to worry about from that great beast of legend?”

  “No Duke, it brought an ally to us and it’s gone for now. I would appreciate it though if you could leave a couple of men to guard the entrance to the tower, just until we can find another key.”

  The Duke nodded in agreement.

  “After what you’ve done for us, I would be glad to.”r />
  Escarion caused quite a stir when he arrived at the mansion, his appearance totally unexpected. When Chalc, Arwhon and Shiri entered the dining room with Escarion right behind them, there were exclamations of surprise. Everyone had finished breakfast and were now sitting around the smaller table in the bay window, drinking cafke. They all rose as the returnee’s parted to allow the Mage to come forward.

  Escarion went straight up to Cristal, taking her hand and brushing his lips against it.

  “Cristal nasi Tsalkini, what a pleasure. You take after your grandmother and...” He tilted his head to one side. “Green fire, interesting.”

  She raised an eyebrow at him.

  “You’re good.”

  He smiled knowingly before moving to Raleen and kissing her hand. He gazed into her face.

  “You look like your mother but have far more ability in magic. I see you have discovered a couple of them. That leaves another two for you to find.”

  On to Lareeta, also kissing her hand before his comments.

  “Your loyalty does you credit. Peace and happiness will come to you where you least expect it.”

  Then Escarion stood in front of Kuiran, looking up into the large, open face above him.

  “Well, I did not expect to find one of the Wyalonian here. What a surprise.”

  He clasped Kuiran’s huge hand tightly for a second.

  “M’Herindar reared though. What a puzzle. There is much for you to discover about yourself.”

  He turned to everyone in the room and bowed.

  “Apologies for the mystification but that’s about all the information I can directly give you about yourselves for now. We Mages try not to influence the affairs of Man too much, you create enough problems of your own making. However, as you are all familiar with M’Herindar, it’s possible for me to reveal a little more to you than I would to most.

  In reality, I’m quite old as you measure years and am one of those Mages who like to keep an eye on the affairs of Man. It was extremely unlucky for me when Martine came to own the sapphire. I was down in the south of Draakonia, battling one of the Evil Mages there and placed my true spirit in the gem for safekeeping, tucking it into an old pot hidden in the wall of a ruin. It’s a little trick some of us use to protect our spirits from the magic of evil because some of the Evil Ones are capable of casting spells which blacken a spirit and turn its owner to the service of evil. The only cure is death. Unfortunately for me, the jewel was discovered in the ruins where I’d left it. A camel handler from a passing caravan stopping to water their animals found it. Fate.”