‘They tense up again by morning,’ Soren complained, his voice muffled by the floor.
‘You need rest,’ reprimanded Elana, in the authoritarian voice she had developed to use with her patients. ‘You can’t expect an immediate recovery, even with my powers. And you must continue to exercise during the day.’
‘I can’t be bothered with all that,’ he grumbled.
You really should listen to her, said Belwynn to her brother, using the telepathic link they shared.
‘He just sits around and reads,’ she added out loud, keen to tell tales on her brother.
‘Too much sitting will tighten your back,’ said Elana strictly. ‘You should be stretching out on the hard floor and going for short walks.’
An indecipherable noise emerged from the floor where Soren lay, while Elana got to her feet.
‘I should go,’ she said to Belwynn, ‘it grows dark. How are you?’
‘Good. I had a productive talk with Moneva just now. I suggested she speak with you about something.’
‘Of course. Well, I shall see you tomorrow.’
Elana left them to it.
‘Well? Are you going to take her advice, or end up a cripple?’ Belwynn demanded of her brother.
‘I know. Still, I’m getting better. If I don’t move from this position it doesn’t really hurt that much.’
‘Well, at least Elana’s treatment is working. She has truly been blessed by Madria.’
‘Please,’ said Soren. ‘Don’t start with that nonsense.’
The words were so rude, Belwynn was taken aback, even if the fact that they came from someone lying prone on the floor lessened their impact somewhat.
‘What do you mean?’ she said at last. ‘Have some respect for my choices.’
‘I can’t respect it,’ countered Soren. ‘You were vulnerable when I was in Samir Durg. That’s how they take advantage of you. There’s no doubting Elana’s powers, but all this religious hogwash that she’s sucked you into is ridiculous.’
Soren’s arrogance galled her, and it was getting worse. It wasn’t just that he had to be right and therefore she was wrong. It wasn’t simply that her decision to follow Madria was, in his estimation, all about his absence from her side. It was also the disrespect he showed to Elana, who had just gone out of her way to come here and treat him. Yes, she knew that Soren was in pain, and was short tempered as a result. But her patience with him was wearing thin.
She was just formulating an appropriate response when there was a knock on their door.
‘Can I come in?’
It was Theron.
‘Yes,’ she said automatically, before thinking Soren might prefer to be on his feet before Theron entered the room.
‘Hi Soren,’ Theron said, cheerfully enough. ‘Everything alright?’
‘Yes,’ replied Soren gruffly. ‘Are you two going to help me up?’
Theron grabbed Soren around the chest and Belwynn took his hands, and the three of them somehow got him to his feet, Soren grimacing the whole time and letting out a cry of pain as he straightened up. Belwynn passed him Onella’s Staff and he instantly looked better: his eyes focused on them, the grimace and frown disappeared.
‘We’ve got a visitor,’ Theron said, ‘and he’s asking after you both, you especially Soren. A mage, by the name of Gustav.’
Theron led them to Sebastian’s private room in the castle. It wasn’t any bigger than the room she shared with Soren, which was typical of Sebastian. He had attained the highest position in the Order of the Knights of Kalinth, was now de facto ruler of the kingdom, but would always be frugal in his tastes.
It was clearly meant to be a small, private gathering, since only Sebastian and Gustav the Hawk were there. As she took a seat offered to her by Theron, she looked at their visitor. He was pale and tired looking. He had been given a woollen blanket, which he clutched around him, but she could see that he still shivered from time to time. Next to him on a table was a cup of spiced milk, still steaming, which he would occasionally blow on before taking a sip.
‘Well,’ Sebastian began, ‘thank you for coming. You have both met Gustav before, at the Brasingian Court. We both felt it only right that you should be included in this conversation. His visit here should remain a secret, so please think carefully about to whom you repeat what you hear here.’
‘Of course,’ said Soren. ‘It is good to see you again, Gustav.’
‘Likewise,’ said the Archmage of the Empire, his voice deep and confident, but Belwynn could hear the exhaustion in it too. ‘We parted as you and your friends undertook what seemed like an important quest, to the lands of the Blood Caladri. I have heard nothing substantial of you since, so it is good to see you both alive. I have heard rumours of significant events in the north, however, and based on these my master, Emperor Baldwin, has had me travel here to find out the truth of them.’
Soren smiled. ‘It has been so eventful that it is hard to know where to start. Our visit to the Blood Caladri was brief and led us to journey into the lands of the Grand Caladri. There I was lucky enough to resolve the—,’ he paused, ‘personal issue that we discussed.’
This, Belwynn knew, was the loss of magic that Soren had suffered, only restored when he had formed a connection with the broken Caladri wizard, Agoston.
‘Our time in the lands of the Caladri confirmed the importance of Toric’s Dagger to us, and revealed that it is one of seven weapons that can be used to protect us from the Isharites. In Edeleny, we found a second such weapon, the Staff of Onella which I now hold.’
‘Truly?’ asked Gustav, leaning forward in his seat and reaching out a hand for the staff.
Soren hesitated. No doubt, Belwynn supposed, Onella’s Staff would be a great boon to Gustav’s considerable powers. If her brother handed it over, would he get it back?
Soren decided to give up the staff, and as soon as he did so, he slumped back in his chair, weakened.
Gustav, meanwhile, intently studied it, looking along its length from all angles, touching it in various ways and whispering under his breath. Eventually, and with a similar look of reluctance to Soren’s, the Archmage returned it.
‘That was where our luck ended,’ said Soren, restored. ‘Half of our number, including myself, were then captured, when Arioc’s forces invaded the lands of the Grand Caladri.’
‘I heard of this event,’ said Gustav, ‘Such an utter calamity. It is hard to put into words the loss to the world of magic that Ishari inflicted in that one episode. The Empire has carried out various reconnaissance missions in the region recently. So far they all suggest that Ishari has abandoned the area.’
Soren nodded. ‘My sister escaped with both the dagger and the staff,’ indicating that Belwynn could take up the story.
‘How?’ asked Gustav.
‘Through the intervention of the wizard, Pentas,’ she replied.
Gustav raised his eyebrows in recognition of the name but chose to say nothing.
‘He sent us here, to Kalinth, where we were lucky enough to be taken in by Sebastian.’
‘And Kalinth has seen its own share of excitement?’ Gustav asked, looking from Theron to Sebastian.
‘Indeed,’ Sebastian replied, ‘much of it necessary but regrettable. Our former Grand Master, Galenos, has been deposed, and I have taken over the position. Acting in what I believe to be the interests of the kingdom, Theron and I have secured control over the government here in Heractus. Acting in alliance with the Krykkers, we led an army into Haskany last summer.’
‘Incredible,’ said Gustav, impressed. ‘Kalinth has been asleep for a long time. Thank you for waking your nation, just in time.’
‘That’s not the half of it,’ said Theron. ‘While we scored a victory over Ishari, the wizard, Pentas, and Belwynn here, broke into Samir Durg itself, rescuing Soren—and one of their friends, Moneva, killed Erkindrix himself.’
As Theron told the climax of their story, he looked at Belwynn, and his words were said
with such pride that she found tears in her eyes and a lump in her throat, which she swallowed away.
‘Then the rumours I had heard are true? I hadn’t dared to believe them. Erkindrix dead? Then, let me tell you all of the news from the Empire. A great army of Drobax and Haskans was sent to the Empire. They first struck in Rotelegen, killing its duke, Ellard, and taking over the whole duchy. We were forced to evacuate the entire area.’
Gustav paused, noting the reactions of Belwynn and Soren, who had shared shocked looks.
‘Of course, I forget, you left Essenberg with Ellard. I am sorry to bring you these tidings. Emperor Baldwin then decided to defend our greatest fortress, Burkhard Castle. It became a scene of great slaughter, but we were able to hold out until this great army departed. We didn’t understand why they left at the time, but I presume that the death of Erkindrix left Ishari without clear leadership and the army was recalled. I should add that we were aided by a force of Magnians, led by Prince Ashere of the North, who was killed by the enemy, and a man from the South by the name of Farred.’
‘Did Farred survive?’ Belwynn asked quickly.
‘He did.’
‘His friend is here in Heractus. He will be pleased to know.’
‘There is more regarding your home kingdom. I won’t need to remind you of the treachery of Duke Emeric of Barissia.’
The name struck Belwynn cold. She was immediately transported back in time to Coldeberg, where she had given a private performance in front of the duke, distracting him while they attempted a rescue of their friends. She remembered Kaved, who had betrayed them to Emeric’s forces, wandering in while she played, and the desperate struggle and escape that ensued. Most of all, she remembered Rabigar, blinded in one eye by the savage jailers of the castle.
Soren glanced her way, checking on her reaction.
‘Go on,’ he said.
While we were besieged in Burkhard, Emeric was attacked by Duke Coen of Thesse, fighting alongside a Southern force led by your own ruler, Prince Edgar.
‘Our cousin,’ said Belwynn, wonderingly. ‘Really? Edgar fighting in the Empire? It doesn’t seem real.’
‘It happened,’ said Gustav, ‘and by all accounts Edgar and the South Magnians played a crucial role in the Battle of Witmar. Emeric escaped, but was killed by his own men.’
Belwynn laughed, covering her mouth as she did. It felt inappropriate, but the thought of Emeric defeated, by Edgar no less, had made her feel incredibly happy. It had been such a dark year. That it had all ended like this was truly the work of Madria.
‘And so, to the final purpose of my visit,’ said Gustav. ‘Baldwin has appointed his brother, Walter, as the new Duke of Barissia. There will be a formal ceremony and celebration in the spring. Baldwin would like to extend an invitation, both to Kalinth, and to the heroes of Samir Durg. He wants to meet with you and discuss the future of Dalriya. When the snows have gone, you are all cordially invited to Coldeberg.’
2
The Handmaid, The Duchess and The Queen
My place is here,’ said Elana, her gesture taking in the newly built Church of Madria. Her patience, Belwynn could tell, was starting to wear thin.
Belwynn had tried a number of times to persuade the priestess to accompany them on the journey to the Empire. Elana had stood firm, however, insisting that her role was to serve her new flock in Heractus. She had even, in preparation for Belwynn’s absence, already appointed a new disciple from among those who regularly attended on her. Belwynn couldn’t help but feel like she was being replaced.
‘That’s settled then,’ said Moneva with finality. Moneva, in turn, had declared that if Elana were to stay, she would too, since the priestess would need someone to look out for her. ‘Success breeds enemies,’ she said darkly, and Belwynn wondered what kind of conversations Moneva had overheard whilst deep in her cups in the city’s taverns.
‘Then I will need the Dagger,’ responded Belwynn. ‘Edgar and the others deserve to see it,’ she added, when Moneva looked like she was about to argue.
‘You’ve only just given it to me and now you’re taking it away,’ complained Moneva, who nonetheless unbuckled her belt before slapping the weapon into Belwynn’s palm and stalking off.
It was, no doubt, a self-indulgent emotion, but Belwynn felt a loss at their decisions. She had always tried hard to keep their group together. Now it was to become more divided than ever. Rabigar had returned to his homeland, his exile seemingly at an end. Herin and Clarin were lost, left behind in Samir Durg. Now Elana and Moneva were staying behind, while she would travel with Soren and Gyrmund to Coldeberg.
So be it. She wouldn’t beg them to come. She said her farewells and returned to her room in the castle to get her pack. Soren and Gyrmund were there, waiting for her, and she soon found herself in the courtyard of Heractus Castle, mounted on a beautiful mare and ready to go.
Also staying behind was Sebastian, the position in Kalinth too precarious for him to take an extended absence. Theron would represent Kalinth in the Empire. His absence was enough of a loss, since while Sebastian was the leader of the new regime—respected and diplomatic—Theron had provided much of the energy and organisation.
Sebastian had come to see them off. He shared some last private words with Theron, before wishing them all good luck. Accompanying him was Prince Dorian, younger son of the king, who had formed a friendship with Belwynn despite her role in his family’s diminution.
‘Don’t worry about your friends,’ he said, coming over to give her horse a pat. ‘I’ll keep an eye on them.’
There was little talk as the four horses clip-clopped their way along the city streets, making for the East Gate. Gyrmund was subdued, upset at leaving Moneva behind, their relationship still not fully repaired. Soren was focused on the physical requirements of riding while clutching his staff in one hand. His condition had continued to improve, but he would now be without Elana’s help. Belwynn rode next to Theron, who seemed to have a contented expression on his face.
‘Looking forward to the trip?’ she asked him.
‘To be honest, yes. I’ve felt the responsibility of the last eight months. It’s unrelenting. It will be a pleasure not to worry about everyone else for a while. And to spend so much time with you,’ he added.
Soren snorted behind them, but they both chose to ignore it.
Evander was waiting for them at the gate, already opened, and as they nudged their horses through he fell in on the other side of Theron.
‘Have you spoken with Tycho?’ Theron asked his squire.
‘Yes my lord, his force is ready, they are waiting on the road up ahead.’
‘Very good, it’s not like him to be so organised,’ commented Theron. ‘When we were young knights I used to have to wake him up every morning, or he would sleep in ‘til noon. I suppose we’ve all grown up since those days,’ he said wistfully.
They soon joined with Tycho’s force of fifty knights. They were too disciplined to shout out, but to a man they all smiled and grinned as soon as they saw her. It was the strangest thing, but in truth, she was getting used to it. She knew all their faces now, and could name all but a handful. She recognised the handsome face of Leontios, big brown eyes framed by shoulder length brown hair. He always beamed when he saw her, puffing up in importance, since he was the first knight whose sword she had blessed, on the road from the High Tower to Heractus, and he was ever keen to remind his peers of that fact.
Tycho trotted over to greet them, shaking hands, kissing Belwynn’s, and giving Evander a big slap on the back. It used to be that a slap on the back from Tycho would send a shudder through the boy, but not so now. Not only had Evander grown as tall as Belwynn, he had filled out as well, after spending the autumn and winter months on the exercise yard, training to become a knight.
‘How far will you be travelling with us, Lord Tycho?’ asked Soren.
‘As far as Korkis,’ Tycho replied. ‘I have my orders,’ he added, with a sly grin at Theron, �
�to ensure the town is fully—what word did you use, Theron?’
‘Integrated.’
‘Yes. Fully integrated into the kingdom.’
Quite right too, Belwynn said to Soren.
Of all the dangers they had faced, the flight from Korkis somehow felt the most terrifying. It was perhaps because as a group they had been so vulnerable. Dirk had been ill, Elana and Belwynn helping him along, Rabigar was the only fighter with them, and he had recently lost an eye. If Theron hadn’t intervened, at the last minute, they would likely all be dead.
That moment would forever be emblazoned on her memory, Belwynn thought. Theron, a lone knight, charging down the hill at the men who had been chasing them. She knew that regaining control over Korkis was politics. But she thought that a part of it might be to punish them for what they did.
They made surprisingly good progress. Belwynn wasn’t at all convinced that spring had come yet. It was cold, and snow still lay on the hills of Kalinth. But Theron had argued that of all those invited, they would have the longest journey to Coldeberg, and would need to set off earlier than Baldwin’s other guests. Although the ground was wet, they were amongst the first to journey on the roads since the snow had melted, and they weren’t as torn up as they were likely to get in a few weeks. Their horses, kept indoors and fed on hay for the winter, also seemed enthusiastic to stretch their legs. The stark but beautiful Kalinthian countryside rolled by and as the evening of the second day drew in they had reached Sebastian’s house, Sernea, where Soren and Belwynn were allocated a room for the night.
The next morning, they began the short journey to Korkis. As they neared the town, Belwynn recognised the countryside they passed through. Rolling hills with grazing animals, which today on horseback seemed gentle and innocuous, but last time she was here, escaping from their pursuers on foot, seemed impossibly steep and forbidding. To her right was the woodland where they had spent the night, and where the horseman from Korkis had followed them, taunting them, as his companions and their hunting dogs closed the gap to their prey.
The Weapon Takers Saga Box Set Page 71
