The Vordalyn 1

by Michael T Payne

  “No, no you may not,” He said, “How do we even know he is who he claims he is?” Charnio looked at his brothers, turning his ire toward Velen rather than answer for the murder of his countrymen, “No one here saw who went with Dracon into the outer region?” Charnio looked at Queen Menina, “But he comes out of Urixis after seeing you? To take over Dracon’s region?” Velen said nothing, “And what of all these rumors and bodies?”

  “Just rumors, Lord Charnio,” Velen spoke up right away, “My Lord Dracon, will return and these rumors will end abruptly. I guarantee it.”

  “And when will that be? When will my brother return?” Charnio asked, then looked over at Renic, “Never?” Charnio stood up and started walking around the table, “You’ve been back for months and you said he would be along shortly,” Charnio stopped at the door, once again scanning everyone at the table.

  “Charnio, the only one that has been killed, was by your hand! Maybe these rumors of murder are just more of the same?” Queen Menina said getting his attention on her, “This is pointless, if you don’t comply with my trade order, your region will be cut off. You will wither and die alone. See how well you fare then?”

  “You all stand by that?” Charnio said looking around at each of his brother’s, “Cowards,” He looked back at Queen Menina, “You’re just a whore for all these elves, aren’t you?”

  “That’s enough!” Velen stood up, his seat was near the door next to where Charnio stood. He spun to face Charnio. He had enough of his disrespect, brother or not, she was still the queen.

  “Big mistake!” Charnio went after Velen with a punch. Velen easily sidestepped it, grabbing Charnio’s wrist, and twisting his arm straight out. Velen stepped passed Charnio and grabbed the back of his chainmail, just below the nape of his neck, slamming him down on the table. Charnio struggled to free himself, but Velen had him incapacitated with an arm lock. “Release me!” he growled.

  “You threatened the queen!” Velen said moving closer, to speak in Charnio’s ear, “If anyone threatened your mother while she was queen, it would have meant an execution!” Velen growled, “She,” Velen said then torqued on Charnio’s arm harder, “Is,” he torqued even harder, “The queen!” A loud snap echoed through the room. Charnio cried out in pain. The brother’s all winced. Darrin stood up to intervene, looking at his other two brothers. They did nothing, so Darrin sat back down, slowly. Queen Menina watched on, emotionless, but inside she was overjoyed by Velen’s rush to defend her. She wanted to smile, but held herself in check. Velen pulled Charnio off the table and stepped on the back of his knee, dropping him to kneel before Queen Menina, “Apologize,” Velen commanded, grabbing Charnio by the hair on the top of his head and yanking it back. He made him look up at Queen Menina, “Apologize!”

  “I yield!” Charnio growled. Velen grabbed Charnio’s unbroken arm in the same armlock as before and wrenched it, making him cry out.

  “That’s not what I said!” Velen growled.

  “I’m sorry!” he yelled, “I’m sorry!” he yelled again. Velen shoved Charnio to the ground hard. Queen Menina looked at Velen.

  “Help him up,” Queen Menina said. Velen looked like he was going to spit on Charnio. He helped him to his feet. Charnio growled in pain trying to get up with his broken arm, he jerked away from Velen once to his feet, staring at him with a snarl on his face, “If you don’t comply, you will be cut off, Charnio, you have two weeks to send your goods or return what was sent to you.” Charnio left the room without another word.

  “That was some move,” Renic chuckled, looking at Velen. He tried not to smile, Torak nodded his agreement, “Charnio is a champion, a hand to hand combat specialist, I have to know, who taught you?”

  “My Lord Renic, commander Satana trains the captains of all Dracon’s legions,” Velen said as he returned to his seat.

  “Little Satana?” Darrin said, “Remember when she used to follow us around after school?” Torak laughed, Queen Menina even smiled at the memory.

  “It’s hard to imagine her a little girl, my lords, your highness. I’ve only ever known the battle-hardened warrior who keeps us all in line,” Velen smiled trying to imagine it.

  “Now that that’s over, lets resume our business,” Queen Menina said to the table, “Governor Velen, you mentioned you were minting platinum into coins, why?”

  “I’m not entirely sure, it may have something to do with the trade agreements Lord Dracon was negotiating,” Velen said.

  “But why not use the gold coin of our realm?” Queen Menina asked, “Why use that mundane platinum?”

  “My queen, he did not explain himself,” Velen answered.

  “Well, his region certainly does have a lot of that, but for coins? It’s worthless?” Queen Menina chuckled. Queen Menina asked more questions about the Ffrei and their Queen the rest of the meeting, probing for thoughts on how exactly Dracon expected to set up trade routes with the lands beyond the outer region. Velen could not answer any of her questions. It didn’t upset her in the least, Velen’s actions said a lot to Queen Menina. She was pleased with him, Renic could see it. After the meeting ended, the brothers and Velen returned to their regions. Queen Menina and Renic met in her garden.

  “What’s on your mind Menina?” Renic asked as they walked along the path together.

  “You see how Velen defends the crown with such vigor?” She asked.

  “I’m sure it made you very happy to see Charnio put in his place,” Renic smirked, “But when he tells Dracon all that happened, it might not be the same.”

  “Yes, but,” She said pausing, “He is Dracon’s man, acting on his behalf, still loyal to the crown? Even after Charnio told him whatever he is going to also tell Dracon, I’m sure of it.”

  “I’m not sure what you’re getting at?” Renic asked.

  “I think Dracon will be just as appalled by Charnio’s actions, even more so that any anger toward me,” Queen Menina explained, “I think he will understand what I did, when he sees how violently crazed Charnio has become.”

  “Are you backing off trying to take the crown?” Renic asked.

  “Would that make you happy?” Queen Menina asked.

  “What would make me happy is an assurance my region remains mine, Menina,” Renic said concerned, “If Dracon returns and removes us as rulers of our regions, I will be extremely upset. You promised me I would keep it, if you back off, it may jeopardize that.”

  “I’m sure it will all work out, Renic,” Queen Menina took his arm as they walked, “My brother, when Dracon returns there are many opportunities returning with him, maybe.”

  “Yes?” Renic was curious.

  “You said I should be patient, let’s see what Dracon returns with,” Queen Menina patted his arm, “If he returns with nothing but tales of conquest, we can make our move, I have plans in place in any eventuality.”

  “I take it you think the rumors and bodies are going to help you?” Renic asked.

  “Ah Renic, the people are fickle, they forget the past when a new devil arrives,” Queen Menina smiled, “When he returns with this thing on his arm, as Velen describes it, we will have many options. But first, I want to know from Dracon’s own mouth about the people and trade beyond the outer region, if it is even possible. Can you imagine?”

  “It does seem farfetched,” Renic said, “So we are clear, you intend to play the embattled, scared little Menina for Dracon when he returns?”

  “Did you see how chivalrous Velen reacted? It stands to reason that was instilled in him by Dracon,” Queen Menina put a hand to her mouth as she giggled, “I think he will also see me as weak and frightened, possibly forgive any perceived transgressions?”

  “If we make a move against him, keep in mind, his soldiers outnumber all the rest of Ganlin combined,” Renic pointed out.

  “I am ready, brother, wheels are turning,” Queen Menina smiled, she stopped suddenly, “Platinum?” Queen Menina asked as an afterthought then they both laughed.

  Ch
apter Thirty-Seven

  Dracon awoke, cuddled tightly against Alyndra, unfortunately, he did not know it was Alyndra. They were both naked, his eyes were still closed, he nuzzled his head into her hair, taking a deep breath, smelling her scent, she had her back to him. Dracon grabbed her firmly, pulling her tight against him, sliding his arms around her waist to her stomach. He opened his eyes, noticing she seemed much smaller than he remembered, he saw blonde hair. He sat up alarmed and backed away from her. He looked down at himself, then at her again, he saw they were both naked, just as he suspected.

  “What’s going on here?” He asked pushing her shoulder gently to wake her, “Alyndra?” he said trying to get her to stir. She turned, lying on her back and stretched out her arms and yawned, taking a long exhale, then looked at him and smiled. She was only partially under the blanket after her stretch, making him look away.

  “Did you sleep well my lord?” She asked looking him over. Dracon grabbed the blanket to cover himself then realized he jerked it off her even more, leaving her completely exposed. She laughed. He tossed the blanket back on her and looked around for his clothes, frantically. Alyndra calmly climbed to her knees, keeping the blanket around her, and handed Dracon his soft Drow clothes. He put his pants on as fast as he could and left the carriage, still putting the jacket on. He stumbled out of the carriage in his haste. Venalina and her ladies were at the fire talking and eating. It was quiet, most of the people were still sleeping. A few soldiers wandered through the center of camp on patrol. Dracon was in quite a state, trying to fasten his jacket as he stumbled over to the fire without shoes. Talila spotted him, then giggled, he looked drunk. The others at the fire looked at Dracon coming toward them, finally on steadier feet. Venalina smiled at him as he approached, his arm pointing back at the carriage shaking his head, not saying anything. Venalina laughed and went to him, meeting him before he reached the fire.

  “I did not know she was in there, I didn’t mean to…” He said in a panicked whisper. Venalina put her hand on his mouth.

  “Shh, calm yourself,” She said smirking at him. She looked at him as if she already knew what he was going to say. It made him consider her for a moment.

  “Wait a minute, why was she even in there?” He asked, “You knew she was in there? Naked?” Venalina finished buttoning his jacket for him, then looked down at his bare feet and laughed again.

  “She was tired, we let her sleep, you still needed a few more hours as well, so we left you alone,” She grabbed his face to make him look at her. He was looking around the camp, feeling like he did something he was going to be in trouble for. Alyndra walked by, joining the others at the fire and the girls began giggling and glancing at Dracon. He started to shake his head, embarrassed and confused.

  “This will cause problems, you know that?” Dracon asked.

  “Why? You are a king, you are mighty and so is your appetite,” Venalina said.

  “What are you doing, Venalina?” Dracon asked looking down at her.

  “I want them,” She said, “And your body did too, last night.”

  “What did you do to me while I slept?” Dracon asked, “I should be allowed to sleep without being toyed with,” He started to get angry.

  “It’s fine,” Venalina said patting his cheek.

  “I almost took her this morning,” He said.

  “So,” She said turning back to the fire, “There was no almost about it last night.” He watched her leave back to the fire then looked at the girls. Did he have sex with any of them last night? “Come eat.”

  Talila gave Dracon a chunk of bread to eat while she started to cook for him. Dracon was quiet for a while as he ate, then for quite some time after. Others started to emerge from their carriages and more servants arrived to feed their masters. Dracon left the fireside, as it became crowded with servants and hungry representatives. He stood leaning against his carriage watching the bustling camp come to life. The watch changed shifts and Janouc arrived from outside the camp, leading a group of soldiers and battlemages. Janouc nodded to Dracon as the group passed by him, and he returned the nod. Alyndra and Saida came across the camp to Dracon, he started to get nervous, thinking what he would say, still unsure if what Venalina said was true, but they only wanted to go inside the carriage and replace the seats and put away blankets, to his relief. Leonid approached Dracon with a cup in hand.

  “My lord,” he said bowing, “Good day.”

  “Morning,” Dracon said shaking his head, “That is hard for me to say, I mean how do you know?”

  “We move until we are tired, then say good day. When we wake again, we say, good day, again,” Leonid smiled. Dracon chuckled, “My lord, Dangelo and I would like to request to accompany you, if you should leave the camp again.”

  “Really? Even after the Gargoyles?” Dracon asked.

  “Yes,” Leonid said, “It was painful, it was frightening. But, at the same time it was adventurous, and that is why we are here, for the adventure. I wager to say where you go, more of that will follow.”

  “I’d be glad to have you,” Dracon said extending his hand. Leonid took it and gave him a thankful shake, “Eat up, get ready, we’ll be heading out soon to scout our way ahead before we break camp.”

  “Yes, my lord,” Leonid’s eyes lit up and he hurried to tell Dangelo. As he left Janouc returned to meet with Dracon.

  “My lord,” He said bowing, “A word?” Dracon nodded and leaned back against the carriage.

  “Anything interesting out there?” Dracon asked nodding his head out of camp.

  “Much of what you would expect, the mist ahead however, is not expected,” Janouc informed him.

  “What should we have expected?” Dracon asked crossing his arms over his chest as he rested against the carriage. Janouc looked at Dracon’s jacket, distracted by it, then stepped back examining his pants and boots.

  “Is that Drow make?” Janouc asked surprised.

  “It is,” Dracon nodded as he answered.

  “That’s incredible!” Janouc moved closer, reaching to touch the fabric. Dracon held his hand up to stop him.

  “Easy,” Dracon said, backing Janouc off with an upheld hand.

  “How did you come by it?” He asked excited and curious.

  “It was given to me by a Drow, named Shynda Zolarn,” Dracon explained.

  “You met a Drow and lived? Incredible,” Janouc said amazed at Dracon.

  “It was an adventure I will never forget,” Dracon said smiling, “I want to investigate this mist and the lake soon, I want four teams with me and the rest here, watching over the camp. Leonid and Dangelo are to be among those to accompany me.”

  “I’ll see to it,” Janouc turned to immediately carry out Dracon’s orders.

  “I am going with you,” Venalina said from the open door of the carriage behind Dracon. It startled him, he didn’t see her go in or pass by him. He wasn’t entirely surprised, he knew her power, “You are not leaving me this time, my love.”

  “Who will protect your precious ones?” Dracon asked smirking.

  “I will, that’s why I’m going with you,” She stepped out of the carriage and grabbed his face kissing him, “You are my precious one,” she said then kissed him deeper. Behind him, Dracon could hear an argument among the representatives about the necessity of a mapmaker slowing them down from reaching anyone to trade with. Venalina stood on her tip toes to look over Dracon’s shoulder at the men arguing as they ate. She laughed, “They are getting road weary, my love, perhaps we should offer them a return to Qinkas?”

  “Road weary,” Dracon chuckled, it made him think how long it has been since he left his bed in Ganlin, “They don’t have any idea what it is to be road weary,” He sounded disgusted, it gave Venalina a tinge of guilt that shot through her as she looked over his shoulder at the men at the fire. She wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “I’m so sorry,” She whispered, Dracon put his hands on her hips, then hugged her. He pushed her back after a lon
g hug.

  “Get ready, we leave soon,” He smiled, “The misty lake awaits,” He said as he walked away in search of Janouc. They gathered the entire group when Dracon had his men selected, informing the caravan what he was about to do. Janouc was to stay behind and see to the safety of the camp. Dracon and his chosen team head out, north of camp. Janouc made his way to Dracon’s carriage where Venalina’s four ladies lingered, discussing their concerns for their queen leaving them.

  “Come now, ladies,” Janouc said as he approached, overhearing some of their conversation, “Do you know what power lies within your mistress?”

  “Go away, we haven’t forgotten what you said to our mistress!” Saida snapped at him.

  “Watch yourself, girl,” Janouc said with a snarl, “You could easily go missing in a miscellaneous attack from some unseen creature,” He said talking lower and lower as he moved his face closer to hers. She recoiled from him, bringing her hands up to protect herself. Alyndra stepped between them.

  “You’re the one who better watch out!” She said getting right in his face, “My Lord Dracon could snap your neck with hardly an effort, you little worm!” She growled. Janouc laughed at her backing up a step.

  “Your Lord Dracon?” he asked, “How pathetic,” he grabbed her arm and yanked her to him, “Let me tell you something, bold one,” He had a snarl on his lips, “When they find out why You’re really here, it will be your neck that is quickly and easily snapped, my dear.” He walked her around the edge of the carriage where no one could see except her sisters who followed.

  “Let her go!” Talila said hitting his arm. Janouc pushed Alyndra against the carriage and held her throat. Talila and her sisters started hitting Janouc, they were like flies to him.

  “When I tell them of the plot your father has set to assassinate Lord Dracon, what do you think he will do to you!” Janouc growled.

  “Janouc,” A battlemage on horseback that was patrolling the outside of the camp called to him, “Stop!” he said. Janouc let go of Alyndra and she grabbed her own throat, gasping, “What are you doing?”