Fire and Thorn

by Mary Vee

  “We used all our battle tactics and fought with every drop of strength we possessed. I planned to trap the enemy in their own facility by destroying the mechanism from the outside. As I shouted the order to get out, Sir James dove to the ground as if he’d been injured. He groped through the enemy boots and slid past attacking blades, reaching for a rolled-up parchment.

  “He reached the mark and grabbed the scroll then scooted back toward the safety of our shields. Unfortunately, before he could hand it to us—” Philip sighed and cleared his throat. “An enemy guard plunged his sword into Sir James’s back then stole the parchment from his dying hands.

  “I commanded my team to get to the surface and destroy the mechanism before the enemy followed.” He closed his eyes for a moment. “There were probably other exits. The enemy pelted us with spears and shouts of anger as the door sealed. We raced through the woods and across the border hoping to find you camped nearby.” He looked from Gilbert to Ben. “We were thankful to find you here.”

  “I’m sorry. Aerlis has lost a valiant and loyal warrior. He will be memorialized upon my return to the castle.”

  “Thank you, sire.”

  Elizabeth and her children entered the tent, arms filled with food. “Gentlemen, we’ve prepared a meal for you.”

  “Thank you,” said Gilbert. “Come in.”

  As she served the knights, Elizabeth turned to Gilbert. “Lord Chancellor Matthias called for you moments ago.”

  “Thank you.” She left the tent as he stood.

  “Have your men eat their fill and rest, Lord Philip. I and the others from my team appreciate your efforts in our escape. We must be prepared, though. Soldiers from the ruins may try to cross the border and attack.”

  Gilbert walked to the chancellor’s tent. He didn’t look forward to seeing Matthias’s injuries, but proceeded inside and sat near the bed. The beating left the chancellor’s eyes still swollen. “How are you feeling?”

  “Life has treated me better in the past, sire. You said something about scrolls found at the ruins last night?”

  “I found several but managed to sneak out only three. These have a special mark on the back.”

  “I assume you’ve read them. May I know what they said?”

  Gilbert offered water to Matthias. “I didn’t see the answer to our problem anywhere in them. One document recorded the Keepers of the Kingdom Oath.”

  “I’ve never heard of that.”

  “Yes, well, I’ll get to that later. A second was a map. No writing. Only drawings. The third document had the same poem the man recited to us two days ago. I wish now I had gathered more scrolls, but these three had a special mark. According to Lord Philip—”

  “Lord Philip is here, sire?”

  “Yes. He and three other knights rescued us. They said Regent Robert sent them.”

  “Very good. What do you want to do next, sire?”

  “I think I should go to Vista.” Gilbert sat closer and spoke softer. “I have a question for you. What did you see in the interrogation room? What did the interrogator look like?”

  Matthias pushed himself to a sitting position. He groaned when setting the cup back on the ground. “The room had ornate wood carvings etched in the paneling. The cedar smell surprised me since other areas in the underground ruin reeked of foul odors. The interrogator sat on an opulent chair. I might even call it a throne. He hid behind a thin veil preventing me from seeing his true appearance. Strangely enough, I saw a green object on the floor poking underneath the veil, snake-like in shape. No, perhaps it was a tail.”

  “Are you saying the interrogator was actually a dragon or serpent?”

  “I didn’t say that, sire. My observations are reported without interpretation. I’ve never heard of a dragon speaking to humans. Most likely a snake happened to crawl near the chair the moment I looked. The remainder of my time in the interrogation room involved guards using my body for a boxing training.” Matthias wiped sweat from his forehead. “Will we return to the castle today, sire?”

  “You will.” Gilbert stood. “A few knights will escort you, Elizabeth, and her children back to the castle. Ben and I will go to Vista.”

  Matthias leaned back on his bed. “A wise decision, sire. Yes.” He yawned. “Very wise.”

  “I’ll leave you alone to rest and heal. We can talk later.” The chancellor’s snores followed Gilbert outside.

  In the Knights’ tent, Elizabeth had set up a clinic in one corner. She busily wrapped a bandage around one of the injured men’s hands. Bedding for the knights covered the back half. In another corner, a makeshift table sat on pegs. Lord Philip slid over to make room for Gilbert. “She took advantage of the time you were gone to mend our wounds. She’s an excellent nurse.”

  “I’m not surprised.” He thought about giving her a job in the castle when he returned if she needed one. “Thank you, Elizabeth.”

  She bowed and left the tent

  “What are the plans?” asked Lord Philip.

  “I’d like everyone’s input. Those who are well enough, join me in discussing possibilities, then viable solutions.”

  Gilbert pulled out the scrolls from his tunic and unrolled them on the table. Ben grabbed a few rocks and put them on the corners. Gilbert sat back giving the senior knights a moment to look at the documents. “I took these from the ruins. Ben and I have gone over every word and haven’t found anything we could use to save Aerlis. These parchments were the only ones with a special mark on the back. We’d been told the poem from this first scroll and used it to decipher the location of the scrolls. The map in this second one needs more information, some words that make any sense. The oath in the third is interesting, but nothing useful at this time.”

  Ben leaned forward. “Don’t forget the differences in markings from the shields and these scrolls, sire.”

  Gilbert pointed to the intricately painted borders. “See here where the Keeper of the Kingdom’s Oath has long stemmed roses with red buds entwined along the sides? The storeroom, where we hid the horses, had shelves of weapons. Each shield had this same double K entwined at the top but a different decoration along the side. Long narrow dragons with red eyes and fire spewing from their mouths wrapped the outer edges.”

  Lord Philip steepled his fingers. “This evidence confirms a greater danger than we realized, sire. Great King be praised that more harm did not come to any of us. Perhaps there are forces using the good reputation and virtues of the empire for an evil gain.”

  So, an outside enemy wanted to take over the empire and conquered King Ivan’s kingdom first with plans to conquer Aerlis. It made sense. “I agree, Lord Philip. Poor Uncle Ivan. I hope he is safe. This is a battle greater than one of swords. Of the three kingdoms, Vista is the only one that doesn’t have dragons at this time. I need to go there and ask my uncle what he has done to protect his citizens. You and the knights take Matthias, Elizabeth, her children, and the discovered scrolls back to the castle. Lock the parchments in a safe place and set up stronger protection for the borders and the castle. Ben will go with me to Vista.”

  Lord Philip looked at the knights. They slowly shook their heads. “Sire, if I may suggest, these knights proved valuable in your journey to Malum. Reconsider your plan and allow at least two of them to accompany you for protection.”

  “No. The safety of our people is paramount, Lord Philip. According to your testimony, enemy soldiers have probably left the ruins and are preparing to march on this kingdom. With that huge storehouse of weapons and strong army, their attack on Aerlis could be devastating. The more men we have here to protect the border and the castle, the better.”

  Gilbert looked at the knights seated around the table one by one. Their wounds should heal soon. “Let’s compromise.” One strong knight plus Ben and him, all trained as knights should keep them safe. “Lord Philip, I’d like you to escort us. Appoint a leader for the others. The rest of you, take the injured back to the castle where they can continue receiving medical ca
re.”

  Lord Philip immediately turned to Geoffrey. “Lead the team back to the castle. Assign knights and soldiers across the northern border and at the castle. Be prepared for war.”

  Gilbert stood. He handed the scrolls to Geoffrey. “Our fight is no small one. Lives will be lost and saved. The sooner we learn how to rid Aerlis of the evil, the sooner we can return to a peaceful kingdom. Dedicate your honor, your very life to saving our citizens.”

  The knights stood and bowed. “You have our pledge, sire,” said Geoffrey.

  “Good. Break camp.”

  The knights quickly packed their belongings and cleaned up the campfire. They set Matthias on a horse with a knight and assigned the children and Elizabeth to their rides.

  With everyone mounted and ready to leave, Gilbert turned in his saddle. “Tell Regent Robert my wishes for Elizabeth and her children are for them to be placed in a good home. I look forward to seeing you all well when I return.”

  “You have our word, sire,” said Geoffrey. “May the Great King speed your journey.” The knights rode off to the south.

  Gilbert, Sir Ben, and Lord Philip rode west on the highway leading to Vista. As they crested the first hill, Ben pointed to riders in the distance. “Those travelers are riding slow enough for us to catch up and set camp near them tonight. It will be safer.”

  Gilbert shaded the afternoon sun. “Seems like a good idea. What do you think, Philip?”

  “I don’t know. If we reach them before nightfall, we can investigate then decide.”

  “They might have warm food. A bowl of hot stew instead of cold meats.” Ben rubbed his stomach. “Couldn’t hurt, after all, we are three knights who could protect ourselves. I’d raise my sword to protect a hot meal.”

  Fresh, hot food. Yum. Gilbert told Promise to go faster.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Regent Robert tapped the wall at the places where the guard indicated the thumping noise. “Listen. It’s hollow here. There’s a space between this wall and the outer one.” He tapped higher, lower, to the left, and right. “There’s got to be a secret door here. It’s the only way those two could have escaped.” He flattened his hand against the surface, searching floor to ceiling then slammed his fist hard and huffed. “Nothing. There’s no release anywhere.” He turned as Timon approached. “Captain, report.”

  “The stableman witnessed that slithering couple sneaking out the bailey through the East Gate. They’ve turned north. Our best men are tracking them.”

  “This is the second time spies have escaped.” Regent Robert paced a few steps to calm down. “Our problem is greater than we first anticipated. Those two can’t possibly have a solid reason to be here. They’re impostors and have kept constant tabs not only on this castle but also on the king.”

  “There must be a network of spies providing up-to-date intelligence to a master source.” Timon folded his arms.

  “I agree. First, the ambassadors from Malum kidnapped the representatives from Vista at the coronation. We’ve never found them. Second, there was that couple who threatened two of our citizens then escaped, outriding the guards on the first day I held court. This is my third day in charge and another incident happens right before our eyes.” He thought for a moment. “I’m beginning to think the same man and woman participated in all three events.”

  “Oh, come now, Regent Robert, you can’t be serious. There’s no way ambassadors would lower themselves to dress as commoners. Even if they tried, their courtly upbringing would have shown through their disguise.”

  “All right. What do you think happened?”

  “As I said earlier, it’s a network of spies. We need to lock down the castle and only allow those who are clearly Aerlis citizens to enter.”

  “You’re asking a lot. Do you have the manpower to investigate each individual that visits?”

  Timon snapped to attention. “My men and I are ready to protect the kingdom. I also suggest a thorough search of the castle.”

  “Very well. You have my permission.”

  Timon saluted and left.

  The guards pushed the crowds back and out of the castle as Robert ordered. Villagers protested the identification inspection, shouting, “We never had to prove citizenship before.” A man raised his fist. “King Gilbert must be behind this.” Another said, “Why can’t he rule as his father did?”

  The whole mess revived a terrible headache. Robert looked down the hall where Katia carried a load of laundry and remembered the intruders’ evil stare at her. Maybe they didn’t want anything from the castle. Maybe their business involved her. Of all the servants singled out. Why her? He wouldn’t disturb her work with questions now but planned to ask the next time she served him a meal.

  He walked into the Great Hall and sat near a window. Outside and near the gate, a group of citizens gathered. They suddenly parted and bowed as if for royals approaching. He dashed out the castle door and pushed his way through the people, searching for the king. Three Aerlis knights escorted a family and the chancellor.

  Sir Geoffrey urged his horse forward. “Regent Robert, we’ve come with information and to deliver Lord Chancellor Matthias. May we enter the court?”

  Matthias lay limp and pale. “Yes, please do.” He turned to the guards. “Take the chancellor to his chamber and call for the royal healer to attend him at once.”

  They tenderly lowered Matthias’s frail frame from the horse. He groaned. “Carefully,” Regent Robert reminded them.

  “Also, King Gilbert sent orders,” said Sir Geoffrey. “He wants a home provided for this woman and her children. He rescued her from the enemy. She, in turn, cared for Matthias and saved his life.”

  He turned to the woman. “On behalf of King Gilbert, welcome.” He turned to a servant. “Take them inside and prepare a meal for them.” Once the family left, he turned back to Timon. “Have someone keep an eye on her until we know she isn’t a spy. I don’t expect it since King Gilbert gave his approval. I just want to be cautious.” The captain nodded and left.

  The regent faced the remaining men. “Come with me.”

  The knights followed him into the Great Hall. He directed them to chairs around a table and ordered food and drink. “Give me a report. Where is King Gilbert?”

  Sir Geoffrey, a tall, lean knight with fiery red hair stood first and bowed in respect. The regent gave him permission to speak.

  “Lord Regent, at your command, Lord Philip’s tracking skills led us to King Gilbert. We found his team hiding in underground ruins in Malum. Enemy soldiers discovered their presence and waged an attack. The chancellor sustained a beating from an interrogator. King Gilbert and Sir Ben were credited with his rescue.

  “The woman and her children took refuge from dragons in the same ruins. They hid from the soldiers until the king found them. She gave healing herbs to Lord Chancellor Matthias and bandaged his wounds. She also led king Gilbert to a hidden chest filled with valuable scrolls. He salvaged a few. During the escape, Sir James suffered a mortal wound.”

  “Sir James?” The regent flopped back in his chair. “Not Sir James. He and I fought alongside in many battles. He…he was a friend…a close friend.” The regent bowed his head and mourned his friend.

  “He died in an attempt to rescue an important scroll. Sadly, the enemy stole the parchment before he could hand it to us. Once out of Malum, King Gilbert studied the retrieved three scrolls and seemed unsatisfied with the information. He sent them with us for further study, seeking an answer to save the kingdom. In the meantime, he is riding to Vista with Sir Ben and Lord Philip seeking his uncle’s wisdom and has sent orders to increase the number of guards on the borders.”

  Regent Robert stood. “Where are these scrolls?”

  “With the Chancellor.”

  “Very well. You’re going to need rest. All of you. Meet me at dawn. You have a new mission.”

  The regent walked to the kitchen where the woman and her children sat. The boy and girl giggled and ate as if t
hey hadn’t received nourishment in a long time. Katia gathered their dishes then served sweetmeats. He sat down and took some food and found himself laughing with the kids. “Katia, have the steward arrange rooms for our guests.”

  “Yes, Lord Regent.” She bowed and left.

  The children jumped from their chairs. “We get to stay in the castle tonight? Really?”

  Sir Robert laughed. “Yes, you do. Tomorrow we’ll find you a home.”

  Elizabeth closed her eyes. “Thank you. We can’t begin to express our gratitude.”

  “You’ll have to tell me your story. Maybe after you’re settled in a home.”

  “Elizabeth, children.” Katia stood at the door. She knelt to kid height and smiled. “Follow me. I’ll take you to your rooms.”

  “Thank you for your generosity, Lord Regent.” The three guests bowed then left, skipping behind Katia.

  With no one remaining in line to meet with him for the first time since King Gilbert left, Robert took the opportunity to visit Chancellor Matthias. On the second floor and two rooms down, a door stood open with two guards posted. “Lord Regent.”

  Robert walked inside and to the chancellor’s bedside. He gazed down at Matthias’s battered body. “Are you awake?”

  The chancellor pushed an eyebrow up to force one eye open, but the swelling didn’t let him. “Yes, King Gilbert, how may I assist you?”

  “Lord Chancellor, it is I, Regent Robert. King Gilbert isn’t here.”

  “Oh, pardon me. I trust all is well with the kingdom?”

  “Could be better. Can you tell me about King Gilbert's journey? Has it been profitable?”

  Matthias struggled to sit up. Robert adjusted the blankets for support and handed him his drink from the table. The chancellor sipped then swallowed. “Thank you.” He handed the flask back. “We met a man and woman who told us a verse, one that spoke of hidden scrolls containing secrets of the empire and the solution to ridding Aerlis of dragons. Clues along the way confirmed the information. While in the ruins, King Gilbert found the scrolls and carried some to safety. One of them contained the same verse the man and woman recited to us. As you probably heard, Sir James perished while attempting to retrieve the fourth scroll. The journey was difficult and reminded me of my old aches. It wasn’t kind to my backside, either.”