Fire and Thorn

by Mary Vee

  “I don’t know, sire,” Said Lord Philip. “Whatever did it may also be after us.” They hid behind the dragon’s carcass and listened. There was no sound. Not a rustling in the grasses or a branch breaking. “We should keep moving, sire. Find some water to wash your wound.”

  “Wait. I need to get Pokey.” Ben turned back to the valley. “I dropped her reigns when she couldn’t keep up with the battle.” He scanned the plain and found the packhorse calmly lunching on field grass. She lifted her head when he whistled her call, blinked, and continued munching food. “Don’t make me come get you.”

  She lowered her head and ripped another mouthful. “You’re going to be sorry, Pokey.” Ben mounted Good Knight and charged after the disobedient packhorse. “Come. Pokey.” She didn’t raise her head this time. “All right. You asked for it.” He playfully waved his sword high in the air and yelled as he rode closer. For a brief heartbeat, he flicked his head to the right and stared into the woods before continuing the chase.

  Gilbert followed his line of sight and found nothing but trees. “I wonder what caught his attention.”

  “I’m sure we’ll find out as soon as he reins in that horse,” said Lord Philip.

  Pokey danced to the left, back, and around to the right with playful insubordination. Ben swooped behind her and aimed his sword at her behind. “Is it a mutiny you want? Well, Matey, you’ve gone and picked a battle with the wrong pirate. Now you’ll walk the plank.” He edged closer to her until she bolted toward Gilbert.

  The two horses joined the pack. “Well done, Sir Ben. You have earned the right to keep command of that feisty animal.”

  Ben grabbed an invisible hat from his head and bowed low. “Thank you, sire. I only ask a small pittance as a reward. Perhaps the king’s treasury room?”

  “I think not. Find another ship to rob, you greedy pirate.”

  Lord Philip and Gilbert mounted their horses. They rode into the woods to a rippling stream that crossed their path. They dismounted and let the horses drink while Lord Philip dug through the satchels for bandages.

  Gilbert walked through fresh, soft grass to the stream’s edge. He hadn’t seen such a stark green color even in Aerlis. The soil was a healthy inky black. Strips of golden sunlight splashed on tree trunks, and the sky had a shade of blue he’d not seen before. Every color was rich and vibrant. So, this was Vista.

  Lord Philip soaked strips of cloth in the cool, crystal water and tended to the king’s head wounds.

  “Owww. That hurts.” Gilbert cringed.

  “Sorry, sire, we must keep this wound clean especially with a dragon injury.” Lord Philip dabbed a few more times before bandaging Gilbert's head.

  “Nice turban, sire.” Ben smirked.

  Lord Philip had only draped one layer of bandaging. “Thanks. Keep it up and you’ll wear one too.”

  Ben smiled and reached into the stream for a drink. The water tasted clean and delicious. He smacked his lips. “This is the sweetest water I’ve ever tasted. Not even the spring near the castle is this good.”

  Gilbert sat on the bank listening to robins, blue jays, and sparrows. A rabbit popped its head out of a burrow, stared at them then scooted back to safety. He plucked a blade of grass to chew. “Ben, when you chased after Pokey, you stopped to look at something. What happened?”

  “I saw the sun reflecting on something in the woods.” He reached down for more water and savored the taste.

  “What was it?”

  Lord Philip gulped water and wiped the droplets from his beard. “He’s right, Sir Ben. With all we’ve experienced, nothing would surprise us anymore.”

  “Okay. I saw someone with an armed bow. They aimed it right at Pokey.”

  “Ben, if you saw someone holding an armed bow, how is it that more than one person aimed at Pokey?”

  He closed his eyes and paused as though rewinding his thoughts. “You’re right. There were two people. And they were dressed like the travelers we’ve been watching. Both had armed bows aimed at Pokey. When our eyes met, they disappeared into the woods.”

  Lord Philip slapped the ground. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Because I didn’t believe what I saw. The light flashed. I only saw the image for a second.”

  Lord Philip stood. “Sire, we need to leave at once.”

  Chapter Thirty

  The closer they drew to the castle the more roses lined the path. Gilbert looked ahead, amazed at the brilliant colors. “Lord Philip, I’ve never seen so many flowers.”

  “When you were very young, Aerlis had more roses than could be counted.”

  “Really? I don’t remember seeing them.” He drew in a deep breath. “My mother would love to see this place and breathe the scent. It has a calming effect.”

  “I’ve been told some citizens of Vista didn’t approve of the rose. They complained to King Roland, demanding the plants be removed. He firmly said no.”

  “What did the citizens do?”

  Lord Philip slowly closed his eyes. “Some moved to Malum.”

  Ben coughed a few times. “Malum? Were they crazy?”

  “Perhaps. Other citizens opted to move to Aerlis.”

  “My kingdom?” The idea stabbed him. “They moved to Aerlis to get away from the roses?” Impeccably groomed paths wove through rows of roses bordering fields bulging with healthy plants. A castle stood high on a hill in the distance ahead. “Which path, Lord Philip?”

  The knight pointed. “The last time I came, I learned the straight and narrow road led the way. At times it is difficult to maneuver through, but it will be the best.”

  They rode two by two with Pokey next to Ben. Every once in a while, one of the horses drifted too far to the side and screeched from a thorn prick. Droplets of blood speckled their legs. They stopped and bandaged the horses before continuing.

  They came upon a village. The road widened allowing them to ride comfortably side by side. In the town’s center, rows of benches circled a pavilion, enough to seat a whole community. The homes spanning out from the main street were small and quaint, with hearty vegetable gardens. Savory dinners cooked over fires in front yards. Children spilled out windows and through doorways playing all sorts of games. And although their hands and faces were dirty, the boys and girls stopped to bow to the visitors before continuing their play.

  They seemed so polite and happy. No one grabbed the children by the shirt and forced them to greet the visitors. He remembered the gruff adults in the northern village of Aerlis, so angry. So unhappy. He wondered what kept these kids happy.

  Gilbert commanded Promise to stop. He called to a gardener. “Excuse me.”

  A man bowed and wiped his hands on his clothing. “We’re grateful for your visit, sire. How may I be of service?”

  “Do you like living here? I mean, are the people of your village content?”

  “Why, yes. We have problems, the same as others, but we work together to solve them. We have our dreams and desires and try our best to fulfill them. If we don’t then we have learned to be content with what we have.”

  Gilbert looked at the other villagers. Mothers, fathers, and children told him about the fun events, libraries, sports, entertainment and more. “I don’t understand. Your land has healthy fruits, grasses, and trees. No matter what we do, our plants and trees die. How is it that you can be happy even when you work so hard?”

  “The only answer I have is the Rose.” He pointed in every direction around the village, “Go to King Roland. He’s gifted in explaining the answer you seek.”

  Gilbert nodded. “Thank you. I will.” He urged Promise forward out of the village as the man bowed.

  Ben rubbed his belly. “That food sure smelled good. We could go back and ask for something to eat.”

  “I don’t wish to trouble them. We’ll eat at the castle.”

  Ben sighed. “I’ll try to ward off my starvation. By the way, what do you think the gardener meant by saying ‘the Rose is the answer’? Does it have ma
gical powers?”

  Gilbert shook his head. “I don’t know. Maybe Uncle Roland will give me plants to take back to Aerlis. That would be an easy solution.”

  They neared the castle. Several guards wearing shiny silver uniforms and black boots rode toward them, blocking the path. The horses came only a few feet before the leader commanded them to stop. “We saw you from a distance and didn’t recognize you. Forgive us. Usually, a caravan escorts royal visitors.” The leader bowed deeply. The other guards followed in suit. “Now that we’re near, I recognize your forest green crest. King Gilbert of Aerlis, I presume?”

  “Yes. I came to see my uncle, King Roland.”

  “Your Majesty, we’re delighted to meet you. We welcome you to Vista. King Roland speaks kindly of your father, that is, your father’s memory.” They bowed again. “We’re deeply sorry for your loss and will gladly help in any way.” The guards all agreed.

  “Thank you for your kindness.” Gilbert pointed to Ben and Lord Philip. “Our greatest need at this moment is food and rest.”

  The lead guard eyed the bandage on Gilbert's head. “Do you also need the royal healer?”

  “No. It is only a small wound.”

  Lord Philip blurted, “It would be a good idea for the royal healer to examine his injury. I only washed it.”

  The guard signaled a few men to follow behind Gilbert and others to ride in front. He whispered to one guard who responded with a nod and rode ahead. “If you’re ready, King Gilbert, we’ll escort you to the castle.” He turned his horse and led the way up to the castle gate.

  The higher they climbed, the more Gilbert marveled at the rolling hills with ice-capped mountains behind them.

  Gilbert leaned close to Lord Philip. “This doesn’t make sense to me. We have lakes, but they don’t reflect a blue sky like these. Ours are muddy and dull. What is the difference? And why haven’t dragons invaded here? There must be a reason.”

  “I don’t know, sire. The villagers didn’t seem unhappy or show signs of harsh treatment. I saw a child with a splint on his leg, but he still played. The neighbors were laughing and working with each other when we approached them. Remember the pavilions? They probably have fun events on a regular basis.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  Promise instinctively stopped before the castle entrance. A stand of enormous cypress trees stood on either side of the gate. The massive wooden doors opened with a unit of guards poised to welcome honored guests. The lead guard raised his spear and proclaimed, “King Gilbert and guests have honored us with a visit.” Courtiers and citizens bowed and cheered as Gilbert, Ben, and Lord Philip passed through the masses.

  For the first time since his father died, Gilbert felt safe. He wasn’t afraid to be here.

  They rode through a long outer bailey before reaching the first protective curtain wall. A second bailey followed with a third beyond the next curtain. At the gate to the innermost wall, rows of trumpeters wearing silver capes held their instruments upright, poised to play. Each wore shiny black shoes and a silver uniform. The lead guard raised his sword to command their attention. They raised their instruments and sounded a tribute.

  When the fanfare ended, Gilbert's attention leaped to a man dressed in a scarlet, royal robe. A gold crown sat on his head. He stood on the highest step of the entrance to the castle. Gilbert couldn’t wait another moment. He slid off his horse and bowed to his uncle uncertain if protocol allowed him to run and hug him or if he must wait for approval.

  King Roland opened his arms wide, inviting Gilbert to approach. “Welcome to Vista. How is my favorite nephew?”

  Gilbert studied his uncle’s face, surprised to see similarities. “We look alike.” He had the same thick, black hair, dark brown eyes, and thick eyebrows. And he was short, like him. “I’m so happy to finally meet you. I have so many questions.”

  “Yes. Well, you must be tired and hungry from your journey.” He turned to a steward nearby. “Escort my nephew and his guests to their quarters. Give them food and drink and see that the royal healer looks at his injuries.” He turned back to Gilbert. “I’m delighted to see you. We’ll talk more in the morning after you are rested.” He stepped aside. “Now take your leave. Enjoy a nice meal.”

  “But, Uncle, I need to speak with you now.”

  “Tomorrow, Gilbert.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Sir Robert plopped in his chair and set his chin on his hand. He’d received no message from King Gilbert in a long time. The kingdom had been nothing but problems since he left. Robert couldn’t wait to give the job back to him.

  “Lord Regent. Are you all right, my lord?” The captain of the guard approached him.

  “Yes. Of course.” He sat up. “What brings you?”

  “I have a report.” Timon came to attention.

  “What is it?” Sir Robert leaned forward. “News of King Gilbert?”

  “Yes and no. As you recall I sent my five best men to investigate the disappearance of those two escapees.” He swallowed hard. “One returned this morning.”

  “One. Are the others with King Gilbert?”

  “Sir Thaddeus is in the hallway if you would like to speak with him.”

  The report had to be devastating for Timon to defer the news to someone else. “Send him in.”

  A bedraggled man limped into the room with Timon’s assistance. Bandages draped loosely around his head, one arm rested in a sling, and blood stains soiled his ragged uniform. He trembled while attempting to bow. “Your Grace.” Timon stayed by his side, holding his good arm for support.

  “What happened? Where are the rest of the men?”

  Sir Thaddeus stood at attention the best he could. Besides his injuries, he appeared to have problems formulating an answer. “We raced to the north in pursuit of the two escapees as ordered and picked up their trail right away. Sir William’s tracking skills sped up the process. We rode west along the rim of the canyon where steep terrain had powdery, dry soil that crumbled over the edge and sprinkled down to the depths below. We nearly fell more than once before closing in on their position.” He teetered almost to collapsing on the floor.

  “Timon, help him to a chair before he faints. And give him water.”

  “Yes, my lord.” Timon guided the knight to a chair and handed him a flask.

  He drank then cleared his throat. “Thank you.” His eyes moved to the left and right as though trying to remember details. “My lord, we rode past the canyon and followed them up a hill. They whipped their horses terribly to gain speed. We stayed close but hidden. Once we reached the top, they seemed to have vanished.

  “From the high vantage, we scanned the area. Two knights looking south. Two north. And I to the west. The intense desert sun blotted our view as two arrows flew swift and true, each killing a knight. The rest of us leapt off our horses and ran for cover behind a boulder. Arrows continued to pummel us.

  “Sir William created a diversion while Sir Dillion circled to the right and me to the left. Sir William poised his weapon and charged at the tree where they hid. The man drew his sword and made a high pitched shrill.” Sir Thaddeus covered his ears. “The sound still torments me.

  “As I crept behind them, I saw a large object in the sky. From that distance, it seemed to be a bird. When it flew closer, I realized it was a dragon. It flew directly at Sir William. He didn’t see the creature until it was too late. In three heartbeats, the foul creature spewed fire turning our leader into a torch. The stench pushed its way through the air to us. Sir Dillion emptied his stomach onto the ground. He wiped his mouth and stood straight with his sword raised. He located the monster and charged full-bore. As he ran, he lifted his weapon higher before coiling his arm back and thrusting a blow. The dragon lifted out of his reach and exhaled another ball of fire. In a flash, he, too, met the same demise.”

  Sir Thaddeus lowered his head. Clearly, exhaustion robbed his energy, but he continued the report. “The man and woman laughed. They waved as if th
anking the dragon and turned back to their horses. I waited for the creature to fly away then pulled an arrow out and set it in the bow. The man saw me. Faster than lightning he armed and released his weapon.” Thaddeus closed his eyes as he labored to breathe. His fist curled into a tight ball.

  He grabbed the flask and emptied the last drops. “Forgive me, your Grace.”

  “I understand, more than you know, Sir Thaddeus. Continue when you’re ready.”

  “Thank you.” He closed his eyes briefly then sighed. “The destruction of my fellow knights stole my training. I was a fool for not having my weapon ready to fire. The spy’s arrow hit below my left shoulder, knocking me to the ground. Darkness crept over my eyes. As my sight left, I heard that wicked couple laugh again. The man shouted, ‘Now that we’re rid of the hounds, let’s complete our mission.’

  “I don’t know how much time passed before I woke and found them gone. The arrow had me pinned to the ground. I rolled over and yanked the weapon out then ripped a piece of my uniform to stop the bleeding. Somehow, I mounted my horse and returned. I don’t remember anything else. I apologize, Your Grace, for not pursuing those villains farther. I assumed you’d want the information right away.”

  “Thank you, Sir Thaddeus.” Regent Robert turned to Timon. “Take him to the chamber next to Matthias. Have the royal healer see to his wounds.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  Thaddeus limped two steps then stopped. “Your Grace, I just remembered one thing more.”

  “Yes?”

  He faced the regent. “As I neared the canyon on my return trip, I saw two bodies deep on the southern side, where no one could see from the castle. One wore a long yellow garment.”

  The regent stepped closer. “Are you quite sure?”

  “Yes.”

  Timon swept his hand over the back of his neck and spoke in unison with Regent Robert. “The missing ambassadors from Vista.”

  “Your Grace, I could be wrong. I blacked out for much of the trip back.”