Fire and Thorn

by Mary Vee

  “I’d take either one at this point.” Gilbert brushed sand off his clothes. “We won’t be able to drink the salty water, but we’ll have crossed the desert.”

  The captain sent two guards ahead to investigate. At the top of the next dune, they shouted, “Water.”

  Gilbert couldn’t wait to see the sea. “Race you to the top, Ben.” His friend eagerly agreed.

  The king’s destrier easily won. At the dune’s peak, he patted Promise. “Look down there, girl. You’ll be trotting on that beach soon.”

  Good Knight trudged up the last few feet of sand and stood by Promise. Ben wiped sweat from his brow. “Phew. That was work. Hey, look at that crystal blue water and the sun reflecting. It’s a beautiful sight, sire. Reminds me of home. Want to race down?”

  “No, I’ll let Promise go at her own speed.” But Promise, being a competitive animal, soared ahead with Good Night to the water’s edge and splashed along the shore, soaking her coat. Gilbert laughed. “Promise, stop.” She came to a gentle halt. He dismounted then left her to cool her legs and hoofs by frolicking in the water.

  The guards, Count Godwin, and Ben also dismounted and drenched themselves in the cool sea, laughing and splashing each other. The water play lightened their spirits and rinsed grains of sand away. After cooling the desert heat from their skin, they waded to the shore and called the mares together. Each man tended to his own horse then relaxed on the shore.

  Ben watched the waves play tag. “How much farther to the castle?”

  The count looked down the beach to the east. “We should arrive there tomorrow at noon.”

  “Does that include traveling tonight?” Gilbert asked.

  “No, sire. If we continued through the night, we would arrive early in the morning, maybe sooner. However, there are dangers. By camping, we’d have the benefit of a watch, be rested, and have the warmth of a fire.”

  Resting and safety mattered, Gilbert understood. Getting back to the castle and saving the kingdom mattered too. “I’ll think about it. Let’s ride until the sun goes down, break for supper, then decide.”

  “Very well, sire.”

  They mounted then urged their horses to trot along the beach with two guards in front, two in the middle and two in the back. The kingdom’s survival weighed heavy on Gilbert with every step Promise took. If they rode faster, they might cover enough land by the supper break to simply finish the trip. “Gallop, Promise.”

  The horses in front and behind kept up with the pace Promise set. When reds and oranges turned to salmon sunset colors in the sky, the shades reflected on the sea in a brilliant show. Gilbert marveled. He rarely had the opportunity to see dusk’s view near the sea.

  Ben rode up next to him. “I’m mighty hungry, sire. We’re talking starvation. Think we can stop for supper?”

  “Good idea. This is a nice flat area with plenty of driftwood for a fire.” Gilbert commanded Promise to halt.

  The captain took charge of setting up a camp then delegated duties for supper preparations and caring for the horses.

  Gilbert stepped into the cool water. “Can you tell how much farther we must travel, Count?”

  “Barring any problems, we could arrive at moon’s full light, sire, I advise camping tonight, though.”

  Gilbert nodded and swooshed his feet in the water. A big piece of driftwood rested across two stones, set up for seating around the campfire.

  Ben scooted over to make room for him. “I’ll get you something to eat, sire.” He returned shortly with an armful of bread, smoked meat, and figs. “The guards are complaining they hear rattlesnakes. With all their training, you’d think they’d duel with the rattlers and add them to the menu.”

  “So, you’re not afraid of snakes?”

  Ben puffed up his chest. “Nope.”

  “Then that rattler behind you wouldn’t disturb you?”

  “The what?” Ben sprang up, dumping his food on the ground, and whirled around. He reached for the hilt of his sword and clumsily drew it out of its sheath all the while screaming, “Where? Where is it?” He whipped his sword to the left. “Stop toying with me, sire. Where is it?”

  The guards had gathered to see the commotion. Instead of drawing their swords and rescuing Ben the fledgling, they folded their arms and burst out laughing.

  Ben squinted at Gilbert then at the ground. He reached down and picked up a long, narrow, jagged piece of driftwood. “Funny, very funny.”

  The guards laughed so loud they had to wipe tears. Gilbert stifled the urge for only a moment before laughing too.

  Once they finished their meal, the captain approached Gilbert privately. “All joking aside, sire, I witnessed several rattlers squirming near the horses a while ago. A constant watch would not fully protect the mares, much less prevent them from panicking.”

  Gilbert stood. He shifted to the right and looked beyond the guard where the horses stood. “What do you suggest?”

  “I think we should break camp and finish the journey. Any possible dangers between here and the castle would dwarf rattlesnake attacks.”

  “I agree.” Gilbert turned to the others. “Gather around.” He waited for all the guards and the count to join them. “Considering the dangers with the rattlers we will break camp and continue the journey home to Aerlis tonight.”

  “Yes, sire.” They said.

  The moon shone brightly from the growing cloudless sky. A velvet black background showed off clusters of diamond-bright stars, helping the workers see what to pack. The captain called them to mount and led the riders, keeping close to the shore. Coyotes howled an evening serenade from inland. Gilbert didn’t mean to, but he nodded off to sleep several times only to suddenly awaken when his horse dipped or stepped over obstacles.

  As a sliver of dawn broke the night sky, Gilbert rubbed the sleep from his eyes. In the near distance, a chain of lights floated in the air like a string of pearls. “Someone lit torches along the castle wall for us. Look, Ben.”

  “It’s a magnificent sight, sire. This must be what if feels like to ride home after a mission as a knight.”

  Gilbert thought the same. The reason he left was to learn how to save his citizens. He’d successfully accomplished that task. Two days ago, he wasn’t sure which of the two answers he should follow. Riding along the peaceful southern seashore and seeing home in the distance, energized him to choose what must be done to save the kingdom.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  The castle guard sounded the alarm.

  Sir Robert ran out of the entrance half in his nightshirt, half in his armor, shouting, “Where is the intruder?” He stepped on a stone with his bare feet. “Oooooo that hurt. Captain Timon, what’s going on?”

  “Calm down, Regent Robert. It is I, King Gilbert.”

  The regent snapped to attention, stared into the dark night air for a moment then bowed. “Sire, I, I ahh, you’re here. Welcome home.”

  “Thank you.” Gilbert pointed to the men with him. “We’re tired. Have the steward show these men accommodations.”

  “Yes, sire. Right away.” He led them through the grand entrance.

  Standing in front of the castle roused the kind of warmth one only found at home. He now understood the knights’ spirit of content after they returned from their missions. The trip to Malum and Vista had been his first time anywhere outside the protected walls. He couldn’t wait to sleep in his own bed. He yawned.

  “Excuse me, sire,” the captain of Vista’s guards said. “King Roland commanded us to leave immediately after delivering you. My men and I had agreed to return to our duties protecting Vista’s northern borders from the dragons.”

  “You’ve had a long journey. Since I robbed you of last night’s sleep, I insist you first rest and have a meal before returning.”

  “Thank you. We would appreciate the hospitality. We will, however, need to leave shortly after our slumber.”

  “Very well. If I don’t see you before you depart, please give my greetings to Ki
ng Roland.” Gilbert turned to the count. “May the Great King speed your travel to Vista.”

  “If I may, sire. I’d like to offer my assistance. King Roland commanded me to help until the dragons and thistles have left Aerlis. I would be honored to fulfill this duty.” The count bowed.

  He had proven a great help in the desert. “I will consider your offer and speak with you on the morrow.” Gilbert left his guests in the hands of his staff and walked up the main staircase.

  “Sire.” Robert thumped up the stairs until he caught up to him. “I’m glad you returned safely. How was your trip? Did you find the answers you wanted?”

  “I discovered two good but very different solutions to ridding Aerlis of the dragons.” He yawned. “Let’s meet in the morning. You can tell me what happened while I was gone.”

  “Yes, sire.”

  The door to Gilbert's apartment stood open. Katia crouched near the fireplace stoking the flames. She stood when he entered and wiped her hands on her apron. “Welcome back, sire. We thought you might be hungry or thirsty. I placed a tray on the table for you. The taste tester has already checked the food.” She bowed.

  “Thank you.” Gilbert watched her walk to the door until she disappeared into the corridor. It was nice to be back in Aerlis. He broke off a piece of bread and cheese then warmed himself before the crackling fire. Flickers of flames mesmerized his thoughts and made him sleepier.

  He walked to his bed barely able to keep his eyes open and sat on the soft matting. He swung his legs up and reached for the bed curtains. A large dark bird-like being whisked past the window. He rushed to the sill and leaned out. Off to the right and low in the sky, a dragon banked then flew back toward him. As it neared, the light from the villagers’ fires illuminated its dark green scales. They appeared shiny and smooth. The eyes had a golden hue and its wings stretched broad.

  Dragons had always been considered evil, frightening creatures, but this one by far was more beautiful than any flying creature he had seen.

  The dragon hovered outside Gilbert’s window. “Welcome home, King of Aerlis. I have been waiting for your return. My name is Lord Magus.”

  Oddly enough, hearing it speak didn’t surprise Gilbert. Perhaps the lack of sleep toyed with his mind. He wasn’t sure. But he was intrigued.

  “We’ve met before, your majesty.”

  Gilbert said, “Yes. You want to restore the empire.”

  “That is true. We must first bring back those who have strayed from the founding principles. Don’t you agree?”

  “Of course, Lord Magus, but I’m only interested in helping Aerlis.”

  “Yes. And Aerlis has the same problems as Malum.”

  “I suppose. Dragons have invaded, killing our people.” Gilbert’s thoughts suddenly seemed fuzzy. He closed his eyes, recalling the facts. He remembered the weapons-making room, the cruel soldiers, and the prison in Malum. “Your army wants to destroy Aerlis, doesn’t it? Tell the truth.” This creature deceived him once already. He wouldn’t let it happen again.

  The dragon leaned its monstrous head back and laughed. “You amuse me, King Gilbert. We only want the citizens of Aerlis to understand their need for our help. With the death of your father and the disappearance of the roses, your people will choose to do what seems right to them on their own. They are confused, that’s all. The presence of dragons will awaken them and show them their need to restore the land, as it has for you. The Keepers of the Kingdom will protect them. Join us. As a unified army, we can help other countries, too.”

  “Lord Magus, what help do other countries need?”

  Magus flew closer to the windowsill, towering over the young king, and said, “There are those who believe a quest to the Valley of Sharon to find a mysterious rose will bring them peace. Rumors say the flower is in a desert terrain and can only be seen with the bright, morning star, and this valley must be entered through a narrow gate that is difficult to find. I’ve seen valiant men and women go on this quest. They enter the valley from many directions, including the narrow gate, and give up long before reaching their goal. Sad how men and women misinterpret the very scrolls you found. Others have believed tales told by people who claim to know how to bring peace to their land.”

  “Lord Magus, the scroll clearly instructs the reader to go to the Valley of Sharon.”

  “Yes, it does. But, as you have discovered on your journey to Malum, there’s a large, flat, open field, which hides the ruins where you found the scrolls. The word Sharon means ‘large level, open country.’ You do understand that unless an important document speaks in code, anyone could discover its truth.”

  “Yes, I understand.”

  “Ponder what I have said.” The dragon lifted its wings and flew away.

  Gilbert crawled onto his bed and closed the bed curtains. He vaguely remembered drawing the blankets over his arms and landing on his pillow.

  A light tapping on the door made him spring to a sitting position. He yanked the bed curtains open. “Who’s there?”

  “Excuse me, sire.” Katia inched the door open. “I have your dinner. The cooks prepared your favorite foods: roast pork, boiled artichokes, and apples.”

  “How long have I been asleep?”

  “Since before dawn, sire. The sun is setting.”

  Gilbert pressed his feet to the floor. “That long? Unbelievable.” He sat at the table beside the window and waited for the royal taste tester to finish his job then ate the stringy artichokes. He preferred sweet asparagus.

  During his meal, Katia straightened the room. He longed to have a genuine conversation with her except her duties always kept her so busy. “Did everything go well while I was gone?”

  She rubbed her hands on her apron. “I’m not told the business of the castle. There seemed some exciting moments, though. I assume Regent Robert will tell you everything.” She bowed then continued her work.

  Gilbert looked out the window. The sun dipped deep into the horizon leaving dark purples and red remnants. Stars dotted the sky, and peasants lit evening fires. The swishing sound of sea waves in the distance soothed his troubled spirit. A measure of guilt bothered him for not checking on his uncle’s valued advisor. As far as he knew, Count Godwin had never visited this castle in the past. “Katia?” He turned when she didn’t answer and saw she had left.

  Outside his apartment, a guard remained posted for the king’s needs. Gilbert opened the door. “I need to meet with the count from Vista.”

  “Yes, sire.”

  Gilbert returned to the window while he waited. Finding shapes in the fires below and stars above was a peaceful activity he typically enjoyed until a bat unexpectedly flew into his room and flittered close to his face. “Get out of here.” He swatted at the pest that sharply turned and flew back out the window the same moment the guard announced the count’s presence. How embarrassing. Gilbert tugged at his tunic and walked to the conference table. “Come in.” He directed the count to a chair.

  Count Godwin nodded. “Thank you for receiving me. Your uncle is a wise man. I know I am not him. Still, I would like to help.” The count’s eyes appeared kindly as his uncle’s had, and his voice sounded gentle as if he truly cared.

  “Perhaps you can.” Gilbert turned to the window. “The people of my kingdom struggle and work hard to live each day. I believe my uncle told you what happened here.”

  “Yes. I’m sorry for your losses. Stepping into the king’s position must be difficult.”

  “It is.” Gilbert joined him at the table. “Last night, I knew what to do.” He laid his head in his hands. “Today, I received new counsel. There is only time for one solution. The wrong one will destroy those people down there. I don’t know what to do.”

  “I understand you are torn. Kings frequently are.” Lord Godwin drank from his flagon and set it back on the table. “You’ve worked hard to find a way to save Aerlis.” He leaned back in his chair. “You searched for wisdom from others and have found two distinct ways to possibly sav
e your kingdom.” He poured himself more water. “I haven’t heard if you’ve asked for the Great King’s help.”

  “The Great King? I need help with my kingdom and to learn how to be a king before devoting time to him.” He glanced toward the doorway and saw his regent waiting. “Robert?”

  The knight approached the table. “A messenger brought news, sire. Several dragons have crossed our north and east borders. Fire has destroyed four homes, and three people have been killed.”

  There was so much to do in such a short time. “Thank you, Sir Robert. Meet me in the portico. I want to hear your report from when I was gone.”

  “Yes, sire.”

  Gilbert turned to the count. “I’m sorry. I need to take care of a few things. Can we talk another time?” He stood giving the count liberty to leave the table.

  The count rose from his chair. He steepled his fingers, it seemed he too had much on his mind, and walked out of the room.

  The chamber that only recently belonged to his father felt empty. Gilbert’s heart ached, weighing heavy in his chest. He left the room and walked through the corridors until he happened by the portico where the family paintings hung. He longed to see his father and mother.

  The door creaked. Inside he looked for Robert and found the regent hadn’t arrived yet. His shoes clacked on the marble floor as he moved from one painting to the next. He stopped at Uncle Ivan’s portrait and found himself drawn to the eyes. They had an odd shape, ovals, like a dragon. He quickly turned away and stood before the canvas of his father, a man with such a gentle spirit. Gilbert sat on a chair, facing the comforting canvas and drew his knees close to his chest.

  The door opened, and Robert walked inside. “You asked me to meet with you, sire?”

  “Come in. I hope you have good news to share.”

  “Thank you, sire.” The regent pulled up a chair. “First, I’d like to return to my knight title and let you take over leadership.”