The Fourth Realm (Realms Gate)

by Juliet Anderson

  “Someone I met earlier today mentioned Lokranor. I was curious, that is all.”

  “I’m surprised anyone but an elder would know about Lokranor.”

  “Stories passed down through the generations, I imagine.”

  Ulrik returned to his quarters with a definite spring in his step. It seemed he had found a gateway to the First Realm. How he would like to find one to their neighbour Lokranor. But all in good time. Maybe Katya would be able to give him more information. His smile reappeared.

  Arianna rode through the main gateway to Lokranor on her way to see her grandmother, Lodraill. She was High Priestess of Lokranor and had some powers herself, but nothing to rival Erin. Her face lit up on seeing her granddaughter.

  “Arianna,” she beamed. “I was not expecting you. Erin said you were staying in Muirhead until the banquet.”

  “I kind of needed to talk to someone.”

  “I’m delighted you chose me. How can I help?” Lodraill ushered her into the back room of the temple so they could talk privately. “Is this about sex?”

  “Sex?”

  “Yes. Do you need advice on whether you should sleep with someone and if so, what protection is best?”

  Arianna felt her cheeks start to colour. “Gross, grandmother. If I wanted to talk sex, I’d message a friend.”

  “Don’t look quite so horrified,” Lodraill laughed. “I might be old but I haven’t completely forgotten how it works.”

  “And as I’m not dating anyone, why would you think sex is on my mind?”

  “You’re at that age where hormones are running riot and you’re not short of eager admirers.”

  “I’m the King’s daughter. Who do you think is crazy enough to want to date me?”

  “One candidate does spring to mind,” Lodraill grunted.

  Arianna knew from her tone she was referring to Damon. “Actually it was something Damon said yesterday that I wanted to talk about.” She chuckled as her grandmother hissed at the mention of Damon’s name. It was not him she objected to as such, it was the fact he was her former enemy’s son.

  “Everyone keeps talking about my powers appearing when I turn eighteen. But both Mum and Damon got theirs before their actual birthday.”

  “Meaning?”

  “I don’t think I’m due to inherit any, at least not yet.”

  “That could be, as Damon and Erin both inherited powers equal to Valkarin’s. Perhaps they might only appear when they need to. For now your mother is more than capable of defending the Realms from any invaders.”

  “I just don’t want to disappoint my parents.” Arianna’s shoulders slumped.

  “That you could never do, my dear.” Lodraill hugged her granddaughter. “Your parents love you, it matters not to them whether you have powers or not.”

  “But so much is expected of me.”

  “It is never easy being heir to a kingdom, I’ll grant you that. It took Wilhelm an age to gain his father’s approval. But you will have a long time to learn the ropes before you have to take over the throne.”

  “What if I’m not cut out for the role?”

  Lodraill gave a faint smile. “Just by asking that question means you will fit the role perfectly. It’s about serving the people, not the other way around.”

  “I wish Dad didn’t have to announce me as heir at the banquet. I’d rather he waited.”

  “I’m afraid that is Viking tradition. Besides, it safeguards the Kingdom having a named heir. Not that I think Damon is about to invade. Erin would hand him his ass if he did.”

  “I just hope Dad doesn’t try and run with a few other Viking traditions.”

  “Such as?”

  “Many of the women here are married by the time they reach eighteen.” Arianna shivered, that was a scary thought.

  “Do you think your mother would allow that? He tried to pressurise her into marriage and it got him nowhere.”

  Arianna paced up and down trying to relieve her frustration. “I guess what really gets me is not having the choice of what I do with my life. Kat has the option of going to university when she finishes school or to go travelling. There are no expectations on her shoulders.”

  “There is actually more than you think. Kat has to prove herself more than anyone, being the second daughter. She has no throne to inherit, no set course for her life, so there is an even greater chance she could get things very wrong. And there is still nothing stopping Wilhelm ordering her marriage to one of his choosing, should he so wish.”

  “I suppose you’re right,” Arianna agreed begrudgingly.

  “Is everything set for your birthday dinner?” Lodraill asked.

  “Mum has everything arranged, I think. I’d have preferred a wild party instead.”

  “That could have been a bit awkward, mixing your school friends with Vikings.”

  “Not if I said it was a Viking costume party,” Arianna grinned. “I thought it was a brilliant idea. So did Mum, in fact she even offered to buy Magnus and Dad a helmet. He wasn’t so thrilled.”

  Lodraill laughed. “That does sound like Erin. But even dinners can have their entertainment. Your mother’s eighteenth dinner ended up with one very drunk and out of control Wilhelm. He was drugged not drunk apparently, but it didn’t stop him smashing Birdie’s best lead crystal glasses.”

  “I can’t imagine Dad out of control.”

  “He was, so I’ve been told. Magnus floored him with just one punch.”

  “He knocked out Dad?”

  “Yeah. He’d been itching for an excuse for a while. Wilhelm hasn’t always been the level-headed man he is now. In his younger years he was exceptionally volatile.”

  “Mum says I get my temper from Dad.”

  “You also have his courage.” Lodraill took hold of her hands. “Stop worrying about a future you cannot change. Find the path that you are comfortable with and stick with it. No-one expects you to do anything more than your duty.”

  “I know you’re right. But it would be nice to have Mum and Dad around to talk to.”

  “The castle is not far from here.”

  “They’ll be too busy.”

  Lodraill fixed her with a hard stare. “You can’t complain your parents don’t speak to you if you can’t be bothered to stop by when you ride past their doorstep.”

  “Fine, I’ll drop by on my way back to Muirhead.”

  “Good. And try and keep the shouting to a minimum.”

  “I don’t shout. I have a meaningful debate a few octaves higher than usual,” Arianna grinned heading out the temple.

  Just as she was mounting up, her father rode by. He looked delighted to see her. “Arianna, I’d given up hope of seeing you until your birthday.”

  “You know where I live,” she retorted, then regretted her response on seeing the hurt on her father’s face. For once, she’d like to keep from snapping at people.

  “Lokranor is your primary residence,” he responded sternly. “Where are you headed?”

  “I was going to see you and Mum, if you’re not already occupied.”

  “Not for you.” The smile reappeared on his face. “Ride with me, we can talk on the way.” He looked around seemingly searching for something. “Where is Timmo?”

  “I imagine back in Muirhead,” Arianna shrugged.

  “He is your bodyguard,” Wilhelm growled. “You do not leave the estate without him.”

  “Mum often ditched Magnus,” Arianna batted her eyes at her father who exhaled loudly in response.

  Riding side by side with her father, all her worries seemed to dissipate. As Lodraill had said, he had not had an easy ascension to the throne; hers would literally be gift-wrapped when the time came.

  “What news do you bring?” Oskar’s father, Lief looked up from his desk as his son entered.

  “About what in particular?” Oskar plonked himself down on a chair.

  “About my brother announcing you as his heir in place of that useless nephew of mine.”

 
Oskar shrugged. “I think we’re close.”

  “You don’t do the thinking, I do,” snapped Lief. “You need to prove to Sigfried that you have Mallenvaar’s best interests at heart. That you will lead the kingdom to greatness.”

  “I’m doing that already, Father. But the old man refuses to give up on Ulrik just yet.”

  “Then perhaps it is time for the kingdom to come under threat. If Sigfried thinks we might be in danger, he’ll want to announce his heir shortly.”

  “Danger from what? We don’t’ have any neighbours.”

  “Which is why you leave the thinking to me. It might be time for the Realm to suffer from a little sorcery again.”

  “What happens if that backfires and Sigfried appoints Ulrik his heir?”

  “Then the sorcery that is plaguing the Realm might just take Ulrik’s life.”

  “You’d kill your nephew?” Oskar was more than a little taken aback.

  “If it gets us on the throne, yes.”

  “And Sigfried will also come to an untimely end after he makes the correct announcement?”

  “You’re catching on fast, Son. If something is in your way, you need to remove it as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

  Oskar felt a little bad for Ulrik. He clearly did not want the throne so it seemed a little hard killing him for it. Hopefully Sigfried would announce the right heir and Ulrik could continue to study his precious books at his leisure.

  “What is Ulrik up to at the moment? I understand he keeps disappearing from the castle.”

  “Perhaps he has found a woman,” Oskar yawned. “I don’t usually spy on my cousin.”

  “It might be prudent to keep a closer eye on him.”

  “Why? Ulrik does not have one devious bone in his body. If it’s not a woman, it will be the hunt for some artefact.”

  “I wouldn’t underestimate him. Ulrik more than holds his ground with his father, so I think he is made of stronger stuff that you credit him for.”

  “Very well, Father. I shall spy on my cousin. What else would you have me do?” Oskar was keen to get out and practice with his sword. He needed to be in tip top shape if he was going to be running a kingdom shortly.

  “Nothing for now. The Realm is going to see some sorcery displays shortly, after that we will have a clear understanding of how the way lies.”

  Oskar stretched and stood up. “I am good at doing nothing.” He made his way out to the courtyard where his tutor was waiting. “I need a long practice session today, Asos. I have a feeling my skill are going to be needed shortly.”

  Kat was pleased to find the library empty; not that any of her sisters would actually know where it was located. Birdie and Jasper were often in there, usually escaping the mayhem in the rest of the house. Standing in the oppressive room she wondered where on earth she should start her search. Where would anything about Mallenvaar be located? Jasper had once complained that there was no order whatsoever as to how the books were stacked.

  Spinning around she glanced at the rows and rows of leather bound volumes. If only she had her mother’s ability; all she would do is think of what she wanted and the books would fly off the shelf. It was pointless even attempting to find anything amongst such a shambles. The heavy oak door creaked making Kat jump. Her rather large fat tabby cat sauntered into the room.

  “Hey Joseph. Any ideas on where to find something on Mallenvaar?” she stroked the cat’s head.

  He responded by curling in the large armchair.

  “Great help you are,” Kat sighed. Glancing at her watch, she realised she better get a move on if she was to be at the ruins for the same time as yesterday. Then again she did not want to be early in case he thought her a little eager.

  For the first time in a while, Kat checked her appearance before leaving the house. Hair was reasonable well contained, make-up discreet, pale lipstick not smudged, and a dash of bronzer on the cheeks. It was another reasonable day which was lucky; she didn’t want to see Ulrik looking like a drowned rat.

  She felt a warm buzz as she saw him standing in the middle of the ruins. He was even cuter than she remembered. He took hold of her horse as she dismounted.

  “I hoped you would come,” he smiled.

  “My great aunt was looking for someone to muck out the stables so I thought I would hide out in the woods,” Kat teased.

  “I come above stable cleaning, I am honoured.”

  “Good. Now tell me more about Mallenvaar, I am intrigued.”

  “What would you like to know?”

  “Is it a kingdom with many territories?”

  “It does have a king and the lands are quite extensive.”

  “How long does it take to ride from one end to the other?”

  “About four to five days.”

  “Is it peaceful?”

  “Pretty much. Our army suppresses most problems.”

  “Snow covered at the moment?”

  “Yes.”

  It seemed Mallenvaar had the same reversed seasons as the Second Realm. “How big is the population?”

  “I do believe it is my turn to ask a few questions.”

  “What gave you that impression?”

  “If you want to know any more about Mallenvaar, you will need to tell me about your Realms.”

  “Fine, ask away,” Kat waved her hand in defeat.

  “Are Lokranor and Vasmaar ruled by one King?”

  “No. Vasmaar has a separate ruler.”

  “Are the territories at war with each other?”

  “Not anymore. The previous ruler was killed before his son was born, so my…King Wilhelm appointed an advisor to run Vasmaar until Damon was old enough to take it on.” Kat decided against telling Ulrik her father was king; it might put him off. It was also for his own self-preservation; if he called her princess, she would give him a black eye. Arianna could call herself a princess as she was on course to become queen.

  “What of Bassengaard?”

  “Where?” Kat had never heard that name before.

  “Bassengaard? I remember seeing it on a chart. It was originally neighbouring Mallenvaar and Vasmaar.”

  “A fifth realm?”

  “So it would seem. You speak my language well. Is it the same in all the Realms you know of?”

  “We speak a different language here in the First Realm and also the Third.”

  “So how came a lady of the First Realm knows so much about the others?”

  “I live here and in Lokranor,” Kat smiled. “Now I do believe it is my turn again to interrogate.”

  Ulrik gave her a fabulous smile. “Ask away, my lady.”

  “What is your king like? Is he a wise ruler?”

  Ulrik laughed. How could he describe his father? Arrogant? Tyrannical? Self-obsessed? “Sigfried is a Viking king, keen to extend his lands and keep his enemies at bay.”

  “I hope he has no intention to extend through the gateway?” Kat suddenly had a concern for the Realms.

  “I have no plans to tell anyone about the gateway. At least not yet.”

  “Do you have sorcery in Mallenvaar?”

  “Very little, I am led to believe. How about here and Lokranor?”

  “We have a couple of people who are rather good with sorcery but dark magic is not permitted. What do you do there?”

  Ulrik paused for a moment. He did not want to ruin their fledgling relationship by telling her he was a prince. He wanted her to like him for just himself. “I am a historian.” Which in fact he was, at least that was his biggest interest.

  “So is my great-uncle Jasper. He is never happier than when his nose is in a book.” The snapping of a branch made Kat whirl around. It was Balthazar, unusually far from home.

  “Is that a dog?” Ulrik looked at the saggy-jowled creature.

  “A pretty poor excuse for one, yes,” Kat patted his head. “If he is out looking for me then I’d best get back home.”

  Ulrik walked her to her horse. “Can I see you again tomorrow?”
>
  An idea flitted into her mind. “I take it you rode to the gateway?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then why not bring your horse through and I will show you my estate.”

  “It is possible for horses to cross over?”