by Sever Bronny
“Not now, Fentwick, maybe later!” Leera said.
“Hi, Fentwick! Bye, Fentwick!” Augum called.
Jengo was the only one to give Fentwick a wide berth, having declared him possibly haunted the night before.
The castle bustled with the sounds of hammering and sawing. People bowed and curtsied and said “Fine morning, my lords and ladies!” and “May the Unnameables keep you safe!” and “Health and safety to you, Your Worship!” to Augum, which still made him uncomfortable.
The trio instinctively settled in around Mrs. Stone’s chair in the Great Dining Hall, already filled with chatting people. Lord Bowlander sat across from Bridget, and was constantly trying to catch her eye, but she was too busy and excited about the castle to take much notice.
“Archmage Anna Atticus Stone,” Clayborne announced from the doorway. Everyone quieted down and settled in their seats.
Mrs. Stone strode in looking well rested, probably helped by one of Bowlander’s potions. Her head was up and she hardly leaned on her staff. Augum wanted to ask her about the curtains opening on their own, but didn’t want to derail the meeting, for certainly there was much to talk about. It was going to be a busy day, and he had a hard time restraining himself from rubbing his hands excitedly.
Mr. Haroun stood from the king’s chair. “Good morning, everyone. A few orders of business before the trio take their leave with Mrs. Stone.”
Augum exchanged looks with the girls. They were leaving already? Where to?
“We have some appointments to announce. First and foremost, Mrs. Stone has requested that I take the position of Castle Steward.”
Everyone immediately knocked on the table in praise and agreement.
“Thank you, I am honored to accept this position. I will be head of the male servants of the castle as well as the carpenters, smiths, laborers, and so on. Further, the council has seen to appoint my wife, Selma Haroun, to the position of Housekeeper.”
There was more polite rapping on the table, though much less enthusiastic. Mrs. Haroun adjusted primly in her chair, no doubt aware of the high esteem this position brought the family. She was going to be in charge of all female staff of the castle, including servants, cooks and cleaners. Augum did not envy anyone under her command.
“Our daughter, Malaika Haroun, will be Keeper of the Wardrobe, with Charissa Graves as her assistant.”
“How appropriate,” Leera muttered during the table knocking. Malaika and Charissa had endangered them all in Antioc by buying a pile of clothes, which they insisted on taking back with them. Malaika was giggling with Charissa at the news, each congratulating the other on the noble title.
“As well, Lieutenant Briggs will now be known as Captain Briggs, for he will assume the responsibility of Captain of the Watch.”
The red-haired Briggs inclined his head. “I am honored and will serve the Resistance justly and fairly.”
“Sergeant Cobb will now be his Lieutenant, and therefore Lieutenant of the Watch. His corporal, who will also be the castle fletcher, will be none other than our very own Chaska.”
Chaska glanced up, snowy cheeks coloring. “Thank you,” he said as people rapped the table appraisingly.
“Corporal Chaska, Fletcher of the Castle,” Haylee whispered, giving him a light tug on the elbow, smiling adoringly at him. “A handsome title.”
“The council has further appointed Lord Broderick Bowlander as the Master of Festivities.”
Fitting, Augum thought.
Lord Bowlander preened, nodding regally at those assembled while flicking his eyes to Bridget.
“Our official herbalist, who will receive a shop and accommodations as soon as possible, will be Achishi Zafu.”
“And I’ll help my father get sorted,” Chaska added with a grave nod, while his father remained expressionless.
Mr. Haroun continued to list the positions: Priya Singh as head cook, her mother the castle scribe. Jengo became the Physician to the Castle, Mr. Goss the chandler and librarian, for he loved to read. When not schooling with his father, Leland would be tutored by Mrs. Stone on the Agonex. And so on.
“And last but certainly not least, I would like our heroic trio to please stand.”
The trio exchanged curious looks before doing as they were asked.
“In the absence of a just ruler or a just king and queen, on account of their sacrifices and bravery on behalf of the Resistance and the Kingdom of Solia, the council wholeheartedly bestows the titles of Prince upon Augum Stone, and Princess upon Bridget Burns and Leera Jones!”
There was loud hooting, clapping and rapping of knuckles as the trio stood in shock, finally exchanging exhilarated smiles.
“A castle is not properly a castle until it has its princes and princesses, and so thus I bid you good health, happiness, and great luck in the times ahead. Three cheers for Princess Leera, Princess Bridget, and Prince Augum!”
“Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!” the table shouted, clapping and whistling.
Mr. Haroun held up his index finger, awaiting the crowd to quiet down a little. “Further, when he comes of age early next year at sixteen, Prince Augum will also be appointed Castellan of the Castle!”
As they cheered once more, Augum felt a thrill. Prince of Castle Arinthian and its castellan! Sure it meant the castle would be his responsibility, but what a dream come true—assuming, of course, that they survived what was to come …
The trio took their places, cheeks aglow, as Mr. Haroun raised his hands for everyone to settle down, for they were still cheering the trio on and shouting their congratulations.
“Annelise, Gabe, Charles—I would like you to announce this joyous news to every soul in this castle.”
The two young servants and their father bowed before quickly leaving to impart the news to the former Milham residents.
“Now, from among the villagers that have decided Castle Arinthian will be their permanent home after the war, we have already appointed a carpenter, a cobbler, several bricklayers, no less than three blacksmiths, a barber, an engraver, a dyer, a weaver, a glass blower, a gardener, a stonemason—and scores of others, and that does not even account for the numerous pages, porters, squires, and footmen. While the council debates on who to appoint for the remaining servant titles, as well as the nuances of running the castle, I believe we need to excuse our trio and Mrs. Stone.”
“Mmm,” Mrs. Stone said, reaching for Augum’s hand so that he may help her stand, which he promptly did. Chairs squeaked as all stood out of respect.
“Mrs. Stone,” many said, as well as, “Prince Augum, Princess Bridget, Princess Leera,” and “Unnameables be with you all.”
That would take some getting used to, Augum thought upon hearing his title spoken aloud.
“I trust you have all have slept well?” Mrs. Stone asked as they shuffled down the hall on the ancient crimson carpets.
“We did, Mrs. Stone,” Bridget replied. “It was quite something waking up to that view.”
“That view was glimpsed by many a prince and princess of this ancient castle, before much of the Arinthian line had died out or been murdered.”
“Are we real princes and princesses of the castle, Nana?” Augum asked, pawing the cool marble banister as they began making their way down the wide stairs.
“Perhaps more than you know.” Mrs. Stone stopped at the top of the steps to look at each of them in turn, as was her habit. “I have been preparing for your arrival to the castle for some time, with good reason. Much awaits you here, but I shan’t spoil the surprises.”
The trio exchanged giddy looks.
“Although you are already Prince and Princesses, if you succeed in your coming quests, I dare say the kingdom may ask much more of you still. But do not concern yourselves with such fancies, with titles, possessions, or those who seek to distract you from your journey, for it is a perilous one that will require all of your concentration and resourcefulness.”
She stared beyond them at something, only to catc
h herself, and then slowly padded down the steps, raising her robe slightly with a shaking hand, staff gripped in the other.
Augum followed dutifully, wanting to ask her if there was anything wrong, but knew she’d only shrug the question off.
“Mrs. Stone, um …” Leera hesitantly began, “the curtains … they opened on their own this morning.”
“Ah, good, then I have not lost my touch with the scion.”
“That was you, Nana?” Augum said.
“I set your rooms to a training regimen. There is much I have yet to teach you about this place, Great-grandson. The problem, as always, is time. Time is against us, more so than ever, thus it has become quite precious.”
She paused at the second floor to catch her breath. A nearby stone worker immediately stood and removed his cap, bowing. “May the Unnameables bless you, Archmage Stone, Prince Augum, Princess Bridget and Princess Leera.”
“Good health to you both,” Mrs. Stone said, before continuing on as if it was nothing. “As you can see, these people hope for nothing more than your success, for it will mean a new era in Solia.”
She smiled to herself as she descended past the enormous tattered tapestry above the landing in the foyer.
“What’s so funny, Nana?”
“Oh, ‘tis but an old trifle of a memory.” She stopped to lovingly caress the banister. “One I thought I had forgotten. There was a time when I was very young and I dreamed of being a princess of this very castle.” She glanced up at the tatters of that ancient tapestry. “Alas, my attentions had been reserved for academic pursuits, as well as ensuring arcane knowledge was passed on to future generations. Of course, I regret nothing.” She looked at Bridget and Leera with a wistful smile. “But you … you might have the opportunity to be the young girl I never became. And I hope it will be joyous for you both.”
The girls exchanged bittersweet looks as the group descended the last set of steps.
“Was that Atrius Arinthian that was portrayed in that tapestry, Nana?”
“Most probably, but it had been destroyed long before my time.”
Priya Singh met them at the bottom of the stairs with a proper curtsy. “Good day, Archmage Stone, Prince Augum, Princess Bridget and Princess Leera.” She wore a simple gown under an apron, her chocolate-skinned hands dusted with flour. She carried a small sack, which she immediately handed to Bridget. “A travel breakfast and lunch as requested, Archmage.”
“You’re not really going to do that to us every time, are you?” Leera asked with a smile. “I mean, you’re our friend. It’s weird.”
Priya smiled, her numerous piercings glimmering in the morning light that filtered from above. “You better get used to it, because in due course, I am convinced an entire kingdom will be addressing you by such titles.”
“Awkward,” but Leera shrugged and flashed a roguish grin. “Then again, I suppose I can try to get used to it.”
Augum gave her a serious appraising look. “It’s going to her head already.” He tried to peer inside her ear. “Yup, there’s the evidence—”
“—let go of me, you weirdo!” but she was snickering. “It’s not getting to my head, yeesh!”
“Miss Singh, I dare say my old age has allowed me to forget young Mr. Okeke, Miss Tennyson, and Leland’s instructions for the day.”
Priya inclined her head. “At your service, Archmage.”
“Please inform Miss Tennyson that I expect her to master the Disarm spell, and to expect a test. She may practice on Fentwick if she does not find a suitable partner,” her eyes traveled to Augum briefly, “assuming, of course, that you have told Miss Tennyson about Fentwick’s difficulty settings.”
Augum nodded. “We have, Nana.” The trio had giddily shown anyone who would listen all about Fentwick’s training abilities last night, and warned everyone to keep him at a low difficulty setting.
“And what shall I tell Jengo, Mrs. Stone?”
“That I expect him to recite to me the proper internal mechanisms necessary to arcanely heal a broken bone, something he should have no trouble with considering his experience.” She briefly glanced at Augum, reminding him of when Jengo had healed his entire body over several days after he had teleported himself into the arena wall back in Antioc. “And tell him to expect to demonstrate the spell to me by the end of the day … on himself.”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Stone?”
“That is part of the standard training if he wants to achieve his 2nd degree. An apprentice healer must have his own bone broken … and heal it in a timely manner. It will demonstrate that a field surgeon can successfully concentrate through the worst pain.”
The trio exchanged horrified looks.
Priya swallowed. “I don’t know if he’s ready for that, but I shall pass it on, Mrs. Stone.”
“I assure you he is quite aware of the test. He need not bother seeing me if he does not believe himself ready, as I cannot waste any more time training hesitation—and you may certainly tell him that, for he has been ready to take the 2nd degree test for a while. Now, as for Leland, please inform him that he will conduct his first test teleport tonight.”
Priya gaped a moment before catching herself. “Forgive me, Archmage, but … he can teleport?”
“No he cannot, but that which he controls can. Now please do deliver my wishes, for we must depart in haste, there is much to be done.”
“Yes, Archmage.” Priya curtsied and excused herself.
“Mrs. Stone,” Bridget began as they strode to the exit, “are you saying Leland has been learning how to teleport the army?”
“Slowly but surely. Tonight, he shall teleport his first soldier. We must be able to defend the castle in case of a siege. I have already been making the necessary preparations for food supplies via our secret warlock allies in the Legion.”
“You mean Secretary Klines and Ms. Jezebel Terse?” Leera asked.
“Indeed I do.”
“Will the castle withstand a direct assault by the Legion … by my father?” Augum asked.
“With careful preparation, perhaps. I already had Secretary Klines and Ms. Terse lay down a third and fourth layer of arcane sanctuary protections.”
“Third and fourth?” Augum scratched his head. “I don’t understand. I know one is yours, but what about the last one?”
“The castle itself has defensive capabilities that can be unlocked using the scion. I only pray we have everything else ready in time, especially your training, for that is key to the entire endeavor.”
“We still have to get my mother’s body,” Augum said, determined to carry out his quest which, if he understood the research on his father he had conducted at the Library of Antioc, would unhinge the man just enough to gain an advantage in battle.
“Oh, that will happen sooner than you think, my child.” Mrs. Stone waved the vestibule doors open, then the grand entranceway doors.
“Where are we going, Nana?”
“To watch Milham burn.”
Audenteroch
Mrs. Stone teleported the trio right into the center of Milham, near the well.
“Unnameables …” Leera whispered.
“How can there be so many?” Bridget asked.
“Deduce why,” Mrs. Stone said, leaning on her staff.
Augum stared disbelievingly at the southern entrance of town. Right at the arcane protective boundary stood what must have been fifty undead, about a third of which were reavers holding burning blades. As he turned around, he saw smoke billowing everywhere. The forest surrounding the village was on fire. Only one thing explained the giant horde …
“Cemeteries,” he blurted. “It’s not just the villages, they’re going after the cemeteries too.” There was one just southeast of town.
“Correct.”
“But humans aren’t doing the raising, are they, Nana? It’s the revenants.”
“Partially correct. If my theory is accurate, we should find the true culprit nearby.”
“Who would
that be?” Augum asked, feeling a sudden spike of fear. “Not my father—?”
“No, not quite—” She seemed distracted as her eyes closed, a hand wavering midair. “Excuse me a moment—” and her hand made a sudden and fierce whirling gesture. There was a THWOMP and she was gone.
“What’s going on?” Leera asked, raising her hands in a battle stance, four rings flaring to life around her arm. Augum and Bridget quickly took up the stance in precaution.
“Be ready,” Bridget said, tapping her temple, meaning she had received a message from Mrs. Stone. Sure enough, there was another THWOMP and Mrs. Stone appeared. By her side writhed a bull-necked man of immense muscle. He was short, bald, night-skinned as if charred from fire, and had numerous piercings and scars across his face. His eyes were serpent-like and he wore the tattered remains of a black Legion robe.
Almost the moment they arrived, something was forced off his finger. A single Exot ring floated over to Mrs. Stone’s waiting hand.
“You!” the demonic man hissed, showing a forked tongue that kept flicking through blackened lips even when he wasn’t talking. He struggled in her arcane grip as if tied up by invisible rope.
“What is your name?” Mrs. Stone asked.
“Audenteroch,” he spat.
Mrs. Stone calmly turned to the trio. “A demon name of ages past, in this case an honorary name given upon rebirth.”
“ ‘Rebirth’, Mrs. Stone?” Bridget asked.
Mrs. Stone returned a cold gaze to the creature. “Reveal your stripes.”
“Why should I, crone? Hmm?” The words were a venomous hiss.
“Because I shall allow you to fight for your life if you do.”
The creature inclined his head at the trio. “Against them?”
“Indeed.”
The laugh was almost a growl. “A training exercise in the old way …”
“Correct.”
“Then I shall kill them.”
“I certainly expect you to try.”
The night-skinned demonic viper studied the trio with his serpent eyes, forked tongue flicking about, making them stir uneasily. He cocked his head and, despite his invisible binding, managed to flex his right arm, flaring eight distinctive black bands that looked like floating rotten flesh blackened by fire.
