The Protector of Esparia (The Annals of Esparia Book 1)

by Lisa M. Wilson

  Nightly rituals consisted of each Elitet meticulously shaving his head, then rubbing an oil-based solution on it. Jessica thought the shiny liquid smelled like vinegar. She would sleep deeply, exhausted by the short nights and long days of travel. Each morning the campers were up and back on the road before dawn.

  After four days of feeling like a freak in a zoo, Jessica saw a large city in the distance. She looked inquiringly at her Elitet who was in his usual position at her side. Whether as guard or protector, she hadn’t a clue, but she nearly fell off of her mount when he whispered, “Asmoth”.

  The drab stone buildings peaking above a high, brick and cement fortress-style wall were a stark contrast to the mud huts of the small villages. About a filon from the city, the road leading to it turned from hardened earth to cement. The wooden gates of the citadel wall stood open and the group crossed the entry a little before noontime.

  Three and four story sandstone buildings lined the streets. Compared to the structures at Ramadine and in most of Esparia, these smooth, unadorned buildings looked relatively new. From what Jessica could see, shops and small factories occupied the ground levels and residences comprised the upper levels, however few patrons or workers could be seen through the clear glass windows. Though there was no detectable stench of open sewage, garbage lay everywhere and rats ran between the closely constructed buildings.

  People on the street gripped their cloth-bound packages close to their bodies, seemingly afraid of the precious parcels being stolen. The shoppers were dressed a little better than those in the villages, their clothing being brighter in color, with a few yellows and greens mixed in with the dull browns and tans. Most of the clothing looked to be made of the same cotton-like material Jessica had seen throughout Esparia.

  More men traveled the streets here than previously seen. A few soldiers stood at attention while the Elitet passed, and other small groups of men watched in mild interest. No one smiled, and very few onlookers had any real life in their eyes. Most gazed expressionless at Jessica, with only one or two showing the extreme dislike the villagers had expressed. Many pedestrians were forced to scurry for safety when the Elitet cantered down the center of the street, giving no regard for others on it.

  A wave of pity swept through Jessica. If eyes are the windows to the soul, then where is the spark? Where is the passion? It’s as if the people of this city were on automatic. The villagers showed complete hatred, but at least they had emotions. She noticed more lightly skinned persons here; they were markedly different from the country people. Side by side, the true desert natives stood out from the rest.

  As they drew closer to the center of the tiern, the street became cleaner and the buildings more ornate. At the central square, there was real beauty for the first time since entering the Deserts of Demar. On the border of the main square were many large, elaborate homes. Each of these pink, blue, and green marbled mansions had wrought iron balconies which overlooked a central, statuesque fountain. Several men and women, dressed in bright silks and satins, stood on the balconies. Each person was draped with chains of gold that sparkled in the sunlight. The finery of their apparel made a glaring contrast to the poverty Jessica had seen only an hour or so earlier.

  One particularly overweight man leaned over a massive gilded rail and yelled, “Good for you, Commander Addex. This Saylon brat will learn her place.” The man’s friends laughed, but Commander Addex stared straight ahead, never acknowledging the comment.

  Jessica’s attention immediately centered on her lead captor. So this is Addex. I thought I knew him. The guy who killed Haesom and his family. She shuddered at the memory.

  It was dusk when they finally left the city behind and Addex veered off the highway for the night. The sun was long set when he stopped in a field not far from the road. Jessica had just rolled out her blanket when Addex strolled past her.

  “Excuse me, Commander Addex,” she bravely called, “could you please tell me how much longer it will be before we reach my cousin Daenon’s Rendaira?” Every man froze in his tracks. The two Elitet flanking her hardly breathed. Jessica did not flinch, but stared calmly at the commander. Will he answer me? She wondered. He’d be a fool to ignore me.

  Slowly, he turned to face her. She felt a cold shiver run down her spine, but did not waver in meeting his gaze. “Tomorrow,” the reply came, then he strode to an isolated spot away from the main group.

  She sensed a collective sigh of relief from the men. Three looked at her with momentary admiration. She felt satisfaction when she lay down between her captors. I’m tired of being on display and feeling helpless.

  A little before noon the following day, a second large city loomed ahead. Once again she looked to her Elitet who rode beside her. “Asmerth”, he barely breathed. No more small towns, Jessica thought. Must be a large water source around somewhere. This city was similar to the one from the previous day, with its high outer wall, sandstone buildings, and the same sad-eyed people in the streets. Faces changed, but the eyes were just as passionless, just as glazed.

  The journey through the tiern would have been identical to the one yesterday except for one brief, defining moment. It occurred soon after leaving the central square behind. Jessica, as usual, kept her eyes on the crowd, watching the people going about their daily business when halfway down a side street, a longhaired, bearded man met her gaze. He caught her attention because he was a healthy, native Demarian male in a place where none were seen, but more importantly, he held her attention because his eyes displayed no hate. There was no pity either, but kindness and a smile. He held her stare for a moment then bowing slightly, gave the Salute of Loyalty.

  Her column of escorts moved steadily forward, so he was soon beyond her sight. Certain that his actions would have brought on his death, she was grateful none of the Elitet noticed him. They did not look at the people as she did, but kept their eyes riveted on the commander in front. It was a very brave thing this individual had done and she realized if there was one ally in this city, there could possibly be more.

  After leaving the metropolis behind, the eternally flat desert land began to change. Ahead of them, like gentle ripples in the desert sea, spread gentle rolling hills. The sun had begun its evening descent when they reached a fork in the main road at the base of the first hillock. On the left, the land was just as arid and barren as a desert usually is, but to the right where wasteland once was, a vibrant garden flourished. Taking the right-hand fork, the band passed under a massive green and purple botanical archway. No one needed to tell Jessica this marked the entrance to Rendaira.

  Lush, green lawns framed by tall, weeping-style trees lined the smooth road. Large statues situated atop high points, surrounded by brightly colored flowers punctuated the skyline. One bronze figure stood with his arm outstretched, sword in hand, another sat on a rearing horse, and a third held a bow, pulled back with an arrow locked in it, ready to shoot skyward. Jessica could not see the statue faces clearly yet she was certain each bore a good likeness of Daenon. The ride through the magnificent parks and gardens went for nearly an hour.

  This place is beautiful. I was right; the desert can bloom. When the sun at Jessica’s back fell below the horizon, the heavens directly ahead glowed as if the sky were on fire.

  It took ten more minutes to clear the rising hill, and when they did, a grand mansion, the length of two football fields came into view. Brightly illuminated by scores of torches, the heart of Rendaira shone like a jewel. Jessica was stunned by the opulence of Daenon’s palatial compound.

  Three structures comprised the main complex, one massive edifice in the foreground with two, smaller ones standing behind it. Forming a perfect triangle, covered walkways connected the three. The main palace rose three full stories. Built of both dark green granite and polished white wood, it boasted a massive front door system. It was perfectly centered and framed in ornately spun gold. Two large windows ascended from ground to roofline on either side of this door. They too were encased in
elaborate golden frames. Scores of other windows, trimmed in polished wood, covered the building’s facade. Ten sets of French doors, evenly spaced along the building’s front, were edged in matching polished timber.

  The roofline, supported by ten, triple story high, polished stone columns extended out from the front portico an extra fifty feet. Each column was intricately carved and capped at each end with massive head and base pieces. The drive and pathways were paved with interlocking stones forming geometric patterns of various colors. The stones were leveled so not one bump or seam stood out.

  Several other buildings were behind and to the left of the main compound. Probably the stables and soldier’s barracks, she assumed. When they reached the front portico, only Jessica and Commander Addex dismounted. He led the way into the building, while the other Elitet continued on.

  The massive receiving hall matched the grandeur of the palace façade. Large, brightly colored tapestries hung from the walls. The tall, three-story high windows were curtained in layers of cream silk. In the center of the light-green marble floor lay a circular cream-colored rug. A delicately carved table was positioned on top of it. Several plush, finely crafted chairs lined the walls. Ceramic vases that were a head taller than most men were interspersed between them. Smaller matching pots holding tall fern-type plants finished the decor. A large marble staircase, opposite the front door, split to the left and right three-quarters of the way up to the second level. Four hallways, two on the right and two on the left, led from the entry. The room would have been perfect if not for the six black uniformed guards stationed at the hallways and main door.

  A man dressed in dark brown pants with a white tailored shirt, and three women, wearing simple brown pants and white peasant blouses, stood at the bottom of the staircase. The man stepped forward, bowing deeply to Addex. Short and grossly overweight, he oozed false charm. “Lord Daenon is waiting for you in his office, sir. The girl is to go directly to her assigned rooms.”

  Addex walked briskly down one of the hallways to the left. Turning to Jessica, the squat, oily servant motioned for her to go up the stairs. Jessica, taking an instant dislike to the man, looked at him with all the hauteur she could muster. However, feeling drained and not up to a real fight, she slung her saddle pack over her shoulder and climbed the stairs without comment. One of the serving women led the way and the other two followed behind.

  Taken through a maze of short hallways to the back of the mansion, Jessica finally reached a luxuriously furnished apartment. It consisted of a main sitting area with two smaller rooms leading from it. One of the smaller chambers was a bedroom with a connecting private bath, the other a mini-library.

  “This is a beautifully gilded caged, but it’s still a cage,” Jessica said to the women. “I can take it from here so goodnight.” Jessica waved toward the door. Once alone she cleaned up in the bathroom, changed into fresh clothes from her saddle pack and crawled between warm bed-sheets. She was asleep within minutes.

  Jessica had no idea how long she slept before finding herself in a shroud of familiar mist. Oh, boy, she mentally sighed. What now? Closing her eyes, she stretched her senses in each direction. Two people, directly ahead. Running silently, she soon heard a man’s voice. Addex.

  “…had it not been for your orders, I would have killed her immediately.”

  Jessica heard a brief laugh as the cold crept in. Daenon.

  “I’m glad you showed restraint, Addex. I’m looking forward to meeting this girl who so bravely confronts my finest shield, but enough of her. I have frustrating news. The prison at Snow Peak has been breached and the prisoners escaped.”

  “All of them?” Addex’s voice held true surprise.

  “They were whisked away a week ago, in the middle of the night, while an entire garrison of guards slept. The tower jailer in charge of the scientists, the two provincial regulators and Gammet, was drunk at the time of the attack. The other jailer in control of my ‘dear mother’,” Daenon said with distinct sarcasm, “was not even at his post. He sounded an alarm, but was too late. Most of the force was killed.”

  His mother! Jessica thought quickly. Naydeen!

  “What have you done with the remaining guards?”

  “I saved the two jailers, a little reward for your efforts. They’re in shackles at your residence. The others went to the front. They’ll be in the first wave that attacks the Esparians.”

  Jessica shivered. She could only imagine the fate of the two jailers and she realized why hardened Elitet were afraid of Addex.

  “Thank you my Lord, I could use some extra amusements.”

  “We leave at noon tomorrow, Addex. Now that my hostage is here, I want to begin this war. Have fresh horses ready along the way. We must be at the command post by noon, three days hence. We will attack the following dawn. Send the word. I want a well-coordinated assault. I’m sorry I can’t give you more time with the jailers. I know how you enjoy prolonging…”

  Daenon’s words trailed off. Jessica no longer listened. Well-coordinated assault, she thought. Hostage! I was right, that’s what I am! Anger flushed through her body, melting the cold in the pit of her stomach. “Daenon you’re a fool,” she spat hotly. “You will never win this war.”

  Daenon quit speaking. Jessica did not realize she spoke out loud until after doing so. “Did you hear that Addex?” Daenon sounded stunned.

  “Yes, I did.”

  They heard me? This is great!

  “You may win a battle or two, but the war is already lost. You’ve lost before beginning,” Jessica sneered. She wanted to shake them up and hoped she was succeeding.

  “Who are you,” Daenon cried angrily.

  “Remember Daenon, ‘Protector new will lead the land, Mercy and kindness from his lips, Upon this course the balance tips’,” she quoted. “Your own grandfather foresaw your downfall. You cannot win.”

  Jessica felt she had done enough and backed off. Daenon said something more, but she did not catch it. When she could no longer hear him, she stopped retreating. Anger’s good, I’m warm. Now to leave, but how? The mist swirled close and thick. “Well, if I’m awake,” she reasoned, “then if I go back to sleep I might end up back in bed. If I’m already asleep, then going to sleep here can do no harm.”

  So Jessica lay down on the floor she could not see. It was definitely there and it was firm, just obscured by the opaque fog. Her earlier anger dispelled the chill in the air, so now she was neither too cold nor warm and soon fell asleep.

  “Mistress. Mistress wake up!” Someone shook her. Jessica slowly came around. One of the young serving women from the previous evening stood over her, her face pensive. Her gray-green eyes darted to the apartment door and back to Jessica. “Please wake up,” the woman whispered.

  “I’m awake. What’s wrong?” Jessica whispered back. The room was still dark except for one small, lit candle on the nightstand.

  “You must dress, quickly. Lord Daenon is coming and you must not meet him in your nightclothes. I have brought day clothes. Hurry and meet him with dignity. He comes at this hour to humiliate you.”

  Jessica did not argue, except to say, “I’m already dressed.”

  Jessica was barely out of bed and smoothed her hair when the door to the sitting room banged open. Two men, holding bright lamps bustled in. She squinted against the sudden brilliance. A tall, muscular, sandy blond haired man stood in the doorway. He stared at the empty bed, his smug expression turning to dismay and then anger.

  She took the few seconds it took him to locate her to size him up. She knew he was her grandmother’s first cousin, so was not surprised by the familial resemblance—high cheek bones and thin nose with a strong, square jaw line. It would have been a handsome face, with the well-groomed goatee and short-cropped hair, but his mouth and eyes betrayed the cruelty within.

  “Cousin Daenon, at last we meet.” Her words were calm, for she had rehearsed the line a hundred times, but her heart pounded and her mouth was dry.

&nbs
p; In three strides he crossed the room, stopping only inches from her. His sapphire blue eyes blazed, but she held her ground. His voice was smooth. “I wanted to make certain your accommodations were to your liking. If there is anything you need, within reason, please feel free to tell your servants. You’ll notice the windows have no bars. You can go anywhere you please at Rendaira, even to the dine if you’re brave enough. There is nowhere to run in Demar, no way to escape the deserts.”

  She remained silent and for a moment they stared at each other, a contest of who would back down first. Daenon finally said, irritation creeping into his voice, “I will leave you now, but later, you’ll join me for breakfast. We have much to discuss.” Whipping around, he hurried from the room, the two lamp holders scurrying after him.

  “Oh goody,” she muttered, “I can hardly wait.” She closed the bedroom door. “He’s gone.”

  The serving woman poked her head out of the bathroom door.

  “It’s safe,” Jessica promised. “Come and sit on the bed. I’m wide-awake now and I think you are too. What’s your name and how did you know Daenon was coming?”

  The woman sunk onto the foot of the comfortable bed. She was smaller than Jessica and very, very thin. Way too thin, Jessica thought. Her reddish blond hair, pulled back in a tight ponytail, accentuated her large, sunken eyes, and high, prominent cheekbones. Jessica guessed her to be somewhere in her late twenties.

  “My name is Merula. I am the daughter of Tirus, Regulator of Palium,” she said proudly, carefully enunciating every syllable of every word she spoke. In a more subdued tone, but just as articulate, she continued, “I have been a slave here for nearly ten years. I knew Daenon was coming because I heard him. I couldn’t sleep and was wandering the halls, I often do that.” She shrugged her shoulders. “No one cares anymore or pays attention to me. I heard Daenon call for lamp bearers. He has done this before. He likes to surprise his ‘guests’. I think it makes him feel in control, more powerful. I assumed it was you he was coming to surprise this time so I ran to warn you.” A mischievous smile crossed her lips. “I like to see him frustrated.”