“My name is Gwen and I run this place along with my two sons. So what you do want?”
“Bread, cheese, and some meat.” Erob pointed at the boar. “Stew would be nice, if you’ve some.”
“Don’t make much these days. So few customers come our way. There was a time when plenty of merchants came to our farms to buy the produce…but now.” She clucked her tongue. “Soon we might’ve to close the place down, until the war is over.”
“These are bad times,” Arkon spoke for the first time as he pushed their packs under the table with his feet.
“Yes, these are. Well, I’ll bring your food around and that’ll be four silver coins, alright? No bargaining later.” Without waiting for a reply, she turned back and went inside the kitchen.
A while later a young man emerged from the kitchen carrying a laden tray in his hand. No more than thirty, he had a tired, defeated look about him. After placing a jug of ale, four glasses, a loaf of bread, and a hunk of cheese, he took a sharp knife from the bar and cut large chunks of the boar. He put them on another tray and gave it to them, disappearing inside without comment.
Ravenous, they all dug in. It had been a while since Zo had last eaten. To her surprise, the meat was well-seasoned, albeit a bit tough. After they ate their fill, Gwen returned. Arkon handed her the coins, digging them out of a pouch he carried in his belt.
Alicia must have supplied him with coins for the journey, Zo realized.
“Thank you for your hospitality,” he said. “Do you cook yourself?”
“Oh, yes. Can’t trust my sons. Might be one of them marries soon, and brings home a wife who can cook. It’ll be a relief, I tell you,” she said with a loud sigh, as if by depriving her of daughter-in-laws, her sons were doing her a great disservice.
“Well, I’m sure they will find someone soon enough.” Arkon smiled.
Zo realized that he was quite comfortable talking to the old lady, whereas he’d hardly exchanged any words with any of them since their travel began. And despite Erob’s needling, he hardly deigned to speak with the younger man.
“I’m afraid that’s not going to be possible these days. I don’t let them out of the tavern much. Evil mages and their minions everywhere, searching for young and able-bodied men to fight the king’s useless battle against innocent folks.” Gwen spat on the floor. “Hate those mages. Just because they can do magic, they think they’re better than the rest of us.”
Zo shared a glance with Arkon. Not only it did appear that the king was forcing his people in a war they were reluctant to fight, but also there seemed to be an underlying hatred of mages. Was it just Gwen and the people around this area or did everyone share the same hatred?
“Well, we should be off.” Arkon stood. “Although we do need to buy four horses. Someone said you had a stable?”
Gwen pursed her lips, her eyes gleaming in anticipation. “In these times you think we can maintain a stable full of horses?”
Zo was crushed. She picked up her pack. They needed the mounts to speed up their journey. Perhaps it would have been better to bring theirs from the island. Now where else could they purchase four strong horses?
Arkon hefted his pack onto his shoulder. He handed Ria hers. “Well, we’ll take your leave then.”
They stepped towards the door. Erob scraped his chair back and stood, belching loudly.
“Wait a moment.” Gwen tapped Arkon on the shoulder. “I didn’t say we can’t sell you the horses.”
“You have horses?” Zo asked. “Four of them?”
“Oh, yes. My sons kept two mounts for their own use, and I have two others we’re stabling for our neighbors and they are eager to sell also. We can’t afford to feed or house them any longer, and the money will come in useful. Zeke,” she called.
The same young man who served them came out. “They are looking to buy horses. Four of them. Show them the animals.” She shuffled towards her son, and whispered something in his ears.
“No doubt asking him to get a good price. Old she may be, but she hasn’t lost her marbles yet,” Erob whispered. “Oh well,” he said in a louder voice, “while you see the animals, I’ll just stay here and enjoy another glass of ale. Won’t you keep me company, darling wife?” he said to Ria and pulled her chair back. After casting a hesitant look at Zo, Ria dropped her bag and sat.
Zeke took Zo and Arkon to the stable. The smell of horse and hay engulfed them. “I’ve raised three of these horses from foals, even the one that belongs to our neighbor,” the young man told them. “The fourth is new, but they are all bred for speed and stamina. Good horses.”
True to his words, the horses looked healthy and well-cared for. The gelding was nearly sixteen hands, with a clean bay coat with no markings. It looked alert and curious as they approached its stall. Zo also liked the look of the three mares. One was fourteen hands, and the other two were nearly thirteen hands tall. All of them had chestnut coats but the taller one looked more spirited.
Arkon stepped inside the gelding’s stall to inspect the animal. He ran his hands down the horse’s flank, shoulder, back, and legs, checking to make sure it was not injured anywhere. After repeating the same process with the mares, he appeared satisfied. Zo was happy to notice that the animals didn’t flinch or shy away when Arkon inspected them. They had neither the time nor the inclination to train them. These were domesticated animals and would be ideal for their flighty, sometimes hazardous, journey over the land.
“How much for the four of them?”
Arkon bargained with the young man for a while. Zeke, well-instructed by his mother, haggled over the prices of the animals, not budging from his somewhat atrocious price. Gwen seemed to have judged that the travelers were in haste to acquire the horses, and must have told her son to stick to his price.
Zo stood patiently for a while, listening to the two men bicker. Finally, she lost her patience. "Just give him what he wants. We need to move," she said in an imperious voice. Money was not a problem. Between the two of them, they had enough to finance their journey in great luxury and she wasn't willing to lose any time just to save what she thought was a pittance.
Arkon opened his purse, and handed the man sixteen gold coins. “We’ll take the saddles, four sacks of oats, and don’t you dare ask extra for that.”
Zeke laughed. “For this price, I’ll be willing to give you eight sacks of oats.”
“We won’t take so much. The horses can’t be overburdened.” Stepping into the stall, Zo placed the harness on the taller mare she’d claimed as her own. “Give the horses their fill of water before we leave.”
After they ensured that the horses drank adequate water, and the saddles were cinched properly, the two of them tied a sack of oat and their respective packs each to the horses and led the animals out of the stable. Erob and Ria were waiting outside. Without comment, Erob tied his own pack to his mare and walked the animal to the stoop of the building so he could mount easily. Ria tied her pack to her mare and checked the saddle. Zo was glad to note that she seemed at ease with the animal.
The blistering hot sunlight beat upon them with a ferocious intensity. It would be a hard ride. Zo tied a scarf around her head to protect herself from the worst of the sunlight.
“We’ll camp down at dusk,” she told Arkon. They were tired, but it was better to carry on and not waste time. It would be impossible to travel once darkness fell about the land, and she wanted to push on while the horses were fresh and alert.
“We shouldn’t have paid so much for the horses,” Arkon said, looking annoyed. “Three gold coins are what each horse was worth.”
“We can’t afford the time to haggle over money when we have more important things to do.”
“It’s the principle of the thing. The old woman cheated us,” Arkon muttered.
“Nothing matters to me more than a speedy journey and safe return to the island,” she told him, turning to face him. “Money means nothing.”
“Yes, princess.” Arkon’s sto
ny visage gave no indication of his feelings.
Zo frowned. “Perhaps, it may be better for all of you to call me Zo. If you slip up in front of someone, it will draw unnecessary attention to us.”
“Yes, Pr…Zo,” Arkon said.
“Ahoy, Zo.” Erob led his horse towards them, sitting straight on the animal.
Zo realized he had been eavesdropping on their conversation, but she’d no chance to admonish him as he goaded his mare to gallop across the dusty dry road.
Gwen came out of the inn, looking pleased. No doubt her son had handed over all the gold to her. “Blessed be! May your journey be safe,” she called out as the rest of them mounted and followed Erob.
Ria waved at the old lady as they all cantered off. Zo encouraged her mare to a light canter to test its understanding of the silent commands, and then gradually picked up speed. Soon, they left behind the shabby village and moved into a narrow lane between the green fields.
Their journey had truly begun.
Chapter Five
Alicia walked through the double doors of the library. It was late. Night had already fallen across the sky. She should have come earlier, but the administrative tasks left her with little time. Now that Seve was unable to do his duties, all the responsibilities rested on her shoulders. She delegated most of these tasks to the council men and his advisors but some, especially those concerning the security and protection of the kingdom, were still hers to deal with.
“Zima,” she called out softly, not wishing to invoke the wrath of the old librarian.
Zima shuffled out from behind a bookshelf and peered at her. “You look tired, girl. Get some rest.”
Taken aback by the unusual display of concern, Alicia opened her mouth. She closed it again.
“Stopping acting like a guppy! What do you want?”
The codger was back. Alicia lifted her lips in a half-smile. At least some things didn’t change. “I came to look at the diary. I know it’s early yet. She just left last night but did Zo write in it?”
Zima walked over to her desk. “She wrote. Nothing much. Can’t expect that girl to understand how important it is to document details.” Zima snorted. She rummaged in her drawer and after taking out the diary handed it to Alicia.
Alicia flipped through the pages. “What happens when the diary is full?”
“It can never become full. I can always rub off the writing with a spell. Hey, you, come here.” She frowned and pointed with her bony hand.
Turning around, Alicia saw a young woman. Her hair was tied in a tight bun, and her heart-shaped face looked frightened as she walked towards them, her steps weary and cautious.
“Greetings, princess.” She bowed her head and plucked at the edge of her sleeve.
“What are you doing here at this time?” Zima put her hands on her hips as she glared at the young girl.
“I…I forgot to list the new tomes that arrived today morning…”
Zima huffed. “Why do I get all the incompetent ones? Get lost now. Do it tomorrow.”
Alicia felt pity for the girl. Clearly, she had wanted to complete her task before Zima discovered the gaffe, but she would soon discover it was impossible to get anything past Zima’s eyes. She was like a dragon, guarding her newly hatched babies at all times.
The girl walked out quickly, as if eager to get as far away from the dragon lady as possible.
“New apprentice?” Alicia said as she flipped through the pages. Zima ran through her apprentices faster than the cook ran out of groceries. She was too hard on them, and few volunteered to join her. As she found the page, Alicia’s heart skipped a beat to see her sister’s bold handwriting. “They’ve bought horses. Erob’s with them. Everything’s fine.” She breathed out a sigh of relief.
“Hmmff.” Zima snorted. “That girl can get into trouble faster than an eagle can fly.”
Knowing the accuracy of that statement, Alicia didn’t bother to reply. She only hoped Zo would continue to act prudently and not get involved in any mischief that didn’t concern her.
“Can you write a message for me?” Alicia handed the diary to Zima. “Tell her we are all well, and that we pray for her speedy return.”
Taking a quill, Zima scribbled the words in her sloping handwriting, and showed it to Alicia.
“Thank you.” Alicia smiled at the librarian and walked out. For now, her sister was safe. True, it had only been a day since she left but knowing Zo she would push onwards with a steely determination. Either she would succeed or fail; the outcome of this journey was in the hands of the goddess. But Alicia had faith her twin would do her best. No one else could have been entrusted with this task, and no one else would have done it with as much determination and zeal.
It was time to get some rest. The two guards assigned for her protection followed her as she made her way to the study. Perhaps, she was getting too paranoid? Was it really necessary to have guards? She could take care of herself, but then her life was now connected with Seve’s. If anything happened to her, he would die instantly.
It was a secret she protected well. No one knew about the binding spell – and she wanted to make sure no one ever did. If the killer found out, he would direct his attention at her, and it would limit her freedom to monitor the new security measures that were being initiated. Also, it would spread panic if it became public knowledge that the king was dying. She had declared that he was ill and needed rest. No one was allowed inside his room, save for a few close and trusted people.
Reaching her room she closed the door. Walking to a side table, she poured the potion she brewed earlier from a carafe and drank the bitter concoction. Grimacing, she put the cup down. It tasted horrible, but it would keep her and Seve alive for another day, and that was all that mattered.
Already, her body was feeling the poison’s effect as it spread through her brother’s veins. Due to the spell that bound them, she felt its slow, inexorable progress through her own blood. The binding spell was a two-edged sword. By drinking the potions and herbs she would delay the spread of the poison, but eventually it would seize her brother’s heart and when it did, she would die with him.
She had no regrets. She had done what she could do to slow the death that spread its talons to claim her brother. Now, everything was in Zo’s hands.
The door to the room burst open with a crash. Even as Alicia raised her hands to defend herself, she recognized the senior officer in charge of the king’s security. Drenched in blood, he clutched his hands over the wounds on his stomach.
“Princess…the king…” He fell on the floor.
Leaping over him, Alicia raced to her brother’s room. “Saya, attend to him. Call a healer.” she yelled at one of the men who were guarding her own room. Running heedlessly towards the king’s personal chambers, she stopped at the sight of the massacre that met her eyes. The doors outside Seve’s room were littered with bodies of his guards; seven soldiers and the two mages who were on duty had been slain mercilessly.
Ribbons of blood and gore spattered the floor. The double doors stood wide open. Alicia ran inside, taking care not to slip on the wet floor. She stopped short. The blue shield that wrapped Seve in a cocoon was crisscrossed with crimson threads, indicating that someone had tried to break it. And yet, Zo’s spell held firm. Seve lay safe within its confines.
Poised for a fight, she scanned the rest of the room. Everything seemed in order. Alicia released the breath she’d held from the moment her room door opened. Turning, she saw the members of her own guard flanking the entrance. Without speaking, she motioned for them to search each nook and cranny to ensure no one hid anywhere.
“No one’s here,” one of them declared after a thorough search.
“Call Maya and Sultan,” she ordered. He ran off. The other one took his place at the door.
Walking past the dead bodies, Alicia checked each for a pulse. If there was even a chance she could save one of them…but alas, they had been hit by a potent spell that sucked the life for
ce out of their bodies. Tears ran down her cheeks as she went from one soldier to another. All of them were innocent casualties of this insane battle. They died only because they were doing their duty. The soldiers perhaps were easier targets because of their lack of defense against magic - but the fact that the mages were caught unaware scared Alicia.
How was anyone able to get past the defenses of the seasoned mages with such ease? They were veterans, aware of the lurking danger within the castle walls – and yet they died. The spell that killed them was both complicated and powerful. No ordinary mage could have woven it.
Waves of desperation rocked Alicia’s body. She went inside to sit in the room beside Seve. There was a dangerously impatient traitor in the castle. He’d hardly waited before trying to finish the job again. The lifting of the blood oath gave the killer an opportunity to use direct magic against the king, and the wielder of this spell was certainly a skilled mage.
Perhaps there was more than one killer? How were these attackers able to get past the castle’s guards?
Footsteps alerted her. She stood. Maya and Sultan, the two chief advisors to the king, stood before her. Both of them looked horrified at the carnage that met their eyes.
“I want you both to reinforce the king’s shield.” She intended to call more mages tomorrow to put further wards on the room.
After they finished with the shields, she closed the door to her brother's room. Alicia stayed there until a new contingent of guards arrived, and were duly instructed by Sultan.
Finally, exhausted, her mind roiling, she returned to her room. A knock on the door alerted her.
“Sultan, come in.” Standing at the window, Alicia was starring out into the still dark night.
"Do you think the shield would hold if there is another attack?" She worried.
“Princess Zo’s work can’t be easily tampered with.” There was a note of pride in his words.
Sultan was one of the many tutors responsible for the schooling of all the royal children during their childhood. "And we've also added our own magic. It will hold."
The Demon Mages (The Power of Three Book 1) Page 6
