by CK Dawn
“I gather that as well, Toha,” she responded.
“Hmph, of course, you do,” Davi scoffed at Avery’s answer. “Trust you to side with the Prince, Avery. You always did believe he was capable of no wrongdoing, even when he was the one behind most of our boyhood escapades. I was just the innocent bystander.”
“Innocent,” was all Avery said, but the way she said it had Trystan shaking with laughter. The word said quite clearly bullshit was afoot.
“Ouch. That stung a little, Mistress Payne. Not gonna lie.” Davi, always the dramatic, gave her an overblown huff of false exasperation, much to Trystan and Rion’s amusement, but Avery chose not to respond. She stared ahead in stoic silence as always.
They continued for a few more hours in relative calm, each lost in their own thoughts. Even Davi had fallen quiet. Trystan let himself be lulled by the calm and muffled trot of his horse. Just a few more hours of riding then they would find a suitable place to camp for the night. Hopefully, they’d be able to find some firewood that was still dry enough to burn, otherwise, they would be in for a very cold night.
The scream that pierced the forest spooked Trystan’s stallion so much he had to rein him in with a strong hand to keep him from bolting.
The scream died off only to be followed by the unmistakable sound of clanging swords and colorful cussing.
“This way,” Trystan bellowed, and as one they turned into the thicket of trees to their right.
The sight that met their eyes as they advanced into a clearing on the other side of the copse was not something they were expecting. A hooded figure in a muddy, torn cloak was surrounded by a circle of five uniformed men. Although two of the tunics were unfamiliar, the three others identified them as Isenore soldiers just as the long dark curls peeking out of the hood confirmed their target was a woman. She was trying to hold them off with her rapier, but as skillfully as she handled the weapon, she was no match for their heavier blades. She thrust and parried with admirable form, but the circle was closing in.
“You fool, we have to take her alive,” one of the soldiers growled as another of his brothers swung at her a little too enthusiastically and she cried out as the blade grazed her shoulder. She rewarded her attacker with a thrust to his arm in return and he screamed as the thin blade pierced his skin.
“Five against one. Hardly fair odds, what do you think, men?” Trystan’s voice echoed around the glade, startling all blades still. Six pairs of eyes turned their way in disbelief.
“This is no concern of yours,” the soldier who had admonished the other earlier spat at the newcomers. “She is but a mere prisoner escaped from our lord’s keep. Be off with you, peasants.”
“No concern?” Davi asked in calm surprise as he leaped nimbly from his horse. “Five Isenore soldiers chasing down one female prisoner? She must be dangerous to the realm indeed and that, my friend, does concern us.”
“They lie,” the woman screamed. “They’re under orders from Dreach-Dhoun.”
Dreach-Dhoun? Trystan didn’t have time to wonder the validity of the accusation before the soldiers turned their attack on them. What was going on? Why would Isenore soldiers attack?
Sliding from his horse and landing lightly on his feet, he pulled his sword just in time to block the sharp blade aimed for his chest. The steel hit him with a bone jarring clang. His attacker was a burly man and all of his weight fell behind his weapon as it tried to make Trystan succumb. Instead, Trystan slid his blade down to the other man’s hilt and flicked it away easily.
The prince swerved and tried a low attack, but his opponent was just as practiced and deflected the stroke. Metal clanged against metal as Trystan parried blow after blow. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a second Dreach-Dhoun soldier approach. His blade glinted in the sliver of sunlight poking through the clouds and trees as it sliced down and Trystan, sword still occupied with the first attacker, tried in vain to shift away before the blade made contact with any of his body parts. He slipped on the wet grass and stumbled, tensing as he expected any moment to feel the steel rip through his skin. Instead, the attacker’s broadsword dropped onto the ground and he screamed in agony as a fourth blade joined the fight and severed the thumb of his right hand.
The look of surprise in the soldier’s eyes as he pulled his bloody hand to his chest was almost funny in its indignation. It was enough to distract Trystan’s first opponent and the prince took advantage. With an angry cry, he smashed the Isenore soldier’s sword out of his grasp. The man stumbled back, his gaze darting to the blade at his feet, but Trystan growled, “Leave it and leave now before I change my mind about letting you live.” He didn’t need to be warned twice.
“Retreat,” the Isenore man yelled as he swiveled and ran, leaving the sword where it lay.
The prince averted his gaze from the departing soldier, ready to thank his unknown savior for saving his neck. Instead, he fell mute as he came face to face with a familiar someone he couldn’t quite place at first. The hood had fallen away in battle and the light hazel eyes and dark curls sparked his memory. He breathed in disbelief, “Lady Alixa?”
She stared back, wild-eyed, covered in grime and the crimson splattered rapier held above her head adding to her barbaric look. But the amber-flecked eyes flashed in shocked recognition. “Prince Trystan?”
A silence descended over the group as the last soldier vanished from their sight. A sword battle was not what any of them had expected to find today, but find it they did. They waited in anticipation, making sure every last living soldier had left, but none appeared. The soldiers were gone. Davi finally sheathed his sword and headed toward Trystan with a cheeky grin. “Well, that was some excitement to an otherwise dreadfully boring morn- Lady Alixa?”
Spooked, Alixa turned in Davi’s direction and brandished the sword his way, halting his approach. Hands up in the air, he backed away. “Whoa, watch where you’re pointing that thing.” He glanced Trystan’s way and whispered, “What the hell is she doing here?”
“She can hear you,” Alixa responded, hiding the rapier under her long cloak. She smoothed her hair and straightened her shoulders as she faced Trystan once again. The sight of her standing as stately as she could even though she resembled a gutter rat right about now had Trystan struggling to hide a grin. “Thank you for your help, Your Highness. I didn’t realize I was so close to the castle. I must have gotten turned around on my journey. If you could be so kind to help me find my horse, I’ll be on my way.”
Trystan couldn’t help it as a snort of disbelief escaped his lips. “Be on your way? I think an explanation is in order before you are ‘on your way’ anywhere. Why were your own men attacking you, and why would you say it was under Dreach-Dhoun’s orders? And most importantly, why are you here, all alone and in the middle of Aldorwood?”
He didn’t mean for his voice to be as sharp or demanding, but it only succeeded in Alixa shaking her head and clamping her lips tight.
“Fine,” Trystan conceded. “If you don’t wish to share your information, then we will take you back to Isenore and speak with the Duke himself.”
“No!” Alixa grabbed his arm and Trystan glanced down in surprise at the claw-like grip. “You can’t take me back there. I can’t go back there.”
The pleading in her voice was matched by the despair in her eyes and the prince found himself drawn in by her misery.
“Why not, my lady?” he questioned softly.
A range of emotions flitted across her face; pride, fear, shame. The pride won out. Taking a deep breath, she held her chin high as she gritted through her teeth. “I can’t go back there, Your Highness, because my life would be in danger since I just found out my father is a traitor.”
“And you are positive?” Trystan asked for the third time after hearing of Alixa’s escape. The girl’s eyes flashed with irritation.
“I know I’m but a mere woman, Your Highness, and must appear easily confused, but I’m not mistaken.” She paused. “My father, the Duke of
Isenore has betrayed our kingdom to Dreach-Dhoun. The presence of his soldiers here should be proof enough.”
Trystan failed to respond to the girl’s comment, but Davi muttered, “Goodbye damsel in distress, hello ice-queen,” earned him a glacial glare.
“The King must be told.” Trystan crossed his arms as he considered what this meant. His father would be furious. Isenore would feel his anger as well they should. Loyalty was important to Trystan. A thought crept into his mind and he silently chastised himself for thinking it. When one of the realms three kingdoms was choosing their enemy, a part of him was happy Rissa would not have to marry Royce.
Davi pulled himself up straighter, still on the matter of informing the King. “Agreed, Toha. It would be a disaster if he didn’t know immediately. We have no choice but to return.”
“No.” Trystan’s gaze moved to the youngest member of their party. “Rion, return to the castle at once. You must deliver the news of the Duke’s betrayal to the King. Tell him everything that has transpired here. We will continue on our mission, we can’t afford to lose any time. It’s important we complete our quest now more than ever. Between you and Lady Alixa, I trust the message will be delivered.”
Alixa peered up at him from her position on the tree stump where she sat. “Wouldn’t I have to travel to the castle as well to deliver the message? That is something I don’t foresee in my future.”
Trystan’s eyebrows drew together and he frowned. “But Dreach-Sciene castle is the safest place for you to be right now. My father will protect you. Keep you safe from any Dreach-Dhoun or Isenore soldiers that may be searching for you. Surely, you must know your father or King Calis will not stop looking for you with the knowledge you possess.”
“I’m well aware. Just as I know the castle is the first place he’ll look for me. They expect me to run to the King. No, I won’t be going to the castle.”
She was being unreasonable. Trystan pinned her with an exasperated look. “Then where will you go, my lady? Or do you plan on setting up a straw hut here in the middle of the forest and living like a commoner?”
“You make that sound like it’s a fate worse than death. Trust me, Prince Trystan, there are far worse ways to live.” Her voice was sharp with disdain.
“That isn’t what I meant…enough of this arguing. I would very much like you to accompany Rion. I’m only trying to keep you safe.” Trystan turned his back on Alixa, expecting her to follow his orders. He understood her fear, but he was certain the palace was the only safe place for her. He approached his young messenger and laid both hands on the boy’s shoulders. “Rion, you must ride swift and stealthy and away from prying eyes. Can you do this?”
“I will, Your Highness,” the boy replied with a curt nod.
“Er, Toha?” Davi’s voice had a peculiar lilt to it, almost as if he were laughing but trying to keep it hidden. What about this situation warranted laughter? Trystan turned in annoyance only to follow Davi’s pointing blade. Alixa’s back was all he could see as she retreated from them and into the trees.
“Lady Alixa, where are you going?”
“To find my horse and continue on my way,” she threw back over her shoulder as she kept walking.
“Continue where?” he asked.
“Anywhere but where you have asked me to go.”
“Surely you jest. Alixa, stop.” She kept walking. “As your prince, I command you to stop.” Trystan’s voice rose in irritation and finally, Alixa did as he asked.
Sighing for all to hear, she turned back around and placed her hands on her hips. “Yes, my Prince?” she drawled.
The heated flush of anger stained Trystan’s cheeks. “I think you have mistaken me, my lady. I didn’t ask, I ordered you to accompany Rion to the castle. I can’t in good conscience leave you out here in the wilderness on your own with Isenore and Dreach-Dhoun soldiers nipping at your heels. My help is in your best interest.”
Alixa rolled her eyes. “Forgive me, Your Highness, but I don’t recall asking for your help. And I will not bow to obeying orders as easily anymore. I’ve already survived on my own these past few days, I will endure.”
Trystan threw a side glance at Davi, questioning if he was hearing the same thing. Davi merely shrugged and grinned at his friend’s annoyance.
Alixa began moving again, not waiting for anyone.
“Alixa, wait.” Trystan went after her. “You can’t do this on your own. If you won’t go with Rion to the castle, then at least accompany us. We can take you to Whitecap and help find you a safe haven.”
This seemed to interest the girl. She paused and turned around again. “Whitecap? Yes, that may be the answer. Or Sona. You did say you were traveling to Sona. That’s on the other side of Dreach-Sciene and as far away from Isenore as I can go. Maybe that’s the answer.” Her voice was low as if she was speaking to herself, but then giving a little nod, she raised her strange gold-flecked eyes Trystan’s way. “Okay. I will go with you. But first, I need to find my horse.”
Trystan heaved a sigh of relief at her answer and a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Good. At least she was starting to see some sense. He much preferred her to be with them than on her own.
But then Davi’s worried, “Are you sure about this, Toha? Having her with us may complicate things. Are you sure this is the right decision?”
Trystan sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, now doubting his rash offer. “I sure as hell hope so, Davi.”
Ten
King Marcus Renauld was not a contemplative man. He was a man of action, decision. Some would call him hard; his children would say he was unfair. But they would understand one day. When he was no longer there to guide the kingdom and the weight fell on Trystan’s shoulders, they would know what it meant to place realm above self.
As he stood atop the walls of the palace that had always been his home and looked out over the land that had once held so much hope, he didn’t take in the desolate state. He didn’t wonder what the future held. When his eyes roamed from left to right, they had a purpose, they always did. He looked for movement, for attack. It was a habit left from the years of the war. Twenty years later and some things never go away.
He closed his eyes for the briefest of moments, imagining he could see all the way to the sea. His son would be close by now. It would be a long time before he had news of their quest so he shut off those thoughts in his mind. Worry did no one any good.
He turned back towards the guards nearby. They were no longer under his direct command – even when their Toha was far away. The King preferred it that way.
The day Trystan became Toha, his twentieth birthday, was also the twentieth anniversary of the darkest day in their history. He remembered it well. The day the magic was leeched from their land. That night had been the longest and coldest he’d ever experienced. He’d been sure the sun would refuse to rise the next day.
But it did. And they persisted.
The guards bowed their heads to their king as he passed by. They were young men, newly trained. They most likely only chose to join his household to be fed. It saddened him that it had come to that in Dreach-Sciene, but sadness was another useless feeling.
A sad king was no good. If his son succeeded in his mission, their kingdom could once again flourish and most importantly – eat.
Trystan’s success would also bring war. There was no avoiding the fact. Twenty years ago, the war hadn’t been finished and the time was coming for it to resume once again.
Across the courtyard, Lorelai pivoted on one leg, trying to bend down to lift something she’d dropped on the stones.
The King rushed forward as she started to fall. His large hands grabbed hold of her thin waist as he steadied her.
“Your Majesty.” She let out a breathy laugh.
“Lorelai.” He hadn’t released her. “Are you okay?”
She turned clear blue eyes up to look at him and smiled brilliantly. “Yes. Thanks to your gallantry.”
T
he King was struck by how beautiful she’d become. When he first met her as a girl, she’d had an eerie quality about her that now intrigued him. Her almost white hair hung down her back, brushing against his fingers as he still held on tight. Most of the women at court wore their hair in extravagant designs. Hers was simple, plain, and he remembered she didn’t come from a noble background – even though she spoke as if she did.
“Your Majesty,” she said, looking at him quizzically.
He then realized it’d been a few moments since he spoke. He released her, made sure she wouldn’t fall again, and then bent down to pick up the item she’d dropped.
It was a knife – one from his armory by the looks of it.
Her eyes widened in alarm. “I’m sorry. I just …”
“Do you not feel safe in these walls?” His tone wasn’t accusatory, more worried. He had a strong urge to protect the seer.
A tear appeared at the corner of her eye. “I just … I’ve been in hiding for a long time. I can’t remember the last time I had someone protecting me.”
She winced but tried to cover it up.
“You’re in pain,” the King said, his eyes flitting to where her injured leg was hidden beneath her skirts.
“Yes.” She stumbled back, trying to use her walking stick to steady herself.
The King waved down a servant and handed him the knife before reaching out and lifting the slight woman easily into his arms. “You need to rest,” he said, walking briskly up the steps and into the palace.
She let out a single whimper as her leg was jostled but then clamped her lips shut despite the pain he knew she was in. He couldn’t imagine the life she’d lived since that first night he met her. She’d had to hide from those who didn’t trust her magic because they didn’t have theirs.
