by Callie Kanno
Aherin studied the form his power had taken—a majestic tree with a river flowing next to it. “This is where my mother and I used to go when we wanted to be alone. We would pack a basket of food and spend the day together, just the two of us.”
Hildar’s power took the form of a miniature herd of horses prancing daintily in a circle. “Yes, these are from my memory as well.”
Idris tried not to let his frustration show as he once again attempted to channel his stream of energy to merge with Demas’s.
“Do not worry, Idris,” Demas said softly. “It takes a lot of practice to master these exercises. Every day you practice will be a bit less of a struggle. Soon it will come to you easily.”
Idris returned to his quarters that night in a foul mood.
“I thought this would be easier now,” he said to Iona darkly.
Just because I am willing to work with you does not mean that you will suddenly transform into Marlais at the height of his power, Iona reminded him. Even he had to start from the beginning.
Her superior tone made Idris feel even grumpier. He flung himself onto his bed and buried his face in his pillow.
The following day was not much better, nor was the next. Every day they had to begin at the first exercise and work their way up, but Idris didn’t take much comfort from the fact that Hildar and Aherin were starting from the beginning with him again. After a little practice, Aherin and Hildar were able to replicate their progress from the previous day and move on. Idris, on the other hand, continued to battle against himself.
You just might be the most stubborn creature I have ever come across, Iona commented without humor. It is almost as if you do not wish to succeed.
Of course I do, Idris retorted silently, but it is not as easy as you make it seem.
On the afternoon of the fourth day of their new training, Farah called for a break. Idris opened his eyes to see Palti approaching them.
“The king wants to meet with all of the Royal Guards,” Palti announced. “I was sent to fetch all of you.”
Instead of heading toward the king’s council room, Palti led the way back to the room where the Royal Guards met. The king and queen were waiting for them there.
Idris bowed with his fellow guards and waited for permission to be seated. King Nikolas granted it by waving a hand in their direction and then turned his attention to Captain Cowan.
“Would you care to share with your subordinates the events that just transpired?” the king asked tersely.
Cowan’s expression was grave. “A servant was found dead. It is believed that she was poisoned by tasting some food meant for the king.”
Idris felt his blood turn cold. Jui’s face immediately flashed into his mind. He gripped the table and leaned forward in his chair. “Which serving girl?” he asked the captain urgently.
He felt all eyes turned to him, and he knew he’d asked the wrong question. But he couldn’t stop the fear rising in him.
“While your concern is very touching,” Roth said, “I believe there are more pressing matters at hand.”
“Of course,” Idris managed to say, forcing himself to sit back in his chair. “I apologize.”
“Am I correct is assuming that you are no closer to discovering the identity of the traitor?” inquired King Nikolas.
Cowan inclined his head. “You are correct, your majesty.”
The king scowled at the table, deep in thought. He drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair rhythmically.
“While the search continues we must protect the royal line,” Nikolas said after several moments.
“Of course, your majesty,” agreed the captain. “How would you like us to do so?”
“We must send the children away,” was the decisive answer. “They cannot be targets if they are hidden.”
Idris glanced over at the queen. Her expression was calm, but he saw fear in her eyes. “Where would you suggest sending them?”
“The crown prince will be sent to your father in Zoma,” the king said to the queen. “I can think of no safer place for him.”
Queen Arminell only relaxed marginally. “Yes, young Nikolas will be safe there. What about the other two?”
“Aribold can be sent to Tollan. It is a strong military outpost, and he will be well protected there.”
“Very wise, your majesty,” approved Cowan.
“And Zorina?” prompted Arminell. “What of our daughter?”
The king shrugged. “She may stay here in Marath. I doubt she is in any real danger.”
The queen’s face stiffened. “If your sons are in danger, then your daughter must be as well.”
“She is not an heir,” Nikolas pointed out.
“But she is still your child,” Arminell shot back.
An idea came to Idris and he spoke before thinking it through.
“What about Rest Stone Valley?”
Once again, everyone stared at him as if he had said something completely outlandish.
“Explain yourself, boy,” the king ordered, looking both bored and impatient.
Idris stumbled over his words in his haste to do as he was bid. “It is a small farming community where I grew up. It is quiet and safe and… well… no one would ever think to look for the princess there.”
The queen looked thoughtful for a moment. “That is an excellent idea.”
King Nikolas shrugged. “If you wish. I have no objections.”
“And I will go with her,” Queen Arminell suddenly declared.
The king quirked an eyebrow. “That does not seem necessary, my dear. She will be safe with her Royal Guards.”
She gracefully got to her feet. “All the same, I shall go with our daughter.”
King Nikolas gave an irritable sigh. “Very well. Now we must see to preparations for the princes’ departures. They must be carried out in absolute secrecy. None must know but those in this room.”
“Idris,” the queen beckoned, “come with me. We will make our own preparations to leave.”
Idris jostled the table as he got to his feet, and he could feel his cheeks burning again. “Yes, your majesty.”
They stepped into the hall, and Queen Arminell spoke to him in a voice so low it was almost a whisper. “What will we need to make the journey to your home?”
Idris did some quick thinking. “Farmers’ clothing for us to disguise ourselves, some supplies for the journey, and a simple wagon. That really should be all.”
“Can you discreetly arrange for all of those things?”
“Yes, your majesty.”
She gave him a confident smile. “Then do so.”
Idris bowed his head amenably, but when he hurried away it wasn’t to complete the queen’s tasks. There was something else he needed to do first. He hurried down to the palace kitchens and stopped the first servant he could find. He grasped the man’s arm anxiously.
“Who was the serving girl that was poisoned?”
The servant shook his head mournfully. “That would be Hana, master. Poor thing.”
Relief flooded through Idris. He let out his breath in a burst and loosened his hold on the man. “Where can I find Jui?”
“Comforting Hana’s sister. Over yonder.”
Idris hurried in the direction the servant had pointed. He spotted his friend after a few turns down the corridor. She was sitting on the ground beside a young girl, patting her hand.
“Jui,” he called softly.
She glanced up in surprise. “Master?”
Idris beckoned her over, and Jui murmured something to the girl beside her before standing. She brushed the dust from her skirt and came to meet Idris.
“Jui,” Idris said with a sigh of relief. “I am so glad to see you. I heard news of what had happened. I am so sorry.”
Jui frowned and looked down at her hands. “It was a shock to all of us, master. Hana was a very kind girl. That is her sister.” Jui said, looking over her shoulder at the girl. She turned back at Idris.
I
dris nodded. “It is kind of you to help her, Jui.” He smiled kindly. “You have been such a help to me.” He realized, then, that this trip to find Jui might be connected to the queen’s tasks after all. “I may need your help one more time.”
Jui looked at him curiously, then moved closer so that he could whisper in her ear.
“If I gave you some money, could you get farmers’ clothing to fit the queen, the princess, and all their Royal Guards?”
Jui drew back to look at him. Her eyes were slightly wide. “Yes, master.”
Idris smiled gratefully. He was grateful to have someone that he knew could be trusted. “Thank you, Jui. Do not mention this to anyone at all.”
“No, master.”
Idris got Jui the money she needed from the queen. Then he went into the city to procure a wagon and the supplies they would need for their journey. By the time night had fallen, he had everything they needed to leave the city in secret.
The queen had given instructions to Idris and Hildar—and to her own guards, Palti and Farah—to meet after dark in a supply room just off of the stables. When Idris slipped in with his bundles, he found the queen and the princess there with the other guards. He handed disguises to Palti, Farah, and Hildar. He knelt down to help Princess Zorina put her disguise on.
The princess was wearing a simple cotton dress under her fur robe.
“I am sorry, your highness,” Idris said with a comforting smile as he unfastened the fur robe. “I am afraid we cannot bring your warm furs with us.”
Zorina shivered against the cool winter air and looked at him with wide, curious eyes. “Why not, Idris?”
He smiled, helping her into the short jacket that went over the top of the dress. He buttoned it snugly around her. “Because we are pretending to be farmers, and farmers cannot afford things such as furs.” He tied the coarse brown skirt over her dress, adding another layer of warmth.
“How do they stay warm during the winter?” she inquired.
Idris held up the wool cloak that was just her size. “This is very much like what my little sister wears.”
“Then I will wear it, too,” Zorina said simply.
Idris fastened the cloak around the princess’s shoulders and then stood, ready to help the queen with her attire. To his surprise, she had already removed her own fur robe and was dressed as a farmer’s wife. She looked quite comfortable in the clothing.
She smiled at the expression on his face. “I have some experience with dresses like this.”
Idris wanted to ask her questions about what she meant, but he wasn’t sure if that would be appropriate. He knew that the queen liked him, but he didn’t know if that made it acceptable for him to ask her anything personal.
He turned and saw Hildar struggling to get her skirt on straight. He did his best to keep his expression neutral as he gave her a hand. She allowed him to help her, but she looked as though her pride suffered for it.
Each of the Royal Guards put cloth covers over their weapons to make them less noticeable. It was impossible to hide the fact that they were carrying weapons, but at least the gold and jewels were not visible.
Once everyone had changed and put on their woolen cloaks, they stepped outside to where the wagon was waiting.
Idris and Palti helped Queen Arminell and Princess Zorina climb into the bed of the wagon, where there was a small space they could sit between their supplies. Idris tucked blankets around them and patted the little girl on the shoulder.
“We need to be very quiet as we travel,” he told her. “Try to get some sleep, yes?”
Zorina nodded and cuddled up to her mother.
Queen Arminell smiled up at Idris. “Thank you, Idris.”
Idris returned her smile and bowed his head respectfully. “Of course, your majesty.”
Palti gathered the Royal Guards around him. “Farah, you will drive. Hildar, you will sit as a passenger and keep an eye on the queen and the princess. Idris and I will walk. In a few hours we will trade places.”
This plan seemed to be to everyone’s satisfaction, and they moved into position. Farah picked up the reins and clucked at the cart horse, putting the wagon into motion.
Idris took a deep breath. His stomach was a tangle of nerves. He was excited to see his family again, but he was nervous that something would go wrong with their plan. As they began their journey, he silently prayed that they would make it safely and secretly to the valley where he had been born.
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Returning Home
They traveled all through the night without encountering anyone. Queen Arminell stayed awake with the Royal Guards, but Princess Zorina slept peacefully. Idris was driving the wagon when he heard the princess stirring behind him. He glanced back and saw her sitting up with her eyes open and excitement on her face.
“Where are we, Mommy?”
The queen glanced around. “I believe we are just entering the Hills Province.”
“Is that far from home?”
She smiled at her daughter. “Not very, my love.”
Idris smiled at the princess before looking back at the road. “Have you ever left Marath before, your highness?”
Zorina shook her head. “No. I always stay in the boring old palace.”
He grinned over his shoulder at her. “Well, soon you will get to see the place where I grew up.”
“Where?” she asked. He could hear the impatience in her voice.
Idris pointed to the distance. “Do you see those low mountains way over there? In the center of those mountains is a valley filled with farms. That is where I was born.”
When he glanced at her again, Zorina’s small face scrunched thoughtfully. “A farm is where you grow grain?”
“Most of them,” agreed Idris. “But some have fruit orchards, and some only have animals.”
“What do they do during the winter when there is no grain to grow?”
He chuckled. “There is always work to do on a farm.”
“Like what?” Zorina demanded.
“When we get there, I will show you,” he promised.
Now that they were far from Marath, the likelihood of them encountering other travelers diminished. Idris felt like he could breathe easier, and he could tell that the other Royal Guards were relieved as well.
By midafternoon they were ascending the hills that surrounded Rest Stone Valley. Idris handed the reins to Palti and hopped down from the wagon. He jogged ahead of the wagon where he would be most visible.
Anxious to be among your people again? Iona asked.
She sounded more curious than disdainful, and Idris answered her honestly.
Yes, I am.
“We will go to my family’s home first,” Idris told the others, “then we will go to see Elder Gwydol. He is the unofficial leader of Rest Stone Valley.”
They attracted a lot of attention as they descended into the valley. Idris was quickly recognized, and many came out to welcome him back, although he suspected that it was just an excuse to stare at the newcomers.
When Idris looked back at the wagon, he saw that Queen Arminell kept her hood up and her face down, but Zorina stared openly at the onlookers.
Hildar moved to walk next to Idris and spoke to him in a low voice. “Are you certain it is safe to hide them here? It only takes one idle bit of gossip to bring unwanted attention, and it looks as though there are gossips here by the dozen.”
At the very least, Iona added.
Idris waved to the family whose farm they were passing. They had stopped their work and were turning to look with interest.
“Do not worry,” he told Hildar confidently. “By letting them all in on the secret we ensure that they will guard it with their lives.”
You seem very sure of them, but Hildar is right to worry, Iona cautioned. You cannot be too careful.
Trust me, Idris thought cheerfully.
They continued on for another moment, and Idris looked around, smiling at all the familiar sights. Suddenly he fel
t Hildar tense beside him.
“Who is that?”
Idris looked forward to see a small group running down the path toward him. He recognized them immediately, and his heart jumped in his chest. He felt a rush of gratitude for whichever farmer had seen Idris and thought to send a messenger ahead.
“It’s my family,” he said breathlessly. He rushed forward to meet them, and soon was in his mother’s arms.
“Oh, my darling boy,” Prydwen cried, “Meic said you had been arrested.”
Idris felt a renewed surge of anger at Meic, but it was overpowered by his joy at seeing his family again. He shook his head. “It was a misunderstanding. The king ordered my release.”
“Did they harm you?” Cadell asked gruffly. “Were you mistreated in any way?”
“No, Father,” Idris answered.
Cadell’s expression lightened somewhat, but he still looked concerned. “Have you… been sent home?”
“I am still a member of the Royal Guard,” he assured his father.
“You are not a traitor, Idris?” inquired Adwen, who had wrapped her arms around his leg.
He smoothed back her hair and smiled at her. “No, I am not.”
At this point the wagon caught up to them and slowed to a stop. Idris immediately made introductions.
“Your majesty,” he said softly, “may I introduce my family?”
Queen Arminell climbed down from the wagon as if it were a golden chariot. She gave them a gracious smile. “Of course.”
Idris named off each of his family members, trying hard not to laugh at their stunned expressions. Then he introduced the members of the traveling party to his family.
They all dropped to respectful bows.
“Your majesty,” Prydwen said breathlessly, “we are so honored to have you here.”
“Thank you for providing shelter for my daughter and myself,” Queen Arminell said with true sincerity.
Idris turned to his mother, who was looking at him with startled eyes. Idris felt a little bad for not being able to warn her about their royal visitors, but there hadn’t been enough time. “I was thinking they could stay in Grandpa’s old cottage.”
