by T. Norman
19
The gate to Mohrr opened as a hundred soldiers marched out fully armored and ready for battle. Zaren and Prince Stowen rode at the front, clad in the dark red colors of Ansaroth. Since they were attacked by the Mathox on the day of Petrik’s funeral, Zaren was impressed with how much Dirk had improved during training. He had more fury and force in his moves, making him a real threat in combat. More often than before, Zaren left their sparring sessions with cuts and bruises on his arms and legs. Never more than he gave Dirk, however.
“Your father should be meeting us in Mohrr shortly after our arrival.” Zaren anxiously awaited the upcoming battle. Things are just getting started.
Dirk rode stone-faced, staring into the distance. He had become cold, though fiery in the heat of battle. “Good. How long do you think it will be before we attack?”
Zaren scratched his chin, pondering the question. “Probably another two weeks.”
Dirk expression was blank. “Father will try and keep me back to command rather than fight.”
“Let’s hope your training sways him differently, then.” Zaren knew Dirk wanted to fight, and made a note to himself to try and persuade King Stowen of his skill.
Their party traveled hard for three full days, arriving in Daleon just before nightfall on the fourth. The guards on duty greeted Zaren and Dirk. Their castle yard and stables were empty except for the small garrison, meaning they were the first to arrive.
“Captain Sharpe, Prince Stowen,” the guard greeted the men, bowing as he spoke to Dirk. “Welcome to Daleon. We have been anticipating your arrival and your chambers have been prepared for you.”
Dirk waved the man away with his hand, without a word of gratitude, prompting the guard to lead them into the castle. It was smaller than the royal castle in Andarok, but it was vast compared to the small number of men who occupied it.
“Have you received word of when anyone else will be arriving?” Zaren inquired, though he doubted the man would know.
“No, sir, but I was asked to escort you to Captain Jonas’s chambers upon your arrival. I’m sure he can answer all of your questions.”
Zaren guffawed at the mention of the captain. Captain Bartholomew Jonas had served King Axel Stowen in Andarok until his assassination. Allister was infuriated with the captain of his father’s guard for failing to protect his father, sending him to serve at Daleon, the worst assignment a soldier could receive due to its isolation. Zaren had heard that since coming to his post in Daleon, Captain Jonas had let himself go, never leaving his seat of safety behind the castle walls.
Zaren and Dirk followed the guard through the castle, winding their way up the tallest tower to Captain Jonas's quarters.
The guard knocked. "Enter," was the only response they received. Opening the door, the guard gestured for Zaren and Dirk to enter. As they entered, Zaren was perplexed to see that Captain Jonas was not alone in his chambers.
The captain looked up from his large cedar desk, a handful of papers covering the surface, glancing at the new arrivals and then quickly glancing to his left. Zaren followed his gaze to see Lady Velmar sitting by the lit hearth, looking as poised as ever. Across from her sat a man in Del Brotherhood garb, though Zaren did not recognize him. Zaren could tell that Captain Jonas was stressed, evident by his unkempt blond hair and wrinkled robes.
"Captain Kosoth and Prince Stowen, welcome to Daleon." Lady Velmar rose from her chair to great them. She held out her hand, prompting them both to bow and kiss her rings.
"Lady Velmar, we didn't expect to find you here yet." Dirk didn't hide his surprise.
"We had arrangements to make with the captain." She gestured toward the stranger sitting across from her and said, "I would like to introduce you to Brother Greydel, a representative of the Del Brotherhood."
Brother Greydel stood and bowed formally to the prince and Zaren. "It is my honor to assist Ansaroth in their quest, Your Majesty." His eyes had a piercing effect, putting Zaren on edge. He would need to keep an eye on this man.
"You requested our presence, Captain Jonas?" Zaren cut to the point of their meeting.
"Yes, on behalf of Lady Velmar." Captain Jonas seemed to disapprove her presence.
Dirk turned his attention toward Lady Velmar. "When are my father and the others going to arrive?" he asked. Zaren smiled at how direct the boy was.
"We received word this morning that your father's forces are on their way. They will be meeting up with our soldiers from Vendos on the way. As to the other, smaller forces, they should all be here within a week." She left Vendos before her forces? Zaren thought that was a strange course of action, but knew not to question her decision.
"Why did you request our presence?" Dirk continued his interrogation.
Lady Velmar smiled. "I wanted to discuss our plans. I am not sure what your father has told you, and I thought you should be brought up to speed before we go to war." Lady Velmar gestured for Dirk to sit at the lone chair on the opposite side of Captain Jonas's desk. Zaren moved to lean against the door, listening keenly to the conversation.
"My father hasn't told me much, so whatever you can share would be appreciated." King Stowen purposely kept Dirk in the dark, not wanting to burden his son with the plans and allowing him to focus on his training.
Lady Velmar nodded acknowledgement. "I am aware. We have discussed many times how I believe that you should be involved in the planning, but your father was adamant that you be left out."
"Tell me." Zaren saw the anger in Dirk's eyes, building up against his own father.
"As you know our forces are marching toward Daleon. After our failed attempt to end the war during the Battle of the Skirling Pass fourteen years ago, we knew that we had to adjust our plans." Lady Velmar gestured toward Brother Greydel. "This is where the Del Brotherhood comes into play."
The confusion was evident on Dirk's face. "What is their role in this? They don't have an army to assist us."
"Military assistance is not the only need we have," Lady Velmar corrected the young prince. "We have sent a small force of men, led by your father’s cousins Victor and Han, through the Lost Lands leading to the Dragon Tower. There they will be led through the mountains into the Vur Desert."
"How large of a force was sent?" Dirk knew if this force had insufficient numbers, it would prove worthless.
"Twenty men. The mountains are nigh impassable, and any larger force would never make it through in our timeframe. This is also why we chose Han and Victor to lead the men."
Dirk didn't seem satisfied with the information. "None of this matters. If we kill their prince, they will retreat and rally behind someone else."
"That is exactly why that is not the extent of our plan." Velmar sat up in her seat. "Have you heard the rumors that the princess of Dusseldorf is alive?"
Dirk looked confused at this statement. "I've heard the rumors, but I assumed they were just that: rumors."
"They are anything but. She is currently fleeing our forces through the Green Vale in an attempt to return home." Velmar watched his face for a reaction to this news.
Dirk's eyes opened wide in shock. "Alive and in Ansaroth? That's impossible!" Dirk shook his head in disbelief.
"It is quite real, though we are still unsure of how this came about. But none of that matters now. As you said, if we simply kill their prince they will rally behind someone else, which is why we need to give them someone to rally behind."
Dirk cocked his eyebrows in confusion. "Are you saying you mean to give them the princess to rally behind?"
"She is the rightful heir to the throne after her brother. If he dies, it is only natural that the people of Dusseldorf would respect her rightful place."
"What does all this mean?" Zaren felt sorry for the boy. Dirk was a smart young man, but he sometimes lacked a basic understanding.
"Your father means to unite our two kingdoms with a union of marriage."
"My father means to marry me to the princess." It wasn't a question, bu
t a statement of fear, dismay, and frustration.
"Yes, he does. I know it might be difficult to understand, but it is for the best. Once you two are wed, you will rule over all of Draxos," Lady Velmar said gently. She was not an understanding or sympathetic person; Zaren could tell that she was putting on a show for Dirk's sake.
"When was he going to tell me about this?" Dirk's cheeks glowed red with anger.
"Your father wanted to wait until we had the princess in our possession." Lady Velmar sat at the front of her chair, leaning closer to Dirk. She folded her hands in her lap. "That should happen shortly. We have our best men tracking her."
Zaren saw the disappointment on Dirk’s face. The young prince rose from his chair and said, "Thank you, Lady Velmar, for the information, but if you will excuse me, I would like to take my leave." He didn’t wait for a response, instead turning and storming out the door.
Zaren turned to follow. "Captain Kosoth, please stay a moment," Lady Velmar called. Zaren turned to face toward the woman.
"What can I do for you, My Lady?"
"Captain Jonas, could you please give us some privacy?" Allison asked, not taking her eyes off Zaren. Captain Jonas stood and walked around his desk and out the door without saying a word, shutting it behind him. "Let's get down to business."
Zaren held up a hand to stop Lady Velmar before she continued. "Before we go on, I want to know, why did you tell Dirk all of that? His father will be furious with you."
Lady Velmar smiled. "Good, the angrier they both are, the fiercer they will be in battle."
"You know that ferocity often leads to carelessness." Zaren finally saw Lady Velmar's play in all of this.
She couldn't hold back the broad smile from her face. "I'm planning on it. Now, unless you have any further questions, we have a lot to discuss."
As Zaren sat across from Lady Velmar, Brother Greydel rose and began whispering spells at the doors. "That will keep away any prying ears," Lady Velmar informed him. Zaren shivered as the magic took its effect in the room.
"I have a job for you." Zaren recognized the look he saw on Lady Velmar's face; it was one of menace. He knew what she was going to ask of him next: she was going to ask him to kill in her name.
20
Julia kicked her horse’s side to ride up next to Alric.
“Can you tell me about Dusseldorf?” Ever since Alric had revealed his identity, Julia had been yearning to question him about her home. They had been riding hard for two days, but she figured now was as good a time as any.
He snapped his head up as she spoke. Julia hadn’t realized he had been sleeping in the saddle. He turned to face the young girl. “What would you like to know?”
Julia chewed her lip as she thought, trying to figure out the best question to ask. “How did my parents really die?”
Alric sighed. He had dodged the question before, and he knew it would come up again until he answered it. “We were meeting King Stowen in the Skirling Pass to make a peace agreement. Your father didn’t trust him, so we brought a number of soldiers with us.” Alric stared off into the distance, reliving the night in his mind. “We were ambushed in the middle of the night. Your father held off the troops so your brother could escape. An enemy soldier cut your father down, and your mother died giving birth to you that same evening.”
“Why did my mother and brother go with them?” Julia didn’t understand why they would put themselves in danger.
“It was supposed to be a truce, and in order to show his trust of the situation, your father brought his family with, despite also bringing with an army.”
Julia wished she had been able to meet her parents. “Do you know who killed my father?”
Alric nodded. “His name is Victor Stowen; he’s the king’s cousin. He killed many of my men that evening.”
“How many men were you in charge of?” Julia didn’t know how the military worked in Dusseldorf.
“Things are different in Dusseldorf. There’s no Royal Army like there is here in Ansaroth. Rather, a number of small forces pledge fealty to the king.”
“So who is in charge of the soldiers?”
“Well, there are five main forces within Dusseldorf. There are the Southrons, who are commanded by Lord Kevin Rawson, your uncle; they’re based in Bryndorf. Then there are the Lyedos, from Lyden, and they’re led by D’atar Xae.”
Julia cocked her head in puzzlement. “That’s where Apo’k is from, correct?”
Alric nodded. “Yes it is. The Gray Wolves are based out of Waledorf in the north; Lord Cross Nanroon leads them. The largest force is the Ellis Army. They’re based out of Ellsdorf, but they’re the ones who defend Bravestone. Their leader is General Vance Prollo. The last of the five main forces is the Emerald Knights.”
The name sparked Julia’s interest. “Tell me more about them.”
Alric shrugged. “They are led by a man named General Trystan Novre. The other forces are all used for the main bulk of combat, except for the Lyedos, whereas the Emerald Knights are used for smaller and more tactical missions.”
“So they’re assassins?” Julia’s heart sank. She had heard the story that her father had sent an assassin to kill King Axel Stowen, and hearing this only proved the atrocity that shamed her.
“They are anything but assassins.” Julia let out a sigh of relief as Alric continued. “The Emerald Knights are skilled warriors trained in a number of forms of combat. Most soldiers only know one form of combat.” Alric sounded proud of these knights, raising Julia’s curiosity.
“How do you know so much about the Emerald Knights?”
Alric gave a smile, “Well, I was their general before I decided to become a nanny.” Julia gave him a puzzled look, letting a smile crease her lips as she realized he was referencing bringing her to Wayton as a baby.
“Sorry about that.” Julia didn’t know how Alric felt about leaving his men to babysit her.
“There’s no need to be sorry. I am honored to be your nanny.” Julia laughed as he said the words.
“Are those the only military forces in Dusseldorf?”
Alric shook his head. “No, there are many small forces in different cities, but these are the largest forces that work directly with the king.”
Julia nodded her understanding. She wanted to know more, and since Alric was in a talkative mood, she decided to press on. “I know that Ansaroth deals in mining and smithing weapons, jewelry, armor, and the like for their main source of economy. What about Dusseldorf?”
“They trade medicines, spices, herbs, furs, and many other natural products. They send many ships across the Meting Sea, as well, carrying goods. Most individuals aspire to become healers or artisans, rather than soldiers.”
Julia was shocked at how different the cultures of these two kingdoms sounded. “It sounds much more peaceful than it is here.” After spending weeks running for her life, Julia could hardly imagine what it would be like to sleep with both eyes closed again.
“It normally is.” Julia could tell Alric had more to say but was holding his tongue.
“It normally is? How is it not normal now?”
Alric cringed. “Well, your brother has a different way of thinking. He has a lot of anger toward King Stowen, which has made him somewhat rash and reactive.” Julia had never met her brother, but hearing this news made her feel ashamed. She didn’t believe that violence was the answer.
Julia looked up to see Gant and Apo’k riding back to them. They had scouted ahead of the others.
“What did you see?” Rysh called out from behind Julia. He was riding a few yards behind Alric and Julia with Mic. Julia didn’t know if they had been listening to their conversation, they hadn’t said a word.
“Good news, we should be at Arbor Inn by the end of the day,” Gant said with a smile on his face. Since his rescue, his confidence had grown and he started taking on more leadership. Julia couldn’t help but admire his change in personality.
“That’s great!” Julia exclaimed.
“Will we be able to stay there long?” She longed to spend a night indoors in a bed.
Rysh and Mic rode up to meet the others. “We can spend the night, let our horses get some rest. We need to keep moving, though.”
Alric nodded his agreement. “We need to rest, as well. A nice hot meal would do us good.” Julia’s stomach grumbled at the thought of a warm meal.
“I agree, but we can’t go in like this. We’ll raise too many suspicions,” Rysh explained.
“We could go in with Alric and use the dying wish story again,” Gant chuckled. “How do you feel about being on your death bed again?” he asked Alric.
“As long as I get some free ale, it’s fine by me.” His stained teeth showed through his grin.
“Julia could be my sister.” She blushed as Gant said it, wishing he thought of her as more than a sister.
“I’ll come in late, just a lone traveler passing through,” Apo’k volunteered.
“I can ride around south and enter from that direction. I’ll say I’m heading north looking for work,” Mic offered his input.
“All right, that should work.” Julia saw Rysh scrunching his brow deep in thought, trying to analyze if there was anything they were overlooking. “When we landed in Janost I gave Lori all of our money. We have none to pay for food or rooms,” he admitted.
On their journey Gant and Apo’k had been hunting for their food, and they hadn’t come across any towns for several days. They had completely forgotten about their lack of funds.
“Do we have anything we can sell or trade?” Julia asked desperately. She didn’t want to have to sleep on the ground again.
“I have a variety of furs from out hunting we could sell,” Apo’k offered. “It won’t get us much, though.”
Mic reached behind his saddle and unrolled a leather pack. As he opened it, he revealed a variety of swords and axes within. “We can sell these.”
