"Master Ursa! I am so sorry for my insolence. I did not know it was you or else I would never have…" The man stammered apologetically.
"There is no need for that Adhar. Just open the gate and bring us to Master Saktas. It is of dire urgency," Ursa urged the man while he scanned the streets behind them.
"Yes, right away Master Ursa," Adhar replied. He ushered them in quickly and locked the gates again, doing a final check for any peering eyes. Satisfied there was none, they moved on towards the mansion.
They followed Adhar down the well-maintained, hedged path to the main doors. Nicolette could not help but stare in awe at what she saw. Every bush and tree in the yard was cut and flawlessly fashioned into animals of all species and poses. Even in the growing darkness, Nicolette could tell the grounds around the mansion were lush and vibrant with exotic flora.
Adhar led them up the granite stairs and through the large oak doors - the soft fragrance of roses filled the air upon entering.
"Wait here, I will go and locate the Master and tell him of your arrival. I am sure he will be very pleased to know you are here," Adhar said, quickly bowing before leaving the room.
Meath and Nicolette sat down on one of the entrances many davenports, while Ursa stood pacing the area as they waited.
"I will finally be able to meet Saktas," Meath said. Ursa had talked highly of the man all Meath's life and had several times gone off to meet him - sometimes in secret, sometimes just for a visit.
"You have met him before, though you were just a boy then," Ursa replied, admiring a festive painting on the wall.
"Why have I not met him again then?" Meath asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I did not want you falling under any of his influences." Ursa cracked a smile as if recalling something particular.
"Like what?" Meath asked, his interest aroused.
"He has a certain way with the curiosity and gallantries of the young," Ursa said softly.
"I recall my father talking about Master Saktas before. He is a well-respected merchant in Draco. When my mother died, it was Saktas who found the great sculptor - Zomen - to create the statues of her that my father treasured so dearly," Nicolette said, getting up and wandering around the room, looking at all the different art pieces.
"Yes, that would have been I," A husky voice said, as a man came through the doublewide doorway that Adhar had disappeared through.
All three of them turned to see the tall, older man who stood before them. He was dressed in the finest of silk clothing that had been tailored to fit his large frame.
"Ursa, my old friend, it is good to see you," Saktas said, clearing the gap between them to clasp hands.
"This is not a social call Saktas, but a matter of ominous urgency," Ursa responded, his features turning gravely serious.
"I assumed as much old friend. I hear it is because of you that all these soldiers are in Darnan. The rumor has it you murdered King Borrack and kidnapped his daughter." Saktas laughed, knowing better than to believe what he had been told. "I guess this young lady over here is the beautiful Princess Nicolette?" Nicolette took her hood off so he could see her face. "You are even more beautiful than the rumors say. Nice touch getting her past the guards with that red hair. What did you use? Ruby berry?" Saktas asked with a wide smile on his face knowing the ploy well. Meath and Nicolette nodded in unison.
"It is true that the King has been murdered, but not by my hand. There is great evil in Draco and I fear the worst kind of outcome," Ursa said, tone critical.
"I see. Let us not talk of such things here…we should go to where we can talk in private. First - you three must be famished and all of you are in need of a bath," Saktas said, realizing the situation was far worse than he had expected. "You are safe here - take your time. There will be plenty of time to discuss everything at length this night."
*****
"Captain Rift, what brings you here?" The soldier asked, walking over to greet him with a salute.
"Where are they?" Rift yelled, jumping from his horse and throwing the reins to another man who was standing there.
"They have not come by this way sir, or we would have surely sent word of it," the man replied apprehensively.
"What? You halfwit, they are here in Darnan! How could you not have seen them? They could not have made it over the walls so that means they came through one of the roadblocks either on this side or the other!" Rift roared, shoving the man violently to the earth.
"I do not understand sir - we have not seen anyone to match their description and no one in a group of three that even came close," the man cried up at him.
"Well they must have fooled you - I know they are here somewhere," Rift snarled, walking past the soldier shouting orders to the other men, who had now gathered to see what the commotion was.
"What is going on here?" The commanding officer barked as he rode from the town to the gather of men who had formed at the gates.
"The assassins are here in Darnan, you insolent fool! You were given one easy task and you could not even do it," Rift bellowed marching up to him.
"How do you know this for sure?" The officer asked, still not sure of what to make of the situation. He knew Rift's reputation and did not want to be on the man's bad side if rumors held true.
"We followed them here by their tracks, you flea ridden whoreson!" Shahariel hissed out, coming to stand by Rift.
"Search this entire town and its outskirts. Leave nothing untouched. Search every home, every street, every alley, and every man, woman and child. They are here somewhere and we will not let them get any farther, do you hear me!" Rift yelled so all the men could hear him. "We stop them here…a thousand in gold to whomever brings them to me!"
*****
Nicolette relaxed in the large, elaborately designed brass tub in the astonishing room she has been shown to. She traced her fingers over the etched grapevine pattern that framed the rim and down the outer sides to the ankles of the tub. The interknit design was faultless and flowed so naturally. Nicolette wondered how its creator could have engraved it so precisely without being in the core of a vineyard when he did so - even then it would have been a feat. She laid herself back against the warmed metal and slid herself down into the steaming, juniper-scented water until her head was beneath its embrace. Her eyes opened and she watched the red colouring in her hair bleed out, diluting itself in the already murky water.
She dried herself off on the linen towels that had been laid out for her. How good it felt to be clean again, yet some of the filth felt like it remained. Her eyes glanced back at the crimson hued water and she had to wonder how much of that was blood.
Her father's blood, the Zandorian soldier she had killed to save Meath's life, and Meath's blood had gotten on her too. So much blood had been spilled in a day…so much innocent blood. She did not even realize it but her eyes were moist with tears as she relived every vivid moment of the night before.
Nicolette looked at the lavish bed in the room and wanted nothing more than lay down on it for a while. She knew if she did, she would fall fast asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. She was so tired - yet somehow she had the strength to stay awake.
*****
A servant came and collected them after they had bathed and changed into the new attire left out for them. They met in Saktas' private meeting quarters, where an expansive spread of food and drink was laid out for them to indulge in.
"I hope the clothes all fit - if it had been earlier in the day that I found you at my steps, I could have had a seamstress do anything needed, but alas, on such short notice there is only so much even I can do," Saktas said to Nicolette and Meath as they were shown into his luxurious study, Ursa following behind them. "And of course Ursa always keeps a change of clothes in his room," he added with a hardy chuckle. "Eat…I am sure you are famished."
"How did you…?" Meath started to ask.
"The clothes?" Saktas laughed. "You and my son share the same taste in apparel it would seem and
luckily enough are of the same build."
They ate their fill of delicate meats, cheeses and exotic fruits while Ursa explained to Saktas the tale they had been through since they left Draco castle. He went on to tell of how they had managed to escape and finally made it to Darnan.
"My word, I have to say you three have been through an awful lot since last night," Saktas said, getting up from his chair and walking over to the stone fireplace to empty his hornpipe. "I am sorry to hear that your father is dead, Princess. He was a great man...one of the greatest I ever had the privilege of knowing," he said as he bowed his head and placed his hands on the mantel. His gaze dropped to stare into the burning embers. "How can I help you Ursa?" Saktas asked, turning around to face them. "Name it and if it is within my powers, I shall see it done."
"We need an army so we can march in there and kill that bastard, Prince Berrit, or whoever he really is," Meath replied animatedly. "Assassins, several of them would work too!" Excitement filtered into Saktas eyes at the thought.
Ursa glanced over to Meath and rolled his eyes. "We need you to go to Draco and tell Lord Tundal and Lord Dagon the truth of this matter," Ursa said, ignoring Meath's outburst. "But it must be you that goes and talks to them. They know you and know you can be trusted."
"That is it? You do not want me to kill this man - this fake Prince Berrit?" Saktas asked in confusion. He walked back to his seat and poured himself a mug of wine.
"No, Saktas. This impostor is most powerful with the Gift - he is like no other I have ever encountered and I fear he would not make it that easy. If you were caught trying or even succeeding in assassinating him before anyone knows the truth, you will find yourself hanging from the gallows. Let the Lords know the truth, from there, a better plan can be thought up. There is at least one other who is wrapped up in this plot, but there may be more…we need to find them as well," Ursa said solemnly.
"I see my friend - your words are wise as always. I will see to it they hear it from my own mouth and from there we will do what is necessary," Saktas agreed. "Where will you go then? You are more than welcome to stay here in my home until this is all resolved."
"That is a kind offer, but one we must decline," Ursa replied and Saktas cocked an eyebrow in question. "I must ensure Princess Nicolette's safety until this is all resolved. There are too many eyes looking and too many ears listening for us to be safe here, I am afraid. A reward of a thousand gold coins is far more than enough to tempt even the strongest willed men."
"Very true my friend, very true," Saktas concurred. "Then where will you go?"
"Dragons Cove - the Princess will be safe there with her Aunt Jewel and Uncle Marcus until this is resolved. It is far enough away that rumors will be slow and we will be protected," Ursa explained, finishing his meal and filling his mug with cold, fresh water. He wanted no wine to drink, as he needed all his wits about him.
"Wise plan, but if all goes my way, the problem will be resolved long before you reach Dragon's Cove," Saktas laughed confidently.
"Then you may send word for us on the swiftest horse," Ursa told him.
"It shall be done. On the morrow before the first rays peek the sky, I shall be off," Saktas confirmed. "Tonight, you get as much rest as you can and tomorrow whenever you're ready, I will have Adhar take you to the escape tunnel out of the city with any supplies you may need."
"Master Saktas," Adhar interrupted as he ran into the room unexpectedly. "There is a mob of soldiers at the gates demanding to be let in!"
"What? What do they want?" Saktas asked urgently, standing up.
"They say they are here to search the house. They know Master Ursa and the others are here in the town," Adhar blurted out while trying to catch his breath. "They have orders to search everything!"
"I see. Take Ursa, and the others to the escape tunnel and I will go and deal with the guards," Saktas ordered turning to Ursa. "Well my old friend, it seems that our visit has been cut short, as always. I will go to Draco and do as you have asked of me. Just promise me you will keep the Princess safe until this is all settled. We do not need those damn Zandorians ruling our country!"
"I will, my friend and thank you for everything," Ursa promised. They clasped hands again before the three followed Adhar down several halls and stairways to the far west wing of the mansion and into the house's immense cellar.
Saktas had exquisite tastes in all aspects and brought back the rarest and most exotic of flavors wherever he went. He had a wall of wines and ales from half the world away, barrels and sacks of every spice, and dried fruits he could get his hands on. Money was never an issue for Saktas; he had many different investments and dealings in everything, though some he would never admit to.
"Over here!" Adhar called to them, stopping in front of a large wooden crate pressed securely against the stone wall. He pulled hard on the front of the crate, prying it open to reveal a ladder that led downward into the earth. "The master presumed your visit may be cut short and had me prepare a few things to help on your journey," he added, grabbing several items from beside the crate.
Adhar handed Ursa a large pouch of coins and a pack full of provisions, which Ursa passed to Meath to carry. Saktas had always helped Ursa out when he had needed it, and he needed it now more than ever. Adhar held the ladder while Ursa climbed down into the darkness that waited. Adhar then paused for a moment as he fiddled with something in the large sack. "My Master wanted you to have this. It was for his son, but after he went missing, the master did not have the heart to part with it. You reminded the master of his son, he believes the sword must have been meant for you to wield." Adhar handed Meath an oddly shaped sword that felt much lighter than any sword Meath had ever held before.
"Please give him my thanks," Meath said then began his decent down into the void.
"And for you, your Highness, my Master wanted me to give you this. He found it on one of his adventures not too long ago." Adhar handed her a small handheld crossbow, with a leather pouch full of small bolts. "The four black bolts are tipped with a rare, deadly poison, so please be very careful with them."
"Thank you," Nicolette said, taking the weapon and bolts and attaching them to the leather belt she had been given when she had changed clothes.
*****
"What do you want at such a late hour? How dare you disrupt my home and trash my property!" Saktas raged.
"I am sorry Master Saktas, but we have our orders to search everywhere in Darnan. There is reason to believe the assailants and the Princess our here in town," the commander replied.
"Those you seek are not here in my home. I would not harbor such criminals. Who do you think I am?" Saktas snapped at the soldiers who now infested his yard. They had not waited for the gate to be opened - they simply tore it down and started their search.
"We will replace your gate of course, Master Saktas," the soldier said, sending his men into the house. "But you can understand our urgency about the matter. Word is, you and Ursa are good friends and he has even stayed here in your house many a time. So forgive me for the harsh treatment, but I have my orders."
"I cannot believe this. You should know me better than that. Yes it is true Ursa and I are friends - but if he has committed treason as the rumors imply, then he is no friend of mine!" Saktas proclaimed bitterly. "Your brutes better not break anything that you cannot afford to replace," Saktas added as he crossed his arms angrily.
After a few minutes, one of the soldiers ran out carrying the Princesses' bloody, ripped nightdress. Behind him followed most of the others that had entered his house with a few other articles of clothing from the others and pushing out a female servant. "Sir, sir, we caught this servant trying to hide these upstairs!"
"What is this, Lord Saktas? It appears you have lied to us," the soldier said, drawing his sword and pointing it at Saktas' throat. "You two, arrest him. The rest of you continue to search the house and the surrounding area. They may still be in there hiding." He mounted his horse while Saktas was forced t
o follow him, restrained and tethered to the horse.
"What about her?" One of the men yelled to the commander before he rode off.
"She is a traitor to the throne - hang her!" he called back callously.
Saktas turned his head to see his servant being dragged, kicking and screaming, towards one of the large trees in his yard, a noose already was being prepared.
*****
"Captain Rift, this man knows where the Princess is. We found her nightdress in his house and other signs that they were here," the commander announced eagerly as he rode up to where Rift and the tracker sat eating and threw Saktas to the ground in front of them.
Rift jumped to his feet, knocking over a small table that was in front of him. He ran to Saktas and heaved the man impatiently at his feet.
"Where are they?" Rift blared out, as he shook the man like a rag doll. "Where? I demand that you tell me!"
"I do not know what you are talking about," Saktas bellowed back. He tried his best to stand his ground through the violent shaking.
"Do not play dumb with me, you worm. Tell me what I want to know and I will spare your life," Rift yelled, punching him in the guts before letting him drop to the ground.
"I told you I do not know what you are talking about," Saktas coughed out.
"Why do I recognize you traitor?" Rift growled. "What is your name?"
"You know well of me Rift," Saktas said, pushing himself up.
"His name is Saktas - he is a very well-known merchant," one of the soldiers intervened.
Rift thought for a moment, recalling the name. "Yes I know of you - well respected with King Borrack and good friend to his killer, and makes me wonder if you had anything to do with the assassination."
"You are out of your mind, Borrack and I…" he started, but was silenced when Rift's fist connected with his jaw.
"King Borrack, to you swine!" Rift hissed. "Now stop playing coy with me. Where are they?"
"I do not know what you are talking about," Saktas held his ground, his voice firm - he knew there was no way out of this.
The False Prince (Fall Of A King Book 1) Page 9
