The Guardians (Book 2)

by Dan O'Sullivan

  General Marnol stared at Dale. ‘I’ll never see you quite the same way again. You have a nasty streak, don’t you, Dale?’

  ‘You didn’t see the bodies piled in a heap like they were rubbish,’ Dale growled. ‘Our King! And the incredible people who took me in when my own parents were killed! Just thrown into a heap on the ground! Along with a whole lot of people who had lives. They had parents, and children, and brothers and sisters and…’ Dale looked down at the table as water gathered in his eyes. ‘These Nailmarni are our enemy and they deserve to die for what they’ve done. I’m going to make sure they do, even if it kills me,’ he said raising his chin and staring determinedly at the King’s Marshall.

  ‘You know, I considered finding a way to stop you Dale,’ said Danil softly. ‘But it would be wrong.’

  Sergeant Leonard appeared in the hallway and Danil gestured for him to enter.

  ‘The Swift is ready,’ Leonard stated without preamble. ‘Once the passengers are on board, Captain Gillam is set to leave.’

  ‘We should have worked out some way of knowing whether they even make it out of the harbor,’ said Danil dispiritedly. It concerned him deeply that, as he was one of the few who had the ability to outrun the Nailmarni, he had taken on the task of taking a daily reconnaissance of their position, and as such he was away from the castle for a significant portion of each day.

  ‘Judging by previous events, I think we’ll see the fire if they don’t make it,’ replied General Marnol, looking as worried as Danil, ‘though we might not see anything through this rain.’

  ‘Excuse me, sir,’ said Sergeant Leonard. ‘I have a way of knowing if they make it safely out of the harbor. I have soldiers camped down at Cinarves point. As soon as they see the ship pass they’ll head back here and let us know.’

  ‘And if the ship doesn’t pass?’ asked Danil.

  ‘It’s raining, sir. The men know the ship is leaving under cover of rain, so if the ‘Swift’ doesn’t pass within a day of the rain starting, most likely it didn’t make it through.’

  ‘But as you said, Sergeant, it’s raining! I can’t imagine anyone would see the ship through this rain,’ said Danil pointedly.

  ‘I asked Captain Gillam to sail as close to shore as he can and drop Privates Ray and Parling overboard. They’re our best swimmers and the other soldiers will be looking out for them.’

  ‘What else have you done?’ asked General Marnol.

  ‘Everything you requested is underway, and there were quite a few other things that had to be done, so we’ve made the best start we can. I’ve had all the supplies in the warehouses moved into the keep and now the baker’s door is hidden by huge piles of empty packages and sacks of sand and old wooden crates. I found two men who are blacksmiths, so I asked them to set up beside the stables. Some of the boys are wandering around the city in groups during the day looking for anything that can be forged into weapons or anything else we might need. We had to change the duty rosters because we lost so many men. It had to be done over entirely. There’s still the occasional person hiding in the burnt out buildings, but most are making their way to the keep as their food runs out, so I have kept a bit of space free on the third above level just in case there are a few more stragglers. Oh, and the ballistae. I had a look at them and I don’t think it would be too difficult to make a few more, so if I can find someone who knows what to do, I think we’ll give it a go. Just imagine if we could keep the bastards out of the city altogether! Also, I asked the women if anything needed doing that might be overlooked, and they brought a couple of things to my attention. Their main concerns were for the safety of the children and whether anyone was going to attempt to get messages through, particularly to Tarlique where the Queen is waiting or perhaps to Cullen Ringo or even Emerald. They asked if any of the trained birds had survived, or if we wanted to attempt to get some riders away. The birds were kept in the aviary near the stables, but unfortunately there are none there now. It’s been impossible to get anyone through on foot or by horseback. In fact I’m surprised the body count is as low as it is, with the number of men we’ve tried to get through, but of course they are returning here if pursued. We can’t afford to lose any more soldiers. There is one more thing. I have some soldiers and some of the men making a second tunnel out of here. I think if we’re attacked and do have to get out of here unseen, going through the baker’s door and appearing in the warehouses is probably not the best plan. So I’m aiming the tunnel from the south-eastern watchtower, under the two walls, and coming out right between the eastern edge of the docks and the western edge of Cinarves Forest. That way, whether we wanted to escape by land or by ship we’d be able to do so. It was also the best place to tunnel so we don’t have to go a great distance.’ He stopped speaking and looked uneasily at King’s Marshall Danil and General Marnol. ‘I think I’ve done everything you asked me to do and a few other things that really needed doing. I hope I haven’t overstepped my authority, sir,’ he said.

  Danil sat in stunned silence looking at the Sergeant.

  ‘Uh, I’m really sorry if I have sir, but you and the General have been so incredibly busy, and impossible to find, and some decisions just had to be made…and there’s really nobody to…’ Leonard’s voice trailed off awkwardly as he looked at Danil.

  ‘Who should the Sergeant be reporting to? Or taking orders from?’ Dale shrugged. ‘Unless he can find either General Marnol, or the King’s Marshall, he’d have to find Lieutenant Callum, and since there’s not even a Captain left alive, Callum’s doing the job of Captain. I know he’s getting less sleep than we are, which is to say - almost none, and he’s so busy he’s extremely difficult to find most of the time.’ Dale stifled a yawn. ‘We badly need more officers. You should probably promote a few of the men you trust to get the job done.’ Along with General Marnol and his son Evan, Sergeant Leonard had been helping with the training of every able bodied man in weapons handling and in combat. They had also spent a lot of time training townspeople on how to use the ballistae and they had even ridden through the forests around Castle many times, determined to know the minute the enemy might reappear. None of them had slept in the last two days.

  ‘Actually you’ve overstepped your authority so many times I don’t know where to begin, so I’m not going to bother. Thank you for your report. Tappy,’ Danil looked across to the Administrator who sat silently making notes, ‘please record that I have considered and approved Leonard’s actions and decisions.’ He turned back to Leonard. ‘Sometimes it takes difficulties such as these to sort out the natural leaders. You’ve done very well, Lieutenant. Send me Captain Callum.’

  Leonard’s mouth dropped open in surprise. ‘Lieutenant?’ he murmured to himself. He looked confused for a moment before regaining his composure and then his face turned red. ‘I’ll find Callum immediately, sir!’ he said enthusiastically. ‘Thank you, King’s Marshall!’ he called as he ran from the room.

  ‘Change your vest!’ General Marnol shouted after him, raising his hands in disbelief as once again he found himself shouting at an empty doorway.

  Chapter 11

  Memories

  Kelian watched Milgorry uneasily as they approached the harbor of the Dwellings. The warrior had barely spoken since they left the farmhouse. Timbul and Araas awoke on the ship bound for the Dwellings having not regained consciousness during the journey by cart to Tarlique. Everyone was saddened to hear that the Grand Duchess Beth had passed away quietly in her sleep only three nights before their arrival, knowing nothing of the death of her grandson, Prince Galbraith, who was killed by the fallen whilst in Nyinaku. Before the group sailed for the Dwellings, Prince Kelian had long discussions with Prince Galbraith’s brother and sister, Prince Irwin and Princess Amy and the Princess’ husband, Duke Laughlin. It had been very difficult for Kelian to break the sad news of Prince Galbraith’s death and grief hung heavily over all as they departed.

  Kelian arranged for soldiers to hurry to Chayse and he hoped with all h
is heart they would arrive in time to protect the people. He was impatient to return to Castle, and he asked Admiral Stork to take them to the Dwellings before sailing home. Kelian wanted the Admiral back in Tarlique, with the possibility of war breaking out in the southern regions. He insisted that his mother and his sister, along with her friend Elliot, should accompany them to the Dwellings and once they agreed and were safely aboard, his thoughts returned to what might happen to Milgorry when they reached the Dwellings. As Milgorry said of himself, he didn’t have a good history, and even though he now refused to support his father, he had once encouraged Nandul’s attempt to regain the abilities his people had willingly surrendered in exchange for their freedom. It was a long time before he stood openly against Nandul’s cruel behavior and twisted plans. Milgorry was sure his past would not be overlooked and he was quite certain Tiernan would see fit to return him. He watched Louisa constantly with ever growing sadness in his eyes. Kelian tried hard to remain encouraging, but Timbul and Araas refused to make comment or to give opinions, which struck Kelian as ominous.

  Elena, Immosey and Louisa stood close together, staring towards the shore as the ship entered the harbor and Kelian couldn’t help but marvel at the changes in the girls. They had been slender, delicate girls with pale skin, carefully arranged hairstyles and elegant gowns. They were still thin, but now they looked strong. Although they had been provided with new gowns whilst in Tarlique, Elena and Immosey were wearing the trousers, cotton shirts and tunics which Lias had given them in Nyinaku. Louisa was again wearing Dale’s cut off trousers and Milgorry’s shirt. Milgorry seemed indifferent to the fact that he had no shirt as he was quite content to wear just his trousers and boots, with his long knife at his side. The girls’ long hair was combed but free. What caught Kelian’s attention most was the look of confidence and determination in their eyes. They would never again be seen as helpless or faint-hearted.

  Timbul’s and Araas’ strength had gradually returned and the two guardians were their normal selves once again. They watched Milgorry anxiously as he stood impatiently next to the ship’s longboat. He began lowering the longboat even as the ship’s captain gave orders to drop anchor. It didn’t surprise Araas and Timbul to see their father waiting on the sand. Milgorry refused to allow anyone else to accompany him in the first boat, and as he moved towards the land he could feel Tiernan’s mind scrutinizing his thoughts. He determinedly relaxed and opened his heart.

  He suddenly remembered his mother more clearly than he had ever remembered her and his heart leapt as he tried to capture the fleeting images and emotions. There was serenity about her. Then he recalled the grief he experienced when he was taken from her to Tarl and the confusion he felt when left with the slaves. At first he had been frightened of his father then the fear had mellowed into many years of watchful wariness, which had recently been replaced by mistrust and resentment, then again by anger and disgust. The longboat slid up onto the white sand. He climbed from the boat and began to walk towards Tiernan. His heart pained with the memories of the many times he had acted unquestioningly on his father’s orders, and the hurt which had resulted from his actions. He remembered the terrified faces of the people of Fishing Point, and his casual insensitivity to their screams as Nandul and his warriors cut them down like an infestation of vermin, leaving the bodies scattered from one end of the city to the other, and the indifferent satisfaction he felt, in what he had once considered was a job well done. He felt sickened by his own actions and under the intense stare of Tiernan, he felt deeply ashamed of his unthinking compliance with his father’s commands. Then he considered the day Nandul had ordered him to bring Louisa to him, and how his heart had been troubled by his father’s irrational plans. He thought of the bodies of the soldiers at Three Ways and his part in their destruction and his heart tightened when he remembered the terrified girls and the burning barge. His mind leapt forward to the day he had told Louisa that she was a guardian and he remembered how his heart had been captivated by her the instant she responded to his thoughts. The memories of his aid in their escape and the difficult trek across the Ice Coast were mingled with the frustration he felt when they were recaptured. He remembered waiting in the secure unit with Elena and Immosey and his heart leapt as he thought of the day Louisa had told him she carried his child, and in this very instant Tiernan’s furious gaze drove him to his knees. His head was dragged forcefully backwards and his spine arched agonizingly as the guardian’s incensed glare crippled him. He fell sideways onto the sand with his back curving beyond what seemed possible. Excruciating pain overcame him. His eyes closed. His mouth opened and his entire body shook violently as every muscle contracted. He knew he was mere seconds from his spine or neck violently breaking and, as an agonized groan escaped his lips, he concentrated his last thoughts on Louisa and the child who would now be safe. And as this thought crossed his mind, despite the incapacitating pain, a smile played across his face and he knew that he had fulfilled his purpose. The guardian and her child had been safely returned to the Dwellings and the human girls had been saved from certain death. His heart filled with relief and he sighed tremulously and awaited his return.

  Tiernan’s eyes flicked sideways as a second longboat drew up on to the sand. Louisa leapt onto the sand with a scream of horror and grief. She sprinted towards Milgorry, who lay in a contorted heap, trembling helplessly. Screaming in shock and desperation, she threw herself upon the warrior. Tiernan’s eyes narrowed with disbelief as he watched her. He knelt beside Milgorry. Without taking his eyes from Louisa, he reached out and touched the warrior on his shoulder and Milgorry became still. Timbul, Araas, Kelian, Borgulnay and Gilgarry ran up the sand towards him.

  Louisa helped Milgorry to sit upright and she gently brushed the white sand from his sun browned skin. Milgorry looked into Louisa’s eyes for a moment and his heart swelled with love. He wrapped his powerful arms around her and gently kissed her lips. For a long moment he held her, and then he rolled onto his knees. He drew his knife, reversed it and handed it to Tiernan who took it and looked down at the warrior.

  ‘I’m ready,’ said Milgorry softly.

  ‘What are you ready for, warrior?’ asked Tiernan, speaking just as quietly.

  ‘I’m ready to return. Louisa is home. Her sisters are safe. I’ve finished what I needed to do.’ He looked towards Louisa as she shook her head frantically and tears poured down her cheeks. ‘Now Tiernan knows that I’d never hurt you. I’m ready.’

  Tiernan did not speak. Araas and Timbul appeared grief stricken by the sight of Milgorry kneeling on the sand. Tiernan looked at the knife in his hand. He passed it back to Milgorry.

  ‘It would be wrong,’ he said. ‘Every instinct within me longs to return you, but I cannot and will not destroy the life of this young guardian. She loves you and she has chosen you. And I sense very clearly that my sons are not willing to see you return. I trust their judgment, but I wonder if you know the difficult and dangerous position you place us in.’

  Milgorry stared up at Tiernan. ‘Child of a guardian and of the free; so what will the child be? guardian or free?’

  Tiernan ignored the question. ‘I know you brought Louisa here for her safety, but I also know there’s more. What do you want from me, warrior?’

  ‘From my thoughts do you know who I am?’ Milgorry asked curiously, and Tiernan nodded. ‘Well, I think we want the same thing. My father wants a child of the guardians and of the free so he can attempt to return our lost abilities. He wants power. He wants to retain his freedom, but take back the strength and the abilities of the guardians. We cannot allow this to happen! He’ll destroy everything in his path, including his own people if necessary, to further his absurd scheme, but he won’t stop even if he manages to regain these powers. He has to be stopped before he destroys every human life. If he regains the gifts that were taken from us, he’ll come after the guardians first.’ He glanced to where Kelian stood with his arms around Elena. Borgulnay held one of Immosey’s hands
and Gilgarry the other. He sighed as he was momentarily overwhelmed by his need to protect these people, his friends.

  Tiernan stared at him as if he was seeing him for the first time. ‘I know who you are, Milgorry or Tarl, but I wonder if you know who you are. I saw from your thoughts that you remember very little of your mother.’

  Milgorry’s face paled a little. ‘I know who I am,’ he said and he sounded disgusted. He stood up. ‘By all rights, you should have returned me.’

  Tiernan reached down to where Louisa was still kneeling on the sand and lifted her to her feet. She immediately grabbed Milgorry’s hand and looked nervously at Tiernan.

  Tiernan’s face softened as he looked at Louisa. ‘I won’t hurt you, Louisa and neither will I return your warrior. It seems he’s not exactly what I expected.

  ‘What did you expect?’ asked Milgorry.

  Tiernan ignored this question also, and turned to Kelian, Elena and Immosey. ‘Your Highness, Ladies Elena and Immosey, welcome to the Dwellings.’ He glanced expectantly towards the ship.

  ‘The Queen and Princess are still on the ship, and the Princess’ little friend, Elliot,’ Kelian acknowledged, glancing towards Borgulnay who immediately waved towards a sailor on board the ship. The sailor waved back and disappeared and minutes later Queen Aithne, Princess Eijelin and Elliot were moving towards the shore. Tiernan greeted them formally then gestured towards the city.

  ‘Let’s find my Lady. I’m sure she’ll be anxious to see our Queen and to meet Louisa, and probably as anxious as I was to return Milgorry,’ he said.

  They made their way to a paved stone patio overlooking the beach and were seated at a beautifully crafted, white wrought iron table. Lady Karrijeuiga arrived and was formally introduced. Food was immediately set on the table. Eijelin glanced at her mother hopefully as she eyed the sweet cakes and fresh fruit. Queen Aithne frowned warningly at the little girl who recognized this as a command for patience. She sat back impatiently in her chair and tried to look patient. Immediately, one of Daoine Maithe who had been filling the table with food picked up a huge plate of delicacies and knelt to present them to the Princess. ‘Your Highness,’ he said formally, ‘may I offer you something to eat?’