Squire Dale had lived in Emerald, where he had been taken into the care of Duke Li and Princess Elizabeth after his parents were killed in the battle of East Inlet. The Duke and Princess insisted his training include court procedures, several languages, Alkiran history and everything else they felt he would have learned from his parents, Baron Daarin and Baroness Alise. Now Duke Li had asked him to travel north with them to Castle and though Squire Dale had been eager to accompany the Duke and Princess on their travels, he wondered if the Duke had a particular purpose in taking him to meet the King. His time in Castle had been difficult, as he was unused to the city and unused to what he felt was strange and illogical behavior of the self-absorbed Squires and Pages. More than one had tried to bully him, but this behavior decreased significantly after Dale was firmly befriended by the King’s son.
He stared from the window towards the soldiers’ barracks, thinking back over the King’s orders. There were usually hundreds of soldiers garrisoned at Castle and even with Cassic’s company escorting the Governor’s daughters, and some soldiers gone with Borgulnay, there was still a considerable number within the Castle garrison. ‘Any one of which could be a traitor,’ Dale said quietly to himself. He wondered for a moment if he was completely wrong and it was one of the castle staff. Or even a noble. That thought shook him a little and he considered how he might lay a trap of misinformation, and perhaps draw the traitor into his snare.
He sat on the window seat allowing the breeze from the partly open window to ruffle his dark brown hair. Several senior nobles had suggested that he should have someone else cut his hair, but Dale felt this was a little vain and he had hacked it off with a knife he found in the castle kitchen. The result was a little rough, to say the least. This coupled with the fact that he felt that shaving more than every third day was pointless (annoyingly, his beard kept growing back) and that he was wearing the same crumpled clothing he had worn the previous day, gave the Squire a careless look, a look that wasn’t reflected in his dark intelligent eyes. The western sun was now pouring through the window and at this time of late winter it was pleasant. He could see it wouldn’t be so pleasant when summer came. The sun would shift across the sky somewhat, but he imagined it would still strike this window heavily as it lowered.
He smiled as he watched the King’s daughter, Princess Eijelin, cup her hands for her friend Elliot and boost him atop the outer curtain wall. The children were playing on the high artificial mound raised between the walls and both obviously decided to ignore the King’s order to not run along the top of the curtain walls. Elliot reached down and grabbed the Princess’ hand and dragged her up beside him. Within seconds the two were off, nimbly avoiding guards as they ran around the wall towards the new stables which were built between the walls.
A soldier appeared as the children approached the stables. He shook his head at the pair then disappeared inside. The two children climbed from the curtain wall onto the roof of the stable then slid over the edge of the roof. Dale winced as he watched the Princess drop to the ground. It wasn’t a long drop but within the short time he had been at Castle he had become very protective of the little Princess. Elliot gestured towards the courtyard of the castle and the two children ran through an arch in the inner wall to a small box of sand the children referred to as ‘the pit’. They leapt over the wooden edge and landed sprawled in the sand.
Dale turned away from the window, deciding to continue his task in the castle kitchen, as it wasn’t yet time for the evening meal and he was decidedly hungry having not eaten since an early breakfast. He eased past a bunch of loud young Squires who had congregated in the hallway as though they were waiting to be told what to do. At that moment Administrator Tappy appeared with his usual frown marking his long face, and herded the junior Squires, whom he referred to as ‘the hobbledehoys’, down the hall towards the room of assembly. The junior Squires referred to him as Administrator Happy as few of them could recall the man cracking even the smallest smile. Nothing seemed to please the atrabilious Administrator, though Squire Shaw from Storm Haven swore he heard the Administrator laugh loudly one day when a stray kitten the Princess had befriended caused three Squires to trip over each other and go tumbling down a spiral staircase.
The kitchen master was, as usual, standing at a long high bench giving orders to kitchen servants. Dale had noticed on his first visit to the kitchen that most of the kitchen staff were large jolly people, content in their work and obviously not underfed. Today was no exception.
‘Squire Dale!’ Kitchen Master Tolly called loudly as Dale entered the kitchen, ‘our best customer!’
‘Our best thief!’ contradicted Kessie, one of the kitchen servants. Dale smiled sheepishly. He had ducked into the kitchen on numerous occasions and if there were no staff in the immediate vicinity, he helped himself.
‘Never mind, he needs fattening,’ said Charie, noticing that the Squire looked even thinner than ever. She was a short, plump girl with pale skin and a pretty face with freckles scattered across her nose. Her almost white blond hair was hidden under a scarf, similar to those worn by most of the female kitchen staff. She opened a panty door, pulled out a tray of sticky turnovers with cooked apple inside and held the tray before Dale, knowing he had a penchant for the little pastries. Immediately he grabbed the entire tray and headed towards the door.
‘Don’t you dare!’ scolded Kessie, snatching the tray as Charie’s wooden stirring spoon landed on Dale’s buttocks with a sharp thwack.
‘I only carry this spoon so I can smack your cute little buttocks, Squire Dale,’ said Charie mischievously. Dale laughed and dodged a second blow from the spoon. He felt completely comfortable in the kitchens, particularly when Charie was there. He loved her sense of humor. He settled himself on a high stool at the bench and helped himself to one of the smaller pastries. As was his habit, he took one that had slightly burnt edges, knowing the staff wouldn’t wish to serve anything over-browned at the royal table.
‘What’s happening around here?’ he asked casually after a few bites of the delicious pastry.
Kitchen Master Tolly dropped his voice to a loud whisper which couldn’t possibly have been heard more than two rooms away. ‘The King has gone to visit the Daoine Maithe.’
Squire Dale shook his head in disbelief. ‘How did you know that, Tolly?’
Tolly didn’t answer but casually wandered through a large door at the rear of the kitchen which led into a massive storage room. ‘Squire Dale?’ His voice sounded muffled from within the room which was crowded with shelves of food and kitchen supplies. ‘We may have a problem here with rats. Could you take a look please?’ Charie and Kessie exchanged knowing glances and returned to their work. Dale hesitated, and then taking a second pastry, rose and followed Tolly into the storage room. Tolly stood at the back of the room, leaning against the wall with arms folded.
‘It’s an agreement we have,’ he explained. ‘If one is called into the pantry to discuss a problem with rats, then the other servants won’t intrude. We have no rats, at least not in the kitchen,’ he added.
‘I could arrange for some if you wish, Kitchen Master,’ said Dale, grinning at Tolly. ‘I noticed several in the stables yesterday.’
‘Heaven forbid, Squire!’ the Kitchen Master exclaimed. ‘It’s of Eijelin I wish to speak.’ The Kitchen Master’s entire demeanor changed. In place of the fat, jovial cook stood a serious, angry looking man. Turning away from Dale, he lifted a massive barrel from a stand and placed it on the floor, gesturing for the Squire to sit. Under the layer of fat remained a well-muscled man and right now the look on the Tolly’s face would deter any sensible person from underestimating him.
‘What is it, Tolly?’
‘I think someone is coercing her.’
Dale leapt to his feet, incensed. ‘What!’ His voice was a roar. ‘What do you mean?’
‘No! Not like that! Someone is persuading information from her and I don’t think she’s even aware this is happening.’
Dale sat back on the barrel, his face returning from rage to thoughtfulness. ‘How do you know this?’
‘I won’t betray the little Princess’ trust but I suggest you talk to her, carefully.’
‘You think this may be our traitor?’
‘Yes.’
‘You know who it is?’
‘She hasn’t actually mentioned a name so I’m not completely sure. Besides, I made a promise to a Princess. I cannot tell you about her little games, but I bet she’ll talk to you.’
‘I’ll need to speak to her today.’
‘Yes. You’ll need to speak to her before she leaves with her mother for Tarlique. They’re being taken on the Admiral’s finest, of course.’
‘Tolly,’ Dale said resignedly, ‘you seem to know a little more than I would have expected of a Kitchen Master. How do you know these things?’
‘The King and I have been the best of friends since we were lads. The King was surrounded by other nobles but we became friends. We’re still friends.’
‘Have you told any others what you know about Eijelin?’
‘No.’
‘Good.’
‘Once you have spoken to her, it might be a good idea to keep an eye on her, at least for a while.’
‘I will.’
‘Thank you, Squire.’
‘Dale.’
‘Thank you, Dale.’
Dale left the kitchen, stealing another apple turnover from the tray and giving Charie and Kessie a little wave of thanks as he went. He made his way out into the courtyard where Eijelin and Elliot were still playing in the pit of sand under the speckled shade of nearby toobada bushes. They had spent the time constructing their own sandy little keep, complete with curtain wall and a tiny barbican with a portcullis made of sticks. Dale seated himself on the wooden side of the sand pit.
‘It’s a good castle,’ he commented. ‘What are these little animals?’
‘They’re the evil ngurakin.’
‘And these?’ Dale pointed to a little group of round sand balls with stick legs.
‘Sheep,’ said Eijelin. ‘I love sheep. They’re so cute and fluffy. They’re my favorite animal. What’s your favorite animal Dale?’
‘Roast chicken.’
‘Ugh! That’s not funny!’ Eijelin chastised, as Elliot burst out laughing. ‘Really Dale! What’s your favorite? Don’t you like puppies or kittens?’
‘I don’t know. I never ate one,’ said Dale mischievously.
‘Oh Dale!’ Eijelin couldn’t help but laugh at his ridiculous statement.
‘Will you play with us Squire?’ enquired Elliot.
‘What are you playing?’
‘This is our castle and we have to defend it from the bad ngurakin whilst the King is visiting…er…visiting someone.’ Eijelin blushed as she touched on the conversation her father had asked her to not repeat.
Dale pretended not to notice. ‘Who shall I be?’
‘You shall be Jaralina, and Timbul is in love with you,’ replied Eijelin.
‘I can’t be a girl!’ said Dale, appalled by the very idea. ‘And how did you know Timbul is in love with Jaralina. That’s a secret!’
Elliot replied, ‘I saw him carry Jaralina to her room while she was sleeping. He had this stupid gooey smile on his face and then he kissed her but she didn’t wake up.’
‘Right on the lips,’ Eijelin added dramatically.
‘And he called her ‘the woman of his heart’. He’s in love!’ Elliot looked disgusted.
Dale smiled at the little boy, not really surprised that the lad had noticed. Most of the castle staff had picked up on Timbul’s feelings for Jaralina. The only one who didn’t seem to be aware was Jaralina herself.
‘I’ll be King’s Marshall Danil,’ said Dale, ‘a bold, fierce warrior.’
‘He has muscles on his muscles and he’s twice your height!’ said Elliot. ‘You’re too skinny to be the King’s Marshall.’
‘Oh thank you so much.’ Dale rolled his eyes heavenward. ‘Maybe I should just leave you two to finish your game.’
‘No,’ said Eijelin. ‘We need someone to be the evil ngurakin. Private Henal must be on duty. I haven’t seen him today.’
Dale looked sharply at the Princess. ‘Does Private Henal play games with you often?’
‘Lots of times,’ said Elliot. ‘He likes to play castle games. But he doesn’t like to be the evil ngurakin. He always gets to be King’s Marshall Danil or sometimes he gets to be Kelian.’
‘Eijelin, when you play do you sometimes play about things that are really happening?’ Dale looked serious now and Eijelin paid closer attention.
‘Sometimes we do. Is that not ok?’
‘I need to ask you to do something,’ said Dale. ‘If Private Henal wants to join in your games or is watching you, I want you to come inside. I want you to act as if he’s a stranger – no, that will never do – just make an excuse and come inside. Say you need something to eat or – well, just make any excuse. Then when no-one is watching you, come and find me.’
At that moment there was a soft sound in front of Dale and in a flash Private Henal leapt from behind the bushes, his sword swinging. Eijelin screamed as Dale threw himself backwards and sideways, knocking her out of the sand pit as Henal’s blade narrowly missed them both.
‘Run! Kitchen! Bar the Door!’ shouted Dale, tumbling backwards and rolling over, landing in a crouch and cursing himself for not wearing a sword. Not that he stood a chance against any soldier. He was far more comfortable with a bow than with a sword, which was typical of many of the people of East Inlet. As Henal struck again, Dale threw himself sideways and rolled but this time the sword caught the top of his thigh and he screamed as he sprawled across the lawn, lifting his head in time to see Henal raise his sword to strike him down and he closed his eyes, praying the children had the sense to stay inside the castle. There was a thud and Dale’s eyes shot open. The partly beheaded body of Henal collapsed over him, sprinkling him with blood. He tried desperately to drag himself from underneath the heavy weight but found he could not in his weakened state from pain and sudden blood loss, and he fell back gasping, his heart still pounding with shock and his eyes blurred from being showered with Henal’s blood.
Suddenly the weight was gone, and he saw Kitchen Master Tolly standing over him, holding the largest and most vicious looking machete Dale had ever seen. With a flick of his hand Tolly dropped the machete and then he picked up Dale as though he weighed nothing. He shouted as he ran to the castle and Dale saw soldiers running out of the barracks and then he heard the sound of someone unbarring the door. A small, pale face peeked around the half open door and then the door opened in full and Eijelin stood back to allow Tolly to carry Dale inside. Tolly passed the door at a run, followed by several guards, all the while shouting for Kessie and Charie. Charie was first to appear, her hands covered in flour.
‘Oh please no, not my Dale! Mercy, Tolly what happened?’ cried Charie.
‘It was the traitor, Charie.’ Toll’s voice was a growl. ‘Get some help.’ He carried Dale to a small room opposite the kitchen. By the time the physician arrived, carrying what looked like his entire armamentarium, Tolly had Dale lying back on a lounging chair with his leg raised on cushions before him. He was holding the wound tightly together with a kitchen towel. Outside the room the hallway was now crammed with guards. Eijelin and Elliot sat at Dale’s side looking pale and scared.
‘Linnie?’ Dale turned his head towards Eijelin.
‘Yes, Dale?’
‘Are you alright?’
‘Yes.’
‘And Elliot?’
‘I’m unhurt sir.’ The boy’s voice was a little shaky.
‘You saved our lives Tolly.’ Dale was feeling a little feint as the physician began to clean his wound.
‘Actually, you saved Eijelin’s and Elliot’s lives Dale.’ Tolly sat on the edge of the chair next to Elliot.
‘Well, I certainly wouldn’t be here if y
ou hadn’t stepped in,’ said Dale emphatically.
‘It was only by chance I was in the courtyard at all. We need some apple berries and I’m a little particular about what I pick, so I was going to get them myself. I was a bit slow,’ Tolly admitted. ‘I’m not as young as I once was. If I was faster I might have saved you this injury.’
‘It’s not a bad wound,’ Dale insisted. ‘Nothing to worry about is it?’ he asked the physician as he glanced pointedly at the children.
‘You’ll be fine, Squire,’ the physician agreed. ‘It should heal up in no time. The blow missed the most important things anyway.’
‘The tendons and muscles?’ asked Dale, grimacing as the physician began to stitch the wound closed.
‘Er…I was meaning a little higher up,’ said the physician with a little smirk.
Eijelin blushed and slapped her hand over her mouth. Elliot roared with laughter and Dale lay back and closed his eyes, pleased to hear the children beginning to relax a little.
‘What do you think Tolly?’ Dale turned his head to look at Tolly.
The Fallen (Book 1) Page 9
