After all of the soldiers and clerics were off the ship, Farrious ordered the soldiers, except for Stonebuilder, back to their barracks. As they passed by Dominic, they lifted their spears in salute. He drew his sword and held it aloft in return.
Moshanna joined Dominic, his face grim. He had been quiet for most of the return journey, keeping to himself. Dominic knew he was preparing for whatever punishment the queen ordered.
When the clerics were on their horses, Farrious gave the order for the soldiers with him to form up around the party. Once he was satisfied, he mounted a large warhorse and they started towards the palace, Stonebuilder riding next to him.
As they rode, Dominic watched as Stonebuilder spoke quietly with Farrious, looking back over his shoulder at Moshanna from time to time. Farrious nodded and looked back once himself, but his face betrayed nothing.
After they entered the palace grounds, Farrious had them dismount. “My soldiers will take the horses to the stables and your bags will be brought to the palace.” He looked over at Dominic. “Your horse will be well-cared for, my lord; I give you my word.”
“I have no doubts, Commander.” He said as he handed the reins to one of the soldiers. He patted Shadow as the soldier led the horse away.
“The queen awaits.” Farrious said as he turned and strode toward the palace doors.
As they entered the throne room, Dominic noticed Darrius standing with a group of nobles, his arms crossed and a self-satisfied look on his face as he watched them approach the throne. Behind him was a tall woman with long, wavy dark hair, her cocoa skin smooth, her large brown eyes striking on her beautiful face. Out of the corner of his eye, Dominic saw Moshanna pause slightly when he saw her, then continue on, face fixed forward.
They reached the throne, with the Aletonians kneeling while Dominic made a courtly bow. The queen gestured for them to rise, then addressed Dominic.
“My lord Dominic, we rejoice in seeing you return safely.” The queen said. “Before we discuss your mission, I must tell you that we have received some tragic news from your country. My informants sent a message informing me that a noble name Lord Marcelas attempted an overthrow of the king, with fighting taking place in the palace itself. The plotters were overcome and killed, but the king died in the fighting. The young princess is now Queen of Sanduas.” The queen shook her head. “I still remember her as a precious little child. It is hard to picture her on the throne.”
“Also, the message mentioned that the Chief Cleric, whom I know to be your friend, was gravely injured in the battle, but survived.” The queen continued. “You have my sympathies, my lord. I know that you had your differences with him, but Kristin was a levelheaded and fair ruler whom I respected. When you return to Sanduas, would you take a letter from me to the young queen?”
“It would be my honor, Your Majesty.” Dominic said urbanely, though he was troubled by the news.
“Thank you, my lord.” The queen said. “Now to the subject at hand. How did your mission go?”
“What we sought was not in the ruins, Your Majesty.” Dominic replied. “On the way to and while in the ruins, we confronted and destroyed several demons and their followers. I am saddened to report that three of your soldiers and a young Wild girl were killed in these encounters.”
“We will honor their memories, my lord.” The queen said. “How did a Wild girl become part of your party? Perhaps you can start from the beginning.”
Nodding, Dominic told her the story of their journey, including Kalisia’s sacrifice. Knowing what was to come, he pointedly mentioned Moshanna’s contributions and skills, saying that it was critical to the mission. After he had finished, the queen was silent for a few moments. When she spoke, her voice was kind.
“I know that losing the girl was difficult for you, my lord, but I am grateful that she was there.” The queen said gently. “We will honor her memory as well.”
The queen turned to Anatan, who was standing near the throne. “Sister Anatan, I wish for you to meet with Commander Farrious and develop a plan to send an army of soldiers and clerics to the south and clear those ruins. I will not have a nest of demons living openly in my land.”
“As you command, Your Majesty.” The cleric replied with a bow.
“Please step back, my lord.” The queen told Dominic softly. When he had rejoined Farrious, she called to Moshanna. “Let the traitor Moshanna Deepwood approach the throne and hear judgment regarding his offenses.”
Moshanna, his face calm, squared his shoulders and approached the throne. He stopped and knelt, looking up at the queen.
“Moshanna Deepwood, you brought shame upon yourself and your family by your actions years ago.” The queen said, her face firm. “I am within my rights to have your head for your crimes.”
“That is indeed your right, Your Majesty.” Moshanna said directly.
“However, you have proven yourself to Lord Dominic, a man of great honor. He has told us that you fought bravely and skillfully, helping rid the realm of some demons and their ill followers.” She paused for a moment. “But Lord Dominic is of Sanduas, not Aletonia. While no disrespect of his honor is intended, I need to hear such a tale from a loyal subject of Aletonia.”
“Sergeant Stonebuilder was a member of their mission, Your Majesty.” Commander Farrious said, gesturing towards the man. “I know and attest that he is a loyal servant and a man of honor.”
“Please tell us your impressions, Sergeant.” The queen said as she gestured towards him.
Stonebuilder looked over at Moshanna for a moment, and then stepped forward and addressed the queen. “Your Majesty, I was not happy when Lord Dominic placed the traitor as his second. I knew of his crime against you.” He paused, then took a breath and continued. “However, I am forced to agree with Lord Dominic’s assessment. Moshanna Deepwood acquitted himself with honor and courage during our mission, facing the demons and their followers in direct combat. Were he not an attainted traitor, I would follow him into battle again.”
Dominic let out the breath he was holding as a low buzz surged throughout the room, as the gathered nobles began speaking at once. The queen made gesture to Farrious, who banged his war hammer on the stone floor, the sound echoing off the walls.
“Quiet!” He shouted. The noise died down and the nobles returned their focus to the queen.
“Sergeant Stonebuilder, we appreciate the truth of your words.” The queen said regally. “You are a man of honor and you have the thanks of your queen. You may step back.”
“It is my privilege to serve you, Your Majesty.” Stonebuilder replied with a bow, and then retreated back to where he had been standing.
“So, I now must weigh what I have heard, considering it versus the offence you committed against me.” The queen said as she stared down at Moshanna.
“You cannot forgive him, Your Majesty.” Darrius stated harshly, stepping forward. “His crime was against me as well.”
The queen looked over at Darrius, disapproval on her face. “I have warned you about making demands to me, Lord Darrius.” She said firmly. “I will not warn you again.”
“Forgive me, Your Majesty.” Darrius said with a bow. “My honor is at stake here. I beg you not to allow this traitor to evade his crime.”
“Very well, Lord Darrius, I will honor your wishes.” The queen said. Darrius stepped back, a smug smile on his face.
The queen stood, her face like stone. She held out a hand. “Hear my judgment, Moshanna Deepwood. For your courage and efforts on behalf of this realm, I forgive you of any offence against me and declare that the label of traitor is withdrawn.”
There were gasps around the room and Darrius’ face became a mask of anger when the queen said this. Lifting his hammer, Farrious looked around the room, disapproval on his face and the noise quieted. Once silence descended, the queen continued.
“As Lord Darrius has stated, his honor is precious to him and I cannot forgive you of that offence.” She said, gesturing at Darrius. “
So, on the morrow, you and Lord Darrius will meet in the arena and settle this by combat, as you should have done years ago. That way he can preserve his honor and you have a chance to redeem yourself.” With a slight smile on her lips, she sat down.
“To finish, all that remains is for each of you to choose a second.” The queen stated.
“I choose Lord Bacus, Your Majesty.” Darrius said, voice hard and angry, pointing at a large man near him.
“I accept your second, Lord Darrius.” The queen said, then looked at Moshanna. “Who will be your second?”
“I will, Your Majesty.” Dominic said before Moshanna could speak.
“Lord Dominic, I know you are a man of honor, but you have to understand that, as his second, you will ensure that he arrives at the arena or you will take his place.” The queen warned. “As you are a guest, I will allow you to withdraw your statement.”
Dominic looked over at Darrius, eyes cold and a slight smile on his face. Darrius stared back, though there was a hint of doubt in his eyes. Good. Dominic thought. He turned back to the queen. “I will be his second, Your Majesty.” He stated again.
“So be it.” She said. She looked over at Commander Farrious. “Please have quarters in the palace set aside for Lord Dominic and Moshanna Deepwood.”
She stood. “In the morning, this matter will be decided once and for all.” She stated, and then left the throne room to the bows and curtsies of the assembled nobles.
Darrius glared hatred over at Moshanna and Dominic, then motioned to his followers and stormed out of the hall.
“If you will follow me, you can take your rest.” Farrious said, gesturing towards a door across the hall. He leaned close to Dominic as they headed for it. “Bravely done, my lord, but watch yourself. Darrius does not forget any slight.”
“You can tell him where I am, if he wishes to discuss it.” Dominic said with a shrug.
Farrious laughed. “Now that is something I would love to see.”
…
Dominic leaned against the rail on the balcony, staring out on the city, the moon covering the buildings and streets in a soft silvery light. The cool ocean breeze gently shifted the long silk curtains that hung inside the balcony door. He closed his eyes, feeling the air move around him; it was refreshing, with just a hint of the sea.
Moshanna was just inside, sitting on one of the cushioned benches in the main room. He had his sword out, running a sharpening stone along it. He was focused on what lay ahead, so Dominic gave him his space.
Dominic opened his eyes when there was a gentle knock on the door. With Farrious’ warning in his mind, he motioned Moshanna to stay seated as he went to the door. He cautiously opened the door, his hand on his sword. Standing in the hall was Sister Anatan and a figure in a hooded cloak.
“Forgive me, Lord Dominic, but I have someone who wishes to see Moshanna Deepwood.” Anatan said. “The queen has approved this meeting.”
Dominic frowned, but stepped back, allowing the cleric and other person to enter. He glanced out into the hall, but no one was visible. Closing the door, he turned back to see Moshanna rise from the bench, facing Anatan and the clocked figure.
The figure reached up and pushed back the hood. Dominic saw that it was the woman who had been standing behind Darrius. He saw Moshanna smile, though he appeared slightly nervous, something Dominic had not seen in him before.
“I will leave now, but will return shortly.” Anatan said, heading back towards the door. “You have fifteen minutes.” Moshanna nodded, though he did not take his eyes off of the woman.
“You must remain here, my lord.” Anatan whispered to Dominic. “You are a man of honor, so your presence will allow you to state that nothing improper took place, if this meeting were to become known.” After Dominic nodded, she left.
Moshanna and the woman had sat down on two of the benches, facing each other. Moshanna looked over at Dominic. “This is Sharin, Dominic.” He said, his voice full of emotion.
“Greetings, my lord.” Sharin said politely.
“My lady.” Dominic replied, nodding his head.
“What are you doing here, Sharin?” Moshanna asked. “It could be dangerous. What if Darrius finds out?”
“He is out with his sycophants, as usual.” She said, a frown on her face. “He is rarely home, so I am not sure he cares any longer what I do.”
“Still, you should not have taken the chance.” Moshanna said. “We could have met after the duel, when what he wants no longer matters.”
“And if he wins, Moshanna?” Sharin asked, tears coming unbidden to her eyes. “I could not bear to be this close and not see you. Especially if things go wrong tomorrow.”
“I am not afraid, Sharin.” Moshanna said, taking her hand. “Seeing you reminds me of what I am fighting for.”
“Do not take him lightly, Moshanna.” Sharin said, covering his hand with her other one. “He is a deadly swordsman.”
“So am I, Sharin.” Moshanna stated, resting his other hand on hers. “And I will be fighting for love.”
She smiled at that and their conversation stopped. Dominic leaned back against the wall, watching as they simply sat there, holding hands, lost in each other’s eyes, until Anatan returned.
…
Down by the docks, Darrius made his way into the drainage tunnels, his followers close behind. He held his torch high, lighting his path, moving forward and trying to ignore the dripping water and slippery stones. After a few minutes of walking, they came into the large opening where several of the tunnels came together.
“So, are we ready?” An inhuman voice said, echoing against the hard stone. Darrius watched as a demon stepped away from the crowd of men who were filling the opening. The demon approached Darrius, who tried to remain calm, despite the creeping fear.
“There is a change in plans.” Darrius said. “It is something that can work to our advantage.”
The demon listened as Darrius spoke, a smile playing on its lips, as it liked what it was hearing.
…
“You are requested at the queen’s box, my lord.” The servant told Dominic, pointing up the stairs of the arena.
“I will be ready in a moment.” He replied, turning back to his check of Moshanna’s armor. Satisfied that everything was in place, he pulled Moshanna close. “Remember to stay focused. You cannot afford to think of anything but the moment.”
“I know, Dominic.” Moshanna said grimly, looking across the dirt floor of the arena at Darrius, who was lazily twirling his sword, a smile on his face. “If I fall, tell Tomaris that I am sorry I failed him.”
“I would rather not make the trip to the Keep, Moshanna, so do not fall.” Dominic said. He extended his hand. “Luck be with you.”
Moshanna shook his hand. “It has been my honor to be your companion, Dominic Demonhunter.”
Dominic nodded. “And it has been mine to know you, Moshanna Deepwood, Captain of Tomaris’ Guard.”
With that, he went over to the stairs that led off the arena floor. As he climbed out, servants placed wooden barriers over the stairs, ensuring that the combatants could not flee.
He went over to the box where the queen was sitting. It was raised above the nearby seats, ensuring a clear view of the arena floor, and covered, providing shade. A large stone chair was in the center of the box, the other seating, stone benches. The queen was in the chair, talking with Farrious, who was standing directly behind the chair.
“Join me, Lord Dominic.” She said, pointing to the bench next to the chair. He saw Lord Bacus on the other side of the chair. “In single combat amongst nobles, the seconds sit with the queen to ensure that they remain out of the fight.”
Dominic took his seat, looking out over the arena. He saw that the arena was full, mostly nobles, with Queen’s Guard stationed throughout. There were clerics sitting here and there, interacting with the people near them. Sister Anatan and Sharin were in the queen’s box, sitting below Bacus. Taric and Halana were sitting toget
her just below the queen’s box.
The queen stood and a trumpeter sounded his horn. Once quiet fell on the arena, she gestured to Farrious. He stepped forward and shouted, his voice carrying across the arena. “This is a duel between Lord Darrius Oceansong and Moshanna Deepwood. It is sanctioned by the queen, so none may interfere, under the penalty of death. There will be no quarter asked or given. The contest is over when one of the combatants is dead.”
Farrious stepped back and the queen stepped forward, raising her hand. Moshanna and Darrius watched her until she dropped her hand, and then moved towards each other, swords at the ready.
Dominic watched as they closed, Darrius saying something to Moshanna, who ignored it. In a sudden clash, they engaged, swords flashing as they moved. After a flurry of blows, they separated, a deadly focus on both of their faces.
Moshanna feinted, then charged. His sword went low, the blade moving at a blur, Darrius barely turning the blow. Moshanna threw himself back as Darrius’ sword curled around from his defense, counterattacking, the blade going high.
They circled each other, probing each other’s defense, attacking when they could. In a sudden clash, they slammed into each other, and then spun away. Dominic could see blood on Moshanna’s arm, while Darrius was favoring his right leg.
As Moshanna began to close again, Darrius suddenly shouted. “NOW!”
Chaos erupted in the arena as Darrius’ men suddenly rose up and attacked the Queen’s Guardsmen, catching them by surprise. Out of the corner of his eye, Dominic saw Bacus move. Reacting, he leapt in front of the queen, reaching out and stopping Bacus’ dagger inches for her chest. Straining against Bacus to keep the dagger away, Dominic kicked him low, driving him back a bit. Before he could do anything else, Farrious’ war hammer whistled past his head, catching Bacus in the chest and ripping him from Dominic’s hands as he flew back. He tumbled onto the arena seats, chest crushed.
“Protect the queen!” Farrious bellowed, hammer at the ready. Nearby Queen’s Guardsmen reacted, racing to the queen’s box.
The Jake Thomas Trilogy: Book 02 - Sword of Light Page 31
