The King's Treasure

by Carol M. Vaughn

Arianwyn sighed, defeated. “Yes, Healer Hammurabi.” He smiled at her, bowed, and left. Wymond and Sigurd followed him out. Arianwyn scowled at Sigurd's back. She was not sure how, but she would not allow Ethelinda to have the last say in this.

  “What happened?” Alyssa jumped to her feet and came over. “Here, sit down.”

  Arianwyn shook her head. “It’s really nothing. And I need to bathe and change.”

  “I’ll get Marie,” Willow volunteered. Arianwyn nodded to her and Willow left. Arianwyn sat down, staring at the pile of books that only seemed to get bigger with each day.

  “Lady Arianwyn?”

  “I really don’t want to be queen. If I trusted Lady Ethelinda, I’d give it to her in a heartbeat!” she exploded, frustrated.

  “Lady Ethelinda did this?”

  Arianwyn shook her head. “She spooked the horse I was walking. I was the fool who didn’t let go of the rope.” Alyssa winced in sympathy. “I don’t suppose you know of anything we can do?”

  Alyssa shook her head. “You could tell the king, but…”

  “But I’d rather not get him involved.”

  “And her family has enough power that your word alone would be insufficient to convict her,” Alyssa said. “She isn’t one that you want to cross. Even father worried about what would happen if I was chosen queen instead of her.”

  Arianwyn winced. “Your father! He stands trial this afternoon and we’re both supposed to be there,” she said. “Are you able to go?”

  Alyssa looked at her helplessly, tears welling in her eyes. “He’s not a bad man! He just…I mean when he received your petition, he just got angry. He doesn’t usually react like that,” she said desperately.

  Arianwyn put a hand on her shoulder. “You mean he’s never beat you before?”

  Alyssa bit her lip, and then shook her head. “No, this wasn’t the first time,” she whispered. “But it only happens when I deserve it.”

  Arianwyn patted her shoulder. “But it will be the last time. And in my opinion, no child deserves a beating.”

  Alyssa shrugged, closing her eyes. “I just don’t understand what’s wrong. He’s my father. I am to submit to his will. Doesn’t he have a right to discipline me how he sees fit?”

  “By killing you?” Arianwyn tilted Alyssa’s face up to her. “No one has the right to take your life because they deem you unfit of it. And I’m not positive on the actual law, but I know His Majesty is very particular about defending those weaker than you,” she said drily. “Tell the truth and let the king judge what should happen.” Alyssa nodded, wiping her eyes. Marie entered the door then and Arianwyn was busy getting ready for court.

  16-Protection

  Lady Alyssa and Lady Arianwyn stood together in the hallway outside the Judgment Hall. Arianwyn envied Alyssa. She looked cool and calm in spite of her condition. She stood quietly, hands folded in front of her, eyes looking demurely down. Arianwyn kept fidgeting with her fingers and looking every which way, eyes flickering to open windows and doors.

  The door opened and a guard poked his head out. Arianwyn jumped. “Lady Arianwyn, Lady Alyssa, His Majesty will hear from you now.”

  Arianwyn nodded to him and took Alyssa’s hand as they walked in, heart pounding. Wymond and Sigurd flanked them. The nobles and thanes were once again gathered, talking quietly while they waited for them to enter. Thane Julius was standing at the front of the hall, looking wild-eyed. Two guards flanked him. King Rael was seated on the Judgment Throne, leaning to the side and listening to an advisor whispering in his ear. Alyssa and Arianwyn approached the front. They arrived at the foot of the dais and curtsied in unison.

  Rael motioned for them to rise. “Lady Arianwyn, tell me what you saw first.”

  Arianwyn licked her lips. “We had just sat down to dinner and I was concerned that Lady Alyssa and her father had not come to the ball. So I…cleared…the walls out of my line of sight.”

  Rael frowned. “What do you mean by ‘cleared?’”

  “I used my dragon-gift to see through stone.” An uneasy muttering rippled through the crowd. Rael nodded, glaring the crowd into silence, and indicated she should continue. “I saw Lady Alyssa cowering on the floor with her father over her, fist raised. I moved as quickly as I could to arrive at her suite. When I opened the door, Thane Julius was in the act of beating her.”

  King Rael nodded, and then turned to Alyssa. “Lady Alyssa?”

  Alyssa glanced at Arianwyn, who nodded for her to speak. “My father was upset by the petition he received from Lady Arianwyn. He wished me to be chosen as queen, but if he granted the petition, that would not be possible. So he punished me because I had befriended Lady Arianwyn, drawing her attention.”

  King Rael sat back, thinking. “Thane Julius, have you anything to add?”

  “Your Majesty, I would never hurt my child. I do not know why the Lady Arianwyn has conspired against me. I have always been a loving, doting father. Clearly, Lady Arianwyn has turned my daughter against me.”

  King Rael’s eyes narrowed. “Lady Arianwyn is conspiring against you?”

  “I have no other explanation for these vicious accusations, Sire.”

  “Do you know her background?”

  “She is a peasant,” he sneered.

  “A peasant that you claim is already embroiled in court politics,” King Rael amended, voice dripping disbelief.

  “Well, um, Your Majesty…”

  King Rael shook his head. “No. The girl has not yet proven any ability in court politics, but she has yet to attempt lying to me. Explain to me the condition of Lady Alyssa. How did she come by these bruises?”

  “It is as I told you before the ball, Sire, she fell down the stairs. Sadly, she is a clumsy child.”

  “You told me she was ill.”

  “Ill because she was injured, I’m certain.”

  “According to Healer Hammurabi, the bruises are consistent with beatings. He has seen plenty of warriors after a beating. I trust his judgment. Also according to my healer, your daughter and my bride have not spent much time in each other’s company.” He sat back. Arianwyn saw the dark flicker of anger kindle in his eyes. She was glad it was not directed her way this time. “Finally, you forget that I also have gifts from my Bonding. You are lying to me. I hereby judge you in violation of our laws. I will not tolerate abuse in any form. You will maintain your position for now, Thane Julius. If I find your oldest son worthy, he will assume the thaneship after my wedding. Before leaving, you will receive ten lashes as punishment. Since you are leaving tonight, make it prompt.”

  Rael stood up and descended the steps, signaling the end of court. Thane Julius stood rooted to the ground, mouth flopping open and closed in shock. The other thanes circled King Rael, attempting to catch his attention. His bodyguards closed in and shoved aside any they deemed as too close to the king. Rael walked through the knot of people, stopping in front of Arianwyn and Alyssa. The king's bodyguards joined Arianwyn's, creating a circle around the three. “Ladies, accompany me, please.” Arianwyn and Alyssa curtsied and followed Rael from the room. He led them back into his study. “Please sit.” They sat down, arranging their skirts and waited, watching him. “Lady Alyssa, how do you feel about being Lady Arianwyn’s lady-in-waiting?”

  Alyssa’s eyes widened and she smiled. “Yes, thank you! I mean, it would be a great honor, Your Majesty.”

  He nodded to her, and then turned to Arianwyn. “Lady, you will care for her as if she were your own sister. Do you understand?” Arianwyn nodded. “Good. Lady Alyssa, would you excuse us, please?” Alyssa popped to her feet and curtsied before leaving the room. Arianwyn's stomach sank to her feet as she wondered what she would be lectured for this time. “What exactly is your dragon gift?” he asked after Alyssa left.

  Relief filled Arianwyn. She frowned, thinking. “I’m not sure how to explain it…It’s almost like magic, I suppose. I can manipulate the elements. Dragon calls it ‘Speaking’ or ‘using my Voice.’ She says I can use Earth,
Fire, Water, Air, and Spirit. But I don’t know what everything does yet or if it has a limit.”

  He nodded, leaning on the desk as he stared down at her. “What have you done so far?”

  “Well, I’ve used Air to listen in on a conversation in another room and to stop Master Lysander, and Earth to see what was happening to Lady Alyssa. And Spirit…” she trailed off, blushing.

  “What did you use Spirit to do?”

  “I’m not really sure…I activated Spirit the day Thane Malcom and Lady Ethelinda arrived, but didn’t think it was working. With the other elements, the way I see changes.”

  “But Spirit was working?”

  “I suppose it was. All I know is that I was…repulsed when they greeted you.”

  He rubbed his chin. “That is why you were adamant that I not choose Lady Ethelinda?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  King Rael paced the area in front of the fireplace. “You should practice your gift every day. You should know what you can and cannot do in case we are attacked.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  “Good. Report to me on occasion of your progress. You may go.” Arianwyn stood and curtsied, leaving the room. Alyssa was standing out in the hall with Wymond and Sigurd and the other guards, waiting.

  “May I make a suggestion, Lady Arianwyn?” Sigurd asked.

  “Of course. You probably know better than me what is happening,” she sighed.

  “Lady Alyssa will become a desirable target. You have already shown affection to the child. You should ask Captain Alberich if he has any men he can spare to be her personal guard when she is not attending you.”

  Arianwyn nodded agreement. “Will you take me to him?”

  Sigurd nodded. Arianwyn left Alyssa in her room. She was still recovering from her beating and was already tired. Hammurabi was in the room when they entered. Willow was also waiting and she and Alyssa eagerly began chatting together while Hammurabi checked her condition. Sigurd pulled Hammurabi aside and spoke to him in hushed tones. Hammurabi nodded. Arianwyn smiled at Alyssa and left the room with Sigurd and Wymond. “What was that about?”

  “The healer has agreed to remain with Lady Alyssa until we return,” Sigurd said.

  “Weren't you just saying that she is now a desirable target? Shouldn't one of you stay with her?” Arianwyn asked, frowning up at them.

  Wymond laughed. Sigurd grinned over at him before answering Arianwyn. “She'll be fine with him.” Arianwyn arched an eyebrow. When Sigurd said nothing more she shrugged and continued following Wymond. They twisted through the halls until they entered the courtyard of the Keep. They walked over to the guardhouse.

  “You should probably wait here,” Wymond murmured. Sigurd waited with her outside and Wymond ducked inside the dimly lit room. Arianwyn bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing when she heard the cursing coming from inside.

  “Are you protecting my sensibilities?”

  “My Lady?” Sigurd asked.

  “I’ve heard swearing before,” she said drily.

  Sigurd grinned. “I’m certain you have. We’re protecting the ‘sensibilities’ of the guards.”

  Arianwyn laughed, imagining a lady entering the Inn. Sigurd was probably right. Wymond emerged a moment later with Captain Alberich.

  “How can I help, m’lady?” he asked, bowing.

  “Do you have any trustworthy men who could guard Lady Alyssa when she’s not with me?”

  He blinked and glanced at Wymond, the corners of his mouth quirking upward in a suppressed smile. “She doesn’t mince words, does she?”

  Wymond shrugged, ignoring Arianwyn’s blush. “She’s not courtbred. She’s bound to be more honest than most of the snakes that come out of that pit.”

  Alberich chucked. “My lady, I think I could find a man or two. Would it work best for you if I had all of my men line up so you could choose?”

  “Um, I suppose that would be acceptable.” She glanced uncertainly at Sigurd and Wymond, who each shook their heads ‘no.’ “Or not,” she sighed. “Would you please present them in whatever way will allow me to observe their skills?” Sigurd and Wymond both nodded approval.

  Captain Alberich nodded. “Why don’t you take her around to the training yard? The lads I’m thinking of should be back there training. And if they’re not training, they’re not the lads I want guarding a lady.” He smiled at Arianwyn and bowed again, ducking back into the guardhouse.

  Sigurd and Wymond led her around the building. A section of the courtyard was walled off, the wall attaching to the back of the guardhouse. Arianwyn had never noticed it before.

  They stepped through a short, heavy door in the side of the wall. Inside was an arena looking area. Sand had been imported and filled the bottom. Weapon racks and armor lined the walls. In the center, men were sparring in small groups with one another. Arianwyn blinked in surprise, recognizing several of the king’s bodyguards. “The king is without protection?”

  Sigurd chuckled and pointed towards the center. One man was sparring against three of the king’s bodyguard. He held a shield and blunted sword and a helmet covered his head. “That’s the king there,” he replied. “He frequently spars after Judgment…it helps him calm down.”

  Arianwyn watched as the king took the blow of one sword on his shield, blocking another blow with the sword. He spun, slapping the wrist of the third guard and knocking the guard’s sword to the ground. Continuing his spin, he slammed the shield into the side of the second guard, knocking that guard to the ground. The second guard’s body crumpled to the ground. Movement showed him to be alive.

  The first guard circled warily, shield raised. King Rael came at him boldly, swinging the sword overhand. The guard raised his shield to absorb the blow, but was forced to give ground. Arianwyn gasped as the third soldier, without sword, attacked from behind, locking his arm around the king’s neck. Rael grabbed the guard’s arm with his shield hand and flipped the guard forward, over the top of his head. He tapped the guard with the sword after slamming him into the ground and then turned his attention back to the first guard.

  Rael chased him in a circle. The first guard tripped over the sword of the second, falling to the ground. King Rael stomped on his wrist, forcing him to let go of his sword and then held him at swordpoint. “It’s never fun being the last,” Sigurd remarked dryly. Wymond agreed, chuckling. “Lady Arianwyn, I believe you’re supposed to be watching that group there,” he said. He directed her attention to another group of soldiers and Arianwyn blushed again at having been caught staring at the king.

  She turned her attention back to the regular guards, sparring near the end of the arena. They seemed competent, but she did not really know what she was looking for. “What about that one?” she whispered to Sigurd, pointing towards a young man who had just finished sparring with a battle axe.

  Sigurd shook his head. “He doesn’t pay close enough attention to what he’s doing.”

  Arianwyn blinked. “He doesn’t?”

  “Did you see how he turned his back to his opponent after dropping his axe? Never turn your back on an opponent.”

  “Or drop your weapon,” Wymond added.

  She sighed. “Okay, how about him?”

  Wymond snorted. “He cares too much about himself.”

  “You can’t be serious.”

  “Look at him,” Wymond replied, gesturing towards the man. She looked, studying his sky blue eyes and golden hair. He was tall and broad shouldered, lean and muscular. She shrugged and looked at them, helplessly. Wymond shook his head. “He’s too pretty. He’s here to practice his sparring and there’s not a hair out of place on that lovely little head of his.”

  “Dressed as well as some court dandy,” Sigurd added.

  Arianwyn bit her lip to keep from laughing as she listened to the two continue to mock the ignorant man. “Enough! Please,” she said, stifling her laughter. “So, who would you pick, then?”

  Wymond’s eyes twinkled. “Thought
you’d never ask, lady.” As one, they pointed towards a grizzled looking man. He had an evil looking scar running from his chin to his hairline, disappearing briefly beneath an eyepatch. He was slightly shorter than Wymond and carried his weight in a paunch. His arms were exposed beneath a sleeveless jerkin. They were corded with muscle, a crude tattoo of a dragon and lady covering one.

  “You can’t be serious about him. He would terrify Lady Alyssa!”

  “Perfect. She’ll listen to him and no one else will want to cross him. He avoids half his fights by looking too evil to consider battling,” Wymond said.

  Sigurd nodded in agreement. “He has the added bonus of actual experience. He has attempted to join the King’s Guard several times. Unfortunately, he never does well on the long distance knife throwing challenge.”

  Arianwyn stared at him. “Long distance...”

  “Knife throwing. You have to hit a moving target from about thirty paces. You don’t have to kill him, just maim him enough to find later.”

  “In all other areas, he has tested perfectly to be a King’s Guard,” Wymond said.

  “Why didn’t you tell me about him first off, then?”

  They shrugged in unison. “You seemed to be having more fun looking at the pretty boys,” Sigurd said with a straight face.

  “Oh!” she blushed and scowled at them.

  Wymond took pity on her, chuckling slightly. “Actually, we didn’t know if Captain Alberich had him in mind…or would even let us use him. Shall we go ask if he would do us the honor?” Sigurd and Wymond strode across the sand, forcing Arianwyn to lift her skirts to keep up.

  “Kerr,” Wymond said, approaching him.

  The man sized them each up, eye finally coming to rest on Arianwyn. He spat a long stream of spittle to the side. “’Oo wants to know?”

  Arianwyn began fidgeting. “Excuse me, sir.”

  Kerr barked a hard laugh, cutting her off. “Sir, she says. Do I look like a sir, pritty li’l lady? Some court dandy sniffin’ at the king’s boots, hopin’ ‘ee’ll like the looks o’ me arse an’ find me a comfy chair to squat on?”

  Arianwyn’s jaw drop. “N…no, I wasn’t…”