by Rachel James
Niall jabbed the man in the chest with his elbow and knocked him off guard. Niall swung around and placed his sword under the man’s jugular. “Nay, you don’t.”
“Stop!” Kenric shouted to Niall. “Don’t kill him.”
“Why should you care?”
Kenric paused.
Ryce walked over to the man on the battlement floor, pointed his sword down over the man’s head, and flipped the helmet off.
“Eadward!”
“What?” Niall turned to Ryce. “This is King Eadward?”
“The one and the same.”
Niall tilted his head, studying the Shieldok king lying captive on the floor. “Very well, Eadward, you have a choice. You either die this morrow by my sword, or you call off your troops, and we sit together and discuss terms.”
Eadward laughed. “Who do you think I am? I’m a Dyrahn, through and through. We don’t negotiate.”
“Then be prepared to meet your maker.”
“I could say the same to you.”
Eadward placed his hand on his seax.
Instinctively, Ryce jumped in front of Niall and pushed him out of the blade’s way.
Relief washed over him. Niall was safe, but the throbbing pain in his side caused him to look down. Seeing the blood pouring out was a shock. He staggered backward, feeling the battlement wall behind him. Momentum didn’t stop his fall. The last thing he was aware of was plummeting over the fortress rampart.
Teagen studied their adversaries. They didn’t appear to be Dyrahn warriors. They lacked the furs and spears and the typical blonde, unshaven hair. In fact, most of them had dark, slightly greying hair, and carried longbows. Their faces were not menacing either, and they did not carry the stance of attackers.
She got up from her knees and moved closer toward them, searching for their commander.
“State your business!” she shouted.
“We thought you could use a hand.”
She scanned the line-up. “Who are you?”
“Elmetian warriors. We fought for King Cedric when he was alive.”
Teagen took a step forward. “You knew my father?”
“Princess, we are at your service.” Their commander bowed on one knee, and all the other soldiers followed suit.
Astounded, she shook her head out of her stupor. “Please, arise. You do not need to fall to your knees on account of me. Although I must say, I am overjoyed at your presence. Cross over and we can talk some more.”
The river was shallow in this part, and the soldiers crossed with ease. When their commander approached, she recognized him in an instant. “Gais! My goodness, I thought you dead. What happened to you?”
“We weren’t present when the Dyrahns raided, Princess. Unbeknown to anyone, your father had sent us on a mission to a neighbouring kingdom. Upon our return, we found Elmetia fallen. We remained obscured until the time was right. I confess, Princess, we were led to believe you had died also.”
“I was taken as a slave, although I managed to keep my identity hidden. How did you find out about Angularem?”
“From the Dyrahns. When we discovered Niall was alive, we left as soon as we could.”
“Praise God, He sent you. Now Eadward has seized the fort. We managed to get the villagers out in time, but we know not how Niall and his men are doing.”
Teagen walked over to Cinnia. “Head for the watchtower as planned. It’s the safest place for everyone. I’ll go and take these soldiers to the fort.”
Cinnia gave Teagen a hug. “Be safe.”
“You too.”
Teagen led the way to the fortress. This time she didn’t use the underground passage. “So, how do you want to do this?” They had arrived just outside the gates and were keeping hidden by the trees.
“We’re archers and work best at higher ground. Most of the fighting, though, is taking place inside the fort itself.”
“You’ll need to get to the battlements, but how can you pass the gates?”
“We’ll climb the walls from the outside.”
Teagen gauged the height of fortress. “Why, it’s a good twenty feet!”
“We’ve done worse.”
“Do not expect me to climb with you. I’d not make it.”
“Well, not in that skirt anyway.” He grinned.
The archers soon waded through the long grass, crawling on their fronts, remaining invisible to any onlookers. They were as quick as the wind. In little time, they’d arrived at the bottom of the fort’s walls, and cast their grappling hooks over the battlements.
She moved farther around to glimpse the battlements. The men sped up the walls like lightning. It would not be long till they reached the top. She glanced up, and her heart missed a beat.
Niall?
She walked out from her hideout, not caring she was now exposed. She had to see. Moving in closer, she witnessed her brother’s captor disappear from viewpoint.
Out of nowhere Ryce appeared, holding out his sword. He was talking to Niall. Had they caught this man now?
Ryce thrust himself forward, pushing Niall away from the weapon.
“Nay!” she screamed as Ryce stumbled backward.
Her heart dropped as she watched him fall in slow motion, her arms and legs paralysed and helpless. Her head spun, and the view in front of her turned blurry. She envisioned his face and his beautiful steel-grey eyes. How could this be?
She sprinted. Where did he fall?
She scoured the cliff’s edge, but found no sign of a body. She moved farther and stood directly beneath the place he had fallen. Stepping out, she peered over the cliff.
Waves crashed angrily against the crag’s verge. He couldn’t survive that fall at any rate.
Even if he’d dropped to the water, there was no body floating.
She fell to her knees and collapsed to the ground. Fatigue and anguish mixed all into one. “Nay!” she cried again. Not now. She’d not even been able to give him her letter. He would never know how she truly felt.
Niall rose off the floor in shock. Ryce sacrificed his life for him. He needed to get himself together, or they’d all be dead. He grabbed his sword and stamped his foot upon Eadward’s chest. He then kicked Eadward’s seax out from his hand, which went shattering to the ground below.
Kenric reached for his own weapon. “I wouldn’t.”
“Make me.”
Niall paused. He couldn’t stop Kenric at the same time as pinning Eadward.
He was going to have to kill the king. Yet why did it feel so wrong? God, you've got to help me out here.
“Hold it right there. We’ve the place surrounded. Put down your weapons.”
Niall blinked. He recognized the man’s voice from a past life. “Gias?”
He turned around, his mouth open. In front of him stood his old friend with his long bow drawn, pointing at Kenric. As he scanned the battlements, he saw more of his father’s soldiers, bows aimed at Eadward.
Kenric dropped his weapon and lifted his hands in surrender.
Niall turned back around and pressed his sword harder onto Eadward’s chest.
“Get up!” Niall seethed.
Eadward hesitated.
“Now, you swine, if you value your life at all.”
Eadward rose slowly, fear showing in his eyes.
“Call off your men.”
Eadward raised his hand. The fighting ceased.
“Men, bind these Shieldoks and lock them in the pit. Their king and I have serious matters to talk through.”
“Why did you let me live?”
Niall slowly sipped his wine. “I believe God told me to.”
Eadward spat. “Are you really so weak?”
“Aye. In my weakness, God makes me strong.”
Eadward shook his head. “You are a puzzling man. You should have killed me while you had the chance.”
“Oh, don’t you worry, if you go against our understanding, I won’t hesitate to kill you in a second.”
“What
agreement?”
“The one we’re about to make.”
“I don’t take kindly to being told what to do.”
Niall leaned forward and grabbed the king by the scruff of the neck. “Now you listen here. You're on my land, and in my home. You murdered my father, kidnapped my sister, and killed a dear friend. You’re just about out of lives, Eadward.”
“Didn’t your sister tell you? I did not kill your father.”
“You manipulated a young man into doing your dirty work for you. In God’s eyes you’re the murderer, not he.”
“You know?”
“Of course. Ryce confessed to me months ago.”
“And you continued to use him as your servant?”
“I never saw him that way. He was a loyal friend, but aye, I kept him here because I, of all people, know you shouldn’t judge a person by their past. If God can forgive them, why can’t we?”
“You absolve me then? For all I’ve done to you, even your mother?”
Niall stared him in the eyes. “You admit it after all these years?”
“I didn’t kill her. Your father’s anger drove her off the cliff.”
“Why was he angry?”
“Because he found out we were once sweethearts.”
Niall stood and walked over to the fire. “I suspected as much. You don’t think it played a part in her death?”
Eadward blinked. “I hadn’t thought of it in that way.”
Niall nodded. “You destroyed my family, Eadward, but I am giving you a second chance, just as God does with us. Aye, I forgive you. I wish you to depart from Angularem and take all your soldiers with you. You won’t invade us again. You’ll leave in peace.”
“And what of Elmetia? Do you not want to reclaim the land as your own?”
“Nay. Not anymore. Elmetia was my father’s, but that’s in the past. We have started anew here, and in truth, I would be sad to leave.”
“If I have your word you’ll not attempt to reclaim Elmetia, I promise I’ll not come after you here.”
“That’s not all, Eadward. You are to free all Elmetian slaves from your employ. If they choose to stay with you, then so be it. However, I would like them to have the opportunity to begin a new life in Angularem.”
“Do you realize what you bid? I’ll lose a third of my workforce!”
“That’s the deal. You grant them safe passage here and allow their freedom. Besides, you’ll save a little from their upkeep.”
“That is true.”
“I did hear you had plans to expand further west.”
“Aye, well, I need something to work toward.”
“It’s late now, so you’ll have to leave first thing on the morrow.”
Eadward stood and headed to the door, and paused. “You could have killed me and be done with it. You won the battle, but you’ve naught else to show for it.”
“Aye, you deserve to die, but there are more important things at stake.”
Eadward lifted his head. “Like what?”
“You needed to see God’s grace at work—I do not believe God has finished with you yet.”
Eadward laughed dryly. “I’ve tried Christianity. I was even baptized, but I found myself...bored, to tell the honourable truth.”
Niall walked over to him and patted him on the shoulder. “Well, since you’ve tried religion, how about giving faith in God a chance?”
Niall opened the door and signalled his guards.
“These men will escort you to your room. Oh, and Eadward, don’t get any foolish ideas. They’ll be posted on your entrance.”
“I thought you said all was forgiven.”
“Doesn’t mean I trust you.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
He awoke to darkness, his whole body in agony. Ryce tried to move, but he couldn’t feel his legs. Even his arms didn’t want to cooperate.
Was he dead? Must be in hell for all the terrible things he’d done.
His eyes adjusted. Several stars dotted around in the sky. He managed to move his head to the left.
Waves. Well, his ears still worked anyway. A breeze stung his face. Mayhap it was not hell after all. He could almost laugh. When did he start believing in hell? Probably the moment he’d considered there might be a God. Why hadn’t he listened more to Teagen? He needed her right now.
“Help!” he shouted out. “Help!”
Whom was he kidding? Nobody would be out at this time of night.
Frustrated, he let out a long breath, he was completely useless, unable to form an assessment of the situation and work out a plan.
Well, his ability to get out of a fix proved worthless. He was going to die here, and alone. Six months ago, the prospect might not have bothered him so much. He didn’t like his life, and had no one to live for.
But now?
Now, he had almost found peace. At least, he lived with others who had discovered it. And Teagen. Something had changed. The last moment they’d had together, he’d seen love in her eyes. And mayhap even—forgiveness.
She forgave me.
Why? He hadn’t done anything to atone for his sin. He thought back to the conversation he’d overhead yesterday. Sherwin had talked to her about God forgiving their sins and Christ dying on the cross. Well, if only life were that easy.
Was it truly that simple?
Why would God allow His son to die, so that strangers might live?
Because He loves them.
Well, he guessed if God did exist, and He did create human beings, then He would love them. Like a parent loved their child. Unconditionally.
He sucked in a breath. “All right, God, if you’re out there. I’ve done some awful nonsense in my time. Things you would not approve of. I am truly, truly sorry for them. I wish I’d never committed such treachery.”
He paused, unsure if he should go on. With nobody around to hear him jabber on like a fool, what harm would it do?
“Are you truly real? I’ve heard so many different things...
“I’m envious of the changes I’ve seen in Sherwin and even Teagen. I want it too. If you do the same in my life, I know for a fact you’d be Lord and Saviour.
“I’m not sure I’m supposed to make deals with God, but, alas, I’m new at this. Prove yourself to me. Show me you’re real. Get me out of this fix. I beg of you, just help me. ’Tis all I request.”
Exhausted, he let his eyes close. He wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but a little disappointed no explosion, or a glorious white light, appeared.
Still the same as before, naught had happened.
Weak and weary, he lay his head back and allowed sleep to claim him.
Teagen’s hand shook as she tried to unhook her cloak.
“Here, let me do that, Princess.” Lunet guided her to a chair and proceeded to unfasten the clasp that tied her tunic together.
“It’ll get better with time.”
Teagen swiped at the tears that cascaded her cheeks. How would things improve without him? He had looked out for her, calmed her when she became overwhelmed. His mere presence was a tonic to her frustrated state.
“I love him, Lunet. I didn’t realize this until now, but I truly think I do.”
“You couldn’t marry him. You're a princess.”
“Apparently not. Anymore.”
“What do you mean?”
Teagen gazed at Lunet’s reflection in the mirror. She gave a sad smile. “Didn’t you hear? Niall has made an agreement with King Eadward. He’s no longer going to reclaim Elmetia. We are to stay in Angularem, and Eadward will leave us alone.”
“It doesn’t change anything. You are our princess. This is whom you are. This is your calling.”
“Can’t be a princess of a kingdom that exists no more.”
Lunet bit her lip and teased the braid out of Teagen’s hair. “I must confess I won’t sleep easy tonight with those Dyrahns still here.”
“Nor I, but I doubt I could rest anyhow.”
“How is Sherwin
doing?”
“He’s quiet. To tell you the truth, I don’t think reality has quite sunk in. Actually, I might go and talk to him.”
“Princess, you’re getting ready for bed!”
“Then hand me a tunic quick.”
Lunet loitered a little before giving her a dress to slip into. “Promise me you won’t go parading around the fort looking like that, Teagen.”
“Hogwash propriety. My hair is what God gave me.” She headed for the door. “Don’t wait up. Who knows how long I’ll be?”
Lunet folded her arms and sat on the chair. “Well, I’ll work on this here tapestry while you gallivant off. Don’t mind me.”
Teagen ignored her maid’s protests. She was in no mood to make an effort at the moment. Making her way out of the west wing and down the steps into the courtyard, she couldn’t help but shudder. Hours earlier today, this place was littered with dead bodies. The men had done a good job in clearing the area. A cemetery had been cleared outside the fort walls. There’d be no room for all of them here. The Dyrahns had prepared rafts for their own deceased that afternoon and would be sending theirs out to sea on the morrow.
As she entered the infirmary, she’d expected to find Sherwin alone, moping around much like her. How naïve of her to forget he’d be at his busiest right now.
“Can I help?” she said, walking to the bedside of one of the injured. Sherwin glanced up. “Teagen. I didn’t expect you here at this time of night.”
“I wasn’t quite ready for sleep.
Sherwin nodded. “Well, if you don’t mind, I do need some help. Are you still queasy at the sight of blood?”
“I’ll be fine. Besides,” she scanned the overcrowded room, “you shouldn’t have to do this all by yourself. I must speak to my brother about getting you an assistant.”
Sherwin eyed her carefully. “You are grieving. You should be resting.”
Self-conscious, she wiped at her tear-streaked face. “I can assure you, I’m well enough. ’Tis no good wallowing in pity when people be needing help.”
“So be it, you can finish bandaging this man’s arm, if that’s all right. I’ve already started the dressing.”
She took the bandage from Sherwin and proceeded to spin it around. The process much reminded her of when she helped Ryce. She winced at the memory.