"Where's Hayley?" she yelled.
"I'm fine," the ranger called back, "just trying to extricate myself from these crates. Give me a hand, Revi."
Arnim struck out again, to hear the sound of his sword contacting stone.
"For Saxnor's sake, we might have a chance if we could only see the thing," he griped.
Hayley pulled herself back into the tiny aisle. "If only Tempus were here," she said, "he'd at least be able to smell the thing."
"He'd never be able to climb aboard." Anna called out,"Prepare to duck."
"What?" replied Hayley?
"I said duck!"
The ranger dropped to the floor, as did Arnim while something sailed overhead and struck the creature, creating an explosion of sorts; suddenly the air was thick with flour. Beverly closed her eyes at the impact, averting her gaze. The flour soon sank to the deck, and as she turned back to face her foe, she spotted the outline of a leg.
"I can see it," she cried out as she slashed forward. This time she was rewarded with a solid hit. Her blade struck true, but the creature's flesh was hard, and only the tip of her blade made any mark. "A minor wound," she cried out. "It'll take forever to kill this thing."
She concentrated all her effort on the leg, but the creature struck out, and Beverly's shin took the brunt of the force. Staggering back, thankful for her shin guards, she swung again, but met nothing but air.
"Here comes another one," yelled Anna.
Beverly watched the second urn fly through the air. It struck the creature squarely this time, and she watched in amazement as it took shape before her.
It was massively tall, having to stoop while it was below the decks, and she estimated it to be seven feet or more in height. Its enormous folded wings were bat-like, while its head was horse-like, long and angular. As it turned to confront her, she saw the horror that was its face, for it had no mouth, only a small opening surrounded by strange tentacles that waved about menacingly, reminding her of lampreys or leeches.
The creature, now fully exposed, took an arrow to the back and turned away from Beverly to face this new threat. It struck out at Arnim trying to get to the ranger behind him, but the warrior ducked low, striking for the creature's injured leg.
Beverly reversed her sword and drove it, two-handed, into the back of the creature, between its folded wings. It turned back to face her, letting out a defiant roar that shook the very hull of the ship. Its claws were a blur of motion. Beverly strained to defend herself, but she was driven to the floor by the fury of the attack. It stood over her, ready to end her once and for all, until Arnim drove his blade into the creature's calf.
It wheeled about, striking at nothing, for the captain had backed up. Revi gesticulated, and suddenly the globe of light went out, leaving everyone in darkness. It soon erupted again, directly in the face of the creature. It tried to cover its eyes, and, in that moment, Anna darted forward. Beverly cried out in alarm, but could not stop the princess as she drove her Dwarf blade forward, slicing easily through the creature's thick skin. The look of shock on the girl's face revealed her surprise, and then she backed up, trying desperately to get away from it.
"Let it come after me," yelled Beverly, getting to her feet. "I'll draw it into the open where we can all get at it."
She struck again, and then stepped backwards, repeating the action as the creature pursued her. It was thrashing about wildly now, its eyes still blinded by the bright light. Soon, they had it in an open area, no longer confined by the crates, and they all gathered around it. In they darted, striking with precision, but the thick skin of the creature prevented them from doing significant harm.
"We need to bring it down," yelled Beverly. "Strike at the legs."
Arnim sliced forward, opening a small gash in the creature's left thigh, and as he backed up an arrow struck the same wound, burying itself into the soft flesh beneath the hard exterior.
The creature bellowed, falling to one knee and then Beverly yelled, "Highness, toss me your sword!"
She had dropped her own weapon, and using a crate to launch herself into the air, she reached out with her hands, and to Hayley's eyes, it appeared she was flailing wildly, but Anna had understood. The small Dwarf blade tumbled through the air toward the knight. Beverly, grasping the handle as she came down, drove the blade through the back of the creature's head. There was the briefest of movement, and then the monster was dead.
They all stood around, catching their breath, overcome with the exertion.
"Beverly," exclaimed Revi, "that was amazing!"
"It was lucky," the redhead replied.
"Let's find Gerald," yelled Anna. "Open up all the husks, but be careful, there may be people alive in some of them."
They moved toward the husks, pulling them apart with daggers and even bare hands, desperately seeking their friend. It was Hayley who found the first survivor
"Revi," she called, "over here."
The healer rushed over. The ranger had pulled the top off of a husk, and now a young woman was exposed, gasping for breath. Revi immediately began an incantation.
Anna was clawing at the largest of the cocoons. Soon, her small hands revealed chainmail.
"It's Gerald," she called out. "It must be him!"
Beverly was there in an instant, and together, they pulled the muddy casing from the old warrior. His face was grey, and as they dug him loose, they noticed he had lost a great deal of weight, but at least he was breathing. As they ripped away more mud, he collapsed to the floor.
Revi was soon there, casting a spell, but he looked up to Anna with a solemn expression. "I'm afraid there's little I can do, Highness. The flesh is intact. I suspect he's had most of the fluid drained from his body. I can stabilize him, but only time will tell if he'll survive."
"Let's get him up to the main deck," Anna commanded, "perhaps the fresh air will help. Arnim, go and tell the captain to get help. We'll need more hands to clean up this mess, and let's see if there are any other survivors."
* * *
It was early morning by the time help arrived. A larger ship was brought alongside, with a boarding ramp laid between the two vessels. There were only two survivors of the creature's attacks, but the bodies of at least a dozen more, many of them children, had been recovered.
The mood was sombre as they carried Gerald across, and laid him out on the deck; a rolled up cloak for a pillow. He was breathing easier now, but his colour had not improved.
"It's been suggested we take him to the Temple of Malin, Highness," offered Revi. "I'll have to examine both our survivors in more detail. I'm afraid there's a possibility that they might have been poisoned or injected with spores or even eggs; we know so little about this creature."
"What are they doing with the body?" she asked.
"They're taking it to the local chapter of the mages council. I'll examine it later to see what I can learn."
He was called away to see to his other patient while Anna sat on the deck, holding Gerald's hand. A shadow fell over her, and she looked up to see Dame Beverly.
"Do you think he'll survive?" asked Anna.
The knight looked down at the old warrior, "He's a fighter, Highness, and I'm sure he'll do all he can to return to us."
"He lost his family, twice," she proclaimed. "It's not fair that he should die now, of all times."
"He won't die," Beverly said, calmly. "He has too much to live for. You're his family now, Highness, he won't leave you. You saw the grey wolf when no one else did, you have a connection."
"I hope you're right, Beverly. I pray that Saxnor will return him to me."
Twenty-Seven
The Recovery
Autumn 960 MC
Sophie pulled the cords tight and tied them off in a bow. "Are you sure about this, Your Highness?" she asked. "This corset looks so uncomfortable."
Anna smiled, "It's the custom here in Weldwyn, Sophie, though I hope it doesn't catch on in Merceria." She turned slightly to look in the mirror.
"Is that me?"
"It is, Highness," answered Sophie. "You're a young woman now."
Anna smiled at the compliment and twirled around. "What do you think, Beverly?"
"I think you look more elegant than all the ladies of the Wincaster court, Highness."
Anna blushed, "Thank you, Beverly, for everything. If it hadn't been for you, we never would have killed that creature."
"It was you that made it possible, Highness. If you hadn't had that Dwarven blade, we never would have been able to defeat it. Where ever did you get such a weapon?"
"It was a gift from a Dwarven smith, a friend of Gerald's. He thought I was his daughter."
Beverly smiled, "And so you are, Highness, at least in all things that matter. Nothing will ever change that."
"Shall we proceed?" the princess asked.
"Yes, Highness, Gerald is waiting in the anteroom."
Beverly opened the door, and Anna glided out, followed by her servants. Gerald was sitting in a rather narrow armchair. To Beverly's mind, it looked more like a dining room chair. She wondered why this strange piece of furniture would be here, of all places.
"I still think you should have stayed at the temple," said Anna.
"Nonsense," Gerald slurred, "I'll recover faster here. All I need do is rest and relax.
Anna looked to Revi, who was standing behind the chair.
"He is still drained of energy, Highness, but will make a full recovery, I promise you. He will slur his words for a while and must refrain from any strenuous activity for perhaps a week or so, but should be in fine form after that."
"And the creature?" she asked.
"Arnim has named it a soul eater, a fitting name, considering the manner of its attacks. It fed off the essence of life. Draining it, if you will, to sustain itself. I have examined both survivors in detail and can assure you there is no sign of toxins or spores. Gerald's wounds are clean, he merely needs time to build up his energy."
Anna moved closer to Gerald and hugged him, then kissed him on the cheek. "I'm so glad we found you, Gerald," she said, tears forming in her eyes. She straightened herself and shook her arms to release tension. "Shall we continue?" she nodded to Sophie, who called in two male servants. They entered carrying poles and these they carefully threaded through small rings set into the chair. Then they took up position in front and behind Gerald, lifting the poles, and the chair, into the air.
"Where on earth did you get this mad idea from, Anna?" objected Gerald. "Surely it would be better if I walked."
"Where do I get all my ideas, Gerald? From a book, of course. It's called a sedan chair, at least my version of one. I had them make it up yesterday. Now you just relax while we go downstairs. We've arranged a little party to welcome you back."
"Wait," objected Gerald, "shouldn't we wait for Lady Nicole? She's your Lady-in-Waiting, after all."
"Not anymore," replied Anna. "I've dismissed her. Almost losing you made me realize I want my friends close, that includes Sophie; she's been with me for years. I don't need a Lady-in-Waiting, particularly one sent by Valmar."
"Valmar? How do you know he sent her?"
"I don't," Anna admitted, "but I always felt she was watching me. From now on I'll make the decision about who accompanies me."
Gerald smiled, "Very well, Highness, after you."
The procession left the anteroom and made their way through the hallways of the Citadel. They paused at the door to the dining hall while Anna turned to face the group.
"I had them clear out the dining hall, it's the largest room in the Citadel. Tonight it is to be the great hall, and there shall be dancing and merriment, except for you, Gerald. You can be merry, but no dancing."
"Lucky you, Gerald," Beverly said under her breath.
"What was that, Dame Beverly?" enquired the princess.
"Nothing, Highness. Shall we proceed?"
Anna turned again and composed herself while a servant grasped the door handle. She nodded, and the door swung open, revealing a room packed with visitors. She stepped forward and paused, bowing to her guests. There were murmurs of approval at her stylish dress and then she turned, beckoning the rest to enter.
Gerald was carried into much applause, and the old man blushed. Beverly was pleased to see the colour in his face again. Anna introduced them all, including Sophie and then she bid her guests to enjoy themselves.
Her maid turned to leave, but Anna halted her, "I want you to stay, Sophie, and enjoy yourself. You're not a servant tonight, you're my friend. Dance, drink, eat, do what you like, I want you to have fun."
Beverly was smiling, seeing the princess happy for the first time in days. Anna cast her eyes around the assembled crowd and rested them on Prince Alric, who was standing beside Princess Brida. Beverly could well imagine the feelings going through Anna's mind. It took her back years. She remembered visiting the smithy and seeing Aldwin surrounded by a bevy of young girls and how it made her feel. She knew she should say something to help diffuse the situation, but she was caught up in the moment and couldn't help but watch, mesmerized as the scene unfolded before her.
Anna strode directly toward Alric, ignoring the greetings of those she passed. She stopped immediately in front of the young prince who was too dumbstruck to speak. She looked at Brida and then back to Alric.
"You look very nice tonight, Highness," offered the Clanswoman. "Perhaps one day you'll be old enough to wear a grown-up dress."
Anna ignored the princess, staring into Alric's eyes. The music began, and Brida tried to interrupt the moment by uttering, "Shall we dance, Alric?"
Anna leaned forward, kissing Alric on the lips. Beverly stood silently, witness to the shock that reverberated around the room as the kiss lingered.
"I believe this dance is mine," Anna finally said, taking the hapless youth by the hand.
A voice interrupted Beverly's observations. Jack Marlowe was standing beside her, holding out his hand. "Shall we dance?" he offered.
"No, we shall not," she replied.
The look on the cavalier's face was priceless. For once, the young man was struck dumb, and Beverly revelled in the quiet moment. He soon recovered, however, spotting a black-haired beauty across the room, moving quickly to intercept her. Beverly chuckled, some people never changed. She wandered over to Gerald who sat in his chair, the poles now removed.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Much better, Beverly, thank you. It does me good to be here, seeing her have fun like this."
Beverly reached toward her sword.
"Are you expecting trouble?" he asked in concern.
"No," she responded, "just getting this." She dangled a necklace in front of him. "We found it when we went looking for you. I thought you might like to give it to the princess."
"Thank you," he said, deeply touched. "It cost a lot."
"It certainly did," she agreed. "Perhaps next time you go out to buy a present you can NOT get kidnapped by a strange creature?"
He chuckled, "I shall do my best!"
Lady Aubrey wandered over. "The princess seems to be enjoying herself," she commented.
"She's growing up," said Gerald.
"Was I like that?" Beverly asked.
"No," said Gerald, "you were worse."
"Worse?" she objected. "How was I worse?"
"Oh come on, Beverly. You were sneaking off to the smithy all the time."
Beverly blushed, while Aubrey smiled, "That sounds more like the Beverly I know.
A well-dressed young man approached them, bowing deeply at the waist. "Might I beg the honour of a dance, Dame Beverly?" he asked.
It was Aubrey who answered the question, "She won't dance, but I'd love to."
The man smiled, extending his hand to Lady Aubrey, and guided her onto the dance floor.
"Do you miss Bodden?" asked Gerald.
"I do," Beverly responded, "though I know one day I'll return there to settle down."
"Will that include marriage, do you
think?"
Beverly turned to him, her face turning red.
Gerald was holding up his hand to ward off her anger, "I only ask out of curiosity. One day Bodden will need an heir."
"I will never marry," Beverly stated, calming her voice. "You, of all people, should know that."
"Never is long time," he said. "It can be quite lonely. Believe me, I've trod that path."
"You don't have to be married to have a family," she said. "You and the princess are proof of that."
"Fair enough," he replied.
They lapsed into a companionable silence while they watched the dancers perform their graceful moves.
"What do you think the princess will have us do next?" asked Beverly. "It's nearly winter."
Gerald watched the princess as she gazed into Alric's eyes. "I suspect we'll winter here and then move south in the spring. I think we'll be seeing much more of the young prince in our future."
"What lies to the south?" she asked.
"The Great Sea of Storms. She's always wanted to visit the ocean."
"It would be nice to relax by the sea," Beverly said.
"Relax? I doubt we'll relax. Life with this Princess of Merceria is anything but relaxing."
"You sound disappointed."
"Nonsense, I thrive on it. It keeps me young."
"You know, Gerald, it's a pity you have to stay in that chair, else I'd ask you to dance."
Gerald tore his eyes off the princess to look in horror at Beverly, "Are you serious?"
"No, Gerald, I know how much you hate dancing. But perhaps one day, when the princess weds, you'll have to make an exception."
"I would gladly do that," he replied.
A small commotion at the door captured Beverly's attention, and she spotted Dame Hayley entering, still wearing her armour. As soon as the ranger spotted the two of them, she made her way toward them.
"Where's the princess?" she asked, a flushed look to her face.
Heart of the Crown Page 28
