by Jo Fontana
"Well, we can keep this little incident to ourselves if you don’t mind," Reyden said. Then he had another thought. “Take a better look at my back. I want to know if the scars are gone.”
Morgan looked over Reyden’s back again.
“Well?”
“Blast! It’s still the same.”
Reyden sighed and shook his head. “I knew it was too good to be true.”
“I’m sorry Reyden; I think I’ll have to learn more to heal those but don’t give up hope yet. These were the first symbols that appeared to me. Maybe there’ll be more.”
Reyden nodded. "I wonder how you’ll discover them. I’ll drag the brain with me to do some research when we get to Nava Asari. If we find anything, I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks, now we better get back before someone comes looking for us. We can't have those kids searching for you in the dark.”
Reyden groaned and went back to the campsite where Cristiana and Khellan were waiting for him. Reyden sighed.
“Mama says I have to go to bed now. Good night Reyden,” she whispered and kissed him on the cheek.
“Good night,” Reyden whispered back.
She started to leave and then turned back. "Oh, and I'm sorry again about what I did. I promise to try and be more careful."
Khel also said a quick goodnight to the others, saving Reyden for last before dragging Cris away.
Reyden waved to them as Khel and Cris disappeared into the night. When they left he muttered, "That one’s going to be trouble when she gets older."
There was a collective sound of agreement among the group and Glynn added, "She sure will be."
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The next morning the men parted company with their hosts and arrived in Acridona by twilight. Reyden led them to the turtle depot. He growled several colorful words when he noticed it had already closed for the day.
"This means it’s probably too late to get supplies today," grumbled Reyden.
“So, we get a room and come back first thing," Deverick suggested.
“We'll make up the time by taking the turtles to Nava Asari, so we don't need to worry," Illithor said. “We will have enough, right Glynn?”
“We definitely have plenty to rent them,” Glynn assured them.
"I don't think we should spend all of that at once, though," Illithor cautioned. "Maybe we should hold on to some of it for another emergency."
"Yes, Mother. I'm not as stupid as some of you look you know?"
“Could’ve fooled me,” Reyden muttered with a smirk.
Glynn flashed Reyden a dirty look.
"All right. Let's go see if there are any rooms left at the Wayward Wanderer," Emory suggested.
"The family has suites there—we'll have accommodations," Gil replied smugly as he nudged his horse in the direction of the inn.
"Aren't we supposed to pretend you're not who you are?" Omaric asked.
“It’s only for tonight,” Gil reasoned.
“As long as you’re not concerned,” Reyden said.
"We could use that clout when working out prices for the turtles," Morgan announced merrily.
"We could, but it's just as likely to work against us,” Gil stated. “They may reason that since I am who I am that I can easily afford to rent turtles."
"Not if they think they are aiding the prodigal prince’s return," Glynn insisted.
“Exactly,” Emory replied. “Make them think they helped reunite the wayward prince with his father.”
“Do we plan on sitting out here all night talking about renting turtles or are we going to get our rooms? I’m tired of Yoshi’s mouth breathing on me,” Reyden complained as he pushed Yoshi back.
The rest of the men froze until Yoshi began laughing heartily. Reyden grinned and followed Gil to the inn.
When they arrived, Gil dismounted, and handed the reins of his horse to an awed groom. Reyden followed him hoping to witness some entertainment, so he left Yoshi to deal with the groom. Gil walked in and went directly to the desk. Reyden wasn’t disappointed because the young man behind it glanced up and immediately dropped what he was doing when he saw Gil.
“Y-your highness! Welcome. Will you be requiring your suites this evening?" he stammered.
"I will have need of all of the family's suites, please," Gil told the clerk politely.
The clerk flushed. "I can arrange that. If you will please wait here, I’ll have them freshened up for you."
He called for a couple of the maids who promptly appeared and curtsied to Gil before hurrying off to make sure all was set for him.
Reyden’s delight continued as he watched their friends share amused looks. When the rooms were ready, the clerk personally escorted them up to the suites.
"That’s more like it," Reyden said with obvious pleasure.
“Look Illithor! Beds!” Deverick teased.
“We’ll still have to share,” Omaric noted.
Illithor walked over to the nearest bed and collapsed on it.
Yoshi smirked and asked Reyden, "He likes his comforts then?"
"Yes, he is soft."
“Not all can be as tough as you or me,” Yoshi answered.
Reyden grinned with appreciation and Yoshi answered with a rare smile. Once settled, they headed downstairs for something to eat. After dinner, Omaric pulled out his flute to entertain the rest of the patrons, naturally earning a decent amount in tips and a lot of attention.
"It's a shame none of us can play something too and accompany him," mused Deverick. "Or at least sing; someone could sing while he plays."
Morgan cleared his throat. "Why do you assume that no one can sing?"
Omaric looked surprised by Morgan’s response.
“You can sing?” he asked hopefully, then began playing a popular song.
Morgan began to sing the words in a rich tenor to accompany the song. A stunned silence descended over the table as everyone stared at Morgan as if seeing him for the first time. Reyden arched an eyebrow; he was impressed despite himself.
“He’s actually good!” Deverick exclaimed with stunned pleasure.
“You could act a little less surprised,” admonished Illithor.
“As if you weren’t sitting there with your mouth gaping too,” Deverick retorted.
“Will you guys shut up?” Emory snapped. “I’m trying to listen.”
The table settled into silence again as they watched and listened to their companions perform song after song. After a while, Reyden began to feel sleepy. He was the first to stand up. “I’m turning in. Let’s meet here early so we can get the turtles as soon as possible.”
It was still dark outside when Reyden woke to Gil shaking him. He groggily watched as Gil rushed the rest of the group out of the suites and down to breakfast. Gil appeared to be waiting for the others with barely concealed patience. Reyden made a nuisance of himself during the meal as he urged the rest of the companions to eat faster so that Gil didn’t have time to lose his temper. Reyden could tell that the prince was extremely on edge.
The sun had barely risen when they made it to the turtle depot that had just opened for the day. Reyden cut in front of a wealthy couple, who had conveniently stepped in line in front of him as if he was not there. When the man began to protest, Reyden turned around and glared at him. The other man backed down immediately.
"What are we going to do with the horses?" Deverick asked when he caught up with him. "We don't want to leave them behind."
"We’re going to rent three turtles, one to pull us, another two to pull them," Reyden stated matter-of-factly.
Gil bartered with the owner and made arrangements for use of three turtles. Reyden persuaded the owner into moving them ahead in the schedule by mentioning that it would be nice to reunite the prince with his father before it was too late. As soon as their belongings were stowed and the horses were on their transport, they climbed into their carriage and left Acridona.
Omaric giggled. "I love the irony of the horses
getting the ride rather than giving it.”
"We’ll get there tomorrow if we ride through the night," Gil concluded.
Reyden approached the drivers with promises of additional funds to get them to Nava Asari by the next day. The drivers were more than willing to do so because of the handsome compensation Reyden offered.
The ride was bumpier than Reyden expected. He wasn’t sure if he would sleep well as they rode through the night and figured it would be to his advantage. If the king caused trouble in any way, he’d pay for it dearly because Reyden wouldn’t be in the mood for any nonsense.
Reyden woke up disoriented the following morning. He was amazed that he actually fell asleep, and he noticed Gil was awake as well. He wondered if Gil had slept at all. Reyden was pleased to discover that they were at the outskirts of Nava Asari.
“I didn’t think I would ever return to the palace,” Gil, looking pensive, muttered to himself as they passed through the city gates.
Reyden woke the others with glee as the drivers stopped at the turtle depot, which was located just inside the city gates. While the rest grumbled, Reyden gazed over the city that had won his heart. Reyden wondered why Gil would ever want to leave this place, but supposed he had his reasons. Everything in the city was in full bloom and Reyden wished that he never had to leave.
Reyden mounted his horse with Yoshi seated behind him and fell in line behind everyone else as the group headed towards the palace. There were stares, bows, and whispers as Gil rode through the city.
Illithor rode up next to Gil. “Are you ready to do this?”
"No, but I have no choice. He isn't well and there might not be a chance when I am ready," Gil replied shakily.
Reyden rode up and joined them.
"Let's get this over and done with. I’m tired of being without my egg. Don't worry, I’ll bust you out of jail if he gets crazy.”
Gil chuckled. "Thanks Reyden. At least I can cross that worry off of my list."
They walked slowly into the palace; Illithor and Reyden flanked Gil. As they neared, Reyden muttered something about distracting Gil's sister if it became necessary.
"We won't have a problem with Ryvanna," Gil reminded them.
Gil looked more nervous the further they walked into the palace. The group fell in behind Gil, letting him lead the way. There were guards throughout the palace who watched him, but so far, no one had made a move to detain him. Some, who had been more sympathetic towards Gil, welcomed him back. As soon as he entered through a set of large doors, a woman with the same almost white hair rushed towards Gil. Moments later, she wrapped her arms around his neck as she hugged him tightly. Reyden stood back and watched the exchange.
"Gilryn! I was hoping you would come," she exclaimed with tears in her eyes.
“Ryvanna,” Gil whispered. “Where is he?”
"In his rooms with the healers. Gilryn, be prepared. He does not look well,” she replied grimly.
Gil nodded. "Morgan, I would like you to accompany me."
“I’ll do whatever I can to help,” Morgan replied.
Ryvanna gestured to a guard. "Take these gentlemen to the waiting area. Make sure they get anything they need.”
They were led to a large chamber that was sparsely furnished, with many tapestries hanging on the walls. There were benches lined along the long sides of the walls and a fire pit in the adjacent wall. There was a raised seat at the far end of the room. Reyden thought he smelled a hint of mildew in the air, which he thought was odd. Morgan and Gill were gone quite a long time. Reyden refrained from fussing because he didn’t want to cause more grief for Gil.
Reyden noticed Ryvanna enter from a side room, followed by a few overdressed, uppity men. He didn’t think that this boded well for Gil. He caught Illithor’s eyes and demanded a book. Illithor looked very surprised but handed one to him. Reyden used the pretense of reading so he could look like he was concentrating on the book and not on what the others were discussing. He had been secretly learning Elven from Omaric, of all people. It pleased him that he could follow most of the conversation. Reyden knew that these men wouldn’t say anything blatantly confidential because of the other elves there. They seemed to be targeting Gil’s sister, Ryvanna.
The haughtiest man of the bunch slinked over towards her. Reyden immediately hated him. So much so, that his initial dislike of Glynn seemed mild in comparison.
“It looks as though you won’t be Queen just yet,” he addressed her with an oily smile.
“You cannot trap him here, Sarinth,” Ryvanna replied vehemently.
“There has never been precedence for a female ruler in Nava Asari. The senate will not approve. I’m sorry princess, but your brother will wear the crown. Unless, of course, you deem another member of the royal family more suitable?”
“You’ll have to deal with Gilryn personally,” Ryvanna spat. “I refuse to influence him!”
“As you wish,” Sarinth hissed before slithering out of the room with his entourage.
Reyden glanced at Illithor, Omaric, and Glynn who all looked angry. The others appeared puzzled. Ryvanna was noticeably upset and quickly excused herself. Reyden gazed at her as she left.
“I hope the king doesn’t die before we get out of here.”
“Reyden!” Illithor chastised.
“What? I’m only stating the obvious. We have to be prepared in the event Gil can’t leave with us.”
“What do you mean?” Emory asked.
“I’ll give the short version for those of you who don’t speak elven,” Reyden began. “Basically, they want Gil to rule because he’s a man. The nobles appear to be set against Ryvanna.”
“That’s ridiculous!” Deverick cried.
Deverick surprised Reyden; he thought Deverick was aware of how monarchies worked. “This isn’t the plains, forester.”
“Still, it’s a terrible rule,” Emory agreed and Yoshi nodded.
Reyden sighed then looked at Glynn. “You might want to snoop around later and see if anyone has heard what Rafe’s up to.”
“Will do.”
Reyden began reading the book that Illithor gave him. He was impressed that he wasn’t bored.
“Father wishes to see all of you,” Gil announced as he and Morgan entered the room, interrupting Reyden’s reading.
Their arrival irritated Reyden. He wanted to finish the book. He’d also planned to avoid the king at all costs.
“Uh oh,” Omaric muttered.
“I’ll pass, thanks,” Reyden said snarkily and he reopened the book.
“It would be wise to answer his summons,” Gil advised.
Reyden thought this was rich, coming from the reluctant prince, and he muttered a few choice words under his breath and slammed the book shut.
"Just behave yourself and try to curb your impulse to be a smart ass,” suggested Illithor.
"It's his nature, he can't help it," Omaric sassed.
Emory and Deverick barely contained their laughter and Reyden angrily followed Gil and the others to the king’s rooms. The king’s haggard appearance drained all anger from Reyden. He actually had to withhold a gasp, when he saw the man lying on the bed. The king was emaciated. His skin stretched taut over his bones, but he did look peaceful. Reyden wondered how much worse the king had looked before Morgan’s intervention. Ryvanna was sitting at the king’s side, but rose and walked over to Morgan and embraced him before speaking.
"Thank you for doing what you could.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad that I was able to help even in a small way,” Morgan replied.
"Know that you and your friends are always welcome here, and if ever needed, for anything, you can count on my assistance.”
“Thank you, your highness,” he responded.
“No, thank you.”
“I’m pleased that our colleague was able to help,” Reyden interrupted.
Ryvanna smiled at Reyden. "My father wishes to speak to you and thank those who saved Gilryn’s life."
"Yes, come over here now—all of you," the king ordered.
"Bah! That was just his fey luck," Reyden said with annoyance.
The king smiled at his children then looked over at Reyden.
“He does not like compliments I presume?”
"No, he would much rather bark orders," Gil responded with a hint of mirth.
Reyden frowned, but remained silent.
The king glanced at Reyden. “What is your name?”
“Reyden Frost.”
"Well Reyden Frost, I will thank you for your part in helping my son so that I could see him once again."
Reyden pointed at Emory. "It was the walking wall's doing. He makes a better meal than a scrawny elf.”
Emory flushed several shades of crimson causing Reyden to cackle with glee at his friend’s embarrassment.
"Then we owe you our gratitude for Gilryn’s safety," Ryvanna said.
The king chuckled with amusement.
"I think we all had a small part in drawing the Momo plants away from Gil," Morgan explained, coming to Emory's defense.
Ryvanna smiled at Morgan, and then addressed her father. “I will go see that the preparations are made for tomorrow evening’s feast. Everyone will be happy to see the prince again, especially now that there is no longer a rift in the family.”
"I hope you don't mind, but I agreed that all of us will stay through tomorrow evening’s celebration," Gil informed his friends.
Reyden rolled his eyes and sighed. "Until Rafe pays a visit," he muttered.
"We can always use the turtles again,” suggested Gil.
"We don't need the turtles." Reyden moved closer to Gil. "I don't want Rafe to come here, and you should know that the nobles are plotting to crown you. The sooner we leave, the better," he hissed in Gil's ear.
“One day shouldn't make a difference.”
"Don’t say that I didn’t warn you. Are we dismissed now?”
"Yes, you are dismissed. You will be shown to your rooms,” the king said as he nodded to an elf that had been standing quietly in the background.
Reyden decided he wasn’t going to waste time in his room and asked Gil if it would be possible to make use of the palace library in order to do a little research.
