The King's sword

by A. J. Searle

  He was a King’s Guard and a wizard with the power to help others, to ease suffering. He was a man who could speak to those who could make a difference in the world. And maybe they would listen to him. He had met people that had made an impression on him, that would be a part of his life for years to come. No, there was no turning back to the simple life of a blacksmith.

  I have a new life now, Ronan thought. He belonged to a tribe of people called Johran. They were his people. And so were these that he traveled with. His eyes swept to the campsite. He cared for each of them, had created bonds that would endure.

  Sighing heavily, he finally accepted those things. The dragon was right. He might not like it but it was who and what he was. He could not hide from it any longer. And he could not continue to allow the fact that one of them might be working against him to change how he treated each of them. By treating them differently he was punishing them all for the actions of only one.

  “Wizard,” Monty’s voice interrupted Ronan’s thoughts. “Someone is approaching.” Ronan looked up at the man-sized dragon that had approached him without a sound. Then he leapt to his feet, eyes looking in the direction that the dragon indicated.

  “Two days ahead.” Monty told him. “A small band of King’s Guards.”

  “Diato,” Ronan murmured with trepidation. “They bring trouble but we’ve come too far. We can’t go back.” He spoke his thoughts aloud, realizing at the swamps Diato had turned his men back and circled around through Merisgale to intercept him.

  “What kind of trouble?” Monty asked.

  “I suspect Sleagan’s trouble.” Ronan frowned. “The kind that could get ugly. You may want to warn the other Dragols to stay away.”

  “Dragols do not fear the swords or magic of man. It is their ignorance that is our greatest fear.” Monty scoffed. “The King’s Sword does affect our lives as well. Sleagan would have us hunted and killed.”

  Ronan was beginning to understand that the sword affected the lives of every living thing in Meris. “Very well. Can you take me to them?”

  Monty made a noise that clearly reflected his offense. “You mean carry you? Allow you to ride me as you would a horse? Certainly not! If I am seen by the others with a man upon my back I shall never be respected by the Dragols again!”

  Ronan shook his head. “What if they could not see me?” Monty tilted his head and watched Ronan turn and head for his horse. He rummaged through his pack until he found the Sledgers Cape.

  “What’s wrong?” Keegan stepped away from the campsite toward Ronan.

  “Diato,” Ronan answered, slipping the cape over his shoulders so only his head was visible. “Someone has sided with him and worked against me. I’m going to even things up a bit.”

  “I’m coming with you.” Keegan drew his sword but Ronan faced him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

  “I need you to stay here. You are the only one who can lead the others to safety if something happens to me. None of the others have the strength that you do, Keegan.” Ronan glanced back at Monty who gave him a nod that the cape would allow an acceptable passage.

  “If something happens to me, the dragon will come back for Mikel the Hort. The rest of you will go back to Johran where you will be safe. Wait there for Mikel to return with the sword.

  “You trust a thief to bring the sword back to us?” Keegan looked at him as if he’d lost his mind.

  “I trust that the changeling has never been given the chance to do something of honor. This is our chance to make an impression on him that would allow him to make his life better.” Ronan saw the emotion flicker in Keegan’s eyes. “The fact that he was a thief before does not matter now.” Keegan nodded and shoved his sword back into his sheath.

  “Take care, Ronan Culley,” Keegan called as Ronan turned and headed back toward the dragon. He watched him climb onto the dragon’s back and then lift the hood. Monty took a running start and then soared into the air. It took them only thirty minutes to reach the campsite across the moor, during which time Ronan told Monty the plan in the event something happened to him. Monty merely inclined his head in agreement with his part of the plan, and then pointed toward the ground.

  Diato sat below in silence, staring into the night. Once or twice he looked to the heavens as if he could sense Monty’s movement above but he never rose from his spot. Ronan’s eyes narrowed as one of the guards approached the captain.

  “Get me down there. I want to hear what they are saying,” Ronan whispered and Monty swooped down low enough to cause the guards to be filled with fear and for Ronan to slip from his back unseen.

  “Damned dragons,” Diato growled as Monty soared back into the air. “I shall be glad to be rid of them when their kind finally does die out. They are nothing but a bother to Merisgale.” He sheathed the sword he’d instinctively drawn.

  “There are not many left,” the guard offered the captain.

  “Less and less every year. The Johran and Dragols will be the defeat of one another.” Diato smirked and Ronan moved closer, anger tempting him to slice off the captain’s head.

  “The wizard Thestian said that the blacksmith had joined the tribe of Johran,” the guard reminded and Diato nodded.

  “He’s a clever little blacksmith.” Diato fisted his hand. “One that takes what belongs to other people. It will be easy to kill him.”

  “But what of the sword?” the guard asked and Diato glanced at the young man as if he was stupid.

  “I’ll take the sword to Merisgale myself. Fiona has failed her duties. I shall make her regret taking up with that blacksmith.” Diato stared into the night, apparently oblivious to the fact that he was looking right through Ronan’s dark gaze.

  “The blacksmith…he is a wizard. A man can’t kill a wizard and get away with it, Sir.” The guard looked around as if fearful that someone might hear their discussion. “The wizard Thestian will not look over it.”

  “The wizard Thestian is an upstart who will do whatever I advise him,” Diato snapped and Ronan’s hand dropped to the hilt of the sword at his hip. He could kill him quickly without anyone really knowing what happened. Ronan was aware that doing so he would be face a sentence to prison, perhaps even death but at this moment, it seemed worth it.

  “Except search for King Robusk.” The guard’s words caused Ronan to still his urges.

  Diato scowled. “That will be amended as soon as I bring the sword to Merisgale. Thestian cannot become the King if Robusk is not present. He doesn’t grasp that concept yet. He is only focused on the retrieval of the sword. He will be an idiot King.”

  “That you will control.” The guard nodded in agreement.

  “As best as I am able for the good of Meris.” Diato nodded. “But I will take care of this blacksmith first.”

  “Why do you hate him so?” The guard asked.

  Diato’s gaze darkened. “He’s taken something that is mine.” The sword, Ronan thought sourly as he took a step backward. He turned and began walking away. Diato was after the sword so he could take over at Merisgale. Diato was working for Sleagan.

  Diato’s next words caused Ronan to halt abruptly. “Keegan Yore travels with the blacksmith.” Ronan turned slowly, eyes resting on the two men once again.

  “Keegan Yore?” The guard shook his head, indicating he did not recognize the name.

  “Doane Vaughn.” Diato raised a brow as the color drained from the guard’s face.

  “Vaughn?” he whispered. “But no one’s heard from him for years.”

  “He’s been hiding out, laying low, no doubt hoping that people forget his crimes. I’d be considered a hero if I brought him in and it would excuse why I killed the blacksmith.” Diato’s teeth gleamed in the darkness. “Who cares of a blacksmith wizard when we have captured an escaped dangerous criminal?”

  Ronan felt as if someone had kicked him in the stomach. Keegan had lied to him. Keegan was the one who betrayed him. Ronan’s blood pounded as he turned and quickly left the campsite. Monty s
wooped down and scooped him up onto his back. Ronan said nothing as they flew back toward the Johran huts.

  “Well?” Keegan was waiting for him when they returned. Ronan didn’t even look at the horseman as he slipped the cape off and tucked it back into the pack or Sorcha’s back.

  “They didn’t even know I was there. I just listened.” Ronan glanced at the others as they waited for him to share what he’d learned. “I’m tired right now and have too much to think about. I just want to sleep.” And without another word, he ducked into his hut.

  Sitting down at the table and chair inside, Ronan buried his face into his hands. It seemed every step of the way was made more difficult than the last. How much longer could he hold it together?

  Fifteen

  The next morning Ronan did not urge them to rise and ride. Instead he remained in the hut, thinking about everything that he’d learned. He’d spent most of the night working through his thoughts, his suspicions, and what he needed to do to get the sword to Merisgale. He didn’t like the conclusions he’d come to.

  An hour and a half after dawn Arien knocked on the hut door and poked his head in. “Wihr?” He called with uncertainty as he stepped into the hut. Ronan smiled at the way the boy always remembered to address him with the appropriate title.

  “We are not moving today,” Ronan answered the question he knew the boy had come to ask.

  “But why? Aren’t you still in a hurry to get to Merisgale?” Arien looked at the chair Ronan manifested for him then sat.

  “I am, but Diato and his men will be upon us soon. I am not in a hurry to meet them.” Ronan ran a hand over his face. “It has been awhile since you and I had any kind of conversation, Arien. How are you doing with these things that have happened to us?”

  Arien leaned forward, resting his arms on the wood of the table. “I’m overwhelmed most of the time. Scared. Excited.”

  “Excited?” Ronan lifted his eyes to the boy and raised a brow.

  “It’s been an adventure,” Arien stated simply. “One that only happens to a king’s guard. Not to an orphan like me.”

  “Or a blacksmith like me,” Ronan agreed.

  “And it’s confusing,” Arien continued, shaking his head. “I don’t want to think anyone would betray us.”

  “Nor did I.” Ronan sighed and reached over to muss the boy’s hair. “You are a brave young man. I am grateful you’ve come the whole way with me.” Arien’s eyes lightened and his smile was beaming. He stood and nodded toward the door so Arien stood and walked into the morning with him. They were all waiting. Ronan slanted a gaze down at Arien.

  “They thought you would be less irritable if I were the one to come in and see about you.” Arien offered a lopsided grin.

  Ronan sighed, looking out at those who waited. “We stay here and wait for Diato.”

  “What?” Fiona shook her head but Ronan held up his hand before anyone could protest.

  “He is not going to give up. We shall have to face him sooner or later.” Ronan glanced at Keegan. “They think to capture you and haul you to a prison in Merisgale.” Keegan’s face blanched.

  “Where we are right now is little more than depressing. One among us is a betrayer but I do not know whom. The wizard Robusk has been imprisoned. And a band of King’s Guards will be upon us by nightfall.” Ronan’s eyes slid over each of them. “If any of you wish to back out of this now I shall understand and will not hold it against you.”

  Mikel the Hort glanced around then slowly raised his hand. “I’m no good at fighting.”

  “Then go, little friend. I wish you well.” Ronan inclined his head and for a moment the changeling hesitated, then scampered away from the group, his short legs moving him quickly across the moors. “Anyone else?” No one moved.

  “Very well then but I warn you that things do not get any less depressing from this point.” Ronan crossed his arms, collecting his thoughts, and then took a deep breath. “I did not sleep last night. Many things did not rest well with me and I remained awake pondering everything that has happened and what we have learned.”

  Ula settled down on the ground and one by one so did the others to listen to what Ronan had to say. “Last night Diato spoke that Thestian was an ill prepared wizard, easy to control. Why would Robusk name a wizard like that to be the next King?”

  “I’ve met Thestian. He did not seem ill prepared to me. Young perhaps but…” Fiona began but Ronan continued, silencing her defense of the young wizard.

  “Plus, Thestian does not send men to search for Robusk. He cannot be King if Robusk is missing. The sword must be presented to him by the current King.” Ronan began to pace as he spoke. “Thestian sent one warrior as an escort to Merisgale, a capable warrior but only one and to guard something as valuable as the King’s Sword?”

  He looked at them to find them staring at him blankly. “I am not very smart. I’ve lived a very simple life. But this just smells a bit sour to me.” Ronan took a breath. “I believe the wizard Thestian is a fake.” They gasped, their eyes widened, but they did not speak.

  “Monty said that Robusk had been missing for a couple of weeks. That was about the time that Fiona joined us. So until then, Thestian was believed to be a powerful and wise wizard who had excelled in his class.” Ronan faced them fully. “Now he is considered a village idiot who does not do things that even the dumbest of men would know to do.”

  “You think someone took control of him?” Fiona’s gaze was rounded.

  “No. I think he makes whomever he is using to believe whatever he wishes. He now has Diato believing he is in control of things. He’s given him free will to do as he pleases based on his emotions rather than commanding that he remember his responsibilities as Captain of the Guards.” Ronan shook his head when Fiona frowned. “Though last night I did believe Diato was part of the dark forces, I have changed my mind.”

  “How can you be certain?” Ula asked.

  “I can’t. But it would seem to me if he were, he would have anticipated our every move,” Ronan told them.

  “Mikel the Hort said when he stole the dagger those were Diato’s words,” Keegan pointed out.

  “But he didn’t say for certain that it was Diato. And if the captain of the guards was speaking privately with someone of obtaining the King’s Sword, wouldn’t he have done so in a locked chamber of the castle where no one could be eavesdropping?” Ronan searched their faces and then rested on Ula when she slowly nodded.

  “You think someone set it up so Mikel the Hort would tell you what he’d heard, to set you off course.” She nodded again. “Perhaps it was Thestian himself.”

  “That is exactly what I think, that he used Mikel the Hort to make us believe exactly what he wanted us to believe. The same he does with Diato and what he did with Robusk.”

  “But Robusk is missing now,” Fiona argued, clearly looking for any way to make Ronan’s conclusion wrong.

  “That’s right and once he was, Thestian became the confused and fumbling wizard, which worked nicely with Diato.” Ronan rested a hand on the sword. “There is also the fact that we’ve not encountered any dark forces since we began this journey.”

  “Because Sleagan was having us bring it to him. He had a plan.” Ula rose to her feet, eyes widening. “Because he’s had a spy with us all along letting him know what was happing every step of the way. No one would question him because wizards are known to have prophetic dreams.”

  “And if Thestian were not Sleagan why would he tell Diato of mine and Fiona’s joining when he knew that the man would become mad with jealousy? Even Fiona knew that he would.”

  “Oh no.” Fiona’s expression fell as the realization of Ronan’s reasoning hit her.

  “Diato thinks he will kill me, capture Keegan, and take the sword back to Thestian like a good little captain should.” Ronan crossed his arms.

  “And by doing so, the sword is placed right in Sleagan’s hands,” Fiona finished, and then shook her head. “But what do they want wit
h Keegan?” Ronan looked at the horseman. Keegan bowed his head.

  “Most of what I told you was truth,” Keegan said lowly. “Orin Yore’s request for my freedom was denied. But I escaped prison two years later and used the name he’d given me.”

  “Keegan Yore,” Ula whispered and he nodded. “What name did you have before?”

  Doane Vaughn. “It doesn’t matter.” Ronan’s answer caused Keegan to look up at him.

  “It does matter,” Arien argued, eyes suddenly flashing. “It matters because it could be he that is working against us.”

  “It doesn’t matter,” Ronan repeated, looking at Ula, “We all have secrets that name us a suspect. I’m not about to have them all aired and for no other reason but to rip apart those of us who are honest about our intentions.” Ula gave him a little nod of agreement.

  “What will you do about Diato?” Fiona crossed her arms.

  “I will attempt to talk sense to him and if he doesn’t listen I will have our dragon step on him and then serve him to his family for supper.” Ronan slanted a gaze at Monty when the dragon grinned, his pointed teeth glistening in the morning sun.

  “It’s a doable plan,” Monty agreed.

  “You should let me deal with Diato. He is a bit tougher than he may seem. I’ve bested him before,” Fiona said, causing Ronan’s head to snap around.

  “I’m afraid not.” He crossed his arms. “You will keep out of the way. You don’t fight a fire by pouring more fuel into it.”

  “I will not fail this mission.”

  “And I will not fail at what I’ve set out to do.” Ronan’s tone was matter of fact. He ignored her frown, turning to Keegan. “You and the others go after the other guards if Diato will not listen to me. If they are as stupid as the one he spoke with last night, you will have no trouble. Between you, Bryan, Fiona’s snake arms, and Ula’s blue magic it would take you only minutes to leave Diato to face me alone.” Keegan nodded glancing at Arien when the boy made a sound of disbelief.

  “And what am I and Bryan to do this whole time? Stand on our heads?” Arien kicked at the ground. “I can fight.”