“The Destroyer!” Roland cried with disgust. “A name I had hoped would stay long lost in myth.”
“I agree, but we must face what is, not what we would like things to be.” Gelarus reminded them all. “Now these creatures are not the same as the ones written of. They were called Dragorog, but these do not seem as big, and appear more human-like than was described.”
“Meaning what?” Katelyn prompted.
“I am not sure yet. I did find a reference to something called an Orgog. It was supposed to be smaller than a Dragorog but exactly what they were is not clear. When referring to the Orgog the writing was more like speculation than fact.”
“What I saw in the yard was fact,” Katelyn disagreed. “Not speculation.”
Gelarus conceded the point with a nod of his head. “Whether what we saw was or was not an Orgog the name will do for now.”
“I would like to know if they are as tough to kill as I have heard?” asked Roland.
“They are.” It was Loras who responded to the question. “We lost eight good men in dealing with the two who attacked Lord Coran, and that was with the help of Master Gelarus.”
“How many of them are there?” Roland asked.
“That is difficult to say,” Gelarus stated. “The Original Dragorog were very difficult to control. It took a powerful wizard to do it. So I do not believe there will be too many.”
“But you said Dragorog were a lot bigger,” Loras protested.
“True. If these are anything like Dragorog... well, being smaller I can only guess. A hundred at most I would say.”
Katelyn shivered slightly and she saw worry on every face. A hundred of those things out there. “I think that is enough for today,” she suggested. “We can continue the discussion tomorrow.” She was already dreading the meeting. Things today had already gone as far as she wanted. Without more information they were just guessing, and just bringing up more fears. With a little time some of those fears might be proven unnecessary.
Coran’s knock was answered by the brown haired Alys. She still wore the long sleeved red shirt from the yard. “Is Katelyn here?”
“I am afraid not. She is still in the meeting with Lord Roland,” she answered, then noticed the frown it caused on his face. “Is something the matter?”
“No.” Then he shook his head. “I am not sure.”
“Do you want to come in and talk about it?”
For some reason going into the apartments of the Princesses with them not here seemed improper. “No, that’s all right,” he said and turned to leave.
“Then I will come out,” she stated, closed the door, and stepped to his side. “Tell me what is wrong,” she said as they started walking down the hall.
“I don’t know if anything is wrong. I just got this feeling from Katelyn this morning that she might be angry with me for some reason. It is probably nothing.”
“Because she barely spoke to you? Or because she wanted to hit you when you were sparring? Or because she left as quickly as she did? Or...”
“Okay, okay. I guess it isn’t nothing,” he said quickly to stop her from coming up with more reasons he hadn’t thought of. “So what did I do wrong?” He knew enough about women to know it was him who was most likely in the wrong, at least in her eyes.
“Where were you when she woke up this morning?” Alys stated simply as they rounded a corner and neared his rooms.
What did that have to do with it? “Well, I left a note telling her I was going for a quick ride to show Shirri...” He stopped. That was the one thing he hadn’t counted on. He knew that Shirri sometimes teased him, but he was used to it by now. He forgot about how Katelyn might react.
“You see the problem?”
He nodded. “Any suggestions on how to fix it?”
“That is the easy part.” She smiled at him. “Just make sure to give her some extra attention for a while.”
That was good advice, and simple like she said. “For how long?”
Her smile widened. “To be on the safe side, I would say forever.”
He looked at her in surprise, then had to laugh. “All right. Now you said that was the easy part. What is the hard part?”
“Making sure it does not happen again.”
The feast her father had arranged personally- that had been a surprise- was held in the rarely used, old throne room, which was not far from the main hall. Stemis sometimes met with visitors in the very informal surroundings of his office. The main hall was saved for formal events. In Soros’ day they were much touchier about honor and appearance, so to meet with someone in a study would be insulting to the visitor, and make the host appear weak. So for slightly less formal surroundings the old throne room was used.
A raised dais was at one end, much like the main hall, but there were no windows here, only the main doors, and a smaller door in the back. Instead of pillars to support the ceiling, there were wooden beams. There was a place for fires, two round pits, one on each side of the center aisle.
Two, long, tables were set up next to the step that led up to the dais. The guests were made up of family and close friends, Shirri, Martin, and Lord Roland being included in the latter. It was not surprising that Loras had declined to attend. He was never really comfortable around royalty except in a subservient role and lately he had been even more recalcitrant.
Katelyn was seated between Alys and Coran as they were served the meal. They ate lamb, fruits, and fresh bread with butter. There was red wine and ale. The pitcher of ale was set in front of Devon of course. After they had started eating, the entertainment began. First was a tumbler who did somersaults, flips, and juggled up to five colored balls at once. Everyone clapped appreciatively when he finished.
A man with bushy eyebrows and a thin face came to stand before them next. His shirt was a bright red and he wore a purple vest over top with brass buttons. A black cape hung from his shoulders.
“Your Majesties.” He bowed low to the King and Queen. “Your Highnesses.” He bowed to the Princesses of Summerhall. “Lords and Ladies.” He bowed a third time for everyone else.
“I will be telling you a tale of long ago. A tale during an age of gallantry and heroism unparalleled in the annals of time. It was a time of mighty houses and of great men. It was a time when deeds, thought superhuman today, were almost commonplace.” It was the standard beginning for most bards and delivered better than most. “In the last century of that great land of Mon Vusaar there was one hero who rose above the rest, at least until the Great War. That man was Envin Tallistar.” The man’s voice rose and fell in accordance with the story, one she had heard before. It was called Envin and the Zahr of Cimbria and was when Envin first met his love, and later wife.
When the tale was done the man made a sweeping bow to the floor, then with a flip of his cape spun about and strode from the room imperiously.
“A bit ambiguous at the end,” Roland suggested when the bard had gone.
“I quite agree,” Devon added with mock severity. “I would have preferred something a bit bloodier.”
Roland nodded slowly in agreement then asked, “What is next?” He had moved to sit beside Devon in order to share the ale.
Stemis looked past Margery and Alys to her. “Well Katelyn? What is your bard going to perform for us tonight?” He had a twinkle in his eye as he asked, and she thought that he had not seemed this happy in a very long time. He looked healthier too, as if all the cares of the last few months had disappeared.
“It is a surprise,” she told them.
Coran leaned close to speak in her ear. “What is it going to be about?” he whispered, his breath tickling her ear. It was an interesting sensation.
“You will see,” was all she said. Before straightening he kissed her cheek, causing her to blush. She noticed her father watching and her blush deepened. Stemis roared with laughter, and everyone started asking what was so funny. The King just ignored them as he continued to laugh.
The bard finally
came out, looking a bit nervous to be
performing for such an auspicious crowd. “Your Majesty,” he began and his voice squeaked. He started again. “Your Majesty. Your Highnesses. Lords and Ladies. I am Jasim, the Bard. I am here to perform for you, at her Highness’ request,” he looked to Katelyn, “the story of..” He faltered when he noticed Coran sitting beside her.
“Go on,” she urged the man.
Jasim gulped before continuing. “Here to perform for you a new tale of courage and love. A new tale for the ages. This is the story of ...” He paused for a second. “The tale of Coran’s epic duel with Torvilin, the Prince of Voltia.”
Jasim did his best and once he lost himself in telling the story his natural talents shined through. It soon became obvious why he chose to be a bard. He was a perfect Torvilin, arrogant and snooty. His King Robert was properly majestic and thoughtful. His Coran was humble until it came to the fateful confrontation then it transformed into the stalwart hero, ready to sacrifice all for the lady who held his heart.
It was really quite good, she had to admit. Not completely accurate but all the facts were there just greatly embellished. Everyone else seemed to enjoy it as well. Even Coran started to laugh after his initial groans. Jasim finished his performance to a resounding ovation. After a few bows the bard left them much happier than when he arrived.
“That was wonderful,” her father told her, a smile lighting up his round face. “I have not had so much fun in years.”
“I wish I had seen that fight,” Roland said a bit drunkenly. He and Devon were trying to see who could drink the most ale and it was too close to call so far.
Katelyn was a bit surprised by Roland’s own transformation. She was reminded of her lessons of Holdon. They were a reserved people who showed as much emotion as the gray clothes they wore. In public. In more informal settings, such as this one they were known to let their guard down. Somewhat.
“Well I saw it,” Devon told him, swaying a bit in his chair. “And the bard was much better.”
Stemis stood up and raised his glass. “I would like to make a toast.” He waited for everyone’s attention before continuing. “First to Coran. Thank the Light he has returned to us.”
“I will drink to that,” said Devon.
“I agree,” Alys echoed him and raised her wine glass. Everyone appeared to be having a wonderful time.
“And now,” Stemis began again. “Another toast. This is a special one for me. I have not had the chance to congratulate my daughter, Katelyn, on her betrothal.” Her father wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand, and she was surprised to realize that he was crying. “I am more happy for her than anyone can know.” He raised his glass. “To Katelyn and Coran!”
“Katelyn and Coran!” everyone shouted together.
It was a perfect night. Everyone was happy and together. Even Shirri seemed to be loosening up around them. The Karand spent the evening in conversation with her mother. The best part was that Coran never looked at the healer once. All in all it was perfect. She would remember this night for a long time to come. Unfortunately, like every other night, it came to an end.
The next morning Katelyn met again with Martin and Lord Oran. The two men moved a bit sluggishly. Coran decided to join them in case Roland had any questions for him. She didn't think the Lord of Axely was going to be asking very many this morning. They spent the whole morning there, and by noon Roland and Martin were back to their old selves.
She was about to have lunch sent to them when the door opened. Gelarus stuck his head inside. “Your Highness.” He glanced to the others in turn. “All of you need to come with me.” His tone was solemn.
“What is it?” she had to ask.
“Come with me,” was all the wizard would say.
They were led to the family room where they had eaten many nights before. Everyone was there. Margery and her mother along with Oran sat at the table. Their faces were grave. Stemis sat at the head in his usual spot. He looked worse than she had ever seen. His face was pale and thin, dark circles were under his eyes.
She took a seat along with Coran and grabbed the comforting hand he offered. Roland also took a chair, but Martin remained standing. Loras was standing nearby as well.
Gelarus went to a spot beside the High King. “I have tried everything I could think of to heal the king. I have tried to treat it as a disease, but I do not believe it is. I am sorry, but I believe he has been poisoned.”
Gasps issued from every throat. “But he was fine last night!” Katelyn protested and squeezed Coran’s hand.
Gelarus held up both hands to forestall the questions. “Please let me continue. If I listen to you all we will never get done.” He put his hands back at his sides. “Most poisons are known to me, and treatable if caught in time, but this one is extremely rare. I believe it might have been used long ago in Ithan. The point is that I do not understand how it works and something must be understood to be healed. As for last night. It was the King’s wish that I not tell anyone. At his command I did what I could to make him well for a night.”
Katelyn could hardly believe what she was hearing. Her father poisoned. The King! And he had braved the night to give his family a last happy memory. She wanted to cry right there. Instead she moved her other hand to put them both around Coran’s. She could feel his sympathetic squeeze in return.
“Is there nothing you can do?” Margery asked, her face was clearly pained.
The wizard gave her a sympathetic look. “It is beyond me. There may however be a cure, or knowledge that I do not possess, that Herrinhall might.”
“So someone must go to Herrinhall to find out,” Katelyn stated. “We can find someone suitable and send them immediately.”
“I will go,” Martin volunteered quickly.
“No.” It was Stemis who spoke and the Commander stepped back. “I am sorry Martin, but you are needed here.”
“We have some time,” Gelarus continued after the interruption. “I can do something that will slow the King’s body down to a point that will delay the poison’s progress.”
“How.” It came from more than one mouth.
“It is a form of meditation. If Stemis can reach a certain point and I can then induce a deep sleep, it will obtain the desired result.”
“For how long will that work?” Anne queried.
“At least three months, maybe as many as six. That is a guess, but if we do nothing he will not last a month no matter how much I do.”
The words echoed in the suddenly silent room. Oran was the first to speak. “Since my friend,” he shared a thin smile with the King, “will be incapacitated for however long it takes to find a cure, and the Alliance must have a single leader, it has been decided that a change is in order to give the Alliance the best chance of surviving what is to come.” There was a certain formality to his words and she realized that this was in part for Roland’s benefit as the only outsider. She also realized that Oran, and her mother had known about her father’s condition beforehand. “I have been commanded as the King’s adviser to tell you that Stemis, the High King, has an important announcement to make.”
Silence continued to reign as everyone was frozen, especially her. At that point the door opened to admit Master Herrith. The mostly bald chamberlain carried a rolled parchment in his hands. He handed it to her father who unrolled it. Herrith moved to the side and put his hands at his sides.
The King held the parchment up before him. “I, Stemis Sundarrion, High King of Summerhall, do hereby announce my abdication of the throne, for now and for always. My rightful heir shall take my place as the ruler of Summerhall.” He lowered the parchment to the table, took the proffered pen from Herrith, and signed the document. He passed the pen and paper to Oran, who signed next, then Gelarus, and Martin. At last it was given to Lord Roland.
“As the only one here not from Summerhall, and as a highly respected man throughout Midia, I would ask you to support my decision,” Stemis asked the man f
rom Holdon.
Roland took the pen and looked at the paper thoughtfully. Then he glanced to Margery, who sat regally beside her mother. “I am of course willing to support your decision. But since this is a formal procedure, I must see the proof.”
He was asking to see the mark of the sun. It was a perfectly legitimate request, since he was being asked to sign as a witness. For anyone else to do so though, would be considered an insult, not only to the heir, but to the witness. The only problem was that he was still looking at Margery as he said it.
Stemis cleared his throat. “Lord Roland. Margery is not my heir.” The Lord turned to stare at the King in confusion. “Katelyn will be the High Queen.”
Roland faced her, still confused at first. Then he smiled and nodded as it started to make sense. He was not the only one. Martin, Loras, and Master Herrith all stood stunned. After a minute Loras frowned, Herrith grinned slightly, and Martin smiled openly.
Only her mother and sister had known the truth all along, besides herself. She was a bit surprised to see no reaction from Oran at the announcement, and less so that Coran knew the truth. He had as much as admitted it to her once.
Katelyn released Coran’s hand reluctantly and stood, went to Lord Roland and turned her back to him. She pulled her hair to one side. Anne came over to her daughter and pulled down the back of her dress just enough to reveal the birthmark at the back of her neck. It was a small circle with wavy lines coming out of it. The mark of the sun. Katelyn and her mother returned to their seats. Roland turned back to the document and without further hesitation signed his name.
With the signing of witnesses done for now, Martin went before Katelyn. He knelt on his right knee, put his right fist to his chest and his left hand rested on the top of his sword hilt. He bowed his head. “I, Martin Cornamen, swear my life and my honor, as well as those who I command to you, Katelyn Sundarrion, as my Queen.”
Fire And Ice (Book 1) Page 43
