Chapter 20
A deathly silence filled the throne room. Reynaldo had been forced to his knees and his hands bound behind his back. A large bruise shadowed his jaw-line, yet his eyes were unwavering as he stared at Largo.
As the pain-induced fog slowly lifted from Reynaldo’s mind, he instinctively moved his eyes slowly around the area behind Largo. His warrior’s mind did this automatically, to search out other threats and possible opportunities of escape. But his heart and memory did it for other reasons, to recall better days, times of happiness and seasons spent growing up in this room. He remembered standing near this spot, proudly witnessing his half-brother being crowned on a day that was now so long ago. The Walhalla throne had been home to great men and one great woman, Queen Demasine, who inherited the throne after her brother Arturon was killed in the great Battle of Leminor. Now this noble seat was occupied by a thief, a usurper who had killed Reynaldo’s kin to take his place.
Patrail stood behind Reynaldo, gloating as Dariew’s companion at arms knelt at his feet. The man who had overthrown Ariel’s parents leaned back in Dariew’s throne, a look of utmost contempt on his face. His black eyes glittered as he returned Reynaldo’s glare.
‘You are a fool, old man,’ he hissed. ‘Did you think that your theft of the charm would go unnoticed?’
Reynaldo did not reply. Largo gave a nod and Reynaldo felt a sharp kick in his ribs delivered by Patrail. Largo rose from the throne and approached Reynaldo. Reynaldo gasped for breath, the pain in his ribcage crippling him. Reynaldo heard Largo’s boots ringing out on the stones of the throne room, the thick silence of the room exaggerating every sound. Largo’s tall and impressive figure added to the sense of awe that he inspired in those around him. His features could be considered handsome; blue-black glossy hair framed a pale, well cut face with high cheekbones. Yet the fear and intimidation that he created in people made him an almost demonic figure.
‘I know that you have tried to return to Walhalla that brat of your precious King Dariew,’ Largo hissed before delivering a stinging slap to Reynaldo’s face. ‘Did you honestly think for one moment that I would not discover your ridiculous plan?’
‘Take him to the palace dungeons.’ He once again nodded at Patrail. ‘Perhaps a lengthy stay in chains will teach him the folly of his actions.’
Patrail laughed as he pulled Reynaldo to his feet. Reynaldo stumbled and felt Patrail’s grip on his arm tighten. A foul smell met his nostrils as Patrail leaned close:
‘I told you our Lord Largo would be happy to see you.’
Reynaldo could almost feel Patrail’s elation as he was led down the wide and winding stairs leading to the palace dungeons. His main fear was for Ariel rather than himself. Had he told her enough to make her want to stay in Walhalla? Would she have the skills and judgment to use her abilities for her protection or would fear lead to her capture? The footsteps of the captive and the captor echoed on the hard stone as they entered the cavernous space of the dungeons.
The palace prison had been hewn from solid rock that had been the foundation of Walhalla’s palace. Many seasons later the prison stank of the fear and persecution of its many occupants; some guilty, some innocent. During Dariew’s reign the cells had rarely been used; the general contentment and wellbeing of the Walhalla people had helped to curb crime. Reynaldo felt Patrail’s hand clamp around his upper arm as they reached the centre cell. A wide door with a small peephole window in the upper portion led to a surprisingly large cell. The size of the room, however, only emphasised the cold emanating from the walls.
The only items present in the cell were a thin scattering of harrow straw, which must serve as a sleeping area and a foul smelling waste bucket in the corner. Patrail laughed as he gave Reynaldo a shove sending him stumbling into the cell. Reynaldo heard the heavy key turn in the lock sealing him in. Patrail stood for a moment and showed his rotten-toothed smile to Reynaldo through the bars. He clearly gloated that he now served in the role that Reynaldo had filled himself for many seasons.
Patrail returned to the throne room whistling as he climbed the stairs. Largo was pacing, causing all of the attendants present to look at each other. They knew it would not be the first time that Largo took his anger out on one of them.
‘My Lord, he is secure,’ Patrail informed him. ‘I would have been happy to end his life, Lord.’
Largo glanced at him and his thin lip curled in a parody of a smile.
‘Your loyalty is appreciated, Patrail,’ he said with sarcasm as he slowly approached his second-in-command. For a moment Patrail felt a flash of fear at the dangerously angry expression on Largo’s face.
Suddenly Largo seized the collar of Patrail’s soiled jerkin and then forced him to his knees.
‘I make the decisions of who will live and who will die, you rodent,’ he whispered close to Patrail’s ear, as smoothly as though speaking to a frightened child. With a shake he released Patrail and strode back to the throne.
‘I am sure that the old man has brought Dariew’s brat into Walhalla. If she has one tenth of the overinflated confidence of her dear mama and papa she will continue on her own and now be nearing Golden City.’ Patrail could feel himself trembling as the full extent of Largo’s wrath streamed from his black eyes. His voice came out as a cross between a snarl and a caress.
‘She must not reach the city!’ he ordered, ‘Find that girl! You useless lump. Bring her back to me alive and unharmed. I warn you Patrail; do not fail me on this! I look forward to slitting her throat myself.’
Nodding, Patrail clambered to his feet. As he turned to flee the throne room Largo called him back.
‘Patrail, do not ever presume to think for me again. Trust me. You will not enjoy the consequences.’
Although he served Largo without question part of him lived in fear of incurring his anger. He had seen Largo whip a stable boy to death for not polishing his carriage to his satisfaction. It was these regular outbursts of uncontrolled anger that held the citizens of Walhalla in fearful servitude.
Largo paced the throne room after Patrail had left. His mind was racing about this new development and its possible implications. He had always known that Reynaldo’s loyalty to his half-brother was unshakeable. He recalled, however, that even he was surprised when a trembling member of palace security had told him that the Palladox charm had been stolen from his chambers. His mind immediately went to Reynaldo. Most other citizens in Walhalla by this time were too intimidated and cowed to even consider such a rebellious act. A part of him could not help but wonder about Reynaldo. The man was intelligent, articulate and fiercely loyal. These were qualities Largo had searched for when he tried to recruit a second-in-command. Shaking his head he realised that he could not have found anyone more different in Patrail. Although he had always carried out Largo’s orders without question his stupidity and lack of initiative made him more of a burden.
Well, now Patrail had his opportunity to prove his worth and find this child. Largo was positive Reynaldo had returned her to Walhalla. What the old man had been thinking in pitting a mere girl against his forces was either incredibly arrogant or incredibly foolish. Reynaldo had never been known to be foolhardy, therefore his confidence in this girl gave Largo a moment of concern. It was a moot point anyway, he chided himself. As soon as Patrail brought the girl to him, he would end the argument and her life. He would be damned if he would let a mere child take away the role her parents had stolen from him.
Making a snap decision he called for his chief steward and ordered a bag be packed. The man nodded to his commander and smartly turned to carry out the order, his eyes studiously avoiding the corner of the room where a dark shadow moved slightly. Glittering yellow eyes watched with pleasure as Largo considered his course of action then issued his commands. The shadowy creature was pleased. Clearly he had trained his protégé well.
After making his decision, Largo felt the back of his neck prickle as he became conscious of a presence behind him. He swall
owed hard and then turned to face the being who emerged from the shadows. The creature moved forward in a strange, gliding motion that made it seem as though it floated above the floor. A heavy cloak hid most of the face of the being that had come into Largo’s life almost thirty seasons ago.
‘You did well, my Lord,’ a soft hissing voice emerged from the cloak.
Largo felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. Even after all this time he still felt fear at the sound of that voice. A single bead of cold sweat began making its way down his spine. His fingers unconsciously and almost reflexively touched his left hip where, even through his clothing, he could feel a mass of twisted flesh. At that moment his mind filled with the memory of the sickly sweet smell of burning flesh and a pain that filled his whole world. Unquestioning obedience was a lesson that he had learnt early in their asso-ciation. It was a lesson he learnt painfully and very well. That voice echoed in his mind just as he had first heard it in his dreams so long ago; the voice that promised him a throne if he followed its instructions to the letter; the same voice that also promised him unending pain if he failed.
Chapter 21
As Ariel rounded the last bend leading out of Little Handleton, she hesitated. Her previous thoughts of the potential danger of spending a night alone in Walhalla came back to her. Should she have stayed in Little Handleton? Her mind told her that, yes, she should have stayed where there were other people and the possibility of shelter and food. She called to mind the eyes of the man Lucien. Although he had been kind to her, there was something unsettling about the way that he had looked at her. Ariel got the feeling that he was trying to remember something. She believed that she had made the right decision to leave. She was unsure that she could cope with any more personal questions without tripping over her earlier lie.
Ariel wondered how much further she needed to travel before arriving at Golden City. She also worried about what to do on arriving there. How could she use the abilities that Reynaldo had shown her to free him and regain her throne from Largo? As these thoughts chased each other around in her mind, Ariel realised that she had decided that her future lay here in Walhalla. It still astonished her how dramatically her life had changed within such a short time. Only two days ago her greatest concern had been how to escape the orphanage. From time to time she thought of Marco and worried — how severely had he been punished for aiding her escape?
A sense of relief filled her that her days of fearing Mrs Blackwell and her petty retributions were now behind her. Although she was still unfamiliar with her new home she felt safer here, in Walhalla, than she ever had back in Carrolltown. Her days and nights accompanied by the almost constant howl of police sirens and occasional gunfire, were now but a memory. Ariel knew that the bond that she had formed with Reynaldo, in her short time with him, had added to her peace of mind. For a girl who had never known her father she now understood how the remarkable bond between a child and father can be one of the most important relationships in life. As this thought passed through her mind Ariel felt a hard lump in her throat and tears sting her eyes. She could only hope that Reynaldo was alive and that she would see him again.
Her attention was brought back to the present by the loud cry of birds close-by. Ariel froze in wonder. Her eyes widened as her head slowly turned, drinking in the extraordinary sight before her. In front of her was an explosion of light and beauty such as she had only previously imagined existed. The vision in front of her drove every other thought from her mind — the thought of Reynaldo, imprisoned, Marco at Riverview, the prospect of becoming a queen, her fears over Largo, the memory of her parents and her own safety.
She felt her jaw drop open as she stared at the massive shimmering lake. In awe of the sight before her, Ariel realised that this must be Tranquil Lake of which Reynaldo had told her. The water seemed to reach as far as she could see with it stretching far beyond the horizon. Ariel gazed at the liquid gold surface rippling slightly in a gentle breeze. She could see a multitude of small water birds bobbing about on the water dipping their heads in search of food. Other birds circled overhead occasionally diving at incredible speeds and then surfacing with a struggling fish held firmly in their beaks. Their varied sizes and plumage of different colours added to the splendour of the scene.
She decided that this would be the ideal location for a short rest and a snack from her bag. The edge of the lake was blanketed in thick grass. Ariel could not resist the urge to slip her small feet out of her boots. Stepping onto the thick soft grass was as wonderful as she had always imagined. Individual blades of grass tickled Ariel’s feet.
Approaching the edge of the water, Ariel sat down and curled her legs beneath her. She ran her fingers through the grass enjoying the feel of its cool softness. Smiling to herself she began to search through her bag for something to eat. Ariel selected a piece of fruit and marveled at its bright blue-purple skin. It was shaped like an apple but had the same furry skin of a peach. Biting into it, Ariel’s mouth filled with a slightly spicy, juicy sweetness.
Ariel gazed at the tranquil scene and reflected on the remarkable contrasts of this amazing land. The combination of such scenic beauty mixed with poverty, cruelty and a tyrant ruling the land all seemed incredible to her. After finishing her snack Ariel approached the water’s edge to wash her hands and kneeling down she hesitantly dipped her hands into the golden liquid of Lake Tranquil. She was surprised at the feel of the water: as soft as a sigh, as gentle as a caress; Ariel considered this and smiled a little. Where had she heard that before today? Ariel rubbed her hands together to remove the residue of the wonderful mouth-watering fruit. Removing her hands from the water she watched the cascade of droplets fall, each as clear and brilliant as a diamond. The water was amazingly clear and Ariel realised that the golden appearance was simply a reflection of the extraordinary Walhalla sky. Lifting her fingers to her lips she tasted the water. Although it had felt slightly warm to her hands it was cool and refreshing to drink. Scooping up a handful Ariel quenched her thirst.
As she drank the cool water Ariel remembered Reynaldo’s words about what lay beneath the shimmering gold surface. She marveled as she remembered Reynaldo telling her about the complex system of pipes that channeled water to each village of Walhalla and was used to irrigate the land. For the first time in her life she felt a sense of pride, that her grandfather had been single-handedly responsible for averting a major disaster and, through sheer ingenuity, saving both this land and its people. Ariel smiled to herself as the word ‘grandfather’ passed through her mind. Her eyes prickled with tears as she felt an extraordinary sense of belonging and peace wash over her. She now knew without a doubt that she was home! Her sense of peace was about to come to an abrupt end.
A sudden, much louder bird cry made Ariel jump back a step and give a startled squeal. She looked up at the golden sky and her jaw dropped. Surely she was imagining what she was seeing? A huge, dazzlingly white bird soared across the sky over her head. The bird was the size of a jet plane in Ariel’s former world. She could not help but feel a pang of fear at such a huge unearthly creature. Yet there was a grace and fluidity to its movements that made it seem non-threatening. This feeling was compounded when Ariel heard unexpected laughter. Hastily she glanced around to see if there was a person nearby. She was alone. The laughter sounded again and Ariel realised that the laughter came from above her, near the gigantic bird. She glanced up then rubbed her eyes. There was a man leaning over the bird’s huge back, grinning widely at her. Ariel was stunned — a huge bird with a man on its back! How was this possible? The man waved to her and without thinking about it, Ariel waved back. She watched the pair fly across the lake, then stood for a moment still trying to determine if she had imagined the scene. Ariel wondered if there would ever come a time in Walhalla when the extraordinary things she saw and experienced every second, became normal.
Reluctantly, Ariel turned to continue on her path. She wondered idly if she would pass through another village befo
re reaching Golden City. No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than she rounded a bend and found herself on the outskirts of another village. Sheer horror held her motionless for a few moments. Realising how easily she could be seen she dashed behind a large tree and peeked around the trunk in disbelief. The village was filled with Largo’s men.
Ariel saw the men laughing as they threw the villagers’ belongings out into the street. Screams could be heard from inside the small triangular cottages. Some men lit torches then threw them onto the roof of some huts, igniting the straw and creating thick plumes of black smoke. Ariel gasped when she saw one of Patrail’s men dragging a woman from a cottage by her hair. The woman struggled and screamed as the man laughed.
The smug laughter and brutality of the men committing the acts of violence and persecution of the villagers appalled Ariel. She had already begun to think of the Walhalla natives as her people and it angered and distressed her to see them treated so cruelly. It reminded Ariel of the way some older boys had bullied younger children in the orphanage but on a larger and more dangerous scale. These were not young boys exercising their physical strength but grown men who should have judgment, control and compassion. Ariel remembered what she had seen of Patrail when Reynaldo was taken away and knew that these men were a reflection of their leader.
The village had the same poverty stricken appearance as the villagers in Ten Oaks and Ariel knew that these people had suffered the same fate as those of Ten Oaks. It made her wonder at just how many Walhalla citizens had stayed loyal to her parents and who now could help her overthrow Largo. A piercing scream brought her mind back to the present and her current predicament. Ariel’s eyes widened in horror as she saw one of the men brutally shove a frail, old woman to the road.
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