The Secret of Azuron (The Sword Empire Book 1)

by J. R. Kearney

  His answer halted any further questions, the knight’s expression was beleaguered, and his mind numb to make sense of it.

  "What do you suggest?" Clancey inquired.

  "I'm not certain, and I'm rarely uncertain. It reeks of magic I fear, though for what purpose I cannot fathom. Gemstones can be enchanted, I know that much, there could be more to these stones than I am aware, but until I can discover their sorcery we are no closer to a resolution. It sits unwell with me that these demons attacked your village for these stones, I see no purpose in it, and to target the children in order to acquire them is more senseless. The Queen's centenary is over a week away and she will find no comfort while this matter sits unsolved. In either case this boy appears the only connection, and my mind is exhausted of options," he surmised.

  "I suggest he come with me to Arwendel."

  "What purpose will him going to Arwendel solve?" Clancey asked surprised.

  "Vhalen will have a greater understanding of this than any. He is a wizard no less, if anyone is learned on such things it is he. We will leave tomorrow, one of his parents can accompany him if they wish."

  "The boy has only his father and he is a cripple, not fit to ride a horse."

  "Then you're welcome to come yourself," Jema replied sternly, before Samson opened the door to suggest the meeting was at its end.

  Clancey gathered Landau from his chair, set on disputing it, yet Jema was stubborn and his decision made.

  "We leave in the morning," he could be heard in the hallway.

  "What are you talking about?" said Nicholas in disbelief. "My son is not traveling to the capital with some stranger, whether he's a knight or not! What purpose does he have to take my son away from me?"

  Nicholas' voice was as loud in as many weeks.

  "He's not a prisoner Nick, he'll be gone for only a week or two."

  "I don't have the strength to go to the capital Clancey and I fear for my son, surrounded by the troubles of politics and war."

  "I'll see to his company old friend."

  "I don't know what part you have in all this son," Nicholas turned to Landau. "Poking your nose in places you shouldn't I'll wager."

  "It is only for the sake of caution, he has nothing to fear. Besides to have an audience with a wizard, I would think fear is secondary to his bewilderment."

  Nicholas found no comfort in it, at a time when people had lost so much he was wearisome to surrender his son.

  "Landau, go play with the girls for a moment, I need a word with Clancey. Tell them nothing of your leave," said Nicholas.

  "But dad why?"

  "There’s no reason to hold it back Nicholas, the children will find out eventually. It would be best for them to at least wish him goodbye before he leaves," Clancey supported him.

  "Fine, but no-one else. I don't need everyone's questions when you're gone."

  Landau ran toward the Elder's tent and Nicholas' anger turned to a sigh.

  "What's all this about Clancey?" concern swelled in his voice. "There are far more pressing matters I would think, I mean what danger does the knight think Landau poses, he is only a boy?"

  "He was the only boy to survive the attack on Porthos, an attack that targeted children no less. Seems Elliott could be to blame, yet Jema is not too sure, we can only take Landau on his word."

  "My son's word is strong, you know this."

  Clancey looked yonder to watch Landau embrace his friends, and wondered how sure of that he was.

  "What madness forced him to find such peril in the quietest corner of our lands?"

  "I can tell you little old friend, only that his resolve was to bring you back to health, as innocent a cause as any."

  The very revelation evoked a humbleness within Nicholas, unsure if his son was noble or naive.

  "For that I feel helpless. My son has more guile towards me than I to him."

  "Perhaps ‘twill be nothing but an excursion for Landau to see the wonders of a great city, on its centenary of all times. To converse with a wizard is a rare occurrence, I would think the Queen would warrant enough concern to find herself involved also, quite a story for him to tell upon his return."

  "I'm wondering exactly how to feel about that," said Nicholas. "You should know more than anyone an audience with a Queen suggests nothing but extreme importance."

  "Well the road to Arwendel is as safe as they come, throw in the Queen's first knight and an old treasure hunter, I'd say there's little to fear from danger. If you're so concerned you should lend him your sword, give him a sense of adventure."

  "What sword?" Nicholas said confused.

  Clancey moved to the chest to remove the sword concealed beneath the blankets.

  "This sword…I figured it was yours."

  "Kind of a useless tool for a carpenter," he quipped. "I imagine it's Landau's sword, though I'd be daft to think where he'd get one," pulling free some blankets while the chest was open.

  Clancey peered at the sword, he never considered it to be Landau's before, somewhat large and heavy for a child.

  "By all means take it if it means my son will return safely."

  "You have my guarantee," Clancey replied with a comforting hand upon his shoulder.

  "This all feels so wrong old friend. One insufferable moment after the other. I cannot bear the thought of my son in danger and being helpless to protect him. You've done right by my son all these years Clancey, and I am grateful. Just one last time would be appreciated."

  The orange horizon from the rising sun blanketed the land with an eerie feel. Townsfolk were asleep whilst Jema and Samson saddled their horses in preparation to depart. Outside of Landau's tent Clancey discussed with Nicholas and Serin more clearly of Jema's ordeal, meanwhile Landau was on bended knee with Jenny who awoke early with the Elder to see him off. With a closed palm Landau revealed his gold coin to Jenny, the same disfigured one Clancey had given him weeks earlier.

  "Here," he offered. "Hold onto this for me will you, I'll be back for it soon."

  "When are you coming back?" Jenny yawned out.

  "In a couple of weeks I hope. It will be fun I guess, and hey, I'll get the wizard to teach me some spells, that way I can come back and turn Melly into a frog, what do you think?" Jenny giggled, offering her small arms in a parting hug, one that could have lasted the morning.

  As he stood to his feet Landau became melancholy at the idea of leaving her side, the girls remained ignorant to the motive of his quest and Landau refrained from explaining it. He kept a brave face, but much of his purpose for accompanying the knight was unsaid, and every question he asked to clarify it went unanswered. Samson strapped Bruiser with Clancey's effects while Jema and Clancey ventured to the baker to gather food for their trip, which left Landau alone with the Elder and his father.

  "Take care son," Nicholas muttered, such a timid sentence was enough to shed a tear from his eye, waving the hair from his son's face to kiss his forehead before embracing him.

  "I wish you could come with us dad, I'm sure we could find a horse for you."

  "I've never been the adventuring type son. Remember when I rode my horse into a tree?" he laughed, looking proudly into his son's eyes. "If I stay here I can stay healthy, and I want that strength to see you return home safely. Just remember, I'll always be proud of you."

  Landau smiled and held his father once more.

  "It's only a short while Nicholas," Serin advised him like it was comforting. "I'm more worried about the old man going with him than anything."

  "He seems alright, polite if not a bit frightening," Landau said of Jema.

  "I'm speaking of Clancey," Serin smiled, watching the old scrapper struggle to mount his horse with one good arm. They crossed the southern bridge, and Serin hoisted Landau onto the back of Samson's gelding, and placed his legs firmly into the stirrups before he bid farewell.

  "Landau right?" Samson asked from in front. "Listen you don't have to hold on so tight, it's not a race."

  He had neve
r been on a horse before, even with somebody else riding with him the notion was daunting. He let go and found a balance with his pelvis while the horse remained idle, trying to relax himself, when Clancey pulled alongside him and gave an absolute scare.

  "You should bring this," he said, presenting Landau the hilt of his sword. In the drama of the gemstones he forgot all about it, lost for an excuse to avoid touching it, knowing what it would do. Clancey grew confused to why he wouldn't take it.

  "This is yours isn't it?"

  "Yeah but…" he muttered, striving to explain, he found himself reaching out a hesitant hand as Clancey nudged it closer, when Jema cut between them and grabbed the hilt.

  "No don't…" Landau protested, recoiling in his saddle, but after a short pause nothing happened, other than Jema returning a confused stare.

  "Look son if the situation arises where you're going to need this then I'm not very good at my job," he patronized before he turned to Clancey. "Unless you're gifted with the blade you're best to leave this here."

  Clancey was famously terrible with a blade and knew Pollus would vouch for such a thing. Landau's frightful reaction however had him curious, this was hardly a time for inquisition, but his relief in Jema telling them to leave the sword was evident.

  "I'm more of a brawler, prefer to use my own two hands in a battle. But since I'm left with only one I think I'll hold onto it for the moment."

  Landau gave Clancey a bewildered look who in return gave a wink, and Jema strapped the sword into a sheath like pocket on his horse.

  "Suit yourself," he said bluntly, mounting his horse in one swift movement, before moving into a canter through town.

  Landau turned to see Jenny waving her hand erratically, the Elder beside her nodded, while his dad found energy to lift his arm above his head. It was heart-warming to see as he left, though sadness consumed him in their decreasing absence. The horses soon left the cobblestone path of Tripple and into the farmlands, and their journey towards the capital city began.

  Chapter 8

  MERCHANTS AND MURDER

  Landau yawned the morning away, and he would return to sleep if the constant rocking of his saddle would permit him. They travelled north, Clancey's arm prevented them from a more modest pace, which suited Landau fine, finding his arms constantly wrapped around Samson's torso. He was still in dismay in leaving his father and friends, every step forward sent him further from them and despite Clancey's presence he felt in strange company. Often he glanced at Bruiser where his sword was strapped, after abandoning it in Porthos it endured to be within his reach still. He was perplexed that the blade didn't ignite when Jema clutched it, perhaps its magic had waned, for it had been many days since he last held it and observed its flame.

  In front the elders were in good company, but Samson he surmised was uninterested in any discourse, and the few queries Landau made Sam answered quickly, that obviated any further dialogue. Landau didn't know the behavior squires had to adhere to, for in Jema's presence Sam was often reclusive with his words, and spoke only when Jema required it.

  "You're awfully quiet lad," Clancey pulled Bruiser alongside him. "I imagine it's hard to be without your father."

  "I'm not used to it is all. I guess I worry that by leaving him alone there'll be nobody to look after him now I'm gone."

  "If your father heard you say that he'd be none too happy. He is a stubborn fool sometimes, but he has an enduring strength that many admire. Besides, the Elder will be there for him, there's little need to worry I feel."

  "I just always imagined I'd visit the capital with my dad."

  There was no sadness in his answer, only remorse.

  "I understand lad, the day your father is fit and ready we can return there. Must admit it feels an age since I walked among its welcome gardens, always something hopeful 'bout being inside that city, one of the largest in Heldorn you know. After years spent travelling the likes of Heimmarch and Corcadia and seeing the state of corruption engrained in their history, Arwendel is a kingdom I imagine every monarch envisions their city to reflect. So many kingdoms fail to see their potential. Alas city crowds can do my head in, friendly no doubt, but no better than mindless zombies. The quiet village life fits me like a glove," he trailed off in thought of recent events.

  "How about you Jema, have you been in the Queen's Guard for long?" Clancey asked.

  "Much of my time was spent in the Imperial Legion, fighting for the Empire. Perhaps half a dozen years now have I remained here."

  "Haven't heard much from the north since the death of the Emperor, everything these days is happening to the east it seems. Heard there have been troubled times since his demise"

  "The Empire is not a simple thing to rule. It envisioned itself much like Arwendel once, since it originated my lineage has always had some foot in a soldier's boot. Alas, the Emperor's death has tumbled the city into disrepair. Politics has become a shambles with no rightful heir, and any interim magnate has never had the city's prosperity at heart, only their own self-gratification."

  "How can such foul deeds befall a city with its legendary army?"

  "The Legion were off in Heimmarch fighting a war, I was with them at the time. When we returned we were witness to the devastation, and helpless to defend it," the very thought riled him clearly. "At least here such occurrences are tenuous, though I expect every ruler of Heldorn has since thought twice of their defences. If any danger happened upon the Queen I fear there'd be chaos in Ruun, though the Queen is more capable than most monarchs to safeguard herself."

  Clancey and Landau shared a glance of disbelief of how that was possible.

  "Why did you leave Astiroth?" Clancey asked bluntly, ambivalent Jema was uncomfortable to answer much more.

  "There came a time when my virtues exceeded those the Empire was willing to accept."

  Their first night was spent under many stars within a modest valley. Clancey would exploit such occasions to regale in his tales but in the presence of Jema his behavior was prudent, and instead offered knowledge of the south-lands that the knight wasn't privy to. Sam retrieved kindle, and in a valley with no timber he coursed the shadowy ground for shrubs of any kind to enflame their fire. Landau perched beside it and glimpsed over at Jema's sheath, stitched with gold in an elegant motif, home to his Claymore. The knight named it ‘Aurora’ he heard in mention, though he had never heard a sword labelled so darling, especially one so large and fierce in presence. He envisioned a knight could wield it like no other, though he hardly wished to welcome danger to feed his curiosity.

  Before early morning came Jema already had them on their horses, for the knight anticipated to arrive in Merchant's Wall by nightfall, riding west to the road that led to Bunbury. His eyes endlessly scouted, more observant than paranoid, and at times all were reluctant to ask him questions, for any conversation appeared to break his concentration. The road to Bunbury was eventually abandoned, hopeful as Landau was to browse the market city, Jema elected to detour his horse Kilian north over the rolling highlands. The trek here was exhaustive for their horses to traverse but the knight preferred the higher ground, the hills here elapsed by constantly, and when they conquered one another rose in its stead.

  In all directions Landau became enveloped among an overwhelming blue sky, void of trees and mountains, scarcely did anything consume their location other than the lush green grass that swayed in the breeze. Eventually Jema escorted his companions over another hilltop, and upon its peak Landau's dour mood subsided, for bestrewn beneath them were the famous Rainbow Fields.

  Before them a sea of colors blanketed the landscape and stretched all the way to the Leaffworn Mountains upon the horizon. Insects thrived here as though it were their city, and Jema steered his horse through the field like a path existed. The flowers rose to the horses' knees, and the aroma was heavy, but pleasant with daffodils and orchids, roses of red and blue and tulips of every sort, hardly a patch of grass could Landau find. Within the fields nestled an undisturbed
lake, and here they took rest; the water was delicious in its purity, unspoiled by the impedance of man, and the encompassing terrain was beautiful and inspired exploration. Yet little was spoken in their brief recess and anything uttered was performed quietly, for whatever reason the knight was always incessant on their progress, and Landau was irritated he couldn't dawdle among such natural artistry.

  It was the only break Jema allowed them before they continued north until afternoon, meandering across the open meadows to avoid the neighboring forests. The farmlands spread further than Landau anticipated, ahead more hills blanketed in exuberant shades of green, and their horses were heartened at the soft terrain beneath their hooves.

  In the red horizon Landau noticed a mammoth structure beyond the hills, a tower that rose colossal over the countryside, one of the three great watchtowers in the southern farmlands Clancey explained. Jema guided their horses toward it with increased speed as the mountains to the east drowned in the dusk. Landau peeked from behind Samson's shoulder to witness their approach, where armed guards retired their spears once they identified the knight’s appearance.

  After they dismounted, Jema assembled the few soldiers that defended the entryway, and the weight of his name convinced the garrison to allow them accommodation for the night. The four ascended up a spiral staircase that encompassed the walls to the upper level, furnished with beds and a warming hearth in its center that provided most of the light. Samson corralled their belongings while Jema organized a meal for his company. Clancey in the meantime escorted Landau upstairs to the top of the tower where the dying light of day slowly faded. Never had Landau witnessed a view from such a height before. He peered down over the land concealed in the shadow of night, only in the north did flickering lights twinkle like starlight below.

  "Merchant's Wall," Clancey explained the glimmer of torches. "Also known as the Anvil, standing up here you can see why."