Avikar was flabbergasted.
“Duke? You can crown me duke?”
“Of course, Avikar, I told you that we believe in ...
***
Splat.
Avikar, startled from his musing, looked down and saw a tart sliding down the front of his jacket leaving a trail of whipped cream as it fell to the floor.
“What?”
Laughter erupted behind him.
Whirling around, he saw Darius Telkur standing behind him, smirking. Beside him was his twin sister, Dyla. She was trying hard to suppress her own smile.
Pulling the handkerchief from his pocket, Avikar wiped the remnants of the whipped cream off his jacket.
“How dare you?”
Darius stood with his hands on his hips and stared defiantly at Avikar.
“How dare I what? I didn’t do anything. I walked in, saw the pastry flying through the air, and then smack, it hit you.”
Darius, the Telkur heir apparent, was a tall, broad-shouldered, handsome youth that looked every inch a royal. His PSI skill was telepathic like his father, but he was already showing signs that he would surpass his father’s telepathic level soon. His sister, Dyla, was strikingly beautiful with raven hair and blue-violet eyes a shade lighter than her brother’s. She was a powerful empath in her own right.
Avikar hated both of them, for their stunning good looks, for their power, and for the success they’d already achieved in their young lives.
Dyla glanced to her left and saw Eclasius Jortac standing nearby. She caught the gleam in his eye and instantly knew from where the pastry had come.
Eclasius shifted his glance from Avikar to Dyla. Before tonight, he had not seen her in anything but her school attire. She was a vision, alluring in her pale blue satin gown that clung to her womanly curves, and he stared open-mouthed at her transformation. He raised his eyes up to her face and instantly blushed when he saw her looking at him. She gave him a half-smile before turning her attention back to Avikar.
“Avikar, my brother and I were in the courtyard greeting guests and only now came into the hall. We had nothing to do with that tart hitting you.”
Avikar stuffed the handkerchief into his pocket and glared at the twins.
“Forgive me if I don’t believe that, Lady Dyla.”
Darius took a step towards the little man. No one challenged his sister when he was around.
“Are you calling my sister a liar?”
“Did I say she was a liar?” Avikar replied, his voice rising with each exchange.
A few paces away, Duke Levon heard the loud voices. He excused himself from his guests, and hurried toward the three.
“What’s happening here?” Levon asked.
“Nothing Father,” Dyla replied innocently. “Darius and I were on our way to find Ty.”
Dyla pulled on Darius’ sleeve steering him away from their father.
Levon was a well-built man of medium height with graying brown hair and a neatly trimmed mustache. He watched his children depart, not exactly sure what had transpired between them and Avikar. With two sixteen-year-olds full of spirit and intricately bonded to each other, there was never a dull moment around the mansion.
“Avikar, a word please.”
He motioned Avikar to the side of the room for a private conversation.
“Sire, I’ve been waiting to talk to you. It’s urgent.”
“Fine, but first I want to clear up some disturbing news I heard.”
Avikar wrung his hands, afraid that Levon had found him out.
“What news?”
“Did you order a thief be dosed with feverwort?”
Avikar shifted his weight from one foot to the other, relieved by the topic of conversation, but still apprehensive that the duke had found out.
“You know full well that I frown upon that practice. Too much of that drug can permanently extinguish a person’s PSI powers.”
“My Lord, are you questioning my authority over the waterfront district?”
“Not your authority, Avikar, only your zealous nature.”
“I did order the punishment, but it was necessary. It was the second time that thief had been caught stealing by using his PSI powers. He needed to be stopped and a clear message sent to those that abuse their powers.”
“Messages can be delivered in other ways, Avikar. Don’t do it again. It’s not the way we handle things in this duchy. I hope I’m making myself clear.”
Avikar nodded. “Of course, my lord, it won’t happen again.”
“Thank you, Avikar. Now, what did you want to talk to me about?”
From the far side of the room, Dyla looked up from her own conversation and saw her father conversing with Avikar. Avikar looked more agitated now than when Darius had laughed at him. She saw her father frown, then after a few moments his face turned stony and he nodded to Avikar in agreement.
What is that all about? she wondered, suddenly feeling apprehensive.
Too many emotions had played across her father’s face and Dyla could sense his unease from across the room. Before she could make her way to him, however, the deep ring of the dinner bell sounded, calling the guests into the banquet hall. The guests began to move through the hall to the banquet room. Avikar walked with the duke until Levon stopped to talk to Ronal, his First Counselor.
Avikar continued to the table and took his seat. Ronal soon joined Avikar at the table. The two men hardly looked like brothers. Avikar’s eyes and hair were dark like their mother’s, and Ronal was a blue-eyed blond like their father. Even seated, Ronal towered over his older brother.
Ronal leaned toward Avikar, whispering in his ear.
“Levon told me about your earlier conversation. He wants a meeting after the banquet to discuss your news. Are you sure of your information?”
“Of course I’m sure,” Avikar snapped. “Do you think I would waste the duke’s time with speculation? I may not be First Counselor, but I know what’s happening in my own district. You would do well not question my judgment again.”
Avikar hated to be questioned about anything, but having his younger brother grill him was more than he could stand tonight.
Ronal straightened in his seat.
“Avikar, I’m not questioning your veracity, merely your source.”
“Enough, Ronal, I don’t need your counseling or your snide remarks. When the celebration is over, I’ll convey everything I know to the duke himself.”
“Very well, Avikar, but rest assured; whether you want my counsel or not, I shall be there to give it.”
***
It was late in the evening, when the last goodbyes were said, before the group finally had a chance to meet. Levon, Ronal, Avikar and, of course, Lilliana sat around the table in Levon’s private office studying a map of the waterfront district.
“It’s hard to believe that this is happening in my duchy,” Levon said incensed.
Avikar nodded and pointed to the map. “My Lord, it’s a shock to us all. This is the smuggler’s headquarters here, and my source says the leaders are meeting tonight.”
“Avikar, this is most unusual,” Lilliana said. “How can it be that this has escaped our detection until now? I thought this whole area was under your control?”
“Yes, my lady, the area is under my control, but these smugglers are devilishly keen and can melt away into the night at the first sign of discovery. This particular ring has only recently come to my attention.”
“Regardless of when it was discovered, I will not tolerate this in my duchy,” Levon said. “This must be stopped and that will happen tonight. We shall be unwelcome guests at this gypsy meeting.”
“Sire, that is unwise,” Ronal advised. “Your personal guards have been relieved of duty to enjoy the celebration and you’ll put yourself at unnecessary risk if you go without them. The docks are an unruly area with many thieves and cutthroats lingering about. We should wait until morning when the guards are back.”
Levon pounde
d the table.
“And let these smugglers slink away again? No, that’s exactly what I won’t do.”
“But, my lord ...”
“Ronal, I don’t intend to go alone. Avikar controls the waterfront district and has guards patrolling the area. They can accompany us to this meeting.”
“I’m not convinced this is a good idea, my lord.”
Avikar needed to act fast. He feared Ronal would persuade Levon to not act tonight. It had to be tonight if Jortac’s plan was to work.
“We can gather guards at my manor on the way to the docks,” he offered.
“Good, it’s settled. We’ll mount a surprise raid on these smugglers, strike hard and fast, and be done with it. We’ll not give them the chance to slip away like rats in the gutter.”
Avikar struggled to keep his emotions in check, tightening his own mental shield to cover his thoughts. He could not let even a scant thought about the plot escape that Levon might pick up on. Levon had reacted exactly as the Red Alliance had predicted. His reputation for rash acts and quick decisions would be his undoing tonight. Everything was coming together as planned.
“When do we leave?” Lilliana spoke up.
Levon looked at his wife.
“We? I would prefer you stayed at the manor tonight. It might be dangerous, and I don’t want you in harm’s way.”
“Levon, don’t patronize me. I’m going either with you or by following you. One way or the other; your choice.”
Lilliana steeled her gaze at her husband.
Levon sighed. This was an argument he wouldn’t win. Lilliana was a willful, strong-minded woman who did what she wanted whether he liked it or not. She could take care of herself in a dangerous situation, but that did little to allay his fears for her safety.
“Fine, but for all our sakes, please stay in the back with the guards,” Levon said, staring intently at his wife.
Lilliana nodded.
Avikar could hardly believe his ears.
How perfect! They’re taking charge of their own demise. This is easier than I thought.
Excerpt from The Chronicles of Otharia during the reign of the First Vacancy:
Division II – The PSI potential
Subsection I – PSI Manifestation
Individuals are usually predisposed toward empathy, telekinesis, or telepathy and nothing can change the PSI factor that he/she is destined for. Forcing a child to grasp anything beyond his/her own unique abilities usually ended in the lessening of the original potential, or in the total destruction of the ability. Because of this, once a child’s ability started to manifest itself, that child was given specialized training in that facet of PSI.
Chapter 4 – Visions
The fire danced and crackled with life, seeking to devour everything in its path. Three separate spurs raced around the warehouse, burning all they touched. Boxes of all shapes and sizes became ash as the flames joined to become one intense, hungry blaze.
She watched the scorching scene, riveted to the floor. She turned her head, seeking an escape, but saw only shadows. The flames were almost upon her when the walls disappeared. She felt the heat closing in and tried desperately to free herself. When she turned back, the flames surrounded her, engulfing her in an inferno of pain and torment. Screaming, she felt the flesh melt from her limbs.
Dyla bolted upright in bed, awakened by an ear-splitting scream. Drenched in sweat and trembling uncontrollably, it took her a moment to realize that it was her own scream she had heard, and she shuddered in fear.
She clambered off of the bed and fell to her knees.
“Oh no, oh no,” she whispered while rocking back and forth.
Within moments, Darius came rushing into the room and found his sister sobbing on the floor. Enfolding her in his arms, he made a telepathic connection and was immediately assailed by images of pain and suffering. He had never felt such intensity through his link before, and he nearly staggered back at the blow.
“It’s OK, you’re safe,” he said softly, clutching her tighter.
It took Dyla several minutes before she came back to herself.
“Darius, I had a terrible vision. There was a fire, it destroyed everything.”
Darius lifted her chin and met his sister’s eyes.
“I felt it when I touched you. You’re safe now. It was only a bad dream.”
“No, it wasn’t a bad dream, it was more than that. I was there, inside it, feeling the heat of the fire. It burned me. I’ve never felt anything so horrible before.”
“Do you want me to summon the healer for you?”
“No, I want to talk to Mother. She’s never mentioned having visions before, but she may understand what’s happening to me.”
Darius helped Dyla to her feet and slipped a robe over her shoulders. A number of concerned servants were standing in the doorway to the bedchamber watching the scene unfold.
Darius reassured them.
“It’s all right. Go back to bed. Everything here is fine.”
The servants nodded one by one and slipped away.
The twins left Dyla’s room and walked down the corridor to their parents' bedchamber. Dyla knocked lightly on the door.
Silence greeted them.
“That’s strange. They’re not answering. I’m surprised they didn’t come when you screamed,” Darius said.
Dyla reached out, turned the door handle, and walked into the room. It was empty.
“Where are they?”
The room was pristine. The bed had not been slept in and there was no sign of their parents.
Dyla looked around the room, worry written on her face.
“I have a bad feeling about this.”
“It’s awfully late for them not to be in their chamber. Where could they be?” Darius asked.
“Did you see them after the banquet?”
“No, I was with Ty. What about you?”
“No.”
“I think you’re right. Something’s not right. Come on, let's get dressed," Darius said.
"I'll only be a minute. I'll meet you by your bedchamber."
"Sounds good."
Both Dyla and Darius ran to their bedchambers and emerged within minutes fully dressed.
"Where do we start?" Dyla asked.
"Let's start with Father's study. If they're not there, let's check in with Ronal. Maybe he knows what’s going on."
"I hope so," Dyla said.
Excerpt from The Chronicles of Otharia during the reign of the First Vacancy:
Division I – The Rule of Otharia
Subsection III – The Duchies
Otharian royal ascension happened through bloodlines. When the heir apparent comes of age, he/she assumes the title of Earl/Countess until the reigning Duke either dies or abdicates. The oldest child, by law, must be at least 18 years old to inherit the throne and sit as Duke or Duchess. If a Duke dies and his oldest living child is too young to assume the throne, a Regent will be appointed to rule in his stead. The regent is the closest living relative of the deceased Duke or Duchess. The regents are closely monitored by the Grand Council to ensure they provide proper guidance to the heir and govern with a fair hand.
Chapter 5 – Warehouse
Levon Telkur was an inherently kind man who ruled with a calm and caring nature. That is, until someone broke the law. Avikar’s news had cut him to the quick and he could think of little else. His anger turned his blood white-hot as it coursed through his veins. His anger was a living thing, burning with desire and eager for release. Levon barely held it in check.
I will destroy this ring even if I must do it with my bare hands, he vowed.
From the moment Avikar spoke to him and throughout the rest of the birthday celebration, Levon calculated and devised a plan to rid his duchy of these vermin. When Avikar presented him with the chance to end this infestation tonight, he jumped at it. He would break the backs of these smugglers and discover who conspired with them to set up a ring in Telkur.
This will end tonight.
The group left through the manor’s side entrance and headed down the hill for the warehouse district in Galon, the capitol city of the Telkur Duchy. It was late in the evening and no one saw them leave the estate. The staff had migrated to the darker corners of the manor for their own private festivities.
Levon hurried the group forward, eager for the coming confrontation.
***
Avikar’s eyes darted left and right as he followed closely on Levon’s heels. His hurried steps did nothing to ease his nervousness. He tripped over his own feet a number of times and nearly fell into the duke. If Ronal hadn’t caught him at the last moment, he would have knocked the duke down. Avikar gave Ronal a heated stare and Ronal backed away, believing that his brother was more scared of tonight’s adventure than he let on. Avikar shook himself like a wet dog, trying to regain his composure.
On the outskirts of the city’s warehouse district, the group stopped at Avikar’s manor for reinforcements. As previously planned, Nils was ready with a contingent of men, guards well paid to ensure their loyalty to Avikar. Avikar waited as Nils approached and leaned over to whisper in his ear.
Avikar bristled as Nils bent over to him. His short stature continuously plagued him, but he quickly forgot his own inadequacies once he heard the news Nils imparted.
“We are ready.”
Avikar nodded, and turned to the duke.
“My Lord, everything is set,” Avikar announced hastily. “My informant has left a message. The smugglers are meeting tonight and are in the warehouse at this very moment. Our timing is perfect, but we mustn’t delay.”
Avikar inwardly cringed, thinking he had overplayed his hand, but the duke stood high on his haunches and looked to the waterfront.
“Good work, Baron. Lead on.”
Avikar motioned to Nils, who took half the men forward and assigned the rest to the rear. Avikar watched everyone keenly, knowing the slightest mistake could spell the end for him.
The Quest for Nobility Page 3
