Journey of Wisdom

by Shawna Thomas

  The horse snorted.

  Ilythra smiled at the groom’s baffled expression. “It’s alright. He’ll let you take him now.”

  Eyes doubtful, the groom reached for Melior’s reins again. The horse followed him into a stall. Ilythra found a pump behind the barn and filled a basin with water. Washing her face and arms, she braided her hair, then slapped the dust off her tunic. When she returned, the boy waited by the barn’s entrance.

  “The king will see you now.”

  Ilythra followed the boy through several chambers filled with tapestries and delicate pottery before he paused at large double doors. Ilythra resisted a smile. There would be an easier way to the king’s hall. She’d been taken on a route meant to impress. A darker thought intruded. Or was the delay to give the king time to prepare?

  “I will relieve you of your weapons.” A guard stepped forward. Ilythra handed him her sword and the knife she wore strapped to her waist. He’d have to search her to find the hidden weapons. For a moment it seemed he would, then he nodded to the boy, who opened the double doors and stepped aside.

  King Alastar of Elston sat on a dais, his wife, Queen Marya, at his side. Ilythra bowed before them. She vaguely remembered writing out a wedding invitation to the pair.

  “What brings you to my kingdom, Ilythra?” King Alastar spoke, his voice mirroring his appearance, large and dignified. His wavy hair fell to his collar and framed a rugged face. Dark eyes looked over a nose that had been broken at least once in his lifetime, and his skin bore the effects of much time under the sun. He was as different from Erhard as two men could be. If Erhard was cool elegance, with pale eyes and pale blond hair, this man was a hot-blooded brawler.

  The queen however, was dignity personified. She wore her dark hair in an intricate style. A dark green gown complimented her pale, ivory skin. She sat poised in a way Ilythra could never hope to achieve, but her green eyes watched everything.

  What brought her to his kingdom? That was a heavy question. Where to begin? “I come with a warning.”

  The king’s bushy brows rose into his bangs. “I see. About?”

  “As you know, I was recently in Greton’s—”

  “You were to be queen, as I recollect,” Alastar interrupted.

  “That is correct. What you do not know is that I was not there of my free will. I was being drugged.”

  Alastar blinked, and Queen Marya leaned forward, her green eyes focused on Ilythra. She placed a pale hand on her husband’s arm. He turned to her and seemed to sink into the throne. When he again faced Ilythra, the king appeared more collected.

  “That’s quite an accusation, and not as the tale was told,” Alastar said. “Why would Erhard drug you? Or are you saying he had to, for you to agree to marry him.”

  Ilythra closed her eyes briefly. She needed to choose her words with caution. Her time spent in Greton was blurred and much of it foggy. She never would have agreed to marry Erhard if she hadn’t been drugged, but appearing to insult the king of Greton accomplished nothing. “I can imagine what you heard. Erhard didn’t drug me. He was the one who told me to run.”

  The king’s eyes narrowed. “Then who?”

  “Bredych, the king’s counselor.”

  Alastar stiffened, and the queen leaned back into her throne and closed her eyes.

  Ilythra hesitated. She wasn’t quite sure how to interpret their reactions. She felt as if they were getting sidetracked. “Bredych not only drugged me, but he’s drugging the king as well. That is part of the reason why I’ve come.”

  Alastar raised an eyebrow. “There is more?”

  “I discovered Bredych is preparing for war. He’s allied with the Rugians. Bredych has slaves working a forge on the other side of the mountain day and night. My companion and I destroyed it and set as many of the slaves free as possible. But I have a feeling it wasn’t the only such place.”

  “Your companion?” Alastar leaned forward.

  Definitely getting sidetracked. Didn’t the king hear the part about the Rugians and war? Frustration tinged her words. “He has gone to warn his people as I am now warning you.”

  The king settled back on his throne and waved a hand. “Bredych’s alliance with the Rugians is well known. That doesn’t mean he’s preparing for war.”

  “Hundreds of swords might. More spears than I could count.”

  “What do you have to verify your tale?” The king’s voice rose.

  She shook her head. “Only my word.”

  His eyes narrowed. “And that has already proved false, hasn’t it? You were betrothed and ran.”

  What little hope Ilythra had dissipated. “Please listen. I have nothing to gain by coming here. You will be the first kingdom Bredych attacks.”

  “Do you think us so weak?” Alastar’s eyes flamed.

  “No, I think you so close. He will enslave your men and further build his army.”

  Alastar shook his shaggy head. “Our families have intermarried. We’ve been at peace for generations. There’s no need for war.”

  Ilythra stepped closer, and the guards on either side of the royal pair tensed. She took a deep breath. “Majesty, I understand your reluctance to believe me. Send scouts to the mountain as a precaution. They’ll verify the tale I tell.”

  “To send scouts would be the same as sending spies. That’s not what one does when trust is at stake.” Alastar shook his head. “Erhard’s greedy and selfish but not foolhardy enough to think he can conquer the eastern kingdoms.”

  “Erhard is no longer in his right mind. Bredych is the force behind the throne.”

  Emotions rippled across the king’s face. “No! Enough.” Alastar slapped his hand on his throne. His ruddy face grew red with emotion. “We grew up together. There is no animosity between our kingdoms. I’ve heard enough. Erhard would never join forces with the Rugians. They killed his wife.” He motioned with his hands. “Guards!”

  Ilythra tensed, ready to fight, then caught the queen’s gaze. The woman shook her head slightly. Something in her eyes caused Ilythra to relax. She let the guards lead her out of the chamber and down several flights of stairs. The air grew more dank and moist with every step. Soon, the only light that penetrated the darkness came from a few hanging lamps that sputtered and stank of rancid oil.

  They threw her into a stone cell reeking of refuse and closed a wooden door, plunging her into darkness. She leaned against the rough walls. She was wagering a lot on a single gaze.

  * * *

  Erhard stumbled out of the room, his gait unsteady. The king had tried to attend to matters of state but had spent more time staring at the documents than doing anything productive. It had taken longer than Bredych liked to get Erhard to agree to lie back down. Bredych picked up the discarded teacup and examined the intricate gold tracing. A cup fit for a king.

  Too bad the man was a fool, like his father before him. He stared at the message on the desk that had set off the king’s babbling. Word from king Alastar of Elston that he’d captured Ilythra and she was alive in his dungeon.

  Erhard had just enough of his own mind left to begin drafting a letter ordering the king to release her. Fool. Bredych picked up the letter he’d promised to finish and offered it to the fire. Flames licked at the thick paper; then an explosion of light rippled across the expanse of it, consuming the scrawled writing. Bredych released it to the blaze’s hunger.

  He would finish the letter and send it with six of his Rugian warriors. He didn’t trust Alastar to deliver Ilythra, and he wouldn’t let her slip out of his hands again.

  Soon, I will have you and your stone.

  Bredych held the cup to the light. It was so well made, it was translucent. A work of art. He placed it gently back on the desk and retrieved a fresh piece of paper. Despite her interference, his army was well supplied and everythin
g else was almost in place. After so long, it was time.

  He would come into his own once again. Once he had Ilydearta under his sway, no one could oppose him.

  Chapter Thirteen

  A rustle sounded in the straw to her right and a shudder ran through her body. Rats. Rats shared the darkness with her. Ilythra tried to ignore them but brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Rats had never bothered her before, but then, she’d never shared a cell with them. They were a bit more menacing when crawling across her feet.

  It was hard to judge the passage of time without windows, but the guards had brought food twice. Did that mean two days? She’d dozed off a few times, but sleep was out of her reach. Had she misjudged the queen’s look?

  Her hidden weapons gave her a measure of comfort, but until she decided to attack the guard and escape that was all they were good for. Had she misread the queen’s look? She strained to make out the ceiling. The weight of rock pressed against her chest, stealing her breath. She was trapped in the dark. The breath in her throat hitched and acid coated her mouth. Tears formed in her eyes. She rubbed them away with the back of her hand. She would not feel sorry for herself. She would not be scared. Ilydearta had led her to Elston and it would find her a way out. She hoped.

  If Mohan could see her now, he’d shake his head and come up with some crazy idea to rescue her. Then tease her that it was her turn to rescue him. The pressure of the knife in her boot and the other strapped to her arm under her shirt was comforting. At least she could fight off the rats if they got too close. She stared at the door but knew it wouldn’t open.

  A guard had brought some fairly clean water and boiled oats earlier. There would be no one until the next guard. The empty bowl sat next to the door, where the guard would exchange it for a full one the next time he came. She had eaten primarily because she had nothing else to do and wanted to keep up her strength.

  She got up and paced the small enclosure. She already knew it was four steps in one direction. Six in the other. Enough space for a small bed and enough room to go completely insane.

  She stretched and her fingers tangled in a spider web. Although she’d tried when she first entered the cell, she couldn’t touch the ceiling. There was no escape that way. She sat back down, trying not to imagine spiders crawling above her in the dark.

  Melior. She wondered if he got his oats. Would he leave if she didn’t come back? Mentally, she recited cures for various illnesses then moved to methods of processing fresh and dried herbs. If she kept her mind off the ever-present darkness, it would keep the panic at bay. Twice she’d run through the exercise routine her grandfather had taught her, hoping physical exhaustion would help her sleep. It hadn’t. It had reminded her that she’d abused her body the last few days.

  A noise sounded from beyond the door. Muffled voices murmured, but even straining her ears, she couldn’t hear what was being said. Metal clanged and then the door shook and slowly opened. Ilythra reached for the knife on her arm and crouched, ready to spring.

  “There is no danger here.” It was a cultured, soft, feminine voice, but Ilythra didn’t relax.

  A torch flared to life. She blinked away the temporary blindness. When her eyes adjusted, the queen stood on her tiptoes to place the torch in a bracket on the wall.

  She looked around. Her impeccable skirts and air of elegance were foreign in the prison. “My, this place is terrible, isn’t it?” She brushed her hands on her skirt, her voice matter-of-fact. “Well, I guess it suits its purpose.”

  Ilythra stood.

  The queen’s expression softened. “I know you’re confused but I mean you no harm.”

  Ilythra pointedly gazed around the small cell then fixed her gaze on the queen. “This would indicate otherwise.”

  “I know. And I’m sorry.”

  The expression on the queen’s face seemed genuine. “You were trying to tell me something in the throne room.”

  “Yes. Had you struggled, the guards were ordered to kill you. Word came to us almost a moon ago that you had betrayed the king. Alastar promised if you came into his lands, he would arrest you. He was told if you resisted arrest, you would not be mourned.”

  Cool dread trickled down Ilythra’s spine. “Erhard gave those orders?”

  “No.” The queen paused. “Bredych.”

  Ilythra nodded. “And he said I possessed something of his too, I bet.”

  The queen nodded. “We were not informed what but instructed to return you dead or alive to him.”

  So why was the queen helping her? “Obviously you doubt him.”

  Queen Marya paced the narrow space and turned to Ilythra in swirl of silken skirts. “I always have. But I’ve seen Erhard’s decline in recent years. Now I fear him.”

  “You are right to do so. But why are you risking yourself to help me?”

  The queen sighed. “Come. We don’t have much time. I will explain on the way.” She retrieved the torch and stepped into the hall. She waved for Ilythra to join her. “I have had your horse readied. He now waits at a lesser-used gate. A gate that’s being guarded tonight by men who are loyal to me and will do as I say without question.”

  Ilythra stepped into the hall after the queen.

  The guards were slumped against the wall. The queen followed her gaze. “They are sleeping. I wouldn’t harm any of my husband’s men, especially as they are only guilty of following orders. Besides, we may need them.”

  “Then you believe me?”

  “About the war? Yes.” Queen Marya picked up a satchel and handed it to Ilythra then cradled a wrapped bundle in her arms. “That’s one reason why I am helping you. I’ve sent my own riders into the eastern mountains. I’m sure they’ll confirm what you’ve said. I’ve also sent word to Isolden in the north to warn them of possible attack,” the queen said.

  Relief eased the tension in Ilythra’s shoulders.

  “I would have gotten you out sooner, but Alastar had men guarding all the roads leading to the west or north. He sent word for them to return only after you were put in the cell. I had to wait until all were safely back within the gates. Then I needed to wait until dark. You see, had you not come here, you would have been captured anyway.”

  Chills ran down her arms. If she hadn’t listened to the urging of Teann and the stone, she could be back in Greton by now. She placed a hand over the pendant. Thank you. “The men were also at Bredych’s instruction?”

  “Yes, a half moon ago, Erhard sent word begging Alastar not to give up his vigil. That you were still in the valley and would most likely journey through his lands.” She lifted her skirts and turned down a corridor that inclined slightly. “I have never seen so many men after one woman.” She turned to Ilythra. “You must be pretty good with that sword of yours.”

  “I had a good teacher.” She offered a small smile.

  “I was born in Isolden,” the queen continued. “The women there are raised in the old manner. I wish I had time to test myself against you.”

  Ilythra’s mouth opened. She shut it. “I would be honored, if that were possible.”

  The queen’s face grew pensive. “I only hope one day it is.” They turned another corner, and a cool breeze brushed the hair from Ilythra’s face. The queen opened a door and blue light flooded in, highlighting her pale skin and slanted green eyes.

  “What about you? Will you be alright?”

  The queen smiled and dimples formed on her cheeks. “I am not without my resources, and Alastar genuinely loves me. He’ll be angry, but I’ve dealt with that before. Soon enough he’ll see that I’ve done what was necessary for our kingdom.”

  Ilythra nodded “You didn’t finish telling me why you were helping me.”

  The queen placed a hand on Ilythra’s shoulder. “Because you are the Wanderer and it is my honor t
o help you.”

  Tears pricked Ilythra’s eyes. “How...” Her voice failed her.

  “In Isolden, we practice the old ways.” The queen’s smile was sad. “I wish I had met you under other circumstances. Now we do not have much time. You see that gate there?” The queen pointed to an arched opening.

  Ilythra followed the queen’s gaze. “Yes.”

  “Your horse is on the other side. The guards are mine, but they will not open the door for you. It would be in direct violation of the king’s will. But neither will they restrain you in any way. That would be a violation of mine.”

  “Thank you.” She reached for the queen’s hands and gazed into her green eyes. “The words don’t begin to convey my gratitude.”

  Queen Marya squeezed Ilythra’s fingers. “You’ve done a service to this kingdom today. I’ll not see it unrewarded. When Greton attacks, we’ll be ready.”

  Ilythra looked at the queen’s pale hand in her own scuffed and dirty ones, then met her gaze again. “I wish you brave men. You are an extraordinary woman.”

  “As are you, and we must stick together. One final warning. My men tell me there is an unusually high number of strangers in the lands to the northwest. Groups of men, heavily armed and speaking a strange tongue.”

  Ilythra’s heart sank. It was as she feared. “Rugians.”

  “That would be my guess. Bredych wants you returned. I’m sorry I could not return your weapons. But perhaps this will help.” Marya handed her the wrapped bundle.

  Ilythra accepted it. It was heavy.

  “Do not open it yet. You will not be attacked while you are in sight of the castle. It is a sword that’s been in my family for generations. I brought it with me when I married and came to live here at Elston. You’ll have need of it now.”

  Ilythra inclined her head. Tears of gratitude pricked her eyes. “You are too gracious, Majesty.”

  “That is a subjective thing. Go in peace, Ilythra. May the light of the One ever shine upon you.”