Deborah lowered her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. She pictured Hogan praying to be worthy of her love, to be what she needed to stand against the slings and arrows of the world. How could she be pitying herself and her situation when there was someone so wonderful as that hoping he was everything she needed? Before she could bring her thoughts to words, Evangeline spoke again.
“Love is amazing if you truly understand it. That young man and the woman I’m sure loves him back, what they have is a reflection of the love our Creator has for us. So if that young man is willing to pour everything he is into being everything he needs to be for his special someone, then imagine the lengths the Light is willing to go to in order to protect us and provide for us what we need.”
Deborah embraced Evangeline tightly.
“Thank you,” she whispered, an abundant joy filling her heart. “I thank you for helping me. I thank the Lord for moving through you. I praise Him for hope unfettered. Thank you, Lord, for these blessings. Thank you for hope, for strength, for wisdom. Thank you most of all for your love and how it shines out of your children into my life.”
*
Three days can be painfully long. Three days can be incredibly short. There were times when the former felt true. This was not one of those times. Each day was filled with tasks necessary to fortify the foothold the Lord had provided David’s family. How many council members had been present when the angels announced without a question the changing of the guard? Even among these David was sure there were dissenters. Deborah’s proclamation and the rough details she had left for him and Yero were causing hope for the people and consternation for the landowners. In addition, there were still dissenters in the rank and file, and a few spies for Avrant had been uncovered. Politics and intrigue were running rampant and David felt inadequate for the challenges. Yero, however, seemed to be thriving in his new capacity; thus, David started to depend more and more on him.
David had also begun not sleeping well. Instead of trying to while away the time in his room, he got into the habit of manning the watchman’s tower. On the third night of doing this, the Beagle joined him. As David paced the tower the Beagle trotted along beside him.
“You have taken to worrying away the quiet hours, instead of resting,” the angel finally spoke up after nearly an hour.
David stopped pacing, held onto the rampart in front of him, and stared off into the distance. After a brief moment he shook his head.
“Not worry; no, I keep rolling back around to what I didn’t tell my family about who I was back on Earth. I understand I was compelled not to tell. It’s just, could I have told them things by creating bedtime stories? Maybe the reveal would have been easier. Maybe everything now wouldn’t be a shock. Maybe. . .”
“No, David,” the Beagle broke in, a commanding forcefulness in his tone. “You hear the dishonesty in those words. You feel the disobedience. In your care is the Sword of Truth. The Lord commanded you to be silent about the sword, the Crossroads, and your work with the agency. He blessed you to have a good life. He protected you and yours.”
“I...” David faltered, “I know. I let myself think my work with the agency was all I was going to be called to do. I had originally suspected I would have to come back here, but not with them, not until. . .”
“David, stop,” the Beagle spoke softly this time, though the firm authority was still there. “It is late. You are weary in your soul. Looking back at the past is one thing; asking all these “what ifs” leads to regret. You were commanded to hold your peace. You did as the Lord asked and were faithful to the duty of a Sword Bearer. You have nothing to regret.”
David sighed heavily, “Yes, I know, but I can’t quit thinking about Rebekah and what’s going to happen when we are reunited.”
The Beagle chuffed, causing David to look down. “See, I knew you were worrying.” David shook his head and looked back out into the night as the angel continued. “What good will worrying do you? It is only going to cause you sleepless nights. We will talk to Rebekah when the time comes. You will have the ability to tell her everything now. She has angels watching over her, and they have no doubt told her about your commission of silence. The Lord brought you two together. Trust that things will work out.”
The Beagle fell silent. David kept his gaze on the horizon. The two old companions stood thusly until the first hint of dawn touched the horizon.
David finally spoke. “The Creator watches over my steps.”
The Beagle replied, “You know this is true.”
“He who set the stars’ paths also set my path.”
“You feel the truth in your bones.”
“He calls upon my family for a great task, yet He stands with us; therefore, who can stand against us?”
“Many will try. You know they will fail.”
“Still, I wish Rebekah were here and Deborah didn’t have to be married so quickly.”
“As does your daughter. The Word has brought Deborah and Hogan together, as he did you and Rebekah. They will have joy with each other. They will strengthen each other. Together they will be more than they could have been separately. They will build a stronghold here in the Seventh Kingdom that will help your family time and time again as you fulfill the Almighty’s purpose.”
David nodded as the sun tipped the horizon and he softly spoke, “Let it be so.”
*
The great hall was packed as never before. The balcony had been filled to capacity. There were empty spaces on the lower level. Yero took notice of the missing council members and made a note to assign trusted trackers to keep tabs on them. Yero knew there were still malcontents and spies represented within the council. However, until Deborah was officially crowned they could take no true actions against those suspects.
Deborah stood on the dais in front of her throne. She wore a more regal looking dress than the simple one she had donned three days ago. Her hair too was more elaborate. David had been shocked at her appearance and once again had to look at her a second time to reassure himself that she was not Rebekah. Her poise and carriage was commanding, and within moments of entering the room she held the attention of everyone. She held the silence and scanned the crowd, attempting to meet the eyes of all present. When she finished she spoke without effort, her voice carrying through the hall.
“Welcome. I stand here today to announce my betrothal. In one week's time, in the royal chapel, I shall be married and take, by God given right, the crown of the Seventh Kingdom. After three nights of solitude it has been revealed to me that my groom will be Hogan, son of Gielz, formerly of this kingdom’s royal guard.”
A door behind and off to the right side of the throne opened. Hogan stepped out, dressed in a sharp looking outfit that bore a striking resemblance to his dress uniform, save that all medals and rank had been removed and touches of design and color had been added. He stepped forward and stood next to Deborah. The two grabbed each other's hand and the crowd erupted in applause.
Yero was not the least bit surprised by the commoners’ and the house staff's approval. Hogan was disarming and genuinely kindhearted. Yero even acknowledged that many of the council members would approve. However, he was interested in the overly enthusiastic acceptance of this decision by several members of council who had been quiet during the transition. Yero studied their grins and the glimmer of their eyes. In them he saw not a coming to terms with the new situation, but a cold calculation that promised trouble on the horizon.
Chapter 40
Caliban and Ferreter sat at the small table in the corner to which they had been relegated. In the center of the small room was a second table, where there sat three demons and an elf. Of the demons, Caliban knew two. The ragged looking little man-like one was a schemer who specialized in twisting political situations. A common name it used was Manipulator, but a more accurate nom de plume was Falsifien. Caliban had no fear of this demon, for he knew two of its names and could probably figure out a stronger one.
&nb
sp; Caliban couldn’t say the same for the second demon. While he knew one name, Chivy, the demon was wily and tended not to go in for the excesses that trapped other demons. Chivy’s specialty was driving mortals to the brink of insanity by putting them into situations where it could hunt them like animals. Ferreter had performed many services for this demon, and was no doubt the reason he was here with Caliban at this meeting.
The final demon was hard to read, mainly because every time Caliban looked away the creature shifted its appearance. Upon entering the room, it had been an elegant elven woman. Then it was a rugged dwarf male, taller than most of that species with a close trimmed beard. Over the course of the meeting the demon continued to change gender and species. Each of the transformations was flawless and would hold a great deal of appeal to a mortal’s eye. Caliban didn’t know this demon, but suspected its name. He wondered when and where it would begin to play its part.
Then there was the elf, barely able to be called one as he was so poisoned in his soul that he was becoming a monster. Though it was not yet visible on the outside, Caliban could see the change ready to break out. The elf was obviously being deceived. When the change finally happened, it would be destructive to all around the elf. Caliban had seen it many a time and smirked. When he changed the elf would lose control, left only with a desire to destroy and a sense of need he’d feel only his demon handler could satisfy.
Caliban reflected how different this elf’s transformation would be from any of the Dark Riders. The Riders sought out the power of the Void, pled for the chance to serve, and embraced the power when it was given. Yes, they changed, but it was more of an augmentation of their natural skills. Over the years there came more changes. These came due to battles and the abuse their bodies took.
Caliban was pulled from his musing by the demon Chivy’s voice. The meeting had begun.
“. . . thus the Lord of the Fiery Lake wishes us to sow chaos during this transition. The first crown will be set within days. None of our forces are to interfere. Their girl may not realize what she has done by selecting even a minor member of the elven royal family as a groom. We, however, can see how this can still play to maintaining the elven line.”
The elf interjected, “Lord Avrant and his household are in flight. They will rally a force against the usurping humans, though they will be persuaded to recognize Hogan as the new King of the Seventh Kingdom. We are aware that no more unions such as this will likely take place. We will then put our efforts into securing what kingdoms we can and sabotaging the human whelps from succeeding any further.”
“To that point,” Chivy interrupted, cutting off any more of what the elf might have said, “our ally here will return to Avrant’s household and will help guide those efforts.”
Chivy turned to the elf and nodded. “You should go now so you can report to Lady Liseea. She will aid you in your efforts to establish a force and guide its movements.”
Though he looked a bit disgruntled at being dismissed, the elf bowed, stood, and left the room. The demons watched the door for nearly a minute. Falsifien finally spoke up.
“He has truly left.”
The other demons nodded. Falsifien continued, “There are portions of the elven royal family who will accept the coming change and embrace their replacements. The Dark Lord cares not about who reigns, as long as the royal family in place is held in sway by those who serve the Void’s purpose. My agents and I will do as we have always done. Unfortunately, I will have to relocate. That arriviste chit knows two of my names. I can’t risk setting up shop around here, and I dare not strike at her directly. I have capable agents within the council who can bide time and take appropriate measures to undermine her power and provide the elf heir with clout.”
“Very well,” Chivy responded with an unimpressed air. Falsifien riled, but said nothing further.
Chivy continued, “From reports given by the Void Riders, a Hungry One has been put into play. It is uncertain who did so, though inquiries will continue. Nevertheless, I am to shadow the bearer of the Hungry One and separate the whelp from the pack. From there, the Rider Ferreter and I are to observe and aid the Hungry One’s consumption of the boy’s soul.”
Caliban looked at his fellow Rider and did not envy him the task set before him. A Hungry One was a demon bound to an object; in this case it had been forged into a sword. There had been reports of others in vases, jewelry, even on some planets as computer programs. The Hungry One in this blade was a particularly old one. It had no hope for escape and no way to feed unless a mortal bathed the blade in blood. The demon would feed thusly on both the person being killed and the bearer of the blade. However, Hungry Ones were unpredictable and would turn on even the Void’s servants to satisfy their mad hunger.
Caliban’s attention was called back to the assembled demons by the speaking of the third unnamed demon.
“My task is simple enough for me.” The demon’s voice was a melodic blend of both male and female, high and deep, soft yet gruff, all at once. Its form also continued to shift. “I will infiltrate the human band and latch on to the weakest one. I will pull the sheep from the fold and transform the child into a savage wolf, thus tainting the line toward our camp.”
Chivy nodded and stood. The demon turned to Caliban. The Void Rider rose and waited, knowing he was to be addressed. From there he would be dismissed or set upon by the demons.
“You’ve failed several times now,” Chivy said coolly. “I would see the benefit of killing you and making the other Riders watch. However, the Acolyte of the Void sees a benefit in keeping you.”
The demon produced a smoldering pouch that seemed to absorb the shadows around it. Chivy dropped the bag between itself and the Rider. It then took out a folded piece of paper and extended it to Caliban. The Void Rider took it as Ferreter retrieved the bag.
Chivy continued as Caliban opened the paper and read the list of names written upon it. “Those are your new recruits. You are to assume leadership of the Void Riders and increase their number. The Void magic is potent and will help to speed the process of converting the volunteers. They have already made a pilgrimage to the pit where new horses and hounds are being made ready.
“When you get back into the field you are permitted to kill the humans only under direct instruction of either the Void or the Dark One. The elves are another matter. Aid them or kill them, which ever option sows the most chaos. Also take note: the once magi is in possession of a device that allows him to call upon you. As he is an elf, your orders stand. However, ignore him at your peril; his power and the device make a deadly combination that could cost you your life.”
Caliban nodded and took the bag from Ferreter.
“How long?” he asked the demon.
“Not long, and you may only have one other Rider with you. The others are needed in play.”
“Anything else?”
“Don’t fail again; your backers won’t continue to see your value if you do.”
Caliban knew that went without saying and nodded. The meeting broke up without any other words. Save Ferreter and Chivy, each player went their separate way to work their separate plot.
Chapter 41
The planning of the wedding was becoming a point of contention. Shortly after Deborah had set the time table, courtiers and council members began to interject suggestions and demands. Deborah listened for nearly an hour before she called an end to the falderal. She stood and straightened her clothes while the room got quiet.
“This is what I see happening,” she said coolly. “My marriage ceremony will be simple, as extravagance is not called for. I will not be commissioning an elaborate dress, hairstyle, or decorations. I would like things to be uncomplicated. I require only that the royal chapel be cleaned thoroughly. Also, in addition to rings being exchanged, the crown of the Seventh Kingdom will be placed upon my head at the conclusion of the ceremony.”
Deborah turned to her left, where Hogan was sitting. Her tone softened and a smile played u
pon her lips. “Is there anything in particular that you request at our wedding?”
Hogan stood and took Deborah’s hand. “I am aware of the importance of a woman’s wedding, so if those arrangements make you happy, then I fully support you. However, in elven marriages we don’t exchange rings, we place a locking bracelet upon opposing wrists. The male bracelet is placed upon the right wrist, and the female bracelet goes upon the left.”
Though Deborah tried to hide it, her face fell. She did not want Hogan to be disappointed in their wedding. This was the only thing he had mentioned about their ceremony, so it was important to him. She herself had dreamt of a ring from her betrothed for many years now.
Hogan read the indecision and disappointment on her face. The council members began to murmur. Was this a sign of an unsatisfying union so early in the relationship? Both Hogan and Deborah began to speak, but were interrupted from an unlikely source.
Zilda, the Koens’ tutor, stepped out of the fringes of the assembly. She was standing at the front of the balcony. The rest of the Koen girls were with her, except for Eve. Zilda started to apologize for interrupting, but before she could fully do so a dozen council members were on their feet. Some complained about interference from the spectators, the very reason they had advised against them. Others yelled that Zilda had no right to speak as she was not from this realm. Yet others insisted on hearing from Deborah or Hogan who had been so rudely interrupted. A loud crack emanated from the impact of a metal staff against the marble floor.
The New Guard (Crossroads Book 1) Page 30
