Stavin bowed slightly as a tender smile curved his lips. “Wise and kind, beloved.”
None of the Zel’Coys were seen for the rest of the day and through the night. The guards and cavalry troopers stayed away from the house, and maintained a respectful quiet.
In the morning, Lord Fralik met them at the morning meal. He looked like he hadn’t slept a wink, and appeared to have aged ten years overnight. “I beg your pardon Prince Stavin, but the news you brought has taxed us terribly.”
“We understand, Lord Fralik. We will leave you to your grief with our thanks for your hospitality, and our most heartfelt sympathy for your loss.” Lord Fralik bowed and walked away without another word.
Everyone was mounted and ready to ride when a new rider joined their group.
Lady Saralee Zel’Coy rode out of the stables and brought her horse to a stop when a hand of Royal Guardsmen moved in front of her. She was dressed in full armor, with a sword belted at her waist, and a bow sheathed at her knee.
“Prince Stavin, I would like to ride to Moravad with you,” she announced loudly, “and lodge my family’s complaint with his majesty against the priest who murdered my brother.”
Stavin said, “Let her through,” and the guardsmen shifted to allow her to pass. “Lady Saralee, we grieve for your loss. You are welcome to ride with us. Major Kel’Carin, you will allow Lady Zel’Coy to retain her weapons.”
“You know your father’s orders, Prince Stavin.”
“I know, Kar, but I trust Lady Saralee. King Kalin isn’t here, and this is my decision.”
Karvik sighed and nodded. “You’re the one he’s going to yell at.”
“Why do you need his permission, Prince Stavin?” she asked as she studied Karvik intently.
Stavin looked her in the eye as he replied, “No one but a Royal Guard may bring weapons near a member of the royal family. Only a member of the royal family can overrule that law.” She glanced at her sword and grimaced as Stavin continued. “I’m not worried about you, especially now.”
Captain Zel’Corval looked at her and said, “Lady Zel’Coy, I invite you to join my command staff. Prince Stavin is correct, and so is Major Kel’Carin. You really aren’t supposed to have a weapon near a member of the royal family of Evandia or Coravia.”
Lady Zel’Coy nodded slightly. “Yes, Captain. Thank you for the invitation. Prince Stavin,” she said as she turned back to him, “I look forward to discussing these troubles further as time allows.”
The enhanced expedition moved on, with the cavalry troopers riding ahead and on the flanks. At Karvik’s insistence, Stavin spent most of his time in the carriage.
The next stop was just one day farther down the road, but it was not one they could skip. The sun was on the horizon when Captain Zel’Corval led them into the Zel’Karyn Estate.
Saralee Zel’Coy had ridden ahead and was standing on the front porch of the manor house, crying in the arms of an older woman as a tall man stroked her hair.
The man patted her back and turned away from her so he could bow. “Prince Stavin, welcome to Zel’Karyn,” he said as he straightened. “I am Rahndahl Geraldan Demanal Zel’Karyn, Lord of Zel’Karyn.”
Stavin stepped down from the carriage and bowed. “I am pleased to meet you, Lord Rahndahl. I see that Lady Saralee has already told you what happened.”
Lord Rahndahl nodded. “She has. Tomorrow I will be sending armed parties out to all of my towns and holdings. Tonight, though, we welcome you to our home.”
Stavin bowed again. “We thank you for your greeting, Lord Rahndahl. Please allow me to present my wife, Princess Sharindis, and our children, Prince Karlin, Princess Sahren, and Princess Mahren.” Each of them had bowed as Stavin introduced them, and Lord Rahndahl had returned those bows.
Lord Rahndahl nodded to the woman who was holding Saralee. “I am pleased to present my wife, Lady Brendis. Our children are mostly away right now, but Daynah is here. And she’ll be going with you when you leave.”
“Lord?” Stavin asked as a puzzled frown twisted his features.
Lord Rahndahl’s mouth twisted into a bitter grimace. “It’s the duty of the Heir of Zel’Karyn to fight evil in this kingdom.”
“And Alden was my nephew,” Lady Brendis said as she pulled away from Saralee. “Fralik is my oldest brother.”
Stavin bowed again, but didn’t say anything as he escorted his family up to the porch and followed the Zel’Karyn family inside. Lord Rahndahl led them to a library and waved to the chairs.
“Please make yourselves comfortable, Prince Stavin. May I offer you some wine?” he asked.
Stavin bowed slightly as he replied, “Yes, thank you.”
A maid who was standing at the side of the room stepped forward and bowed, then showed Lord Rahndahl a bottle. When he nodded his approval, she opened the wine and handed Lord Rahndahl the cork, which he examined carefully. At his nod, she poured a small amount of the wine in a glass and handed it to him. Again, he checked the wine very carefully, taking it to a lamp and examining it with the light behind it. He finally took a sip and held it in his mouth for a moment before swallowing.
Lord Rahndahl saw Stavin’s puzzled look and smiled. “I always check a new bottle before serving it to guests. I didn’t once and ended up serving vinegar to Prince Teravan. Terry wasn’t very happy with me.”
Stavin bowed and said, “Thank you, Lord Rahndahl.” Stavin accepted a glass from the maid, as did Shari. She then served Lady Brendis and Lady Saralee.
Lord Rahndahl raised his glass and said, “Honored guests, we welcome you to our home.”
Stavin replied, “We are honored by your welcome,” then they all drank.
Lord Rahndahl looked at Stavin and said, “Now that the formalities have been attended to, I would like a closer look at your armor, Prince Stavin.”
Stavin bowed slightly. “Of course, Lord Rahndahl.” He stood still as Lord Rahndahl and Lady Brendis both examined his armor.
“Magnificent,” Lord Rahndahl murmured.
“Indeed,” Lady Brendis agreed. “How long ago did you receive it? Ten years?”
“No, Lady Brendis, just eight,” Stavin replied with a grin. “Seems longer than that on occasion.”
“Indeed. It’s too bad you didn’t bring the Sword of Zel’Hallan with you,” she continued, not looking at his face. “I would have loved to see the result of touching the gifts together. I wonder what the result would be if we touched Sang Del Dracl to your armor?”
Stavin shuddered, shocking her. “I think it would be excessively unpleasant for me. Dandarshandrake’s magical influence on Sang Del Dracl far exceeds the power in my armor.”
“You’re afraid of it?” Lady Saralee asked as she moved around to look at Stavin’s face.
“Yes, and with good reason,” Stavin replied. “After the children are in bed I’ll tell you why.”
All three children said, “Aww, Daddy,” at the same time.
A servant came to the door and said, “Your pardon, Lord Rahndahl, but there’s a group of officers who wish to join you. Shall I bring them in?” Lord Rahndahl nodded and the man escorted Karvik, Major Zel’Astel, and Captain Zel’Corval into the library.
Stavin stepped to Karvik’s side and introduced everyone. Turning back to Karvik, he said, “We’ll be adding another member to the expedition. Lady Daynah Zel’Karyn will be joining us, with Sang Del Dracl. You wanted to see Mary Death’s sword.”
“Yes, Prince Stavin. Our people are setting up camp, and we’re setting guards around the house. Will you allow us to send the guardswomen inside?”
Stavin grimaced. “I don’t think so, Kar. Major Zel’Astel, what do you think?”
Warvin Zel’Astel looked at his prince for a moment, then shook his head. “I think His Majesty will understand in this instance, Your Highness. The Zel’Karyn family is related to the Zel’Andral line.”
Lord Rahndahl looked at Stavin and asked, “Guardswomen inside?”
Stavin gave
Lord Rahndahl an apologetic smile. “King Kalin prefers to have guards posted close to Shari and the children. I think, given the relationship between our Clans, it is unnecessary here.”
Lord Rahndahl took a deep breath, then shook his head. “Please bring your Guardswomen inside, Prince Stavin. While no one in my family or among my people is any threat to you, we have ample proof that someone in this region is.”
Stavin bowed, then looked at Karvik. Without a word, Kar came to attention, bowed, and left. He was back in just a few breaths.
Stavin smiled and said, “Lord Rahndahl, Lady Brendis, please allow me to introduce Lady Master Sergeant Mohriah Garland Lissan Zel’Halvis, Lady of Zel’Halvis.”
Both Lord Rahndahl and Lady Brendis bowed automatically, though it was evident from their expressions that they were stunned by the introduction. Lady Zel’Halvis smiled slightly as she returned the bow.
“Lady Zel’Halvis, why--?” Lady Brendis asked as she gestured to Mohriah’s uniform.
“I was originally the third child, and joined the Royal Guards because I couldn’t stand the idea that all I had to look forward to was parties, babies, and maybe a few love affairs. I’m afraid I never was one for the quiet, gentle pastimes. Zel’Halvis is a small estate and we don’t have much land. My little brother and his son are my heirs.”
Lord Rahndahl bowed slightly and said, “For whatever reason, we welcome you to our home.”
Mohriah bowed and said, “I thank you for your welcome.” Then she turned to Stavin and bowed again. “My women are ready, Your Highness.”
Stavin nodded, then looked at Lord Rahndahl. “Could one of your servants show Master Sergeant Zel’Halvis where the guest suite is so she can post her guardswomen?”
Lord Rahndahl nodded and pointed to the maid who had poured the wine. She bowed deeply, then walked to the door with Master Sergeant Zel’Halvis at her side.
Lady Brendis stepped forward and said, “Princess Sharindis, let me take you and the children to the guest suite as well so you can freshen up.”
Shari bowed and said, “Thank you, Lady Brendis. Ladies?” she continued, looking at the maids. All three of them bowed, then followed as she left.
Stavin was about to excuse himself as well when a short, armored figure entered the room. Karvik immediately moved between Stavin and the door, but Stavin said, “It’s all right, Kar.” Karvik turned to look at him, then nodded as his eyes grew wide.
Stavin bowed slightly and said, “I am pleased to meet you, Lady Daynah,” as Karvik moved out of the way. She was a small, stout woman, though still taller than Stavin, and carried a sword at her side.
She stopped in her tracks. “How did you know--?”
Stavin smiled and said, “Look,” as he held out his arm. Even in the lamp light, the glow could be clearly seen. “Dragon magic knows dragon magic.”
Lady Daynah drew Sang Del Dracl and the room was filled with shafts of ruby-hued light. “I’ve never seen it do that before,” she whispered.
Stavin looked at Lord Rahndahl and smiled. “Much more influence.”
Lord Rahndahl nodded, then cocked his head to the side. “Do you feel anything?”
Stavin shook his head. “No, not really. Not like I do holding the Sword of Zel’Hallan. Marina and I have played with the ruby fist on her staff, and I have only been able to detect the slightest changes in my armor when it’s near me. I’ve never dared touch it, armored or not, because of the amount of dragon-magic in me now.”
Lord Rahndahl was nodding. “I read that report, of how your blood ignited the sword in the Heir of Zel’Hallan’s hand.”
Stavin nodded as he looked at the floor for a moment. “The children aren’t here, so I’ll tell you what wasn’t in that report or any other. The dragon magic is dangerous to anyone who isn’t fully encased in it like I am. During the pacification of Farindia, one of my officers, a young man named Sallah Zel’Janvis, grabbed my gauntlets and the sword, thinking he could control the power. When the power fully engulfed him, he burned to ash. All that was left of him was his hand, still in my gauntlet. When Ambrin cut my cheek, he was engulfed in the magic flare--he and his daughter, Amarna.” He bit his lips and shook his head sadly. “They both died screaming just an arm’s length from me, and I couldn’t save them. The magic consumed everything but the sword.”
Stavin looked at the floor and sighed. “I’ll never forgive myself for Amarna’s death. We rescued her at the beginning of my second expedition, one of six girls stolen for child-brothels in Kavadia. But Shovar Zel’Hallan was her grandfather. She blamed me for his death--and she died hating me for it.” He shook his head again and took a few deep breaths.
“Sallah was just a kid. Headstrong and proud. Like a lot of the young Chosen, he only saw the power of the sword. He had no idea what could happen when that power took hold of him. And neither did I. If I hadn’t been in full armor, I would have died that morning on the Zel’Horgan.”
Lady Saralee stepped forward and put her hand on Stavin’s armored shoulder. “It’s no wonder you’re afraid of it.”
“And it’s why I won’t risk touching a dragon artifact. Even if I’m wearing my armor, I’m afraid of what might happen.”
Lord Rahndahl shook his head slowly. “What a terrible burden you carry.” He sighed, then shook his head sharply. “No matter. The evening meal will be ready soon. Varla,” he said when he spotted a maid, “escort Prince Stavin to the guest suite.”
The girl bowed deeply and said, “At once, Lord Rahndahl.” Turning to Stavin, she bowed deeply again and said, “Please follow me, Your Highness.”
Chapter 10
STAVIN BOWED TO HIS HOSTS, THEN followed the girl out of the room. The suite she led him to was very nice, and Avrin approached him immediately.
“A bath is already drawn, Prince Stavin. If you’ll follow me?” he said as he bowed.
Stavin was clean and dressed in near record time, then they all walked to the dining room together.
The dining room was full of splendidly dressed people, and Stavin smiled when he finally recognized Lady Saralee in a gorgeous gown.
Another slightly younger woman was standing beside her, and it took a moment for Stavin to recognize Lady Daynah without her armor. She was a full head shorter than Lady Saralee, and had dark brown hair and hazel eyes. Where Lady Saralee was lightly built and willowy, Lady Daynah was heavily built, like a wrestler, with strong arms evident under her dress. Both women bowed as the royal family joined them.
“Prince Stavin, Princess Sharindis, we welcome you to our home,” Lady Daynah said. “Sara was just telling me about the first time you met.” She looked at her tall blonde cousin and giggled.
Lady Saralee shook her head. “That embarrassment was the price I paid for being so arrogant. I did better the second time, and when you passed through the fort a few years later.”
Shari chuckled. “Indeed you did. Did you ever get to read the Book of Inatat?”
“I did. The general insisted that all of the officers read it. It was very informative. The king had the rest of the ancient quarry investigated, but no more tombs or artifacts were found. A group of scholars were going to follow the clues and see if they could find Klamath or Modoc.”
Stavin looked wistful for a moment and said, “Oh, I’d love to get in on that.”
“You know Kalin would let you go if you asked, but he really needs you in Trade,” Shari pointed out. “Your sense of duty would stop you before you even asked.”
Stavin sighed and nodded. “I know. It’s just a dream.”
Shari chuckled. “Well maybe they’ll need us to translate if they find something. There still aren’t that many scribes who can read the ancient glyphs.”
Stavin grinned and nodded, then turned back to Lady Daynah. “If you’ll forgive me for asking, how old are you? I already know Lady Saralee is more than a year older than I am.”
Lady Daynah bowed slightly and replied, “I celebrated the twenty-first anniversary of my
birth the day after Mid Winter.”
“And you are the heir by right, so you have the power of high and low justice. Good,” Stavin said with a sharp nod. “If we catch that priest--”
“He will be taken to the king for judgment,” Lord Rahndahl said from behind him. “Only the king has the right to judge a priest, Prince Stavin. But I wouldn’t worry about King Teravan. Terry’s a follower of Lady Sahren, and he’s fairly devout. Whoever that priest is, he won’t get away with slaughtering my nephew. But he’ll be judged according to the laws of Coravia.”
Stavin bowed deeply. “My apologies, Lord Rahndahl. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. It was just my thought that Lady Daynah, having the right of high justice, also has the right to take him and however many followers he has with him into custody. Captain Zel’Corval has a sufficient force, and my Royal Guards will assist if needed.”
Lord Rahndahl gave Stavin an intense look and said, “Indeed. The evening meal is ready. Prince Stavin, I would be pleased to have you and your family at my right hand tonight. My children won’t mind too terribly.”
Lady Daynah smiled. “I don’t mind at all, Prince Stavin. I will, however, insist on sitting next to your daughters.” She smiled at the twins. “They’re so cute.” Stavin smiled, bowed, then just had to laugh. Lord Rahndahl was laughing as well.
“You have nine moons left on your betrothal, Daynah. Behave. I can tell Nelis is going to have his hands full with you.”
Shari was looking at Daynah curiously, so she elaborated. “Nelistal Harvaldin Fraldar Zel’Kendan. He’s one of the Lord of the Exchequer’s assistants.”
Stavin was nodding. “I look forward to meeting him when we get to Moravad. Who will be heir after you marry him?”
“My sister Alysan. And after her will be Geoffran.” A younger woman and much younger man had bowed when their names were spoken, and Stavin acknowledged both of them before turning back to Lord Rahndahl and bowing slightly. Without another word Lord Rahndahl turned and led the way to the dining room.
The Coravian Conflict (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 5) Page 9
