Kaz spun and stepped onto a fallen barrel, launching himself into the air. Gripping the sword with both hands, he prepared to chop into the log lying on the ground. Only the log was partially covered. So lost in his own thoughts and the repetitive motion of his forms, he failed to notice when the boy had taken a seat there. Kaz heard a loud yelp as he saw the boy fall backward in terror. He turned his body away from the boy as he crashed into the ground, jarring his shoulder on impact.
Kaz gritted his teeth and rolled to his knees, crouched and ready with sword in hand. His recovery was instinctive. It wasn’t that he feared the boy so much as he had little reason to trust him. “What are you doing here?” he hissed.
The boy uprighted himself with legs flailing about, looking embarrassed. “I’m Drake.”
“I did not ask who you were. I know you are Raker’s student. I asked why you are here.”
“Oh. Uh, I was just watching.”
“For how long?”
“Tonight? Or in general?”
“You’ve watched me more than just tonight?”
Drake nodded and Kaz felt his anger rise that he hadn’t noticed such a thing. Perhaps I’ve been too focused while training. That could be my end. Drake must have noticed Kaz’s displeasure. “You misunderstand. This was the first time I’ve come down to the yard to watch. Before, I would steal…er, borrow a spyglass and watch you train from one of the eastern towers. I would lie and say I was checking on equipment though, if anyone asked what I was up to.”
“Why lie?”
“I didn’t want Raker to know. He uh, he isn’t very fond of you.”
Kaz started to relax and stood up. “Few are.” He shoved the blade into the ground. “So why come down to watch now?”
“I couldn’t get a spyglass and I didn’t want to miss you train.”
Kaz inclined his head. “Why are you spying on me? Are you trying to figure out a pattern to my style?”
Drake waved his hands. “No no. Nothing like that. I’ve been trying to learn.”
“To fight?”
Drake nodded.
“Raker has not taught you anything?”
“Well, he is of the opinion that I should be focusing on the siege equipment and castle fortifications rather than fighting. But that doesn’t necessarily take all my time.”
“And what does he expect you to do, if the fight comes in close? You cannot load a catapult and shoot it at a man who is three feet from you.”
“I made the same point. He just told me to find something heavy and hit them on the head if that happens.”
“A mace? Similar to his.”
Drake nodded.
“That seems too large of a weapon for you to handle.”
“My point. I want to learn to use a sword but I have no idea how and no one will show me.”
“And you want me to teach you?”
“Well, you are the best fighter.”
“Are you sure? Wouldn’t you rather go to Glacar?”
Drake shook his head. “Trust me. I may be small but what I lack in size I make up for here,” he said pointing to his head. “I know what my eyes tell me.” He smiled.
“What about my skin?”
“What about it?”
“Does it not bother you like it does the others?”
Drake shrugged. “Makes no difference to me. I don’t see how the color of someone’s skin makes them a bad person.”
Kaz grunted. “And what will Raker say if he finds out?”
“Well, I hoped he wouldn’t. At least for now anyway. He doesn’t have to know, if you know what I mean.”
“I see. So, I teach you how to fight. What will you do for me?”
Drake shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. What can I possibly offer you in return?”
Kaz thought for a moment then grinned. “This. What we are doing now.”
“What? Talking?”
“Yes. I still struggle with the language and my accent. I want you to help me with that. While we train, we talk. It doesn’t really matter what we talk about, so long as I can practice.”
“So you’re going to teach me how to fight and all I have to do is talk to you?”
“That’s it.”
Drake smiled. “Deal.”
“Good. Grab a sword. We will begin now.”
* * *
Drake shuffled through the inner courtyard, doing his best not to fall over from exhaustion. What was I thinking?
For the tenth night in a row Kaz had trained him. Hours spent working on forms and drills left him barely able to walk, let alone fight. He was sore in places he didn’t even know existed. Keeping his fatigue hidden from Raker during each day was nearly as exhausting as the time spent sparing with Kaz at night. He began to wonder if all his effort would even be worth it. He sure didn’t feel like a more capable fighter. Yet Kaz told him that he had potential and in time his efforts would pay off.
I can’t quit, not after what he’s been doing to help me, and the things he’s shown me he hasn’t shown the other men. Maybe I can ask Wiqua for some sorcery to loosen things up. He doesn’t ask a lot of questions so no one will know why I need the healing anyway.
He decided he would do just that in the morning but first he needed to grab a few hours of sleep. Looking up, he realized someone was crossing his path from the left. The figure’s head was down and he seemed to be muttering something under his breath.
“Mal?”
The figure jumped. He saw Drake approaching him and noticeably relaxed. “Drake, what are you doing up at this time of night?”
“I could ask you the same thing.”
“Yeah, but I asked first.”
Drake shrugged. “Training. What about you?”
“You’re lucky. They have me running errands like some little message boy. Nothing important either. No, it’s trivial things to cater to the needs of Lord Caliva and his stuck up household.”
“At least it’s something.”
“I want to fight and train. Yet, I get moved from one person to the next.”
Drake shook his head. I’m getting so tired of this same conversation. “You keep getting moved because all you do is complain about the person you’re taking orders from. No one is going to teach you anything of importance until you pay your dues first.”
Mal scowled. “What do you know? You’re just some pet doing whatever someone tells you to do.”
Drake felt his face turn red. A moment before he had considered asking Mal if he wanted to train with him and Kaz but he quickly changed his mind. He would complain the entire time, give half efforts, and not appreciate any of it. Kaz would never put up with that. And neither would I.
Drake started walking again and purposefully brushed his shoulder against his friend. “When you grow up, let me know. Until then, try to learn a little humility.”
* * *
Jonrell rubbed at his temples and narrowly avoided a passing servant as he left the war room. He wasn’t sure what time it was, only that it was late. He moved his thumb and forefinger from temple to eyes.
He waved a hand at the apologetic servant, unable to do much else. All he cared about was crawling into his bed under the warm furs. He hoped to catch a few hours of sleep before dawn jarred him awake and he started another long day.
He blinked, focusing his eyes in the dim lamplight coming from the metal wall sconces that illuminated the staircase and hallways. His blurry vision told him he had pushed himself more than he should have, but he saw few other options. Caliva was a good enough man but being a good man meant little in a war. Many good men knew little of the boring, but necessary administrative tasks of a commander. The endless parade of requests and meetings made his head hurt just thinking about them.
He thought of Amcaro, a man, who despite his age, never seemed to tire and was always eager to learn and work even harder. “There will be plenty of time to rest when I’m with the One Above,” the High Mage used to say.
I wonde
r how well he’s sleeping now.
Dark thoughts. Nothing good ever came from them. Yet, it was hard to think of anything else when one of his old mentor’s teachings or sayings would pop into his head.
He shook his head again. Keep your head straight, Jonrell. Almost to your door. Then, you’ll have at least a few hours to relax and escape. One Above knows you deserve it.
But apparently the One Above didn’t know. Jonrell jumped at the sound of a cough. He turned and drew the dirk at his side. “Who’s there?” he said facing the shadow of a corner.
Mal stepped out with hands raised, and lip trembling. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Jonrell sheathed his blade. “Mal? What in the name of the One Above are you doing in the shadows?”
“I was hoping to talk to you,” he said looking down.
Jonrell sighed, rubbing his eyes. “Mal, I’m exhausted.”
“It won’t take long, I swear. Besides, you were up late talking to your captains anyway,” said the boy, growing upset.
“Aye, I was. But that’s different. I’m preparing for a war,” said Jonrell walking up and resting a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “You understand, right?”
“I understand that you never have time for me. You promised you would sit down so we can talk about my future with the group but I keep getting shuffled around from one person to the next.” He looked up, pleading. “I want to help you.”
“Look, I’m sorry. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now. I heard just this evening that Tomalt is on the march and will be here in a matter of weeks, earlier than we expected. Things are going to get even more hectic than before. I just don’t have time to take you under my wing and teach you right now. After the battle things will change. I promise, we can talk then.”
Mal shrugged Jonrell’s hand away. “Things won’t change. And I’m tired of your empty promises.” Jonrell watched a tear fall from his eye. “I should never have left the Hideaway,” said the boy as he stormed off down the dark hallway.
Jonrell thought to chase after him but he just didn’t have the will to make his legs move. Maybe Krytien was right. My soft spot got the best of me. He shook off the thought as he remembered how happy Drake seemed to be working with Raker. Nah, he’ll be fine come morning. A boy at his age has emotions that change with the wind. Still, maybe I can get Cisod to find a use for him tomorrow. Perhaps that had been my mistake all along. Mal probably should be with someone he knew before joining up with us.
Jonrell sighed as he made his way to his room and closed the door behind him. One more thing to remember for tomorrow. Who in their right mind would ever want to lead an army?
He eased into bed, clothes still on, nestling his head onto the pillow just as the bells chimed for the change in watch. Three rings. Well, I guess three hours of sleep is better than none, he thought, dimming the lamp near his bed.
Chapter 24
Elyse never thought she would find herself in a dungeon. Drab stone walls, rusted steel bars, a bed of straw to lie on, one lone stool, and a chamber pot in the corner. No plush furnishings, no fire to keep away the chill, not even a window to provide fresh air. Though in some way she was thankful for the latter as a window would have only made the place that much colder. Regardless of how she tried to find the positive in her situation, she couldn’t escape the fact that she had failed.
When they arrived at the castle, Jeldor placed her in the dungeon. “You can rot with the other liars until we find out who you really are.” he had said.
There would be no alliance, but it was not due to lack of trying on her part. During their journey back to Ithanthul, Elyse had tried numerous times to plead her case to Duke Jeldor. Each time he dismissed her with a snide comment and refused to even acknowledge that she was in fact the Queen of Cadonia. Her plain attire surely didn’t help her argument, especially with it caked in dirt and blood.
How could he not know me?
Despite her bleak situation, her worries went to Kroke and Rygar. All alone in the dank cell, huddled under her coat on the bed of straw and left to her thoughts, she realized how much she missed the company of the two mercenaries. Even the uneasy looks and harsh silence of Kroke appealed to her over the emptiness of her current surroundings.
Her hand wiped away a tear before it fell. Am I cursed to live my entire life so alone? She sat down and squinted in the dim light with her legs tucked under her body and placed her head on her knees. “I’m sorry I failed you, Jonrell,” she whispered.
Elyse jumped with a start at the sound of a heavy steel door closing. The noise echoed down the long corridor. Footsteps followed, growing gradually louder.
This is it. They’re going to torture me. I just know it. Her stomach twisted into knots and she swallowed the bile that crept into the back of her throat.
The footsteps stopped at her cell door. She kept her head down, afraid to look up and face the fears running through her mind. “Shall I come back then?” said the grave voice. Elyse recognized it immediately and looked up to see Jeldor.
“Good. You’re up,” he said, pulling out a key and twisting it in the lock. The hinges squeaked as he entered the cell. He seated himself on the lone stool opposite her and heaved a heavy sigh. He struggled to settle his large frame on the small stool. After a minute he stood up, frustrated. “Bah. I’d just as soon stand then.” He turned to face Elyse. “I feel the need to apologize to you.”
Elyse was confused by the Duke’s attitude. “Apologize?”
“Well, I’m sure you would prefer accommodations befitting your station.”
“Wait. So you believe me now?”
“I always believed you. I just chose not to let anyone else know that.”
“My Lord?”
Jeldor waved a hand. “Don’t give me that ‘my lord’ nonsense. We are in private. Let’s put away the titles.”
She thought about a lesson Jonrell taught her regarding respect, but realized she was in no position to push the issue. So, she nodded.
“Good. Now, why are you here?”
“I told you before. Cadonia is in turmoil. Tomalt has seized Namaris and is intent on marching against me. We suspect Bronn and Conroy are plotting against the throne as well. I’ve come to offer an alliance with you.”
Jeldor chuckled. “An alliance with me? You must be desperate. How much pride did you have to brush away to come seeking my aid?”
“Actually, none. I know you think that others look down on you but…”
“Think? I know!” he cut Elyse off. “First Aurnon the First slighted us and only the One Above knows why. He gave us this bitter land that no one would even bother with. Then because of a mistake made by a distant ancestor, there are minor lords who seem to live better than I do. I don’t think anything. My family has never been respected. But now that you are in trouble, you want my help? Why should I? The chance of you defending the throne against Tomalt is amusing enough. And if Conroy and Bronn are working together, the odds are not in your favor.”
“Olasi is aligned with our cause,” said Elyse, not sure what else to say.
“Olasi,” he said the name as if it were a curse. “He’s not a bad man but he is surrounded by enemies. He may hold out for awhile but in time, he’ll fall too. Besides, he’s too far from you to be much help.”
“Which is why we need you. I do not care about the past. I care only about the present and the future. You said yourself that the other dukes still look down on you. Do you really think they won’t turn their eyes this way after destroying me?” Jeldor’s eyes widened and Elyse knew he hadn’t thought about that. Jumping at the chance, she continued. “Align with me and march to Cathyrium to aid my brother in the defense of the city against Tomalt, and I will see that all extra taxes instituted by Aurnon the Third are removed from your lands and holdings.”
For a moment, Elyse thought she had struck a chord and found herself hopeful as she watched the man pace the room in silence with his hands clasped beh
ind his back. “You make a good point, I’ll give you that.” He paused and stroked his beard. “But no. It will not happen.”
“But they will come for you…”
“Oh, I’ve no doubt they will if I just sit here and let them. However, I now have something to bargain with,” he said, smiling at Elyse. “Perhaps, the victor would be interested in marrying you himself to solidify his claim to the throne.”
Elyse felt her heart sink.
Jeldor looked around. “But if that’s the case then there is no need to continue this charade. I hardly consider you a threat to me physically. I’ll see that you are moved to more favorable quarters. I may be a hard man but I am not completely lacking in compassion.”
Elyse started to argue further but Jeldor raised a hand before she could even speak. “Don’t bother wasting your breath. My decision has been made.”
Her shoulders sagged as Jeldor exited the cell and locked the door. She suddenly remembered a question she hadn’t asked. “The two men I was traveling with. Are they well?”
“Yes. The injured one is recovering and the other is unharmed as well. We had to remove nearly three dozen knives from his person before we placed him in his own cell.” Jeldor shook his head. “They will remain down here.”
Jeldor’s footsteps faded.
There is no hope left. It happened just as I knew it would. Just as I tried to warn Jonrell. If he were here, perhaps there would be another way. She began to rock in place and tears fell unheeded.
* * *
Elyse slept very little in her new surroundings, though a lack of comfort was not the cause. After weeks of sleeping on hard ground and later a straw filled cell, the soft bed covered in thick furs was a welcome alternative. The constant dread of what was to come next kept her awake and sobbing most of the night.
I had another chance with Jeldor in the dungeon and failed again.
Despite the reputation Jonrell had garnered for himself in the years he’d been gone, he would be badly outnumbered facing Tomalt alone. Even if her brother could manage a victory, their forces would take a beating, and little would be left to defend the lands still under the crown’s control.
Rise and Fall (Book 1) Page 45
