by Frank David
“Thank you, Daniella. I am in your debt,” She hugged her, then returned to her room.
“I was planning to test some things out on another, but it seems I have a perfectly wonderful subject right here. It is going to be a long night, Imperial Royal Prince Roberts. I promise the pain will eventually end when I tire and allow you to die.” Daniella laughed as she saw the fear growing in Samuel’s eyes.
She picked up the knife Charity had left behind and began cutting her arms, which she quickly healed. She held the pain inside as long as she could, knowing this would increase Samuel’s pain. She picked up a loose stone from the floor and smashed it against her hand, again she quickly healed the injury. She saw a branch just outside the window, she rushed over and broke the branch. Again, she applied the healing touch to the branch, renewing it taking the pain upon herself.
She stumbled to him, the pain becoming too much for her to bear. She laid her hand on him. The handkerchief could scarcely cover his screams as he began to convulse from the pain being inflicted. She smiled as the pain left her and entered him. The cuts in his arm were bleeding. The bones in his hand were crushed. His arm snapped, it hung oddly from the cuffs tethering him to the cell wall. The tears streamed down his face.
Daniella removed the rope and handkerchief. She wanted to hear his screams. Immediately he left out a scream. She was sure the guard heard him and would be coming to check. She made her way to the side of the door to prepare for the guard.
As he entered the room, Daniella struck him with the stone and he fell to the ground.
“He was the only one that could save you, Samuel. You killed him too,” Daniella said as she bent down and repeatedly hit the guard with the stone.
Samuel watched in horror as the blood flew from the guard’s head. “Stop, stop. You are evil. You are not what they all believe you to be. You are a witch. You may kill me tonight, but I die knowing that my enemies have sealed their fate. You are a false ally…”
Daniella walked over and placed her hands on his head. He convulsed, and foam appeared around his mouth. He tried to scream but could not. He could feel his skull being crushed, the pain unbearable. He fought to free himself from her touch. His eyes were growing heavy. He tried to keep them open but he was losing the battle.
She could feel his skull softening beneath her hands. The blood started to ooze from his ears. She knew the end was close. Soon he would be dead. He would die and the rest would be none the wiser of what she had done.
“Thank you for letting me master my skills on you, Samuel. It is truly sad you had to meet your end this way. I think, had the situation been different, you would have been a great ally for what lies ahead. Your lack of heart is a trait one does not find often.” She could feel the pulse slow as she continued her assault on his head. She healed his cuts to remove the evidence of the assault. She went over to the branch and touched it. It fell to pieces in her grasp.
She left the scene and returned to her room. She quickly cleaned herself before returning to bed. She was satisfied with what she had been able to accomplish. She knew she was prepared for what was to come. She had mastered her art.
****
Charity settled into her bed, exhausted from the events and emotional experience. She tossed and turned trying to sleep. When sleep found her, it was restless. Images of Samuel played in her head. She wished him dead. She hoped Daniella was successful. Her dreams were filled with Samuel’s screams as her mind envisioned the torture the healer was inflicting. Her dream showed the man still moving after the healer left. She did not want him to survive. The dream became bright as flames engulfed him. It burned out of control. His movements stopped as the fire spread. She watched as the fire spread to another body in the room. She did not know the identity of the body. Her mind eased as the dream satisfied her desire for revenge.
****
She heard the movement in the dark, she turned to find the man from the lake standing over her. She went for her sword but he was standing upon it. She sat up.
“What have we here? A young girl traveling alone in the wild. What are you doing out here, your Imperial Royal Highness?” The man knew who she was.
“How do you know me?” Felicia stood. He made no attempt to stop her.
“Everyone in Raamsfeld knows the rogue daughter of the Imperial Grand Archduke. You patrol the streets looking for men doing wrong and dish out your own brand of justice.” He looked down at her sword. “Is this the sword that has administered so much pain?”
“It is. Would you please take your foot off it? I am traveling to Jascaessau. I wish to compete in the tournaments in hopes that the Empress will see my skill. I wish to serve as an Imperial guard.” Felicia did not fear the man. She was not sure why but her gut told her he meant her no harm.
“If I remove my foot, will you use the famous sword to strike me down?” he laughed.
“No, I believe you mean me no harm.” Felicia bent down as he raised his foot from the blade.
“I am Harris Morrison. I am also headed to Jascaessau to enter the tournaments. I believe I too will find my fortune and future as an Imperial guard. I cannot allow you to travel alone. Please allow me to accompany you to Jascaessau.”
“I do not need your help. I am quite capable of protecting myself, Harris.” She could not contain her disgust. How dare he suggest she needed the help of a man?
“I was upon your sword. What would you have done had I not removed my foot? You would have been defenseless. I do not mean to imply that you need me, I simply wish to have company on my journey. What better company than our future Imperial Grand Archduchess?” Harris realized she was not one that believed a woman needed a man. He needed to watch his words around her. “If you would allow, I will stand watch while you sleep. The mountains can be dangerous, Imperial Royal Highness.”
“You may call me Felicia. I try to avoid the titles I was born to as they do not suit me. I will join you, to keep you company.” She sat back down, placing the sword under her head this time. She was tired and would sleep better knowing someone was watching over her. “Thank you, Harris. I could use some sleep. If you become tired, please wake me and I will take the watch.”
“As you wish, Felicia. Sleep well.” Harris positioned himself at a tree across from her. He allowed his eyes to close but kept his ears alert.
The sun rising over the mountains woke Felicia. She looked over and saw Harris had fallen asleep. “Thanks for keeping watch,” she said quietly. She headed off to find breakfast for her and her travel companion. She headed in the direction of the break between the mountains that led to Shoudfield. She saw the deer in the distance. She moved quietly trying to catch the doe off guard. It seemed the deer had not picked up her scent. She reached for her sword - dammit she had left her sword back at camp. She pulled the dagger from her waist. She would not be able to take the deer down with this. She saw a couple of rabbits running about. She let the blade fly, striking one of them. She went to retrieve the critter.
She felt the force push her to the ground, the weight on her held her down. She could feel the breath on her neck.
“A poacher. Hunting on the lands of the Imperial Grand Archduke of Shoudfield is illegal. I could take you before his Imperial Royal Highness, or I could just serve my own justice.” The man’s breath was heavy.
She felt his hands on her pants, and he began tugging, pulling them down. She tried to kick, but his weight was on her legs preventing her from moving. “I am the daughter of the Imperial Grand Archduke of Raamsfeld. I suggest you think about what you are about to do. I do not think your master will be happy if you do this. It will cause a war between our two lands.”
“An Imperial. I have always wanted to know how it felt to be inside an Imperial,” he laughed as he undid his own trousers.
She struggled but it was useless. She could not turn herself to face him. She had fought so many of these men who defiled the women of Raamsfeld. Was this her punishment?
Sudde
nly, she felt the weight lifted and a thud as she was rolled about. She saw Harris rolling around with the man. He was on top and hitting the man repeatedly until he stopped moving.
“Is he dead?” She asked as she walked over to retrieve her blade from the rabbit.
“No, just unconscious. He will be fine. Felicia, I think it best that we get out of here.” He watched as she walked back over toward the man lying on the ground beneath Harris.
“Move,” she ordered
She stood over the man. She lowered herself and sat upon him. She plunged the dagger into his chest. “Now you know how it feels to have an Imperial inside of you.” She had fought many men to protect women, but she had never actually killed one. She sat there upon him just staring at him, unable to move.
Harris reached out to her. She flinched and pulled away.
“Felicia lets ready the horses and head for Shoudfield. We do not want to be here when the body is discovered.” He could sense something had changed in her. He needed to get her away from here, get her to Jascaessau. He reached out again. This time she accepted his assistance. She stood and followed him back to the horses.
As they mounted the horses a strange noise could be heard coming from the direction of the dead man. They rode and found the body engulfed in flames. No one was in the area. “How did this happen?” Harris asked, looking at Felicia.
“I do not know. I do not care. And I do not want to talk about it.” She coaxed her horse forward.
Not a word was spoken as they rode through the mountains and down into Shoudfield. Harris allowed Felicia to remain silent not wishing to upset her. He realized she was not as strong as she believed herself to be. It was clear she had never taken a life before. He wondered if she understood what she might be required to do as an Imperial guard.
Eleven
Malcolm entered Luke’s room to find the boy already prepared. He had his trunks packed. The coachmen were carrying them out to the carriage.
“I take it your sister told you where we were headed?” Malcolm did not know what else to say. He and Luke did not know each other well. He was a quiet boy who only spoke with his parents and sister.
“Yes, you are taking me to meet an old duke because you do not want to name me your heir.” Luke made no attempt to hide his contempt for Malcolm.
“It is not that easy Luke. I have a son and my title goes to him. I cannot make you my heir. I mean I could, but it would not be fair to Albert. I think you will like Duke Suffolk. His home is quite nice. He lives in Archester, the capital of Uhl. You will be in the center of everything,” Malcolm knew Daniella was also upset with him, but he could not take Albert’s legacy from him.
“Why does the Duke not have any family? What is wrong with him?” Luke asked.
“Nothing is wrong with him. He just never married. He has distant relatives who are all waiting for him to die. They cannot wait to fight for his title. I think he will be very open to the idea of you being his heir. He never really got along with his family, so this is a way for him to anger his family one last time.” Malcolm knew the true reason he had never married but felt it best not to tell Luke. The Duke enjoyed the company of young men over the company of women. Luke was a good-looking boy so Malcolm was sure Thomas would be happy to have the boy around.
“This all hinges on the hope that he will want to anger his family. What if he refuses? What happens then?” Luke and Malcolm headed to the carriage.
“I do not think he will refuse. He is a lonely old man. I think he will see you as a companion, someone with whom he can spend his final days.” Malcolm entered the carriage followed by Luke.
“I will not be there with him. I am only going to get his approval. I will be returning home with you.” Luke did not like the feeling he was getting from the conversation.
“If he agrees to name you his heir, he will expect you to live with him. He will desire to teach you all you need to know about running the duchy. You will be well taken care of. It will be an adventure.” Malcolm had not made this condition known to Luke or Daniella.
“I will not live with the old man. He will make me his heir and that will be the last I see of him. I do not know him,” Luke was becoming upset. “Why must I stay? Does my sister know of this?”
“It is the least you can give the man since he is giving you his title, land, and money. Your sister is not aware. I thought it best not to bring it up. Does this change your desire to acquire a title?” Malcolm hoped the Duke would require the boy stay with him. Malcolm was not fond of him and wanted him separated from Daniella.
“My sister desires me to have a title. I do not believe she will be pleased to find that I have become a prisoner of this Duke. How will you explain this all to her?” Luke’s anger was growing.
“If your sister desires a title for you, she could have approached the Empress. Since she did not, it falls on me to try to obtain one. Should Daniella be unhappy with the conditions, I will deal with her.” Malcolm sat back.
As the carriage traveled from Red Hill to Wardry South, the ground beneath began to shake. The further they traveled, the worse the quakes became. Luke sat and stared blindly at Malcolm. He seemed to be concentrating on something.
The carriage swerved quickly, throwing the two men about. The driver stopped. Malcolm exited, Luke remained seated. “What was that?” Malcolm called to the driver.
“Sorry your grace. The ground just shot up in front of me. I had to swerve to avoid a collision.” The driver was visibly shaken.
Malcolm looked behind the carriage and saw a mound of earth in the middle of the road. He had been over this road many times and never had he noticed the ground uneven. “Very well, continue on. I want to arrive at Nottingham Manor before dark.” Malcolm returned to his seat.
“That is quite odd,” he said to Luke.
“It is not that odd. There are things on Saaveth you do not understand,” Luke responded without looking at him, a smile spreading across his face.
****
Betsy entered Stela’s chamber. She opened the drapes that covered the windows. The light flooded the room causing Stela to stir. She rubbed her eyes and Betsy lit the fire.
“Good morning, Betsy,” Stela said as she stepped out of bed. Betsy quickly helped Stela into her robe. Stela walked over to sit by the fire to warm herself. A knock at the door drew her attention.
“Enter,” she called not turning from the fire.
“Majesty, I have some news,” Jordan said as he entered the room.
“What is it?” Stela turned to look at the guard.
“Two bodies were found in the cell of the prisoner,” he looked down as he provided the news.
“Which prisoner?” Stela stood, worried it was her mother’s cell.
“Roberts,” Jordan responded. “Both bodies were burned beyond recognition. We believe one of the bodies is Roberts as it was still chained to the wall. The other, we believe, was the guard assigned to the Empress Mother’s cell. He has not been seen.”
“Roberts is dead? This is not good. He was to appear in court today,” Stela worried about what the people might think. The prisoner had died in his cell before he was given a proper trial.
“Yes, Majesty, he is dead,” Jordan stood waiting for Stela to either punish him or release him.
“Did anyone see what happened? Any clue as to why they were burned, or how?” Stela could not understand how this happened.
“We are still investigating. At this time, we have no information beyond the bodies,” Jordan knew this would not please Stela.
“Continue the investigation. I am not sure how I will deal with this. My uncle is coming to support Roberts. He will not be pleased,” Stela began to pace about the room. “Jordan, please bring Her Imperial Highness Charity to me. I need to inform her of the details.”
“As you wish, Majesty,” Jordan said as he left the room.
Stela paced anxiously about the room. What would her uncle say, or do, when he discovered Samu
el was dead while under her care? He would accuse her of taking justice into her own hands. He would use this in his favor.
“Ma’am,” Betsy called out to Stela. “I have picked out your clothes for the day. Do you wish to dress now?”
“Thank you,” Stela walked over to her maid. Her robe and nightgown were removed. Betsy helped Stela step into the blue satin dress she had selected. She tightened the corset. Stela had not noticed how tight it was as her breathing was shallow with worry. She walked over to her vanity to allow Betsy to work on her hair.
“Majesty, Her Imperial Highness, Charity,” Jordan made the announcement, showing the Archduchess in, closing the door behind her.
“Charity. I hope you slept well,” Stela had to choose her words wisely. She was not sure how Charity would react to the news.
“My sleep was rough. I think knowing the murderer was within the same walls made sleep difficult.” Charity went and sat on the settee while Betsy finished the Empress’ hair.
“That is what I want to talk to you about. I was just given word that Samuel is dead,” Stela watched through the mirror to see Charity’s reaction.
“Dead? How?” Charity’s heart raced. Daniella had succeeded in her task.
“It seems he was burned. The guards are still investigating to determine if they can figure out what exactly happened.” Stela watched her cousin closely. She had little reaction to the news.
“Burned? Are you sure?” Charity wondered why Daniella would have burned the body. Perhaps to cover up the evidence of what she had done?
“I have not visited the scene, but I believe my guards can tell when someone has been burned.” Stela was surprised by Charity’s response. “Another body was found in the cell with Samuel. The guards believe it was the man stationed at my mother’s cell. The bodies are badly burned and identification is difficult.”
“Another body?” Charity recalled her dream. Two men were in the cell when the fire started. It was a dream, was it not? “What are you going to do?”
“I do not know. My uncle will be arriving soon to talk with Samuel. I know he will blame me for this. Yet another scandal I will have to deal with,” Stela sat as Betsy pulled on her hair. She could not help but wonder why Charity was so indifferent to the news. She was sure her cousin would have at least been pleased he was dead, but she showed little emotion.
