by Frank David
“Yes, I am.” Felicia was not sure what she had done to Sofia but the girl was not moving and it appeared she was barely breathing.
“Do not worry about her, she will be fine my dear. I saw the kiss you two shared. I never would have taken my daughter for a homosexual. She always loved the boys.” She reached out and touched Felicia, who tried to pull away but it was no use. Madeline’s grip was tight. She found the memories that plagued her and removed them from the girl’s memory. “Well, this is easy. Now I have to try to remove the memories from all minds.” She turned to see Braynard standing behind her.
“You have heard the things that have been said. Just search out those memories and remove them. It should not take you long. However, I demand that you not remove the memories from Morgan. His hatred toward you is just and must remain. Also, you will not be able to remove the memories from Stela. Expect her to be annoyed by your release. I will try to speak to her before she sees you, to prepare her.” Braynard turned and was gone.
Madeline stood there and concentrated on the memories she had witnessed in her daughter and Felicia. Within moments she had removed the memories from all Saaveth. As far as anyone was concerned, Madeline was still a respected member of the Imperial Family.
“Mother, why are we in the dungeons? You hate it down here,” Sofia asked, looking at Madeline.
“Because of the attack. We were just making sure the cells were secured. You and Felicia agreed to accompany me. Now that we have completed our task, let us leave this place.” She turned and led the girls out of the catacombs.
****
“We will be working with practice swords’ Stela. I do not want you getting hurt while you spar.” Roderick handed Stela the wooden sword. “A real sword weighs much more, but I do not want to risk your safety.”
“I know the weight of a sword, Roderick. I have held one before.” She laughed as she took the toy from her brother. “I want to use a real sword. I need to become accustomed to the weight. I must build my strength using the real thing.” She tossed the wooden sword to the ground.
“Very well, Stela but when you spar with another, I insist you use the practice sword.” Roderick handed her his sword.
The weight was greater than the sword she used for ceremonies. She could lift it but knew she would not be able to hold it for long. She knew she needed to build her strength if she were to be any threat. “It is much heavier than the sword I use for ceremonies.”
“That is a ceremonial sword, not meant for fighting,” Roderick quickly pointed out. “True swords are much heavier. This is why I wanted you to practice with the wooden sword. It would be much easier for you to handle. You will build your strength in time.”
“Excuse me,” Braynard interrupted the two.
“Braynard,” Stela greeted him. “What are you doing here?”
“I have brought you a gift.” He held out a sword. “This is the weapon you need to use. The Blade of Dagonus.”
Roderick grabbed the sword. It was the heaviest sword he had ever held. He could barely lift it. “There is no way she can use this sword. I can barely hold it.”
“Stela, please take the sword from your brother,” Braynard commanded.
Stela reached out and took the blade from her brother. It was the lightest sword she had ever held, even lighter than the practice sword. She raised the sword above her head and swung it about. “Roderick, I think perhaps it is you who needs to work out,” she laughed as she continued mimicking moves she had seen the fighters use. She admired the blade.
It was not the gray steel of typical swords; this blade was black. It was polished, allowing Stela to see her reflection. The hilt appeared to be three talons, red as blood. The handle was just beneath the talons. The center of the hilt held a leathery circle. It was smooth and a slit ran through the middle of the circle.
“How is it possible that I cannot raise the sword, but Stela works the blade like a master?” Roderick looked at Braynard with suspicion.
“The blade is made from the bone of the dragon, Dagonus. The bones of the dragons are the strongest material known to Saaveth. Only those chosen can wield such a blade. The last person to use this blade was Declan. When you train Stela using this sword, I suggest you use a sword that you do not value. The sword will cut through any blade it faces. The only blade that is its match is a similar such sword. Stela will require little training with the sword. The sword will protect her.” Braynard approached Stela. “Walk with me.” He offered his arm, which Stela accepted.
“I wanted you to know, your mother has been freed. Sofia felt it unsafe for your mother to remain in the dungeon with all that has occurred. Your mother has also discovered one of her powers. She has the ability to remove memories. No one remembers the crimes of which you accused her. Only you and Antonio remember her crimes. I recommend you allow her to maintain her freedom. She may prove to be a powerful ally.” Braynard wanted Stela to curb her anger and see how her mother might prove beneficial.
“She cannot remain free, Braynard. She killed my father and Roderick’s family.” Stela released her hand from his arm.
“Roderick has no memory of what he was told. He still believes his mother died of illness. Do not make him relive that truth.” Braynard did not want to see Roderick suffer the pain of the truth a second time.
“Does he remember the Benedictus is his grandfather? It would be unfair to remove that memory from him.” Stela looked back at Roderick who was sparring with Harris.
“I have allowed those memories to remain, without the lies your mother told him. He remembers only that Antonio is his grandfather and he loves him dearly. They both suffered greatly and no purpose would be served to have them suffer any longer.” Braynard looked at her. “When you see your mother, do not discuss her crimes. You will need her, not when you face Edmund but, when the second war comes.”
“A second war?” Stela knew the prophecy Thomasine had shared but was not aware of two separate confrontations. “When will this war begin?”
“There is no need to worry about that now. The second war will come after the birth of your next child.” Braynard did not want her focusing on the war that would truly test her. He wanted her to focus on Edmund. “If the stream continues as it is, you will marry and have another child. Shortly after the birth, the third person you trust will rise against you. Of course, the stream can change at any moment. This is not something you should think on. If that war continues to be a threat, I would inform you and prepare you for what is coming.” He began leading her back to her brother and Harris.
“I will not be marrying again, nor having another child.” Stela refused to believe this prophecy.
“You will marry again. You will marry the son and heir of an Imperial Grand Archduke.” He looked over at Harris.
Stela saw him looking at Harris. “Harris? I have no desire to marry him. He may be Imperial by blood, but he is peasant by upbringing.”
“Yes, he is, but you will see the benefit of marrying someone who was raised with your people. He will bring insight that you do not have. He knows the plight of your people and he will lead Hulsteria to a great future. He will be regent to your son Joseph after you have moved on.”
“Moved on? Am I to die before Joseph is of age?” Stela was startled by Braynard’s prediction.
“I cannot tell you what will become of you, but you will leave Joseph before he reaches the age to rule. Harris, as his Regent, will give him the knowledge he needs to be a great leader. He will understand his people better than any leader before him. Joseph will unite the realms to become one great nation before the other realms are discovered. He will need a unified people if he is to protect the known realms of Saaveth.” Braynard knew he was providing too much information, but he felt Stela needed to know what was coming.
“Other realms? The only realms that exist on Saaveth are Hulsteria, Savien, Trokha, and Xasha.” Stela knew the terrain of Saaveth. The maps showed no unknown lands.
&n
bsp; “You know the stories of the barbarians defeated by Declan. Where did you think they went? Some remained or fled to the other realms. Some traveled further, beyond Savien and Trokha. They made their homes in these distant lands where they could freely worship their pagan Goddess. They desire to return to their homelands and reclaim what was once theirs, and their Goddess is helping them prepare for victory. This is why I am helping you: to prepare you for what lies ahead.”
“Saaveth has had peace for so long, why is that peace now being disrupted?” Stela asked Braynard.
“God is not pleased with Diana. He has grown tired of her presence and is ready to end her reign as a deity, a reign he has allowed to flourish. Your son will bring an end to Her and her barbarians, but these coming confrontations are the foundation of your son’s victory.” Braynard tried to bring solace to Stela knowing her son would be victorious, though honestly, he was not sure of Joseph’s victory. There were still many unknowns that could affect the outcome. “I think we should return to the others. You need to start your training. Edmund is becoming impatient. He wants to attack but is waiting for my approval.”
The two joined Roderick and Harris. “I am sorry that I have kept her. I return her to your charge, Roderick.” Braynard removed her hand from his arm. “I have one last gift for you, Stela.” He pointed to the center of the courtyard. There propped against the fountain was a shield. “It is constructed of dragon scales. Nothing will penetrate it. It will protect you from blades, arrows, and any manner of object that might be hurled at you. I will leave you now to begin your training. I believe you have the tools necessary to end Edmund’s terror.”
Stela walked over to retrieve the shield. In the center of the shield was the same small circle as found on the hilt of the sword. She picked it up. Again, she was surprised how light the object was. She placed the shield on her right arm and held the sword in her left hand.
“I believe I am ready brother,” she called out to Roderick.
“No offense, Scientia, but I want to test this shield before Stela uses it in battle.” Roderick charged Stela, his sword raised in front of him as Stela held the shield off to her side. As he approached, the circle in the center of shield opened, as did the center of the sword. It appeared to be an eye.
Stela screamed as the talons of the hilt dug into her arm. As Roderick approached, the shield raised in front of her. The sword in her hand raised as well and met Roderick’s sword, cutting his blade in half.
“I told you she would not need much training. The soul of the dragon lives in both the sword and shield. It will protect the one who holds them.” He looked at Roderick standing there with his practice sword. “Stela, you will become accustomed to the pain of the talons. You will see that when the sword senses all is safe, no visible marks will be left.”
Stela felt the talons release. She looked at her arm. He was right. There were no marks and no pain remained.
“As long as Stela has the sword and shield in hand, no harm will come to her. The dragon will protect her. However, should she lose either, the protection will weaken.” Braynard smiled at Roderick, which made him uneasy. “You can try to come at her from any direction, and the sword and shield will react, controlling Stela’s movements. Please, try it.”
Harris picked up a practice sword and rushed at Stela. Again, the eyes opened. Harris approached her straight on. Just as he reached her, Stela was flipped to the right out of his way. He turned quickly and came at her from behind. Stela leaped over him and landed behind him as her sword came up and poked him in the back.
“The dragon is playing with you,” Braynard laughed. “He knows this is not a true threat. He is showing off. Let them spar, Dagonus,” Braynard called out. Immediately the sword and shield lowered. “Now you can start your training but remember the dragon is watching and will protect Stela.” Braynard stepped back and out of the way, allowing the three to begin their training.
Twenty-Three
The Benedictus entered the great hall. Sofia greeted him as he made his way toward her.
“Benedictus,” Sofia greeted. “Thank you again for staying to watch over the Imperials.”
“I am afraid I must return to Carpathia. My fleets have arrived. They are stationed just north of the harbor. I have instructed my General to maintain their location until signaled by the palace. Here,” he handed her the flag of the Church. “When you need the fleets to move, have this flag hoisted to the top of the tower. The ships will move south toward Xasha and confront the oncoming warships.”
“Thank you, Benedictus. It seems some of the Imperials are discovering their gifts. I believe we will be amply prepared should Edmund send additional assassins.” Sofia bowed before the Benedictus.
“More are coming, my dear. Astrid’s letters have reached the other realms. The Imperials in the other realms are also discovering their gifts. They are each sending additional support,” Antonio informed the girl.
“How do you know they are coming?” Sofia questioned.
“Not only can I control water, but I have the gift of visions as well. It was these visions that told me it was time for me to leave. You will be well protected. I would suggest sending some to Frostmoor. Charity should be with Stela.” Antonio bowed before Sofia before taking his leave.
Angelique entered the great hall, bowing as she passed the Benedictus. She was accompanied by two additional women, an older and younger woman. Sofia recognized them. It was Angelique’s mother and younger sister.
“Sofia, do you remember my mother, Empress Consort Renee Lyon of Savien and my sister Imperial Princess Royal, Amanda Lyon of Savien?” Angelique asked as she approached Sofia.
“Your Imperial Royal Majesty. Welcome to Hulsteria,” Sofia bowed before the Empress Consort. “Is not the Empress Consort of Xasha, your niece?”
“Yes, Sofia, she is but that has no impact on why we are here. I believe the decision for Xasha to attack Hulsteria is not the wish of my niece; after all, her parents still call Jascaessau home,” Renee was quick to reply, not wishing for Sofia to question her motives.
“I agree, Majesty. I think she is a victim in all of this. Is there any way you can get word to your niece, ensure she is okay?” Sofia wanted to be sure the attack did not have the support of all Xasha.
“Cousin, I can answer that,” Amanda spoke up. “I have communicated with my cousin. She is fine.”
“How did you speak with her? What gifts do you possess?” Sofia knew Edmund would not allow anyone to speak with Megdalina.
“I have the gift of silent communication. I can communicate with one through thoughts, hearing their thoughts as well.” Sofia did not see the girl’s lips move but heard her.
“I believe your powers would prove beneficial at Frostmoor. Stelaphina is training there, preparing for battle. Your gift would allow a connection between Frostmoor and Rothmar. Would you mind traveling to Frostmoor? The Benedictus has suggested the Imperial Archduchess of Welshpool travel to be with the Empress. You could travel with her.” Sofia believed having Amanda at Frostmoor would allow Sofia to speak with her sister quickly should a need arise.
“I can get them there faster than a carriage, Sofia,” Renee responded. “My gift is the ability to travel great distances in almost no time. That is how we arrived here so quickly. I can take Amanda and the Imperial Archduchess.”
“I have to inform Charity that she will be heading to Frostmoor. I will find her at once.” Sofia left the women to find Charity.
****
Edmund led the girl to his quarters. He had denied his desires far too long, and the girl was more than happy to assist him with his release. The girl, Adele, was the daughter of the Imperial Archduke of Billingsdorf. Billingsdorf was the home of the Imperial Capital of Xasha, Sauldorf. Edmund had been so focused on taking Hulsteria he had forgotten the perks of being the leader of the realm, even if he was only regent to the future Emperor.
He opened his chamber doors to find the mystic.
&nb
sp; “What are you doing here?” Edmund made no attempt to disguise his disgust with finding the man in his room.
“Lady Adele, please wait for the Imperial Prince Royal outside,” he commanded.
“It is I who will dismiss her. You have no power in Xasha. Stela may have granted you power in Hulsteria, but I have not granted you the same luxury.” Edmund was quick to remind the man who ran Xasha.
“Forgive me, Imperial Highness. Might you ask your companion to wait in the hall? We have much to discuss.” Braynard played Edmund’s game.
“Adele, give me a moment. If I do not speak with him now, he will not give us a moment's peace.” He held the door for his guest as she left the two men. “Why are you here?”
“I have brought you a gift. You need a special sword if you are to face Stela.” Braynard drew Edmund’s attention to the sword propped against the hearth.
Edmund approached the blade with caution, still unsure of Braynard’s motives. He picked up the blade. He had never seen such a sword. The blade was a polished black metal. The hilt was three talons with a leather circle in the center.
“I have never seen a blade such as this? What is it made of?” Edmund asked as he swung the sword about, surprised how light it was. “It is too light to do any real damage.”
“It is the Blade of Ellianos. The blade is made from the bone of Ellianos, one of the original dragons created by the old God. The only material that will match its ability is another blade made from dragon bone. It will protect you if you allow it.” Braynard watched as Edmund played with his new toy.
“This sword will protect me? How?” Edmund asked not sure he believed the man.
“Do you want to try it out? I would be more than willing to give you something to attack.” Braynard smiled as the ice spear appeared in his hand. He launched it toward Edmund.
Immediately the talons found their way into his arm. The pain was incredible. As the spear approached, the sword raised and split the spear down the center, shattering into a million pieces. “Why did you not warn me about the talons? How did the sword know to react?”
