by Frank David
Braynard stopped the object. “You cannot harm me, Princess. I am glad to see another gift has been discovered but know that I am more powerful than all the Imperials of Hulsteria together.” He raised his hand, lifting the girl high into the air. “Know that I took no pleasure in any of the events that I had a hand in, but they were necessary for Hulsteria and Stela.” Braynard stared at the girl.
Madeline rushed toward Braynard in an attempt to free Sofia from his grasp. He turned his gaze toward her. She was unable to take another step. “Foolish woman, you know you are powerless against me, but I am sure Sofia is flattered by your attempt. I do not wish to harm either of you but do not force my hand.”
“Do not worry. All that was shared with you today will soon be forgotten. Thank you for allowing me to confess my sins.” As he lowered his hand, Sofia descended and was once again on solid ground.
He looked at Madeline. “I will allow you to remember what was confessed here today but you will tell no one. You will not have the words to explain. Your tongue is locked from betraying me.” With that Braynard was gone, leaving the two women alone.
“I must instruct the Imperials to return to their homes. I will be happy having the palace less chaotic.” Sofia went to leave but Madeline grabbed her arm.
Madeline tried to remind Sofia of what occurred, but the words would not escape her throat.
“What is it, mother?” Sofia asked. “I need to release the Imperials; do you not want peace in the palace?” She removed her mother’s arm and left the room.
“Braynard, you will pay for this!” Madeline called out knowing he would hear her.
“I know,” the voice responded.
Twenty-four
Stela stood her ground as Harris made his approach, his sword held high. Stela leaped as he lowered his blade to make contact. She turned to face him as he missed his mark. He was winded, she was barely worked. He came at her again. His sword met the shield and broke. He tossed the defeated weapon to the ground.
“Stela, I do not think you need any additional training. We have gone through most of the practice swords. We will need to use our own swords soon which I do not think would be wise,” Harris laughed, trying to catch his breath.
“It would seem the training was more difficult for you,” Stela laughed as she walked over to sit on the fountain in the courtyard.
“We cannot all have enchanted weapons,” he responded as he joined her. He reached into the fountain and splashed water on his face. “I think you are ready to face Edmund.”
“I still wonder if I can do it. Can I take his life?” Stela grabbed the canteen on her side and took a sip, then offered it to Harris.
“If it is your life or his, I believe you will find the strength you need to end his.” Harris handed the canteen back to Stela.
“No resting, you need to keep training, Stela,” Roderick called out as he crossed the courtyard. “You have to be prepared.”
“I am done, Roderick. You can work with her if you wish,” Harris responded as his breath returned to normal. “I do not know what else she needs to be taught. I cannot get a swing to make contact except with the shield, and we have broken enough swords, I will not risk my own.”
“Perhaps we should let her work with the straw men, get a feel for what it is like to cut through something,” Roderick suggested.
“Yes, that is a grand idea. I will be able to relax and watch her attack something other than me,” Harris laughed.
The three walked around to the back of the palace, near the barracks that housed the troops who lived at Frostmoor. Astrid and Kyle joined them, followed by a few servants.
“I had the staff prepare lunch. I thought we could eat outside as it is such a lovely day,” Astrid said as she motioned for the staff to prepare an area for the Imperials to sit and eat.
“I am starving. Thank you, Imperial Highness.” Harris was the first to take a seat as the servants laid out the food.
“Yes, thank you, Astrid,” Stela added as she took a seat next to Harris.
Astrid was the first to notice the four approaching from around the palace. “Stela, we have visitors. It is Empress Renee.”
Stela turned to see the Empress approaching. She jumped to her feet when she noticed Charity accompanying her.
“Empress, what are you doing here?” Stela greeted the dignitary.
“I have come on behalf of Savien,” Renee answered. “I have brought my daughter, Amanda. She has the gift to communicate over great distances. Sofia thought it best we come here and stay with you at Frostmoor. She also thought it best that the Imperial Archduchess join us.”
“Thank you, Renee. I did not hear the carriages,” Stela observed.
“We did not come by carriage. I brought us here.” Renee said as she vanished and appeared behind Stela.
“I see you too have a gift.” Astrid was quick to point out the obvious.
“Astrid, I did not know you would be here. Did your father send you on his behalf?” Renee greeted the Imperial Princess Royal.
“Actually, it was the Master Scientia that suggested my visit. My father believed Stela was guilty of the accusations made by the former Emperor Consort,” Astrid explained.
“Savien was also convinced of Stela’s guilt. We received a message that she was innocent, so I have come to see for myself before Savien pledges allegiance to either side.” Renee approached and joined the five.
“I am innocent, Renee. Edmund betrayed me and killed his brother to assume his throne. He is bringing war to Hulsteria in an attempt to take both thrones for himself,” Stela informed the Empress.
“I was here for the assassination attempt against Stela. Edmund was behind the attack. I believe Stela is innocent of all charges against her,” Astrid added, supporting Stela.
“I have spoken with my cousin, Megdalina. She is safe and claims that Edmund is not guilty of any actions against his brother or the Empress.” Amanda had contacted her cousin when rumors that Edmund lived surfaced. “She says he is taking very good care of her. She is not happy about the attack against Hulsteria. She worries for her parents’ safety. Edmund has promised no harm would come to them. He has been named regent of Megdalina’s unborn child, the future Emperor of Xasha.”
“I am glad to know that the Empress Consort is safe. You must warn her to beware Edmund. His quest was not to be regent but Emperor. I fear he may try to harm her or her child.” Stela knew the ambition that drove her husband and knew he would not be happy with any obstacle.
“Thank you, I will warn her.” Amanda joined the others.
Astrid watched Tripp as he was running about the gardens. She watched as the birds flocked around him. “Does he speak to the animals, Charity?”
“He does. Perhaps you can help him to understand his gift since you share the same talent?” Charity asked.
“I would be happy to talk to him, but it seems he is quite good with his gift,” Astrid laughed, watching the boy play.
“His gift appeared well before mine. He used his power to win the hunt during Princess Sofia’s birthday celebration,” Charity admitted.
“I wondered how a boy of his age bested the more experienced hunters,” Stela laughed. “There were many Imperials and Royals unhappy with him that day. I am glad you both are here, Charity.”
“I am glad to be here as well. I do worry about Chris and Gage. Chris is not of Imperial birth, so I do not believe he will have any gifts to protect him against Edmund and his armies. Gage has shown no gifts yet either. Helmsley is home to the palace, so both will be in the path of the armies.” Charity wanted to return home to protect her husband and oldest son but knew she was needed here.
“You could request Chris and Gage to join us here,” Stela suggested.
“No, Chris will want to stay and protect our home and Gage will want to stay with him,” Charity said, the concern evident in her voice.
“I am sure some Imperials have taken up lodging at Suffort. They will provid
e extra protection for Chris and Gage. Please do not worry about them, Charity. I will see they have protection.” Stela wanted to ease her cousin’s mind. She had suffered enough. Stela had to ensure her husband and children were safe.
“Charity, get word to your husband. Order him to leave Jascaessau. Have him travel to Uhl and stay with Jacob Bennett. He will be safe there. Edmund will be attacking no other kingdoms. The goal is only to take Jascaessau. That will secure him the throne of Hulsteria.” Braynard appeared among the group gathered. “Your son must come to Frostmoor. His gifts are active, but he has not yet discovered them. He will be beneficial to Hulsteria’s attempts to thwart Edmund’s troops.”
“How will I convince Chris to leave? He would not leave the boys and me knowing war is coming.” Charity knew her husband would insist on staying in Jascaessau to protect his family.
“I suggest you have Felicia assist you with convincing Chris. Her powers are quite persuasive.” Braynard smiled as he walked over toward Tripp, still playing with the birds.
“They like you,” Tripp said as Braynard approached. “But they fear you also. Why are they scared of you?”
“They know the power I possess and it makes them nervous,” he said reaching down to muss the boy’s hair. “You have nothing to fear from me and neither do your friends. Have you ever seen a whale, Tripp?” Braynard questioned.
“Only in my picture books,” Tripp answered honestly.
“Follow me,” Braynard commanded and grabbed the boy’s hand.
Tripp looked back at Charity, who nodded her approval but followed closely behind the two. The others followed as well, not sure of Braynard’s intentions with the boy.
They walked out past the Imperial graveyard, toward the cliffs that overlooked the sea. Braynard took Tripp to the edge.
Charity suddenly felt uneasy. She did not like her son being so close to the edge. Astrid moved beyond Charity, getting closer to the two on the cliff.
“Call out to the whales, Tripp, like you did with the birds and the fox. Have them come to you.” Braynard looked back sensing Astrid approaching. He raised his hand. She was unable to take another step.
“Braynard, please bring Tripp back. I do not like him being so close to the edge.” Charity called out. “Pleas…” She was unable to finish the word.
“When will you all learn, I am not the enemy. Trust that I have pure intentions. I mean the boy no harm. I want him to see that he can command all creatures on land, sea, and air.” Braynard grew tired of their distrust.
Tripp watched as the sea began to become rough, the waves increasing in intensity. He watched the spouting air from blowholes as the whales surfaced. A large whale jumped out of the water, creating a large splash as he returned to the sea. Tripp laughed with excitement watching the whales perform their water dance. He moved forward to get a better look. He lost his footing and fell from the cliff.
Charity screamed as she watched her son fall.
Braynard raised his hands. The boy’s fall stopped before hitting the shore below. Charity watched as Tripp appeared over the edge of the cliff. Braynard lifted the boy back to his mother. She grabbed him, the tears rolling down her face.
“I am sorry, I did not expect him to move closer, but he is safe.” Braynard knew this would not help gain their confidence.
“He is a boy! What did you expect? He wanted to get closer. I do not appreciate you putting Tripp in such a dangerous situation.” Stela moved forward condemning Braynard for his poor decision.
“He is unharmed. I would not let any harm come to him, or any of you. It would not serve my purpose.” Braynard turned back to the whales. “Release them, Tripp.”
Tripp did as he was asked and the whales swam away, back out into deeper waters. “Mom, do not be upset. I am okay and that was fun. Can I do it again?” Tripp asked.
“No, you cannot do it again,” Charity answered, holding him tight.
“See, the boy is fine, Charity.” Braynard came over and put his hand on the boy’s head again.
Braynard walked to Stela. He could sense her trust in him had diminished after the incident with Tripp. “Are you prepared for Edmund? Do you believe you are ready to face him? Do you believe you have trained enough or do you require more?”
“I do not know that I will ever be prepared to face him.” Stela could feel the apprehension in her stomach. “I think the sword and shield have me as prepared as I ever will be.” She looked at Harris who nodded in agreement.
“I am not able to reach her when we spar. We did think she should have some time with the straw men to prepare her for what it feels like when her sword contacts another,” Harris offered.
“That is wise, Harris. Work with her on that. I will give you another month to prepare. I will then release Edmund, allowing him to make his move on Jascaessau.” Braynard gave his final warning. “I will not allow the Benedictus’ armies to be a part of the battle. They will not engage Edmund’s fleet. You will have the Scientia and the Imperials to help when the troops reach the shores. That is all you will need. Edmund will come for you, Stela. He will not engage any before reaching you. Edmund’s men will be instructed to only attack those who attack them. The people of Jascaessau will not be in danger unless they raise arms against the army. Instruct your people to remain in their homes if they wish to remain unharmed.”
“Charity, I think you and Stela should spend some time together tonight. I believe it will be good for you both.” Braynard looked at Charity who stared at him with a look of distrust. He turned and was gone.
“I do not trust him,” Roderick spoke after the man had left. “He seems to control every action. I have to wonder what he gets out of all of this.”
“I agree,” Astrid said returning to the group. “He convinced me to come here to be by your side.”
“It was Braynard that instructed my husband to send Angelique to Hulsteria. We are here on his request as well,” Renee added.
“Angelique is your husband’s heir, is she not?” Stela asked.
“Yes,” Renee answered.
“I cannot help but think there is some reason he has brought influential Imperials from the other realms here,” Charity said, still shaken.
“I am second in line to the throne of Trokha. I am of little consequence,” Astrid added.
“Two of my daughters are here, but my son, Clayton, remains safe in Savien. If his attempt is to eliminate the heirs of the realms, he does not have all of them here.” Renee was beginning to question Braynard as well.
“Braynard told me my son, Joseph, would unite the realms. He said Joseph would sit upon the four thrones. I do not see how that is possible,” Stela shared what Braynard has foreseen.
“If Edmund dies at your hand, would Joseph not become Emperor of Xasha?” Harris asked.
“He would if Megdalina was not pregnant with Victor’s child. That child is the future heir to the throne of Xasha.” Amanda knew her cousin was pregnant.
“If that child is not born or dies before he is old enough to rule, the throne would pass to Joseph. Do you think Braynard means to kill the child?” Kyle noted. “He would also be heir to the throne of Hulsteria, commanding two armies. He could use those armies to take the other two realms."
“I do not think Braynard means to kill anyone. If he wanted us dead, he could do it easily.” Harris did not trust the man but did not believe he meant anyone harm. “He has seen something that is driving him to push our hands.”
“Thomasine has visions. I wonder if she has seen anything of this future?” Stela did not think the Scientia knew anything for sure. She would have confessed the visions to her. “Renee, can you go to the palace and bring Thomasine to us? She may be able to shed some light on Braynard’s plans.”
“Stelaphina, I would like to rest. I have traveled much today but would be happy to retrieve the woman in the morning.” Renee was weary, the travel took much out of her.
“Of course, I am sorry, you should rest. I thi
nk we should all relax. Much has happened today.” Stela headed back toward the palace. The others followed closely behind. She stopped when she reached her grandfather’s grave. “Please, head back. I need a few minutes alone,” Stela instructed, allowing the others to return to the palace.
“I will wait for you, Stela, if that is alright with you,” Harris offered.
“I would like that Harris, thank you.” Stela returned her attention to the headstone that marked where her grandfather slept.
Once the others were well beyond her, she knelt by the grave. “Grandfather, did you know all that was to be brought before me? Were you aware of Braynard’s visions? Was that why you betrayed Roderick’s family?” She sat quietly, almost expecting the man to respond. She had to wonder who else was aware of her future, her destiny. Braynard shared it all too easily. She wanted to cry, but the tears would not come. It was all becoming too much for her. Braynard had placed much on her shoulders and she wondered if she was as strong as he believed. “Sitting here talking to the dead is not preparing me for what is to come. I miss you, grandfather.” She stood and walked over to join Harris.
“Are you okay, Stela?” Harris asked. He liked talking with Stela. She was more agreeable than Felicia.
“I am, thank you. Braynard has given me much to ponder. I think he overestimates my strength. Yes, Edmund betrayed me, but I do not think the anger I feel is enough to want to take his life. I fear if I do take his life I will be a different person. Have you ever taken a life, Harris?” Stela knew Braynard saw the two married and honestly, she found it easy to talk with Harris.
Harris was taken back to the mountain where Felicia killed her attacker. “I have not, Stela. I agree, I think once you take another’s life you are changed. It would be impossible to think that you would not be. However, I think Braynard sees something that you do not. While I do not completely trust the man, I do not think he is a threat to you or any of us. I have seen the way you fight with Roderick and me. You take it very seriously. You fight with heart, not like true warriors who fight for survival. I think you know your battle has much more at stake than life or death for you or Edmund. It holds the future of Hulsteria. You might be surprised how easily you can take his life knowing so many lives rest on your victory.” Harris knew how murdering the man on the mountain affected Felicia, though he believed it was also partially impacted by what the man had attempted to do to her. He knew Stela was not the same as Felicia and might have trouble with the realization that she would need to take a life but believed knowing the alternative, she would do it with little after effect.
