Making of a Warrior

by Frank David

“Perhaps the final battle will be with your son, but the first battle will be between those of Imperial birth and those who have been devoted to Diana. Beware, there are those of Imperial birth who serve the old Goddess. They will turn sides when you face Daniella.” Antonio knew the information would shake her.

  “If these Imperials turn on me, I will see them face the same fate as Daniella,” Stela said the words, unsure that she believed them.

  “What if some of the Imperials are those you hold dear? Could you strike them down? Has your heart been taken beyond compassion?” Antonio’s voice became solemn.

  “Are you saying Charity is a follower of Diana?” Stela asked. “Or Roderick? Who do you see standing beside Daniella?”

  “I cannot say who will turn their back, but there are those that will, not out of disloyalty to you but because of the blood that ties them to Diana.” Antonio was becoming tired. “Remember the actions of those who have been involved in these games. Remember how they made you all pawns. It will serve you well when your time comes.”

  “My time?” Stela didn’t understand.

  “It is not the time for you to know such things. I have said too much already,” Antonio stood. “Would you sit with him while I go rest for a bit?” His eyes were heavy.

  “Yes, please get some rest.” Stela stood and curtsied as he left.

  “Edmund has set sail for Jascaessau,” the voice said annoying her.

  “Who is going to turn against me?” Stela asked without looking in his direction. She did not wish to see his face.

  “The old man said too much. You need only worry about Edmund. He will reach the shores in a few days. Are you prepared?” Braynard stood behind her. He could sense her hatred for him. “I am not the one to be hated. In time everything will make sense. Hate me now if you must, but you will see the hate has been wasted.”

  “I am prepared. I would be more prepared if my brother were by my side.” Her tone was snide.

  “That is why I cannot allow him to wake. If he stands by your side, he will protect you. You must do this on your own. You must gather the strength to strike Edmund down.” Braynard’s voice was getting louder as his anger grew.

  “Why is it so important that I kill the man I once loved?” Stela pushed him.

  “You must learn that love and your heart are your only weaknesses. Once you have learned to crush the love you feel for others, only then can you achieve your destiny. Love will only hinder you when you asc…” Braynard caught himself. He had allowed himself to be pushed too far.

  “Why is love a weakness? How will it hinder me?” Stela needed the answers. She had enough of his riddles and half-truths.

  “It is not the time for that. You must trust me,” Braynard moved back not wishing to be near her.

  “You want me to trust you, yet you cannot trust me. Does that seem fair?” Stela was becoming unnerved.

  “I have never said anything about fair. What lies ahead is anything but fair. I cannot give you the details, just know that everything being done is for you.” Braynard took his leave, not wishing to divulge more.

  Stela called out to the guard. “Inform the others we will be leaving for Rothmar at once. It is time for us to return and prepare for the Xashan armies.” The guard nodded and left to convey the message.

  There was a knock on the door. “Enter,” Stela called out.

  Charity entered the room. “The guard said we were returning to Rothmar. Do you think that is wise, Stela?”

  “I do not want to face Edmund at Frostmoor. Rothmar is equipped to face him and his armies. Frostmoor was not designed to withstand an attack and I will not see the bodies of my ancestors disturbed,” Stela responded, not taking her eyes off Roderick.

  “What will you do about him?” Charity asked, looking at Roderick.

  “The Benedictus is here. He will protect him.” Stela knew Antonio would gladly keep watch over her brother in her absence. “Charity, do you know of Diana?”

  “Of which Diana do you speak?” Charity found it an odd question.

  “Diana, the Goddess,” Stela responded, watching her cousin as she said the words.

  “Stela, that is blasphemy. There is but one God; to claim there is another with the Benedictus here could lead to your death,” Charity whispered the words, afraid Antonio would hear their conversation.

  “I have a feeling the Benedictus would not see this as blasphemy. He told me there are those who live within Hulsteria that follow this Goddess,” she watched for some reaction. “Some are Imperials. There is a war coming, and these Imperials that are sworn to Diana will support her cause against me.”

  “The war is coming. Edmund will face you but what does this have to do with this Diana?” Charity could not understand what Stela was saying.

  “No, another war, after this. It will be a war against the followers of the old God and the old Goddess. I need to know that you will stand by my side. I need to know that you are not one of her secret followers.” Stela’s voice became sad. The thought that she and Charity could be on opposites sides in battle was more than she could take.

  “I have no allegiance to anyone but my Empress,” Charity curtsied, suddenly becoming very formal.

  “I am glad to hear that, cousin,” she gave Charity a smile. “Do you think Tripp is prepared to help in the attack?”

  “He is, but I do not think he should be involved. It is too great a risk.” Charity did not like denying Stela’s request but worried about the safety of her son.

  “He would not need to be seen. Astrid was able to control the ravens over great distances. I would ensure he was safe, somewhere he would not be discovered.” Stela didn’t want the boy being in the thick of battle but knew his gifts would be of great assistance. “Perhaps we keep him here, at Frostmoor. The Benedictus could keep him safe within the palace. You saw how he stopped the assassins at Rothmar, enclosing the palace in a dome of ice. He could do the same here, no harm would come to Tripp.”

  “Do you believe the Benedictus would agree to protect Frostmoor?” Charity asked, unsure if she trusted her son alone with an old man and an incapacitated warrior.

  “His grandson lies defenseless. I do not think I would need to ask. Roderick is all he is concerned with and he will do what is necessary to protect him and Tripp as well.” Stela was sure Antonio would agree to protect the boy. “You, Malcolm and Kyle head back to Rothmar. I will return with Harris once the Benedictus has had time to rest. Harris will watch over Tripp until we leave.”

  “Stela be careful,” Charity reached for her cousin. “We will wait for you at Rothmar.”

  “Could you find Harris and ask him to join me?” Stela asked as Charity opened the door.

  “I will,” Charity’s voice was quiet.

  “Roderick, what am I to do? I was prepared for this fight knowing you would be by my side. Now, I am not so sure.” Stela confessed to her brother. She stood and walked to the window. His room faced toward Helmsley and Rothmar. She could see Charity giving the command to prepare a carriage.

  There was a knock at the door but before she could respond the door opened. “You wanted to see me,” Harris entered.

  “Come in,” Stela looked at him with a smile. “I am sending everyone back to Rothmar. Braynard informed me that Edmund has left Xasha.”

  “The guards informed me. I was packing my things,” Harris was distant.

  “I would ask that you accompany me back to Rothmar. I have agreed to sit with Roderick until the Benedictus returns.” Stela walked toward him.

  “Of course, Stela,” Harris tried to look beyond her as she approached.

  “Is this really necessary, Harris?” Stela tried to meet the man’s eyes. “I know you are upset with me, but can we not put that night behind us? I meant no offense, please understand that. I need you by me. I need to know that you support me and what I am about to do.”

  “I know your intent was not to offend. I am sorry that it has been difficult for me to move past that
night.” Harris moved past her. “I am not permitted to protect you in this fight. I must stand by and watch as you fight for your life, helpless. I care for you deeply, Stela, but until this is over, I am afraid to give my heart to you. If you were to lose to Edmund, I would have lost two women for whom I cared. I could not put myself through that. Once Edmund has been defeated I will come to you and pledge myself to you.” Harris looked at her. He could see the pain in her eyes. “I know you are worried about what is to come, but I believe in you. You need no one by your side to defeat Edmund.” He leaned in and kissed her. “That is all I can give you as a sign of my affection, Empress.”

  “Thank you, Harris. If nothing else, you have given me something worth fighting for.” Stela grabbed his hand. “Go finish preparing to leave. I will come for you when the Benedictus returns.”

  ****

  Sofia entered the dining hall where her mother and Felicia were already seated. She took the open seat next to Felicia.

  “Stela and the others are returning to Rothmar,” she said as the plate was placed in front of her.

  “Does this mean Edmund is on his way?” Madeline asked.

  “I believe it does,” Sofia answered, not looking up from her plate.

  “She has decided to bring the war to Rothmar?” Madeline was concerned.

  “Rothmar is well suited for a battle. Frostmoor was not made for war. It is a simple winter home without the same protections,” Sofia responded, repeating the position Stela had taken.

  “We are small numbers; can we face Edmund?” Madeline questioned. Her voice gave away her anxiety.

  “Empress Mother, I believe we will be well protected. There are many Imperials on Jascaessau. We should gather them all at Rothmar. More are discovering their gifts every day. Surely they will help to defend the Empress and the castle.” Felicia tried to ease the woman’s concerns.

  “Lady Felicia, will you collect them and bring them here?” Madeline ordered more than requested.

  “Yes, I will begin at first light,” Felicia looked at Sofia. She wished she had Sofia’s gift. She wanted to know what she was thinking.

  “I will go with you. Mother, you will need to watch the children while we are gone,” Sofia smiled at Felicia.

  “You can’t leave me alone here, unprotected,” Madeline nearly choked on her food as she spoke.

  “You will not be alone. Charity and Kyle will have returned by then,” Sofia looked at her mother. “I wish to be with Felicia. We don’t know what will happen over the next few days. I want as much time with her as God will allow.”

  “Very well but you must promise you will not leave me if your cousins have not arrived,” Madeline pleaded with Sofia.

  “Agreed but they will be here before we retire for the night, mother. The two have already begun the journey back.” Sofia could hear Charity’s thoughts as she rode back to Rothmar. “She has left Tripp at Frostmoor with the Benedictus.”

  “Why would she leave her son at Frostmoor?” Felicia asked, confused.

  “She fears for his safety, even with all the Imperials that will be here for protection,” Sofia replied. “I believe Charity is questioning Stela’s success.”

  “Do you think Stela will be successful?” Her mother looked at her. Her eyes let Sofia know she had little faith in her daughter.

  “Stela is not the same woman she was a year ago or even just six months ago. She has changed. She is stronger than I have ever seen her. She has had experiences that would have caused most to give up, and for a time I thought she would. She overcame it all. I think she doubts herself, but she will find the power within herself to defeat him.” Sofia’s view of her sister had changed greatly. She used to question Stela’s ability to rule, but now she knew there was no other who could have ruled. “Felicia, would you join me on the tower? I want to watch for the signals from the eastern kingdoms.” Sofia stood. She walked over and kissed her mother on the cheek.

  Sofia looked through the viewing glass, an amazing device created by one of the Scientia. It allowed the viewer to see great distances. The Scientia claimed the idea came from a vision he had late one evening.

  She could see the fires beginning to burn along the eastern coast of the main land. She could not see the ships yet, but the fires were a sign the ships had been spotted.

  “He is coming. The fires have been lit,” Sofia leaned against Felicia. “Are you not worried about what is about to happen to Jascaessau?”

  “Let him come. I will stand strong against him and his armies. I will not let a man take what is your sister’s.” Felicia put her arm around Sofia. “I will protect you and the children until my last breath.”

  “Do not say that,” the thought of Felicia giving her last breath was something Sofia did not wish to consider. “When this is over, I think we should consider making our arrangement more permanent.”

  “Why, Imperial Princess Royal, are you asking me to marry you?” Felicia laughed.

  “I am,” she blushed in response. “Never would I have considered a woman as a suitable spouse but you have proven yourself to be braver than any man I have ever met.”

  “I have done nothing to lead you to believe I am brave. I fought some men in a ring, a controlled setting. After the battle has ended and all is calm, tell me if your feelings are the same.” Felicia kissed her.

  “I am sure my feelings will not change. When this is all finished, I will come to you on my knee and make the offer properly.” Sofia smiled as she stole a simple kiss.

  “I will hold you to that promise,” Felicia smiled.

  Sofia removed the flag from the tower. Once raised it would signal the Benedictus’ ships to begin their assault on Edmund’s fleet. Once raised she knew there would be no turning back.

  Thirty-Three

  The General of the fleet woke. He made his way to the deck. Once on the bridge, he noticed that the flag had been raised. How long had it been up? Edmund’s fleet had been spotted heading to Jascaessau. He gave the command to raise the sails and anchor. He wanted the fleet to meet Edmund’s ships before they were able to reach the shores of Jascaessau. Their best chance of success was on the sea. He gave the order for men from each ship to take boats to shore to supply land support in case the fleet reached Jascaessau. He watched as the men lowered the boats filled with soldiers. As the boats began to row toward Jascaessau, the sea changed. The waves grew, tossing the small boats about. He watched as some of the small boats fell victim to the waves. He could see the men bobbing in the water trying to stay afloat.

  He yelled out to his first mate to head toward the boats to help those fighting to stay above water. He saw the fins approaching. “Sharks!” He yelled out, hoping one of the soldiers in the water would hear him. His screams were useless. He watched as the sharks finished the men one by one. The water was becoming red with their blood. The feeding frenzy brought the water even more animation. He watched as the tails fought the water’s surface, pulling men under to satisfy their hunger. He could watch no longer.

  “Forward. There is nothing we can do for them.” He looked out over the ship. His men were gathered at the sides of the ship watching the carnage taking place below. They were frozen, unable to move. “We need to move. We must stop the Xashan fleet from reaching Jascaessau.” His command went ignored. He descended the stairs from the bridge of the ship to see what his men were looking at.

  Whales were gathered around the port side of the ship. They appeared to be pushing the ship back, away from Jascaessau. “Raise the sails,” he shouted the command. The sailors quickly responded raising the sails. The wind changed, blowing north, helping to push the ships back.

  He returned to the bridge, “It would seem God does not wish us to face the armies of Xasha.” He turned to his first mate. “What are we to do now? Hulsteria depended on our support. We have failed them on land and sea.”

  “The winds will change, General,” his first mate replied.

  “Will the whales also change?” The
General was not pleased. He knew the Benedictus would have his head for his inability to protect Hulsteria. He picked up the viewing glass. He could see the ships approaching Jascaessau. “We have failed the people of the Imperial capital,” the General said, defeated. “There is nothing we can do for them now.” He stood helplessly.

  ****

  Stela and Harris’ carriage entered the gates of Rothmar. She was home. She was ready to face him. The carriage came to a stop. Her mother, sister, and Felicia were waiting to greet her.

  “Sofia, how are you?” She asked as she greeted her sister. Harris followed her from the carriage.

  “I am well, Stela. How are you faring?” Sofia asked in turn.

  “Well, I am ready to face him and bring this all to an end. Do we know when he will be making shore?” Stela asked, walking past her mother and into the palace.

  “I raised the flag to signal Antonio’s fleet. I hope they can intercept the ships before they reach shore,” Sofia answered, quickening her pace to keep step with Stela. “Felicia and I were about to leave. We were going to bring the Imperials to Rothmar. Many are receiving their gifts and could be of great assistance in dealing with the troops.”

  “That is wise,” Stela was impressed with her sister’s insight. It would seem the girl had matured quickly with all that had occurred. “Please do not let me keep you.”

  Harris approached Felicia. “How are you, Felicia?”

  “I am fine. I must be going,” her response was cold and unfeeling.

  Harris wanted to know the child they shared, even if only as an uncle. He wished Felicia could forgive him for whatever he had done.

  “Stela, do you think it is wise to bring the battle to Rothmar?” her mother asked.

  “Mother, you should consider yourself lucky to be out of the dungeon,” she whispered. “I have not forgotten what you have done. Since Jacob would not take you with him, I see this as borrowed time. If you happen to die during the battle, I will try my best to shed a few tears for you.” Stela was cold. The others may have forgotten Madeline’s actions, but Stela had not. She knew the darkness of Madeline’s heart. “You will stay here and fight. You fought to put me on this throne, now you will fight to keep me there.”