by Sharon Gibbs
‘No, father. I could never return there after how they’ve treated me. Let it be done with. I can still use what I’ve learnt to help the people of our lands.’
‘I don’t know, Gerard. If they’ve wronged you they should recant and those responsible should have to pay for their deeds. There should be recompense.’
‘Father, let it be. It’s done and can never be undone. I don’t wish to dwell on this matter any longer. As long as you know the truth that’s all that matters to me.’
Devon found it hard to tolerate this wrongdoing but to appease his son he’d have to accept it. ‘As you wish. You’ll have to apply yourself here and work hard to learn all that you need to know so you can lead the people.’
‘Father, I’m tired and wish to turn in for the night. I’m sorry to have upset you with my absence over the past few days.’
‘Gerard, as long as you’re home safe that’s all I can wish for.’
Gerard walked out of his father’s room. A smile crossed his face and he went to seek his bed.
Over the next few months Gerard did try hard to please his father, but gradually he slipped back into the familiar pattern he’d developed while he’d lived at the Keep. He spent his time in the town. He drank and gambled until it came to the point where he no longer bothered with his duties to the realm and would often not return home for several days at a time.
Devon had had enough of his son’s antics. Disappointed yet again with the boy, he’d decided to confront him. Unless he changed his ways, there’d be dire consequences for his actions. Devon summoned Gerard to the cliff.
It’d now been two years since Gerard’s mother had passed away and Devon would often venture up to the site where his wife’s ashes had been scattered over the ocean. He stood there now and waited for Gerard to arrive. Devon’s men always stayed by the carriage when he came to talk with his wife, to give their Lord some privacy.
Gerard arrived upon a horse he’d taken from the stables. He dismounted and handed the reigns to one of his father’s men, before he walked over to where his father stood. Devon stared out over the ocean and he’d heard Gerard as he approached.
‘Father, you wished to see me.’ Gerard’s attitude was one of annoyance. He’d had to leave a card game when his father had summoned him.
Devon noted the tone in Gerard’s voice and it did nothing to cool his ire. He turned to face his son and watched as he walked to where he waited. Devon shook his head in dismay. His son stood before him unkempt and had several days’ growth on his face. His clothes were rumpled and unclean as if he’d just risen from his bed.
‘Gerard, you stand before me and look like you were raised in the streets.’
Gerard didn’t care to hear another lecture from his father. He was tired of the way his father carried on about how he should behave and how he should give his life in service to the people.
Devon yelled at Gerard. ‘When will all this stop, Gerard? You don’t present yourself at your lessons, and you spend all your time in the town. You drink and gamble and who knows what else. You’re a fool and aren’t fit to succeed me as ruler! I expected much more of you. Your mother would be ashamed to see how you now live your life. You’re selfish and have no respect for others, not even yourself. How do you expect the people to have respect for you! You shame me and our family name!’
Devon’s men were shocked to hear their Lord speak as he did. They stared at the two men and became anxious as Devon yelled at his son.
Gerard was also shocked. His father’s words drove the wedge of hatred he had for him, deep into his heart and Gerard stared at his father as his own rage burned. Then he looked down and the wind buffeted his hair to obscure his face. His fury was so great that tears fell from his eyes and ran down his cheeks.
Devon’s men were agitated. They’d never seen their Lord so angry, but were hesitant to step forward.
‘I’m sorry, father,’ Gerard said.
Devon saw the tears trickle down Gerard’s cheeks and heard the soft tone of his voice. It pricked at his heart. Maybe he’d been too harsh on the boy. Gerard stood close to his father and Devon reached out to embrace his son in hopes that he’d ease his harsh words. Above all, he did love his son. Devon’s men saw the Lord embrace his son. With their worry eased they turned away and gave the men privacy.
Gerard looked up into his father’s eyes. He placed a hand on Devon’s chest and repeated the words he’d already uttered.
‘I’m sorry, father.’ Then added quietly, ‘But I will rule!’
Gerard used all his strength and with the hand that rested on his father’s breast he shoved Devon. Devon stumbled back. As he neared the crumbled edge of the cliff, he lost his foothold and fell over the edge. Gerard dropped to his knees and called out to his father, ‘No!’ but a smile lit his face. ‘I’m ruler now!’
Devon’s men rushed over when they heard Gerard call out. It had all happened in an instant. Gerard couldn’t believe his luck as he thought of all that lay before him. It looked to the guards as if Gerard had tried to stop his father’s fall, as he bent over to watch his father’s body plummet to the rocks below.
Gerard stared at the lifeless form where it lay, twisted and broken. Devon had bounced off the rocks that jutted from the face of the cliff and now the waves lapped at his body.
‘Send someone down to retrieve him,’ Gerard said and then he walked back to his horse and left his father’s men to take care of the body below. Devon’s men were left to wonder what had happened, but their Lord lay below, already dead.
Chapter Thirteen
The day had been a busy one. All the swords needed to be finished and Christopher and Albert were almost done. Kovak Turr would arrive late in the afternoon to collect them, so he could present them to his men that evening before they began their journey to Canameer.
Christopher still had to hone and polish the blades. When each one shone and glimmered in the sunlight it was wrapped and placed in a crate. By early afternoon the weapons were packed and they began work on their delayed orders.
The afternoon wore on and Kovak arrived. To avoid any conflict with Kovak, Christopher removed himself from the workshop. The Captain was well pleased with his swords and paid his coin. Once Kovak had left, Christopher returned and continued on with his work.
Afternoon soon turned to evening and while Christopher and Albert shut down the forges and packed away their work for the day, Christopher spoke up about the hidden cache of weapons he and his friends had found.
‘Uncle, I’d like to talk to you about something which bothers me.’ He wasn’t sure how to approach the subject and had decided that to be direct would be the easiest way.
‘Certainly, Christopher. You know you can always come to me with any problems you may have.’ Albert had wondered how long it would take Christopher to broach the subject. Robert had spoken with Albert and his friends after he’d met up with the lads in the woods. They’d all waited for their sons to approach them about the weapons and felt that when they did, it would be the time to fill them in on their plans. But until then, they’d say nothing. It was dangerous enough to hide the arms and the fewer people who knew about the details the better.
‘While we worked at the barn, I was suspicious of a few things. So the lads and I went back there that night and were astonished at what we found.’ Albert remained silent and waited for Christopher to finish. ‘An armoury hidden under the floor in the loft of the barn.’
‘Yes, Christopher, this is true. We’ve prepared for what in time will happen.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘We believe that in time things will change and when they do we’ll be prepared to help claim back our lands and rid Solencia of these tyrants who try to rule us. Just because we surrendered at one time doesn’t mean it will be that way forever. Our aim was to make sure that everyone survived. Other places tried to fight when the first invasions began and all they achieved was the slaughter of many men, women and children. T
his country hasn’t seen war for hundreds of years, and we’d lived our lives in peace until this horror came to us. We were unprepared. We never thought in our lifetime we’d have to face the terrors as our forefathers did many years ago in the Old World. Yes, I’d heard the stories when I was a young boy, many had, but our lives were carefree and the Wizards at the Keep had vowed to never let anyone have that kind of power again.
‘So now, Christopher, we prepare for what we hope will ultimately set us free, to be able to once again live in peace, son. A time you’d probably not remember, a time when you as a child lived with your parents and grandparents at the Keep in Canistar.’
Christopher was shocked. He knew his family had died when the invaders had taken the lands and that was the reason why he’d first come to live with his aunt and uncle. Over the years he’d heard many stories of the invasion from various people, about how the Keep had been the first to fall. But he hadn’t known he’d lived there. His aunt and uncle had never spoken to him about it.
‘This is only one small village. Others have also made preparations and the people just need to be united under one voice. A voice of strength and courage and they’ll help to set themselves free.’ Albert was so passionate about what he believed that it moved Christopher to his core. He, too, felt the pull to be free and wanted to make his own choices and not be governed by someone else with a sword and the power to persecute and oppress others.
‘So what do we do now?’ Christopher wanted to be a part of it all. He and his friends and others they knew, were ready to do what was needed. They just didn’t know how to go about it.
‘Well, Christopher, there is nothing to do just yet. You’ll know when the time is right. We’ll all know. Until then, we go about our business, make preparations and share information with other towns and villages, and we bide our time and wait.’
‘How can we sit idle and doing nothing?’
‘We’ve prepared for many years, Christopher. Why do you think you train in the woods with Robert?’
Christopher thought back. All those he knew could wield a sword and they knew how to fight. They’d just never put into practise what they’d learnt. Through his youth Christopher had trained and studied far more than his friends. After he’d finished school, he’d come home and continue his studies. Sometimes it annoyed him, especially when he and Peter would rather be off together, but he’d loved the books his uncle gave him; books on plants and animals, and when he grew older, medicines and remedies. He could mix a tincture to heal almost any small ailment and he’d made other more complex medicines, which he’d never had to use.
His uncle had sourced the books from an old man who’d visit a few times a year. When Christopher had first seen the old man he’d asked his aunt who he was. She’d told him he was just a man who travelled the roads and would stop and trade things along his way. Christopher had seen him many times over the years but had never spoken to him. The man and his uncle would sit over by the wood shed and share a cup of tea and chat for a while and then the man would be on his way again. Although they traded and Christopher’s uncle was a fair man, Christopher thought his uncle always received the better part of the deal.
As they packed up the rest of their tools, they let the forges die down so they could head up to the house for dinner.
‘Come on, son, we need to be in bed early. The swords may be finished but we’ve plenty of work to catch up on tomorrow.’ Albert then shut the lanterns in the workshop and they walked up to have their evening meal.
The family sat around the table and ate in silence. Both men thought about the conversation they’d had earlier. Rose felt their sombre mood and understood their need for peace. She could feel a change had taken place within her household and while it frightened her, she’d always known this day would come. Rose had just hoped that it would be later, rather than sooner. The child she’d known no longer existed. Christopher was a man full-grown and change would follow. It was inevitable.
Every evening after Christopher had finished his meal, he’d venture out to the workshop to make sure the forges were out for the night before he went to bed. This gave his uncle and aunt time to chat about their day and enjoy a little relaxation before they headed off to bed.
Rose and Albert sat by the fire. The nights had become cold and winter wasn’t far away. Soon the rains would come and the snow would follow. As Rose sat by the fire she looked weary and a little sad.
‘What bothers you, Rose? Don’t try to deny it. I know you too well, my love,’ Albert said. He watched her as she darned an old pair of socks.
‘It’s nothing. I just feel there is a change in Christopher and it makes me worry for him.’
‘Now Rose, you knew this day would come. Christopher hasn’t left yet and he’s still safe. I know you’ve loved him like your own son. I have, too. But Henry entrusted Christopher to us in his absence, to keep him safe from harm and to raise him as our own. We knew when we took the boy that Henry would return for him one day. He’s the boy’s grandfather and furthermore I, too, believe Christopher is the chosen One. At first I wasn’t so sure, but over the years I’ve seen things in Christopher that I’ve never seen in another. He’s in tune with the world around him, he’s practically part of every thing he touches. Everyone we know loves and respects him and he shows wisdom well beyond his years. Henry has missed out on much over these past twenty years and has no other family left. We’ll aid him in every way possible Rose, to be reunited with his grandson and help him fulfil his destiny.’
Rose’s voice was low. ‘I know, Albert, but as a mother I dread what is the inevitable. You know I’d never try to keep Christopher from Henry. When he blessed us with this child, my heart became whole again and for that I’m truly grateful.’
Albert came over to her and kissed her on top of her head and he then knelt before her and took her in his arms. ‘He’ll be fine, Rose. Henry will make sure of that.’
Outside, Albert could hear Christopher’s voice. He rose and took a candle to the door to see what all the commotion was about and as he opened the door he peered out.
‘What’s going on out here?’
‘It’s Henry, Albert.’
‘Come in, Henry. We’ve been waiting for you. Wasn’t sure when you’d be here. Christopher, take the horse to the barn and settle her down for the night.’
After Henry had gathered his saddlebags and blanket from his horse, Christopher led her away and Henry walked up the steps to the house.
Albert embraced Henry then ushered him inside and closed the door behind them.
‘Put your things on the table and come warm yourself by the fire,’ Albert said.
After Henry had done so, he walked over to Rose.
‘It’s been a long time, Rose,’ he said. ‘Thank you for the love you’ve shown Christopher. You’ve raised him to be a fine young man. You, Rose, are truly an amazing woman and his mother and father would be so proud of him.’
Rose blushed and embraced Henry. All her fears had eased, now he was here.
‘Sit. Henry. I’m sure you’re famished after your journey,’ she said as she ushered him into the chair she’d just vacated. It wasn’t long before she returned with some fare and sat by the fire as he ate.
‘How do you want to do this, Henry? I’m sure he won’t be too much longer,’ Albert said.
Henry looked at the two of them. He’d a fair idea how they felt. ‘It’ll be hard for Christopher any way it’s told. So I shall simply tell him the truth; that I’m his grandfather, and the rest I’ll explain when he’s had time to absorb that information.’
Christopher entered the house and walked over to the fire to be introduced to their guest. As he neared Henry, he thought he looked familiar. Albert rose from his chair. ‘Christopher I’d like you to…’
That was where he remembered him from, this was the man who travelled the roads and would trade goods with his uncle. Christopher extended his hand to greet him. Here was the source of all th
ose magnificent books that Christopher so cherished. Henry rose to his feet and extended his hand. As their hands locked his uncle’s voice rang in his ears,
‘…meet Henry, your grandfather!’
Christopher froze. His hand didn’t withdraw from the other man’s grip while the word echoed in his brain. Grandfather!
‘Yes, Christopher, I’m your grandfather,’ Henry said, as he saw the shock register on Christopher’s face.
Christopher didn’t know what to think. He had family still alive? He’d always thought his family had perished and had only just learnt that as a child he’d lived at the Keep in Canistar and now his grandfather had appeared.
‘I don’t understand,’ Christopher said.
‘It’s a long story, Christopher, one that’ll take some time to explain. Just know that I never abandoned you. Many years ago I asked your aunt and uncle to take you into their home and love you as their own. To raise, protect and teach you all the things I couldn’t. I placed you with them to hide you from those who sought to destroy you and I felt it was the best choice to make at the time. I’ve kept an eye on you over the years, and my love for you never ceased. It was necessary to keep you safe and away from harm. If we’d stayed together you would’ve been found and your life forfeit.’
‘Forfeit by whom?’ Christopher found the information hard to absorb and he felt numb.
‘Sit down, lad,’ Albert said and he took Christopher by the arm. Christopher let go of Henry’s hand and let his uncle lead him to a chair. He sat and stared at Henry for a time. Christopher was overwhelmed by his grandfather’s appearance and a thousand questions rolled through his mind.
‘Why have you chosen to return now? There’ve been many times over the years you could’ve returned. Times when I needed you, and times that Rose and Albert could’ve used some help. Where were you then? What do you mean I would’ve been found?’
Henry settled in a chair near Christopher. ‘Let me explain. You come from a long line of Wizards. Your father, Eric, was one of the few who wasn’t born with the gift. Just a minute,’ he said as he fetched the box from amongst his belongings. From the box he retrieved Eric’s talisman and handed it to Christopher. ‘This belonged to your father.’
