Blood and Water_The Lionheart Province

by J. R. Castle

  He’d not allow them to be forgotten again.

  The woods on both sides of the road grew dense. General Gailid ordered his men to remain on alert.

  Leon studied the narrow dirt road behind them. Only a few of the towns had white stones lining the streets. In Aloblase, Denovo, and Radiance, all the streets were covered with the protective stones, letting travelers know they were in a safe place to stop.

  Someday, he wished for his Province to be a safe place for people passing through. He wanted to start offering seasonal trips to Radiance for those wishing to meet with King Shaydon. The towns he’d stopped in had seemed agreeable to the idea of sending their young to Rodon for training. From there, he’d make sure they had an opportunity to seek counsel with the King.

  His mind buzzed with all the things he’d hoped to accomplish during his rule. He knew more ideas would come and was sure to keep his little journal handy to jot notes in. Soon, he’d need a new one.

  A strange light deep in the woods caught his attention. Pushing himself up enough to see over the wagon’s railings, he noticed a small, brightly painted wagon camped beside a spring. Probably some trades travelers. He almost considered having the General send a scout over to check on the caravan, but they were making such good time, he didn’t wish to disrupt their progress.

  He was so ready to return home.

  If only that last town with the golden-haired healer wasn’t tugging at his heart.

  “I’ll return. That’s all there is to it. And I need to make sure I send them some help.” Perhaps a new Prior? First, he’d have to figure out what to do with the family staying there. Something was off about them. He’d need to figure it out, and soon.

  “What are you muttering to yourself about?” Riyah asked, riding up to the wagon on his gray mare.

  “I was thinking of how glad I will be to see my little home again. There’s so much to be done. If that Koloman did something to cause trouble….”

  The Elderad clicked his tongue to get his mount to pick up speed. “I have had no word that he’s returned to Rodon. Your mother’s letter is curious to me, I’m not sure what to make out of it. But there’s much I’ve found strange since we reached this section of the Province. I’m eager for some time to speak to Issah about all this.”

  “I figured that is where you had wandered off to. I have questions, as well.”

  “Good. They will be answered I’m sure. He awaits our return in Rodon as we speak. This morning, his messenger hawk, Rohond, arrived while you were speaking with the Prior. I sent it back letting Issah know we were heading home.”

  Leon breathed in a long sigh of relief, glad to know the Prince was in Rodon. If anything was amiss, he’d help Mother handle it. “Did he say what was going on to cause Mother to request that I hurry back?”

  Riyah shook his head. “No, nothing. That’s why I find her letter so perplexing. But we’ll get our answers soon.”

  * * * *

  Darnel crouched amongst the tall ferns and brush, wishing to remain out of sight as the Regent’s men and wagons passed along the road. Why was the lazy ruler riding in the wagon like some kind of prince, instead of upon his steed like the other men? He snorted a derisive laugh. Already wishing to be treated like royalty, of course.

  The important thing was that the Regent and his men, especially the Elderad, were gone from Goia. The girl remained where she belonged. No harm. Maybe now they could relax and make that trip to visit the southern Wizarding clans, as Fajer had promised. Darnel was eager to see other Wizard Orders. Perhaps they were different, like the Provinces and towns, and he’d find one that suited his temperament better.

  Bond or not, if he found another clan to stay with and learn more from, he’d figure out some way to leave Fajer. Their bond only kept them from killing each other, not from parting ways.

  Darnel turned back toward the camp. “Your trick worked, Fajer. They are all leaving. From the looks of things, he left most of his goods back in Goia.”

  Fajer sat on the top stair on the back of the wagon, the real letter opened on his lap. “Who is this Koloman and why are they so worried about him returning to Rodon? He must be someone with great authority.”

  The letter sent to the Regent had been a copy, transferred by Fajer using his “special” quill pen. Another item he kept locked in his private compartment on the side of the wagon. “I must find out who this Koloman is. They seem particularly worried about him.”

  Anwynn, still favoring her injured hand, sat up in a nearby tree whittling branches to make into arrows. When she finished cleaning off a branch, the knife in her hand disappeared while she attached the tip and feathers.

  What a marvelous ability. He wondered what would happen to creatures given over to the pit demon. There were few books written about the beast of the underworld. He was determined to find out more. Somehow.

  From his pocket, Fajer pulled his all-seeing globe. “Show me…Koloman of Rodon.” Then he added more to himself, “hopefully that’s specific enough.”

  Darnel casually walked over to stand beside the Sorcerer. The ball glowed, turned cloudy, then began forming a picture of a house.

  “Where is this house?” he asked it.

  The view grew more distant. Fajer’s brows furrowed. “A larger city, for sure. Go find the map of Rodonal for me.” He waved his free hand.

  Darnel did as he said, wondering why Fajer was so interested in this Koloman fellow. He had to step around the man to get inside. Several books and rolled parchments sat upon a shelf over Fajer’s bed. He knew which one the map was and spread it out on the small work table that sat at the head of his cot.

  “What do you wish for me to look for?” Darnel asked, his finger tracing over the map. Goia was a mere dot in the farthest corner beside the Melodies Forest. It was rumored that many Creatures, including dragons, along with a few reclusive Beings dwelt in the thick woods, hidden from the world.

  “Osas,” Fajer answered. “He is staying in a cottage there. Not sure if it’s an inn or home of a friend. I see him sitting beside a hearth speaking with another finely dressed man. I’m sure Koloman is someone of importance to Rodon.”

  “Not that important if he’s no longer traveling with the Regent.” Darnel searched the tiny scrawled names until he found Osas. “I would guess that we are five days away from there.”

  “Hush,” Fajer ordered as he stepped inside the wagon and sat at the foot of Darnel’s cot. “I need to concentrate and see if I can hear what they are speaking about.”

  Darnel straightened. “You can do that?” The map’s edge slipped from his hand and rolled back into place.

  “I can if it’s completely quiet. Close the door. Tell the elf to keep watch, I may need your help. I’ve only done this a couple of times.”

  Darnel did as instructed, eager to find out how much the little orb could do. He grabbed a small stool and sat in front of Fajer who had his hands on the globe and eyes closed.

  “There’s something…I’m sensing he is full of his own importance. Darnel, place your hands over mine and share a little of your energy with me. Whatever they are speaking about, Koloman seems agitated.”

  The moment Darnel’s fingers brushed over the cold sphere, his Curian blood engaged and immediately he knew where the globe came from and what it was able to do. The glass had been forged by the Logorians from the waters surrounding the king’s throne. His hands trembled being near to something so precious.

  Fajer had no idea what he held in his hands. No idea.

  “I hear them,” the wizard grew excited.

  Darnel heard them, too. Koloman griped about the new Regent’s lack of respect. He’d been treated terribly wrong. Although he respected Prince Issah’s offer to include the Elderad on the tour, those dwelling all the way across the land in Aloblase had no idea what living in the Provinces was like.

  The past Regent had much to contend with during his session as ruler. Keeping the towns in line and making sure they paid th
eir levies as expected. Then there was the encroachment of creatures constantly trying to settle into the towns.

  “Regent Lonnell would never allow such atrocities,” Koloman grumbled.

  The man he was speaking to listened quietly and finally responded with, “Regent Lonnell only cared about the most profitable towns in his jurisdiction. We have worse than creatures encroaching the outer townships. Now many must contend with wizards and other half-breed misfits attempting to take over the powerless hamlets.”

  “Regent Lonnell did not consider them a major loss,” Koloman answered with a wave of his hand.

  “Tell that to the poor people struggling to survive on their own. They have felt the sting of the cancerous intruders more greatly.”

  Koloman sipped his drink from a crystal goblet. “There are always some losses in these matters. The wizards can be beneficial. Some of them, anyway. Not all are destructive, Mileck, and you cannot argue on this matter.”

  “No,” Mileck sighed. “But the benevolent ones dwell in the far reaches of Southern Alburnium. Secluded away in Lalet. They serve the King directly, as the Logorians do. These vagabond enchanters we are dealing with are intent on taking from the King for their own purposes and pursuits.”

  Koloman set the glass down on the side table with a resounding clank. “Well, you’ll be glad to know our new Regent seems to feel as you do and intends to rid Rodonal of every last one. How he will accomplish this, I have no idea. I only know that he no longer has need of the likes of me, even though I’ve faithfully served Rodon most of my life. I’ve now been discarded like used garments. What am I to do now?”

  Fajer laughed. “I have something for you to do, you pompous toad.” He stood, breaking the trance Darnel was under while connected with the globe. Now more than ever he yearned to have it as his own. It belonged to his people. It belonged to him. Not the mortal Fajer.

  Clearing his throat, Darnel tried to keep his tone in check, despite the anger and hatred brewing just below the surface. “What do you have in mind?”

  “He was an adviser to the Regent.” Fajer moved to the map, his eyes glinting with renewed enthusiasm. “I find myself in need of his counsel. I plan to travel to Osas and find this Koloman. I’m confident he’ll prove useful to myself and the Brethren in our next step to overthrow Rodonal.”

  Darnel gasped. That was ambitious of him. “Has this been the Order’s intent all along?”

  “Indeed. And if you honestly wish to gain more power, you’ll help me. I plan to lead them in taking over this land. We have a good hold, even if we did lose Tarest. We have secret emissaries positioned in every large town. And not only in Rodonal but in other provinces, as well. Our scouts are constantly on the lookout for weaknesses. They gather information for us. Most of them retain high positions within the town councils with none being the wiser. The Regent was too anxious to complete his tour and paid no heed to what is really going on.”

  Darnel couldn’t believe his ears. “And I’m only now learning about this because—?”

  “Because I’m only now beginning to put my trust in you.” He held up the globe. “This belongs to your people, does it not? You were able to wield it in ways I’ve never been able to accomplish.”

  A quick nod was all Darnel was willing to offer.

  Placing a hand on his shoulder, Fajer said, “Help me accomplish this next task. Help me capture the Adviser and get him to speak openly to me. I know you have ways of persuading people to do your bidding. Help me, and it’ll be yours once we accomplish overthrowing the new Regent.”

  “Just like that, you’ll hand over the globe?” Darnel remained doubtful.

  Fajer grabbed the hand that he’d used to make their previous bond with and held it tight. “Upon my life, I swear this. It will be done as I’ve said. Once we defeat the new Regent and strip him from his position in the city of Rodon, I will hand the globe over to you.”

  Darnel’s head began to nod before he could manage to form any words. “What will you have me do first?”

  A smile spread across Fajer’s face. “Ride back to Goia with me. I’m ready to claim my Sano.”

  Something shifted inside Darnel, and he felt as if he no longer stood on solid ground. So soon?

  “But she’s not ready…” She still had another year. Darnel had hoped to find some way to— but why? He could not allow the girl to get under his skin.

  “I will need the boost of power to undertake the next portion of my plans.” Fajer set the globe into its velvet bag and headed back outside, barking orders as he descended the steps. “Prepare to leave. We can reach Goia by this afternoon. Hurry, both of you!”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Kardia found her father outside chopping wood. Strange. He’d not done such menial work since… well, so much had changed about all of them since the day he’d met the Sorcerer.

  She wondered at his behavior. People had more than enough fuel to cook their meals now. They had nearly everything they needed and even wanted. Most of them anyway.

  Her mark burned like she’d brushed against the iron stove.

  How odd to come back to what started this whole ordeal; collecting wood. Had the Regent’s visit spurred the Sorcerer into acting with more haste? She knew the younger man associated with the Sorcerer had paid them a visit the night before.

  Dadda would never lie to her if she asked him a direct question. She had to know. The stone banged against her thigh as she headed toward the tall sycamore where he worked. Piles of split logs lay around the chopping block. He’d not even bothered to stack them properly.

  “Dadda.” She stopped behind him. The ax fell with a resounding crack. The log pieces flew in opposite directions. “Dadda, I must know what last night’s visitor said to you. I saw him from my window after you and Mother locked me up. I recognized him. He lured me to the tree while the Sorcerer tricked you into making the trade.”

  Dadda’s shoulders shook. His head hung low as the ax slipped from his grasp. “I’ve failed you, my daughter. I promised to protect you from him.” He slowly straightened and turned toward her. “I plan to keep my word. The apprentice said to keep you hidden. To keep you safe until Fajer came for you. That’s the thief’s name. “Fajer. He is part of a Wizarding Order, but not the benevolent kind. I’ve heard the name Brethren for many years but never thought they’d waste their time coming near our town. They dwell in the cliffs of the Mire Woods, in a hidden fortress. One I’m sure is protected by enchantments. They are very powerful. Very powerful indeed.”

  Her throat burned. He knew far more than he’d ever let on before. Why hadn’t he explained all this sooner?

  But what if he had? Such knowledge would have kindled her fears even more.

  She closed her eyes, fighting back the dread threatening to consume her. At least finding out now saved her from suffering months of anguish and worry.

  This Fajer must know what she was. “What will he do with me, Dadda? Why does he want me?”

  A tear rolled down the side of his face. “They take the gifted ones. Those with the strongest and most unique powers. They take them and strip them of those powers, somehow. I do not know the details and am glad of it. I…I wouldn’t be able to stand it if I knew the whole truth. What I do know, what I’ve managed to find out over the past couple of years is enough to….” He shook his head and turned away.

  Raising the ax once again, he continued with his busy work. “You and Mother can return to the cottage and work the mill as we did before. I’ve told the family currently living there to find a new residence. I’m sure that Regent saw right through us. Somehow, he also found out about you. I suspect the Herbalist ran her tongue, she enjoys spinning tales so much.”

  The ax came down with another loud thunk. “Regent Leonard will return. Or he will send his soldiers to take over managing the affairs of this town much better than we have.” He brushed his sleeve across his face. “I deserve what I’m going to get. But you don’t.”

  “
What—?” She started, but he cut her off.

  “I’ve been feeling it since last night. Fajer will not wait much longer to make a claim on his contract.” Dadda approached her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I’m not going—”

  When his hand touched her left side, pain shot down her arm, and she cried out, grasping the spot where the mark was. “I think you’re right, Dadda. He’s coming. Maybe the Regent’s visit worried him. All I know is the mark on my shoulder is red and burning.” Her voice broke, the words fighting to get past her clogging throat. She’d not give into fear. The Lightman had given her a means to stand against him. She had to hang on to her last bit of hope remaining.

  His hands moved down her arms. “Listen to me, Kardia. Run. I know you’ll be forced to stay within the town’s borders but run and hide somewhere in the woods. Don’t tell me where. Hide and do not come out until he leaves. Make sure he leaves first.”

  She shook her head. “He won’t—”

  “I’m not going to allow him to take you.” His grip tightened. “I’m not. He’ll have to settle for taking me. Once he kills me, the debt will be paid. You’ll be free.”

  Kardia gasped, shaking her head with more vehemence. “No, Dadda, I’m not sure it works that way. If I leave, he could turn on the whole town…I—” her words were cut off by a scream coming from inside the Meeting Hall. A crashing sound, breaking glass, and Mother’s angry shouts came from the open door.

  “Get out and don’t come back you wretched, foolish girl!”

  Silvie ran out the door and tumbled down the steps. The bare skin on her arms was covered in red welts. Tears flowed down her pale cheeks. She covered her head as Mother descended on her, a switch raised in her hand.