A Stag in the Shadows

by S E Turner

  'Cornelius, you cannot deceive them anymore. They have to know the truth; and if you go in there pretending to be someone else, you will have started off on the wrong foot. It's okay to tell the guards that you have something that belongs to Mistress Gya, but in front of the kings, you have to be honest.'

  He was nodding his head in agreement at everything she was saying.

  'That's why I had to have you with me.' He kissed the top of her head. Then taking her hand, he led her down to the banks of the slow meandering river, where she washed her blade and began to carefully remove the facial hair that had concealed most of his face. As she did so, an incredibly handsome man emerged; much finer than anything she had imagined he could be. He was fuller in the cheeks now, but still retained that beautiful angular jawline. The high cheekbones gave him a chiselled appearance, and those sparkling blue eyes of his rested on her own. Tamed brows sat on a flawless face, and when she had cut away the coiled, untamed ringlets; his golden hair swept back easily, to reveal a particularly fine figure of a man.

  She had often thought that her own dear brother was the most handsome male she had ever seen, but this man in front of her, was very much his equal if not more so. He took her breath away for a moment, and she gasped when she looked at her finished work .

  'Are you okay Saskia? I hope I haven't alarmed you?'

  'I am fine Cornelius, it's just that you look so different.'

  'A good different, or bad different?'

  'Good different, definitely good.'

  She ran her fingers through his hair, and then cupped his face. 'Definitely good.'

  His lips peeled into a smile, and feeling that tingling sensation, she planted a kiss on them.

  'Come, we need some food. I have some in my bindle.'

  Ducking under the bridge, she took out some strips of cooked guinea fowl and gave it to him with a few wild mushrooms. Here, they watched the river swirl and gurgle as it made its way downstream. By a squall of reeds the water pooled, and a fish came up for food; smaller ones followed its lead and turned the water into a sea of sparkling colours. The image was comforting and hypnotic.

  'Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?' she sighed.

  He looked at her face. 'Never in my life.'

  She leaned into him. 'This has to be the most peaceful place on earth,' she drew in a long deep breath of fresh air.

  'I think so too,' and he held her even closer.

  They must have nodded off at some point. Cornelius found himself stretching out his aching limbs, and she awoke to his soft touch on her cheek. The sun was high above them now, and the sky was a crisp blue with hardly a cloud. They slowly packed up their things and shared the occasional glance; but apprehension made them mute, and stifled any conversation. They emerged from their hideaway and headed towards the fortress gates.

  'State your name and your business.' A sentry guard boomed.

  Cornelius opened his mouth to speak, but no words emerged. All the things he had planned to say were building up in a pile behind his tongue. He looked to Saskia, ushering her to speak. But she was silent and still. Her heart racing in anguish.

  'Who goes there?' Came the order from the sentry guard. 'State your name and your business.'

  A platoon quickly gathered and raised their bows, and with squinting eyes, aimed their arrows.

  'I ask you one last time. Make yourself known, strangers. Who seeks entry into the kings' presence?'

  They couldn't wait any longer. Saskia took a big gulp of air and heralded her response.

  'I am Saskia Von Aiden of Aiden Hall. I am the daughter of Philipe Von Aiden and Nolene Von Aiden, and I seek an audience with their majesties, King Lyall of Durundal and Namir, King of the Clans.'

  Seasoned sentinels shared an unspoken glance, but she was expecting this reception. After what Cornelius had just told her, gaining entry into Castle Dru was never going to be easy.

  'What is your business?'

  'Aiden Hall was attacked two years ago by armed soldiers. My brother was killed at their hands. Segan Hezekiah, the self appointed king of Hezekiah Hall, imprisoned me for two years. My father was imprisoned in the mines. My friend here helped me escape. I do not know the whereabouts of my father.'

  'Who is your friend?'

  'He was imprisoned also, with my father. But was instructed to save me.'

  'What do you want with their majesties?' 'I have something that belongs to Gya—it is the Book of Knowledge. We found it at Hezekiah Hall.' She took the book from Cornelius and held it up for them to see.

  'How do you know the book belongs to Mistress Gya?'

  Saskia shrugged, she was out of answers now, and looked at Cornelius to help her out.

  He stepped forward. He had to speak now.

  'Because I know Mistress Gya. Many years ago she told me about the Book of Knowledge. I also know how she saved Namir, king of the clans. Namir will know of her whereabouts, so we can return it to her.'

  The guards looked at each other and slowly opened the huge gates.

  'Wait here!'

  A guard scurried off into the distance, another one relieved them of their weapons. The bows were still aimed.

  'Is all this really necessary?' Saskia whispered from the side of her mouth.

  'Just precautions Saskia, they can't allow just anyone trooping through the fortress.'

  She smoothed down her doublet and looked at the stag embroidered on the front. She thought of Coben, and a tear fell down her cheek. Cornelius saw the glistening pearl and wiped it away with his thumb. They locked eyes and she instantly felt calm again.

  Heralding the morning was a cacophony of noise; the first bells were ringing and shutters were flung open. Barrels rumbled and baskets thumped. Traps were being laden up with produce, and horses were harnessed to the carts. A cutler with his wares clanking against his cart, tipped his hat to Saskia. She smiled back in return and watched him go out of sight.

  Looking around they saw a huge domed building of majestic structure, with a spire that matched its magnificence, disappear into the clouds. Around the complex lay more assembly halls and meeting houses of equally impressive splendour.

  Cornelius wiped the sweat from his brow and brushed the hair from his forehead. The day was going to be warm.

  Inside the dining hall, Namir and Lyall were finishing a breakfast of meats, eggs and dried fruit. Honeyed milk, and lemon water, were in jugs on the side tables. The rest of the family had already departed and preparing for the day ahead. They ceased their chatting at the knock of the door. The guard came in and bowed low.

  'Good morning Syme,' greeted Lyall. 'What brings you here at this early hour?' He wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin and leaned back in his chair.

  'There are two visitors to see you my lord.'

  'Visitors? Again? We have only just said our farewells to Ajeya and Dainn. What is going on?'

  'I do not know my lord. But a young man and a young woman are keen to speak to you.'

  'What about?'

  'They have The Book of Knowledge, which they claim belongs to Mistress Gya.'

  Namir looked puzzled. How could anyone know about that? The guard saw his expression and clarified.

  'I have seen it my lord. It looks genuine to me.'

  'How are they dressed?' continued Namir, ever mistrustful. 'The young man is in a guard's uniform, the young girl is in combat; they say they have been imprisoned at Hezekiah Hall and have only just escaped.'

  The two kings looked even more perplexed. Lyall sighed heavily and pushed his chair back to stand up. 'Let's meet them. We have to find out what this is all about.'

  'I agree brother.'

  Namir turned to the guard. 'Assemble more enforcements. I want soldiers placed at every station. Make sure weapons are loaded—with instructions to kill, on my command.'

  Chapter Forty-Four

  A guard returned to the entrance gates and nodded to the sentries before addressing addressed Cornelius and Saskia. />
  'You are to follow me.'

  Cornelius and Saskia shared a look and raised their eyebrows in anticipation. Neither knew what to expect now; and for the first time, Cornelius didn't know whether the bead of sweat that ran down his temple was from the rising heat or from his rising fear.

  The town of Castle Dru was on a scale of grandeur at every twist and turn. A wishing fountain was the first carving that they noticed. And part of the impressive inferno was a trio of figures made of hammered bronze: a wolf, a leopard, and a hare, seemingly dancing in the water that rained down on them. They viewed it in awe and had to walk sideways to keep the guards in sight, taking in the spectacle at the same time. One instantly looked back at them with a stern face and quickened his gait, so they caught up and fell in line, though couldn't resist a nonchalant peek back at the masterpiece.

  They were led through a scattering of tiled courtyards, past a bustling market, a school of learning, and a place of worship. And beyond that, in the lower town, fringing the entire settlement, were the dwellings where the townsfolk lived. They followed the guard to a flight of steps, where, at the top, a pair of huge double doors stood open.

  'This is the Whispering Hall where you will be greeted by King Lyall of Durundal, and Namir, King of the Clans,' announced the guard firmly, observing them with a perpetual glare. He went to take his place next to the duty sentry as instructed, then turned to them. 'Be careful. Don't do anything stupid. Namir is still very wary after the recent attempt on his life.' He looked at Cornelius. 'Make no sudden movements, and only speak if spoken to. His guards have orders to kill you if they suspect you mean him harm.'

  Cornelius nodded and gripped Saskia's hand.

  The doors of the Whispering Hall loomed up in front of them; newly made to replace the ones that had been burned down from the orders of General Domitrius Corbulo. And while Cornelius was admiring the magnificent example of workmanship, two more guards arrived with weapons drawn. Their eyes fixed on the new arrivals, their grip tightened on their crossbows. It didn't go unnoticed by Cornelius and Saskia.

  Inside the yawning archway, they paused for a moment to let their eyes grow accustomed to the light. It was warm and glowing with torchlight, and a heat washed over them as they made their slow way through.

  Cornelius' insides churned uneasily as he walked with Saskia down the long hallway. The royal standards set in holders along the walls, the House of Dru banners fringed the domed ceiling, and the eyes of a hundred portraits followed their every move.

  The solid oak floor seemed to stretch away forever into the shadows, and at the far end of the hall they could make out the raised dais, where two thrones of rich mahogany were placed. Transformed from the same deep brown wood, the arms and legs had been sculpted to represent those of a leopard and a wolf, while the face of each animal adorned the back panel. Above, hung the battle standard of the clan: a mountain lion ready to pounce, with lips drawn back in a vicious snarl, exposing wicked incisors and its claws outstretched to attack.

  More guards took their places within striking distance, and the two arrivals waited in this spacious vestibule hardly daring to breathe or move.

  When all was in place, the young men entered and took their places on the royal dais. Saskia noticed immediately that their stature was tall and muscular, with strong defined faces, framed with locks of dark brown hair. Their smouldering good looks matched the gallant description she had been given by those who had ridden alongside them, for their reputation preceded them, and the air of nobility hung like a shroud. Yet, even though she knew so much of their history, she couldn't help but feel the tension in their presence.

  'You may approach the kings,' said the guard at his side.

  Cornelius did as he was instructed. He did so cautiously, his eyes respectfully downcast. His heart was beating rapidly in his chest—like that of a snared animal. When he reached the royal dais, he bowed low once, then began to raise his head.

  Only then did Namir meet the sharp blue eyes of the man who had tried to kill him. He looked at Lyall, who was equally enraged.

  'How did you get in?' Namir rose abruptly, his mouth full of venom, his voice shook the chandelier above them.

  The guards raised their weapons, waiting for instructions. Who was this person? Saskia moved forward by one pace before a sword stopped her in her tracks.

  'Why are you here?' bellowed Namir.

  The guards outside the doors burst in. Angered bolts already in the crossbows.

  'I want him removed! Now! To the dungeons!'

  Two guards rushed forward and grabbed Cornelius under the arms.

  Namir's frown was fierce. 'Bind him tightly and hang him in the oubliette.'

  Cornelius squirmed in fear. His mouth went dry. His heart accelerated.

  Saskia screamed out. 'No, please, your majesties. He is here to seek forgiveness. He has been imprisoned for six months. Please listen to him.' She was on her knees begging them.

  Lyall put up his hand to stop the guards.

  'Who are you?'

  'I am Saskia Von Aiden, from Aiden Hall. Please. We told the guards at the gates.'

  'Well tell me again!'

  'My name is Saskia Von Aiden, my father is Philipe Von Aiden. We have been held captive at Hezekiah Hall for two years. Others have been held captive for much longer. This man helped us all escape. He saved our lives.'

  Lyall looked at his brother. Then at Saskia.

  'Do you know what this man did to my brother? Has he told you?'

  'Yes he has,' she answered breathless. 'And it's dreadful and beyond comprehension. But please just give him a chance, just one chance to explain.'

  'Why should I? Did he give my brother that chance?'

  Namir was shaking his head. Saskia could only plead with Lyall now.

  'I know—but he risked his life to save me. He risked his life to save my father. And he is risking his life now, to see you.'

  Lyall looked at her pleading eyes. He remembered feeling that desperate once.

  'And... I believe in him... I love him.'

  Cornelius curled his top lip over his teeth and bit into it lightly. His emotions were high right now. He wanted to lift her up into the rafters and twirl her around the room. Instead he had to control his feelings and stay where he was.

  Lyall addressed Namir.

  'Let's see what he wants brother. Let him speak.'

  'He would have left me to die brother, you know that.'

  'But we are better than that. We have been raised to be fair. We cannot condemn a man before hearing him. He has come this far for a reason. Those two can't defeat us. Look at them. Look at the guards.'

  Namir could see the sentries, set with a perfect aim, ready to shoot at the slightest wrong move.

  Cornelius was only a few feet away from the man he had tried to kill. More guards entered the room with weapons drawn. He knew they were there to kill him.

  Namir was shaking his head and whispering to Lyall. Saskia was suddenly terrified for both of them. Had Cornelius told her everything? Both men continued to stare into the piercing blue eyes. The guards never wavered.

  Eventually Lyall spoke.

  'We don't know why you are here. You didn't have to return the book. You have no need to come this far north. I don't know how you survived a stabbing, plus a fall that would be fatal for any mortal being. And yet here you stand, dressed like a guard of the realm—and besides appearing a little dishevelled, and a little on the thin side, are in particularly good health. You will explain yourself in due course. But first, you have the Book of Knowledge to hand over.'

  Cornelius nodded.

  One guard took the book from Cornelius' grasp and handed it to Namir. The king of the clans opened it slowly and studied the pages carefully; then gestured to another sentinel, who promptly went out of the hall. Cornelius guessed that he was going to get Gya.

  Lyall looked at Namir while he digested it, and with a nod from his brother, faced Cornelius again .
r />   'So, Cornelius, we meet again; but this time it seems like the tables have turned.' He bristled at the man before him.

  Namir frowned and leaned forwards, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

  Cornelius spoke quickly. 'My lords, Namir, king of the clans, and Lyall, king of Durundal; I come in peace to seek forgiveness.' He knelt on one knee, his head bowed low.

  One sword was an inch away from Saskia's heart. A dozen crossbows were aimed at Cornelius' main arteries.

  'Speak!' Namir's response was abrupt.

  'May I have permission to stand?'

  'You may. But only because I want to look into your eyes to find the deception. And if I do, I won't hesitate.' He looked at the weapons, perfectly aimed and ready to unleash. 'And believe me; I don't know how you survived that fall—but I will have you cut up into tiny pieces and fed to the pigs this very morning if I find you are trying to cross me again.'

  Cornelius gulped a large swallow and uncoiled himself. 'I give you my word, I am not trying to cross you my lord. I come in peace.'

  The two lords looked at each other and nodded. Lyall rang out his orders.

  'Begin!'

  Lyall sat back in his chair. Namir sat forward with an elbow on his knee and his chin resting on a clenched fist.

  'I was found by two guards. I was freezing and covered in snow in Break Pass Ridge. I had survived the fall. Though I had no recollection of who I was or how I had got there.' He thought it best not to mention the witch at this precise moment; three bolts would be through his neck, and he would be pigs meal in an instant if they thought he was lying to them.

  'I was taken to Hezekiah hall and branded.' He showed them the H on his wrist. 'Then I was taken deep into the bowels of the mine, where I lived in total darkness, slept in a small cell, and had to dig for gold every single day for six months—until I escaped.'

  He heard Saskia sniff behind him. He knew she was holding back the tears.

  'I was fed a bowl of gruel in the morning, and that was all.'

  He saw Namir wince; more from memory than pity.