They travelled on for a few hours, uneventfully, then made camp and took turns getting some sleep. River and Grimmel were glad to be able to ride in the wagon once again; the ride on horseback had terrified them. Everyone rested longer than usual, timing the rest of their journey so they would reach the border the following evening. They encountered no more guards as they rode, but this did not make any of them relax. Messenger birds could have been sent to the border guards resulting in all of their problems being ahead of them instead of behind them. There was an audible sigh of relief when the crossing came into view and there was no sign of an amassed army awaiting them. They passed into Amenia without incident and headed straight to the farm where the original cargo had been purchased, hoping to sell the produce they now had sitting in the wagon.
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Allias looked around the table. It was the first time in weeks that all of his guests had been present for an evening meal. Even Samson was hiding under the table, hoping for someone to pass him a few tasty morsels. Of his resident family, only Selene was missing. She was still in her room, refusing all visitors, even Sam. Nobody was talking, creating a cold atmosphere, so Allias decided to find out what the others had been doing since he last spoke to them. Bellak looked eager to announce his findings in the library, so Allias deliberately turned to Ellen, asking her what had been keeping her occupied.
Ellen had wandered into the central market place the morning after Tor had departed, hoping to find a shop selling herbs as her supply needed restocking. She had been directed to the local witch, who ran a stall in front of her house selling ‘everything a witch could need’. When she got there however, the stall was empty and the front door of the house was shut. Nobody answered her knock. Hearing voices, she went to the back of the building and found the owner in the garden with a small group of girls, varying in age from as young as six to as old as fifteen. The witch was giving them lessons in witchcraft. As soon as she spotted Ellen, the elderly woman screamed and ran into the house, locking the door.
Entering the garden, Ellen had immediately asked the children what she had done to upset the old woman and they patiently explained. They were all local children who had been tested by the witches who ran the Witchcraft Training Academy. They had shown potential, but not enough to be accepted into the school. The old witch found this despicable and decided to try teaching them herself, but if the Academy ever found out, she would be discretely disposed of. The little ‘school’ had started off with only two pupils, but had grown in size as other potential students heard about it through the grapevine.
Ellen was horrified. Where she had been taught her trade, every girl who had even the slightest hint of magical ability was given the opportunity to learn. It was dangerous not to teach them how to control it. She immediately went to the door and continued to bang loudly until it was opened. Since then, she had spent most of her time there, helping to teach the girls. The old woman was very knowledgeable and Ellen herself was even learning a few things.
Allias looked at Ellen thoughtfully. “What do you mean that it is dangerous not to teach these children?”
Ellen explained that if a child could perform magic, it was hard to not do so. Without proper training, they could find themselves accidently doing things they did not intend to do. Some had even been known to get hold of spell books and secretly practice. However, if anyone, witch or wizard, attempted a spell that was too difficult for them, they would either get it wrong, with disastrous results, or they poured too much of their own energy into the spell, leaving not enough for them to even breathe, resulting in suffocation. Upon hearing this, Allias agreed that these children needed proper training at the Academy. As king, he technically had authority over all government agencies, including the Academy, so the next morning he promised to speak to the head witch. If extra funding was needed in order to take in more students, he would make sure it was provided. He would also ensure that Ellen’s old witch was given a teaching position. He even offered Ellen a job, but she respectfully declined as she would be leaving with Tor as soon as he returned.
It turned out that Hurst had been spending a lot of time with Mrs Hubert. Though they were all curious, nobody enquired further and Hurst did not provide any more details unbidden. Next Allias turned to Oak, leaving Bellak fuming and muttering under his breath. Oak had been spending most of his time in the woods, much of it watching the soldiers in their training. He had eventually been seen and Sabastian had asked him to take out small groups of the men, teaching them how to survive with no rations, living off the land without harming it, which he willingly did. He taught them things like how to make a fire in the middle of a wood without the risk of burning the surrounding trees or how to move undetected through a forest. His teachings may not help them win a war, but at least they now knew how to survive if they ever found themselves alone in enemy territory.
Allias expressed his gratitude then turned to Liselle. She seemed about to speak, but then deferred to Bellak, who looked like he was about to burst with eagerness to deliver his news.
“I found it,” he yelled, then looked at Liselle, who glared at him. “Or should I say ‘we’ found it.”
Allias frowned. “Found what?”
“The fountain. The maiden’s fountain.”
“Ah,” Allias responded, remembering the reason for Bellak spending all of his time in the library.
“We found what we think is the exact location. We had already found references to a healing fountain in the city of Yallend, but now we know where it is. Unfortunately, it is in the middle of the Loden desert. It will take at least a week to reach it from the edge. I have never heard of anyone surviving in that place for more than a day. I have absolutely no idea how we are going to get to this stupid fountain.”
Sam was about to let him know that she had an idea, when they were interrupted by the door crashing open. In walked Tor and Dal, closely followed by Tallon; the others had opted to head straight for the baths.
“Your Majesty, let me introduce to you Prince Tallon. Tallon, this is King Allias, the man who wants to kill you.”
Allias leapt to his feet, but before he could say anything, Hetta grabbed his hand.
“I know this is probably bad timing, but my waters just broke.”
Chapter 17
Tallon stared at the door, hearing movement the other side. He had lost track of how long he had been in the cell. Before he even had chance to speak to Allias, Tor had swept him out of the room and escorted him to the baths. Once clean, he had been given fresh clothes then thrown into the cell. Not that he could really complain. Food and drink had been regularly supplied and he had received constant visitors. He soon learned that Hetta was well after giving birth to a healthy baby girl. He had been told that Allias was ready to see him, but kept putting it off for some reason. Nobody would answer his questions about Selene.
The cell door was unlocked and swung open, revealing Dal’s smiling face. “Time to go,” he said cheerfully. For some reason this irritated Tallon. He was probably being taken to his death. The least the boy could do was show some respect.
They walked in silence along the corridors of the palace until they reached one of the reception rooms. The door was standing open, but nobody was inside. “You are supposed to wait here until Allias is ready,” Dal informed him. Without responding, Tallon entered the room and heard the door close and the lock turned behind him. He had gone from one cell to another, but at least this one had natural light and a view of the courtyard. Wine and fresh fruit had been left on the table, so Tallon helped himself and took a seat.
A short time later he looked toward the door, hearing it open. He was only half standing when he noticed who had entered the room. He dropped his goblet in surprise. Selene was the last person he had been expecting to see. Allias followed her into the room, sword drawn, but Tallon ignored him; he only had eyes for Selene. He walked up to her and gently took he
r in his arms, pulling her close. Feeling her belly press against him, he stood back to take a better look.
“You....I....we,” he stammered. “We are going to have a baby?” A tear trickled down his face.
“You do not deny that you are the father then,” Allias sneered.
Tallon was still in a state of shock. “Of course not,” he finally managed to say, not taking his eyes off Selene.
“How do you know the baby is not someone else’s?”
This made Tallon finally look at Allias. Placing his arm around Selene and pulling her close to him once again he replied, smiling. “She would never let anyone else touch her. It has to be mine.”
This reply did not make Allias happy. He had been convinced that Tallon would react with anger and deny being the father. Tallon’s next statement took him even more by surprise.
“I know you wish to kill me, though I have yet to be told why, and my chances of leaving this room alive are slim, but I would like to thank you for allowing me to see your daughter one more time. I never thought I would set eyes on her again. I hope you will treat the child as hers instead of mine.” He then kissed Selene on the forehead. “I think you should go now. Your father and I have a lot to discuss.” Selene seemed unwilling to leave his side, so he pushed her gently toward the door. Reluctantly she left, closing the door behind her.
“This is not going as I had planned,” Allias said, taking a seat. “I guess you had better sit down. I thought we would have nothing to talk about, but it now appears we do.”
Tallon sat down opposite Allias and listened to him explain why he had ordered the kidnapping and wanted him dead. Tallon did not once interrupt or contradict him, waiting until he had finished speaking. When it was time to respond, he was open, honest and truthful. He told Allias everything, from how and why he purchased Selene at the slave market, to her return to Emvale. He left nothing out, withheld no secret and Allias found himself believing the young man and hating himself for it.
“So what do you plan to do now?” he asked, when Tallon had finished speaking.
“What are my options?”
Allias leaned back in his chair and sighed. “If you had asked me that an hour ago, I would have said ‘being dissected before you hang or after.’ Now I am not so sure. You are not what I expected.” He then looked toward the door. “I know you are out there Selene. You had better come in,” he called out. The door instantly opened and Selene ran in, straight into Tallon’s arms.
“Your turn Selene,” he told his daughter. She told her side of the story, as completely as Tallon, including their one night of passion, though she talked about the reasons rather than the actions. Some things a father does not need to hear. Allias found himself thinking back to the passion he had with his first wife and found he could not condemn his daughter for what she had done.
“If I let you live, will you marry her? Bearing in mind that you will have to turn your back on your family and your entire country.”
Tallon did not hesitate. “Yes.”
“I need time to think. You are free to go wherever you please, provided you do not leave the palace grounds.” He left the room before Tallon had chance to respond.
While Selene gave Tallon a tour of the palace, Allias went in search of everyone involved in the kidnapping, not that it could really be called a kidnapping he thought to himself. His first target was Tor, who provided a full account of everything that took place from when they first left Emvale to their return. One by one, he asked each member of the party their views on Tallon and every single one of them found him to be a pleasant, amiable, young man. He had gone with them willingly and at no point had he done or said anything to make them think he was putting on an act. The last person he found was Ria.
“He really does love her,” she said, after giving her account.
Allias went in search of Hetta. He had often sought her council in the past and really needed to hear her opinion now. It also gave him the opportunity to spend some time with the baby.
Meanwhile, Selene had found Sam and together they were showing Tallon the garden they were restoring. They were in the cottage when Allias found them. Nobody had heard him enter and he watched them for a few minutes. He had not seen his daughter this happy since before her mother had died.
“My great grandmother left this to me,” she was explaining. “We can live here once we are married, if you feel uncomfortable in the palace.”
“You are still my daughter and I decide who you will marry,” Allias said sternly, making Selene jump.
“Have you made your decision?” Tallon asked calmly, as though he had accepted whatever fate awaited him.
Allias smiled. “I cannot have any grandchild of mine growing up to be a bastard now can I?” It took a moment for Selene to work out what he had said. Realisation dawned on her and she ran to him, throwing her arms around him. “There is a lot we are going to have to work out,” he continued, looking at Tallon while trying to disengage himself from his daughter’s arms. The two men headed out of the cottage, leaving the two women excitedly talking wedding plans.
“By the way,” Tallon called back as he was just exiting through the main entrance. “You may want to take a look in the stables.”
Allias and Tallon retreated to the palace to discuss the political issues the upcoming wedding would cause, including what would be the reaction of Tallon’s father, while Selene and Sam headed to the stables. “Dobbin,” Selene cried, spying her horse. Sam took one look at the stallion and burst out laughing.
“What is so funny?” Selene asked, slightly offended. “Dobbin is a perfectly good name for a horse.”
“Sorry,” Sam replied, when she was finally able to regain her breath enough to speak. “Did I mention I can talk with animals? I was laughing at his response. He is not impressed with being called Dobbin, to say the least.”
“What did he say?”
“I would rather not repeat it. It wasn’t very polite.”
Selene pouted. ‘Not a good look’ Sam thought, but kept her opinions to herself. “So what does he want to be called?”
“He says his real name is Zaphron and he would be most grateful if you would use it.”
Selene was still pondering this when the head stable master ran up, calling out to all of his workers. “Get all horses ready to go immediately. Kinfen soldiers have crossed the border.” He suddenly noticed Selene and Sam. “Your Highness, miss,” he acknowledged them, bowing his head slightly. “You need to get out of here. I think we are at war.”
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Allias slowed his horse as he neared the Kinfen camp. Tallon rode on one side of him, Sabastian on the other. “Good god,” he cried, seeing the huge number of enemy soldiers confronting him. He had barely half that number behind him. It would take a few days for those in other garrisons to reach him let alone the soldiers from other provinces, by which time it would be too late if this invasion could not be turned aside.
“Let me talk to my father,” Tallon volunteered. “He is usually a reasonable man. We should be able to sort this out civilly.” As he rode closer he could make out faces, some of which he recognised. “Frack,” he swore, spotting his brother. “This may not be as easy as I hoped.”
“Hello father,” he said pleasantly, when he was close enough to speak without shouting.”
“You appear to be with the wrong ruler son,” Yeland observed.
“I always knew he was a traitor to his country,” the young man at Yeland’s side sneered. “I should be King, not him.”
“Enough,” Yeland said, raising his hand for silence. “Explain yourself Tallon.”
Tallon, used to obeying his father’s orders, proceeded to tell him why he was in Emvale. He explained about the ‘kidnapping’ and his willingness to go with his captors. When he mentioned his engagement, Yeland interrupted him. He had heard enough. “My commander has led me to believe that you are under some sor
t of enchantment. I am inclined to believe him. I give you two choices. Come and join me. Allow my magicians to remove this curse and I will only kill the Emvalians. If you refuse, I will cut you down myself.”
“Sorry father, I cannot allow you to kill my future father in law.” Yeland started to draw his sword, stopping only when he felt the light touch of a lance at his throat.
“I would not recommend taking any hasty action your Majesty.” Looking to his right then left with his eyes, trying not to move his head, Yeland saw his commander and youngest son were in the same position as himself. Tallon’s personal guards had them surrounded. Although technically part of the army, the Regent Guard, as the soldiers who were Tallon’s guards were officially known, reported directly to the Prince instead of the commander.
“You men are fools,” Yeland called out. “You are outnumbered one hundred to one. All I have to do is give the signal and you will die.”
The old guard who had spoken did not lower his lance. “Not before you three will be dead,” he replied. “I suggest you allow your magician to examine Prince Tallon where he is before jumping to conclusions.”
Yeland inclined his head, the slight movement enough for those around him to see, but not enough to make the spear point pierce his skin. With his left arm he signalled the nearest magician to move forward. The clean shaven young man, dressed in a long robe, nervously walked toward the Emvalian army. None of the Kinfen soldiers accompanied him. Tallon calmly watched him approach, dismounting as he drew near. He allowed himself to be subjected to the wizard’s administrations for over an hour until eventually the young man declared that if there was any spell or enchantment on the Prince, he could not detect it. By this time, a witch that Yeland had brought with him had made her way to the front lines. Possessing the ability to sense when someone is lying, she volunteered to try.
The Guide Page 22
