The Descendants Book One: The Broken Scroll

by Kurtis Smith

  Davin almost asked where Aiden had went when the mute man came rushing out of the Healing Station. It was comical the way he bumbled down the stairs and towards their group. He would have laughed if the look on the man’s face hadn’t been so urgent.

  “What is it, Aiden?” Druce asked him.

  For the first time since they had arrived Aiden attempted to communicate verbally. He didn’t try to actually speak, he simply mouthed the words he wanted to say. Davin couldn’t make out what they were, but Druce nodded his head like he understood completely.

  Druce translated. “He says that the captive seems to have regained some sense. One of curative experiments seems to have worked. Would you like to see him?”

  “Yes,” said Egan, quickly.

  Druce led them off the street, into the Healing Station, and up to the third story where a large room filled with beds resided. It ran the length and width of the building and was brightly lit. Only a handful of the beds held any patients, but that was expected considering the size of the town.

  Aiden gestured down toward the far end of the room where the Cureist sat by the bed of the soldier, making notes on parchment. The soldier eyed them groggily.

  The Cureist greeted them as they neared. He was a small, round man in stature, but had the confidence of one who took pride in his specialized skills. He shook their hands, introducing himself as Reginald. “Only minutes ago I was able to finally make some sense out of him. His head has cleared and he seems well enough. His body seems to think he was simply in a long, deep sleep, hence his drowsy manner. Since this is a new condition to me I don’t know how long it will take to wear off.”

  “How did you cure him?” Egan asked.

  Reginald looked at Egan as if how the soldier had been cured was irrelevant. He hadn’t been informed of the true nature of the soldier’s madness then. That was certain.

  “It was a curious little plant a colleague of mine sent me. He said he found it in the forest southeast of here on his travels. I like to experiment with rare substances in my cures, so he sent it to me.”

  “The Ancient Forest?” Davin spat out.

  “I believe that is what they call it, yes. He told me he found the plant interesting because it seemed to radiate light of its own accord. I do not know about how much of that is true, it wasn’t glowing when I received it, but it seems to be the only thing in my collection that has worked. I spent the entirety of the night and morning giving him various mixtures. None has worked until now.”

  “Let me speak with him,” said Teague to Egan, unexpectedly. “He may recognize me and be more willing to give us information.”

  “Yes, I believe that would be best,” Egan agreed and stepped out of the way. Reginald stood back and watched silently.

  Teague touched the soldier’s shoulder and he turned slowly toward the young prince. His eyes widened as they fell upon Teague’s face. He raised his head slightly to see better but it seemed to take some effort.

  “My lord, my prince,” said the man, trying to dip his head in a bow. Davin watched Reginald blink in surprise as if hadn’t heard the soldier correctly.

  Teague shook his head, gesturing for him to lie back down. “Do not address me as such here. I have to ask you a question.”

  “Of course, my lord.” The soldier remained awed by Teague’s presence, his gaze never falling away the young Prince.

  “How did First Captain Deverell grant the Ancient’s power to you?” Teague asked. The soldier shook his head, his eyes flitting back and forth quickly.

  “Ancient’s power? I don’t know, sir. I-I don’t know of having any powers. How much memory did I lose?” Davin pitied him. The man looked scared, though Davin imagined he would feel the same way if he had gone through losing a considerable chunk of his memory…like Egan.

  Teague looked back at them, confirming that he shouldn’t push the issue. “Very well, soldier,” said Teague in an authoritative tone. “Since you have gone through quite an ordeal, I will request you be retired to civilian status. You may return home when you are well.”

  The soldier didn’t look pleased with the idea of his service being done with, but he only said, “As you wish, my lord.”

  Teague turned back to leave the bedside when Davin spoke up, an idea suddenly striking him. “My lord, what of the other matter you wished to request of him?”

  Teague studied Davin, trying to read his thoughts. Davin hoped Teague knew this was an act. He walked forward to the side of the bed and peered down at the soldier, who was also wearing a confused expression.

  Davin addressed the soldier, “If my lord will allow me, I would inform you of the other request he had for you. He seems to have forgotten it himself.” Davin glanced back at Teague, pretending to seek the noble Prince’s approval. Teague nodded, and gestured for Davin to continue.

  “He has received word of an uprising and gathering of fighters in the south near the coast. He requests that you pass the word to King O’Hara before more numbers join their ranks.”

  The soldier looked past Davin to Teague. “What is their intent exactly, my lord?”

  Teague’s face grew intense. “To over throw my father, and replace him with their own leader.”

  The soldier’s jaw dropped. He no longer looked groggy. “Rebels you mean. Traitors. I can’t believe anyone would be so bold. The King deserves only honor from the citizens,” he rambled. Davin had to fight the urge roll his eyes.

  Teague continued after a small silence. “I see that you had the rank of First Tenant. If you choose to take on this mission, I will promote you this moment to First Xeral, two ranks above your current status. This should be able to gain you an audience with the First Captain. You must keep this information secret until you reach Talamaraon City or more will be inspired to stand against us. Request to speak to the First Captain himself; he will pass word along to the king and the army.”

  The soldier looked uncertain, as he wasn’t sure that he wanted to take up the challenge. Teague stepped forward and frowned at the man, not looking impressed with his moment of doubt.

  “There is no time for argument, soldier. Will you do what your lord requests of you?” Davin had to admit, Teague was good at being royalty when he wanted to be.

  After recovering from a moment of embarrassment, the soldier said, “I would be honored to take up this personal request from my liege. When I am well, I will leave for the capital city at once.”

  “This pleases me soldier,” said Teague authoritatively. “You will be commended if you succeed. Give me a moment and I will make this promotion official.”

  Teague requested parchment and ink. Everyone waited patiently while Teague wrote out the confirmation of the soldier’s promotion and signed it.

  The soldier looked at Teague in admiration. It would have made Davin feel uncomfortable, but he assumed Teague was used to that sort of thing. Teague simply took his hand out and the soldier kissed it lightly, without reservation.

  Pulling his arm back Teague said, “I pray you heal fast and return with haste to the capital.”

  “Thank you, my lord. I will.”

  “And one last matter,” Teague finished, “do not reveal that this information came from me until necessary. My location cannot be sacrificed.”

  The soldier hesitated. “My lord…may I ask what you are doing down here, with these people? I’m certain the king would be glad to know you are alive.”

  Teague grimaced, looked toward Davin and the others, and then back at the soldier. “I’m certain he would. But I am not ready to reveal my purpose here. I need you to accept this.”

  “Of course, my Prince.” The soldier straightened up in bed. “I will leave here as soon as I am able travel. Any uprising will not stand a chance. We will see to it.”

  Teague turned back to the rest of the group and they all knew their time here was done. Druce thanked the Reginald for his allowance and bid him farewell. Reginald didn’t stare anywhere else but at Teague as he mouthed h
is goodbye. Davin hoped he wouldn’t he tie them up any longer, and was relieved when he didn’t. As they began to tread toward the stairs, Reginald continued to glare, but said nothing else. There would have been lengthy explanation in order otherwise, and they didn’t have the luxury of time to tell it.

  Kayleigh grabbed Davin lightly by the shoulder and he turned his head to her, trying not given any indication of the sudden of excitement he felt at her touch.

  “That was brilliant, Davin,” she whispered. Davin shrugged his shoulders, not wanting to make a big deal of it outwardly.

  When they exited the building Druce spoke up immediately. “What was the meaning of that display, might I ask?”

  “Can you not figure it out yourself?” Egan said, with the hint of a pleased smile born from what had just taken place inside.

  “Prince Teague has just secured our element of surprise,” Davin said, proudly. “If that soldier succeeds, we will have diverted a good portion of the army away from the Capital.”

  It was Druce’s turn to be skeptical. “The odds are against us that one man’s word will convince Deverell and O’Hara. And how likely is he even to gain audience with the First Captain. They are more likely to be wise to trickery and lies, considering they are masters of such things themselves.”

  “The odds of success are the same as your extra fighters joining us,” Davin said, refusing to believe the plan wouldn’t work.

  “All I am saying,” Druce groaned, raising his voice a bit, “is that you have more than likely informed the King of our exact plan rather than diverted him.”

  Davin tried to keep the argument light, but Druce was making it hard. “You read too much into this and think too highly of O’Hara.”

  “Do you actually think that I like that man”-

  Davin cut him off, barely winning over his rising temper. “You certainly have little faith in us if you don’t trust our judgment.”

  Druce stepped firmly toward Davin, his face turning harsh. “I’ve seen too much to leave anything to chance, especially this kingdom’s future.”

  “Go your own way then, if it pleases you. But we need your help and you need ours. You know this.”

  Druce spun around and walked several steps away, running his hand through his hair and taking a deep breath. When he turned back, the anger in his face had abated.

  “I should restrain myself,” Druce admitted. “Though I find it hard sometimes on matters of this nature.”

  “Davin does too it seems,” Egan said smugly, “which is quite a change from how he used to be.” Druce almost smiled. “Now, if you will take us to the stables.”

  The stables had four pookas and four horses loaded with supplies. Six held a little less so they could accommodate their riders as well, and two were packed all the way around with weapons, food, clothes, and other essentials. Druce told them that they had packed enough of each type of item for the six of them.

  ***

  Druce and Aiden’s goodbyes and last minute duties to their townspeople were all that remained at fourteenth hour. Druce appointed a man not much older than Davin called Brian as Mayor of the town in his stead. He seemed headstrong. The people approved of this appointment, but not of the former soldiers’ leaving.

  Many of the men offered their blades to the cause. But Druce protested the ones with families should stay and protect them from any future threats. He couldn’t deny the others this chance and agreed they would be welcomed. Fifteen extra fighters wasn’t much, but Davin felt his heart swell with excitement anyway.

  The weak winter sun slowly became enveloped in ominous clouds as the day grew long on the landscape. Even seeing this, they still didn’t stop for any rest. The winter evening came and went, as did the rain. By the time they stopped at last it was early morning and the clouds had tapered off.

  Nothing prevented Davin from practicing his Driocht skills with Egan and sparring with Kayleigh for a short time. Several of the other men from Habok joined in the sparring, not wanting their skills to become lax. Druce had a short go with both Davin and Egan, and with some of his other men.

  As far as pure fight ability went, two men called Domhnallan and Ros were particular standouts. They had definitely seen formal training. Their bodies held an impressive tone for fifty-something men.

  The Descendants watched the fighting between the two older men for some time.

  Ros addressed Davin and Egan during a rest. “I saw it in your eyes, you didn’t think us fit for battle when we first met.”

  “We stand corrected,” Egan admitted.

  Davin added, “Indeed.”

  Domhnallan and Ros finished their round and shook arms with the two Descendants, Domhnallan speaking, “That’s good, but I’m more interested to see more of your power in action.”

  A sandy haired teenager, that had introduced himself as Bert, interjected into the conversation. He couldn’t have been a day over fourteen, but had the maturity and manner of a grown man. “Leave them alone, uncle Dom, I’m sure we’ll get to see more of that soon enough.”

  “The sooner the better,” Davin spouted, “I’ve been waiting long enough for some soldiers to be on the wrong end of one of our orbs.” They all shared a hearty laugh.

  Continuing to be wet and cold down to their bones, they rode on after a short early morning nap. During the times when the pookas and horses were given rest from the breakneck pace, they told stories to pass time. Druce discussed more about Aiden and his time in the army, Egan retold the story of the Ancients per Druce’s request, and Teague spoke of his exile from the Capital.

  Around the mid-afternoon, two days out of Habok, they spotted the reflection of the moonlight on the wide river that ran through the center of the town they sought. Swift River lay in front of them, less than a league away.

  It was by far the biggest town they’d seen in the Golden Plains. This one actually had an old stone wall that ran the perimeter of it. Buildings could be seen rising above it at different shapes and sizes. The river, which stretched wide itself, cut the town straight down the middle of its length. It ran underneath the wall on one side and out the other. The city stretched out on the flat landscape on either side.

  “At last,” said Davin. The others looked at him solemnly. They must have known what this meant to him. To have the means to storm the Capital had been his main motivation for so long. And this town could hold that answer.

  “I recommend we wait until sunrise to enter,” said Egan, which drew confused looks from some. “We don’t want to raise alarm and draw attention in case we are walking into a trap. The town could’ve been informed of our coming and decided to be loyal to the King, instead of stand against him. I would much prefer an ambush during the day.”

  “I agree,” said Kayleigh. “I need all the advantage I can get.”

  “It wouldn’t hurt us to delay,” Teague replied as well.

  Davin wanted to see Niahm and her results with the rallying of Lemirre. But more importantly he had also spent time learning it wasn’t just his life he was looking out for anymore.

  He spoke up. “We delay and we run further risk of O’Hara and Deverell getting the upper hand on us. What if they learn of our uprising between now and then?”

  “What would we gain by going into town tonight?” Druce asked, stepping toward Davin. “If the fighters you speak of are there, they will not give up on you before morning. And what if we are found out tonight? It will change very little the outcome in the end.”

  “Not true,” Davin said, his voice rising. “Did those mad soldiers tell you nothing? You’ve seen Deverell’s cruelty first hand, just as we have. He could do much to these people in one night.”

  Egan put his hand on Davin’s shoulder. Davin shrugged his hand off and step away. He caught a glimpse of Kayleigh in the process. She did nothing except watch him carefully.

  Druce now raised his voice, speaking slowly at first. “You think you can save everyone, Davin? I’d like to see you show me how. It
doesn’t work like that. People are going to suffer no matter how fast we act. I know that I am doing everything I can help, and rushing blindly into a situation isn’t the way to do that.”

  “Even if it could save thousands? Sometimes there is a risk you have to take.”

  “Do not speak to me of necessary risks, Davin. I’ve taken many of them.”

  Egan interrupted. “For my part I think it is best we stay where we are tonight. But we will hold a vote with everyone here, since it involves all of our lives.”

  Druce and Davin consented to this with a nod.

  Egan conducted the vote. In the end, Davin was sorely outnumbered. He retreated to his bedroll and travelling pack to settle in for the night, not really sure if losing the vote had been really all that bad.

  A few minutes later Kayleigh approached. Her gaze bore into him.

  “What?” he said, more snippily than he meant to. She crossed over to whisper in his ear, the hot wind raising the hairs on his neck.

  “I thought you were going to try to get along with him,” she said. Davin looked at her.

  “I will try to, but it doesn’t mean I have to like him,” Davin replied sourly. “And he hasn’t made the effort yet, why should I?”

  Kayleigh began to back away. “You two can work it out on your own, but work quickly. We don’t exactly have a lot of time to waste. You can’t second guess your ally in the heat of battle. There is only time to trust and react. Otherwise you both end up dead.”

  After a few seconds silence, Davin replied, “That’s good advice. Where did you learn it from?”

  The corners of her mouth crept upward ever so slightly. “From you.”

  Davin nodded. “Sometimes I impress even myself. I understand what you are saying.”

  Kayleigh nodded and left him to mull over the issue with Druce. He couldn’t believe she wasn’t more irritated with him, considering his unwillingness to be the bigger man. In fact, now that he thought about it. She had never said a disrespectful word to anyone since they’d met her. He remembered a line from a play he’d seen one time long ago. Rare that such a beauty is not overcome by vanity and rudeness.