Time had not eroded the passion they had once shared, and as his hot breath mingled with hers, she growled. Roland grabbed her arms and jerked his head back. His eyes swept across her face, and his tongue licked a drop of blood off his bottom lip.
“You bit me,” he said, “and your eyes glow yellow. Taliesin, you are Wolfen!”
“I’m sorry. I…I forgot in all the excitement of seeing you again. It happened back at the Cave of the Snake God. Wolfgar did this to me,” she said, horrified at what she had done to the man she loved. “Don’t be afraid, Roland. Zarnoc crafted an enchanted necklace that keeps me from turning. I also know how to break the curse—all I have to do is kill Varg. I have already killed Cano and wounded Ragnal, and once I….”
With a growl of his own, Roland silenced her with another kiss. She was shocked by his response, for he didn’t care if she was Wolfen or that she had just cursed him. He still loved her; she knew it, and she loved him more than ever for being so brave and unprejudiced. The kiss ended at a chuckle from the doorway. Roland pulled away, but kept one arm around her as they turned to find a slender young man in elegant robes waiting beside a White Stag knight. Both men glanced at one another and laughed.
“So, this is the Raven Mistress,” the knight said. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sir Bedwyn, Sir Roland’s closest friend, and this is Duke Andre Rigelus. We wouldn’t ordinarily end this happy reunion, but I would like to point out we remain in the dungeon and need to leave before we’re discovered out of our cells.”
“Gentlemen, this is Rosamond Mandrake, also known as ‘Taliesin,’” Roland said, as he stood. He offered his hand and pulled Taliesin to her feet. “The sword strapped to her back is the Raven Sword. I told you she would come, my friends.”
“Even if we are discovered, I am not merely the Raven Mistress,” Taliesin said, quick to address another serious matter. “Princess Calista Draconus is my mother; she wed my father, John Mandrake, and I’m the result of their union. She came here with Sertorius, and he knows we are cousins. They are prisoners. At least I think they are; my mother seemed to befriend Lord Arundel rather quickly.”
“Calista is your mother?” Roland stared at her as he lowered his arm. “This changes everything; you are related to two royal houses, Taliesin. Where is Zarnoc? Hmm? I’m sure he’s the one who brought you here.”
“I came on my own. Zarnoc is at Penkill Castle with my new clan.”
“We must release the other prisoners,” Roland said.
Taliesin laughed. “I already have, my love.”
The duke and the other knight glanced at each other again and laughed. Taliesin hardly thought it cause for humor, for they did remain in the dungeon, but her announcement she was a Draconus had somehow lessened the severity of the situation, and the men acted as if they no longer had reason to fear their captors, if they ever did.
“You failed to describe Princess Rosamond’s beauty accurately, Roland,” Duke Andre said. “Of course, I knew she was beautiful. We met several times when the Raven Clan came to trade at Acre Castle. Master Osprey, and his wife, Minerva, paid visits to my father. But you have grown a bit taller since I saw you last.”
“We are both sorry to hear Osprey and your clan were killed,” Sir Bedwyn said. “Unless we want to join them, we had best come up with a plan.”
“That may be difficult,” Taliesin replied. “Arundel and Lykus are in league together. They arranged to turn me over to Almaric in exchange for a three-day truce. Dinadan intends to have a formal coronation and has already unofficially crowned himself king. I managed to escape Captain Wolfgar and came directly here. I’m sure the palace guards and Wolfmen are looking for me.”
“So, Dinadan still intends to usurp the throne,” Andre replied. “A bold move, for Almaric and Sertorius want the same thing. The moment Dinadan declares himself king, his brothers will kill him. When we asked Dinadan to hold the coronation until after the war, Arundel convinced him to arrest us. While I don’t like to point fingers, I believe Arundel is responsible for killing the king.”
“My gut tells me the same thing,” Roland said. He took Taliesin’s hand as they walked to the door. “Dinadan swears he did not kill King Frederick. I feel certain Lord Arundel arranged it, but without a proper investigation, no one will ever know the truth.”
Andre led the way into the corridor. “I may have an idea,” he said. “Hercule and Elric are here, as well. Let us introduce the princess to the other dukes, and I’ll explain how we can turn a calamity into an opportunity.”
“You’re just like your father,” Bedwyn said, smiling widely. “It had better be a clever plan, Duke Andre, or it’s the axe for us.”
“Prince Konall is dead,” Taliesin said as they headed toward the waiting lords, ladies, and knights. “Sertorius beheaded him and forced me to ride in a wagon with his corpse from Dreskull Castle to Erindor, where I was fortunate to run into the Red Cobras’ commander. We have more allies than you realize. Prince Galinn is also alive and well, and he now goes by the name Talas Kull. He and the Skardans have joined us.”
“What?” Roland lifted her hand and kissed it. “You are full of surprises. Is Talas Kull coming with his army?”
“I sent them to keep the Hellirins from entering Caladonia. Almaric offered to give Skarda to General Folando for his help; hence, Kull is eager to keep the Hellirins out. If he wasn’t already a king, Galinn would be the one who should sit on the throne.”
“Who would have thought Galinn would be the barbarian king of the north?” Roland laughed. “This is good news.”
Another White Stag knight stepped out of a cell and joined them.
“This is Sir Landrake,” Sir Bedwyn said. “Landrake, this is the long-lost princess Rosamond Mandrake, the woman who stole Roland’s heart.”
“Is it indeed? A pleasure, my Lady,” Landrake said.
The knight was a tall, blond man, with dimples in his cheeks. He led the way to the group waiting at the end of the corridor, where a line of knights stood on either side. They fell into step behind the small group as two more lords stepped forward. An older man in a long leather coat, bedecked with gold chains, stood beside a younger man wearing a cap with a peacock feather that matched the shade of his tunic. The two glanced at Sir Roland for an introduction, and Taliesin gripped Roland’s arm tighter, for she was about to meet the late king’s loyal dukes.
“This is Rosamond, daughter of Princess Calista and John Mandrake,” Roland said, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Some of you may know her as Taliesin, the Raven Mistress. She is also a natural-born sha’tar, and the heir of King Korax Sanqualus. The sword she carries is none other than Ringerike, the Raven Sword.”
“This is Duke Hercule Volund, cousin of the late Duke Hrothgar of Fregia,” Duke Andre said, pointing to the man in leather. “The ugly fellow with the peacock feather is Duke Elric Galatyn of Bavol. Elric was fortunate to make it to Padama with the Knights of the Blue Star.”
The two lords bowed their heads.
“A hard fight to get here,” Duke Elric stated. “Less than a cordial greeting was offered on our arrival, and unremarkable accommodations provided.”
“Is it true Duke Richelieu is dead, and his daughter, Lenora, is married to Sertorius?” Duke Hercule asked. “Richelieu was my friend. I attended the funeral of his late wife, and if true, I am saddened Lenora married such a whelp.”
“I’m sorry, my Lord; it is true,” Taliesin said. “Lenora resides at Dunatar Castle. She is safe, but Sertorius brought the entire Garridan army to Padama. They have sided with Almaric, and are twenty thousand strong. I have battled them several times since they landed at Dreskull Castle.” She smiled when the men stared, most not believing her, while others looked with admiration. “You should know we have the support of Talas Kull of Skarda, Shan Octavio of the Ghajaran, Captain Ramla of the Red Cobras, who now holds Wolf’s Den, and a dragon named ‘Bonaparte.’ And the Raven Clan, of course.”
“Bonaparte?”
Duke Hercule said. “The gold dragon of Ascalon? I know that dragon very well. As long as he keeps to the ruins on top of the mountain, we Fregians do not bother him. How did you meet him?”
“A long story,” she said. “But Bonaparte will come when I call for him.”
“Those allies are too far removed to be of service now, Princess Rosamond,” Duke Hercule said, “but they may be needed in the days ahead. She is everything you said she was, Sir Roland, and far more. If you desire to claim the Ebony Throne, Your Grace, then Fregia will support you. I know it was you who found my cousins dead on the battlefield at Bernlak, and Doomsayer. Roland says you treated them with nothing but respect, and I appreciate it.” He bowed his head. “Well, Andre? You are the thinking man; I am sure you have a plan. Out with it, boy.”
“None here can refute King Frederick’s remaining sons have violated every sacred law in this realm,” Duke Andre said. “It is because of our refusal to crown Dinadan we now find ourselves out of favor. I, for one, don’t want a rebel prince or Arundel’s puppet on the throne. I suggest we demand the High Council meet and take a vote. Lord Ungus Cavell, the Chancellor of the High Council, is grandfather to our warring princes, and it is to him we need to make our appeal.”
“That old man,” Landrake grumbled. “He allowed us to be locked up.”
“Quiet,” Roland said.
“You want to invoke the Old Law,” Duke Elric said. “You’re quite shrewd, Andre. I did not think of that, but of course, it is a solution. King Frederick left no instructions on who was to succeed him, and Almaric threw away his claim to the throne when he went to war against his father. Under the Old Laws, the High Council can demand a vote, and we sit on the Council. That is how the old kings and queens were selected when more than one heir claimed the throne.”
“It means inviting Almaric into the castle,” Duke Hercule grumbled. “Do you really think he’ll agree to this? Arundel and Banik will oppose it, and so will Fakar.”
Duke Andre laughed. “But Lord Ungus will insist. I may be new to the Council, like Hercule, but I do know the Old Laws—it is our right to demand a vote.”
“Will Princess Calista confirm the lady’s heritage?” Duke Elric asked. “Before we walk through this door, I need to be sure we have more proof than the word of this girl, a magical sword, and your feelings, Sir Roland.”
“My word of honor should be enough, but perhaps Taliesin will show you Ringerike; only the Raven heir can wield it. The Old Laws will recognize the Raven King’s heir. They have to, since it was King Korax who created them and the Draconus House, which used them for more than eight hundred years. Show it to them, Taliesin, so we can dispense with these concerns and set this plan into motion.”
Standing away from Roland, Taliesin reached for the sword and drew it from the scabbard. The sword let out a sharp whine as it burst into a blue light that filled the dungeon and shined on the faces around her. People gasped, a few turned away, frightened, and the three dukes stared in astonishment.
“It is Ringerike,” Duke Elric cried out. “It matches the painting of King Korax and the Raven Sword hanging in the throne room. The King’s Law forbids the use of magic, and it is high treason to do so, but Almaric has the Fregian sword Doomsayer. This whole civil war started when the three clans began collecting magical weapons. This meeting will prove quite interesting.”
“This is Korax’s heir,” Duke Hercule whispered. “Her royal blood is ancient. She has more right to the Ebony Throne than any Draconus prince; Korax made the Ebony Throne, and the crown Dinadan wears belonged to the Raven King. This very castle is built upon the foundation of Black Castle, and its magic remains, whether it is forbidden or not. Fregia supports you, Princess Rosamond. Or, do I call you ‘Taliesin?’”
“I prefer ‘Taliesin,’ and until Calista supports my claim, that’s all it will ever be. Truthfully, my Lords, I do not know if I want to be a queen. However, I am willing to let the High Council take a vote and will abide by their decision.”
“She is humble and gracious,” Duke Elric said. “It is my pleasure to lead us from this dungeon and demand a meeting. Now, if one of you could open this door, we will overturn this travesty and see justice is done.”
“Be my guest, Taliesin,” Roland said with a grin.
Taliesin laughed and opened the door. The three dukes, followed by the knights, walked out of the dungeon, and Roland and Taliesin led the rest of the prisoners. A wide staircase led to the ground floor, where fifty palace guards waited. As they drew their weapons, Duke Elric of Bavol shook his spear in anger. “Captain of the Royal Guard, we demand to see Lord Ungus Cavell, in accordance with the Old Laws, which clearly state, ‘a member of the High Council may request an audience with King, Regent, or Queen to discuss matters of state, no matter if they have been charged with a crime.’ As we have neither been tried nor properly sentenced, I suggest you sheath your blades and send for Lord Cavell, the princes, and the High Council!”
The captain spun on his heel and walked off. The guards stood back, weapons sheathed, and allowed the entire group to pass. Lords and ladies hurried off in one direction, while the rich merchants and tradesman fled out the nearest door. The dukes and knights continued toward the throne room. Duke Andre fell back and gazed at Taliesin with approval.
“All will be well, Taliesin. The Draconus family will respect the Old Laws, or they will lose all credibility within the kingdom. When Lord Ungus arrives, you will see how quickly justice is restored; he is a wise, learned man, and he is honorable.”
“Lord Ungus is powerful,” Taliesin said as she pressed against Roland. “I’m nervous about meeting him. What if he doesn’t approve of me? I know I am a mess; he’ll take one look at me and think I’m a servant.”
“Hardly,” Roland said. “Do not worry. I am with you, and no one will part us again. One step at a time, Taliesin; that’s all a man or a woman can do to get through the day. Well, in your case, that’s not exactly true; just where did you get dragon-scale armor?”
Sir Bedwyn hurried over. He had accepted a coat from an onlooker and placed it over Taliesin’s shoulders. Ringerike, hidden from view, thumped against her back, unhappy to be denied a grand entrance into the throne room.
Duke Andre puffed out his chest and strutted, thumbs stuck under his belt. “I cannot wait to see old Arundel’s face when he sees us,” the duke said. “I have disliked the man since the day I met him. He once held my father for ransom and demanded payment of three thousand gold pieces; my mother almost refused to pay.”
Roland winked at Taliesin. “By the gods, I have missed you. If you want to sit on the throne,” he said, voice kept low, “I will gladly be the captain of your royal guard, although in truth, I would prefer to be more than just your captain. For now, I am eager to spend a little private time with you. It has been a long time, and I have much to say to you.”
“Too long,” Taliesin said, smiling. She had missed him, too.
* * * * *
Chapter Eleven
Trumpets announced the arrival of the Dukes of Bavol, Fregia, and Thule into the Star Chamber, the official name of the throne room. Men and women from fifty noble houses gathered on either side. Servants held their banners, and children stood behind their parents. Beautiful courtesans, dressed in elegant gowns, mingled with the earls, barons, and counts, all held back by the royal guards. Duke Hercule kept the spear he carried vertical in his hands to clear a path, as he led Taliesin and the rest of the nobles and knights toward the Ebony Throne.
The throne sat a hundred yards from the entrance of the chamber. Behind it hung the royal banner, gold edged in black, displaying the three Draconus black lions, which were representations of King Tarquin, his son Talas, and Talas’ successors. The throne was a massive block of obsidian carved with intricate Lorian lettering, which struck Taliesin as both beautiful and horrific. It had been made for the Raven King, but since his death, every Draconus king had sat on it. The whole situation reminded her of brown
-headed cowbirds that stole the nests of other birds to lay their eggs. The king’s crown was also the one King Korax had worn, and not once had a Draconus or the High Council suggested the throne and crown be replaced.
Taliesin tried to maintain an impassive expression as she walked beside Roland, with Bedwyn and Landrake a few steps behind. Ringerike vibrated with excitement, and she heard muffled shouts from the enchanted items inside her pouch. She had visited the throne room once when she was young and had gazed at the portrait of King Korax Sanqualus, a dark, bearded man holding the Raven Sword, hung behind one of a dozen slender pillars on her left. The pillars rose sixty feet to touch the sloped ceiling, which was painted with images of the gods of Mt. Helos. Long, narrow stained-glass windows depicted past kings and queens at the head of armies, fierce battles, maidens seated beside mythical creatures, and bold knights.
“Do not be nervous,” Roland whispered.
“I’m really not dressed for this.”
“You look beautiful. Keep your head high.”
Taliesin had taken a few seconds to alter the appearance of the lords, removing their dirt with magic and restoring the luster of their garments and the shine of their armor. Her hair hung in a braid, every strand in place, and she wore a dark green gown stitched with gold that she had once seen Queen Dehavilyn wear in Duvalen. The borrowed cloak now appeared gold, and hid Ringerike under the ample hood pulled over the hilt. But the Raven Sword was not quiet; not only did Ringerike vibrate as they approached the Ebony Throne, it relayed hundreds of images of kings and queens seated on the throne over the centuries.
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