by Nathan Roden
Boone whispered to Helena.
“How does he bloody do that?” Boone said.
“Why not have Caleb speak to the dragons now?” Ben asked. “There would be no need for him to return here.”
“Even if they agree to fight with us, we are not prepared to have the dragons go to Islemar,” Lord Lamont said. “The people would panic. They would be more interested in killing dragons than defending against the army. And Islemar has cannons.”
“How will we alert the people of Islemar that dragons are coming?” Helena said.
Lamont pinched the bridge of his nose. He sighed and stared into the sky.
“Will this be the first of many things I have not thought of?”
“I will take care of it,” Simon said.
“And how will you do that?” Lamont asked.
Simon turned his head and burned off his flames.
“I will speak to Lady Lamont. She can inform her citizens.”
“Great Vehaillion’s ghost,” Lamont said.
“Wait,” Boone said. “Lady Lamont has never seen you?”
“No,” Simon and Lord Lamont said at the same time.
Simon saw Caleb across the field. He walked toward him.
“Why is this cause for concern?” Helena asked. “Does Lady Lamont not agree that Simon is our rightful king? Is she prone to fainting—?
Boone grabbed Helena’s arm.
“That’s quite enough of that.”
Helena pulled away from Boone.
“I was forced to ride on Simon’s back while being chased by the King’s Guard. I had to watch him…watch him change into a man while he screamed like he was dying! This is no time for—”
“It’s no time for being disrespectful to our friends!” Boone snapped.
“It’s all right, Boone,” Lamont said. “Helena speaks the truth. I am the one responsible for keeping Robinette away from Simon. Not because she is not strong enough to deal with the very idea of his existence—but to keep her from unnecessary pain.”
“What pain?” Helena said.
Lamont looked at Helena, his eyes wet.
“We promised our daughter in marriage to the king. We have since come to know what is on Jaclyn’s heart and on Simon’s as well. I live with this reality every day. I wished to spare my wife this suffering as long as possible.”
Helena hung her head.
“I’m sorry, Lord Lamont. Please forgive me.”
Lamont smiled.
“You have a passionate heart, Helena. That heart has served us well, and will do so again. But you may have the wrong impression of Robinette. Yes, she is graceful, and cultured, and her beauty is beyond measure. She represents Islemar at the highest standard and has many times kept me from embarrassing myself. But she is no shy and dainty thing. She insisted that I teach her to hunt and to fish—to survive, should she ever have to fend for herself. She trains with the sword and with a bow. The servants love her because she treats them with dignity and respect. Robinette and Jaclyn are very much alike.”
Lamont exhaled heavily and closed his eyes.
“If only they were safely tucked away, far across the sea.”
Eighteen
The young man gently raised his daughter from her mother’s side. He carried her across the room and laid her in her crib. He returned to the bed and climbed in next to his wife.
Lilly rolled over, wrapping her arm around Noah’s shoulder.
“You’re such a good Papa,” she whispered.
“A better Papa than I am a son.”
Lilly kissed his shoulder.
“Stop punishing yourself. You are where you’re meant to be. My father thinks of you as his own son.”
“Only because his daughter found me irresistible.”
“Ha!” Lilly snuggled up close.
“You gave him a precious granddaughter—and he tells everyone you’re the most gifted shipbuilder he’s ever seen.”
“Besides himself, you mean.”
Lilly sighed.
“What would have happened if you hadn’t been here when Papa became ill? He could have…we could have lost everything. And now, there are more orders than you can fill!”
Noah kissed Lilly’s forehead.
“I have everything I’ve ever wanted. But I never meant to abandon my family.”
“I’ll speak to Father,” Lilly said. “It’s time he brought on apprentices. He can afford it, and you shouldn’t have to be on the docks every single day. You won’t stay young forever.”
Noah rolled onto his side. He put his hand on his wife’s naked hip. With his middle and forefinger, he walked his hand up her side.
“I may not be young forever, but I’m feeling fairly energetic at the moment.”
Lilly laughed.
“Of course you are! In a few hours you’ll be aboard your mistress on the high seas!”
“I do love my ships, but they have certain…limitations.”
“They certainly cannot make you beautiful babies.”
“That’s true. I’ve enjoyed every step of the Papa journey—although I have a particular fondness for the first part.”
Lilly smiled. She leaned forward and kissed Noah on the lips. She jerked away and rubbed her cheek.
“Ow!”
Lilly grabbed a handful of Noah’s beard. It was the first beard he had ever allowed to grow beyond a few days of stubble.
“I’m not sure I like this at all,” Lilly grumbled.
Olivia whimpered and kicked at her blanket before going back to sleep.
“Sh!” Noah said.
“Don’t you shush me!” Lilly whispered. “One day you’ll wish you were still the baby-faced ship-builder and not just another sunbaked old sea-dog!”
“Like your father?” Noah said. “Your uncles? Or your brothers?”
Lilly ran her hand across Noah’s chest and across his stomach. She kissed his shoulder and then his neck.
“I may not be as quick to cuddle with a calloused, crusty-skinned old goat.”
Lilly took Noah’s hand and sighed.
“I remember when these hands were as soft as Olivia’s backside.”
“Maybe you should take advantage of me now—before I’m completely ruined,” Noah said.
“I suppose I need something to remember you by,” Lilly said. “Since you’re going to leave me for two whole weeks.”
“It can’t be helped,” Noah said. “We have ships to deliver and there aren’t enough helmsmen to go around.”
Lilly punched her husband, playfully.
“Admit it, Noah. You want to pilot a ship. You’re as excited as a little boy!”
Noah tickled her.
“I am excited—but not like a little boy.”
*****
“Land ho!”
Noah’s ship was under the command of an elderly captain. Noah had manned a ship’s wheel on many short voyages, but he had never docked at the crowded and intricate docks of Islemar. He woke the captain.
“We are approaching the harbor, My Lord.”
The old captain grumbled unintelligibly and swung his feet to the deck. He joined Noah at the wheel moments later. Noah stepped aside.
“Where do you think you’re going?” the captain asked.
“I…I’ve never docked at Islemar, My Lord.”
The captain grabbed Noah’s sleeve and pulled.
“Well, it’s high time you did.”
Twenty minutes later the ship was anchored, tied off to the dock, and the gangplank was in place. Sweat poured from Noah’s brow. He leaned over the wheel, breathing as if he’d run a great distance.
The captain laughed and slapped Noah on the back.
“Ship-building is a mighty fine trade, lad.”
The captain winked.
“But there’s nothing quite like manning the wheel of one!”
“Yes, My Lord!”
Noah couldn’t help smiling as he trotted down the gangplank, full of adrenaline. He ran up
the hill and stopped at the public well in the middle of the square. He splashed his face and drank his fill. He ran a hand through his dripping hair. Two young ladies giggled at him as they passed.
Noah left at a brisk pace, walking toward his family home. He made a turn to the north and passed through a gate. He bowed low and addressed the two guards.
“A splendid good day to you, My Lords.”
He rose and turned away. The guards stepped in front of him.
“Slow down, young fellow. What is your business here?”
Noah squinted and cocked his head as he stared at the guard.
“Peter? Peter Stroud?”
The other guard laughed.
“Peter! It’s Master Noah! He’s gone and grown himself a beard—he’s the spittin’ image of his father!”
“I’m terribly sorry, Master Noah. Come. Your mother will be thrilled to see you!”
The guard ushered Noah to the door. The woman in the front room stared, wide-eyed.
“Noah? Is that really you?”
Noah smiled and hugged the woman.
“It is wonderful to see you, Esmerelda! You’re as lovely as ever!”
“And you lie as well as your father! Does your mother know you’re here?”
“No. I was pressed into helmsman duty at the last moment. I docked my first ship at Islemar today!”
Esmerelda patted Noah’s cheek.
“Well, look at you, all grown up. I believe your mother is in the kitchen—doing whatever secret things she does in there.”
“Mother? Don’t tell me she’s trying to learn to cook again. Please. Don’t tell me that.”
Esmerelda waved her hand.
“Don’t go askin’ me what she’s doing. She’s the lady of the house, and your father is hardly here anymore.”
Esmerelda grabbed Noah’s arm and shook it.
“Don’t tell your mother—but it’s good to see a man around the place.”
Noah walked to the kitchen. His mother stood at the counter, her back to him.
“I hear the loveliest lady in the kingdom is working in the kitchen.”
Robinette Lamont was turning, carrying a tray. She saw Noah, and the tray flew from her hands into the air. Bowls of stew, pieces of bread, and mugs of water hit the floor.
“Noah?”
Lady Lamont ran to her son and fell weeping into his arms.
Nineteen
Robinette held Noah at arm’s length. She grabbed a handful of his beard.
“My baby boy—with a face full of hair! So much like your father!”
“But he’s not here?”
Robinette shook her head.
“No. He’s…away.”
Noah looked down at the spilled tray.
“Have you taken over kitchen duty? Are you trying to put Esmerelda out of a job?”
Robinette knelt and began cleaning up the mess. She did not meet Noah’s eyes. Noah knelt beside her and helped.
“Mother? What are you not telling me? What’s wrong?”
Robinette sighed.
“There’s no point in hiding from my own son. I’ll make the meals again. You must stay quiet and not let on that anything is out of the ordinary.”
“It’s a little late for that,” Noah said. “Esmerelda already suspects something.”
Robinette smiled.
“Of course, she does. I’ve never banned her from the kitchen.”
“So, are you harboring strays? Stowaways? You always did have a soft heart toward—”
“Sh! We are living in troubled times, son. Much has happened already—enough to force Jaclyn to flee the city—”
“Jaclyn is in trouble? Where is Father? Why didn’t you send word?”
“Sh!”
Robinette pulled Noah close.
“We will speak in the dungeon.”
“The dungeon?” Noah whispered.
Robinette picked up the tray and walked to the servant’s entrance.
“Follow me. Speak to no one. And keep your wits about you.”
“Whatever you say.”
“Get that lamp by the door.”
“I’ll get the striker. The torches will give us more light—”
“No!”
Noah nodded. He picked up the lamp and eyed his mother warily. Noah followed his mother through the door. She waited for him to lead the way with the lamp.
“How far are we going?” Noah whispered. “This is a scary place, especially in the dark.”
“Watch your footing,” Robinette said. “And follow the back wall.”
Noah squinted and held the lamp in front.
“This is madness, Mother.”
“I won’t argue with you.”
The flame in the lamp died down and flickered. Noah stopped.
“Wait. I’m losing the light. We’ll break our necks without—”
The lamp flared brightly. Noah caught his breath and almost threw the lamp to the floor. There was a tiny hand against the lamp’s globe, between his own trembling hands. The lamp lit the faces of two small children.
“Ch-children? Magic children?” Noah whispered.
“Hello, My Lord. My name is Sara. This is my brother, Ezekiel.”
Ezekiel pulled his thumb from his mouth.
“Zeke!”
Noah knelt and held out his hand.
“I’m very pleased to meet—”
“Lady Lamont?”
The voice came from behind them. The woman held a candlestick. Robinette handed the tray to Sara.
“Go! Hide!” she whispered.
“Make a light, Zeke!” Sara said.
Zeke held up his palm. A tiny orb of light appeared, and the children disappeared into the recesses of the dungeon.
Robinette stomped across the dimly lit floor.
“Esmerelda!” Robinette snapped. “What is the meaning of this? Are you spying on me?”
“No, My Lady,” Esmerelda whimpered. “But you must come, quickly. Word has reached the village that the queen has been arrested and charged with treason!”
Robinette almost fell. Noah caught her.
“Preposterous!” Noah said. “Jaclyn…arrested? Has the entire kingdom gone mad?”
“That is not all, My Lady,” Esmerelda said. “The giant has returned. He is fighting to enter the city gates!”
“What giant? Mother?” Noah said.
Robinette pushed her palm against Noah’s chest.
“Esmerelda. Go at once and find Peter. Have extra guards stationed at our doors. Go. Quickly now.”
“Why has a giant come here? Is this about the children?” Noah asked.
Robinette nodded.
“These children—and their older brother. The giant is a wizard who was brought here by Sterling to kill the Morgenwraithe boy.”
“King Lucien?”
“No. The boy who was cursed by his mother. The dragon.”
“Oh, no,” Noah said.
“Do you know something you haven’t told me?” Robinette snapped. “This…this thing had your sister trapped in the watchtower. Why is he after her? Why?”
“There is too much to explain now, Mother. And what are we to do with these children?”
‘These children allowed your sister to escape,” Robinette said. “And the giant has come back for them.”
They climbed the steps back to the kitchen. They met Esmerelda there.
“I did as you asked, My Lady.”
They heard a commotion from the streets and ran to the windows.
“By the gods,” Noah whispered.
Dathien roared and threw out his arms. Four guards fell to the ground. Dathien tore open the door to the tower and stormed up the stairs.
Peter opened the front door.
“Shall we pursue him, My Lady?”
“No. The beast is a known murderer.”
Robinette grabbed Noah’s hand.
“There is no time. Peter, take Noah to the stables. Noah, take my carriage to the rear e
ntrance and get the children. You must take them away from here.”
“I’m not leaving you!”
Robinette shook her head.
“My face is known. Yours is not. And if the wizard finds me gone, he will track us down.”
Robinette laid her hand against Noah’s cheek.
“I am the Lady of Islemar. I cannot desert my people—or our home.”
Noah grabbed her hand.
“It is the Lord’s place to defend his people. Where is my—?”
Robinette covered Noah’s lips. She leaned close and whispered in his ear.
“Your father is raising an army.”
Twenty
Noah drove the carriage to the rear door of the dungeon. Peter helped him open it. The door was seldom used, and it was very heavy.
“Don’t suppose you’d tell me what you’re doing?” Peter asked.
“You don’t want to know,” Noah said. “And the time may come that you’re glad of it. Run along now and see to Mother.”
Noah watched Peter disappear around the corner. When he turned around, Sara and Zeke were in front of him.
“Children, we—”
Sara held Zeke’s hand. They walked to the carriage door.
“We have to go,” Sara said. “The evil giant has returned.”
“Yes.” Noah opened the door. Sara spoke again before Noah could.
“We won’t make a sound. And don’t worry, Lord Lamont. We’re good at hiding.”
“I’ll bet you are,” Noah said.
An old cloak hung inside the carriage. Noah took it and put it on. His sea-faring clothes looked out-of-place for a carriage driver. Noah readied to close the carriage door when Sara asked,
“Where are we going?”
Noah didn’t know what to say. He did not know where to take them—but he had no intention of abandoning his sister.
Would they really try her for treason? On what grounds? Oh, Jaclyn, what have you done—
“I am worried for the queen, My Lord,” Sara said. “And for the baby.”
“Baby? What baby?”
