The King's Folly

by Robin Simmons

  Raven handed the crossbow over to Master Fields with the cocking device and then they commenced with the arms’ training for that day. The training now consisted more of Master Fields coaching, describing certain exercises and having Raven perform them. After they had finished the training, Raven told Master Fields he was going to enter the arms’ competition.

  Master Fields mulled this over in his mind and then asked Raven, “Is this to show off your new found abilities for all to see?”

  Raven smiled and said, “No, not really, Master Fields. I am just interested in engaging someone else in arms besides you. Whether I win or loose, it will be good for my training. Either way, I will gain.”

  Master Fields was pleased with Raven’s answer and knew this would be a good challenge for him. In his heart he knew unless something drastic happened, Raven could defeat anyone. He doubted that even Raven knew how good he was. He just innocently accepted the challenges Master Fields gave to him without really thinking or knowing that only a few could even perform the exercises that Raven did easily.

  “Yes,” Master Fields finally said, “this will be a good learning experience for you. It’s a good decision, Raven.”

  Master Fields then took the crossbow and left to disguise it with a dark black color so it would not draw attention during the summer hunt while Raven returned to his other duties.

  The time for the summer feast came quickly. Preparations were taking place as the castle was made ready for the visitors from every part of Glenfair. There were two main feasts a year for the whole kingdom: the summer and the fall feasts. The summer feast took place at the beginning of summer after the two southern dukeships paid their tribute. The fall feast took place after the two northern dukeships paid their tribute. When these customs started no one knew. A reasonable answer was that they were in gratitude for the tribute paid by the dukeships. The feasts helped greatly to quiet the grumblings about the tribute if everyone benefited somewhat from the collection. The king sponsored the feasts, although a great portion of the meat came from the hunted Tor the day of the feast. The feasts also alternated from being at the castle one year and out along Lake Pearl another year. This was done to be closer to different herds of Tor in the kingdom, a simple circular rotation from the king’s castle.

  This particular year the summer feast was at the castle and the fall feast was going to be on the north shore of Pearl Lake. Everyone enjoyed the social gathering and, of course, the castle could not accommodate all the people, so only the dukes and their immediate families were housed in the castle. The rest pitched tents and lodging around the castle. While the games and competitions took place in the courtyard, the food preparation took place outside of the castle near the lake. Pits had long since been dug and spits erected for the barbecuing of the Tor. Because this was something done twice a year, each dukeship had handy cooks and butchers to lend a hand in the preparation of the feast. Each dukeship had its blend of spices with which to barbecue, and what a delight it was to travel around the different pits tasting the different prepared meat. Raven’s favorite was the spices of the south, particularly those the Zandel dukeship acquired from trading through its pass. Not too salty with hot pepper and curry seasoning was how Raven liked his Tor cooked.

  Usually the number of Tor killed varied between 20 to 30, and there always seemed to be enough for everyone. This kept the herds from getting too large and provided sport for all who wished to participate. Tor, although not extremely dangerous, were a formidable foe to bring down. Bigger than a horse with a tough hide, it took many shots from a bow or several lances from riders to kill one. So every hunting party consisted of at least ten people. Sometimes there were injuries, for a wounded Tor would charge a horse or anything near by. But these injuries were often to the horse and not the person. Raven could only remember one death in all the feasts he had attended. There was also a trick to transporting the beast back to the feast. Some quartered the animal if it was a great distance away. But if closer, it would be dragged behind the horses, its tough hide protecting it from any damage. Also, carts were brought to bring the Tor back. Some families were quite inventive like the Prescotts, who had a special yoke that would fit between two horses. The Tor would be suspended between the horses, hung from the yoke. This took specially trained horses to stay together and not spook with a Tor dangling between them.

  Families usually arrived in the evening and began setting up camp or settling in the castle, and the feast began the next day at sunrise. That is when the hunting parties set out. The meat was brought back mid-morning, and while it was being prepared, the games and competitions would take place followed by the main barbecue a little after high noon. It was quite a social event with all kinds of wares being sold or exchanged by peoples from different parts of the kingdom.

  Raven waited from the balcony overlooking the courtyard for the coming of the Crestlaws so he could speak with Andrew. It was dusk before the Crestlaws finally arrived at the castle, and Raven hurried down to the courtyard and met Andrew.

  Andrew had a big smile on his face and greeted Raven warmly. “Where is Lorriel?” he asked.

  “That is what I want to talk to you about,” Raven said. “Please come with me to the garden.”

  Andrew asked leave of his father, Sauron, and went with Raven to the quiet of the king’s private garden. They chose a seat against the wall looking over the whole garden, with the entrance at the opposite end.

  Raven saw the anxiety in Andrew’s eyes when Andrew asked, “Is something wrong with Lorriel? Is she well?”

  “She is fine,” Raven said, not knowing how to begin. So he just spoke bluntly, “The king has forbidden Lorriel and you to see each other or speak to each other. He was very firm about this and asked me to convey his wishes to you.”

  Andrew’s face turned pale as he said, “What evil have I done to incur the king’s wrath? What iniquity has been found in me that I should be cut off from the love of my life?”

  Raven saw the mist in Andrew’s eyes, and at that moment, he knew how very much Andrew loved Lorriel. His deep emotions could not be hidden from such news. Andrew stood up and walked a bit. Then he sat down by Raven once more with a defeated look about him. Being an honorable man, he would abide by the kings wishes. Raven almost wished Andrew were somewhat of a rebel and would meet with Lorriel secretly, for she wanted to see him just as badly, but that would not be Andrew. His whole life was one of openness and truth.

  Raven spoke once again, “Please do not despair, my friend,” and continued as he put his hand on Andrew’s shoulder, “I shall do all that is in my power to get to the bottom of this and reunite the both of you. Just be patient please and give me time to work. I promise with my honor that you shall be together, for Lorriel feels just as badly as you, and I cannot bear the two of you apart for the cruelty it brings you both. I am sorry for now, but it will work out I promise!”

  As they sat there looking into each other’s eyes, they needed not a word to pass between them, for nothing more could be said. Then Raven’s senses picked up sound and movement near the gate across the garden. It had gotten darker so Raven could not make out who, but he knew someone was there. He held up his finger to his lips for Andrew to remain still and silent, when all of sudden the figure stepped into the door way and Raven heard it coming. Almost silently through the air swishing softly end over end, the weapon came. Raven focused on the sound, his eyes finally picking up a glint of steel, and he reached out and caught it an inch from Andrew’s chest, right over his heart.

  Andrew did not even know what happened. He saw Raven’s hand flash out and the next thing he knew there was a knife stopped in Raven’s hand right in front of his heart. In a flash, Raven was almost to the gate before Andrew could respond. When Raven reached the gate, there was no one there. Whoever this person was, they were an expert at assassination. Raven had never seen a knife thrown so fast, smooth and accurate. And for the person to disappear so fast spoke of his
talent.

  Raven returned to Andrew, who was still sitting on the bench, shocked.

  He looked at Raven with wonder in his eyes. “How did you do that?” he asked, pointing to the knife. “You saved my life.”

  “Just returning the favor,” Raven said smiling. But now his smile faded for he was getting angry. Someone had tried to kill Andrew and had almost succeeded, and he was going to find out who!

  “Let’s keep this quiet,” Raven said. “I want to find out who tried to kill you. Do you have any idea?”

  Andrew shook his head no and said, “No one I can think of. I have had no enemies until...” And then Andrew stopped and corrected himself, “No, I know of no one.”

  Raven was thinking the same thing Andrew was. But surely his father would not do something like this.

  “I have to go,” Raven said, and left to find the king.

  Raven banged forcefully on the king’s council chamber door, not a gentle knock.

  Raven could tell the king was startled by his response, “Who is there? Come in!”

  Raven entered and tossed the knife on the king’s desk, “Someone tried to kill Andrew Crestlaw in the garden.” He emphasized the word “garden,” for the king had recommended Raven speak to Andrew there.

  “What,” the king said, rising to his feet. “Is he all right?”

  “He is fine,” Raven said, then added, “the assassin missed.”

  The king’s face started to turn red with anger. Raven had seen his father this way a few times, and his father was genuinely angry, more so than he had been in some time. Maybe his father was not responsible, for his anger really showed.

  “I will find out who has done this!” his father yelled. “There will be no assassinations in my castle at my feasts.”

  Mollen was mad, but not mad at the attempt, but overly angry that the attempt had failed. He had paid a great deal to find the best assassin the country had to offer and taken extreme measures to keep the act from being traced to him.

  Raven, on the other hand, found this anger to be a proof of his father’s lack of involvement.

  The king yelled for his guards as he stormed out of his council chamber. He left the knife behind, which Raven thought odd. But perhaps in his anger, he had forgotten it. Raven now thought perhaps the Wickshields had something to do with this assassination attempt. The Crestlaws were ever vigil in their guarding of the pass. Andrew had told Raven he felt the Wickshields were getting ready for another assault on the pass. Maybe this was how they would start, trying to weaken the Crestlaws by assassination. Raven picked up the knife and decided on his own course of action. He went to search out Master Fields.

  When he found Master Fields, he was chatting with other weapon’s masters, so Raven had to motion him away. He led Master Fields to a private room and closed the door.

  “There has been an assassination attempt tonight,” Raven said sternly, “on the life of Andrew Crestlaw. This is the weapon.” Then he handed the knife to Master Fields.

  Master Fields looked at it and frowned, “This knife is made for nothing more than throwing to kill. It is perfectly balanced and double edged.” Then he paused, “There is blood on the blade. Is Andrew all right?”

  “Yes,” answered Raven, “ that is mine. It cut my palm a bit as I grabbed it in front of Andrew’s chest.”

  Master Fields’ eyebrows raised, “This knife would have been thrown with great speed, almost impossible to stop.”

  “I know,” Raven said, “I did not have time to try and grab it gently. I just had to stop it. That is why it cut me. I grabbed part of the blade. I want you to find out who this belongs to and who tried to kill Andrew.” And raising his hand in warning, added; “Do not tell anyone of this. No one must know we are looking for an assassin.”

  Master Fields nodded, “It may take some time, but I will find out.”

  He slipped the knife into his pouch, and then left the room. Raven sat down on a bench. What was happening around here? Things used to be so peaceful and easygoing, now assassins had entered the castle. He looked down at his hand. The cut was not too bad but would be sore tomorrow for the arms’ competition. It was getting dark and he needed to get out of this room. He decided to go find Lorriel and Rebekka, for he knew they would be together.

  When he found Lorriel and Rebekka, they both had sad looks on their faces as Raven approached.

  “You told her?” he asked Lorriel.

  She nodded, then he looked at Rebekka.

  She had a serious but sad look.

  “I can’t believe the king would deny such pure love. On what grounds?” she asked Raven.

  “I do not know just yet,” Raven answered, “but give me some time as I have said to Lorriel and I will get this straightened out. Do not do a thing about this on your own. Do you both understand?”

  They both nodded and Lorriel thought; My how Raven has changed. She realized that he was growing up very fast with all the responsibility thrust upon him in this situation. Lorriel excused herself to go retire for the evening, for she was emotionally tired and wanted to rest.

  Raven and Rebekka sat down on a bench in the great hall and began to talk.

  “I have given thought to the secret passage in the stable,” Rebekka spoke lowly, “and I believe there are other things hidden in our castle as well.”

  “That would seem to be true,” Raven said. “I found a hidden panel in the Crestlaw’s castle while I was there visiting. It was behind our family’s crest.”

  Rebekka had a puzzled look on her face, “What was your family crest doing in the Crestlaw’s castle?”

  Raven then reminded her of the history of the transferred kingship and the giving of the dukeship to the Crestlaws. Rebekka knew the histories but never thought of the Kallestor family crest being left behind in the Crestlaw’s castle. Now it made sense to her.

  “Was there a secret room?” she asked.

  “No, Raven told her, “just a panel that had an inscription on the back.”

  “What did it say?”

  “Just an old riddle,” replied Raven and tried to repeat it as best as his memory served him; “If you seek wisdom of those long gone, then follow happiness to its source, where the sun is setting and rising both.”

  “What an odd riddle,” Rebekka mused. “What does it mean?”

  “I do not know yet, but someday I will solve the riddle. Until then, let us keep it between ourselves.”

  Rebekka sat silently for a while, then turned to Raven and asked him a question, “Why did you tell me these secrets, and show me the secret door in the stable?”

  Raven smiled and revealed his trust in her, “I have listened to you speak often, for it seems you have much to say. But never have I heard you gossip or spread rumors or tell another’s secrets. You have the wisdom not to disclose secrets, and that is why I trust you.”

  Rebekka looked at Raven lovingly, though she could not say what she was thinking. At last a man who appreciates who I am. I could really learn to love him.

  Raven rose, “I must retire for the hunt will come early. And there is a Tor with a white spot between his eyes that needs killing. I will see you after the hunt.”

  With that he bid her good night and departed to his room.

  The next day started early, for the sun had not yet risen when Raven got out of bed and dressed for the day’s hunt. He opened the secret panel and took his family’s ancient sword and put it on. He would take no chances with that ornery Tor this time.

  Once down in the courtyard, the groomsmen waited with his horse. As he was preparing to mount, Master Fields came up to him and handed him the crossbow. He had done a tremendous job of hiding its uniqueness. It was now black and rust colored with a splash here and there of pale green. He smiled at Master Fields as he also handed Raven a rolled leather scabbard. Raven unrolled it to find the bolts Smithy had made tucked away, each in a pouch sewed for them.

  “This is
fantastic,” Raven said enthusiastically. “You did a great job on these, and this holder for the arrows, I have never seen one like it.”

  “Just an idea I had,” Master Fields said modestly. “Now go, and good hunting to you. I have been invited to hunt with my clan, the Zandels, but I wish I could see you use the crossbow on that old Tor.”

  Raven said farewell and good hunting to Master Fields as he rode out of the courtyard to find his hunting party. Raven had been pared with some of Duke Rollins’ sons of the north dukeship. One was a young boy who was just old enough to hunt this year. Raven remembered the first time he had been old enough to go. It was the most exciting thing that had happened to him in his life up to that point, and he took delight in the young boy’s enthusiasm.

  The oldest Rollins son, Terry, rode over to Raven and asked, “Where to, my Prince?”

  Raven was leading this hunting party, “There is a Tor bull north of here holding up in a hollow in some brush and thickets. He is a mean one that has attacked people unprovoked, myself included, and he has a white patch around the horn between his eyes.”

  “Aye,” spoke Terry Rollins, “I have heard of him, as most of us have. He has eluded the hunt for several years. Tis a great prize he would make if our hunting party were to bag ‘im.”

  Those listening all agreed it would be a great adventure.

  “Then let us be off!” Raven shouted, and the company of eight headed north on the west side of Pearl Lake.

  The sun was just coming over the mountainous cliffs when they reached the spot where Rebekka and Raven had lunch the day the Tor attacked. There Raven halted the group and they dismounted. He motioned for Terry to come closer so he could speak. Terry’s little brother, Robert, came tagging along behind.

  “The rest of the company will stay here. You and I,” Raven whispered, “will go over this rise and down into the hollow where this Tor should be.”

  Robert began tugging on Terry’s shirt furiously. Terry turned to him and said, “What is wrong with you?”