Princess of the Emerald Valleys

by Cassandra Finnerty

  They checked their weapons. The men dispersed across the terrain. As lights flashed across the sky, the prince noted the lookouts that were stationed above them.

  The advance team entered the building, in search of their comrades.

  The lower levels were dank, and smelled of sulfur and ammonia. Trickles of water seeped down outer walls, pooling onto the earthen floors. As the prince and his men made their way through the cellar, they heard voices. They followed the sounds, which led them to a series of chambers. Two guards were spotted nearby, drinking from a flask.

  Beyond them, in a small enclosure, were some of the prince’s men. Drayaen motioned to the colonel, and in a matter of seconds, the sentries were subdued. The prisoners, who were sitting against the wall, heard the scuffle and rushed to the door as Lex unlocked the gate with the jailer’s key.

  Kyle and some of the rescuers moved the enemy forces into the enclosure, and secured the door.

  “Where is Toby?” asked the prince in a low tone.

  “He’s down the hall. There may be sentinels there as well,” said one of the rescued prisoners.

  As Kyle escorted the men back to the boats, Drayaen and the colonel searched for the rest of their team.

  The prince checked his weapons. They passed rows of empty rooms, until they walked by a locked cell. Huddled against the wall were Toby and two others. As they recognized Drayaen, they rushed to the door, their eyes darting up and down the corridor.

  The colonel tried a number of keys, but none of them seemed to fit. He blended into the shadows as an unknown figure approached.

  It was Kyle. He motioned to the prince and removed something from his pocket. A pin was inserted into the lock, and the catch sprung open.

  The group rushed down the hallways to the exit, and emerged into the outside darkness. They boarded the rowboats, in a race back to safety.

  The prince and his men delivered Kyle to a remote section of the woods. “Thank you,” said the prince. “Aisling and I are indebted to you.”

  “Not at all,” Kyle said. “I was happy to assist.”

  “When the dust settles, you should come to Cathair na Mart. We can talk about your proposal to help us with our new sailcloth business.”

  “I’d like that,” he said, as he bid farewell, and disappeared into the night.

  Aisling sat in the library, next to the fire. She wished she had accompanied the prince on his trip. Since their marriage, they had been separated only a few times, and the feeling was discomforting.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by Galen, who launched through the door, carrying a letter.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “A messenger was here. He said it was urgent.”

  Aisling glanced at the missive, which displayed a Royal Seal. It was a communication from King Chauncey.

  She opened the note and frowned.

  “Is there anything I can do?” asked Galen, lowering his glasses.

  “Yes, thank you. Please summon Ryen at once.”

  “He’s just arrived.”

  “What?”

  “He was invited to dinner.”

  “Oh yes, of course. Send him in.”

  She reread the note. I should wait for Drayaen, she thought, but this seems like a matter of life or death. The prince will not be pleased. What if something goes wrong with the rescue of his men, and he needs me? What will I do then?

  There were no easy answers, and time was short. Her mind raced as she thought about her options.

  “Hello, cousin, I hope you’re well?” asked Ryen, as he made his way across the room. He noted her faraway look. “Is something wrong?”

  She nodded. “I need your help. I’ve been called away on a matter of urgency.”

  “Of course. You can count on me. What should I do?”

  “The timing is improbable, more so since the prince is away, but I need a full crew for the Saoirse.”

  “How soon?”

  “I’d like to leave in two days, at dawn. We’ll need provisions for an extended trip. I expect we’ll be gone until sometime in the spring.”

  He nodded. “All right. It will take some doing, but we’ll make it happen.”

  She exhaled deep breaths.

  “Where are we going?” he asked.

  “Insula.”

  The prince and his men boarded the Cara. Once they reached the Irish Sea, Toby was summoned.

  “What happened?” asked Drayaen, as he sat across from his retainer, tapping his fingers on the table.

  “This was my fault. I intended to pick up our supplies. Before our departure, I received a note from the Sons of Tarn.”

  “So you arranged to see them?”

  “I thought it would give me a chance to explain the change in circumstances since Maológ’s death.”

  “Did you have this meeting?”

  “No, I didn’t have time. As soon as we left the boat, we were all taken by force to the castle.”

  “What about the captain?”

  “When he saw what was happening, he pulled anchor.”

  “Then what?”

  “We saw no one except our jailers. I assumed they were waiting for someone to pay money for our release.”

  “So you had no conversation with anyone while you were there?”

  “No, none.”

  “I’m sure you realize there’s to be no more interaction with anyone related to the Sons of Tarn?”

  “I don’t think they had anything to do with this.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “I’ve never heard any mention of violence that was attributed to their group.”

  “All the same, I won’t take any chances.”

  “I understand,” Toby said. He stared at the ground. “What can I do to make amends?”

  “Accelerate our plans to finish the construction on Clare Island. Given recent events, we need a safe haven, now more than ever.”

  “All right,” said Toby. “I’m grateful that you came to my aid.”

  “If you’re loyal to us, we’ll return that sentiment.”

  The prince left in search of the colonel. “What do you hear from the men?” he asked.

  “They were accosted when they left the boat. After their arrival at the castle, there were no visitors. From what I gather, everyone’s story is consistent.”

  The prince shook his head. “If the goal of this organization is freedom from oppression, why are they using such tactics? It makes no sense.”

  “What are you thinking?” asked the colonel.

  “I believe there is a Sons of Tarn organization, but if they’re fighting for independence from outside forces, they would not be alienating local gentry. All of our recent issues lead back to one organizer: Lord Thrain.”

  “You think he is behind this then?”

  “It’s possible, but as of yet, there’s no proof.” He glanced at his officer. “We’ll have to keep digging,” he said.

  He looked out over the water, and thought about Aisling. At least I know she’s safe, he thought with relief.

  The next day, the Cara approached Cathair na Mart. As they passed Clare Island, he thought about their new compound, and felt as though one of his problems would soon be solved.

  As they neared shore, he frowned. Something didn’t feel right.

  “Your Highness,” called Sean, as he sprinted down the deck.

  “What is it?” he asked, clutching the hilt of his sword.

  “The Saoirse is gone.”

  The prince felt his heart pound as he retrieved his spyglass and scoured the wharf. After they dropped anchor, he disembarked, and approached one of the cargo handlers. “Have you seen the princess?” he asked.

  “Yes, Your Highness. She left a few days ago, with a full crew.”

  A sudden chill came over him, as he ran his hands through his hair. It was an unfamiliar feeling. He realized what it was.

  Fear.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  THE WILDERNES
S

  Colonel Lex and his men rode back to the estate. They had left the prince at the dock, sorting out details of Aisling’s recent departure. I’m glad I’m not in his position, thought the officer, as he glanced at the soldiers behind him and breathed a sigh of relief that he was home.

  The men rode across the bridge and into the courtyard. As the stable boys hurried to retrieve the horses, Galen rushed down the stone steps.

  “What is it?” asked the colonel. “Has something happened?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry to say. Aisling’s gone and the prince isn’t here. I don’t know who to tell.”

  “How can I help?” asked the colonel, leaning forward in the saddle.

  “Hanu and Maehwa are missing.”

  The colonel could feel his heart begin to pound. “How long have they been gone?”

  “Since yesterday.”

  “Where were they headed?”

  “This is my fault,” Galen said, wringing his hands. “They wanted to explore the area. I had the groundskeeper give them one of our rowboats.”

  “Did they mention a destination of any kind?” asked the colonel.

  “They wanted to visit the caves.”

  “Where are they?”

  “A few miles from here. Most of them were sealed off, because the area is dangerous.”

  “Galen, can you find a map? I’ll get some men and start a search. We’ll need to dispatch a note to Sean as well,” he said.

  “Here he is now,” said the butler, motioning to the incoming rider.

  The colonel turned his horse, and rode through the courtyard. “We have a problem,” he said to Sean.

  “What is it?”

  “The girls are missing.” As Lex provided details, Sean turned pale.

  “I know that area well. If you gather some men, I can lead us there.”

  “I’ll return in fifteen minutes,” said the colonel.

  “I’ll bring rope and steel links,” added Sean.

  “Why would we need those?”

  “That area is treacherous. It’s filled with sink holes, karsts, and underground passages.”

  The colonel nodded. His feelings of uneasiness were growing stronger. He hurried off to mobilize the search team.

  An hour later, the entourage rode out of the estate. There were a dozen armed men, and enough provisions to last a week. The colonel thought about Hanu and Maehwa alone at night, in the wilderness.

  It can’t get any worse than this, he thought.

  He was wrong.

  The prince bolted up the stone steps, and headed for the second floor. After spending a few hours on the wharf, trying to extract details about Aisling’s journey, he realized she must have left him a note. She wouldn’t have departed without at least telling him her destination, he reasoned.

  He flung open the door to the chamber and spied an envelope on her dressing table. It was addressed to him.

  As he scanned the missive, his chest tightened. She was on her way to Insula. He’d heard of the mysterious land from his soldiers—including tales of wild beasts and strange landscapes. That’s not my greatest worry, he thought. Her message said she’d return in the spring. “That could mean anywhere from a few weeks to several months,” he fumed.

  She was going to rescue a hostage.

  He paced in his chamber, thinking of her traveling into dangerous territory. There was the issue of her personal safety. In Aisling’s condition, a rough sea voyage was fraught with risk. His head began to ache, and he hadn’t slept in two days. He tossed aside his sword and lay on the bed, thinking about his next steps. If anything happens to her, he thought, I’ll never forgive myself. She was the last thing on his mind, as he drifted off to sleep.

  When he woke up, it was the dinner hour. He changed his clothes and went to the library. The house was silent, almost as if everyone had retreated from their daily activities. It will be busy soon enough, he thought. I’m going after Aisling, now.

  As he poured himself a drink, Galen appeared at the doorway.

  “Your Highness, we’ve prepared food for you. I can bring it in here, if you’d like.”

  The prince shook his head. “No, I’ll come to the dining room. Can you summon Sean and the colonel? I’d like them to join me.”

  “I’m sorry, but they’re not here. I thought you knew.”

  The prince turned and stared at the butler. “What is it?”

  “The girls are missing. We think they’re lost somewhere near the caves. A search party was launched this morning, as soon as the men were able to organize the supplies.”

  “How long have the women been out there?”

  “This will be their second night.”

  “Come find me if there’s any news,” said the prince.

  He ran his fingers over his brow as he thought about Hanu and Maehwa. From what he knew of their backgrounds, they had grown up in the remote regions of the East Kingdom. It meant they might have a chance for survival in the rugged terrain.

  He hoped they were unharmed.

  His one regret was the delay of his own search. He paced in front of the hearth, realizing that Aisling was already several days ahead of him. Even if the girls were found soon, it would take time to secure the provisions and crew for a journey of this magnitude.

  A feeling of foreboding swept over him.

  He needed to find Aisling, before it was too late.

  The soldiers made their way along the riverbanks. They’d been searching for hours, but had found no trace of the girls. As they rounded a corner, there was shouting in the distance.

  “What is it?” asked the colonel, peering through the trees.

  Sean cantered down the trail. “It looks like their boat has been found,” he said.

  The men dismounted and combed the surroundings.

  “There are two sets of footprints,” said the colonel. “That’s good news. It means they weren’t abducted.” He turned to his men. “We’ll follow their trail. Divide into teams, and comb the surrounding areas. If you find something, alert the others.”

  After trekking more than a mile inland, they began treading in swampy mire. All traces of footprints disappeared. The colonel motioned to Sean.

  “What is it, Lex?”

  “Where’s the most dangerous terrain?” he asked, as he surveyed the area. The turf was difficult to navigate, even for trained soldiers. He felt a heavy weight on his chest as he thought about Maehwa heading into this kind of peril.

  “We’re approaching it now.”

  There were loud voices ahead.

  “What is it?” asked Sean.

  “It looks like a piece of cloth,” said one of the soldiers. The colonel caught up to the crowd and examined the fragment.

  “I’ve seen this material,” he said. “I’m sure it belongs to one of the girls. Keep going,” he instructed.

  As they navigated through the brush, more remnants were discovered. The colonel motioned to his team. “Look for pieces of fabric.”

  “They’re more frequent now,” said Sean.

  “It’s getting dark. We’ll have to go back soon. Call their names and see if there’s a response.”

  They began shouting for Hanu and Maehwa. There was silence.

  The light dimmed until it became murky beneath their feet.

  The colonel’s heart was heavy as he thought about the girls spending another night in the wilderness. Even if they could find food or water, the wildlife and drop in temperatures posed serious threats.

  He pulled the searchers together. “We have a few minutes left. Run up ahead, and shout as loud as you can.”

  The men sprinted into the brush. As they yelled in full force, there was a cry for help.

  The colonel recognized her voice, and broke into a run. As he sprinted through a cluster of trees, Maehwa came into view. She was sitting under a rocky ledge, holding something.

  It was Hanu. Her eyes were closed.

  Sean and the colonel crouched down next to the girls.
The colonel’s heart pounded as he saw Maehwa covered in blood. “Are you all right?” he asked, as he grasped her hand.

  She nodded. “I’m fine, but Hanu is hurt.”

  Sean checked her pulse. It was rapid, and her color was ashen. “What happened?” he asked.

  “Hanu fell into some sort of hole. She cut her leg on something sharp.”

  “Where?”

  “Over there,” she said, pointing to a copse of trees.

  “When?”

  “Yesterday. I couldn’t abandon her, but I tried to leave a trail.”

  The colonel interjected. “You did well, Maehwa.”

  “Sean,” said one of his men, in a low tone, “it looks like an old animal trap. She cut herself on rusty wire and wooden pikes. It would have been worse if she had fallen all the way through.”

  He nodded. “I’ll carry her to the wagon,” he said. “We’ll need to fetch Patrick.”

  “He’s on the trip with the commander,” said one of the soldiers.

  “All right, the apothecary, then.” Sean wrapped bandages around Hanu’s leg. “It looks like a nasty wound. She may have broken bones as well.”

  He bent down to pick her up. The soldiers led the way through the brush, and he carried her through the woods. When they reached the horses, he placed her in the back of the wagon and held her hand, as they headed home.

  The colonel helped Maehwa into the saddle, and sat behind her. As he wrapped his arm around her waist, she leaned into him, exhausted from the ordeal.

  A few hours later, the entourage rode across the bridge, into the estate. Maehwa thanked the men for their help, and watched as Sean carried her friend into the cottage.

  The colonel rode away from the crowd, out of sight, and dismounted. He reached up to help her from the horse, and didn’t let go.

  “Thank you, Lex,” Maehwa said, her heart pounding out a strange rhythm. His proximity was unsettling.

  He reached out and pulled her toward him. “I was so worried,” he murmured.