The Sigil of Sobek: Book 2 The Chronicles of Conran

by Valerie Lindsey

  The Sigil of Sobek

  Book 2

  The Chronicles of Conran

  Prologue

  A key scraped and squealed in the lock, preceding the prison door dragging across the rough stone floor. Startled, I broke my soliloquy off. I’d lost myself in the past, forgetting I was recounting my story to my unseen neighbor. With a slow grind that made my teeth ache, my prison door opened on stiff hinges.

  The smoky upheld torch flickered wavering light across the grim faces of four guards. Did the Queen really think four guards necessary with the warded iron chains she’d bound me with? None met my eyes.

  The large, lead guard with the flickering, smoky torch glared impatiently at his companions who reluctantly entered my dank and odorous cell. There was a scurrying of small clawed feet fleeing the bright torchlight. I blinked in the harsh light. A heavy bucket hung in the lead guard’s hand.

  I watched the looks of disgust and two covered their noses with their arms while the third one sneezed, wiping his nose on his sleeve as he approached. I only got two cups of water a day, so there was none to spare for cleansing. Unable to wash, I’d gotten used to the stench of the filthy cell and my own stink though I hated how grimy I felt. No one had bothered to empty my overflowing slop bucket either.

  “Get up and move to the corner,” the one with the bucket ordered in a rough voice.

  Burdened by my heavy and warded chains, I rose slowly and shuffled to the corner. The shackles cut into my ankles, further tearing my raw skin. I hissed softly at the pain.

  Two of the guards stepped further in as the first one set the bucket near the overflowing one. I heard him retch as he picked up the full bucket. I’m sure he tried to keep it steady, but waste splashed out as he carried it to the door.

  His companions jumped back, keeping their noses and mouths covered, and started gagging. Any comic relief was welcome. My mouth twitched as one of the guards risked a curious look at me before quickly leaving. The door slammed with a booming finality and their clumping steps faded away.

  I had almost hoped Drusilla had summoned me for my sentencing. Despite knowing what the sentence would be, the fresh air would have been welcome. With a sigh, I slowly shuffled back to the only place to sit. Blood trickled from my scrapped ankles, causing a hungry rat to venture closer. I stomped my feet to keep him away.

  The iron and binding runes carved into my chains had steadily drained my power and strength over the weeks of my incarceration. Drusilla was not about to risk my escaping. I hissed as one of the handcuffs tore a long piece of skin loose at my wrist. Blood oozed down my hand as I sat on the hard wood bench.

  “Are you alright there?” a voice whispered from the other side of the wall.

  “As well as I can be. What about you, Andy?”

  “The same. I keep dreaming of being clean and fed again.”

  We both fell silent. Water dripped from the corner of my cell. The removal of the slop bucket had done little to improve the stench. I dropped my head into my hands. I had almost drifted off, when my neighbor spoke up.

  “What happened after you learnt you couldn’t move?”

  ‘Why not,’ I thought. Sharing my story took me away from this dismal place.

  “It was one of the worst times of my life…”

  Chapter 1

  Flashes of brilliant blue sky shone through the branches as I rolled beneath them. I felt the warmth of the dappled sun on my face, but my body couldn’t feel the jolts of the wagon I lay in as it rumbled and bounced along the road. A self-pitying tear trickled from the corner of my left eye.

  “How are you doing?” Silvesto asked in a low voice as he pulled up beside the wagon.

  I turned my head, hoping he hadn’t seen the tear.

  “As well as can be expected,” I said softly. I blinked and turned to meet his eyes. The cloying sympathy I saw made me wince.

  Silvesto rode silently as I absently watched the scenery passing over me. Sunlight flickered through the leafy branches on either side of the road. I tried to find beauty in looking at the world from a different aspect, but found it hard not to dwell on my current situation. The smell of wood smoke made me look around but I didn’t see any smoke.

  “I think we’re coming upon a small town. I’ll send Jason ahead to secure rooms. I’ll be right back.”

  Silvesto quickly rode off. Sighing, I saw the trees overhead thinning. Wispy clouds swept across a bright azure sky revealed by larger gaps of leaves. I heard the burbling of water flowing over stones.

  Birds sang and flitted among the branches, reminding me how life went on despite my or anyone else’s trials. I closed my eyes to nap and escape, if only briefly, from my current reality. Instead, the scene from earlier in the day disrupted my repose.

  “Silvesto, have the men make a litter! Clear a space in the wagon where we can place it. We need to pack around it well, so Conran is not jostled or moved more than possible.”

  I heard the fear in Ilena’s voice and saw the troubled look in Silvesto’s eyes as he glanced quickly at me and away. I bit my lip just for the sensation. I knew my body was sprawled at the base of the old oak I’d been thrown against, but I couldn’t feel anything.

  Blinking rapidly, I tried to force my tears back. I’d never been so afraid. What would I do if I could never control my body again?

  “You can still control your spirit,” Ilena’s voice said in my mind.

  I looked up to see her staring intently at me.

  “Nicky, can you help Silvesto? Jamila, please fetch my box. It has a number of items I need to help Conran.”

  Without a backward glance, my friends rushed away. Ilena gracefully sank beside me with a rustle of stiff material.

  “This may only be temporary, Conran. Whether it is or isn’t, your spirit knows how to travel. I suspect that is how you came to be in this condition. What did you do?”

  “I followed Raven. She isn’t dead. I think I really hurt her, but the spell must have flung my body against this tree. Thought my body could take more punishment than that.”

  I forced what I hope was a convincing smile to my face. Tears welled in Ilena’s eyes. She blinked rapidly, but a couple escaped and sparkled briefly before she quickly wiped them away.

  “Young men seem to think they are indestructible, but you aren’t. However, you are young and resilient, so I hope your body heals quickly.”

  “Is there anything you can do?” I ventured hopefully.

  “I fear this may be beyond my meager healing skills. I think you should stay still and let your body heal. I’m afraid to move you, but we have little choice.”

  Lady Ilena kept glancing away and back at the wagons. A sudden thought brought a sliver of hope.

  “My aunt is a healer! She lives at Bay’s Croft. It is only a day’s ride from the next town.”

  “What is her name?”

  “Elaine Cooper.”

  “Once Silvesto or Jamila return, I will find a man to fetch her.”

  “Thank you. I know she may not be able to help, but…”

  “You want to explore every possibility,” Ilena stated simply. “So, do I,” she added softly.

  A hard bump startled me from my ruminations.

  “Idiot! You’re not carrying bags of grain!” a loud voice exclaimed, sweeping the last of my dream away. “Steer more carefully! How are you, Conran?”

  “Fine, Silvesto. The blankets and pillows cushioned me.”

  “Hrumph! I think we need a different driver.”

  “No, Kevin has been doing very well. I’m sure it was a hole he could not avoid,” I said loud enough for Kevin to
hear.

  My situation was my own fault. What had I been thinking in going after Raven in astral form? Ilena had cautioned me about my arrogance and impetuousness, but it seemed I hadn’t learned. Well, I had now. I only hoped Raven was hurt as much or more than I. The ground under the wagon smoothed.

  “We’re almost to the town, Master Conran.”

  “Thank you, Kevin.”

  Soon, the roofs and eaves of stone and wood buildings replaced thick, leafy treetops. I heard vendors and customers enthusiastically bargaining, smelled and heard the sizzle of food cooking amid whiffs of sewage. I could only see our own men riding on either side of my wagon.

  A horsefly landed on my hand. It was probably biting me but I couldn’t feel it. I wondered where Ilena was. She hadn’t checked on me for some time. She couldn’t have left the train as Silvesto, as her bodyguard, would never have left her side.

  “How are you doing, Conran?”

  Startled, I turned my head and met Ilena’s violet eyes.

  “Just waiting for you,” I couldn’t help saying. I hoped she didn’t hear any admonition in my voice.

  “I was tending Thomas but his fever has finally broken. John found lodging for us. They have two rooms at street level, so we won’t risk hurting you more.”

  “Will everyone be able to stay there?”

  “Yes, we have almost the entire property. John found a widow who needs the income. We can be comfortable as we wait for your aunt to join us and you to heal.”

  “Thank you.”

  I was glad we wouldn’t be at a public house where there would be people gawking at me. We fell silent as the wagon rumbled noisily over the cobblestones. My body rolled slightly when the wagon hit a pothole, but I still felt no discomfort. Suddenly, I missed the normal aches and pains of traveling.

  “Conran?”

  “Yes,” I replied without looking at Ilena.

  “Did you ever see this in your future?”

  “No,” I answered hesitantly, wondering what she was getting at.

  “Perhaps that means this is just temporary.”

  “I hope so, but I never saw Raven either. Maybe I changed the future by going after her. You and Mother warned me that I could change my future. Maybe I did so inadvertently.”

  “Perhaps but I think it unlikely. I believe a mind can heal a body better than medicine, so you have to believe you will walk again!”

  I couldn’t help smiling at her optimism. I hoped she was right, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. I silently prayed for healing and swore I would never take my body for granted again if I recovered.

  The wagon turned onto a narrower, smoother road. The eaves and roofs passing above became more ornate and spaced further apart. I frowned.

  “Where is this house, Ilena?”

  “Near the edge of town. I thought if we rode through town, it would be a smoother ride. At least this street seems better.”

  The words were hardly out of her mouth when we hit a dip and my body rebounded a few inches up.

  “Sorry, Master Conran,” Kevin said, concern evident in every syllable.

  “I can’t feel it,” I replied, trying to make my voice light. “I know you’re doing the best you can.”

  “Kevin, look for a three-story grey house with white shutters. John may be standing outside waiting for us.”

  “Yes, Lady Ilena.”

  Ilena glanced down at me and I quirked an eyebrow at her. She knew me well enough to know what I was asking.

  “We can stay at the widow’s home as long as we need. The widow’s husband left her a fine home but little money. She is grateful to be able to lease all available rooms. I think we will be very comfortable until you’re well.

  A sudden thought hit me and I felt ashamed to have been so focused on myself that I’d forgotten why we’d been traveling to begin with.

  In a quiet voice, I reminded Ilena, “We can’t stay too long. King Drexel expected me at the Florenza Court this week.”

  “We sent a man back to court to explain you had a severe accident. The messenger swiftly returned with the message that King Drexel desires you well before traveling to your new post.”

  “It seemed urgent I arrive as soon as possible,” I replied querulously.

  “He just wanted you away from court and Queen Drusilla. I think he feared for your safety...out of sight, out of mind.”

  “Somehow, I don’t believe being away from court will dampen the Queen’s memory. It seems clear she sent Raven after me.”

  “You quickly took care of that problem.”

  “And look where that got me,” I grumbled. “I know hindsight is pointless but I wish I hadn’t pursued her. It seems as if the Druid’s Egg helps me to protect others but not myself.”

  Ilena looked quickly around before bending low from her horse.

  “Careful, Conran! We need to watch what we say with so many around us,” she admonished softly.

  I nodded. My fear had made me forget caution. Sighing, I closed my eyes. I listened to the quieting of the street as we proceeded. I could actually hear leaves rustling in the wind. It seemed a peaceful neighborhood.

  The creaking and rolling of the wagon gradually relaxed me. I mentally composed a letter to be sent to Court Florenza. I rephrased it until I was sure it was gracious enough to mollify my future noble.

  “Wake up! We’re here!”

  “I wasn’t asleep,” I protested. I opened my eyes to see painted trim under grey eaves. Symmetrical, deep-cased windows winked in the sunlight. What I could see appeared to be well-maintained. I felt my spirits rise.

  Silvesto began barking orders before the wagon had completely stopped. The wagon shifted, indicating that Kevin had jumped off. The back of the wagon was opened and I saw a fearful Kevin and grim Silvesto at my feet. A smile broke across my face when Nicky’s cheerful face popped up alongside the wagon.

  “Hello, lazy bones! I don’t know about you, but I want

  to eat and relax as soon as we get you out of there!”

  “Castor, give us a hand here,” Silvesto boomed. “Kevin, you and Castor take Conran’s feet as Nicky and I help pull his board out. We’ll take his head. Keep your movements steady and smooth.”

  Slowly and carefully, they slid the board I was tied to out. John came up when I was almost out of the bed of the wagon. Kevin and Castor paused until Silvesto nodded for them to proceed.

  “Follow me to his room,” John directed, sparing me an encouraging smile. “Your aunt is already here. She insisted on riding hard once she heard you needed her.”

  I smiled back, my spirits suddenly lifting. I wasn’t sure how much Aunt Elaine could do, but she was a formidable healer and I felt better just knowing she would be with me. The men eased me out and carried me into the impressive manor with barely a sway.

  I got an impression of worn wealth as I was carried through the foyer and up a short hall into a small, sparse room with a large window that flooded it with light. Aunt Elaine stood back from pulling the worn, chintz curtains back.

  “Conran,” Aunt Elaine exclaimed, turning to face us. “I have your bed ready.”

  A grin split my face and relief rushed through me. The men carefully slid me from the board onto the bed where the covers had been pulled back. Nicky gently straightened my body and legs.

  “How did you get here so quickly?”

  “Fast horse,” she teased.

  “Lady Ilena, do you need I or the men?” Silvesto asked.

  “No, we can take care of Conran now.”

  “Let’s go, men. There are wagons to unload.”

  A tentative knock on the doorframe made us all look up.

  “What can I do to help?” Jamila asked tentatively.

  Lady Ilena smiled before saying, “Would you mind overseeing tonight’s dinner?”

  I saw Jamila’s dark eyes brighten as she nodded and left. She hadn’t dealt well when assisting with wounded men, so I understood her relief.

  “What ha
ppened, Conran?” Aunt Elaine asked as she sat on a worn brocade chair by my bed.

  Ilena quickly moved to the door and shut it quietly before returning to the foot of my bed. Reassured we wouldn’t be overheard; I told my aunt what I’d learned since I’d last seen her. At Mother’s wedding reception, I’d filled my aunt on how I’d found the Druid’s Egg and that it had given me the gift of prophecy. Now, I wanted to share more.

  “Mother said that a Druid’s Egg can only be found by one with power. Since I saw you five years ago, not only have I learned to use it easily, but Lady Ilena has shown me how to unlock skills I didn’t know I had.”

  “I also urged caution. Can I assume your failure to do so led to your current situation?” Aunt Elaine inquired with a wry expression.

  Her attempt at levity lightened my own mood.

  “You assume correctly,” I teased back. Sobering, I looked up and said, “There is so much to tell.”

  “I have nothing else going on,” Aunt Elaine said as she leaned back and smoothed her skirts.

  Lady Ilena giggled before perching on the end of the bed. Taking a deep breath, I told my aunt about the visions I’d used to help my stepfather, Brendan, and others.

  “I thought everyone accepted me as I was, but I was wrong. I just refused to see it until Gillian told me she could never marry me, because she wasn’t willing to face what I did.” I paused. It was the first time I’d been able to discuss the only girl I’d loved without choking up. “I didn’t understand at the time but I do now. I think it helped me accept why Brendan wanted me to use my gift in service to King Drexel. On the way to court, we met Lady Ilena and she has taught me a lot. She is a wonderful friend and mentor.”

  Aunt Elaine’s green eyes looked at Ilena with warmth.

  “Thank you for helping Conran and being his friend.”

  “Your nephew is an apt student and, I believe, a fine man,” Ilena responded.

  “I’ve no doubt of it,” Aunt Elaine said with a fond smile. “Are you up to continuing, Conran?”

  I nodded. At least that part of my body responded, I thought. Quickly, I told her about the Wizard Ganthor and his attempts to kill me before I was able to kill him; my foolishness in taking his protégé, Agatha, to King Drexel’s keep, and her transformation into a powerful sorceress while recreating herself as Raven.