Sentinals Awaken: Book One of the Sentinals Series

by Helen Garraway

  Jennery drifted towards the door and met Simeon barring his way. “Please, Lieutenant. You wanted to join the celebration, stay. Lady Cynthia needs a partner,” and Simeon smoothly diverted him away from the door.

  As Jennery guided the young lady through the steps, he suggested delicately that she dance with Lord Aaron, a venture she was happy to agree to. He gradually manoeuvred them closer to Alyssa and Aaron. “’Change.” He offered Cynthia to Aaron, and Aaron had no option but to relinquish Alyssa.

  “Smoothly done,” Alyssa said with a small smile.

  “Has something happened?” Jennery asked with concern, spinning Alyssa away from Aaron.

  “Oh yes,” she sighed into his chest. “Captain Jerrol is here with Tagerill and Birlerion. They have put all the guards to sleep. I left them having a chat with Meritas.” She beamed up into his face.

  Jennery blinked. “Ah, I see, I think.”

  Her laugh was rich and warm and just for him. “Whatever Simeon is planning, he is about to be thwarted. You dance well, Lieutenant. I think you should dance with me again later.”

  He tightened his embrace and drew her closer. “It would be my pleasure.” He buried his nose in her hair. He breathed in the scent and shivered.

  Alyssa tilted her head back so she could see his face. “Are you alright, Lieutenant?”

  Jennery smiled into her eyes. “Oh yes,” he purred as she laughed with delight.

  The music came to an end, and the couples paused on the dance floor, looking expectantly towards the musicians. Jennery drifted closer to Bryce, standing near the outer wall. “Jerrol is here,” he murmured as they passed.

  “Lady preserve us,” Bryce muttered with a grin.

  “Lords, ladies and gentlemen,” Simeon began. “It is with pleasure that I welcome you to Greenswatch and the new age. An age of prosperity, union and growth. Today we will share our vision, and you will understand why you will join us. You will leave this room enlightened and as eager to spread the word as we are. I’d like to introduce you to Councillor Meritas, who will lead the way. Brother Meritas, everyone,” and Simeon gestured to the large double doors, which opened right on cue. Only it wasn’t Meritas standing on the threshold.

  Simeon clenched his jaw as a slight young man entered. “What is the meaning of this? Who are you?”

  “I regret to inform you, Lord Simeon, that, ah, Councillor Meritas declined your invitation to enspell all your guests.” Jerrol’s voice carried in the silence.

  “Reid, call the guards,” Simeon said.

  “I’m afraid if you mean the guards who were preventing your guests from leaving, they are delinquent on duty. They all seem to have taken a nap,” Jerrol said not very apologetically. “You’ll have to talk to them about their sense of duty when they wake up. Ah, Captain Bryce.” Jerrol caught Bryce’s eye. “I suborned your men to take their place. I do hope that is acceptable.”

  Bryce changed a bark of laughter into a cough. “Captain Haven, thank you for the advisory. I will speak to them in due course.”

  Jennery stifled a snort as Bryce shook his head. You could always rely on Jerrol to do the unexpected. He grinned as Jerrol’s gaze landed on him, knowing his spectacular bruising would catch his eye.

  “Lieutenant Jennery.” Jerrol’s eyes widened, and then he moved on to Alyssa with a smile. “Lady Alyssa, I think we may want to adjourn to a smaller room and allow your guests to continue to enjoy the hospitality or leave if they so choose.”

  “Just a moment.” Simeon ran a finger around his collar. “Who do you think you are, ordering everyone about? This is my Watch.”

  Jerrol swung towards Simeon. Whatever Simeon saw in Jerrol’s face made him take a step back. “Lord Simeon, I believe we need to talk privately.”

  “I am not going anywhere with you,” Simeon blustered. “Reid, Aaron, where are your guards?”

  Lord William stepped forward. “Sir, I am not sure what you saved us all from, but I am sure it wasn’t going to be pleasant. But I am afraid I don’t recognise your unit either.”

  “He is the Captain,” a voice spoke from behind Jerrol, “and you would do well to listen to him.” Tagerill stood foursquare in the door, an imposing figure dressed in the same archaic uniform Jerrol wore.

  Lord William’s eyes widened as he looked from the tall man with silver eyes standing in the doorway to Jerrol. Jerrol gave a slight bow. “Indeed, I am Captain Jerrol Haven, Lady’s Guard.”

  “You’re that King’s Ranger. Prince Kharel has a warrant out on you for treason.” Councillor Peverill peered around Aaron.

  “I believe that is a different Captain Haven,” Jerrol said with aplomb, his silver eyes flashing.

  Lord William chuckled. “I am sure it is. Marcus,” he called the other Lord Holder over. “We will attend this meeting with Lord Simeon and Lord Aaron.”

  Aaron spoke up at that point. “I am not staying to listen to any of this nonsense. I will be leaving immediately.” Councillor Peverill muttered in his ear, and he extended a peremptory hand to his mother. “Mother, come.”

  Lady Olivia approached Jerrol. “I think I will stay and hear what the Captain has to say,” she turned to her son, “as should you.”

  Aaron scowled. “You will attend me now. We are leaving.”

  “I think not. The Captain here will escort me home, won’t you?” She held her hand out to Jerrol. He took it instinctively, stilling as the Lady’s power passed between them.

  “It would be my honour, my lady.” He gave her a brief smile. Lady Olivia nodded, satisfied. She moved to stand beside Captain Bryce, outstaring her son.

  Aaron retreated with Peverill. “You will allow me to leave,” he commanded.

  “Of course,” Jerrol said, and Tagerill stepped aside. Aaron hesitated at the sight of a second, intimidating Sentinal in the corridor, but strode on regardless. Peverill scurried behind him.

  Jerrol raised his voice. “Ladies and gents, I apologise for the disruption. Please enjoy the festivities. You are free to leave whenever you choose.” He turned to Simeon and Reid. “Gents,” he indicated the door, “after you. I believe we are using the drawing room.” He waited for Lord William and Lord Marcus to precede him before turning to Garrick. “Garrick, could you hold the fort here? I’ll explain everything before I leave,” he promised. “Your men are not hurt; we’ll release them from the spell, as soon as we have recovered Lord Simeon. Captain Bryce’s men moved your men to the barracks, so your guests won’t be alarmed.”

  Garrick gripped his arm. “Thank you, Captain,” he said as he turned back to face what were now his guests. Jerrol fell in with Jennery and Bryce as they walked down the corridor.

  “Well,” Jennery breathed, “you do like to make an entrance, don’t you?”

  Jerrol grinned. “It was the best way to get everyone’s attention.”

  “You managed that,” Bryce agreed. “I’ll speak to my sergeant, and I’ll be in.”

  Chapter 32

  Greenswatch

  Jerrol paused to speak to Tagerill before entering the room, slipping the notebook Tagerill handed him into his jacket pocket.

  He stopped on the threshold as seven pairs of eyes swivelled to him. He took a deep breath and entered the room. “Please sit. ‘Black Door,’” he said smoothly, watching Simeon slump in his chair.

  “What did you do?” Alyssa leapt up in concern.

  Jerrol walked forward. “Maybe Reid would like to explain? No? ‘Blue Stone.’” He waited as Reid collapsed to the floor.

  “What you are seeing is the result of the mind spell that the Ascendants are casting all over Vespiri, removing free will and planting suggestions that support their requirements. In this case, the neutralisation of Greenswatch.”

  Alyssa gasped, and Lady Olivia sat back in shock as she realised the ramifications.

  “You mean Aaron is affected in the same way?” Lady Olivia turned haunted eyes on Jerrol. “Why did you let him leave?”

  “I don’t know his ke
ywords. I couldn’t release him as I hope we can Simeon here. But let’s hear from Simeon what he has been persuaded to do, though I expect his speech earlier pretty much summed it up. Please let me ask the questions. I don’t want to confuse him with multiple instructions.”

  He walked around in front of Simeon. “Lord Simeon, tell me what Councillor Meritas instructed you to do.”

  Simeon sat up and opened his eyes. “I believe in the right of the Ascendants’ claim to power. I will support their every edict and defer to Brother Mer’iteras or Seneschal Reid for all decisions within Greenswatch. I am to ensure that Greenswatch is held ready for the Ascendants, prepare for the arrival of our new leader and take every opportunity to disavow the Lady.” Simeon stopped speaking and stared straight ahead, unblinking.

  Jerrol glanced around the room at the stunned faces. “Who is your new leader?”

  “He will be revealed when the Ascendants’ rule is confirmed.”

  “What of the people in your Watch?”

  “They will support the council and the Ascendants.”

  “Who are the Ascendants?” Jerrol asked.

  Simeon looked at him, confused.

  “What are their names?” Jerrol clarified.

  “I’ve only met Mer’iteras and Var’geris. But many others are waiting to be called.”

  “What happened to King Benedict?”

  “Prince Kharel took him to New Vespers and he will accede the throne on his father’s death.”

  Jerrol’s voice deepened. “How does Kharel intend to kill the King?”

  “I don’t know. But his death will be the signal for the councils to rise.”

  “Lord Simeon, what happened to Lord Hugh, your father?”

  “Lord Hugh was killed on the battlefield. I am his rightful heir. I am confirmed as Lord of Greenswatch.”

  “What are your intentions towards Lady Alyssa, your sister?”

  “Alyssa is to be Aaron’s prize for taking Deepwater,” Simeon intoned as Olivia gasped.

  “Well?” Jerrol faced his dumbstruck audience. “Is that enough?”

  Lord William shook his head in disbelief. “More than enough. Is that what they intended for us today?”

  “Yes, or a variation to enthral you. I expect they planned to instruct you individually once they had control.”

  “Lady’s blessings,” Lord Marcus breathed. “It would be unbelievable if I hadn’t seen it myself. What happens next?”

  “I’ll release Simeon. Jennery, Bryce, be ready. He will convulse; hold him still until it passes. He won’t remember anything of the period he has been under their spell, so be warned. This isn’t pretty, but I haven’t found a way to avoid it. He is unlikely to realise Lord Hugh is dead, or that he had his confirmation today.”

  Alyssa held her hands to her face in horror as she watched Jerrol release Simeon. Her brother convulsed off his chair, but Jennery and Bryce caught him and held him down until he stilled.

  After a moment, Simeon groaned. “My head, what did I drink last night?” Jennery helped him sit up. Simeon saw Alyssa staring at him. “Alyssa? What’s going on?” He looked around the room and paled as he saw the other lords. “Lord William? Lord Marcus? What are you doing here? Where’s Father?” he asked, bewildered.

  Jerrol walked into view. “Lord Simeon, I think you should rest for a moment. Bryce, help him to the settee. You’ve had a bit of a turn. You’ll be alright in a moment, and we’ll explain. Jennery, is there any water in those jugs?”

  Jennery checked the jugs. “It’s all wine. I’ll request some.” He went to open the door and bumped into Tagerill, who was blocking the entrance. “Tagerill, we need some drinking water, could you get some for us?”

  Tagerill raised his hand and a young page came running. “We need some water, young sir,” he requested of the young boy, who bobbed his head in awe and scurried away, returning with a jug.

  Jennery grinned at the boy and took the jug. He poured a glass for Simeon and waited as he drank it thirstily. Simeon held the glass out for more before he sat back, resting his head and closing his eyes. Alyssa sat next to him and reached for his hand. “Simeon?”

  Simeon opened his eyes and rolled his head towards her. “What happened?”

  Alyssa looked at Jerrol helplessly, tears springing into her eyes.

  Jerrol stepped forward. “I am sorry to inform you, Lord Simeon, that you befell an Ascendant plot to take over Greenswatch.” Jerrol’s face tightened. “There is no easy way to tell you this, but they killed your father, Lord Hugh, intending to place you as their puppet in his place. Today was your confirmation as Lord of Greenswatch.”

  “What?” Simeon looked frantically around the faces in front of him. “But that can’t be true. Lord William?”

  “I am sorry, son,” William said, “but it’s true. We attended your confirmation today, that’s why we are all here. We just saw the spell removed.”

  “I would never betray the Watch or my father,” Simeon protested.

  “Not deliberately, no.” William raised his hands. “But there is much we don’t understand going on. The Ascendants are powerful, and they have magics we have never seen before. Son, it wasn’t your fault. What befell you almost befell us today.”

  “And Aaron is still affected. How do we help my son?” Olivia clasped her hands together.

  “Aaron?” Simeon peered at Lady Olivia. “What happened to Lord Stefan?”

  Lady Olivia paled. “He was killed in a hunting accident; shot by his men,” she said bitterly.

  Simeon swallowed as he understood what she wasn’t saying. “And our men? Where’s Garrick?”

  “Garrick is representing you in the ballroom where all your guests may still be celebrating your confirmation,” Jerrol replied with a grim smile.

  Simeon blanched even further. “Lady’s blessings,” he murmured, rubbing his eyes. “Do I have to face them all today? What did I say?”

  Alyssa hugged him. “I am so glad you are back,” she said, her relief evident.

  “Let’s deal with Reid first,” Jerrol suggested, turning to the man who was still slumped on the floor.

  “Who is he, and what’s wrong with him?” Simeon leant his arms on his knees as he peered down at Reid.

  “He is in the same state you were. And as to who he was, he was your Seneschal. As to who he is, let’s find out, shall we? Reid,” Jerrol said clearly. “Tell me your true name and your purpose here.”

  Reid opened his eyes and sat up. “My name is Kor’aderil. I am to prepare the way for the Ascendants’ glory. Greenswatch will be cleansed ready to welcome the new leader. I will do what must be done to provide the brothers with the platform they need to overthrow Vespiri and bring it under the thrall of the Ascendants.”

  Jerrol ignored the gasps of horror behind him. “And who is Meritas? What is his purpose?”

  “Meritas?” Kor’aderil frowned, momentarily confused. “Ah, you mean Mer’iteras?”

  “Mer’iteras,” Jerrol confirmed.

  Kor’aderil’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Mer’iteras is the foremost expert in Mentiserium. He is spreading the word and helping the people to find the truth. He will wipe the Lady’s name from the world.”

  “Mentiserium? How did they discover that?” Jerrol stared at the man.

  “Var’geris found it. He discovered he could control the minds of others. It is a skill very few possess or can learn. Only the Ascendants’ direct descendants have the power. And the beauty is that the people don’t even know they are affected, so no one can tell,” Kor’aderil boasted.

  “Who are the direct descendants?” Jerrol probed.

  Kor’aderil’s eyes flickered around him. “I am not supposed to know, but Mer’iteras has a brother called For’teres, and there is another who’s never named.”

  “For’teres, I’ve met,” Jerrol grunted, regretting he had allowed him to escape. “Are you a descendant?”

  “Me?” Kor’aderil gave a sharp laugh. “No, I’
m not a descendant. I’m not of the bloodline, but they welcomed me into the brotherhood all the same.”

  “Who were you before you entered the brotherhood?” Jerrol asked, fascinated.

  “I came from Terolia, a son of the Kiker, not deemed important to be anyone. But they will see. I will show them all!”

  “Where are your marks? You display no family allegiance.”

  “I am a brother. I am no longer a Kikerian. I do not need family allegiance. The Ascendants removed the marks for me.”

  “Are you sure you joined the brotherhood of your own free will?”

  Kor’aderil hesitated. “Of course I did.”

  “Where did you join, was it in Terolia?”

  “Yes, I had escaped from the Kiker conclave while we were encamped outside Il Queron. I found the true path in Mistra when I heard Var’geris speak. A true descendant.”

  Jerrol looked around the room. “Anything else I should ask before I release him?”

  “What will happen to him when you release him?” Simeon asked.

  Jerrol grimaced. “I’m not sure, but I think he will revert to the Kikerian he is supposed to be. I think this whole brother thing is imposed on him, much like they imposed on you. How he will take that is anyone’s guess. It sounds like he has been under this spell for many years.”

  “He must have been, to reach a position of authority and to be trusted to manage Simeon,” Jennery agreed, preparing to restrain the man.

  Simeon winced at the reminder.

  Jerrol turned back and commanded Kor’aderil to forget all imperatives and never to be susceptible to Mentiserium again. Jennery and Bryce leapt to hold him down as he convulsed. His eyes rolled back in his head, and he collapsed to the floor, unconscious.

  Jerrol sighed, observing the man. “I imagine the removal hurt a lot more for him because it was ingrained for so long. I suggest you take him to the infirmary and keep a guard on him. I don’t know how he will react when he wakes up.”

  Bryce grabbed the man’s shoulders, Jennery his feet, and between them, they carried the unconscious man out of the room.