Sentinals Awaken: Book One of the Sentinals Series
Page 28
Jerrol rubbed his face; his mad dash across the countryside with Tagerill and Birlerion was catching up with him. He wondered how Birlerion felt. He gave Simeon a fleeting smile. “I recommend you advise Garrick of all this. He is your closest ally, and he will need to understand how to remove the spell from all your men.” He handed Simeon the notebook. “There is a list of names and keywords in there. As long as you remove all previous imperatives and block the effect of this Mentiserium, the words should be useless.”
“Thank you, I will deal with this immediately.” Simeon took the notebook eagerly. “Captain Haven, I can’t thank you enough for your help. Where Greenswatch would be if you hadn’t intervened, I dread to think. That the Ascendants have such power is frightening. Where is the King’s defence?”
“I think you are looking at him, and I need to go and brief the King next. That was where I was going before I detoured here. I need to inform the King about what is going on. We will need his help to release Deepwater and the towers, and to protect the other Watches.”
“If there is anything you need, anything we can do for you,” Simeon gripped his arm, “please, don’t hesitate to ask.” He turned to his sister. “Alyssa, we need to speak before I go and address our guests. If you would excuse us for a moment.” Simeon bowed to Lords William and Marcus and Lady Olivia. “Please, rejoin our guests and enjoy the hospitality. We will be in to address everyone in the grand hall in a moment.”
Chapter 33
Greenswatch
The soft green cushions on the window seat coaxed Jerrol to lean back and close his eyes: just for a few minutes, he thought. The emotions buffeting him in the room had taken their toll as he had tried to find his way. They all believed he had the answers, but answers were woefully sparse. The strain of meeting everyone’s expectations was wearing him down. He dozed in the warm afternoon sunshine that was weakly penetrating the clouds until Tagerill’s voice woke him.
“Captain.”
Jerrol reluctantly opened his eyes. “I am sorry to disturb you, Captain.” Tagerill apologised, acknowledging the exhaustion on his face. Jerrol waved the apology away. “Saerille sent a report. She patched the Veil, but it won’t hold. She needs to stay and keep repatching until you can go up and seal it.”
“I don’t understand, why can only I seal it?” Jerrol asked with a slight frown. Surely if the Sentinals could patch, they could seal?
“The power to seal is the same as the power to shred; as you can heal, so you can injure. That power must be controlled. Therefore only the Captain may truly heal. Otherwise, the risk to the Veil is too great.”
Jerrol paused. “I don’t know how to seal it,” he admitted.
“You will when you need to.”
“I hope so. So be it; advise Saerille to hold station. Can you call Ari?”
“I’ll see to it,” Tagerill promised. He blushed and shifted awkwardly. “Birlerion told me the Greenswatch Sentinal is Versillion. If you could wake him, Birlerion could rest better in Versillion’s sentinal.”
Jerrol cursed under his breath as he rose. “How could I have forgotten? I tried to wake him before, only I didn’t know how. Where is Birlerion?”
“I managed to persuade Birlerion to rest upstairs. I’ll go and wake him and meet you at Versillion’s tree.”
Jerrol hurried out of the manor house, thankful no further catastrophe had befallen the Watch whilst he had slept.
Skirting the lake that was rippling in the light breeze, he approached the tall sentinal. He rested his hand on the smooth trunk, thought of the Lady and reached. The image of the broad-shouldered Sentinal came into focus, and Versillion stepped forward. He was taller and broader even than Tagerill, but the family likeness was clear. Tousled red hair framed a firm face, silver eyes bright.
“Versillion, it’s time to wake. Greens needs you.”
“Captain, I have been waiting.”
“I know, I’m sorry. But it’s time now, and I need you.” He stepped back and Versillion shimmered out of the tree. Tagerill rushed up from behind him and engulfed the startled man in a hug.
“Tage? What’s the matter?” Versillion looked around him, frowning at the unfamiliar view, but his expression eased as he saw Birlerion. He hugged his brother back.
Tagerill shook in his arms, incapable of speech, and Versillion looked across at Jerrol. “Captain, what happened?”
Jerrol grimaced and ran a hand through his hair; what could he say? “You’ve been asleep for three thousand years. The Lady brought down a Veil which banished all magic, to defeat the Ascendants. But that meant she and Guerlaire left along with the Ascendants. Her guards, she encased in a protective sentinal.” He gestured at the tree. “I awoke Birlerion in Old Vespers about two months ago, Tagerill a few days ago and now you.”
Versillion blinked and tightened his grip on Tagerill; he reached an arm towards Birlerion, and Birlerion stepped into his embrace. “Three thousand years?” he repeated, hugging his brothers.
“I’m afraid so. The Lady needs our help, and there is a renewed threat against Vespiri. Guardians are being targeted, killed. Administrators influenced against their better judgement.”
“Birler?” Versillion whispered.
Birlerion raised his head, wiping his tears away. “Sorry.”
“Hush, nothing to be sorry for, you’ve had no one. I at least have you.”
“It’s all so different,” Birlerion whispered.
Versillion gave a sour laugh. “It’s been three thousand years. The house will have been rebuilt many times; of course it’s different. But it’s still Greens, and it’s the land, not the house, that makes it Greens.”
“It’s called Greenswatch now,” Birlerion said.
“Greenswatch,” Versillion repeated. He gave Birlerion a little shake. “It’s still home. Our home.”
Birlerion gave him a strained smile. “It has a lake,” he said, indicating the water behind them.
Versillion spoke more sharply. “It’s our home, Birlerion, don’t you dare say otherwise. We are still your family. Don’t upset Greens.”
Birlerion stilled and then sighed. “I know.” He looked up, concern in his eyes. “Marianille is not in Vespers. I don’t know where she is.”
“We’ll find her,” Versillion promised, hugging him tightly.
The three brothers stared at each other and then laughed, and Jerrol looked away at the intensity of their reunion. “I’ll leave you to get reacquainted. A couple of hours, Tagerill, I’ll meet you back up at the house.” He left them shimmering back into the tree and returned to the house.
Jerrol’s stomach growled, and he went to find some food. Following his nose, he managed to reach the kitchen before anyone found him and sweet-talked the cook into dishing up a bowl of stew and letting him sit at the kitchen table to eat it. Jerrol and the cook were discussing the intricacies of bread puddings when Jennery tracked him down.
“Jerrol, I been searching all over for you; you’re not trying to get an advance on dessert, are you?” He glanced around the kitchen. “What have you done with your Sentinals?”
“They’re around somewhere. How is Simeon doing?”
“He’s not a bad lad, and now he’s got rid of that chip on his shoulder, he’ll be fine. He had the guts to address his guests and promised to rearrange the confirmation where they would welcome the Lady to Greenswatch and celebrate his father’s life.”
“Good. What about everyone else?”
“Garrick has removed the spell from some of his men, and they are recovering in their barracks. Captain Bryce and Captain Robert’s men secure the perimeter. Lieutenant Jennery, Lady Alyssa and the gentlemen are all in the Picture Room, which is off the ballroom. I believe most of the guests have now departed.”
“Good, I think our work here is done.” Jerrol rubbed his temples, trying to soothe the ache away. “Let’s finish it off and get back on the road.”
Jerrol and Jennery were about to enter the Picture Room as Ta
gerill and his brother Versillion approached. Jennery stopped at the sight of the two Sentinals, clearly related and talking intently. Tagerill was waving his hands about as he shared some tale or other, while his brother just shook his head in disbelief. They broke off and saluted as they reached Jerrol.
“Captain,” Tagerill burbled, his joy at finding his brother overflowing, “we await your command. What do you need of us?”
Jerrol returned the salute. “Let’s introduce Versillion to his Lord Guardian. And then we need to return to Old Vespers.”
“I explained what happened here. Versillion is ready.”
“Indeed, Captain, it would be my honour to stand by Lord Simeon.”
“Good,” Jerrol said with relief, “let’s get on with it.” Following Jennery, they entered the drawing room.
Alyssa stood and crossed the room. “Captain Haven, thank you for returning my brother to me.”
Jerrol bowed over her hands. “I’m glad I could help; we were fortunate.”
“Indeed, we were.” She moved to stand beside Jennery, her hand unconsciously reaching for his arm.
Jerrol watched them, a brief smile flitting across his face before he turned to Simeon. “Lord Simeon, I have someone to introduce to you.” He gestured for Versillion to step forward. “Sentinal Versillion is here to help protect Greenswatch as he has done for the last three thousand years or so,” he announced into the stunned silence as Simeon’s jaw dropped and everyone stared at the tall man with the dark red hair.
“My Lord Simeon.” Versillion bowed, his voice low and sincere. “It is my honour to serve the Guardian and the Watch.”
“W-what?” Simeon stammered.
“Versillion, Tagerill and Birlerion lived here in Greens when the Watch was first created. They are your family and Versillion will stay here and help you hold the Watch. He will protect you and the Lady Alyssa until you can hold the confirmation and invoke the Lady’s protection. You don’t need to fear the Ascendants taking hold again, Versillion will prevent that,” Jerrol said.
“S-Sentinal Versillion, it is a very great pleasure to meet you.” Simeon stared at the Sentinal in awe.
Alyssa moved towards Versillion. “Welcome home,” she said as she took his hands. His silver eyes widened as the Lady’s thrill passed between them. “Guardian,” he said with a low bow.
“Haven,” Lord William said, standing, “how is this possible?”
Jerrol grinned sympathetically. “I did tell you I was the Captain of the Guard; what I omitted to say was that my Guards are the Lady’s Sentinals.”
Lord William stared at him hopefully. “Can you wake mine up? There is a Sentinal standing guard over Marchwood. And Marcus has two. I think we need all the help we can get.”
“I have to report back to the King first. I suggest that when you return home, you engage with the Sentinals, explain the situation. They are stirring and will hear you. I will return once I have seen the King. Lady Olivia, I would recommend you stay with Lady Alyssa for now until I can speak to the King. Once I know the King is secure, I will come and escort you to court, and we can request his help for your son.”
Alyssa spoke up immediately. “Olivia, you must stay with us until we can return you home.”
Olivia smiled her thanks. “Do you think waking the Deepwater Sentinal would help Aaron? I hate to think of him under their control and so helpless. The damage they could do to the Watch if we don’t stop them could be irreversible.”
Deep down, Jerrol agreed, but he had delayed too long already. The urgency to return to the King was building. “I need to go to Vespers first, then we will plan our next steps. Bryce, if you could accompany Hannah back to Stoneford and report, so Jason knows what is going on. Hopefully, Chryllion has routed out all those that were affected by now.”
“Chryllion is awake?” Versillion was delighted.
“And Saerille,” Tagerill replied with a grin.
“Yes, and Simeon, I am sure you will need to check out the councillors at the Grove. Versillion will help. Their names may even be listed in the book. I am sure they have been affected,” Jerrol said.
“Once Garrick has finished with his men, we will move on to the council. We will keep Mer’iteras confined here until you send the King’s word,” Simeon agreed.
“Be very careful who guards him. You heard what Kor’aderil said. Mer’iteras is the expert; his voice is all he needs,” Jerrol warned.
“We’ll be careful,” Simeon promised. “You’ll come back for the confirmation, though, won’t you? And you, Lieutenant Jennery?”
“Can’t promise anything, but we’ll try. We have to return for Lady Olivia so that may well work out quite well,” Jerrol said. “Send word when you have the date set.”
“I’ll send Ari.” Alyssa interrupted the soft conversation she was having with Jennery to look over at Jerrol.
Jerrol noted their quick tete-a-tete though he refrained from comment. “Right, Birlerion is out front, it’s time we left.”
Zin’talia was complaining at being roused by the Sentinal. “He doesn’t like me,” she grumbled. “Why doesn’t he like me?”
“He does like you, don’t be silly,” he soothed. “Be nice.”
Versillion spoke. “By your leave, Captain, I will assist my brother. It may be some time before we see each other again.”
Jerrol waved assent and turned to Bryce. “Warn Jason to patrol the Stanton passes. They must be coming over from Terolia. It sounds like that is where the trouble is brewing.”
Bryce shook his hand. “I will, and you be careful in Vespers. In both of them,” he said, his face grave. He took his leave of the ladies and left the room to find Hannah.
Pausing at the top of the stone steps, Jerrol surveyed the men and horses waiting for them. If he hadn’t seen it for himself, he would never have believed the Sentinals had awoken, yet here they were, tall and mysterious. The material of their unusual uniforms shimmered in the evening sunlight. He swallowed the lump in his throat. Greens should be celebrating the return of three of its sons. That such a momentous occasion had passed almost unnoticed was not right. The three men stood close together, their bond visible, and he thought that maybe Greens was celebrating: busy tying her knots, as Birlerion would have it.
Three Sentinals from Greenswatch and there were more down at the Grove. He ought to wake them. Simeon was staring at him with awe. He supposed he looked as strange as his Sentinals with his silver eyes. His only comfort was the fact Taelia wouldn’t notice any difference. He admitted to himself he missed her, and Zin’talia snorted and shook her head.
“Jerrol, I can’t thank you enough for all your help. I hope you can return for my confirmation. We’d be pleased to see you.”
“Do my best,” Jerrol said as he mounted Zin’talia and, casting a glance around his companions, he led the way down the road.
Chapter 34
Old Vespers
It took all night to reach Old Vespers, and that was only after Jerrol insisted they detour via the Grove to wake up the Sentinals. He slid off Zin’talia as they approached the trees guarding the Lady’s temple and stood in the centre by the stone table, where he simply said, “The Captain has returned and requires your presence.”
Jennery still couldn’t quite believe that five tall, silver-eyed men stepped forward out of a swirling mist and crashed their fists against their chests. “As the Captain commands,” they responded in unison.
Jennery eyed the three men riding behind him a little suspiciously. Jerrol left the Sentinal called Parsillion to guard the Grove and sent Frenerion to join Versillion at Greenswatch. The three accompanying them seemed worryingly like Tagerill, a little too enthusiastic for Jennery’s taste. They all wore the same archaic uniforms as the ones he and Jerrol wore. Each had one of those brutal broadswords across their backs, and they all greeted Tagerill and Birlerion like long-lost brothers. They continued an intense low-toned discussion with the blond-haired Serillion as they rode.
Darllion appeared to be the eldest. His grey hair denoted his seniority. Fonorion was black-haired, lean and predominantly silent, a little older than Serillion and Tagerill, who were of an age and knew each other well.
They were all shocked that it had been three thousand years since they last breathed the air of Vespiri. Even worse was the news that the Lady was no longer present and that Remargaren was a very different place to what they remembered. Yet they accepted Jerrol’s authority without a single complaint.
Jennery shifted his gaze to Jerrol; he was different too, as if the awakening of the Sentinals was changing him. He seemed more – of what Jennery wasn’t sure, but he had a presence about him that he didn’t have before, and his eyes flashed silver like those of the Sentinals. Jennery was struggling with the fact that he took it for granted that he could just walk up to a tree, conjure a man out of it and then command him to follow him.
Passing under the golden stone arch of the East gate, Jerrol called a halt on the outskirts of Old Vespers by the temple gardens. The sky was streaked in red and gold as the sun rose and the tower bell in the Chapterhouse called the scholars to break their fast. Tying Zin’talia to the fence, he led the way into the gardens. Soft green foliage edged the paths, sheltering them from view.
He had been aware of Jennery’s scrutiny for the last few miles. He didn’t know what Jennery was searching for or expected. There were few answers to his questions, so he focused on how to get four distinctive guards through Old Vespers without making a commotion or setting off the garrison.
“Right, we need to get a lay of the land,” Jerrol said once the Sentinals had gathered around him.
“A lay of the land?” Darllion asked.
“Yes, I’ve been gone for nearly two months. We need to discover what’s happened to the King, and what the Chancellor and the Prince have been up to. Jennery, do you think you could see if Nikols is still there? See what you can find out?”