by E J Gilmour
‘Please come again if you pass this way on your journey home. You, Lady Stella, and your friends are always welcome to lodge at Stonehaven.’
‘It’s been an honour; thanks again,’ said Red, climbing up on his horse. They all mounted their horses and prepared to leave. Sir Norman waved them goodbye as they rode through the front gate and turned their horses westward. The day was bright and a gentle breeze blew from the east. They rode quickly away from Stonehaven.
For several hours the company kept a swift pace. The land about was simply splendid, a picture of enchanting beauty. Spring flowers filled meadows of lush green grass and colourful butterflies could be seen flying all about. Occasionally the road would take them through golden elm forests, but always within a few minutes the forests would clear and they would once again come upon beautiful meadows in full bloom.
‘Irvaria is even more beautiful than the stories make it out to be,’ said Eben.
‘Superb,’ said Cassiel.
As the afternoon advanced they entered a forest and left the grasslands behind. The forest was also beautiful and mostly populated with majestic elm trees. Gentle sunlight filtered down from the canopy above. The road was well maintained and small arched bridges crossed many crystal clear streams throughout the forest. As night approached they stopped in a forest glade beside the road and set up camp.
‘I don’t think I’ll ever want to leave this kingdom,’ said Red as he gathered some wood at the edge of the glade.
‘I feel the same. There is a sense of peace and joy throughout this land,’ said Cassiel.
The four of them sat around the campfire and enjoyed the peaceful evening.
**
The next day they rode out and came back upon the river. Within an hour of setting out they found themselves approaching a small settlement. The village was mostly made up of humble stone houses and a few larger farmhouses dotted the fields between the river and the forest. A large wooden sign read: Welcome to Easthome.
‘Look at that; they actually have a sign welcoming people to their village,’ said Red, smiling as they passed by.
As they rode through the village the village folk walked up from the riverbank to greet them. The atmosphere was very welcoming and the locals invited them to stop for tea.
‘We appreciate your invitation, but unfortunately we cannot stop. We are urgently on our way to Faircastle,’ said Cassiel.
The villagers followed them all the way to the edge of the village and waved them farewell and continued to watch until they were out of sight.
‘The people in Irvaria are so friendly,’ said Stella.
‘It makes me realise how suspicious everyone is in Ortaria and Silvor,’ said Red. ‘No one at home would ever invite a stranger in for tea and biscuits.’
‘They would in Clemensdale where I come from,’ said Eben, remembering the kind-hearted people of his home village. For a moment he felt a pang of nostalgia. At heart he knew he was a simple villager. No one in Clemensdale cared much for what happened beyond the valley. They were simple folk with happy lives. He missed his home and looked forward to the day that he could return.
**
For two days they rode onward. The river road took them northwest and they passed through many beautiful villages along the way. Most of the villages were similar to Easthome.
On the morning of the fourth day from Stonehaven they came out of the forest into cleared farmland. As they progressed the land became exceptionally beautiful and undulating. The road followed the river as it wound its way through various valleys and shallow gorges. Often they would pass lovely farmhouses, and regularly they saw shepherds with flocks of sheep on the slopes of surrounding hills. The further they went the more frequently they saw barges, boats, and smaller canoes on the river.
In the mid-afternoon the road turned away from the river and led them up along a lengthy final ridge. The far side of the ridge descended downward to an emerald green plain below. From the height of the ridge they could see far into the distance.
They caught sight of a majestic and magnificent castle about seven miles away across the plain. The castle was built on a solitary hill with incredibly high walls. Twelve soaring towers rose at intervals along the outer wall. Irvarian flags flew at the height of each tower. In the centre of the city stood an enormous palace, rising high above the level of the outer wall, with its own seven towers ascending a great distance into the sky above. The Adira River curved around the base of the city on the northern side. They could see many villages and towns outside the walls. It was difficult to make out the details from the ridge, but they were all sure the castle was far greater than any they had seen before.
‘There it is, Faircastle! The pride of the Aecorisians,’ said Cassiel, wonder lighting up his face.
‘Is it really so big, or are my eyes playing tricks on me?’ asked Red.
‘Faircastle is simply amazing,’ answered Cassiel. ‘The outer walls are at least two hundred yards in height. The Palace is a city in itself. At the pinnacle of the palace is the Ecorian Hall. Within the hall is the Sapphire Throne of the Ecorian Emperor, a throne made completely of blue sapphires, a treasure beyond all treasures. Faircastle is the heart of Veredor.’
There was a long silence as they stared into the distance.
‘Let’s go closer,’ said Eben. He started moving his horse quickly down the slope. The others followed him, and before long they were galloping across the plain with their eyes fixed on the high walls of Faircastle. After little more than half an hour they were approaching the towering outer wall. They turned toward the southern side where they could see a great gate. Villages were dotted all about on the plain surrounding the enormous castle. They rode on toward the great arched gateway. Seven armoured guards with long spears stood on either side of the gate.
As they approached they slowed their horses to a trot. Ahead of them stood a figure in a long green robe waiting just outside the gate.
‘Meara,’ cried Cassiel with delight, being the first to recognise her.
‘Welcome to Faircastle,’ said Meara as they rode closer. ‘I am so happy that you arrived safely. Baftel told me that you were drawing near, and I thought I would come to greet you at the gate. We heard news from the border when you entered Irvaria.’ They all embraced her happily. ‘I was very worried when I learned that you had decided to cross the deserts. I knew you weren’t aware the Skatheans had moved north through Vastoria. I feared that you would be walking into a trap. Thankfully you have arrived safely and just in time for the council.’
‘We have had quite an adventure,’ said Cassiel.
‘I think you will find that the adventure is just beginning. ’ said Meara. ‘Please, follow me. I will take you to the palace where all the guests of the council are staying. We have much to discuss.’
They dismounted and led their horses through the great arched gateway. The main street led in a straight line up a gradual rise to the majestic palace at the top of the hill. They were all amazed by the beauty of the city. They passed hundreds of splendid houses as they ascended the gentle rise. Street lanterns and flower beds lined the way, and all the people of Faircastle seemed joyful. The Irvarians obviously took great pride in making all things look beautiful.
In wonder and silence they ascended the gentle hill and arrived at a large and almost perfectly flat square at the top. There were many people all in the square; groups of men and women were talking, and various street performers played pleasant music. Eben couldn’t help but feel happy. The palace towered into the sky above. An enormous golden arched door stood at the entrance; thousands of carvings were etched into its surface.
‘The Ecorian Gate,’ said Cassiel. ‘The engravings tell the story of the rise of the Ecorian Empire. We are blessed to have this opportunity to see it.’
They led their horses across the square to the gate. Three guardsmen in shining armour stood on either side of the arched entrance. The gate started to open and the guardsmen moved
aside. The guardsmen at the gate took their horses. They then stepped forward into the palace.
Directly before them was a magnificent hall lined with white marble pillars that rose up at least eighty yards to the ceiling above. The polished marble tiles of the floor were a mixture of blue and white. At the far side of stood a large obelisk that was painted purple with a depiction of a white unicorn. Three well-dressed men approached from the far side of the hall, each with a sword at his side. One was much older with greying hair and a friendly open face. The two younger men followed closely behind.
‘Greetings, Sir Red, Lady Stella, Eben, and Cassiel. My name is Earl Evander; these young men are my sons: Gelson and Tom. We have been sent to welcome you to Faircastle and make sure you are comfortable and aware of the proceedings of the council. My sons will show you to the guest chambers on the upper levels. If you require anything you can ask any of the palace staff to bring a message to me and I will see to it. The council will commence at noon the day after tomorrow. We are very glad that you arrived safely.’
Gelson and Tom looked like identical twins. They were both conventionally handsome with light blond hair and bright blue eyes.
‘We are pleased to meet you, Earl Evander,’ said Red. ‘It has been a long journey across Vastoria. Thank you for your welcome. Will we meet King Edric soon?’
‘Yes, you will. At the moment King Edric is very busy preparing for the council; this is the reason why he has sent me to greet you. You are the last of the envoys to arrive. Thus far we have received envoys from Dravania, Iarthar, the Tabarian Knights, Everdon, the Desert Knights, Ateria, The Isles of Dawn, Scaldonia, the Takalian Knights, the Fire Order, the Fiorian Knights, and of course Meara, Arlen, and Baftel from the Irilian Order. Unfortunately we heard word that the Silvorian envoy’s ship was destroyed by the Skatheans in the Southern Sea.’
Red looked horrified at hearing that his own countrymen had been killed by the enemy.
‘Please, follow my sons to your chambers,’ said Earl Evander. The Earl then bowed and walked away leaving his two sons to show them to their rooms.
The young men led them across to the far side of the hall. They entered an adjacent corridor that took them into a large room with a perfectly square wooden door.
‘The top levels of the palace are so high that the wise men of our city had to devise a way for us to reach the upper levels without having to climb thousands of steps,’ said Gelson as he opened the large door. Before them were two seats suspended in mid-air by ropes that were tied to a chain above. On their right was a large lever beside a bell which was hanging from an oversized hook. Eben stepped into the room and looked up to see a long shaft that ascended directly upward for hundreds of feet.
‘Please, Eben, take a seat,’ said Tom. Eben sat in one of the seats and Cassiel sat in the one beside him. ‘This will take you directly to the Ecorian Hall.’
‘How does it work?’ asked Cassiel, amazed by the ingenuity
‘I am really not sure,’ answered Gelson, shaking his head slightly. ‘I think it’s something to do with springs and tension. Whatever you do don’t let go. When you reach the top and are safely off simply ring the bell and pull the lever to send the seats back down.’
Gelson proceeded to ring the bell loudly, and for about five seconds nothing happened. Then suddenly there was a heave and a moment later they were both ascending quickly. After about a minute they arrived at the top of the shaft; a stone landing allowed them to disembark.
‘These Irvarians are amazing folk,’ said Cassiel, a look of wonder in his eyes. ‘I always thought that the Zyranians were the craftiest people in Veredor. I’m starting to have doubts.’
They disembarked and rang the bell. Cassiel pulled the lever and the chairs quickly descended. They then opened the door before them. They were amazed by the sight. The upper hall was not as large as the lower entrance hall but instantly struck them with its outstanding beauty. The pillars were pure white marble with intricate carvings and rose up to the ceiling above which was painted blue like the sky. The floor was covered with large marble tiles that formed the picture of a white unicorn in flight. Great stained glass windows lined either side of the wall; each window showed scenes of the ancient history of Veredor. By far the most astonishing sight before their eyes was the large Sapphire Throne of the Ecorian Empire. The throne was made entirely of swirling crystal blue sapphire. It seemed to glow; the light from the windows above reflected in a manner that made the sapphire glisten. Standing on either side of the throne were five fully armoured guardsmen.
‘Magnificent,’ whispered Cassiel in awe. ‘The throne has remained empty for many ages.’ He walked forward toward the throne and Eben followed.
‘Why doesn’t King Edric take it as his own throne? asked Eben.
‘He wouldn’t dare. When the Ecorian Arbiters divided the Ecorian Empire they agreed that no man would ever sit on the Sapphire Throne. Such an action would cause a war. It would mean a king was declaring himself to be the new emperor and greater than all the other kings in Veredor. Only an Ecorian can sit on the throne.’
Eben followed Cassiel across the marble floor. As they approached two of the guardsmen stepped forward to block their way.
‘No closer!’ commanded a guardsman firmly. They stopped in their tracks.
‘We were just looking and would not dare…,’ said Cassiel.
‘Look, but come no closer. Our duty is to protect the Sapphire Throne. By order of King Edric no man can come within twenty feet.’
They stared for a while at the throne and then suddenly heard footsteps coming up behind them.
‘Are you looking for somewhere to sit?’ asked Meara, smiling at Eben. She then turned and looked across at Cassiel.
‘The throne is even more magnificent than in my dreams,’ said Cassiel. Meara nodded in agreement and glanced around the hall.
‘The Ecorians were exceptional people. They united the people of Veredor in a way that no one has ever repeated.’
Moments later Gelson and Red walked over from the shaft and not long after Tom followed.
‘Let us take you to your chambers,’ said Gelson. ‘All the guests of the council are staying on the level below. Please follow us.’
Gelson and Tom led them back across the hall and down a stairwell that led them to a wide corridor on the level below the Ecorian Hall. Beautiful paintings, sculptures, and freshly cut flowers were placed all along the way. They followed the corridor for about fifty yards and then took a turn to the right, descending a short stairwell that opened up into another corridor. On the right side of the corridor were several short arched windows and a view outward across the city below; a door led out to the stone balcony. Along the left wall were two doors.
‘These are your chambers. The first rooms are for you, Sir Red and Lady Stella,’ said Gelson. ‘Lord Eben, the second door leads to your rooms. Your chambers, Lord Cassiel, are on the far side of the palace where the Irilians are residing. Each room has a bell beside the door. If you ring the bell the palace staff will come to your assistance. You can ask the palace staff to find us if you require anything that they cannot provide. Everything you require will be provided. The council will be held at noon the day after tomorrow in the Ecorian Hall. We hope you enjoy your time here in the palace.’ Gelson and Tom bowed before leaving.
‘You will find the chambers are comfortable indeed,’ said Meara. ‘You should all get some rest. Tonight we will have dinner together with Baftel in my chambers. The palace staff can take you to my chambers at sunset. We have a lot to talk about.’
With this Meara turned and left with Cassiel. Eben entered his lavish and luxurious chamber. He came firstly into a large carpeted sitting room with cushioned chairs and couches, beautiful paintings on the walls, a desk by a window, and a round wooden table with four chairs. An archway led him into a second room where he found a large bed that took up almost the entire room. A doorway led out to a small stone balcony. He stepped out onto the
balcony and looked down at the city below and out at the picturesque land; it was a beautiful sight to behold. He smiled.
CHAPTER NINE
Eben rested for an hour and felt he could finally relax. As the day neared its end he changed out of his worn dirty clothes. He chose a loose fitting white shirt and dark trousers. The house staff also brought him new leather boots of the highest quality. He attached his sword to his belt and looked in the mirror. He was feeling completely refreshed.
When the day was nearing its end he rang the bell at the door. Within a minute a very short and a man with curly red hair and bright blue eyes arrived at his door.
‘How can I help you, Sir?’ he asked, a big friendly smile crossing his face.
‘I wish to be taken to the Irilian Meara’s chambers.’
‘Certainly, Sir,’ replied the man.
Eben followed the man as he made his way down the corridor and up the stone steps. He then opened another door which revealed a thin corridor that cut through the centre of the palace and was lit only by lantern light.
‘This is the short cut, Sir. Otherwise you have to follow the outer corridors.’
Eben followed him along the long corridor. They arrived at the opposite door within two minutes. The man opened the door and turned left. On their right side were arched windows that revealed a wide view from the far side of the palace. They continued a little way and then followed a flight of steps downward. The steps curved toward the left. There were three doors spaced about thirty feet apart.
‘The second door is the one you seek, Sir.’
‘Thank you,’ said Eben appreciatively.
‘Most welcome, Sir,’ said the man as he turned to leave.
Eben approached Meara’s door and knocked three times. Moments later the door opened, and Red looked out at him.
‘Eben, you must see the sunset,’ he said excitedly. Eben followed Red into Meara’s rooms and could instantly see the blazing red sun shining through the large west facing windows. Everyone in the room watched in silence for several minutes as the sun set over the horizon, leaving a subtle blue twilight sky.
