by E J Gilmour
‘It’s my father,’ she whispered. ‘Let’s go.’
Apherah led him across the room and to a stairwell that ascended sharply. In seconds they had climbed the steps to an upper doorway. She pushed open the door at the top and the rooftop of the palace was revealed. A completely flat stone surface was surrounded by a waist high wall that followed the outer edge. Seven towers rose high into the sky above. Eben looked at Apherah as he watched her silky hair blow in the wind. She looked at him and smiled sweetly. A moment later she glanced up at the flags flying high above.
‘The White Unicorn once flew where the White Dragon now flies. I wonder if it will fly again?’ she asked, looking back to him. Eben glanced up at the red flags. For a few moments he thought about what she had said. He then looked back to her, her ocean coloured eyes were fixed on him, and her beauty was overwhelming.
‘The White Unicorn will only fly here again if you are the one to raise the flag.’
‘Only an Ecorian has the right to raise the flag of the Ecorian Empire,’ she said, staring at him inquisitively.
Eben nodded and smiled. She beamed at him when she realised what he really meant. They moved closer, and he took her hands. He looked into her eyes and knew in that moment she understood. Apherah smiled radiantly as all her sadness drifted away and was replaced with hope and joy.
‘Apherah, would you consider…’
The door from the stairwell burst open. King Edric stepped onto the rooftop followed by a dozen guardsmen. He marched toward them with hard and angry eyes. They turned to face her furious father.
‘You have both disobeyed my orders. Eben Ecorian, I don’t know how you got into the royal chambers unseen; I can assure you that it won’t happen again. Apherah, you will stay in your chambers until the Ecorian is safely away from our city.’
‘Father please don’t!’ pleaded Apherah.
‘Take Princess Apherah to her chambers and place a guard at her door. She must not be allowed out until the Ecorian is gone. Eben Ecorian, you should know that I am a man of honour. I will not go against my word. I regret to say that you are banished from Faircastle. Guards, lead Eben Ecorian to his chambers. You have an hour to leave Faircastle.’
‘I think you’re making a grave mistake, Your Majesty,’ said Eben.
‘I will be the judge of that,’ said King Edric. He then turned and stormed away. Eben watched as Princess Apherah was led from him. She looked back over her shoulder, smiled sadly, and then was gone.
CHAPTER TWELVE
‘I can’t believe we have been banished from Faircastle,’ said Red, shaking his head as he stepped into Eben’s chamber with Stella. ‘I was really starting to enjoy living here.’
‘You don’t have to come with me, Red. King Edric said that only I am banished,’ replied Eben.
‘You’re not leaving without us, Eben,’ said Stella.
Meara and Cassiel suddenly appeared in the doorway. ‘What’s the meaning of this? Why are you leaving?’ asked Meara, shocked at seeing them packing their bags.
‘Eben went to see Princess Apherah when he had been forbidden from seeing her by the King,’ said Stella.
‘I see. I have heard that she has been promised to King Lenard. I can see why King Edric would be concerned. King Lenard is a quick tempered man. He is also an important ally in our struggle. We cannot afford to lose the Everdonians. I think you should respect the King’s wishes and stay away from her.’
‘Apherah does not want to marry King Lenard,’ said Eben resolutely.
The room fell silent. Meara shut the door, leaving the palace guardsmen outside. She directed them to sit at the table.
‘This situation is more dangerous than you think. Let us assume that you can overcome all the possible obstacles and are able to start a courtship with Princess Apherah. The end result would mean that the Ecorian would rule Faircastle and the Sapphire Throne. I doubt that the Ecorian Arbiters would accept this. I believe you would gain Dravania and Iarthar as allies, and probably King Ignis, but Everdon, Ateria, Silvor, and the Isles of Dawn would probably oppose you. This is a division we can’t accept at this time.’
‘I don’t want to cause any divisions,’ said Eben.
There was a knock at the door. Red sprang to his feet and opened the door. The Fiorians Chiara and Acartor stood outside.
‘Please, come in and join us,’ said Red, indicating for them to enter.
Chiara looked at Eben with a furrowed brow as she entered the room. ‘Eben Ecorian. We heard that you are being banished from Faircastle for attempting to begin a courtship with Princess Apherah. Is this true?’
‘Yes,’ replied Eben.
‘Surely you must know that Irvaria and Everdon have only a tentative alliance at best. Unfortunately King Lenard has been promised Princess Apherah’s hand in marriage. It is important for the united armies of Everdon and Irvaria to face the Prince of Shadows together. If you attempt to prevent this marriage the Everdonians may fight alone and refuse Irvarian help. The Prince of Shadows will crush the Everdonians and then march to the gates of Faircastle and destroy us. We need an alliance between Irvaria and Everdon. You must respect King Lenard and not stand between him and Princess Apherah.’
Eben felt a rising anger at the unfair demands being made on him. ‘Should I really show respect to King Lenard? He has little regard for me. I know that Apherah does not want to marry the Everdonian. I cannot agree to this.’
‘I understand the Ecorian’s point of view,’ said Acartor. ‘We need the Ecorian as much as we need the Everdonians.’
‘What you say is true, Acartor, yet it is important for Eben to understands what is at risk,’ said Chiara.
‘I will fight for the people of Veredor regardless of what happens with Princess Apherah. But you also must know that Princess Apherah can marry whoever she wants; King Edric also knows this. She will never marry King Lenard. In four days King Edric will march south, and King Lenard will march with him even if he hasn’t yet married Princess Apherah. The union between Irvaria and Everdon will not be important after the Prince of Shadows has been destroyed’
A loud knock made them all turn. Again Red opened the door. More guardsmen had gathered outside to escort Eben out of the castle; they were growing impatient.
‘By order of the King we must go now,’ said the palace guardsman. Eben, Red, Stella, and Cassiel stood up and were ready to leave.
‘If you ride south to Elcalee I will come with Baftel and Arlen the day after you arrive,’ said Meara.
‘I will go south with you, Ecorian,’ said Acartor. ‘There is much the Fiorians should share with you, and perhaps I can personally share some things that may help you in the battle against the Prince of Shadows.’
‘No, Acartor, it is best that you stay here with King Edric and come south later,’ said Chiara. ‘You know most of the envoys well. You can do a lot to help foster the alliances. I will go with Eben and his friends to Elcalee.’
‘As you wish, Gatekeeper,’ said Acartor.
**
The palace guardsman led them to their horses; the four horses were prepared and waiting for them outside the palace. Chiara had agreed to meet them at the southern gate of the city. They mounted their horses and looked up at the majestic palace one last time.
‘I hope we will have an opportunity to come back here one day,’ said Red sombrely.
They turned their horses and rode slowly toward the southern gate of the city. The townsfolk took little notice of them. Even though the news had spread through the city that the Ecorian had returned they had no way of knowing that Eben was the Ecorian. They arrived at the southern gate and waited for Chiara about fifty yards outside the towering city walls.
Eben looked out across the land beyond the city. It was a cool and misty afternoon, unusually cold for summer in Irvaria, but the land of Irvaria held to its natural beauty in any weather. The small villages surrounding Faircastle were splendid. Emerald green meadows stretched far and wide. Blooming col
ourful flowers could be seen in all directions.
From the gate a hooded person approached in a long brown cloak. The person was carrying a parcel wrapped in brown leather tied together with twine. She pulled back her hood; Lila’s face was revealed.
‘Lady Lila, I thought you were confined to your chambers,’ said Eben, surprised to see her.
She smiled and nodded. ‘Some matters are worth being thrown into the dungeons for.’ She handed Eben the leather bound parcel. ‘This is a gift from Princess Apherah. She asked that you open it when you are alone.’
‘Thank you, Lila. Please tell Apherah I will return as soon as I can.’ He could feel that the contents of the parcel were soft.
‘I will, Eben Ecorian. I must hurry back. I wish you the best for your journey,’ she said, smiling brightly. She then turned and walked quickly away toward the gate.
**
The road south from Faircastle to Elcalee led them through some of the most beautiful countryside they had ever seen. Hillsides of alders and groves full of silver birches frequented the roadside. Often they passed elaborate farmhouses and small picturesque villages where friendly village folk would always welcome them and ask them to stop for tea. Eben rode toward the back of the group with Chiara. Chiara’s fiery red hair was unusually bright, and her eyes were emerald green, and had a distinct gemstone quality.
‘I first entered the Fiorian Order twenty one years ago. Your mother was my teacher in those early days; I knew her well. I was fortunate that she personally instructed me for my first year,’ said Chiara.
‘Can you tell me about her?’ asked Eben.
‘She was exceptionally graceful and a brave warrior, unsurpassed in the history of the Fiorian Order. She was a kind woman and wise beyond her years. Your father was also a courageous and honourable man. He was a pilgrim who walked the lands of Veredor. He stood against evil wherever it appeared. He carried the Sword of Midlight in those days. I remember when Kaloren and Elons first met in the halls of Emeril. He was visiting Emeril, the home of the Fiorian Knights, and had come to request assistance in the battle against the Northern Sorcerer Baramak in the Far Western Lands. He fell in love with your mother and followed her to Ancora. It’s exceptionally rare for a Fiorian to marry. We have to receive permission from the Gatekeeper of Emeril; such permission is rarely granted. I heard your parents married in the gardens of Stonehaven.’
‘Stonehaven!’ exclaimed Eben.
‘Yes, they stopped there on their journey to Ortaria. They were going east to battle Azagord and his army.’
‘Do you think my parents could still be alive?’
Chiara stared ahead and pondered the question. ‘Eben, I doubt they are living in Veredor. I’m truly sorry to tell you this. We tried to find your parents and discover what had happened. All our efforts failed. I believe the Prince of Shadows is the only one who can answer your question.’
‘I will ask him,’ said Eben resolutely, feeling anger and determination rise through his body.
‘I believe you will have the chance to,’ said Chiara.
**
The company stopped at a small village called Far Field. The inn was situated at the southern edge of the village. Later in the evening Eben sat in his small room and opened the leather wrapping of Apherah’s gift. Instantly he could see carefully folded purple material. He gently unfolded the material. The Ecorian white unicorn was revealed; he realised that he was holding the Ecorian flag. His heart skipped a beat when he fully unfolded the flag. He found a sealed letter and a rectangular glass case holding two wedding candles. The white wax seal showed the emblem of the Irvarian white dragon. He broke the seal and opened the letter.
Dearest Eben,
I will wait until you return with these candles to Faircastle. We will raise this flag together.
With love,
Princess Apherah of Irvaria
Eben felt his heart fill with joy. A renewed sense of energy and hope filled his body. In that moment he wanted to ride back to Faircastle to see her again, but with a little consideration he decided all things were as they were meant to be. He would first fight the Prince of Shadows and then return triumphantly to Faircastle and marry Princess Apherah.
He lay on his bed and stared at the ceiling with a smile. He couldn’t sleep; happy thoughts swirled in his head.
**
The following morning they set out early and made for Elcalee. Eben rode quietly at the rear of the group, watching the countryside pass by as they made their way south through Irvaria. Red slowed his horse to ride beside Eben.
‘You seem quiet today,’ said Red.
‘I am just thinking about the future.’ Eben knew Red could read him well. He glanced across at his best friend.
‘You mean that you’re thinking about Princess Apherah?’ Eben looked ahead and didn’t answer. They rode on for a little while longer ‘It is clear you have fallen for her. You’re glowing with happiness.’
Eben looked across at Red and nodded. ‘Yes, Red, I only hope this campaign in the south doesn’t last too long. I want to ride back to Faircastle now.’
‘A few more weeks and we will be on our way back.’
Eben laughed. ‘I can hardly imagine this feeling being stronger.’
‘It will grow stronger and more real, I guarantee it,’ said Red, looking forward at Stella who was riding thirty yards ahead with Chiara. ‘And the gift she sent. What was that all about?’
‘Just a flag,’ replied Eben, not wanting to reveal anything about the candles and the letter.
‘What kind of flag?’ asked Red curiously.
‘The flag of the Ecorian Empire,’ said Eben.
Red was stunned by this admission. ‘She wants you to be the Ecorian Emperor. Perhaps King Edric won’t have much of a say after all. If you marry Apherah then you will eventually rule Irvaria and the Sapphire Throne. From such a position it would be easy for you to become the new Ecorian Emperor.’
‘You know me well, Red; I’m a hunter, a villager, and these days I’m an adventurer, but I’m not a ruler. It would cause a lot of tension and perhaps even a war if I made a claim to the Sapphire Throne. You saw the hostility when my existence was revealed. I couldn’t be responsible for causing a war.’
‘If you were Emperor I could be one of your knights.’
‘Thanks, Red, but I don’t think it will ever happen. It’s not something I want. My hopes are similar to yours. I just want a simple and quiet life. I want to find a peaceful place somewhere and settle down and live happily.’
‘We will just have to wait and see what the future holds,’ said Red.
They rode on throughout the day. The light of day started to fade. In the distance they could see three towers rising from a grey stone fortress which was shaped like a giant square block. As the road took them over a hill they could clearly see the town and fortress of Elcalee ahead. The fortress rose about a hundred yards in height above the surrounding town. Three towers ascended about another forty yards further from the top of the main structure. To Eben Elcalee looked more like a massive watchtower than a fortress.
The town below the fortress was surrounded by a short wall, only about five meters in height, and a twenty foot moat followed the base of the wall. A drawbridge extended across the moat. There were also several villages outside the town wall, and farmhouses were dotted about the countryside. To the south was a massive encampment where the Irvarian army had gathered. Thousands of men were making preparations for the march south. Eben watched as hundreds of Irvarian banners gently blew in the breeze.
‘Welcome to Elcalee,’ said Chiara, surveying the land ahead. ‘As you can see this fortress is not nearly as impressive as Faircastle, yet Elcalee has earned a place in legend and has seen many battles.’
Chiara led them down through the countryside and villages. Within half an hour they had arrived at the gate of Elcalee.
‘Duke Emont is expecting us. We will be his guests. King Edric told me he would send wo
rd ahead of us to make sure our stay in Elcalee is comfortable.’
They entered into the town and were led by a guardsman up to the fortress, which was situated at the top of the hill. Eben could see that much care had been taken by the townsfolk to make sure their town was beautiful, from small rose gardens lining the streets to elegantly made street lanterns. Even the wooden front doors of all the houses and terraces were adorned with beautiful carvings and intricate cast-iron doorknockers.
Waiting at the gate of the fortress was a tall and gaunt man who was wearing shining armour that looked too heavy for him. He was an old man with long dark hair and brown eyes. He stared at them with his chin held high and proud. Three knights stood on his left and three on his right. One bore the banner of Irvaria with the white dragon on the red background, the other flag was obviously the standard of Duke Emont’s family, which depicted a shield with a white dragon on one side and a lion on the other. Above the shield was an eagle with outstretched wings and a red and white striped background.
Trumpets blared out from the towers above, and Duke Emont stepped forward and bowed low.
‘I welcome you, Eben Ecorian, and your fine company to Elcalee. What an exceptional honour it is to have the Ecorian and the Gatekeeper of Emeril as my guests.’
People from the town started to gather around the company and looked up at Eben with awe in their eyes. He felt overwhelmed and self-conscious as more people surrounded the company.
‘Thank you for your welcome, Duke Emont,’ said Eben. He dismounted and walked over to the Duke and shook his hand. Chiara and Cassiel followed closely.
‘I have a banquet prepared in the main dining chambers,’ said Duke Emont.
The stable master took their horses. They then followed Duke Emont into the fortress and entered a large and sparse entrance chamber. Two flights of stone stairs ascended on the left and right. The stairs circled upward to join at a landing on the level above. Across the entrance chamber, directly in front of them, was a large iron door. Duke Emont led them up the right hand stairs, and the upper door opened as they approached. Two guardsmen stood within and bowed respectfully.
