Weaponforger (Guardian's Prophecy Book 3)

by D A Godwin

  “These are wonderful, Master Altonsa, and they bring me more joy than you can know. Does my mother still visit you?”

  “She does, my lady, on occasion.” He twisted his fingers together nervously and began to say more, then stopped.

  “You may speak plainly.”

  “Begging your pardon, my lady, it’s not for folks like me to pry into these matters.” He cast a nervous glance around his shop to ensure they were alone. “There was a reward offered to any who knew where you were. We’d heard rumors of some falling out between you and your family, long about the time of… the changes.”

  “Those rumors were true, unfortunately,” she said, “but it is a situation that I intend to rectify. I need to speak with the queen but dare not approach the castle. Can you pass a message along to her?”

  Altonsa again looked uncomfortable. “It would please me to no end to help you, of course, but such a message would pass through many hands on its way to her, and… Well, you understand the position that might leave me in, Your Highness.”

  “I do, and I certainly wish for nothing bad to come from my visit. Perhaps you could simply make her aware that her favorite sweets are here?”

  His face brightened. “That I would be happy to do. I let Her Highness know of such things from time to time. Perchance she’d pay us a visit. With the recent piracy on the seas, we’ve not had them in a while. You are welcome to stay here, Your Highness. My home is yours.”

  “You are most gracious. I will remain in the back, so as not to distract from your business.”

  I’ll wait outside, where I can watch the street.

  Shalindra said a silent prayer as she retired to the back room, hoping that the delicacies would be enough to lure her mother out. Altonsa fussed over her briefly, but had to return to the front as more customers arrived. Shalindra wondered where his wife was, but after so much disheartening news she was too scared to inquire.

  She remained unsettled as she waited. The last time she had seen her mother was the day she left with Sir Warron on their doomed journey to rendezvous with Steward Erbac nearly six years ago. She had never thought her goodbye would have lasted so long. What could have happened to her mother during those years? Was she sad to be apart from her daughter or appalled by her actions? What if she did not come?

  Then we’ll be back tomorrow, or we’ll try something else.

  And if she does not accept me? What then?

  We’ll find another way in, even if it’s through the gates.

  Despite his encouraging thoughts, she could tell that something was gnawing at Tormjere.

  It is not the waiting that is bothering you. What is wrong?

  I’m just hungry.

  Should we be worried about that?

  Not yet.

  Customers came and went as the day dragged on. Altonsa poked his head in to let her know the message had been successfully delivered. Shalindra felt as if she should be doing something, but there was nothing that would make the time pass more quickly.

  The sun was well past its zenith when Shalindra was jolted from her thoughts by the image of a carriage arriving.

  She’s here. Looks like your brother is with her.

  Shalindra peeked from her hiding place to make sure no one other than Altonsa was there. She hurried into a corner of the shop, glancing nervously out the window as butterflies danced in her stomach.

  Relax.

  What are her guards doing?

  Keeping an eye on me. I’m trying to look suspicious.

  I doubt that is difficult.

  Shalindra kept her back to the door and pretended to scan the shelves. One of the soldiers entered and looked around, then stepped back outside to watch the street. A moment later, her brother Kentrick escorted their mother into the shop.

  They had both changed. Kentrick was taller and broader of shoulder. The cut of his tailored green doublet accented that shape, as did the dueling sword he wore.

  Queen Eleanor Actondel’s once dazzling blonde hair had faded to a sandy brown, and it was now worn up in an elaborate weave that must be the current fashion. Her dress was tight and stiff around her midsection and flared out in layered ruffles from her waist with enough cloth to cover two less important people. Her steel-blue eyes were as alive as ever, but she paid Shalindra no mind as she addressed Altonsa.

  “Master Altonsa, it is good to see you again.”

  “I am delighted as well, Your Majesty,” Altonsa said, bowing low. “You grace my humble shop with your presence, as always.”

  “You have always been my favorite,” she teased, “especially when you’ve a new supply of my favorite chocolates on hand.”

  She smiles the same way you do.

  Her mother’s smile could brighten any room, but it seemed somehow less than it had once been, as if she were searching for happiness rather than living it.

  “They are fresh delivered just yesterday. I thought of you the moment they arrived and set some aside in the back, where it’s cool and they wouldn’t spoil. If you’ll excuse me I will fetch them immediately.” He scurried quickly into the storeroom.

  Now was the time. Shalindra pushed aside the hollowness in her stomach. She approached slowly, heart pounding in her chest as she curtsied.

  “Your Majesty,” Shalindra said, her head down. She heard her mother’s sudden intake of breath, and saw her stiffen as she gripped the nearby counter.

  Shalindra raised her eyes apprehensively. Shock and sorrow warred with disbelief in her mother’s face, and then she was clutching Shalindra close. “I thought you dead.”

  Shalindra let herself sink into that embrace, enjoying the warmth of her mother as the cares of the world slipped away, if only for a moment. When she pulled back, her eyes were damp.

  “Kataria!” Kentrick exclaimed, hugging her as well.

  “I am so sorry for what has happened,” Shalindra said, “and that I never got a chance to tell you myself.”

  The queen straightened her dress and glanced at the door. “Kentrick told me of what transpired. I pleaded with your father to reverse his decision, but his mind was set.”

  “Begging Your Majesty’s pardon,” Altonsa said as he returned. “I could never say no to either of you. Your chocolates, as promised.” He handed her a box tied with ribbon, then quickly retreated as far from them as possible.

  “Where have you been,” Kentrick asked, “and why did you come back?”

  “I am a Sister of Eluria now, as I always wished to be. What I have done would be too long to tell, but I mean to stop this war before it is too late, and for that I must speak to my father.”

  “That is incredibly dangerous,” Eleanor said. “He has not forgiven you, nor have any of those who now have his ear.”

  “Regardless of anyone’s feelings, I must. I cannot avoid such a conflict, nor can I bear to choose one side over the other.”

  “I do not even think it’s possible at this point,” Kentrick said with a dismissive wave of his hand. “We’ve amassed a huge force, bigger than any we have ever seen. We have to do something before…” He trailed off as Eleanor pointedly cleared her throat.

  “I will figure out a way, Eluria willing. Only our enemies will benefit from such a conflict.”

  Her mother placed a cautionary hand on her arm. “Now more than ever, others wait for the slightest misstep, seeking to take what is ours. So many of the houses which once supported us have already fallen, and were you to accompany me, I do not believe you would reach Fabrian. There remains a price on your head.”

  “Is there a way for me to sneak in?” If the queen herself could not guarantee her safety…

  Kentrick shook his head. “No longer. The ways you knew of are all sealed, and though there are probably others they are guarded in ways far more difficult to avoid.”

  “Then perhaps you could spirit me in, as a possible love interest?”

  “I… Wait, what?” her brother stammered.

  “You are interested in girls
by now?”

  Kentrick blushed. “A few.”

  “Then it is your princely prerogative to smuggle another back to the castle.”

  Kentrick’s eyes flicked to his mother, then quickly looked at his feet.

  A soldier’s coming in.

  Shalindra turned her back towards the door just before a member of the royal guard stepped into the shop. The queen waved him away. “Another moment, Jarrod. I am awaiting something from the back.”

  The soldier bowed respectfully and retreated outside once more.

  “I will leave you two to each other then,” the queen said with an amused shake of her head. “It would be best if I remain unaware of how my son is sneaking ladies into the castle. Remain in Kentrick’s rooms once you are inside, and I will come for you after the evening meal.” She embraced her daughter once more. “Be careful.”

  “I will.”

  The queen called Altonsa back to them, but her eyes remained on her daughter as she spoke. “If every visit to your shop offered such magnificent delights, I would be here every day. Thank you.”

  “You are too kind, Your Highness.”

  Eleanor went to the door and summoned a retainer. “Whatever price Master Altonsa asks for my goods, see that he is paid double.”

  The retainer bowed and did as commanded.

  Shalindra walked outside with Kentrick, resisting the urge to look at Tormjere as her brother guided her away from the carriage.

  I’ll be close, but your mother’s soldiers are still watching so I won’t follow.

  If I need you…

  …I will know.

  “We may continue,” the queen announced as she was helped into the carriage. “Lord Kentrick will be returning to the keep at a later time.”

  One of the soldiers eyed Shalindra enviously, and gave Kentrick a knowing grin as the carriage pulled away.

  Her brother stood awkwardly at her side, then cleared his throat. “Shall we walk?”

  He set an unhurried pace as if they were simply enjoying the pleasant afternoon, but his furrowed brow revealed his worry.

  “How have you…?”

  “Are you still…?

  They began at the same time.

  “You first,” Kentrick insisted.

  “How have you been?” she asked.

  Kentrick looked away as he answered. “I have done as you asked when you… left. I have kept our mother safe.”

  The tightness in his voice revealed how difficult that must have been. Not for the first time, Shalindra wondered if she had made a horrible mistake by staying away for so long. “That could not have been easy.”

  “It was not. There have been many schemes and plots. They are succeeding with increased frequency of late, and while our family continues to hold the throne, it is a perilous seat.”

  “Logian?”

  “Logian is… well, he has not changed. He sees this war with the elves as a way to reclaim our lost glory.”

  “What do you see it as?”

  “A solution to the wrong problem, which is only going to be made more difficult by your return. What am I to do with you?”

  He was attempting to lighten the mood, but the situation he painted was far more dire than she had expected. She wanted to see a smile on his face once more.

  “I do not know, my lord,” she answered coyly. “What do you normally do when wandering about with a fetching woman on your arm?”

  Her brother’s face turned as hot as an iron on the fire. “You’re making this difficult. How am I supposed to take you to the castle unnoticed?”

  “I am certain that you have ways,” she said as she slipped her arm around his, causing him to fidget uncomfortably.

  “Do not squirm. You are the one who is supposed to be taking advantage of me, not the other way around.”

  “You could always fluster any man when you wished, family member or not.”

  “I use my charms where I must.” She giggled and batted her eyes at him. “Though if you turn any more red, you will be mistaken for a cooked lobster.”

  You’re having way too much fun with this.

  I know, but I am so happy to see my family once more.

  “I missed you,” Kentrick said, turning serious once more. “Nothing has been the same since that day.”

  Shalindra felt her smile droop. “As I have missed you. Would that things were different and the war had not forced us apart.”

  “Do you really believe you can stop what is coming?”

  “I can only pray.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “Take me by the docks, so I can see the ships again.”

  What Was Lost

  Shalindra paused at the top of the steps as Kentrick stuck his head through the door. After a quick check in both directions, he took her hand and pulled her from the servant’s stairway and into the hall.

  “Almost there,” he said, though she did not need the reminder. It had been years, but she had walked the carpeted halls of the castle so many times she knew exactly where they were. The guards and household staff they had encountered had all made a point of not looking too closely at the woman the prince had brought into the castle, but there were other lords and ladies who would not remain so willfully oblivious.

  Her brother paused to peek around the next corner.

  “Prince Kentrick!”

  He jumped and wheeled about, pushing her behind him. “Lord Redivers, how are you this evening?”

  Redivers’ green and gold tabard was richly trimmed and bore the emblem the royal guard. He approached with an efficiency of motion that reminded her of Birion, and eyed her distastefully. “More focused on my priorities than you, apparently. His Majesty questioned why you were not present at dinner.”

  The mention of food reminded Shalindra that she had not eaten all day, but she was willing to skip every meal for a week if it would keep her safe. She snuggled closer behind her brother, as any guilty woman might, and kept her eyes on the floor.

  “I was enjoying my walk around town and lost track of time,” Kentrick said.

  “If that’s what you call it now. I would suggest that your plans for the evening not keep you from your sword drills in the morning, nor from your lessons with Master Ylnvan.”

  “I will be there,” Kentrick said defensively.

  Redivers gave him a doubtful look before continuing down the hall.

  “Who is Ylnvan?” Shalindra asked as they headed in a different direction. “That name sounds familiar.”

  Kentrick looked as if he had swallowed a bug. “The court wizard who advises father now.”

  “You are studying magic?”

  “Rulership, or at least, that is the pretext.” Kentrick shook his head. “I think the Conclave hopes to indoctrinate me to their cause, whatever it may be.”

  There were no guards outside Kentrick’s room—indeed, she had seen very few inside the keep at all—and they hurried inside.

  Her brother leaned against a wall as he locked the door behind them. “That was far more stressful than I’d anticipated.”

  Shalindra collapsed into a chair, just as worn out.

  “I probably should go put in an appearance,” her brother said, “just to keep people from coming to look for me.” He stepped in front of a mirror and smoothed his appearance. “I’ll let mother know that you are here, and have food sent up.”

  “Thank you.”

  He hugged her. “I’m glad to see you again, no matter the reason.”

  “So am I,” she said, hugging him back.

  When he was gone, she looked about the empty room, then moved to the windows. Over the castle wall and beyond the tops of buildings lay the dark expanse of the ocean. She closed her eyes and sought Tormjere’s mind.

  I’m still here.

  How far away?

  Close to the castle, but the room cost almost everything I had.

  I am certain that my brother will replenish our funds.

  That depends on how tonight goes.

/>   She turned away from the window.

  Everything depends on it.

  * * *

  That same realization still echoed in her thoughts hours later as she followed her mother and Kentrick down the hallway that lead to her father’s chambers. Paintings of former Actondel kings gazed down on her from either wall, as if passing judgement.

  The castle was quiet and dark at this hour, and the two guards standing outside his room were the first people they had encountered. They looked at Shalindra suspiciously but snapped to attention as her mother opened the door and ushered them inside before any objection could be raised.

  The chambers of King Fabrian the Second were spacious, reflecting the luxury of the monarch who controlled the Gold Road. Plush seating dominated the open space, and the walls were draped in expensive silks. A desk that had been her grandfather’s had been pushed back against a wall, for her father rarely worked from his room.

  “Fabrian?” her mother called. “I have brought someone you need to see.”

  Her father entered the room from the balcony. His evening robe hung as loose around his thick midsection as the jowls now did around his chin. Though few would have considered her father an attractive man, the past few years had not been kind.

  “You.” Her father’s voice was laced with disgust.

  “Fabrian, you must listen to her,” her mother pleaded.

  Though the shock of seeing his daughter seemed to have rooted Fabrian’s feet to the floor, his mouth held no such restriction. “I should have you locked in chains.”

  “I did not come here seeking conflict with you, father.”

  “Why else would you be here? To beg forgiveness? Or are you here to try and take my throne?”

  “I do not wish to depose you. I am here to stop this senseless war.”

  It was such an audacious statement that her father stood momentarily dumbstruck. “What manner of fool have you become to think we would do your bidding? The elves have stood in our way for generations. They’ve betrayed entire towns. They’ve killed our people. They dance around the forest as if nothing in the world matters.”

  “Having been to Ildalarial, I would disagree with that assessment.”