As he walked onto the ledge, something in the corner caught his eye. There were light wisps of hair blowing in the breeze.
“Aisling.”
He walked closer and called her name again.
Aisling made a decision. Tomorrow, she and the crew would go to the ship. And after that, they would return to the palace and find Drayaen.
I miss him so much, she thought. Her eyes watered as she considered the prospect of leaving the East Kingdom without him.
The howling wind was playing tricks with her hearing. It sounded like a distant voice, calling her name. She heard it again, and turned.
At the far end of the ridge was the Fifth Prince.
He stood with his feet planted, his wild mane of hair blowing in the wind. Aisling ran, launching herself into his arms.
His soft lips mingled with hers as he held her tight. He was flooded with relief that she was safe.
“I’ve found you,” he murmured. But when he pulled back to look at her and saw her tear-stained face, he was filled with dread. “Are you all right?”
Aisling shook her head. “I don’t want to leave you.”
“What?”
“I’ve put you in danger. If anything happens, it will be my fault. You’d be better off without me, but I don’t want to go.”
He grasped her by the arms and gazed into her eyes. “Aisling, I’m in more danger if I stay. And you’re not the cause. I would give anything to spare you this stress. But you’re not leaving unless I’m by your side.”
She looked up at him. “Is that even possible, or are we deluding ourselves into thinking we can overcome every obstacle?”
He brushed back the hair from her eyes. “Look at all the challenges we’ve faced already. We can do anything if we’re together. Agreed?”
Aisling nodded and wrapped her arms around him. “I warned you I could be a challenge,” she said, with a weak smile.
He rubbed his fingers against her cheek. “Come, let’s sit, and we can look at your ships.” He clasped her hand as they walked to the stone rim and sat facing the bay. He held her close.
“I’m sorry I left,” Aisling said. “I wanted to protect you.”
“I was told what the queen said. I’m sorry you had to endure her vicious tirade.”
“She wants to hurt us.”
“It’s clear she has evil intentions. My plan is to return to the palace and expose her deeds.”
“I’ll go with you.”
He leaned over and observed her expression. “Was there anything she said that concerns you?”
She nodded. “A few things.”
“Tell me.”
“If I marry you, she’s threatened to have you attacked, poisoned, or thrown off the guard tower.”
He reached out to comfort her. After all the false accusations she heard, Aisling’s primary focus was his safety. He came to the temple prepared to defend his character. He realized now that was unnecessary. I’ve underestimated my future bride, he thought.
“The queen never ceases to amaze me with her hideous threats.”
“I’m still worried. She’s more formidable than I realized.”
“What do you mean?”
“Remember when I told you that I could feel the evil force on the cliff, before I was pushed?”
Drayaen tightened his grip. “I do.”
“I heard a jangling noise before I fell. When the queen confronted me, I heard that same sound, from a bracelet she was wearing.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Something about that encounter made me think it was a woman, right from the beginning, but it happened so fast I doubted myself. Now I’m sure.”
“Are you saying she has secret powers?”
“I believe she has the ability to transcend time and move from one place to another without being detected.”
“Where do you think her abilities come from?”
“I don’t know, but your father said some of his magic had been stolen. If left unchecked, it can migrate to others. Perhaps he was talking about the queen and her co-conspirators.”
“Aisling, we can’t let her intimidate us. We must find a way to defeat her.”
“I know. She’s tried a few times to harm us, but you and I are stronger. We’ll need a plan to eliminate her as a threat.”
“It won’t be easy. Now tell me, are you worried about anything else?”
“There’s one more thing.”
“What is it?”
“She says you’ll be unhappy living outside the East Kingdom.”
“Well, it’s true that I’ll be creating a life that’s different from the one I have now. I’ll miss the people, and my culture. But I love you. We’ll make a new home together. It can be on the sea or in your homeland. Wherever you go, I’ll be there, by your side.”
He leaned in and pulled her closer, kissing her with an urgent need. She melted into his arms. It was the two of them now, she realized, and nothing else mattered.
The next morning, Aisling and Drayaen rowed across the bay with the crew and boarded the Saoirse. As Ryen accompanied their guest on a full tour of the ship, Aisling headed to the Captain’s Quarters for a conversation with her uncle. As he settled into a chair, she took a deep breath, searching for the best way to tell him the news.
“Congratulations, Aisling.”
“You’ve heard then?”
“The prince wrote me a letter, asking for my support. I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you, Uncle. I wanted to reassure you that you’ll still have your share of the business. I’ve consulted our legal expert and he’s advised me on the details.”
“Aye, I’ve talked with him as well. We’re fine on that score.”
“Drayaen will be setting up a business that focuses on trading with new regions. Some of his people will be joining us on a permanent basis.”
“That could help us buy and sell in more markets.”
“I agree. He can advise us on security as well, since he’s a trained soldier.”
“I trust your judgment.”
“Thank you, Uncle, for your support, and oversight of the fleet while I was gone. It eased my mind to know that the ships and crews were safe in your hands.”
“When are you going back to the palace?”
“This afternoon. Before I leave, there are some details I need to discuss with you.”
As they huddled together in conversation, Ryen and Drayaen appeared in the doorway. She locked eyes with her future husband and smiled. In a few days, she thought, we will all embark on a new journey.
Queen Vila sat in her gilded chair, her long silk robes draped around her feet. As she sipped tea, she looked at the soldier across the table. “Have you done what I asked?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, it’s set in motion.”
“Make sure the timing is right. This can’t be traced back to me.” She threw him a bag of silver. “Remember, no mistakes.”
He tucked the contents into his coat pocket. “I understand.” He bowed and exited the chamber.
The queen gloated. Soon, the throne would be hers.
The prince looked at his future bride, perched in the saddle, her long yellow and white hair pulled back with a bow. Every time I see her, he thought, she looks more beautiful.
He reached up and swept her off the horse. He glanced at the sentry towers and thought about the queen’s threats.
“Let’s get you settled. Then we can talk about our plans.”
He held her hand as they walked down the pathway behind the palace. The trail curved along the winding river, past the pergolas and lily pond. As they stopped in front of her guest villa, he frowned as he noticed the lack of other people in the area.
“It’s cold. We need to get you inside.”
They climbed the stone steps. Without warning, he pulled her behind him.
“What is it?”
“Your door is open. Stay here.”
He entered her chamber. It looks lik
e there’s nothing out of place, he thought. Then he noticed the rear screen, leading out to the hills behind the pagoda. The lock was bent.
“They’re coming back,” he seethed. He walked out to the porch steps. “Come, it’s fine.”
It’s far from fine, he concluded. The games are about to begin.
Drayaen trekked through the woods behind the palace, studying the terrain. There was no one behind him. He walked down a small alleyway and entered a secret door. Once inside, he looked up and down the hallway, and proceeded to open a panel hidden behind a tapestry. His eyes flickered as he adjusted to the dark interior.
“Did anyone see you?”
“No, no one.”
“She’s safe?”
“For now. Someone broke into her quarters. One of the locks is damaged. I’m sure they intend to come back.”
“Good. At least we know part of their plan. While you were gone, our investigators made some more discoveries. There are several soldiers who just received handsome payouts.”
“Anyone we know?”
“Old friends of the general.”
“How many?”
“Enough to be a threat.”
Drayaen sighed as he thought about the person who had orchestrated the series of calamities. The general had been one of the many pawns in the queen’s morass of deception. He rubbed his eyebrow. “Who’s the target?”
“I think there are several. You, me, your future wife, and the king.”
“Does he know?”
“I’ve told him. He’s aware that she’s left a trail of casualties, but he hasn’t accepted it yet.”
“It’s beyond that now. The throne is at stake.”
“That’s why I’m involved.”
“How do you want to address it?”
“We’ll need to prove culpability. One way is to catch her in the act.”
“How?”
“We’ll use decoys.”
“Decoys?”
“We have to protect the king at all costs. But the three of us can set up some bait.”
“It sounds like a risk. I need to protect Aisling.”
“She’ll be safe. But it will look as though she’s not.”
Drayaen drummed his fingers on the table. After hearing more about the plans, he nodded. “Count me in.”
“You’ve been part of this from the beginning. It’s fitting that you’re here to see the mighty fall.”
“Thank you, brother.”
The Crown Prince turned and patted him on the back. “I’m grateful to you as well. You’re helping protect my legacy. Now, we need to set a trap for the poisonous spider.”
The Fifth Prince nodded. “Let’s hope she doesn’t bite us first.”
Aisling paced in her chamber. “You want me to do what?”
“I know it sounds odd, but it’s a strategy they won’t expect.”
“But will you be safe?”
“We’ll have people supporting us behind the scenes, so yes, it will be fine. I’m thinking of you, as well.”
“If I can help, I will.”
“The colonel will come for you.”
“All right. It’s worth a try.”
There was a knock at the door and Lex entered. He turned to Aisling.
“Ready?”
“Almost.”
She emerged a few minutes later in Drayaen’s royal robes and long black cloak. Her hair was pulled back and she was wearing both a hat and hood to hide her features.
The prince crossed the room and threw his arms around her. “If anything happens, send a signal, and our men will come to your aid.”
“I’ll remember. What about your sword? You never go anywhere without it.”
“She’s right,” muttered the colonel.
“Fine. I have other weapons I can use.”
Drayaen stood over Aisling and fastened the scabbard around her waist. He lowered the weapon into its sheath and pulled his black cape around her. He looked down and spoke in a low voice. “Be careful.”
“You as well.”
He brushed his lips against her forehead. “All right, let’s go.”
The three of them walked down the stairs and paused on the pathway. Two of them left for the palace. The other wandered along the river, admiring the gardens in the pale moonlight.
As Drayaen pulled Aisling’s cape closer around him, he could hear twigs crackling under heavy boots. There’s someone in pursuit, he thought. He stopped at the gazebo and inhaled the crisp air, as she had done so many nights before. After awhile, he retraced his steps and followed the path to the guest quarters.
When he opened the door, he took out his knife and searched the rooms. There were no signs of intruders. He hung the red cape in a prominent place and lay down on the bed, covering himself with layers of blankets.
He was beginning to think their plan had somehow been foiled, when he heard a noise in the back of the villa. He watched as a figure came into view. He gripped his knife handle. A second soldier appeared. There are more outside, he thought. Rage boiled inside him at the thought that his future wife could be attacked by a member of the family, within the confines of the palace. As the men prowled along the perimeter, he changed his strategy. I can reach out and grab one now, he thought, but two will be more difficult. I’ll have to wait until they move closer.
One soldier leaned over the edge of the bed. Drayaen shot up and grabbed him around the neck, flinging him into the second man. As both mercenaries fell to the ground, Drayaen delivered a series of maneuvers to block and counter attack. The second assailant mistook his partner for the prince and wounded the other fighter, who lay on the floor unconscious.
Prince Drayaen held a knife under the soldier’s chin.
“How many more?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
He tightened his grip. “Tell me now or die.”
“Two more, outside. I’m to send a signal once it’s done.”
“Meaning what?”
“Alert them that the commander is dead.”
“Who hired you?”
“I’ll be killed.”
“You don’t have a choice,” Drayaen growled.
“Queen Vila. She said she’d expose us for being in General Neo’s army. Her brother paid us, but she was involved. We moved much of the grain to his estate. I saw her there myself.”
“What’s the signal to call in the other men?”
“I’m supposed to wave a light in the window.”
“Front or back?”
“Back.”
“Here’s what’s going to happen. I’ll signal the other men. When they enter the chamber, don’t move or say a word. You’re dead if you do.”
The man nodded. Drayaen grabbed some rope and bound and gagged the criminals. He moved them into a dark corner, lit the candle, and extended his arms in front of the screen.
Then he blew out the flame and waited.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
DARK ENCOUNTER
Aisling and Colonel Lex accessed the palace through a rear gate and walked down the long corridors. There were no guards stationed near Prince Drayaen’s chamber.
In his room, she stuffed blankets under the sheets to make it appear as though someone were sleeping. Then she barricaded herself behind the desk. The colonel lay in wait near the entrance.
Moments later, the faint sound of footsteps echoed in the corridor. The noise grew louder, until the person stood outside the chamber. Aisling watched, her heart pounding, as the door inched open.
A soldier entered and crept over to the bed. The colonel leaped from his position and threw him against the wall. As the man hit his head, he sank to the floor with a glassy-eyed stare.
“Who else is with you?”
“There are eleven guards.”
“Where?”
“My back-ups are waiting outside. Another four are attacking the commander. The rest are supposed to kill the Crown Prince.”
“Who paid you?”
“The queen. She threatened to turn us in for the grain thefts.”
“Why are you alone in the palace?”
“My job was to drug Prince Drayaen. It was seen as too risky to harm him here.”
“Where were you supposed to take him?”
“To the queen’s brother’s estate.”
“Who’s in charge?”
“Lieutenant Jambha. He worked for General Neo.”
“Where is he now?”
“Outside the queen’s quarters.”
The man’s voice sounded familiar to Aisling. She peered out from behind the desk and glimpsed his face. It was one of her kidnappers.
Colonel Lex restrained the soldier with ropes. “What were you instructed to do, after the mission?”
“We’re supposed to signal our officer that it was a success.”
“When and where?”
“From the sentry tower, in thirty minutes.”
“You and I can take him there, Colonel,” Aisling interjected.
“You heard the lady,” the colonel said, pushing the intruder out the door and into the night.
The three of them headed to the fortress, the colonel prodding the mercenary as they moved along the dark perimeter of the wall. Aisling could see the captured soldier glancing around, in the hope that someone would come to his aid. As she and the colonel made eye contact, he turned to the prisoner.
“Don’t think about signaling your men, or you’ll pay for their mistakes as well as your own.”
The man shuffled his feet and cast furtive glances around the courtyard. They reached the outer door and began the slow climb to the top. As they approached the upper tower, Aisling hesitated.
She felt a heavy presence nearby, and was overcome by a sudden chill.
“What is it?” asked the colonel, tightening his grip on the traitor.
“I’m not sure,” replied Aisling.
The colonel took a step forward.
“Don’t move.” She held out her arm, blocking the path. “I’ll go first.” She withdrew her dagger. As she opened the door, the hinges creaked. The echo resounded in the belfry. Aisling moved away from the two men, and in low tones, issued a command.
Princess of Sky, Earth, Fire and Water Page 18