Fire and Thorn

by Mary Vee

  “You’ll hear no arguments from me, sire.”

  They checked the corridor before leaving and didn’t see any servants. “I found a short cut to the Great Hall, sire. Follow me.”

  They clung close to the walls and cautiously peered around each corner before stepping into the next one. In the center of the palace was a wide circular staircase. They looked over the edge first before tiptoeing down. On the main floor, Ben pointed. “Straight ahead, through those double doors.”

  Gilbert nodded. “No one will dare attack us here.” He walked to the door and heard the sound of many people mumbling inside the Great Hall. He whispered, “Can you tell what they are saying?”

  Ben shrugged.

  They opened the door slightly and leaned inside. Kneeling in the center of the room was his uncle and his staff with their eyes closed. “What are they doing?” Gilbert whispered. “He said this was an urgent meeting. I thought they would discuss a plan to save Aerlis.”

  “Maybe they have or plan to do it next,” whispered Ben. “I think King Roland is speaking now.”

  Gilbert didn’t want to interrupt his uncle. As a fellow king, he had the right to ask a guard to interrupt and announce his presence. In another kingdom, he would do that. But this was his uncle. His father, may he rest in peace, wouldn’t have allowed him to interrupt Uncle Roland. He’d probably send Gilbert to bed without supper just for thinking the idea, even at his age.

  The information presented at this very moment could save Aerlis. He should hear what they said. He looked at the layout of the large hall for a place where he could hide and listen to the conversations. “Over there, to the right. We could sneak behind those thick curtains hanging from the ceiling.”

  “Weren’t you invited to meet with King Roland here?”

  “Not to this meeting. Invited or not, I want to know what they’re saying.”

  They crouched and dashed behind the cover. On the way, though, Ben stepped on a sleeping hound’s tail. The dog yelped then bared its teeth and growled. They backed away from the animal. No one called for the poor dog. They inched backward not seeing dangling ropes. Ben tripped over one and fell, slamming Gilbert into the curtains. Their weight tugged on the fabric and ripped it from the ceiling hooks. Yards and yards of heavy cloth tumbled down on top of them.

  “I can’t see.”

  “I can’t see either, sire. Wait, here’s an end. I think I found the way out. Uh oh. We have trouble.”

  Gilbert shoved fabric aside. “Is it the dog, or my uncle?”

  Ben lifted enough material to make a passage for them. They pushed through to the opening and gazed up into the eyes of a giant guard who spoke not a word but pointed.

  Uncle Roland rose from his knees and regally walked up to his throne. “Come here, Gilbert.”

  “Good going, Ben, now we’re in trouble.”

  “But I didn’t….”

  Gilbert elbowed him then sheepishly lifted his head. “Yes, Uncle.” They approached the throne and bowed. Ben remained a few steps back even when Gilbert waved him forward.

  King Roland raised his eyebrows. “I had planned to meet with you in a few minutes. Since you’ve decided to invite yourselves to this meeting, you may as well participate.”

  “Thank you. I have something really important to tell you, Uncle.”

  “Yes?”

  “Sir Ben and I went to wake Lord Philip. Usually, he’s up by now. We opened the door and found him lying on his bed with a dagger plunged into his back. It appeared the attack took place while he was sleeping. There was no sign of struggle.”

  King Roland stood. “This is terrible. How could this have happened?”

  Before he had a chance to give orders, most of the guards darted into the corridor. The captain shouted, sending his men throughout the castle.

  “Wait. There’s more. Before we went to wake Lord Philip, I saw two servants sneaking out of his room.”

  “What did they look like?”

  “The female was blonde and the male, dark haired. They wore aprons over dark clothes. When they saw me, they gasped and fled down the corridor.”

  Roland turned to another guard. “Take this new information to the captain. Find those servants before they get too far.” He pointed to chairs for Gilbert and Ben. “You two will be heavily guarded until your safety is guaranteed.”

  “Thank you. Uncle. I thought Vista didn’t have problems.”

  “Evil finds a way into every corner of our world. Your grandfather taught Ivan, Cyrus, and me the way to find the secret that would free us from evil. He told us to teach the citizens of our kingdoms. The answer is in the poem you recited earlier.”

  “See? I knew the words were true, Uncle. That man and woman gave good advice.”

  “The meaning of the poem is not as they said. They have convinced you of a wrong interpretation. I’ll share the instructions given to me from your grandfather. Listen to the true meaning. You must pack your most valuable possessions and embark on a quest to the Valley of Sharon. There, in the light of the bright morning star, you will find the Rose hidden in a rock. Pluck the Rose and bring it back to your kingdom. When you choose to fulfill this dangerous quest, and it will be very dangerous, you will bring peace to your kingdom and the dragons will disappear as if poisoned.”

  “What do you mean by my most valuable possessions, Uncle?”

  “Some who have made this quest have returned with their possessions, some have not.”

  Uncle’s interpretation differed considerably from the man he met. Maybe he didn’t know about the wealth hidden in the ruins of Malum. “Besides the scrolls, there is treasure in the ruins.” He didn’t find it, but that couple did. “Jewels and coins Grandfather had stored for anyone who had a need. There was a huge room where workers forged munitions. I saw a storehouse of weapons in another, an elegant room with a hidden door to a secret chamber containing the scrolls, and much more. There was an army. The poem had to refer to the ruins. If we join the army in the ruins, we could conquer all the evil in the empire.”

  King Roland closed his eyes and shook his head. “I cannot tell you which way to choose, Gilbert. I can only give you advice. You must choose what is best for your kingdom. As for me and my kingdom, we will honor the Rose brought from the Valley of Sharon.”

  Gilbert respected his uncle. Vista seemed to do everything right. But maybe Uncle Roland didn’t know about the army fighting against evil in Malum. “I’ll think about what you said and discuss it with Lord Chancellor Matthias. If we could have the escort you promised, we’ll go back to our castle and get to work.”

  “As much as I would like to join you, I think I better stay. After today’s incident against Lord Philip, we need to prepare for another possible attack. I spoke with Godwin, my Royal advisor, and asked him to travel with you to Aerlis. His expertise in Kingdom affairs knows no bounds. He has studied the documents handed down to my brothers and me from Emperor Stephanas. He has also tested superior in swordsmanship and archery. Nephew, please understand. This is what needs to be done for both our kingdoms at this time. I’ve arranged provisions for your journey home.”

  The captain of the guard stepped in the Great Hall holding servant uniforms. King Roland waved him forward. “Report, Captain.”

  “Sire, these uniforms were found stuffed in rosebushes outside the outer curtain. Two hunters accompanied a patrol to track the whereabouts of the murderers.”

  “Thank you, Captain, continue your efforts.” King Roland turned back to Gilbert. “It would be wise to stay one more evening, for your safety. We can hold a time of mourning for the fallen knight.”

  Ben nodded at Gilbert then whispered, “Please say yes. I’d like to return alive, sire.”

  Gilbert sighed. “Very well. We’ll leave first thing in the morning. And thank you for honoring Lord Philip. He was a good man.”

  Following the memorial service and a grand supper, Gilbert retired for the evening, tormented with dreams of dragons attacking
Aerlis.

  In the morning he found his bed linens jumbled and soaked with sweat. Gilbert yawned. He wanted to sleep but didn’t want to dream. There was too much information to consider. Should he listen to Uncle Roland and go to the Valley of Sharon? The journey would be long and far to the east. Maybe he should gather an army and revisit the ruins in Malum. Retrieve the rest of the scrolls and conquer the dragons. He decided to ask Matthias for counsel. He should be well enough by the time they returned home.

  Gilbert dressed, left his chamber, and knocked on Ben’s door. “Let’s go home.”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  After a ceremony mourning Lord Philip, four guards escorted Gilbert and Ben to the front entrance, where the royal court formed a farewell line. King Roland held his arms out offering a hug. “I wish our visit had been on happier terms, nephew. Please visit again when you have time. I’d like to show you the murals throughout this castle that tell our great heritage.

  “For now, my guards will escort you safely home.” He released his arms and pointed to a stately middle-aged man. “This is my most trusted advisor, Count Godwin. He’s anxious to help you establish your reign, using the documents handed down from Emperor Stephanas.”

  The man’s sandy yellow hair and thin eyes reminded Gilbert of the young man assigned to watch and play with him when he was little, except the count had a short beard and was his father’s age. His uncle had basically appointed a babysitter.

  Gilbert bowed. “Thank you, but I haven’t decided which path to follow. You’ve told me about a rose that has the power to save and protect, but it is far away in the Valley of Sharon. I’ve also seen the armies and wealth that can be tapped in the ruins of Malum. I need your guards for the trip home, especially since Lord Philip, may he rest in peace, is no longer with us. I appreciate Count Godwin’s counsel, but I already have Chancellor Matthias to teach and advise me. As you probably know, he was my father’s adviser.”

  The count bowed and stepped back.

  Roland nodded to his advisor then faced Gilbert. “Safe journey, Nephew.” He turned to his guards. “Help him mount his destrier.”

  They followed the command then swung up on their own horses. Two armed men rode in front of Gilbert and Ben and two behind.

  “I’ll return someday, Uncle, when Aerlis is safe.”

  King Roland smiled and waved. Neither seemed genuine. He wiped away a tear as the guards faced forward on their rides.

  Gilbert rode silently for miles, ignoring Ben’s efforts to start a conversation. There was too much to think about. Too many decisions. Uncle Roland’s kingdom seemed so peaceful and his people genuinely happy. Malum was powerful. Such strength could bring peace too.

  Uncle Ivan hadn’t conquered the evil yet because he needed a bigger army to do the job. The creature from the dreams said the army needed a new and younger leader to bring peace. That made sense. Uncle Ivan was getting old. Gilbert could offer his services, combine their armies, and rid both countries of dragons and thistles. It seemed like a great idea.

  The guards kept a steady pace through Vista’s communities and into the country. Gilbert turned back for one last view of the castle. A traveler in silver royal clothes with guards rode a distance behind him. “Captain, who’s following us?”

  “That’s the count, sire. He’s trailed us the entire way.”

  “He wasn’t supposed to come.”

  Ben looked back. “He could be on an errand for the king, sire.”

  Not if they’d trailed the entire way.

  Several miles later they came upon the banks of a brook near Aerlis’s border. “If it pleases Your Highness,” said a guard, “we could rest and water the horses here.”

  “That’s fine.”

  They dismounted and filled their drinking vessels in the rippling brook. A twig snapped in the woods behind them. Everyone set their water down and quickly scanned the area.

  Ben drew his sword. “I’ll check it out.” He disappeared into the woods.

  Two guards prepared to follow when he didn’t return right away. Leaves crackled and Ben stepped out from the trees with his sword sheathed. “Looks like the royal advisor kept up with us, sire.”

  The count followed Ben out of the woods. “Greetings, your majesty.” He lowered the hood from his robe. Sandy strands of hair fluttered in the wind. He and his guards dismounted their horses.

  So much had happened in the last days, Gilbert didn’t want to listen to any of the count’s counsel. The man couldn’t possibly understand what life had been like in Aerlis. How he and his people had suffered. The decisions that had to be made. What he wanted was to be alone and think through his choices. He left the party, walked farther up the shore where Aerlis’s border neared, and took a deep breath of his kingdom’s air. The terrible stench forced a cough. He cupped his hand over his nose.

  Ben came up from behind and stood by him. “What is that stink? The only nastier smell I know came from a certain camping partner’s stinky feet. No names implied, of course, sire.”

  They followed the smell beyond a few trees and a clump of bushes, to a carcass. The same dragon that attacked them. Wild animals had ripped opened the insides and scattered the flesh.

  The foul air caused Ben’s eyes to redden and tear. “Don’t even think of asking me to eat that meat. If the vultures don’t like dragon, I’m never going to taste any. I don’t care how it’s cooked.”

  “Don’t worry. It’s not on the menu. Let’s get out of here. I can hardly breathe.” They returned upriver to the horses.

  “What did you find?” asked the count.

  Ben told him the extra-short version. “I’m surprised we can’t smell it here.”

  Count Godwin stroked his beard. “Strange. I’d not seen a dragon on the Aerlis border before. Usually, they appear across our northern border with Malum. Hmmmm. No matter how hard these creatures try to enter Vista, they always fall short. It’s almost as if we have a protective shield of some sort.”

  A breeze from Aerlis swirled the rancid smell into their camp. Gilbert cupped his hand tighter over his nose. “Count Godwin, I am thankful for your help, however, please return to your duties at my uncle’s castle. My father’s advisor is waiting for my return to give counsel. The rest of you, quickly water the horses and move out before this odor kills us. Refill the water supplies while you’re at it.”

  In a remarkably short time, the men finished the work, mounted, and fled the stench, leaving the count to return home. Across the border and into the field of Aerlis, Ben let go of his nose and took a deep breath. “This is much better. This valley may not have sweet roses like Vista’s, but it’s definitely better than a carcass air freshener.”

  Gilbert’s headache from his injury flared the moment he crossed back into his kingdom. He longed for a soothing cup of Katia’s tea. For now, he drank the water from the Vista brook.

  They dismounted and let the horses finish their break by grazing in the open field. Ben took out his water skin and slurped a few gulps. “Mmmmm, this water is good. I thought for sure that dragon smell would have spoiled the taste.”

  Brown scraggly scrub plants covered the land as far as the eye could see. “We must be cautious by not taking the main road back,” said Gilbert. “If the two escaped servants are planning an attack, they would assume we would return on that road.”

  “Sire, we promised King Roland your safe escort back to the castle.” The captain looked at their surroundings. “There is no need to worry.”

  “You don’t understand. Those servants killed one of my best knights in the safest place I know. Enough sacrifices have been made.”

  The captain bowed and saluted with his fist to his chest. “I meant no disrespect. You can, however, feel safe with us.”

  Gilbert turned to his right. “Couldn’t we ride to the south then head east? We’d avoid the well-traveled road.”

  The four guards conferred then shrugged. “We can protect no matter which direction you wish to tr
avel.”

  “If I may, sire,” Ben added, “the desert is a difficult journey.”

  An unexpected whinny came from a horse behind them. Gilbert turned.

  The count rode close enough to speak. “May I help you, sire?”

  Did it matter if he said no? Not to this man determined to fulfill King Roland’s order.

  The guards and Ben raised their eyebrows and turned away from the confrontation. Gilbert sighed. “Count. What brings you this way?”

  “Sire, you seem concerned. May I help?”

  “No. Thank you. I am concerned for your safety. As you know, Aerlis has been invaded by dragons. I can’t guarantee your safety. Please return to your home.”

  The advisor didn’t leave.

  “Count, if you lost your life here, I wouldn’t be able to bear my uncle’s disappointment. Please.” Gilbert turned and called Promise to his side. “I’m convinced the southern route is safest and may be shorter since we won’t have to travel around the canyon.” Two guards gave him a boost up on the saddle then mounted their horses. He turned back to Count Godwin. “Thank you for your concern. May your journey home be safe.”

  "Thank you, sire.” The count remained in his position.

  “Let’s go,” Gilbert said to the guards.

  “I’m ready.” Ben nudged his horse. “I’ve always preferred dry, dusty deserts where the heat pelts down and singes the skin until blisters form then suck every speck of moisture. And my favorite part is when the desert acts like a chef and calls vultures for their next meal. Definitely a much better idea than the cooler breezes of the well-traveled northern road.”

  Gilbert rolled his eyes.

  The guards tried to hide their smirks by looking away.

  “If I may, sire.” The count walked toward Promise.

  “What do you want, Count Godwin?”

  “The desert may be the shorter route to your castle, but not faster. Little problems can explode into impossible obstacles. Are you sure you want to ride that way?”

  “Yes. I’ve seen the map, Count. This is a small desert. And while time is important, I don’t want to risk meeting the two murderers. Or worse, I don’t want them following us to the castle and hurting others.