Medley of Treason

  “You better, cousin?” Lord Lucas asked. Edward looked to him and smiled.

  “Lost Magus. Got my life back. Made an ass of myself. But, aye. I think it will be fine. I am so sorry, Lucas. That was horrible what I did. I will not drink again.” Lord Lucas set his hand on his cousin’s shoulder and shook it gently.

  “Yes, you will. But hopefully, not like that anytime soon.”

  “Are you angry with me?”

  “No. Not at all. It was appallingly and embarrassing. But if you felt that strongly about this binding, then I am glad you ended it before it was too late. I hate the thought of you settling unhappily. Unhappy King makes a troubled nation.”

  “I don’t know. Magus is gone again. I have no wife and no heir. I am exactly how I was.” Edward chuckled as he wondered if he’d made the right choice. “Pallaecious. I dare not worry they get bold and start a conflict. It would be horrible.”

  “It is as you said. Pallaecious is under our protection. They will not make a move. They cannot. You hurt their pride, but they will move on. They need us. If we were like the Divoxian tyrants, we would have claimed their kingdom ages ago. No, our neighboring King and Queen will suffer this insult and recover in time. Magus too will come around again.” Edward shrugged and yawned.

  “You cousin. You are more of a brother than he will ever be. I don’t need him. Let him play in the hills with highlanders. Let us forget this ever happened.”

  “Shall we continue to seek the woman you wish to marry? Our Queen? Heirs?” Edward smiled and gazed below to Lockaell Lake thousands of feet below.

  “I will know when I find her. She will be worth the wait, and the North will come to appreciate my blunder and insult to Pallaecious. I am certain. She will be found.”

  “I trust in you. I always have, cousin. Until then you are stuck with me.”

  “Queen Lucas? Oh my. That is disturbing.” Edward laughed.

  “No.” Lucas shook his head. “I’ll be your hand until she arrives. Then I’m retiring! Don’t take a lifetime to find her, please.” Lucas pleaded.

  “And if I do?”

  “Then I suppose the northern realm is stuck with the two of us until we die. It’s worked so far.”

  “That it has.” Agreed Edward.

  Chapter Twenty Three

  Duty Calls

  W hile the months after Lonewolf had left Garroth were peaceful for the Javalla circle, the day came when duty finally called Laelliandir. Life would never be the same as his imminent departure brought an end to the brief period of harmony and opened the door to chaos. The time had come to move against the throne in Magwhen.

  After his return to Magwhen, Lonewolf and Neighraellium had led a short expedition southwest of the province Verdan, just shy of the rebellion’s location by a couple of weeks. They returned to the Maelor royals and reported they had found the rebel base upon the shores of the vast sea in the southern province. As planned, the White Lion sent a few hundred rebels to throw together fake encampments on the shoreline and upon a high mountain. It was all the evidence needed for Lonewolf to make his case. Since other soldiers also bore witness to where this base was located, the Overlords took Neighraellium and Lonewolf at their word and granted permission for a full-scale attack upon the shores and mountains. Their earlier expedition in this area had been a loss. They had fallen victim to an empty city ruse, a trap that had ensured they would never make it to the shores to explore. Since the trap had prevented them from completing their original mission, they convinced the royals the rebellion had been hiding out upon the shores of the sea, and perhaps also had inhabited islands off the coast. Thousands of troops could easily hide there. Then Lonewolf sent Laelliandir word of the plot, suggesting he also send some of the regiment to join the Novanian hoard in their march. This would explain Laelliandir’s presence if he were spotted riding across the country with a group of soldiers. Since the Overlords would be aware of his presence, they would find nothing suspicious.

  Lonewolf sent word to the Javalla family of the Overlord’s orders for a southern invasion with three weeks’ notice. This news forced Laella and Laelliandir into hasty action. Only three months after Laelliandir and Lonewolf arrived in Garroth, and one month sooner than expected, the plan would come to fruition. Laelliandir ordered the rebel forces to depart the haunted forest to correspond with their own attack. Laelliandir also spread the word to the loyalists and spies throughout Divox’s northern cities and within Magwhen itself.

  As soon as Lonewolf’s message reached Laelliandir, he passed it forward and packed for an immediate departure. This would be the hard part. Before leaving, he needed to tell Bella he was leaving, and somehow exit the city without drawing attention to himself and his soldiers. Laelliandir had feared this day for a long time now. He was glad it would be over soon, but it didn’t make it any easier leaving Bella behind. Now, after weeks of passion and joy with his bride-to-be, Laelliandir braved telling her his intentions to leave. He expected to get back to her as soon as he could, but Laelliandir realized Bella would give him a battle of her own.

  The night before he planned to ride out, he met with Bella upon the shores of the northern river where Kadwalador and Edward had long since crossed. They travelled by horseback until arriving at the riverbank where they abandoned the horses and walked upstream together. Laelliandir’s uncharacteristic agitation had Bella worried. She knew him well enough to sense his anxiety stemmed from something important, and she was aware of how much time he’d spent in private counsels of late. They would be wed once Laelliandir returned from whatever he claimed he had to do. She sensed the time had come without him saying a word.

  Laelliandir was quiet at first, watching the river under a starry sky. Bella, who strolled beside him, understood he had a lot on his mind. It was clear Laelliandir had brought her here for a reason, but he seemed to have trouble finding the words, so she took his hand in hers and tried to comfort him.

  “This must have something to do with why you’ve been so busy with your mother lately. Probably why you’ve been spending so much time locked in your room too. You can tell me anything. I won’t say a word.” Bella searched his face and saw the weight of what he was carrying. “That’s a part of this bond between us, being able to talk freely. You don’t have to hide from me.” Laelliandir looked down at their clasped hands.

  “I’m not hiding. This is difficult. I’m Lord of more than just these lands. I have a lot of duties I cannot share for fear of putting you in danger. It is not so easy, Bell.” He looked back into her eyes and said earnestly. “I want to say so much, but because I care I cannot. It would do more damage, and no good can come of it.”

  “I don’t believe that. You have rules, and I understand. I will never ask you to share more than you should, but if it helps you, I am here. Just don’t do anything drastic and leave me in the dark. I fear you already have.”

  “What do you mean? I only do what I must, and only what is right. For you, me and the people.”

  “Don’t be so vague with me, please. I can see you always do your best, and it’s with a heavy heart when you make a choice. I sense you are about to do something again. Is it something to do with the rebels? You must fight to stop them. Is that what is going on? You said you’d have to leave again. Is it time?” Laelliandir was not fond of lying, and he hated that Bella believed Nova’s new order was just and the rebels were villains.

  “Yes, there is work I must do. I leave tomorrow, and I’ve put off telling you because I dread your reaction, but there is no choice, and I can’t discuss what it concerns. I am sworn to secrecy.” Laelliandir stopped walking and turned to her as he grabbed her other hand. Bella nodded. She had figured as much.

  “I know. You are not a good liar.”

  “I’m not a liar.” Laelliandir overreacted at the implied insult making Bella smile.

  “Poor choice of words. I meant you are not good at hiding things, at least not from me. You get so offended. Even liars can be good peopl
e, Lae.”

  “I’ve yet to meet a good person who lies whenever it suits them. I am not perfect, and I have lied, but it is never without remorse.” Bella nodded.

  “So, you leave tomorrow?” Bella was waiting for this and prepared herself.

  “I must. I hope not to be long gone, but I must take care of something that has been going on for far too long. But afterward, we marry. This is the last duty I must fulfill.” Laelliandir was surprised and pleased at how well Bella was taking the news. He’d expected arguments and tears.

  “All right. Well, as your soon-to-be bride and a fine champion of the sword, I am forcing my services upon you. I am going too and have been planning it. You need someone to watch your back, and there’s no one more deserving than myself.” Bella’s speech left her breathless, but she was smiling, almost excited while Laelliandir was surprised. Of all the reactions he’d feared, this one was worse.

  “No. You can’t. You can’t go. No Bell. I’m sorry, but no,” he said, and his tone had a parental quality. He had not even imagined this outcome, but Bella must be as far away from Magwhen as possible when the inevitable attack began. Bella’s smile dropped as Laelliandir’s words crushed her.

  “What do you mean- no? “ Bella demanded. “I’m to be your wife! I go where you go! I trained with you daily. You’ve said it yourself. I’m one of the best you’ve fought, and I am ready. I can watch your back and fight as good as any other soldier. We will wipe those rebels out in no time with the both of us.” Laelliandir shook his head repeatedly and shut his eyes. He set his hands on her shoulders, trying to calm her.

  “I love you. We will wed when I return. But no, Bell. You just can’t. I cannot let you be in harm’s way. Not this time. I have too much to worry about, without also being concerned with your safety. It’s imperative that I be focused, and I need to know you’re safe to come home to after this is done. Then we begin our life together. It ends, and I’ll be home. I promise.” Although others might be flattered by his comments, Bella was not one of them.

  “What about you? Am I supposed to stay here and wonder if you’re safe or even returning? Again? I did that for two years! I’d be a lot more confident if I were there watching your back. You and your white armor and important name make you a prime target on the battlefield. What have I been training for if not to fight? No. You can’t expect me to sit around and wait. Sarding hell, Lae. What do you think of me? If you need that type of girl in your life, then you are with the wrong one, because that is not me! I love you! I will be there helping and protecting you!”

  “Bell. Stop.” Laelliandir responded, gripping her hands tight. “This is not about your skill. This is about something I must finish. Alone. I cannot get you involved. Please, understand. I will be back, and we will begin our life free of burden. But you coming? No. I won’t,” Laelliandir grew even more insistent as his tone became more authoritarian than Bella had ever heard from him. He was ready to do more than his duty to country. He would do his duty as her husband and protect her even if it meant hurting her.

  “And if I refuse to stay?” Bella shot back. Laelliandir stayed firm in his intent and said what he knew would hurt most.

  “Then I will have you locked away, and we are over.” He’d rather wound Bella than put her in such a dangerous situation. Staring at Laelliandir in disbelief, dumbfounded and hurt, his words stung. Bella didn’t think him capable of saying something so cruel, yet there he was ripping the heart from her chest. Tears filled her eyes as she dropped his hands and shoved him.

  “You feel that strongly about this?” she screamed, pushing him back. “So strongly you’d throw me away like trash. Lock me away? You think so little of me? What am I to you?” Bella again pushed him back harder, crying between her shrieks. Laelliandir stood firm, refusing to give in and fighting his urge to beg her forgiveness. This was the only way.

  “I’m sorry. My word is final. You cannot go. You can be angry at me, but that won’t...” Bella slapped him across his pale face before he could finish his sentence and turned to walk back to her horse sobbing.

  “Sarding arse! You really need to learn how to address me, because if you think you’re making progress, you aren’t, Lae. I’ll make this little rendezvous by the river easy for you. Just go. Don’t write,” Bella shouted back at him as she stormed off towards her horse. “Actually, do write if you expect to be back in time for Lumi’s fair. I’d rather you wait until it’s over before you come back. Gives me some time to pack up and leave!” Bella ranted through her tears.

  “Bell! Don’t do this! Please!” Bella did not pause but kept stomping toward the horses. “Don’t do this, Bell. I love you. I only want you safe to come home to!” Laelliandir hollered.

  “Leave tonight. See if I care. Markus was right. Leaving me again. That’s what you’re good at, Lae!” He heard Bella scream once more while her voice continued to fade. Laelliandir had not wanted to leave things like this, but he knew all too well Bella’s temper and had expected a scene. He didn’t chase after her. He didn’t try calling her back. He accepted that there would be no better parting than this and watched her from afar. Bella jumped upon her horse and took off in a flash headed back to the city in the far distance. Laelliandir suffered guilt for what he’d said, but in his heart, he felt it was for the best.

  “I’m sorry, Bell. Forgive me,” he thought. The time had come for justice in Magwhen, and by Laelliandir’s power, the corruption would be judged. If he failed in this undertaking, he had already involved his own mother, putting her life at risk. He could not jeopardize the woman he loved.

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Runaway

  T hree hours before sunrise Laelliandir, Laella, Albatros, along with the captains of the army that lived in Garroth gathered in the night. They chose the early hour to minimize attention, and although the commotion would likely wake some sleeping folk, most of the city would sleep straight through their exodus. Neither Laelliandir nor Laella wanted a huge gathering in Garroth to see them off as the people would expect explanations. Instead, Laella planned to announce the following day that Lord Laelliandir and a regiment of troops were away on private business for the High King and Queen, and that was as much as she intended to share.

  Approximately one thousand riders, armored in gold and silver, rode through the city for departure with Laelliandir in the lead. With as little noise as possible, they left the town and cantered into the night after Laella and Albatros waved them on at the city gates. Compared to the two thousand troops Laelliandir assigned to protect Garroth, the group that accompanied him to Magwhen was small.

  "Bless them on this task, Lord Xio," Laella said aloud, watching the stampede of galloping riders fade into the distance under the dark of night. Albatros stood by her side, also hoping for them the best.

  "Now we wait," he said.

  "It will be the hardest part." Laella turned back to the city where guards waited for Laella and Albatros to return through the open gates. "Come, Lord Albatros. There are still a few hours left before dawn. No point in remaining awake if we need not." Laella was in a long crimson gown, matching her hair, which was still down from where she slept on it. Over it and wrapped around her was a red robe to shield her from the cold. Divox's winters were never frigid, but the early morning breeze was brisk and the temperature chilly. Albatros had donned his Lamisdoria armor with his great ax hanging upon his back, strapped tightly. He found it fitting to see Laelliandir and the soldiers off while he wore his own warrior apparel.

  The two entered the city, and the guards secured the gates behind them. Waiting for them was Albatros' rhinoceros, which they had ridden from the castle. It would have taken far too long to walk the distance through the town from the keep, so Laella suggested they ride together rather than separate this morning. She was still tired and did not want to be on horseback, and Albatros didn't mind sharing his rhinoceros. They climbed upon the beast's saddle and rode back toward the keep saying very little. Worries plague
d Laella, and Albatros sensed her uneasiness. He offered to accompany the group to protect Laelliandir, but Laelliandir had made a compelling case that the city needed a champion to guard its ruling Lady of Garroth and the people. After seeing Albatros' skill on the battlefield once already, Laelliandir could think of nobody better to defend Garroth and his family. He doubted his own ability to best Albatros, for the minotaur’s ax alone made him invincible.

  They passed through the city and beyond the castle gates where they returned Albatros' rhino to the care of a stable hand on the grounds. From there the rhino was led to its own special pen segregated from the horses. Although the rhino was tame, the colossal beast made the horses nervous, and it was agreed that they would live in separate stables.

  Before they left the stable to return inside, one worker reported to Lady Laella and Lord Albatros. He said a panicked Luminear and Markus stopped by within the last hour trying to find out when Bella Luna had returned her mare the night before since they could not track her down. He'd told them Bella had not returned to the stable at all. At that point, Luminear and Markus ran inside to find Laella. Concerned by the stable hand's account, Laella and Albatros hurried to the castle to find them. No sooner did they pass through the front door, did they see Luminear and Markus in white sleeping garments and messy hair, running down the twin spiraled staircases.

  "Why are you awake?" Lady Laella shouted up to them as they hastened downward.

  "Bella never returned last night. I woke up and found her bed still made up, and the stable hand said she never put up her horse after taking it out last night." Luminear was out of breath as she raced down the steps toward the landing.

  "What's going on here? We spotted soldiers riding out of the city." Markus asked. Luminear had woken Markus as soon she realized Bella was not in her bed, and she noticed the tail end of departing soldiers outside Markus' and Fern's window.