by P D Atkerson
At first nothing happened, and Enrick began to wonder if anything would. If it didn’t, this was going to be awkward and he might feel a little bit bad for her. But something did happen.
Slowly at first, the ground beneath their feet began to shake and vibrate. Then it happened. With a ‘boom!’ Dregana and the ‘Iris’ shot up into the sky, followed by what could be nothing other than a city.
Enrick brought his arm up and covered his face, as the water rained down on them, soaking them. But when they looked out at the lake again, they hardly noticed how wet they were.
Prince Enrick whistled and shook his head. When they’d told him, they wanted to bring an ancient city out of the depths, this wasn’t what he’d been expecting.
The sunlight shone down upon a glittering white city, as the last of the water poured off its edges and walls. It was made of the same white stone as the pillar Dregana stood upon. Seaweed clung to the walls, but it seemed to only add to the beauty of the place.
“Epherny.” Dasety whispered, staring at the city. “The lost city of Tranton.”
“Yes.” Enrick said, turning towards the guard who’d come with them. “Go back to the ship and inform the Loyal Warriors and the other guards that we’re ready for them.” The guard saluted and hurried back towards the ship.
“Come, Enrick!” Dasety said, motioning for him to follow, as he hurried towards the city’s nearest entrance. “Let us go and see a city that’s been lost under the water for hundreds of years.”
Enrick followed a few yards behind him, but when he reached the archway, his foot hovered over the edge of the entrance. For some reason, he didn’t want to enter the city. It was as if something was pulling against him, telling him not to go in.
He clinched his fists, he forced himself forwards and followed after Dasety.
His feet splashed through the water, as he walked through the archway and down the path towards Dasety.
On both sides of him, stone walls shot up, beautiful carvings ran along them. The sound of trickling water echoed around him and streams of water ran down the path. He turned a corner and the walls dropped back and a court yard appeared in front of him.
It wasn’t empty like you’d expect, instead it was as if the sea creatures had tended a garden in there. Strange looking plants grew all over the ground.
Dasety stopped in the center of the court yard and spun in a circle. “We are now in control of Epherny!” he cried, throwing his arms up. “Take that, Dragon King!”
“What’s so important about this city?” Enrick said, looking around him. “I mean, sure it’s beautiful, but beyond that…” He touched the wall nearest to him and his fingers turned icy cold. He shivered and rubbed his hands together. “It’s just a dripping wet city, and not a super cheery one at that.”
The place seemed eerie and cold to him.
“What’s so important?” Dasety repeated, turning to look at Enrick. “This… this is where the Second Great War will end. The place where the first began. Believe me, everyone in the realm will hear of this, before the end of the week. Now that we have control of it, that gives us an edge over the Dragon King.”
Prince Enrick shrugged. “I don’t even know who that is.”
Dasety eyed him. “You will soon enough, I promise you that. You’ll know him well.”
Before Enrick could ask him what he meant, Dregana ran around one of the corners and into the court yard in front of them.
She was soaking wet, but grinning from ear-to-ear. “You realize we’re the first people to step foot into this city for hundreds of years!” she cried. “I heard stories of this place when I was a child, I can’t believe I’m really standing here.”
“Yeah.” Enrick said, crossing his arms. “So exciting.”
“Sir!” A Loyal Warrior called, running up to them. “We’ve come as you ordered.” He spoke calmly, but Enrick noticed his eyes were darting around. This warrior didn’t even know what was going on. If he did know where he was, it was only from bedtime stories.
“Good.” Enrick said, glancing towards Dasety. “Then that means we can go.” He didn’t know why, but he really didn’t like being there.
“You’re right.” Dasety said, nodding. “We should go. Make sure to protect this place as if it were the Dark Castle.” He ordered the Loyal Warrior, as he moved back towards the archway.
“Yes.” The warrior said, saluting again.
“Dasety, you told me King Munay said I could rule over Epherny for him.” Dregana said, grabbing his arm. “That was what we agreed upon!”
He nodded. “And you will, until we return.”
“Then why are you leaving so many Karliens here?” She asked. “Does King Munay wish to rule Tranton rather than his own kingdom?”
“Trust me, King Munay would much rather the Dark Castle over this place.” Dasety said, patting her on the cheek. “It will all work out.”
She looked disgusted, as she pulled away from him. “I’m not a child, and I would thank you to stop treating me like one!”
“I’m not treating you like a child.”
“You just patted me on the cheek!” she cried, her eyes flashing green as she still gripped the scepter.
Enrick was sure the water through the city froze in place, but only for a second.
Dregana took in a deep breath and loosened her grip. “I’m a direct descendant to the last Tranton king and queen, which makes me the rightful heir to that rule.” She whispered, stepping towards Dasety. “Tell King Munay, if he breaks our deal, I will take this kingdom on my own terms!”
Enrick covered his mouth with his hand, fighting back a laugh.
He was starting to like this girl more, and more. At least she had a spine, unlike a lot of people he knew. He’d never known anyone other than himself and his father, who spoke to Dasety that way.
For a long minute Dasety watched her closely, then nodded slowly. “Fine, if that’s the way you wish it to be. Come, Enrick.” Dasety said, turning towards him, he placed a hand on his shoulder. “We must be going.”
Enrick nodded, as he shrugged his hand off his shoulder. “I’ll be with you in a second. Go ahead and I’ll catch up.” He said, biting his lip.
Dasety hesitated a second, then he nodded and left.
Prince Enrick cleared his throat and turned towards Dregana. “I know we haven’t gotten along well, but there’s one thing I think you should know about my father. He doesn’t always keep his word.” He said, shoving his hands into his belt. “That’s all I wanted to say.”
Without waiting for her to respond, Enrick turned and hurried out of the city and back towards where the boat was waiting for him. As he drew near to the shore, he heard them talking about him, and for a second, he wondered if they’d leave him there. Not if he could help it.
“I’m right here!” Enrick yelled, hurrying down the sea shore. “If you leave me, I’ll have your heads!”
They decided not to leave Enrick, but waited for him, before heading back to the ship.
As they sailed away from Tranton, Enrick stood at the stern and watched Epherny until it vanished out of sight. Then he sighed and closed his eyes.
He didn’t know why, but he had a sinking feeling in his stomach as he looked at the city. Dasety had acted like it was such a beautiful city, but the whole time they’d been there, Enrick had felt… off.
* * *
Chapter 13
Ready for War
Dasety had been right when he said, all would hear of the rising of Epherny from the depths of the water.
It was barely a week after, and the story had spread throughout Shey. Ever since, rumors of what was happening beyond the kingdom of Shenock, began to fly. It didn’t take long before the Palace decided it was time to build up their army, in case of attack.
Everyone knew that the rising of Epherny meant a war was coming to the realm. A war like none of them had ever seen, or ever would see.
That’s why Aroron found himself invaluable
to the blacksmith (whose name was Ingram). The Palace needed more swords with every passing day. Even with Aroron’s help, and that of several other men Ingram hired, they could barely keep up.
Every day, for weeks, Aroron delivered hundreds of swords to the Palace barracks. Where they went after that, he didn’t know and it wasn’t his place to ask. He moaned as he dropped yet another pile of swords down onto the ground and scooted back up against the wall.
Sweat formed on his forehead, thanks to the heat and having to carry the heavy bundle from the Blacksmith. He wiped his sleeve across his face and moved towards the door leading out.
He was almost to it, when he heard the sound of sword-fighting echoing from the other side of the wall.
The familiar sound stirred up a longing inside of Aroron, he hadn’t felt for a long time. He hadn't touched a blade to fight since he’d walked into Ingram’s shop.
He’d only been there a few days when the story of Epherny hit the city and Ingram warned him, that unless he wanted to join the ensuing war, he’d better keep the fact he could fight, to himself.
Aroron bit his lip, glancing around. Then hurried to the other side of the armory and into the yard, where the knights of Shenock were training. As he stood there, he watched, as two of the knights dueled.
His eyes closely followed the pattern of their moves. He could almost imagine making the moves himself. Maybe when he got back to the blacksmith shop, he’d go to the back and… his thoughts were cut off, when he heard footsteps near him and he quickly turned away from the training knights.
"You bring me those swords from Ingram, boy?" Captain Mormare asked, brushing off his hands as he moved towards him.
"Yes, sir. I placed them with the others." Aroron said, pointing back to the other side of the wall. "Where I always do, sir."
"Good." Mormare said. "Tell your master I'll send someone over with the money later today. Like I always do."
Aroron nodded, deciding not to mention that Ingram wasn't his master. Here in Shey, boys his age would have been apprenticed with someone for years. “I’ll tell him, sir.”
It was then, Aroron noticed one of the knights spun around and brought his opponent down.
Mormare noticed Aroron watching the knights. "Do you know how to use a sword, or just how to make one?" He asked, turning to watch as well.
Aroron shrugged. "I've trained a bit, but that was when I was younger. I doubt I'm as good as your men, sir." I'm probably better. “Ingram told me, I shouldn't fight, unless I want to get killed.” That was pretty much what he’d said. Just in different context.
"You never really forget, though, do you?" Mormare mumbled. "Well, have a good day.” He said, and was turning away, when he stopped himself. “Oh! And tell Ingram, the Commander wants another order as soon as he can get one out."
"Yes, sir." Aroron said, nodding as he turned to leave. When he did, he nearly ran into the Commander himself.
"Watch it!" the Commander growled.
"Sorry." Aroron mumbled, quickly skirting the Commander, as he headed towards the door and away from both of them as fast as he could. He never should have stopped to watch the knights fight!
"Did you tell that boy I need more weapons?!" Commander Windgale growled to Captain Mormare, but Aroron didn't hear any more after he stepped out of the barracks and out into the busy streets.
Aroron hurried down the back streets of Shey, until he found himself in front of Ingram's Blacksmith shop again, he moved around two of the other workers, just as they were leaving the blacksmith shop.
"I'm back!" Aroron called, grabbing his apron off the wall, as he headed towards the back of the smithy.
"How'd the delivery go?" Ingram asked, glancing up from his work as Aroron entered.
"Fine." Aroron said, tossing more wood into the fire before he continued. "Captain Mormare said to tell you they need more weapons, as soon as possible."
"More?" Ingram asked, stopping his work. Aroron nodded. "The whole palace is going to be filled with them." Ingram mumbled, shaking his head. "When will it be enough? When we run out of metal to make them with?"
"Why do they need so many swords?" Aroron asked, plopping down onto the stool. "I mean, each knight can only use so many.”
Ingram eyed him. "I think you know why. I’m sure you’ve heard the same rumors I’ve heard."
"Well, I'm guessing they're stockpiling for a war." Aroron said, leaning against the counter. "But why? Even if there was to be one in the realm, Shenock has no enemies."
"Openly, no," Ingram said, as he began to clean off his bench. "But everyone has enemies, no one is completely free of them. Including you and me."
You have no idea. "So, what does that have to do with full out war?" Aroron asked. “I mean, even if this stupid prophecy about Epherny is true.”
"Tension has been high in the realm for a long time now (years) and it's only a matter of time before something happens," Ingram said. "If there's a war, the men of arms would need weapons. That's what our job is, to make sure they have them when they need them. Even civilians will need them, if it gets too bad."
"If war breaks out, I'm not sure how long I'd stick around." Aroron mumbled, picking up a few of the pieces of metal thrown onto the ground, he swept the smaller pieces under the bench. “I don’t much care for war.”
Ingram frowned and set his hammer down. "And why wouldn't you? I'm sure we could use your help."
"What are you talking about?" Aroron asked, standing back up. "Why would I be of any help?"
"Come on! I've seen your sword. If you didn't know what you were doing with one, you wouldn’t have one like that." Ingram said, smiling. "I can hammer anything, but give me a sword and I'll just sharpen it for you."
"And what would I be able to do?" Aroron asked, crossing his arms. "Kill people and prolong the war? What good is war? It's just one king fighting for whatever another king has."
"That's not always true."
"Really?” Aroron asked. “Tell me of a war that wasn't.”
“The Great War was about more than just kings fighting each other.” Ingram said.
Aroron shook his head. “Alright, I’ll give you that one. But why would King Munay want to take over the realm if he doesn't want what others have?"
"How do you know for sure he wants to take over the realm?" Ingram asked, frowning.
Aroron laughed. "Because, I heard him..." His voice trailed off and he dropped his gaze. Him and his big mouth! Why'd he have to bring Munay up? Couldn't he just let it go?
"You heard him? When you were growing up in Milvile, like you told me? Or was it when you were in the Dark Castle?" Ingram asked, crossing his arms. He shook his head and sighed. "I guess it's true. The Dark Castle really does make the best warriors and the best liars in the realm. For weeks now I’ve believed you were from Milvile, like you said!"
"I'm not a liar!" Aroron snapped, taking a step towards the blacksmith. "I was born in Milvile and I lived there until my mother died when I was seven! So, yes. I am from Milvile."
"Really? Then tell me something from when you were little.” Ingram said. “Tell me about Milvile."
"I... I..." Aroron couldn’t think of a single thing about Milvile! He’d never tried to think about it before. “I don’t remember.”
"Don't worry. I've always had a feeling you wouldn’t." Ingram said, picking up one of his tools again. "You've got the look of someone from the Dark Castle. But I'm guessing it was before Munay's reign. So, who are you, really?"
"I don't know." Aroron whispered. "I'm still trying to figure that out."
Ingram looked at him for a minute, then cleared his throat. "Well, if another king does take over Shey, we're all going to be in big trouble." He said, jumping back to their original conversation. “If a war does come in our life time, it will involve the whole realm and there won’t be any escaping it. You understand? Leaving Shey wouldn’t get you out of this one.”
"Yes, I understand. But you might still be the pal
ace blacksmith." Aroron said, winking. "They'd still need you to fix their weapons. Am I right?"
Ingram smiled. "Well, it wasn't an easy job to get, and you'd better not blow it for me by fraternizing with the Commander's daughter. Am I right?"
"I don't even know who his daughter is." Aroron said, dropping his gaze. “So, I don’t know who you’re talking about.”
"Oh… really? His daughter is the Lady Gana." Ingram said, leaning against his bench. "Does she know you like her?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Aroron said, glaring at him. “Why would you even say a thing like that?”
Ingram laughed and pounded his fist against the counter. "For the past few months you've watched her whenever she passes by here. Have you ever even spoken to her?" he asked.
"I met her, before I came here." Aroron said, his cheeks turning red. "In fact, I came here with her group. But no one else knows that, so it’s not like I can run out there and talk with her."
Ingram's eyes sparkled. "So, if someone gave you a chance to ‘properly’ talk to her, you would?"
Aroron hesitated and squinted at the man. "Why do you ask?"
"Because," he said, turning towards the shelf behind him. "She wants this delivered to her at the palace and I can't leave right now." Ingram said, placing a small metal box onto the counter. “And it has to be today.”
"You're kidding me!" Aroron said, his eyes wide as he stepped back from the box. "I'm not taking that to her! That would be so strange. She would think I was a freak, and would probably have me thrown into the dungeons!"
Ingram bent forwards and looked Aroron straight in the face. "I'll tell you what, you deliver it and I won’t fire you."
“Are you threatening me?”
“Yes.”
Aroron stared at the blacksmith. “I can’t believe you!”
“Call it payment for lying to me. What are you waiting for?" Ingram asked, crossing his arms. “You don’t have all day.”
What was there for him to do? He needed to keep his job.