by P D Atkerson
“I’m not going back with you.” Kant said, dropping back from them.
Enrick stopped short and turned back towards Kant. “What? Why not?” he asked, squinting at the Loyal Warrior.
Kant cleared his throat, as he held himself straight. “I have something else I must do before returning to Karlay.”
“Please tell me this has nothing to do with Aroron? You can’t go back and finish him off now. The guards are all over the place!” Enrick said. “It would be suicide.”
“It has nothing to do with Aroron, but my reasons are my own!” Kant looked at Enrick and his eyes flashed red. “It has nothing to do with you either, so you don’t need to know what they are.”
Enrick studied Kant, as the Loyal Warrior turned away and began to go in a different direction from them. Something was off about all of this. What was he thinking?! His father didn’t like warriors just leaving without warning. “Kant, if you leave, my father will only see it as you deserting.” Enrick called after him, and for a second the Loyal Warrior stopped.
“He will think what he thinks, but I must go.” Kant whispered, then he shook himself and bolted away. Enrick watched him, until he vanished into the darkness.
The other Loyal Warriors turned to Prince Enrick. “What do we do, sir?” one asked.
Enrick sighed. “We let him go, and we return to Karlay without him.”
“But what will the king say?” one of the other warriors asked.
“That is not your problem. Kant’s made his choice.” Enrick said, pulling his hood back up. “I on the other hand, do not intend to stay out here in the desert all night. Unless you wish the same fate as Kant, you’d better come along.”
* * *
The city was strangely quiet, as Aroron moved like a shadow through the streets of Shey and away from the Palace. He’d gone to Ingram’s blacksmith shop so many times in the dark of night, he knew just where to go without thinking about it, or having to hesitate.
Gana was right, after a short time, he was growing used to the way the city was built. In less than ten minutes, Aroron found himself standing outside the blacksmith shop. Glancing around, he knocked on the door and waited, his heart thudding.
He was starting to wonder if something was wrong, when the blacksmith finally opened the door. “You're late, your little friend’s already here.” Ingram whispered, motioning Aroron inside. “Come on, hurry up.” The blacksmith checked the street, then quickly closed the door. “I’m still not sure what you’re doing, but I don’t think I want to be a part of all this secrecy. I love my country and I want nothing to do with something that might harm it.”
“Don’t worry, Ingram.” Aroron said, pulling his hood back down. “What we're doing here has more to do with Karlay, than Shenock. Where is he?”
“He’s in the back,” Ingram whispered. “Waiting for you.”
Aroron followed the blacksmith into the back of the shop, where the rebel sat, tapping his fingers on the edge of the counter. He looked up when they came into sight.
“Brody? Oh, come on!” Aroron said, stopping dead in his tracks. “You’re who Hunter decided to send in his place?”
Brody nodded. “He didn’t know anyone else he could send. Believe me, this wasn’t my idea. This city is the last place I want to be, but I didn’t have any more choice than you do.” He said, sitting up. “So, if you don’t mind, can we get this over with?”
“Fine!” Aroron growled, sitting in the only empty chair while Ingram went back to the front of the shop, insisting he'd watch to make sure no one was coming. As if he expects visitors at this time of night! “As I remember it, the last time I saw you, you tried to kill me.”
“No, I didn’t!” Brody hissed. “All I did was my job. It wasn’t my fault I got sent on a fake mission.”
“A mission which included taking away my gift!” Aroron hissed. “The Aliter probably would have killed me when he was done.”
“He tried to kill you and me both.” Brody said, then he let out a forced breath. “Can you please just tell me what you have for Hunter?”
“Fine. Munay’s planning something big here in Shey.” Aroron whispered, bending forwards so he and Brody were just a foot apart. “Tonight, there was an attack at the feast, the man who led it was a Loyal Warrior.”
“King Munay attacks the Feast of Peace? Ironic.” Brody scoffed, shaking his head. “Was anyone badly hurt?”
“No, not really.” Aroron said, shrugging. “A few of the guards were knocked out by a Draven, but that was all. Oh! And Kant tried to kill Telarian.”
“Is he alright?!”
Aroron looked at him. Why does he care so much about the prince? “Yes, he’s fine. I was able to stop him before he was killed.”
Brody nodded. “Good. Do you know why Munay’s men are here?”
“Other than to try and kill Telarian? No, I’ve got no clue.” Aroron said. “But if I know Munay, it probably has something to do with taking over Shenock somehow. Why he wouldn’t have gone after the king, I don’t know.”
Aroron and Brody both jumped, when someone pounded on the shop’s front door, the sound echoing through the room. Ingram jumped. Somehow, even though he’d been standing, he’d fallen asleep.
Franticly, Ingram motioned to them as he headed to the door.
Brody grabbed Aroron and yanked him to the ground. They both rolled behind the counter, as Ingram opened the door. “Hello? Who’s there?” he asked, then he gasped. “My lord? What brings you here at this time of night?” Ingram asked, stepping aside so the prince could enter the blacksmith shop.
“We’re searching every building. Are you here alone?” Telarian asked, looking around him as he entered the shop, followed by three guards. Whatever was going on, it wasn’t good for Aroron and Brody.
“Yes, my lord, I’m alone. My men have already gone home.” Ingram said, clearing his throat. “Is something amiss?”
“Yes, something is amiss.” The prince said, spinning around to face the blacksmith. “Tonight, there was an attack at the feast, then there was an attempt on the king’s life in his chamber. The assassin escaped, but we believe he may still be in the city.”
“Is the king alright?” Ingram asked, and Aroron could tell he really was concerned. How could someone care about someone that they didn’t know, and who most likely didn’t even know existed? Aroron didn’t understand it.
The only time Aroron would care to hear about Munay’s health, would be if he died.
“The King’s fine.” Prince Telarian said, as the guards began to look around the shop. “Luckily we had extra guards outside his chamber.”
“You’re welcome.” Aroron mumbled, under his breath. Brody slammed his elbow into Aroron's side and gave him a look.
“Is it alright if we search your shop?” Telarian asked.
“Why would an assassin hide here?” Ingram asked.
“It’s just a random search.” The prince said. “I’m sure they won’t find anything, but we have to be sure.”
“Alright.” The blacksmith said. “Go ahead and look around.”
Brody nudged Aroron again. “We need to get out of here.” He whispered, then before Aroron could respond, he scooted forwards. Once he was out of sight from the other side of the shop, he jumped to his feet and ran towards the nearest window.
The next second, he scrambled through it and was gone. At the same time, Aroron could hear the sound of the guards and Telarian moving towards him.
Thanks a lot, Brody! Aroron thought, jumping to his feet, he bolted towards the open window after him. He grabbed onto the edge and swung himself out.
“Did you see that?” Telarian asked, just as Aroron fell to the ground and quickly scooted up against the wall beneath the window. He held his breath, as he pressed up against it.
“See what, my lord?” Ingram asked, and Aroron heard their footsteps coming closer to the window.
“I thought I saw something.” Telarian said, his voice too near for comfo
rt. “Something moved near this window.
“I didn’t see anything, my lord.” Ingram said, sticking his head out the window. His eyes locked with Aroron’s, then he pulled himself back into the blacksmith shop. “There’s nothing out there.” He said, reaching to close the window. “But if there’s an assassin out there, I think I’m going to lock this.”
When the window was firmly shut, Aroron was able to breathe again.
He closed his eyes and dropped his head back against the wall, letting out a long sigh. That was too close. But he needed to get back to the Palace. If they found out he was gone, he would be in big trouble. Aroron pushed himself to his feet.
Staying low, he crept away from the blacksmith shop and back towards the Palace. His return trip, he took much faster, but several times he nearly ran right into one of the city’s guards.
He’d barely missed yet another one, when he finally reached the wall beneath his window.
Aroron scrambled up the wall and grabbed onto the edge of the window, then he swung himself up and into his chamber. He was exhausted, as he pulled his boots and coat off, dropping into bed. He was too tired; he didn't notice he still wore his sword.
Aroron lay there for only a moment, before he drifted into a deep sleep.
Chapter 19
Questions
The hinges broke, and the door slammed to the ground, waking Aroron up with a jolt. He opened his eyes and his vision was flooded with torch light, as the palace guards stormed through the doorway and lunged towards Aroron's bed, swords drawn and shields at the ready.
As if they thought Aroron would attack them, even though he was still half asleep and his eyes were blurred.
It all happened so quickly, Aroron was barely able to comprehend what was going on around him, before they surrounded him. The guards yanked him out of his bed, and without a word of explanation, dragged him out of his chamber and down the hallway.
"What the heck is going on?!" Aroron asked, trying in vain to pull away from them. It was useless, their grip was as tight as iron shackles, as they dragged him down the darkly lit corridor.
It was then he realized the palace was a gloomy place at night. The darkness of night replacing the normally sunny archways.
"You'll find out what’s going on soon enough, you Vreck!" The guard in front of him hissed, he glanced back and Aroron realized it was Windgale. "This will go easier for you if you do not fight us, that much I can tell you." With a ‘huff’ he turned away again and marched on ahead of them.
Before Aroron could say anything more about the matter to the other guards, they came upon a pair of fancy doors and pushed through them, dragging Aroron behind them.
Aroron stumbled forwards and into the throne room he hadn’t been to yet and right then, he was wishing he still hadn’t.
The fog of sleep was beginning to leave him and dread was beginning to fill him.
Whatever the reason for him being drug there in the middle of the night, couldn’t be good. His stomach twisted up and he quickly looked around to distract himself. At least for a moment.
Gold-plated pillars lined both walls leading up to a throne.
Sculptures of past kings stood between the pillars, and seemed to watch Aroron and the guards, as they moved forwards and towards the throne itself.
Candlelight glittered off the polished, painted, stone floor.
As he looked around, Aroron knew none of it was as cheery as it would have been had he been taken there during the day, when sunlight would stream through the glass roof.
As it was, rainbow colored moonlight, streamed in through the stained glass above him. Painting even his skin a strange color.
The room was almost empty, except for King Dillaran sitting upon his throne, his guards and half a dozen people scattered around the length of the hall, Aroron guessed they were nobles. Not all of them wore the strange Shenockien clothing. Among them were Lady Gana and Prince Telarian.
The ones that didn’t wear Shenock clothing, seemed familiar to Aroron. But why? He didn’t know.
Prince Telarian stood beside his father. There was something cold about the way he looked at Aroron. He shook his head and diverted his gaze.
As they forced Aroron to take another step forward and towards the throne, a sinking feeling flooded over him. Whatever was going on, it wasn't good and it had something to do with him. That definitely meant trouble.
Once they reached the end of the hall, Commander Windgale dropped to one knee and bowed his head towards the king. "Sire, we've brought you the boy." He said, slowly rising back to his feet. “He came somewhat willingly.”
"Bring him forwards." King Dillaran said, bending forwards on his throne he placed his hands on his legs and began to rub them. The king did not look well, his face was pale and his eyes, dull.
Still, Aroron could tell his body was tense and he looked tired. He probably didn't want to be up this early any more than Aroron did.
Aroron glared at the guards, as they grabbed hold of him again and drug him forwards. He could walk on his own! If only they’d let him. Obviously, they knew the reason for him being there, better than he did. He was thrown to the ground and kicked forwards.
He pushed down the urge to fight back.
Fixing his tunic, he turned towards the king and held his head high. No matter how the guards treated him, he wouldn’t show them any emotion over it.
"Do you know why you are here?" King Dillaran asked, shoving himself out of his throne. He stood to his full height and looked down at Aroron. “Do you know why all of us are here, instead of sleeping?”
Aroron shook his head and said nothing.
"We’re all here, because just hours ago, someone tried to kill me while I was sleeping. Here! In my palace." Dillaran said, then he tried to calm himself before speaking again. “An assassin came after me, in my own chambers! Do you know what that’s like?”
"I take it they didn't accomplish it?" Aroron said, grinning. “Or are you a ghost?”
"You would be wise not to make jokes." King Dillaran said, his face hardening. "Not in your position."
"Position?" Aroron asked, the grin vanishing from his face. “And what ‘position’ would that be?”
“The position of the accused.” Commander Windgale answered for the king.
That’s when it hit Aroron. They thought he was the one who'd tried to kill the King! Or at the least, was involved. "You think it was me?" he whispered, staring at the king. “Why would I try and kill you?”
“I can’t believe you would betray me like this, after I took you in.” King Dillaran snarled, glaring at him. He shook his head and Aroron could see anger in his eyes. "You came to the conclusion of why you’re here, very quickly! What but guilt would cause you to think we thought you were involved?"
"My bedroom door was crushed in, four palace guards surrounded me and drug me here. And you just told me you were attacked; it really wasn't that hard!" Aroron growled. "What I don't understand is why you think it was me? What have I done to betray your trust?" These words felt sour as they left his mouth. They were too much like the ones Shon had said to Munay the night Aroron’s life was turned upside down. “Have I not followed your every order?”
"Whomever tried to kill the king, somehow got into the Palace without anyone noticing." Commander Windgale said, glancing to the side at Aroron. "The person knew how to fight, much like you, Aroron. They were youthful and skilled with the blade, not many people fit that description. You’ve only been here a short time, and we hardly know you."
"So, because I'm the newest member of this Palace staff, you decided it was me?" Aroron asked, shoving himself up to his feet.
The guards next to him stiffened, but didn’t move to stop him.
Aroron could tell they had already decided he was guilty, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to fight this injustice every inch of the way. He would not be marked a traitor when he’d done nothing to the Shenockiens.
It was then he saw Gana
looking at him, and his heart sank. Did she think he was guilty too?
“None of this proves anything.” Aroron whispered, wishing so badly to yell at them. To tell Gana, he hadn’t done it, that he hadn’t tried to kill the king. Then again, could he tell her the truth? “Yes, I know how to use a sword, but what does that really prove? Am I the only one in the Palace who can use a blade?”
"You are also a Karlien, are you not?" Prince Telarian asked, stepping forwards. "Karlay is the most violent kingdom in the realm! Filled with assassins and thieves. Why shouldn’t I believe you would do such a thing? All Karliens are filthy creatures!"
The King glanced towards him, and shook his head. "Do not forget that my wife is also a Karlien, my son."
Telarian rolled his eyes. "Yes, sir. How could I ever forget that?" There was a look of anger in his eyes, this time it wasn’t pointed towards Aroron.
The Queen was Karlien? Aroron hadn’t known that.
In the back of his mind, Aroron had a feeling the prince’s statement had more to do with the Queen, then it did with him.
He turned away from the prince and back towards the king. "I do not deny that the assassin was most likely a Karlien." Aroron whispered, taking in a deep breath and trying to calm himself. "But it wasn't me, that much I know without a doubt."
“And you have proof of this?” Captain Mormare said, speaking for the first time, as he moved towards the throne.
“No.” Aroron said, his voice clipped. "Do you have proof otherwise?”
This time it was Windgale's turn to take a step towards him. “You told Prince Telarian that he and King Recony should have extra guards placed outside their chambers.”
Aroron sighed. "If I worked for... whomever it was, why would I have warned them about it, and not just kill him when I had the chance? I would have been the worst assassin in the realm if I warned my target before I took him out. Do you think I’m a goon?"
"I don't know, maybe you were trying to gain our trust and make us think you didn’t do it." King Dillaran said, shrugging. "Whatever your plan is, it's not going to work on me. I will not fall for your deception."