"Don't be ridiculous, we care not for appearances!" the Tellurian soldier yelled angrily. "What I speak of, is witchcraft! Just this past night, she created magic and nearly killed two of our soldiers. Eustace and Jenmir, step forward and tell this man what she did to you!"
The two awkward boys stepped forward. No matter what came out of their mouth next, Astrid pitied them. They looked barely strong enough to carry the swords at their sides, much less to be camped out with a bunch of soldiers ready for battle.
"Sh... Sh... She loosed an arrow at me 'ead!" Eustace stuttered out. "She tried to kill me!" He took a step back and averted his eyes from her.
"I did no such thing!" Astrid yelled.
The short leader turned around to shush her. "Just let them have their piece, and we'll get this settled and rightly so."
Astrid nodded, but inside she was seething.
"And the other?" he asked.
"She tried to kill me too! Only, the arrows she loosed at our heads didn't exist! After she left, they completely disappeared into thin air!" Jenmir spoke animatedly, convinced of his truths.
"She tried to kill you with an arrow that didn't exist?" The Caelestan soldier had a large grin on his face, thoroughly amused by the whole affair. "This has you convinced that she is a witch?"
"Look here, my men had arrows aimed at their heads. Only, when she let them fly, there was no arrow in her bow. It only appeared in mid-air and they nearly took off me boys 'eads. Now 'and over the witch so we can punish 'er as we see fit." The soldier was growing angrier by the minute.
Astrid grabbed her bow in preparation for a fight.
"No need for that, milady," the short soldier warned her. "Listen, on your land she may be a wanted witch. However, she is on Caelestan land now, and she's done nothing wrong to warrant death on our side. So, until she returns to you, she is a welcome occupant of Caelestis," he said assuredly.
The Tellurian soldier drew his sword and waved it at the Caelestan.
"I am Captain Gerard Alastair. Most esteemed of the King's Soldiers, and I demand that you hand her over! She is a trespasser, and a dabbler of witchcraft. Her kind will not be tolerated here!" His voice rose, face growing red with fury.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Captain Alastair. You may know me as Quimby Cotter, Captain of the soldiers of Caelestis and right hand to King Bertram. Now, typically we all enjoy a good fight, though more so when killing Tellurian scum. You see, King Bertram likes death... especially when it comes upon Tellurians. However, for the moment you have been spared of his wrath as we have other matters to attend to. Milady, if you please?"
The short Captain turned his back on the angry man and extended the crook of his elbow for Astrid to take. She'd no idea why he'd suddenly had a change of heart toward her, but she'd take it over Captain Gerard, any day.
Linking her arm through his while still holding her bow, just in case, she found their difference in height a tad awkward. If there was an opportune moment, she would have to ask him why he differed so greatly in height compared to the rest of the Caelestans.
The remainder of the Caelestan patrol closed ranks behind Quimby and Astrid, creating an impenetrable barrier between Telluris and Caelestis. The soldiers slowly backed toward the air kingdom.
Captain Quimby walked slowly, but nonetheless she felt quite jubilant that they were ascending the narrow blue pathway to the sky kingdom. Behind her, she could hear the soft whisperings of the lithe Caelestan soldiers trailing them.
"Captain Cotter, I don't know how to thank you."
"Wait until we are out of earshot of the Tellurians," he said sternly.
"Yes, of course. May I ask? What will you do if they come after us?"
"They cannot. The moment they step onto Caelestan land, an army of the king's men will launch boulders at them."
That drew her attention to the sky kingdom that grew closer as they ascended the pathway. From her vantage point she could see the dream-like people, poised at their ballistae and ready to launch on the men below. It comforted her for the moment, her bow could be stowed at her back, and Aronus could remain safely hidden.
After a short time, Quimby spoke again, "So tell me what it is that you've done that they deemed you a witch?"
"Captain, I assure you, I only did what I have been trained to do. One of their men challenged me to an archery contest so to speak, and I agreed. When I won fair and square, they got extremely angry. Perhaps it is because I am a woman. They came after me, threatening my life. I nearly fell to my death sliding down the mountain side, but after a long night of climbing, here I stand."
"Yes, indeed. You must be a very talented archer."
"Indeed, I am called Astrid of the Bow for a reason."
"Astrid, is it? Well, I welcome you humbly to Caelestis, though I'm afraid it is not the kingdom it once was," his voice softened.
With a smile, she said, "It's still quite lovely, as are its people."
That lightened the older man's mood, and he returned the smile.
"Let's see what you think when you get there. What are your intentions in Caelestis?"
"I want to meet with your king," she said confidently.
"I'm afraid that's not going to happen," he responded.
"I must. I must meet with your king. How can you expect change if we do not meet with him? After all, aren't you his lead captain? His right-hand man?"
"Not in the slightest, that was a farce. It's not possible for you to meet him, he will destroy you, Astrid."
"I'm not afraid. I just want the opportunity to discuss a chance for peace." In her mind she was already coming up with ways she would see the king killed, for having his people live in such fear that they could not bring a visitor to see him for talks of peace.
"It's not possible, and if you are bent on meeting him, then we've nothing further to discuss. You can turn around and leave now."
Astrid gritted her teeth, her mind racing as she looked for another route to the king. She wondered if her sisters were meeting with the same resistance.
"So, Astrid, what say you?"
32
Svana
Greed can take its hold on you, and its grip is so tight, it's hard to escape it. Even some of the greatest men can be tempted by greed. If they let it consume them, their character will turn into something completely different. And it will be even harder to reach them--to pry the greedy paws off of them.
King Everett the Honest, Second King of Caelestis, 331 A.V.
Svana gazed up to the massive gates protecting Telluris. They were larger than anything Svana had ever seen, and standing outside were two large beasts constrained by thick chains around their legs. As the group approached, the beasts roared and clawed at the air with their impossibly long talons. Svana's eyes widened as she studied them. They had brown scales, elongated feet with large claws, and a pig like nose with warthog horns. She shivered at the sight.
"What in all of Verdil are those?" Svana whispered to the prisoner chained in front of her.
"Toverak, strong as an Ox. Can snap a human body in half with one bite." The prisoner's smell was overpowering, and she had to lean her head away. Even as they passed over the moat with the smell of death and human waste rising up to greet her.
"What in the world is down there?" She gingerly leaned just slightly to the side, to see what horrors awaited her and in the dark muck of the moat. A human skull bobbed along. Svana grimaced.
This isn't going according to plan, she whined to herself.
You think? her dragon guide replied as sarcastically as he was able.
No one paid her any mind although she stood out in stark contrast to the other prisoners. They approached the castle walls, and the sight took her breath. The stone reached high overhead, every piece laid with mind boggling precision. She wondered how they had been able to make the walls so high.
When they came into the entrance, a horn sounded out.
"Captain! You've returned!" a young lad of no m
ore than sixteen years ran up to greet them.
"Yes, squire, now take the horses to the stables and gather the others to bring the provisions inside. We've reason to see the king." At the mention of visiting the king, the boy's eyes went large as saucers, and he jumped into action. His first task was unhitching the horses and leading them away while other young men came to unload the provisions on the cart.
When the cart had been cleared, the soldiers unhooked the chains and led the line of prisoners inside. There, several more guards waited to take them to the cells in the castle's dungeon.
"Not her," the captain said, as one of the guards undid her chains, his eyes wandering over her form appreciatively.
"That's too bad, she's my favorite," the guard teased, then wrinkled his nose, "and she doesn't smell."
"Pig!" she spat at him, as the guard led the other prisoners away.
"If that's what you want me to be," he said, smiling a crooked tooth grin, his yellowed teeth only adding to her disdain.
"Are all men blathering idiots? Or only ones who work for the king?" Her mind wandered back to Jakobe's handsome face, and his kind nature. "I'm going to go with only those who work for King Armand. Am I correct?"
The captain frowned at her, but didn't answer her question. "You can't mind your tongue, can you? Come along, and you would do well to control that temper of yours in the presence of the king. Do you understand?"
"I suppose," she countered.
If you want out of those chains, you should probably listen to someone besides yourself, Lingaria suggested.
The captain led her down a long carpeted hallway, where she admired the different glass mosaics in the windows, and the various forms of art that adorned the walls. Thick red velvet seemed to be the accent for everything. The floors, the curtains, even around some frames on the paintings were adorned with the material. She tried to force herself to relax. She was screwing up and the frustration coursed through her veins.
Lingaria was right. Most of the time, she allowed. Kill the king. Save Verdil. Nothing else mattered.
"Those are absolutely magnificent!" she offered, her eyes sucking in each burst of color. She'd never seen anything like it before.
"Yes, well, enjoy them while you can." His voice was not menacing, but it wasn't kind either.
Svana wondered if she was going to make it out of the castle with her life.
Lingaria, I need your help, she pleaded.
As they neared the end of the long hallway, large ornate cherry wood doors greeted them. On both panels, there were a variety of intricately carved animals in the wood. Most of them fighting against one another, and Svana felt as if it was the king's way of making a statement to someone before they entered the throne room.
"I need to see the king," the captain said sternly to the two soldiers in full armor that guarded each side of the door.
One of them nodded, before they simultaneously grabbed the bronze handles of the large doors, and pulled them outward.
As Svana was led inside the glorious room, she gasped in awe, unable to stop the soft welling of tears at the beauty she beheld. The Throne Room was made of ivory columns spread throughout, a long red velvet rug with gold tassels adorning each side.
Along the extensive walls, marble statues of great winged people in different poses stood towering above them. Some held great horns, or Lyres, and around their feet each had a type of animal resting peacefully.
It was more breathtaking than the paintings and the mosaic filled windows they had passed. She fell to her knees, drinking it all in. Intoxicated by the beauty and detail that had gone into each one. For a brief moment, there was no Verdil, there was no king. There was just her and the magnificent statues that made her forget everything.
"What are you doing, stand up, you fool," the captain grabbed her by the elbow, forcing her to stand as they continued their walk down the velvet pathway to the king.
"Welcome back, Captain Tristan Ancelmus. I trust your journey was well?"
"Indeed it was your highness," the captain bowed respectfully, pulling Svana down with him.
"And who is this lovely young woman? Hopefully she is not all you have brought for me, for our kingdom?"
"No your highness," the Captain stood tall again. "This woman is a prisoner, your highness. She is insolent, and stubborn and she demanded to join our army. She's been nothing but trouble and I advise you to hang her, at first light."
At his command, Svana shook her arms fiercely trying to get away from the captain. She tried to school her features, but failed and her face contorted angrily.
"Hmmm, I see... and what's she done to merit the anger of my best captain?"
"Not only did she take out two of my best men, she claims to have a magic sword that only you will know what to do with."
"Oh, she does, does she?"
Svana met King Armand's eyes. She instantly steeled her resolve because of the darkness she saw there. She shivered from the chill sent up her spine.
"Bring me this sword, if you please?" King Armand spoke directly to her, and she knew that she could not tell him no. What have I gotten myself into?
You've gotten yourself into a mess, Lingaria answered.
Svana had to fight back the urge to smile at his comment as she nodded at the captain.
"Do you think that you can free me, good sir?" she said sarcastically.
Captain Ancelmus gave her a wary look and then glanced to the king for his approval. King Armand nodded.
Once she was freed, she carefully approached the throne, and kneeling as she reached the top step, she withdrew her sword and held it out in front of her. Knowing that Lingaria wouldn't discriminate between kings or peasants. No one was allowed to put their hands on her sword.
She thought briefly about thrusting the sword through the king's heart. Ending his reign at that very moment. Could she survive the attack to become the queen? She glanced around her. Archers held their bows at the ready. The timing also stayed her hand. Her sisters would not yet be ready.
"I must warn you, your highness, the magic this sword contains is very powerful. If you even touch it, it can shock you." She balanced the sword across her forearms to appear non-threatening, but give the king the full view of the dragon's blade.
The King's eyes glowed with greed. She already knew that in his mind, the sword was a tool to be used for power. There was no doubt that he wanted to use it for his personal gain.
His fingers reached out toward the cool metal blade, gingerly gliding across the top of the metal. Sure enough, there was a brilliant flash of light, and it knocked the king into his large velvet backed throne so violently, Svana was sure he had been injured.
The king simply guffawed with delight.
"Well, my dear, it looks like that sword only likes you. Never mind about that though. I'll figure out a way to make its power my own."
"Take her to the dungeon!" the king shouted out.
"As you wish, your majesty," the Captain answered.
Svana's eyes grew wide.
"Nothing you've done, my dear, I simply don't have the time or patience to deal with you at this moment," the king explained.
With that, Captain Ancelmus ascended the steps to the throne, and grabbed Svana's arm to lead her to her doom.
"Come along." The captain gave the outward impression of being merciless, but his hands were gentle.
"May I return my sword to its scabbard?" she asked, hoping the exchange would help maintain the impression the captain was keen to leave with the king.
He nodded with irritation at her request.
After her blade was secure, the Captain yanked her along the velvet walkway and out of the throne room. As they left the king behind to ponder how he would steal the sword's power, a young woman passed them in the hallway.
Her hair hung long and free in pale blonde waves around her face. As their eyes met, she smiled radiantly at Svana before turning her attention to the captain.
"Go
od day, Captain Ancelmus," she said graciously.
Tristan immediately stopped, his body growing taut at the woman's greeting.
"Good day, Lady Emmeline," his voice spoke in gentle tones.
An interesting development, Svana thought as she watched the two of them.
The woman's elegant emerald gown was almost as brilliant as her sister Astrid's eyes and hair, and a sudden pang of sadness surged through Svana.
If only there was a way to know how her sisters were fairing on their journeys.
"Tristan, where are you taking this woman? What has she done?" the woman asked innocently.
"Your uncle wants me to take her to the dungeon. This woman claims that she was sent here to deliver this sword to the king, but no one is capable of touching it, not even the king," he replied, unmoving.
"Miss, is this true? Were you sent here to deliver a weapon to my uncle?" Eyes as blue and crystal clear as the waters back home pierced Svana's soul, and she found it difficult to lie to the young woman.
"Aye, Lady Emmeline. This sword is meant for him." Svana turned her hip slightly, to show it to the woman. Not exactly a lie.
"It's a lovely weapon. Why is my uncle not able to touch it?"
Unsure of how to address the woman, Svana scrunched her lips together, moving them side to side. "Your excellence, it is spelled with a deep magic. Magic that was meant to protect it. I was told the king would know what to do."
Svana maintained eye contact with the woman and fought to keep her voice steady. What was it about Lady Emmeline that Svana felt she could not lie to her?
"Is this all you are guilty of?"
Svana nodded.
"That is not all! She and her undisciplined fists struck two of my soldiers earlier today," Captain Ancelmus argued.
"Did you kill two of his men?" Lady Emmeline trained her eyes on the fiery haired beauty.
"Your excellence, I would never take a life unless it was necessary. Those men made uncivilized remarks toward me. They humiliated me, so I simply returned the favor," Svana answered.
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