Druid's Bane

by Phillip Henderson

  “He threatened to murder you?”

  “Father …”

  “By the god, he is to be arrested immediately,” her father said. There was general agreement.

  “Father, you can’t arrest him,” Danielle countered, wishing he would listen to her.

  “I bloody well can, and I will!” he thundered. “He abducted and assaulted you, Danielle. He’s gone too far this time. And I suspect he isn’t working alone. That a son of mine would be a cat’s paw to that bastard over there!” he gestured angrily in the direction of the south tower of the Illandian Abbey that rose above the palace wall a mile beyond the windowpane.

  “Father, please, would you listen! If you arrest him, the members of the General Council will never follow through on the charge, and not only will Kane have gotten away with this, and be bolder for it, he’ll also have embarrassed you—and that I won’t tolerate.”

  “Damn their favour! Kane and whoever else is in league with him are going to pay. I’ve allowed this to go too far… we all have,” he said pointedly at the men in company. “And by the gods, girl, you had no business keeping this from me.”

  “With all due respect, your highness,” James said, “If I had acted appropriately, your daughter would not be in this situation.”

  “Yes, as you have said, James. Though I do not agree. Now knowing that it was my wayward son responsible for this banditry, I suspect that whatever route you took, Kane would have intercepted you. He has very well resourced friends, I’m afraid. I want him arrested, and damn the noble’s prejudice! I will have justice.”

  It was Danielle’s turn to interrupt. “And if my protector had not so rudely interrupted, you would know, Father, that it is not the council’s prejudice that will prevent you holding Kane accountable. Unlike the assault he perpetrated on me at the mid-winter banquet last year, this time he was careful. He ensured that none of the men in my entourage saw him. If you pursue this, it will be his word against mine, and you know that is insufficient grounds to sway the nobles, particularly with the bad blood between us, and certainly on a charge of this magnitude. He also made it clear to me that he has manufactured alibis that will ensure that even if you were to arrest him, he’ll get off from the charges.” Danielle widened her address to everyone in company. “In truth, I think we should be more concerned about why the rumours I circulated had him so worried he risked abducting me. Wouldn’t you agree, gentlemen?”

  “Danielle has a point,” Austin said.

  Her father scratched at his beard, looking troubled. “We might have been too lax in pursuing this business. But if it is not a diversion then how does it relate to the other more pressing matter we have been concerned about of late?”

  “What is this other matter you speak of?” Danielle asked.

  Her father ignored her question saying, “Do you have any idea what Kane might have planned for the council meeting? He made no hint or slip?”

  “None I’m afraid.”

  “Then I guess with time against us we can do nothing but wait and see what tomorrow brings. From there we’ll be better placed to plot a course of action if there is need,” her father said. He paused and settled a troubled frown on his daughter. “There is also the matter of your protection.”

  “I thought that was settled. James will see to it.”

  “Kane’s actions have made it clear we can not be too careful. I am sorry, Danielle, but even with James as your companion I think it is necessary that you do not leave the palace grounds without an armed escort of knights. It is clearly not safe. I know I promised you certain freedom but if you knew what is afoot, you wouldn’t begrudge me this.”

  “Yes, well, I’m sure Kane will find this all very amusing when he hears of it. However, if you think it necessary so be it. As for this other more pressing matter might I know something that will put my mind at ease?”

  “I am afraid not. That matter should not be discussed at all without Joseph or the Cardinal present. You have already heard more than you should.”

  “So it’s to do with the Reformist Church?” she asked, guessing it must be.

  No one looked ready to speak. Her father scratched his beard and then said, “I’ll talk to Joseph and if he thinks it wise, we’ll tell you more. For now, you are to stay as far away from your brother as possible. You understand?”

  She appreciated the gesture. “I do.”

  “Good. You may go.”

  As she curtseyed to leave, Austin cleared his throat. “There is one other matter regarding the lady’s protection, your majesty?”

  Her father frowned heavily and gave a curt nod, saying in a gruff tone, “Yes, of course. Lass.” He gestured her to come forward. Austin, meanwhile, left the chamber for an adjoining room. The expressions of those around her said they knew what this was about as well and that it should please her some. She was curious to know how.

  “In light of what happened today and on James’ request and with the unanimous agreement of this council not this hour past, I am issuing you with a royal dispensation to wear a sword as you please. The only condition is that the weapon must only be used for your own defence, and only if there is no other remedy available to you. You understand?”

  She kept her poise; despite the joy this privilege afforded her. “I do. And I am most grateful, Father.”

  They had frequently fought about this subject since Kane was of age to wear a sword and train in the master’s hall, and she knew how hard it must have been for her father to finally concede to her wishes. For there would be a howl of protests when she was seen around the palace a sword belted at her hip.

  Austin returned with a sword in his hand, over which a dark blue velvet cloth was draped. The latter was embroidered with the royal Arkaelyon seal. It was likely a knight’s sword, worn at the hip and gifted to every man anointed as a defender of the realm during the annual knighting ceremony that was held in the palace cathedral—the heart of the reformist faith

  “This will say something of how much I trust you, Danielle. Even if there are things that I am keeping from you for from time to time.” Her father accepted the wrapped blade Austin handed him and lifted one corner of the velvet cloth before directing the handle of the weapon towards her. As soon as she saw it she knew the weapon wasn’t a knight’s sword. That variety of sword she had used often enough; a blunted version for the tourney and the real article when she rode beyond the city walls on royal business, and its weight and balance was quite different from the one she now held. But this weapon, too, she knew by touch even before she drew its black blade from beneath the cloth. It was her mother’s sword. Tears formed in her eyes and her throat constricted for this was more than a privilege. It was a gift and a promise. Her father was right. It spoke of trust. A level of trust she did not realise he still had in her and certainly felt unworthy of.

  Her father softened, even smiled slightly at her show of emotion. “You deserve it. And if your mother were alive she would have seen that you received it long before now.” He handed her the scabbard so she could sheath the slightly curved blade.

  She was too emotional to speak so she ignored decorum and threw her arms around her father and hugged him. “Thank you.”

  “Just promise me that you will be careful,” he said at her ear. “I can’t lose you like I lost your mother.”

  “I promise.” She eased back her gaze meeting his. “You know it will not please the nobles.”

  “Yes, well, let them be angry with me. I’m the one issuing the dispensation. You just prove that you are worthy of the honour and they have nothing to fear.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  After leaving her father’s chambers Danielle waited in the grand vestibule for James to join her. The vast marble hall was almost deserted with court finished for the day. The afternoon sunlight streamed in through the southern window and it was so quiet birdsong could be heard coming from the palace garden.

  She did not particularly care why her father had ask
ed James to stay a moment after dismissing her. Though she suspected it had something to do with the new arrangement regarding her protection. Her thoughts were more concerned about what her father wasn’t telling her. What could possibly be afoot that warranted such secrecy, to say nothing of concern? And why would it require Joseph or the Cardinal’s permission to tell her? Not having even a hint of an answer was more than frustrating. It left far too much room for her own fears to find fertile ground and grow into hideous scenarios.

  She was buckling up her sword belt when the door opened behind her and James joined her. Without a word they started across the mosaic floor of the grand vestibule. Dee knew they needed to talk and clear the air after their little altercation in the Winter Hall.

  “Your father has just informed me that you have been appointed Madam Protector In-Waiting. Congratulations. I know what that means to you.”

  “Thank you.”

  James sniffed and then said, “I also hope having a sword at your hip is agreeable to you?”

  “It is. And thank you for your part in that as well.” In truth her thoughts were elsewhere and she said, “Are you privy to what’s going on?”

  He looked confused so she said, “Do you know what my father is keeping from me? I mean, your father is the grey wolf of Noren after all and must know all the Inner Council’s secrets?”

  “You know I’m as much in the dark as you.”

  “Would you tell me if it were otherwise?”

  “Dee, it is not otherwise, and if it were, and I had been swore, would you want me to break such an oath? Would you break such an oath for me?”

  She saw his point. She also spotted Master Allyn, a court messenger running up the stairs. “Wait here, I’ll just be a moment.”

  “Where are you going?”

  Danielle hurried to intercept the messenger. Allyn had royal status and could be trusted to act discreetly. More importantly he was one of her many friends among the servants who quietly did her bidding around court.

  As Allyn reached the top of the stairs she called to him and headed over.

  Before she could talk to James, she had to get bloody Fren off her mind, and that meant talking to Joseph as soon as possible. Waiting until after noon-prayers was no longer an option she could tolerate. Besides, he had been so distracted when they had talked before that she half suspected he would forget anyway.

  “Milady. You are returned so soon?” Allyn beamed. “There is a card game planned for tomorrow evening. The usual place if you want to attend? You company has been sorely missed.”

  “I wish I could. But I have too much to catch up on at the moment. Next time.”

  “Of course.”

  “Right now I need a favour of you.”

  “Name it, milady.”

  “Do you know where the Lord Protector is?”

  “Aye, in the Saint’s crypt below the palace cathedral. There’s a meeting of the Council of the Reformist Priesthood today.”

  Danielle was surprised and a little concerned to hear that. The church council usually met once every season and only otherwise if there was an imminent threat to the realm.

  “To what purpose do they meet?”

  Certainly Joseph had said nothing of this to her. At least she now understood his urgency to be going when they had talked earlier. It was also hard not to suspect a link between what was being discussed in the crypt and what her father wasn’t willing to share with her in his chambers just now.

  “I don’t know, Milady. Except to say there has been a great deal made of the secrecy around this particular meeting.”

  “So what’s the gossip?”

  “Well that’s just it, nothing, except that several of the elders of the Brotherhood of Aquarius are believed to be present.”

  Danielle felt a discernable chill run down her neck. It was the Aquarius Brothers who were looking into the matter of her dream. So what was being kept from her? To date she had heard virtually nothing on that front, despite Joseph promising her he’d keep her informed if anything was found to validate her dream.

  She considered going to the crypt directly for a moment, but decided that would be fruitless, since gaining entrance even for her would be nigh on impossible. With a council meeting in session—only members of the clerical council were allowed to enter the sanctity of the crypt. “Can you get a message to him?”

  “I can’t, Milady. Unless they come directly from your father, messengers have been denied access to the cathedral all day. Though I know for sure that they are breaking for noon-prayers. I could wait to see him then on your behalf?”

  An hour or more to wait. It would have to do.

  “Then please do. Remind him that we must speak before the banquet tonight. I’ll be at my chambers. And tell him that it is extremely important.”

  Allyn bowed and hurried away, the keys to the realm jingling around his neck, a counterpoint to the tapping of his shoes on the marble floor.

  “What was that about?” James asked when she walked back to him.

  “My dream and a certain someone I met on the highway this morning. And likely a great deal more.”

  James didn’t offer comment, though she had told him about her dream in her letters from Fairfax. She suspected he was acting on her father’s orders and avoiding discussing the matter. Which made the need for them to talk even more necessary.

  “Where are we going?” he enquired when she led him down the stairs to the court patio rather than back toward her chambers.

  “There are some things I need to talk to you about.”

  Once outside in the sunlight they walked beneath the large stone pergola—tangled with grapevines new with fruit that offered the seats here shade—before going down three wide flights of decorative stone stairs to the west garden. It was terribly warm with a cloudless sky above, but there was always a slight breeze out here and shade and privacy to be had under the oak trees.

  They crossed the formal lawn and found the dappled shadow of the first oak tree. Danielle stopped, looked to see they were not being watched and then said, “Why did you not come to me when you learn about this business on the highway this morning?”

  “Because it was my fault and my responsibility.”

  “Surely you could still have come to me first?”

  “Come on, Dee. If I had come to you, you would have wanted to accompany me to see your father, and once there you would have tried to protect me. I know how you think.”

  She couldn’t deny that that was likely. But that wasn’t the point. “Fine, perhaps that’s true, yet you are happy to punish me for your perceived failings?”

  He looked at her, bewildered by the suggestion. “No, how?”

  “By speaking of having another protect me in your stead.”

  He saw her point and nodded regretfully. “I’m sorry, you’re right. I overreacted. I just want you to be safe, and the thought of failing you troubles me greatly. More than it should a protector who is not distracted by his own emotions.”

  “I think you’ll protect me all the better because of it.”

  He smiled at her naughty grin and bent and kissed her lips. “It’s what I want. Very much. I’m also sorry I argued with you earlier. You’re right, it’s not what we agreed to last night.”

  “You are forgiven.” She kissed him back, lingering a moment before taking his hand and beginning to walk under the trees. “Besides, father’s right, it would not have mattered if you were with me or if we’d taken another route, Kane would have found me. So its not your fault.” She squeezed his hand. “You understand.”

  “That makes my position rather redundant then doesn’t it.”

  “Nonsense. We were just out manoeuvred. With guards to assist you, we’ll be better prepared if there is a next time.”

  James stopped and drew her round so she was standing in front of him. His smile had faded. “Mr. Slurry said they heard you being worked over from the highway.”

  The concern in his eyes made
her smile sympathetically and reach up and kiss him again. “Kane just wanted to scare me. Let’s not talk about it.” She slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him more deeply, enjoying his wonderful mouth for a moment before breaking off and taking his hand.

  “Come on. I’ve got a surprise for you, and something else I need to talk to you about. Something I hope will please you a great deal more than this.” She knew it pleased her immensely.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Danielle knew the guards in the vestibule outside her chambers were watching her as she pushed open the door to Glomar’s old suite and showed James in. She was careful to appear unaffected as possible and it took some effort to hide her excitement. But if all went well James and her would be sharing the same chamber soon enough and without the risk of bringing shame to her father’s house. Assuming of course that he felt the same as she about the idea of marriage.

  Two maids were inside the spacious apartment just finishing preparations for James’ arrival. Both young women offered a curtsey as they left.

  Danielle closed the door, excited to be alone with James at last. She felt wonderfully aroused. “This is Glomar’s old chambers. They are now yours.”

  He turned round to face her. His hazel eyes told her he was thinking the same thing as she. He came to her in three long strides, his mouth as hungry and eager as hers. His hands worked to unbuckle the sword belt around her waist and then he hoisted her up. Danielle wrapped her legs around him, saying between kisses, “This is your dayroom, desk and shelves, fireplace, and everything you’ll need to be comfortable.”

  “And through here?”

  They had half stumbled into what was his dinning room. He was so hard against her she thought he’d take her right here. Instead he swore in frustration, evidently hoping it would be the bedroom. Danielle laughed, her eyes closed as his mouth made magic against her neck.

  “If you plan on having company at your table, you need only arrange the menu with the palace kitchen.” Her breath was hitched, coming in shallow gasps. “The servants also light the fires at night and draw the curtains and replace your wine and fruit bowl every day or as you wish. You know where the kitchen hall is where everyday meals are served?”