Druid's Bane

by Phillip Henderson

  He kissed her velvety neck and let his hands slip beneath the folds of her gown. One slipped along a silken thigh and the other cupped a firm, well-formed breast. Despite everything the day had brought, thoughts of this woman had never been far from his mind.

  “She knew about the slaves on Helidon’s estate. Seems contrary to Kane’s belief his sister’s rumours were baseless. Now the king has ordered a search of the estate and you know what that will mean if they find slaves.”

  Her hand caught his as he advanced towards her womanhood. “Milord, please. This hardly seems like the time for such things.”

  Truth was his cock would not rise with his thoughts as troubled as they were and any attempt to escape in pleasure would only leave him frustrated, so he let her go and sat back in the soft leather of the seat. “I find it most troubling that we knew nothing about this missing shipping diary?”

  “With the way the keep is being run, and the tension between Helidon’s retainer and the Surlemian mercenaries it’s a wonder we know as much as we do,” she said. He could see she was relieved he had not insisted they make love.

  “And this fiasco this morning, what am I to make of that?”

  “If it had been done as it was supposed to, none of this would have happened.”

  She didn’t look at him, didn’t sting him with her cold defiant eyes, but her tone annoyed him all the same. He laid his hand on her leg and pinched her.

  She grimaced and clamped her jaw close, stifling a cry. “You disappoint me, Bianca.”

  He let her go and bent down and laid a kiss on her thigh where two rows of red welts were quickly turning black. “There’s more than a few of the eldership and lords who would like to see you gone so don’t make me grant their wish and don’t make me seize another member of your family or sanction a rape in your beloved village because I find such necessities most distasteful.”

  She didn’t reply, just stared sullenly out of the dark window as he sat back, the taste of her still on his lips.

  “Your little failure this morning is going to cost the church a great deal of gold to rectify—yet another thing I find most annoying. Not that we can avoid that now. So this is what I want you to do. Send a message to Lord Rifkins explaining what has befallen us. He will likely already be in possession of an order from Lord Renwick to undertake a thorough search of Lord Helidon’s estate, but say as much as well. Then make it clear that in undertaking his duty as Renwick’s Lord Protector, he is to see that the area where the slave keep is located is conveniently over-looked. I don’t care how he does it, only that when word arrives back at court, it will say that there are only sheep on the Helidon estate, a great many of them. You will also tell him that his services will be extremely well remunerated, and our coffers will cover the cost of ensuring our wishes are met. Also send a message to the Helidon estate and Bishop McCourtney, warning them of the search.”

  “As you wish, Milord,” Bianca said, without enthusiasm. Not that he expected anything else. Her views on slavery were clear.

  “Don’t fail me, Bianca. For you know how much I hate to punish you. But I will if I must.”

  It was all she could do to nod, he saw that well enough, and smiling, he leaned forward and kissed her lovely mouth before moving towards the carriage door. After stepping down, he turned to face her again. “Oh, and while I think of it, when you have finished that task and sent word to me saying as much, go and find Isaac Gilmore. When you do, ask of his progress in brokering support among the nobility to have the Lady de Brie’s membership in the General Council revoked. After today, I should think the task would be straightforward enough.”

  “Of course, Milord.”

  He chuckled at the anger in her blue eyes. “I thought that might please you. We can discuss the matter at dinner; the peasantry’s love for that girl never fails to intrigue me. And tonight don’t think to be anywhere other than in my bedchambers. Now, good afternoon to you.”

  ***

  Returning to Lord Helidon’s palace suite, the Archbishop set his mind to Lord Kane and how best to win his alliance. It wasn’t going to be easy. The king’s harsh reaction had put the disowned prince into one of his darker, more dangerous moods and Kane could be difficult at the best of times.

  Thinking it to be a prudent precaution, the Archbishop instructed his three guards to remain with him as he entered the Helidon suite. The place was ominously quiet. In truth, he preferred the ranting to this foreboding silence. At the end of the hall he found the sitting room, which he had left only half an hour ago, lying in shambles. The table laden with platters of delicacies and carafes of wine for the celebration had been upturned, its contents now soaking into the plush carpets. Nearby, an ornate chair was smashed to kindling. Several tapestries had been pulled from the walls and flung across the chamber, and a bookcase had been thrown over, spilling and ripping apart its expensive volumes among the sweet cakes, wine, and broken jugs. Several windows to the balcony were smashed to shards as well. Lord Helidon was over by the hearth, sitting in the only upright chair in the room. Two servants were attending to a cut over his brow and another on his hand. He looked up as the Archbishop entered, then bolted to his feet, shooing his servants off. “So, is it done? Are we safe?”

  “It is. And you needn’t fear, sir. For when word returns from Renwick’s court, it will say that there are naught but sheep on your estate, and your only concern will be to find a comfortable spot from which to watch the lash be put to our good lady’s back.”

  “Aye, and serve her right, too—truth or not, the girl needs to know her place.”

  The Archbishop smiled just so and glanced around the chamber, looking for the disowned prince. “Where is Lord Kane?”

  Helidon jerked his head towards the balcony with a bitter sneer. “He means to run like a craven.”

  The doors to the balcony were open, and beyond a red velvet curtain swaying in the breeze, the Archbishop could just make out Kane’s back against the bright sunlight as he leaned on the stone railing overlooking the palace’s picturesque western garden and the rooftops of the city beyond the wall. The man was certainly within hearing, and strangely, he seemed to be chuckling.

  The Archbishop raised his voice a little. “Is this true, sir?”

  Kane straightened and came back into the chamber. He was calm enough, it seemed, though the brooding anger in his eyes remained.

  “I mean to take what is mine in the way of the slaves,” he said. “Then I shall borrow several of Helidon’s ships and sail down the coast for Northern Surlemia. I’ll be able to sell the slaves in the likes of Gumtar, Ruil, or Leis-a-ra for a fair price. The gold I get should be sufficient to support a life of relative comfort, I should think. I could even use several of Helidon’s ships to continue slaving in that part of the world, if need be.”

  “You won’t be having any of my ships, you craven cur. None of this would have been necessary if you’d just left your sister out of this.”

  “The mercenaries on your estate say I’ll have what I want,” Kane countered calmly. “And if you don’t shut your mouth, good sir, I’ll have your tongue out as well.”

  Kane’s attention returned to the Archbishop. “Once I’m settled, I’m also going to have my revenge.”

  “Meaning what, exactly?”

  “Meaning, whatever the cost, my sister is going to know I’m a man of my word. My only regret is that I won’t be able to do it myself.”

  “It’s your father who disowned you, Kane. The lass was only acting at his request. Besides, she will be forced to pay for this very soon, rest assured. And being thrown from Arkaelyon’s councils will be as good as death for her, anyway. Particularly since I hear she was soon to be named protector in waiting.”

  Kane’s face twisted with a sudden and frightening rage. “It is not good enough—nowhere bloody near it! I want her blood, and I shall have it!” He stopped and composed himself with several deep breaths, then flashed them a tight smile full of malice. “Now,
gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me, I have plans to make.”

  The Archbishop moved aside as the young prince shouldered past him, making for the hall. “Perhaps you should listen to what I have to say before putting any plans into action?” When Kane said nothing and continued walking, the Archbishop knew he must act fast. “It’s possible I could restore what has been lost to you this day, if you’ll but listen.” To his relief, Kane halted. He stood in silence for a moment before turning slowly to face the Archbishop. “Restore what, exactly?”

  The Archbishop shrugged. “All of it: The bill, our slave trade, your status and rights as a noble—perhaps even more.”

  Lord Helidon looked baffled. “Are you mad? Here we are, twelve steps up the scaffold, and you think to tempt the king’s anger again? Our arrangement cannot be salvaged. The king knows bribes were taken, and will find proof of it sooner or later, even if he doesn’t find the slaves on my lands. Our association is ended. It’s best we cut our losses now.”

  The Archbishop spoke over the top of the man’s complaint with mild impatience. “Lord Helidon, if you would be so good as to leave Lord Kane and me alone for a moment, we have a matter of some gravity to discuss.”

  “I’ll do nothing of the sort. This is my suite…”

  “Sir, you will, or I’ll have my guards see you out. Now, what will it be?”

  Helidon bristled for a moment, then left, muttering and calling his two servants after him.

  When the door closed, Kane came back down the hall to the sitting room. He was obviously curious, though he exuded a healthy dose of suspicion as well, as if he had expected this somehow.

  “A matter of some gravity, you say. I’m listening.”

  The Archbishop thought about taking the conversation to the privacy of the balcony, only to decide against the idea. With Kane’s mercurial temper, he didn’t want to be too far from his three guards.

  “I want to make you an offer. If you agree, I can see to it that your rights as a noble are restored. I can also see to it that at your father’s death, you, and not Eden, will receive his crown. And as you know, of course, that would enable you to use your royal warrant to reinstate your bill if what Helidon suggests proves true.”

  Kane chuckled without humour. “Why? What’s in this for you, old man?”

  The Archbishop answered truthfully. “In short, I need a king who would not oppose my ambitions for the Amthenium region.”

  Kane chuckled, bemused, and walked away to the window. “I fear your zeal has finally got the better of you, sir. Amthenium can’t be taken. Her walls held against Arkaelyon and Corenbald for nigh on two hundred years after the fall of Brutarius, as you bloody well know. And besides, since my father isn’t exactly aged, one assumes that your plot must involve treason?”

  “What if I told you I have a way to take Amthenium without a single sword being drawn?”

  “And my father’s death and my ascension?”

  “It can be done safely if you agree to an alliance.”

  “Really?” Kane stepped forward, a menacing look about him. The Archbishop’s guards moved to intervene.

  Kane seemed careless of the threat. His eyes burning with disdain, he said, “Or conversely, I could take word of your little treason to my sister. I’m sure the service would be enough to convince my father to reinstate my rights and entitlements as a royal and see to it that I was justly rewarded. And somehow, a traitor’s death seems fitting for one such as you.”

  “You’re not that foolish, Kane. For one, you have no proof, and second, you’re smart enough to see what I am offering you. For goodness’ sake, your father’s crown, the restoration of your bill, and a third share in a monopoly over Arkaelyon’s new slave trade—you would just turn your back on all that? And for what? So you can scratch out a meagre living in a distant land filled with heathens, thieves and murderers? Or live as the black sheep of your father’s house for the rest of your days? Known to all as the one he disowned.”

  “What I know, old man, is this: If you lie down with snakes, you can expect to be bitten. If you lie down twice, you deserve to be bitten. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have plans to make.”

  Kane pushed past, forcing the Archbishop to step backwards.

  “Only a fool would let his pride stand in the way of what is offered here, Kane.”

  Kane didn’t reply but simply opened the door of the suite and left.

  The Archbishop cursed under his breath as the door closed, leaving him alone with his men in Helidon’s wrecked sitting room, and with his dream hanging in the balance.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  “What did my father have to say then?” Danielle asked, looking up from the papers on her desk. She had washed and changed into a simple blue dress and her honey blond hair fell in ringlets onto her slender shoulders.

  James had expected to find his fiancée asleep. Instead, she was busy at her bureau with Eden and Kimberly Straw in company. He offered a bow to the prince regent and his mistress only to have the prince wave away the formality and offer to pour him a glass of wine. Kimberly welcomed him with a smile and a kiss on the cheek. Before James could reply to either the prince or his fiancée’s question, Eden went on to say, “I was just suggesting to my sister, James, that I wouldn’t have been adverse to her seeking my assistance this morning.”

  “She meant to protect you, Milord, and in truth help would not have been necessary if I had handled things better.”

  “Nonsense, James. We owe you a great deal of gratitude. I would have lost a dear sister this morning if it weren’t for you and Bastion. For that I sincerely thank you. Oh, and in private like this it is not lord. Eden will suffice.”

  Eden’s handshake was firm and his smile genuine as he handed James a glass of wine.

  Danielle stood and handed her brother a leather satchel, the arch of her brow a silent farewell.

  “As you wish, my dear.” Eden gave her a peck on the cheek. “I’ll make sure Bastion gets this. We’ll see you both at dinner.”

  Dee and Kimberley embraced and then James offered his farewells as they left the chamber. After the door closed he glanced questioningly back at Danielle. “What’s in the satchel?”

  “A draft of my Vafusolum proposal. With Kane’s expulsion from the High Council its passage is guaranteed, but it’s going to have to be exceptional to convince all the member realms of the Grand Assembly to support it.” She had come forward and slipped into his arms and leaned her head against his chest. He kissed her head well aware there was much on her mind. It had been quite a morning.

  After a moments silence she said, “Tell me, would you mind a joint wedding, Eden and Kimberly and us?”

  “Your father relented on that matter then?” He wasn’t aware that the king had sanctioned the Prince Regent’s marriage. Though he knew well enough Danielle had been pressing her father on the matter for nigh on a year now.

  “If our union is acceptable to him, I intend to see that Kimberly and Eden are treated with the same rightness.”

  “A second born daughter charged with the realm’s Protectorship is a far cry from the kingdom’s next liege,” James said conversationally. They’d had this conversation often and he agreed with her of course. But many of the nobles would not. Actually most of the nobles would not.

  Danielle flashed him a teasing grin and drew him through the archway to the dinning room of her opulent chambers. “Scared of him are you?”

  “I am just saying, that is all,” he said with smile of his own.

  The formal table set at the centre of the chamber could seat twenty guests but only two places had been set and they faced each other at the far end of the enormous slab of oak. A platter containing a roast chicken and an assortment of vegetables sat between their stone plates. A loaf of bread, a jug of wine and bowl of fresh fruit accompanied the meal.

  “That smells good. I’d forgotten how hungry I am.”

  “Kimberly brought it in for us.” Danielle slipped her arm
s around his neck and kissed him deeply, wickedly. The thought of taking her there and then flashed through his mind, but when he reached for her buttocks with the intent of lifting her slight little frame onto the table, she giggled and wriggled free. “Later. Right now I need to eat or I’ll faint.”

  James saw her settled in her chair and then took his, opposite.

  “So, is my father angry with me?”

  “Worried would be a better word. I think everyone understands why you did what you did.”

  “Did you tell my father everything?” Danielle’s blue eyes watched him as he poured two glasses of wine and handed her one.

  “With the exception of the identity of your informant, yes … well almost.” James handed her a glass of wine and then began to carve the chicken.

  “Almost?”

  “I didn’t mention the quill and sleeping tonic. Just said I over slept and wasn’t aware you had gone. I thought it would be better if we shared the blame a little.”

  Her smile faltered at hearing this, and she put her glass aside. “You have good reason to be angry with me. I said I wouldn’t interfere with your duty and I did.” She seemed to be wondering why he was not more annoyed with her.

  He almost laughed at her concern. “Dee, you prevented the introduction of slavery today. You have good reason to be pleased with yourself. And the rest of us are sincerely grateful. I was a peasant’s son. I know what it is to have a yoke around one’s neck.”

  She didn’t seem overly convinced as she took a sip from her glass and said grimly, “I also got eight men killed, James.”

  “Yes, you did.” This wasn’t the time for false platitudes. “But the horrible truth is as Madam Protector your decisions will get many more killed over the course of a lifetime. It’s a liege’s burden, you know that. What makes you right for the position is that you feel the losses personally.”