by B A Fleming
“Has the dwarf spoken with you this morning, brother?” asked Thais. After a relaxing summer, it seemed that the past few weeks had caused the world to start spinning at a different pace again.
“Yes. He said that the black stone could only be melded in white fire, and that he believed it to contain magical properties. Scrapgryke said that although without the skills of his father, a master smith, he believed that he could work the stone, given sufficient allotment of time. His father had told him stories of such stone as child, found in the caves of the Elvem, where their green dragon resides.
He believes the stone to be able to control magic, or at the very least defeat dragons.
Scrapgryke has requested to stay with us for a time. Daak must leave, and Nathe, you have already asked to accompany us on our journey. Edgar can take him back to Gamlan when required, where Daak will return him to his homeland from there.”
The servants had been informed of the journey as squires, chambermaids and guards meandered the halls, organizing and preparing the necessities. Both young royals now travelled with far less than they would have before their adventure, so the items chosen by each of them were now more specific and durable.
Casperi called a meeting of the Catheridge Council. They all arrived within the hour from their allotted duties, including Edgar and Norman.
“Curran, I have an important decision to make. I need to attend the court of Corone and your help to manage my duties whilst I am away would be invaluable. I would like you to take up the role of Master Protector of Catheridge. You have been a loyal servant to my sister, and know that with the leadership of priest Nolan, you will maintain the Barony in my absence.”
Curran nodded at this. Months before, he had been disappointed that his injuries had robbed him of service to his Lord at first, although Casperi and Thais had seemed to think up ample duties to keep him occupied within the castle.
“Edgar. I have an important task for you as well. My sister says that you have shown your worth as a quality swordsman in our travels. I would ask that you devote your time to training my brother Eric in swordsmanship. Nathe will be accompanying me on my journey and I would ask that you work out a plan of lessons with him before he takes leave of the position. With Denue gone you are now officially Swordmaster of Catheridge.”
Edgar nodded. He had not fully recovered from his injuries of the journey and was pleased that he could continue to serve them. Norman was assigned the full rank of Captain of the Catheridge Royal Guard. Catheridge, alike Tharkomad, had lost many fine soldiers during the past cycle, and those remaining were left to carry the burden of higher positions, in addition to training the young soldiers that had begun to show promise within the ranks.
Aryz Coun and Nathe had trained with Edgar, Norman and the other Catheridge soldiers during the summer. The Imuhagh had taught them the skills he had to share, the benefit of which allowing them to easily win the team battle tournament in the annual Summer Games.
All nodded as priest Nolan apprehensively looked toward Thais. She gently touched his arm. “Oh, father Nolan. You know that I can protect myself now.”
“Your father and mother would have been proud of the person you have become, my dear. You are no longer that little girl that would protest at my lessons and shoot arrows at my secret wine stash.”
She chuckled and smiled back at him.
“You have been a great inspiration and guide to me throughout my summers. I will return again soon.”
He hugged her as they rose.
“Make sure that you also look after your brother for me?”
Thais nodded, “Of course, father.”
*****
Aggelos squeezed the throat of the messenger tightly. The boy struggled and eventually fell unconscious as he finally died. He was angry, and tossed the corpse to the floor, kicking it for good measure as he walked across the room and then downed a cup of wine in one gulp.
Temar and Arzon had disappeared, as had Khaddam.
“Prepare my carriage!” he yelled to his guards, who scurried away. They had learnt not to be too close to the man when he was angry.
Several hours later, after Aggelos had indulged in a servant girl, a bath and more food he was preparing to depart for Corone when another messenger arrived. The two guards apprehensively let the young man in. The three servants that were dressing Aggelos quick bowed and departed the room, leaving the boy alone with their master.
“I bring news, master,” the young man spoke meekly. He had heard from the guards below of the death of his friend earlier in the day.
“Speak!” yelled Aggelos.
“The Emperor, our glorious Emperor Lethos, is dead,” the messenger cowered, fearing the worst.
Aggelos smiled.
*****
Scrapgryke walked into the forge. Thomas sat with his master, examining the first cut of the stones that they had sorted and begun to process. The jewels would be presented at a formal viewing now held in two months time in the capital, Vasa. This was usually an extravagant affair, with merchants now from both Hardular and Morea on hand to pick up the best of recent finds. The King had proclaimed that the event be held four times per cycle.
Jayom was happy with the find. Although Lord Casperi paid for the labor of his miners, he would still receive a sizable commission from his work as the jeweler in charge. Such a position did not exist under King Edward, with only the Kings’ jeweler employed at such a level previously.
Jayom looked up and rose to speak with Scrapgryke. The dwarf picked up the blob that he had started to shape.
“It is a good start,” observed Jayom.
“Yes, a good start indeed. But at least you could present these to Lady Thais,” suggested Scrapgryke, picking up three black arrowheads.
He rolled the melded stones in his hand. Small inconsistencies dotted a few of the thin faces, although overall they seemed quite good.
Within the hour, Jayom appeared at the door of Princess Thais rooms, with a guard in tow.
“My lady, our guest has made some initial progress with his work. He asked that I present these to you,” offered Jayom as he handed Thais the three arrowheads.
She smiled as she examined them. They were slightly heavier than a normal metal heads, an intense black color, shiny, and although slightly pock marked, seemingly perfectly finished.
“These will be prefect,” she answered with a smile. “Please pass on my gratitude to our guest and ask for a dozen more when he has time.”
“I will, my lady,” he smiled and bowed and then left.
Thais considered the arrowheads again, feeling power within them as they glowed slightly blue in her hand. She smiled again, dropping them into the small money pouch she carried with her.
*****
Mero spoke quietly to Nolar. The younger man had dispatched his family toward Banias.
Mero outlined the plan that Lethos had shared with him in event of his death. Mero explained that Sabate had already left, but not the details of her movements. For the envoy to know too much could easily be as dangerous as not knowing enough.
Nolar nodded. His role had been one of listening and connecting those that would seek the favor of Hardular within the constraints of the Emperor. The man had been more than hospitable and Mero had indicated that the life of the young envoy had been saved by Lethos on more than one occasion. He had kept his notion of morality in under his breath since entering the palace, concealed in an envelope of guilt, but it was in this moment that he held hope for some good to come from what he was doing.
“You must take a message to the Despotate Trajunus. I have several men stationed in Banias. Take this letter, ensure that they deliver it to him,” Mero handed him three copies of the same parchment.
“There are eight men. Hand each of these to three different men and send them in two different groups along separate paths. One must surely reach Trajunus or our future will surely be lost.”
Nolar nodded to him.
“Go now. Don’t pack, just go.”
Nolar left the room with one of Mero’s guards.
Chapter 8
Thais sat next to Casperi as they rode across the main square of Bhagshau. The lifeless bodies of Tostig and Cedric hung from crosses, knives plummeted deep within their flesh as they had been set upon by the townspeople, at the bequest of Lord Trajunus. Dried blood still covered the pavement around them, the day after their public execution at the hands of the populous.
After a brief glance both looked forward again to their riders carrying the House of Catheridge banners in front of them. So many had gathered to see the Catheridge pair, as this was the first time since her return that the people of Bhagshau had seen the princess of their both now famous adventures.
Casperi lowered his right hand so that people could touch his fingers as he rode past. Thais smiled at young girls and old women who both beamed at her. Calls of ‘your father would be proud,’ and similar for their mother rang out, along with the expected ‘thank you’ and well wishes for Lord Casperi on his engagement to Princess Lapse.
So many people had turned out to see the Catheridge nobles that the streets had been lined from well outside the city limits. The garrison had initially formed a guard until Casperi asked to allow people to come closer.
The crucifixions faded into the background and slowly the Catheridge party passed through the keep gates and into the courtyard where Lord Trajunus, Thargus, Legati Caius, and Commander Vuvic stood awaiting to greet them.
In the background, the old advisor, Seymour could be seen organizing squires.
He had been appointed as head of household as Vuvic had been advised by the King to keep a firm grip on him.
“Welcome, Lord Casperi and Princess Thais,” offered Trajunus. “You shall rest. We have much to discuss.”
Casperi sat in a comfortable chair with Thais to his left and Thargus to his right. They drank warm café, catching up on recent events. Thargus had spent much of the summer visiting in Bhagshau.
“This master servant in Malbork,” offered Thargus. “He offered more than he possibly knew.”
“How so?” quizzed Thais.
“He mentioned that Malena had spoken to her brother, Tostig. I feel that she may know more than she would be willing to share.”
“Do you think she was in on the poisoning?”
“No, but I think that she knew, or at least accepted the plot. She is not to be trusted, my lord.”
“That is a good judgement, Thargus. I have become weary of her and her mother.”
“Didn’t Lady Isabella try to seduce you?” taunted Thais, smiling at her brother.
He smiled back at her, and then turned to Thargus and sighed, who also smiled.
“Our Lord here does enjoy the company of older women,” he mocked.
“You two are gregarious. No wonder I enjoy Aryz Couns’ company.”
The Imuhagh appeared through the door, as if on que.
“Save me from these two!” pleaded Casperi to him. Aryz Coun smiled.
“The Esu appear in all forms, my Lord,” he smiled back at them all.
“What news Aryz Coun?” The Imuhagh frowned.
“Many of these people have not seen my kind before. To sneak around alike jerboa would be impossible in this place, as there are more eyes are on me than in Queen Emba’s court.”
“Then you will welcome being back around friends in Corone?” mocked Thargus. Both men had developed a strong friendship through the previous months. Although Aryz Coun missed his friend, Temar, he had enjoyed getting to know the Morean, who trained with him every day.
Soze and Dwane had left not long after they had arrived in Bhagshau. After discussions with Thais and Casperi, they had agreed that if they went ahead to Vasa each could work on a few things before they arrived.
*****
Soze sat at the table in the corner of the inn. Gameard appeared, as several other slightly doubtful characters made their way to various points in the room. Dwane appeared a few minutes later and joined them.
“Seems you have brought some friends,” observed Soze, as one of the men brought three ales to the table and then wandered off.
“I have more friends than I know what to do with, most days,” replied Gameard with apprehension.
“Casperi tells me that you have some influence in the Tullav?” bluntly asked Dwane after he sat down. “I wouldn’t have picked you to be a thief.”
Gameard smiled at this.
“Nor you a tracker, Dwane, yet we both seem quite capable when required,” he smiled, giving Dwane a light pat on the shoulder.
Soze leaned back, considered his words and the atmosphere for a moment before rejoining the conversation.
“The Princess asks if you require any help?”
“That girl will be the death of me. She has gone from being my boss to worse than my mother!” he laughed. “Tell her that I’m fine, and at her disposal when required, as are my men.”
“She is going after Dralan.”
“And the old?”
“He’s not strong enough yet, since his transformation.”
Gameard sat forward, as did the other two.
“and to think he was holding out on us that whole time. A Golden Dragon. He had me fooled,” laughed Gameard.
“There was something about the old witch that wasn’t right either,” offered Dwane. Soze nodded in agreement.
“We’ll need to wait and see. I know of stories of her, but nothing else,” mused Gameard. He thought for a minute. “That slippery little sod Dralan will be hard to catch. Even my men have only briefly encountered him in the street, months ago now.”
“Well, Thais will go to the ends of land to find him, as will I,” assured Soze.
“I’m caught in things here for now. I can offer only words and direction. My men will continue with their work. We will get the little bastard soon enough.”
They all smiled.
“When does our Princess arrive then?”
“On tomorrows’ ferry. She considered taking the Caitawalaan road, but thought better of it. She will stay a month, leaving before the first snows.”
“Smart girl, that one. I think we have all seen enough snow for a lifetime after that last winter. I imagine you both will be joining her?”
“With Nathe and Lord Casperi, and a handful of the Moreans as well.”
“A right old procession!” laughed Gameard.
“Pass on to your prince that the Moreans have a tight hold on trade through Hardular Pass, although there seems to be more than a few corruptible guards up there. Seems someone else is funneling goods out of the valley other than our Despotate,” Gameard advised Dwane.
“Are you the only one that know this?”
“No, the King is aware as well.”
*****
Lentulus sat around the campfire with the three senior officers of the mountain garrison.
“Our agent comes through this morning on a merchant wagon. We will gain the required information from him,” reported one of the soldiers.
Two hours later, Lentulus sat in the guard’s rest room, drinking a hot cup of café when a Narthal merchant was hurried in, pushed by two Morean soldiers. The merchant looked towards him as one of the officers he had been speaking to stepped through the door and closed it. It wasn’t uncommon for merchants to be dragged off and beaten without reason by soldiers on either side of the border.
“Tell him what you have seen,” signaled the officers, pointing to Lentulus.
“Sir, there is strange happenings in the castle,” he offered.
“How so?”
“The lost son, Dralan, is in the court of Narthal, and the Emperor Koguryo is amassing an army.”
“What of Dralan, and this army?”
“An army of thirty thousand amasses at the walls of Kogu Castle, sire.”
“And Dralan?”
“The third son of the Emperor, Dralan, has returned from the upper valley,
sire. He has upset both of his brothers, who refuse to follow him into battle.”
“Follow him?”
“Yes, my Lord, the Emperor Koguryo has requested that Dralan leads his troops into battle to take the valley. The troops are in arms as they are loyal to Manchur and Shigeru. But there is something more, sire.”
Lentulus nodded for him to continue.
“Rumors surfaced late on the night before we departed.”
“What rumors?”
“Rumors of such insanity that I could not believe them at first.”
“Why? What?”
“I checked with other informants who confirmed these rumors for fear of their lives.”
Lentulus sat up, very curious by where this conversation was leading.
“A black dragon now inhabits the Templum of the castle.”
Lentulus sat in shock, and looked at the merchant and the officer.
“This is not possible,” he almost whispered.
“The black dragon was killed by the Hardular last winter.”
“There is more, my Lord.”
Lentulus twisted one side of his head slightly towards the merchant, as is seeking a clearer view through one eye.
“The Dragon is the warrior Dralan.”
“They are one and the same?”
“Yes, sire,” mumbled the merchant.
Lentulus nodded and then looked toward the floor.
The officer struck the merchant sharply, slicing the mans’ cheek open with his silver ring. The merchant stumbled, but did not fall to the ground as the officer and another grabbed him as he fell.
“Are you okay?” asked the officer unemotionally, handing him a small bag of coins. The man nodded, wiping the blood as he pocketed the bag with his other hand. The soldiers dragged him out the door. His cheek continued to slowly bleed.
“And don’t ever speak to an officer of Morea like that again!” yelled the officer following them out through the door. Lentulus could hear the merchant swearing, telling his friend that they had stolen all of his profit as they rode off.