Only Stones Remain (Ballad of Frindoth Book 4)

by Rob Donovan

  "You look handsome," Marybeth whispered as Cody joined them.

  "From stranger, to Stone-holder, to Knight to bloody jewellery bringer. What has become of my life?" Cody queried.

  "You missed out hero and saviour of Frindoth," Marybeth replied.

  "I will make it up to you, I promise," Althalos said.

  Cody clicked his tongue and then delivered a deep bow that was more mocking than formal, before retreating to the safety of the crowd.

  "Prince Althalos, please place your right hand on the crown."

  Althalos once again obeyed. The crown was cool to the touch. It was a simple one, plain gold with a single, silver wavy line running around the circumference. It peaked into a blunt spike at the centre.

  "Will you promise to rule the twelve regions of Frindoth, in a fair and just manner?"

  "I swear it on the tri-moons,"

  "Will you promise to execute the laws of the land impartially and ensure your subjects are protected from all enemies and safe from suffering?"

  "I swear it on the tri-moons."

  "Will you swear to preserve the relationship of the warlords to the crown and honour the tradition of the Order?"

  "I swear it on the tri-moons, all of it I swear."

  With the last words, Althalos let go of the crown and knelt before Marybeth. The witch lifted the crown from the cushion and then cast the cushion aside. She held the crown above her head. "As leader of the Order and representative of the Kingdom of Frindoth I pronounce Althalos son of Jacquard of Rivervale, the new King of Frindoth." She placed the crown on his head and stepped backwards. Althalos had tried on the crown earlier and found it to be heavy, now though it seemed as light as a feather.

  He stood to thunderous applause and was then swamped with warm congratulations led by his father.

  ***

  The feast was meagre in comparison to the standards set by past coronations. Again, part of this was Althalos' choice; the newly crowned King was reluctant to host a lavish affair when Frindoth was in such a decrepit state. Largely, it was because of the food shortage throughout Lilyon. The damage caused at the Ritual of the Stones by the Gloom and then weeks of hosting refugees, followed by the army of the Eastern alliance had greatly depleted resources.

  Even so, Althalos had devoured the half duck drizzled in orange sauce placed before him with the alacrity of a beggar. He sipped the last of his spiced wine and stifled a belch.

  Many had retired for the evening but the majority of the Warlords remained. Unger had got progressively louder as the evening had progressed. Minstrels played in the corner and there were even people dancing. Althalos had received reports that the streets were full of festivities and merriment.

  "More wine my King?"

  It took Althalos a moment to realise the young boy was speaking to him. The boy smiled nervously as he held the flask in one hand and a white cloth in the other. He was young, his cheeks smooth with no hint of a beard.

  "It's going to take me a while to get used to that," Althalos said. "Please proceed."

  The boy stepped forward but before he could pour, Shana placed a hand over his goblet. “The King has had enough for now,” she said and then bent forward to whisper in his ear “the future Queen will need you to be alert later.”

  The boy hesitated and looked at Althalos who shrugged.

  “No more for me thank you. I’ve only been a King for an afternoon and already decisions are being made for me.”

  The boy bowed and moved onto Atikass, who had no trouble accepting the refill. Next to Atikass sat his mother and father who laughed loudly at something the young girl Tatanya said to them as she served them wine. It appeared his mother had made the girl their personal servant. Althalos had spent limited time with the girl who had arrived back at Lilyon with his father, but she seemed quirky and willing to stick around. Althalos knew the girl would not be burdened with too many arduous tasks and was oddly pleased for her.

  He slumped back in his chair, hands on his stomach and looked dreamily around the hall. It was an odd scene. Weeks ago, it was difficult to imagine ever being part of a scene like this. Yet here he was, everyone in good spirits and harmonious. He did not know how long it would last but he would do his utmost to ensure it would last as long as he was King.

  There were new Warlords to get to know and relationships that had suffered neglect to repair, but it was a task he relished. He also had a new family to get to know. He only had the faintest traces of memories of his mother; feelings rather than anything vivid and now he had her back and a brother as well. There was also the memory of those he had lost. Fyfe’s death had hurt him more than any other. The Master-at-arms had been a father figure to him and the emptiness he felt would not be easily replaced.

  He smiled as his mother’s laughter rang out across the room. It was a high-pitched sound, but infectious rather than annoying. He had often tried to imagine that laughter, but never did he envisage it would be such a glorious sound as he heard tonight. Loud as his mother's laughter was it was drowned out by an even bigger uproar of merriment.

  Althalos grinned as the Great Bridge duel had begun. It was a game he used to love as a child and one he enjoyed even more as a King. Two men would stand opposite each other and adopt the famous pose of the giant statue at each end of the great Bridge. A soldier bent down on one knee and pulled back an imaginary bowstring as he mimicked Yasmon the archer, opposing him. Hamsun crouched on all fours, one arm erect in the air to form a claw. The warlord snarled as he emulated the firelion, much to the delight of the audience around him. The two then did their best to remain still as stone as others tried to distract them by throwing food or exposing unsavoury parts of their bodies in their faces.

  "Shall we?" Shana said looping her arm through his. Reluctantly, Althalos tore his eyes away from the game and smiled at his partner. They had spent limited time together and he was eager to be alone with her.

  "I think we shall," Althalos said rising. The majority of the room stood in response which caused him to snort at the ridiculousness of the homage. He caught his father's frown however and became more serious, bowing to the room and gesturing for them to sit down and carry on. His father shared his opinion that the pomp and ceremony of such conduct was embarrassing but he also recognised it was important that the King be seen as different and as someone whom must be shown respect.

  "I just need to do one small thing first."

  "He is in the gardens," Shana said smiling.

  Althalos smiled, already she knew him so well. "I won't be long."

  "I know you won't," Shana said and kissed him lightly on the lips as she pressed her body against him. For a moment he was tempted to follow her but he was too excited about the surprise he had planned. "Be subtle as you approach, he is not alone." Shana said over her shoulder and was gone before he could question how she could possibly possess such knowledge.

  He hastily bid his family good night before retreating from the hall. A servant appeared and asked him if he wanted anything. Althalos accepted a cup of water and then waved away both the servant and the two soldiers who made to accompany him. He wanted to be alone for a moment and it was a luxury he already realised he would not be able to take advantage of very often.

  The sounds of merriment faded behind him as he walked along the stone corridor, his footsteps bouncing off the walls. It was a dark night, all three moons hidden behind thick cloud. The torches lit up the corridor but as soon as he stepped outside the darkness grew thick, oppressive even. The fresh air hit him and his mind spun a little. He had drunk more than he thought. At first, he could not see the Truth Knight but then he saw two silhouettes standing by a water fountain. The two embraced, shared a tender kiss and then stood close holding each other’s hands. Althalos smiled, Cody deserved some happiness and from the looks of it, he had found it. He could not see who the woman was but it did not matter.

  "I have to do this, I have told Althalos and he fully supports me," Cody said. He w
as surprised to hear raw emotion in his friend's voice. An emotion he had never heard before in Cody.

  Oddly, he was moved by it. He felt a lump in the back of his throat. His father had appointed Cody as one of his knights but that was out of necessity more than anything else. But Cody was the sole survivor of the twelve knights and Althalos had no desire to force Cody to honour his agreement. The man had sacrificed a lot already and since discovering the fate of his wife and realising his daughter was still living there was no way Althalos was going to make him stay with him. Frindoth would need to be rebuilt and it would take time. He could afford to let Cody find his daughter whilst that was taking place.

  “You know I would go with you if I could,” the woman said. The Prince recognised the voice instantly and gasped as Marybeth nuzzled into Cody’s chest. How had he not seen this coming? He knew Cody was fond of the witch but not that fond. He found himself smiling at the coupling. They both deserved some happiness. He had never seen this tender side to the witch and despite his joy for them, he felt a little uncomfortable that he was witnessing it unnoticed.

  “I know. Only one of us gets to be selfish though and I’ve decided that’s me.”

  “I’d say that is completely unfair,”

  “Not really, I have a daughter to find, you have a family to build here. It makes perfect sense to me.”

  “Careful, with that sound reasoning you are turning into a quibbling warlord,” Marybeth said.

  Cody pushed her away causing Marybeth to let out a chuckle. Again, another sound Althalos had never heard from the witch.

  “There is no chance of that.”

  “I should hope not,” Marybeth said and pulled Cody towards her as their mouths met. Althalos looked about him for a way to interrupt the pair without making it obvious he had been eavesdropping. He fought back a laugh at the absurdity of the matter. What King would ever worry about such thoughts?

  “How am I ever going to rebuild the Order?” Marybeth said when they parted.

  A large object flew across the garden, an owl maybe, or a large bat. It fluttered its wings startling Cody and Marybeth. Althalos seized the opportunity.

  “Good evening,” he said. “I was told I would find you here.”

  Cody and the witch sprang apart as if the touch of the other had suddenly burnt them. Even in the darkness, Althalos could see their blushes.

  “Althalos, I mean your highness, we were…just…er-”

  “Kissing each other, I saw. And please, you had it right the first time. I am and will always be Althalos to the pair of you.”

  Marybeth bowed her head and looked away. Her embarrassment made the King smile. Cody reacted little better. He drew himself up to his full height, puffed out his chest and jutted out his chin like a gorilla preparing to defend his mate. They stared at each other for a moment and then both burst out laughing. Marybeth looked up sharply at the sudden turn of events, her confusion causing even more laughter.

  “I don’t see what is so funny,” she said.

  “Forgive me,” Althalos said trying his best to stifle his merriment. “I am pleased for you both. ” What do you want?” The witch asked abruptly, but the smile on her face told him that she could see the funny side of things too.

  From somewhere in the distance they heard a fox bark and the delighted squeals of a woman along with a playful slap told them that they were not the only ones in the grounds.

  “I actually want to speak to Cody.” Marybeth nodded at the King and began to walk away.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean for you to leave. This will just take a moment.”

  Marybeth walked back to Cody, went to take his hand and then thought better of it.

  "How can I help?" Cody asked. The Truth Knight appeared tense, no doubt dreading the King asking a request he would not be able to fulfil.

  "There is nothing more you can do to help me my friend. I have something for you. A reward, well sort of," Althalos laughed enjoying the confused expression on his friend's face.

  Althalos reached inside his robe and located the vellum he was holding there. He rubbed his fingers over the parchment briefly, and then handed it to Cody.

  "What's this?" Cody asked, frowning. He unfolded the note and then held it up to the light squinting to see it.

  "Read it," Marybeth said leaning in so she could see as well. After a few moments she muttered something and a white flame appeared in the palm of her hand illuminating the space around them. Cody looked at her in surprise before turning his attention back to the scrawl on the paper. His lips moved as he read. "Read it out loud,"

  "Third stall on the left. Be there at dawn; ask for Grant, he is expecting you." Cody lowered the instructions. "Who's Grant?"

  "He is the stable master," Althalos said and grinned as it was clear the significance was still lost on Cody. Marybeth extinguished the flame plunging them into darkness again.

  "You are giving me a horse?" Cody asked. He tried to inject some enthusiasm into his tone. He’d thought he may be given a ride on one of the fine horses for all his services, nothing more.

  "More like returning one. I believe he is called Silverspeck?"

  "You're teasing me. If you are, I swear on the Tri-moons, I don't care if you’re King...,"

  Althalos held his hands aloft, "I would never dare, I know how-"

  He never got to finish the sentence; Cody was embracing him, almost crushing him and causing him to groan aloud. Cody released the King, turned on his heel and walked away.

  "Where are you going?" It was Althalos’s turn to be confused.

  "To find out if you are lying."

  Althalos smiled. "Grant doesn't like being woken up in the middle of the night."

  "Couldn't give a Gloom's fuck," Cody called back, yet did not turn around.

  Althalos watched him go. "I didn't know Glooms could fuck" he said turning to Marybeth. To his surprise, the witch was wiping tears from her eyes.

  "That was very nice of you."

  "I think we are all overdue something nice," Althalos said and pretended to study the clouds as Marybeth composed herself. A gentle breeze kissed his cheeks and he savoured its cool touch.

  "How did you find the horse?"

  "It wasn't that hard. I made enquiries as soon as Cody returned. Grant knows most of what goes on in Rivervale. He remembered a trader boasting about acquiring a magnificent horse around the time of the Ritual of the Stones."

  Marybeth stared in the direction Cody had gone. She sniffed and wiped her nose with the back of her hand. "At least he has been reunited with something he loves."

  "You don't think he will find his daughter?" Althalos asked and then chastised himself. It was a silly question. The chances of success were remote, but then again so were the chances of Althalos defeating Cordane, the Lakisdoreans and all the Glooms. Strange things happen in war.

  "Frindoth is wounded badly. Those that have survived are lucky. The Glooms destroyed many of the towns this side of the canyon. With that, comes starvation and disease. "

  Althalos nodded. The evening’s activities and the pleasure he had brought to Cody had made him forget the monumental task he had ahead of him. He had commenced his reign with a victory but that was only the first step of maybe a thousand more. It would be a long road ahead. Suddenly, he felt tired with the thought of it all. But then he thought of Shana waiting for him in their bedroom.

  "A long road maybe, but the start of the journey can wait until tomorrow. Let's enjoy the night whilst we can."

  Marybeth nodded. "You might be able to," she said, "I've now got to compete with a horse thanks to you."

  Althalos laughed and embraced the witch. He thought of his father's relationship with Iskandar and wondered if his relationship with Marybeth would always be this pleasant. She squeezed him more tightly, "It will be," she said reading his mind.

  Althalos smiled, let her go, and made his way back to his room, pushing all niggling thoughts aside.

  Chapter 34

&n
bsp; Dawn had not quite broken when Jensen woke. He sat up bleary eyed and looked around him. The fire had long since died and only white ash remained in the hearth. For a minute he struggled to recall where he was. Then he saw the four bodies sleeping nearby. Mertyn and Tyra snuggled up together, the gentlest of snores coming from one of them; Jensen could not tell which. Beyond them lay Brenna; her hair had fallen across her face and fluttered as she inhaled and exhaled. The blanket he had placed over her now lay in a tangled mess between her legs like a vine seeking to entrap her. Next to Brenna lay Janna. He smiled as he watched her sleep on her chest, spread-eagled as she had done since she was a child. The smile faded as he spied the scars on her arm, angry lines where the skin had split. The pain must have been excruciating; worse than anything he had endured.

  They had found the abandoned cottage early in the afternoon. With edible food still in the cellar, no one had protested when Brenna had suggested they stay there for the remainder of the day and spend the night there. What had followed was the best meal they had consumed in ages and also the warmest night. Jensen had insisted on staying awake on guard just in case anyone came back but when it seemed no one would return, he fell asleep. The cottage looked to have been deserted for a while, a thin layer of dust had settled on all surfaces. There was no sign of recent activity anywhere, only a row of expertly sculpted, wooden figurines sitting on a sideboard in the bedroom. No one had wanted to use the bed; bizarrely they felt it would be too intrusive to sleep in someone else's bed.

  He yawned as he stretched, his muscles clicking in protest, Brenna groaned in her sleep and rolled over. Her hair fell away from her face and he got a good look at her. She was every bit as pretty as he remembered. She was a little more serious then he remembered but then again who wasn't? When she smiled though, his knees still trembled.