“Same here,” Nerina admitted, although Luca got the impression that she was saying that just to be part of the conversation.
“What about you Theo?”
Theo just shrugged. “Nothing much to tell really,” he said seemingly very cool and calm about discussing his love life in front of everyone else.
“Don’t lie, Theo,” Clarissa said with a broad smile on her face as she was evidently going to divulge her brother’s secrets.
“What about that time mother caught you in the pantry with the maid?”
All eyes went back and forth from Clarissa to Theo, waiting for his answer. Theo just chuckled, remaining as calm as Luca had ever seen anybody, “Oh yeh,” he said. “I’d forgotten about her.”
“And what about the girl in the stables?” Clarissa added.
Theo laughed again. A somewhat infectious sound that soon had the others following suit, Luca included.
Inevitably the focus of attention moved towards Luca, and although he would have rather avoided answering any questions about his personal life, he felt it only fair as others had already done so.
“Anyone special in your life?” Theo asked.
Luca frowned, unsure of what to say. In truth, he had absolutely no experience with girls and had always assumed a suitable woman would have been found for him when the time was right. After considering making something up to impress the others, he resigned himself to tell the truth.
“Never mind. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of young ladies after you,” Theo said in a way that sounded sincere and not at all condescending.
“Just make sure we all get invites to the wedding,” Clarissa added trying to lift the mood again.
“Of course. You’ll all be invited…if it ever happens,” Luca replied trying to show he was still upbeat and intent on having a good day.
With their food eaten, Nerina suggested that perhaps they should head back down. Although having only been up there for a couple of hours, Luca felt he had quite enjoyed himself.
“We should do this again,” he said more in hope than any real expectation of the others agreeing. However, the general consensus seemed to be in favour of a repeat, with Nerina suggesting that Samuel would probably like to join them next time.
“Shame we can’t go to the beach though,” Luca added. While sitting up on the roof had in its own way been far better than moping about indoors. The soft sandy beach would have been a much better place for them to run around and relax.
“Perhaps next time,” Clarissa said patting her cousin on the shoulder. “Nice to see you kept your promise and are still wearing the necklace I gave you,” she added.
As the others headed through the narrow door and down the stone steps, Luca stopped and turned to her. In truth, he had intended to remove it, yet somehow had never gotten around to doing so.
“Of course,” he replied patting the area on his chest where the beads hung underneath his shirt.
“I’ll go and pick some nice flowers to put in your room later. Keep the place smelling nice and fresh,” Clarissa added as she also headed back down.
“Thank you,” Luca said with a smile. Now he had gotten to speak with Clarissa a little more, Luca felt she was very much like her brother. Both were easy to talk to and get along with, and quite likeable. Being his cousins, he felt it a shame that they had not had a chance to become acquainted earlier. Yet as crown prince, Luca’s life was typically one of solitude and isolation. It was then he realised that perhaps being here in Scarwood did have some advantages. Sure, he didn’t have all the nice things, but he had found something unexpected. Now, he had friends and people he actually got along with, that seemed to understand him for who he was; well at least most of the time.
Chapter 17. A Gathering Storm.
Loretta had been left somewhat stunned that her magic had been unsuccessful. Never in all her time that she had used her dark magical gift had she ever failed. Having made several sacrifices in order to gain control of the Crown Prince’s sleeping mind, she had been defeated in her attempts. At first, Loretta had just assumed the sacrifices made had been not good enough for what she was asking, yet now she was not so sure. Another force was clearly at work here, and as something she had not come across before, was uncertain how best to defeat it. Even with the full force of the darkness supporting her, it seemed the prince, her enemy, was being protected by somebody of a similar ilk to herself. Yet whoever opposed her did not summon the depths of the underworld for their power, but the light of the heavens.
While Loretta had always heard such things were possible, actually finding somebody who utilised such a gift was almost unheard of. The very idea that someone worshipping the power of the light was fighting directly against her had come as a complete surprise. The fact that whoever was doing so was clearly very skilled and knowledgeable made her feel somewhat vulnerable and perhaps even threatened; a feeling she did not like. Her magic had not failed her before, and despite all her efforts it seemed she had finally met a match, but more importantly whoever this person might be, was defending the one person they needed to be killed.
Informing her brother that she had failed in her bid to influence the mind of the young prince as she had promised had not gone down well. However, Loretta knew that she had already played a massive part in getting them this far, and perhaps it was now time for a more conventional approach. Since having Elysia call the banners the response they had received had been somewhat disappointing. Many of the minor nobles were apparently willing to risk their lands and titles in not doing their duty to their monarch. While some had willingly rallied to their cause, more than three-quarters of them seemed to be stalling, stipulating that they needed to know the prince was definitely dead before doing as they were asked.
The current situation basically boiled down to who people believed. Word had spread that both Prince Luca and Princess Imogen were still very much alive and being kept safely away from the palace. All bar one other major noble had either already sided with the true heir, or was stalling to commit until they knew a little more. Four of the nobles had even gone as far as calling their own banners, and were at that very moment mustering their full strength to protect the prince and see him crowned king. Without the full support of the nobles of Brenthellin, Lord Elthan knew when fighting broke out he would be at a disadvantage.
Ideally, he needed the prince gone and out of the equation, which meant he would have to do so by force. Thankfully the young man was being held in Scarwood, the smallest and most insignificant of all the regions of the kingdom. Assembling a force to defeat what few soldiers they could muster shouldn’t be too difficult. Having already used many of his own soldiers, Lord Elthan had sensibly kept a decent sized force back in Endallen to protect his own lands, should things have gone wrong. While he could rely on a few of the lesser nobles of Brenthellin, he needed to be certain of an outright and overwhelming victory if he was to commit to an attack on Scarwood. Any move that faltered could leave him open to reprise attacks from other nobles who were backing the prince; Mainly those from the Northern Marches and the Casillian Isle. The latter of which might pose a serious problem for his homelands if dragged into any fighting, being as it was just across the water from a large proportion of his own coastline. Moreover, Lord Dalby who resided there, also had access to several large ships, meaning he was more than capable of sending a significant force by sea if he so wished.
After much deliberation, Lord Elthan and his son, Frederick, had decided upon their next plan of action, although it would mean committing the forces they had been keeping back in reserve. The king and queen were dealt with, and the only real threat to his home would come from the Casillian Isle. However, with the news that Lord Dalby was sending some of his forces to help in Scarwood, Lord Elthan was sure the man would dare not make any aggressive move directly against him. Despite knowing that to be the case, Lord Elthan was aware of the risk he was taking in making such a deployment, but until he could count on mor
e support from the Brenthellin nobles, he would be left with no alternative.
Frederick had shown his lack of knowledge in these matters, ranting that the nobles of the land should be made to do as they were asked. While in theory was was probably true, Lord Elthan knew that by forcing people to follow would only alienate them still further and risk them turning against him. Being somewhat wiser in these matters, Lord Elthan knew that when the dust had settled, and people started accepting Elysia as their queen the time would come to deal with those that had not shown their support. For now, things would have to be done by his own men, and although meaning they would be stretched a little thinly, a quick and decisive strike into Scarwood should deal with the problem once and for all.
While Lord Elthan would have liked to have commanded the army himself, he knew his place needed to be at the palace to see that things were run properly. Aside from having to keep a watchful eye on his sister, he did not yet feel confident enough to allow Frederick to handle things, at least not in their current predicament. A little hot-headed, his son would learn how to rule and deal with people, but for now, Lord Elthan deemed It better if he took control. As a result, any fighting would have to be overseen by his commanders, all of which he had faith in.
In an area several miles north of Scarwood, near a town called Nackleton, the first soldiers were arriving. A few of the minor nobles in this area had ‘been persuaded’ to join Lord Elthan’s side, mainly by the promise of more land and no small amount of gold should they be victorious. Fifty men from Lord Horsham, forty from Lord Ansley and sixty more from Lord Merrington had already set up a camp on the outskirts of the town as instructed. Only when the much larger force from Lord Elthan’s own land of Endellan arrived, were they then to advance into Scarwood.
Lord Oakley had returned back to Garley successful in his hunt for the cultists that had been plaguing his lands. Alas, it seemed that no sooner was one problem sorted than another surfaced. A neighbouring, minor nobleman by the name of Lord Needham had sent word of an army gathering in Brenthellin lands. Worse still this force was preparing to move against him and the Crown Prince, whom he was supposedly keeping safe. With his own forces all but mustered, he was now left with two choices, stand and fight or else send the prince elsewhere and risk his safety to others.
As the rays of sunlight burst in through the window in his study, Lord Oakley listened to ideas. Though mainly coming from his good friend and ally Lord Dalby, two of his own senior soldiers were also present giving their opinions on what would be best. Strumming his fingers on the surface of his desk he listened to Dalby explaining how many soldiers they had, and more importantly how many it was thought might be opposing them.
“With my further additions, I don’t think we will be that greatly outnumbered.”
“When are they due?” Lord Oakley asked gazing up at the line of dust he could see in the shaft of light.
“No later than tomorrow. I doubt Lord Elthan’s lot would have accounted for these.”
“So the general consensus is that we prepare to fight?” Lord Oakley asked those in the room.
Lord Dalby answered first, and to the affirmative. Lord Oakley then turned his attention to the two soldiers in the room, who also both agreed.
Placing his hand down on his desk, Lord Oakley nodded, “Then it is settled. I will inform the prince of our intentions. However, if we may have a ship ready and waiting, just in case we need to move him quickly.”
Lord Dalby nodded his head, “I will see that it is done, and I’ll have one ready to sail at a moments notice.”
“Thank you,” Lord Oakley replied slowly rising from his seat and standing to stretch his legs.
“Right,” he said clapping his hands together, “Let’s go and see if we can find the prince.”
“Find our children, and we’ll find him,” Lord Dalby smiled.
Luca was indeed with the children of both Lords, along with Edward and two of Lord Oakley’s guards. While the soldiers shadowed their every move, they did stand at least a few paces further back so as not to appear too intrusive. Yet the fact they were there was a sign that Lord Oakley had politely refused Luca’s suggestion that he might be allowed a little more freedom. While not overly happy that he was for intent and purposes a prisoner in all but name, Luca had not argued. Perhaps he was changing a little and becoming a little less temperamental than he had once been, but he had surprised himself by how calm he had been despite the negative outcome of their conversation.
Luca had spent the past few nights having the same recurring dream. In a field of shadowy darkness, he was protected by an orb of white light, and although it was evident that the figures that moved about in the dark were trying to get to him, he was somehow shielded from them. As strange as the dream was, he thought it best not to tell anybody in any great depth for fear of them thinking he was going crazy. While even knowing he was sleeping, the visions, the noises and the smells all seemed so very real, but thankfully he awoke each morning brighter and fresher than he had felt in a long time. With Clarissa bringing in fresh flowers each day to keep their room smelling fresh and adding a little colour to what was otherwise a drab looking space, Luca could almost feel his negativity oozing away.
Though confined to the yard around the main keep in Garley, Luca and the others seemed to find things to do to keep their minds occupied. Today was no different, as Samuel had thought it a good idea to go and see their horses. While Luca’s own horse was, at least as far as he knew, still at the palace, those belonging to Lord Oakley’s children were in the stables. Although the trip was only intended as a quick visit, Samuel had decided on a whim to give his horse a wash down out in the yard. Nerina, apparently not wanting to be left out decided that she was going to do the same, which meant either the others stood and watched or mucked in and helped. All aside from Edward, who explained he needed to be on full alert in case of an emergency, offered to do just that, Luca included.
Had anyone suggested to him just a month or so ago that he should help wash down a horse, he would have laughed in their face. Yet, in the past few days, he had felt his mood brighten so much, that he had been the first to offer his services. However, being as both Theo and Clarissa said they would help Samuel, that ultimately meant Luca had to assist Nerina. Knowing that Lord Oakley’s daughter did not particularly like him, Luca tried his very best to be nice, although it seemed she was not impressed with his efforts.
With his sleeves rolled up above his elbows, Luca fetched two pales of water from the well in the yard. Though heavy and difficult to carry, he only spilt a little on the way over to Nerina, but apparently, that wasn’t good enough for her, as she thought to make a comment on how she needed two ‘full’ buckets of water. However, whenever Luca felt the need to say something back in reply, something he wouldn’t have hesitated in doing some time back, he merely made light of the situation, even mocking himself on occasion.
It was Edward, standing upright and saluting, that got the attention of Luca and the others, as they then spotted Lord Oakley and Lord Dalby walking out of the main building and across the yard towards them.
“Everything okay, Edward?” Lord Oakley asked.
“All good, my Lord,” he replied.
“Hello, Father,” Samuel called over from behind his horse.
Lord Oakley acknowledged his son but looked around somewhat confused. “Where is the prince?” he asked not seeing him.
“I’ve sent him for another bucket of water,” Came the voice of Nerina, “I don’t really need any more, but he’s trying so hard to be nice that I’m just making the most of it,” she added with a wicked grin on her young face.
Her father gave her a stern look. One that suggested she shouldn’t be doing what she was, but that he also saw the funnier side of it as well.
As if right on cue, Luca stumbled across the yard with two pales of sloshing water that he was determined not to spill. Such was his concentration that he didn’t even notice Lord Oakle
y standing and watching him. Only when the man cleared his throat to speak did Luca look over his direction, “Might we have a word, Sire?”
Although somewhat wet and dirty looking from his efforts, Luca found himself looking over towards Nerina as if to ask her permission if it was okay for him to stop.
“Yes, I’ve finished with him, Father,” she shouted over not even bothering to look back in his direction.
Luca placed the two pales down and wiped his brow. Looking more like a stableboy than the crown prince, he trudged over to where the two lords were waiting for him, with Edward duly stepping up beside him as he did.
On their way back into the main building, Lord Oakley asked one of the house staff they passed to fetch a towel and a clean shirt for Luca and to have it taken to his office. While still not having a full wardrobe, Luca did now own a couple of items of clothing, all courtesy of Lady Oakley who had requested a local tailor in Garley to make a few things especially for him. While nothing fancy, the shirt and new underclothes had come as a welcome and very much appreciated gift. Now having something spare and clean to put on just added to the new feeling of optimism he had been having of late. Small and simple things that would not have ordinarily meant anything to him, such as clean socks for example, now appeared to take on a much greater meaning. Perhaps he just appreciated the things in life which he had once taken for granted, a sign that he was changing.
Once in Lord Oakley’s office, Luca was asked to look at the map that was laid out across the table. Held in place by a set of small brass weights along the edges, Luca noticed several areas had been marked and highlighted. Instantly spotting the area just north of Scarwood as Brenthellin lands, he was keen to know why these particular places had been emphasised. The answer given was not a particularly pleasing one, especially as the men ruling over them were supposed to be loyal to him.
The Broken Kingdom Page 18