Farindian Summer (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 4)

by Loren K. Jones

  Stavin took the two teams that were awake with him later that day when he escorted Shari and the rest of his family to the Aravad Market. They were all in high spirits as they strolled through the market looking at the items on display. Shari was limited to listening to descriptions of the goods, but was elated anyway. She had never thought she’d be allowed to visit a market like this.

  They spent half the day strolling through the stalls before Karlin and Noral got too tired. When they got fussy, Sora said, “I think it’s time for someone to have a nap.” That was the signal for all of them to head back to the inn.

  The guards had not refrained from making their own purchases. Most of them had some small trinket tucked away, and Stavin grinned as he listened to the men comparing notes. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits as they returned to the inn.

  Barvil gave his orders and everyone was ready to go before first light the next day. The innkeeper was somewhat flustered to be serving eggs, oat porridge, and other common fare to the royal party, but Stavin adroitly bypassed all his objections. After all, common fare was what they were used to, and rich food would curdle in their stomachs when the wagon started bouncing.

  Arandar had barely peeked over the horizon when Stavin escorted Shari and the rest of his family to the wagon. He briefly put his hand on the hilt of the Sword of Zel’Hallan and inspected the wagon for any anomalies. Finding none, he climbed onto the seat and nodded for Barvil to lead off. He smiled as several people gave them confused looks when they left Aravad to the south instead of the west. As he’d suspected, their departure toward Coravia was probably spoiling someone’s plans.

  The group traveled at the wagon’s pace and stopped at each town they passed. Camping in this part of Kavadia wasn’t anyone’s idea of safe, even for a party of warriors. Their very presence advertised the fact that someone special was passing through.

  It took nine days to reach the town of Fallen Leaf. Barvil decided to stop early when he looked at the dark clouds in sky. The village elders were all wide-eyed with wonder as a real Evandian prince and princess stopped in their little town.

  That evening Stavin and his party were treated to a recitation of the town’s history, including an incident when Mary Death and her companion, Master Mage Rylova Del’Florin, had defeated the warlord Zared Bel’Emrey and his band of men. Stavin and Shari both perked up as they listened. This information was new to them. The story was not part of the Mary Death legend that they had read in Kavinston. When it was done, Stavin approached the man who served as both Archivist and Town Historian.

  “Your pardon, good sir,” he said, and the poor man went to his knees immediately. “I wondered if you could provide us with a copy of the story involving Mary Death. I’ve never heard it before, and I would like to provide a copy to King Kalin. The Zel’Andral line is descended from Marydyth Zel’Karyn.”

  “It would be my honor, Prince Stavin,” the man replied without looking up from the ground.

  Stavin smiled and spoke in a gentle tone as he said, “You needn’t be that subservient, Good Master Archivist. My wife and I were both on our way to similar positions in Kavinston before my adoption into the Evandian Royal House.”

  The Archivist dared to look up at Stavin to see if he was serious, and seemed relieved when he saw Stavin’s smile. “I will have a copy of the story for you by morning, Prince Stavin.” At Stavin’s nod he stood and bowed, then vanished into the town hall.

  When Stavin got back to his family, Sora asked, “What was that about?”

  “I asked for a copy of the Mary Death story for King Kalin and Princess Marina. It’s part of their family history, but I have to wonder if they know it. I’ve certainly never heard it before.”

  Sora looked at him with a sour expression. “That poor man is going to be up all night writing that story for you, Stavi.”

  Shari reached over and laid a hand on Sora’s arm. “Sora, we were both scribes. Requests like that are what we lived for.”

  “Well at least give the man a crown for his effort.” Sorandis looked around at the shabby, ill-kempt buildings and shook her head. “This is the poorest town we’ve visited.”

  The Archivist arrived at the wagon before Arandar had peeked over the horizon. His red eyes looked like he’d been up all night, but his smile was wide as he bowed to Stavin. “Prince Stavin, please accept this copy of our history involving Mary Death and the Mage Rylova Del’Florin.” He presented the rolled scroll on both hands, and Stavin took it with all due ceremony.

  “We thank you, Master Archivist. And please accept from us this gold crown.” He placed the coin in the archivist’s hand. “I’m sure King Kalin will be delighted with this story.” The archivist started to object, but Stavin turned away and swung up onto the wagon, taking his seat and shouting, “Warmaster, we’re ready to go.” He drove away with the archivist still staring at him in stunned disbelief. The rest of the escort chuckled at the look on the man’s face as they passed.

  Chapter 7

  THEY REACHED THE CORAVIAN BORDER TOWN of Erlin Ford before mid-day, and Barvil rode forward to the guard post.

  “Halt there, if you will,” a guardsman said. “What are you hauling?”

  “No trade goods, guard,” Barvil replied. “Prince Stavin Zel’Andral is going to Fort Kel’Vardal to visit Lord General Zel’Enred.”

  The guardsmen all looked behind Barvil toward the wagon. “Prince Stavin of Evandia?” one of them asked.

  “Yes.”

  The sergeant in charge looked at one of his men and pointed, then turned back to Barvil. “A moment, sir, if you please. We need our officer for this.”

  It was just a few breaths later that an old lieutenant hurried to the crossing. “You say you’re Prince Stavin?”

  Barvil shook his head. “No, Lieutenant. I’m Warmaster Barvil Kel’Carin of the Evandian Royal Guard. I’m the leader of Prince Stavin’s escort.” Barvil turned in the saddle and pointed. “Prince Stavin is driving the wagon.”

  “Why would a prince drive a wagon?” the lieutenant wondered out loud.

  “Because he wants to,” Barvil replied. “Can’t exactly tell him no. His family is on board.”

  The lieutenant nodded. “Indeed, Warmaster. Very well, you may pass.”

  Barvil bowed in the saddle, then led the way across the border. Stavin smiled at the guards as he passed, and at the sight of his golden armor all the guardsmen went to one knee and bowed their heads. Karvik rode up beside the wagon as soon as they were clear of the crossing.

  “You’d think they’d never seen a real prince before,” he quipped to Stavin, and both of them laughed loudly.

  It took four more days to reach Fort Kel’Vardal, and they arrived near sundown of the fourth day. Barvil led them straight to the fort and was confronted by the soldiers at the gate.

  “Halt! Caravans are to park outside of town,” the Sergeant of the Guard said in an exasperated tone as he walked up to Barvil.

  “We’re not a caravan.” Barvil turned in the saddle and waved one hand at the wagon. “Prince Stavin of Evandia is here to see Lord General Zel’Enred.”

  The sergeant gave the wagon a startled look, then signaled one of his men to his side. “Go tell the general’s orderly that a man claiming to be Prince Stavin is here.” When the man ran off, the sergeant turned back to Barvil and bowed slightly. “I can’t let you into the fort without orders, sir, but you and your men may dismount.”

  Barvil nodded and swung down from his saddle. “Thank you. We’ve been riding all day.”

  “Where is Prince Stavin, please,” the sergeant asked softly, and Barvil nodded toward the wagon.

  “He’s driving the wagon.”

  “Why?”

  Barvil shrugged one shoulder. “He won’t trust anyone else to do it. Princess Sharindis and their children are on board, as well as Stavin’s sister and her children.”

  “Oh, Gods,” the sergeant breathed.

  It wasn’t long before a tall young li
eutenant ran up to the gate and snapped to attention before addressing Barvil. “Sir, the general invites Prince Stavin and his party to stay at the fort tonight. The general said to inform Prince Stavin that he will be met in the general’s office, sir.”

  Barvil nodded and said, “Very well,” then stepped forward and led his horse into the fort, followed by Stavin and the rest of his escort.

  Stavin stopped the wagon in front of the general’s office and hurried around to open the back. He looked at his sister and asked, “Sora, can you keep the kids out here?”

  “Of course, Stavi. Go show the general your book.” She grinned at him and they all shared a laugh as Stavin took Shari by the hand. Karvik stepped forward and picked up the boxes that contained the original book as well as Stavin and Shari’s translation and copy. Shari used her staff to feel the steps as they climbed, but otherwise kept it just a finger from the ground.

  Stavin and Shari were escorted directly into the general’s office, and found him waiting. The general and his senior officers went to one knee as he said, “Prince Stavin, welcome back to Fort Kel’Vardal.”

  Stavin bowed slightly and said, “Thank you, Lord General Zel’Enred. May I present my wife, Princess Sharindis.” Shari bowed, though the room was far too dim for her to make out individuals. “And the leader of our escort, Warmaster Barvil Kel’Carin.” Barvil bowed deeply.

  The general’s eyebrows rose at the sight of Barvil’s four stars. “I’m impressed, Prince Stavin. I’ve never met a Warmaster before. Will you accept our hospitality tonight?”

  “We would be pleased to, General. And we have something for you as well.” Stavin looked around and gestured toward the general’s desk, and Karvik stepped forward with the books. “I am pleased to be able to return your book, as well as a copy in the original glyphs and a complete translation into Common. There is also a translation guide that details the differences between our glyphs and the ancient ones.”

  The general looked at the boxes like a starving man at a feast. “You finished it?” he asked in a breathy whisper.

  “We had a lot of free time this winter,” Shari said with a bitter grimace. “The Elders wouldn’t let us work in the Archive anymore.”

  The general was looking back and forth between the royal couple and the books. “Princess, forgive me, but I, um, I’d—”

  “Go ahead, General,” Shari said with a wide grin. “If there’s one thing that Stavi and I understand, it’s the love of books.”

  General Zel’Enred hurried to his desk and opened the top box. It contained the copy. The next box contained the translation. “Did you keep a copy of it?” he asked as he scanned the pages.

  Stavin said, “Of course. We have a copy of the original and the translation in the Kavinston Archive. We have something else for you as well.” Turning to Karvik he said, “Warleader Kel’Carin, would you bring in Sallin and the general’s lamp?”

  “At once, Your Highness,” Karvik answered with a half-bow, then walked out of the office. He returned in just a few moments.

  “General,” Stavin said to get his attention, “this is our servant, Sallin Kel’Dessar. And this is Sallin’s Magic Lamp.” He motioned for Karvik to set the lamp on the desk as the general’s eyebrows drew down in puzzlement. Then Stavin lit the lamp and directed the spot of light onto the page the general was reading.

  “Gods Above,” the general said in a breathy whisper. “How is it done?”

  “Salli?” Stavin prompted.

  Sallin took a step forward and bowed deeply to the general. “The bowl directs all of the lamplight onto the bottle of water. The water gathers the light and puts it all in one place.”

  The general murmured, “So simple, yet so ingenious. And handy.” He smiled as Sallin blushed, then directed his attention to Stavin once again. “Prince Stavin, I’ve already given orders for your escort to be billeted in the barracks. I would be pleased to host you and your lovely wife in my quarters.”

  Stavin smiled and bowed slightly. “There are more than the two of us, General. Our three children, as well as my sister, her husband, and their two children.”

  The general hummed a little. “We have room. It’s been a long time since we’ve had children in our home.” He chuckled. “My wife is going to love having them.”

  The general closed the box on his book and led the way out of the office. His quarters were nearby, and he was soon leading them in and introducing his wife.

  “Havana, I am pleased to introduce Prince Stavin Zel’Andral and his wife, Princess Sharindis.”

  Havana Zel’Enred bowed as Stavin and Shari bowed in reply. She was nearly as tall as her husband, and had mostly white hair. Laugh-lines creased her tanned face, and her blue eyes seemed to dance as she finally met her husband’s famous acquaintance. “I am honored and pleased to meet you, Prince Stavin. And you, Princess. But who is this?” she asked as Sallin came in with the twins.

  Stavin smiled as he introduced the rest of his family. “General, Lady Havana, these are our daughters, Sahren and Mahren, and our son, Karlin. My sister, Sorandis, her husband, Aric, their son Noral and daughter, Delian.”

  Lady Havana immediately went to Sallin and held out her arms. “May I?”

  At Stavin’s nod, Sallin let her take a baby. “This is Mahren, Lady Zel’Enred.”

  “Oh, you’re such a darling,” Lady Havana cooed.

  “Come, let’s be comfortable, my friends,” the general said, ushering everyone into his sitting room. He turned to his orderly and said, “Lieutenant, arrange a meal for my guests. Have it brought here.”

  The young man snapped to attention and said, “Yes, sir,” then turned on his heel and hurried out of the general’s quarters.

  Sahren chose that moment to let out a wail, and Shari grimaced. “Speaking of a meal. Your pardon, please, but we need to feed the girls.” Lady Havana led them to a sofa and Shari and Sora arranged themselves to feed all three babies.

  Lady Havana looked on curiously. “Is that why you are here, young lady?” she asked.

  Sorandis smiled and nodded. “Yes, lady. If I had another nipple I could feed all three of them at the same time.”

  Lady Havana smiled fondly. “I was like that. And like you, I had a friend who shared her children with me.” She sat next to the nursing mothers and ran a gentle finger across Delian’s silky hair. “This one is older.”

  “Yes, Lady Havana. About six moons,” Sora answered.

  Havana sat back and smiled at the babies, but didn’t say anything else.

  General Zel’Enred smiled at his wife. They saw their grandchildren far too seldom; it was good to see her around babies again. Turning to Stavin, he bowed his head slightly. “You have quite a family, Prince Stavin.”

  Stavin grinned. “Sora is the youngest of my big sisters. She and Shari have been best friends for as long as they can remember, and it was Sora who suggested that I ask for Shari to be my wife. I’m so glad she did.”

  The general shifted his attention. “And you, young man?”

  Aric snapped to attention and said, “Sir.”

  “Well trained. You Kel’Kavin warriors are well trained. What is your rank?”

  “Sir, I hold the rank of Command Sergeant, sir.”

  The general nodded. “Very well. If you gentlemen will follow me, I’ll show you to your rooms.” He glanced over at the women and smiled. “They aren’t going anywhere.”

  The rooms were nice. Not elegant or opulent. Just nice. And much more to Stavin and Aric’s taste than some of the rooms they’d stayed in. Each room held two beds that were wide enough for two people, and the general gestured to the side of the second room. “That little bed is usually for one of our older grandchildren. Your servant should be comfortable there.”

  “Thank you, General,” Stavin said with a bow while Aric remained at attention.

  A noise drew their attention back to the sitting room, and they found the food that the general had ordered waiting. Stavin and Aric b
oth began feeding their ladies while Sallin saw to Noral and Karlin.

  Lady Havana watched with interest as the nursing mothers were tenderly fed, then gave her husband an arch look and said, “You could learn a thing or two from these boys, Nardan.” He just grinned in return.

  In the morning Stavin led his family out to the wagon and found the entire compliment of Fort Kel’Vardal assembled to honor them. One officer in particular caught his attention. He guided Shari over and stopped.

  “Captain Zel’Coy, congratulations on your promotion.”

  “Thank you, Prince Stavin,” she answered without breaking stance.

  “Zel’Coy?” Shari said thoughtfully. “The lieutenant who insulted you?”

  “Yes,” Stavin replied as the tall woman blushed with embarrassment, but otherwise remained at attention. That’ll teach her to mouth off like that.

  Shari smiled at the woman before saying, “We finished the general’s book this winter. You should ask to read the translation. It is quite interesting, and has a lot of detail about your kingdom from the time before Lux expanded this far. Com Dana Hava Domain, Zel Contan.”

  “Domain Hava Sie, Demain Zel’Andral,” the captain replied.

  “Come on, we need to get going,” Stavin said with a nod to the captain. The only member of their party who didn’t understand what had been said was Sallin.

  “What was that, Princess Shari?” she asked softly as they walked away.

  “When Stavin first came through here, she called him an illiterate backwoods barbarian. I just reminded her that it is not wise to insult anyone.” Shari grinned widely. “You never know who they’ll turn out to be.”

  “And she very politely apologized,” Stavin added with a chuckle.

  Shari turned her head slightly and asked, “Is she as pretty as Stavi said?”

  Sora chuckled. “She is. She’s actually prettier than Princess Marina. Dorvi looks like a hen pheasant compared to her dove.”

  Shari smiled and said, “Good,” as they continued to the wagon. Stavin and Aric exchanged a look, but kept their mouths shut. The ways of women we not for mere men to understand.