The general met them by the wagon. “Prince Stavin, I’ve given Warmaster Kel’Carin instructions that will get you to Evandia sooner than traveling down to Zel’Narlis. I’m also sending along a patrol of fifty cavalry to escort you. Can’t have anything happening to the only people who can read the ancient glyphs, now can we?”
Stavin bowed and grinned, then climbed up to the seat. Aric closed up the back of the wagon as soon as the women were situated, then mounted his horse and took his position at the back corner of the wagon.
Once everyone was ready, Barvil led the way out of the fort. Behind the warriors came fifty Coravian Army cavalry troopers—led by Captain Saralee Zel’Coy.
Chapter 8
THE SUPPLY WAGONS HAD BEEN GONE for eleven days before a new set of riders approached Kel’Kavin. These men were dressed as soldiers in a variety of uniforms, and every one of them was armed. The four men on watch saw them ride out of the forest and signaled Kavinston when the group proved to number over a hundred. The great gates that isolated the valley were closed and barred as the alarm bell rang for aid.
The riders all stopped when the gates closed, then two men rode forward. The older of the two sat silent for a moment, then shouted, “I am Lord Jeffer Zel’Korvalas. My companion is Lord Shardan Zel’Esten. We demand to speak to this Prince Stavin!”
“Prince Stavin has gone to Twin Bridges, lords!” a voice shouted back.
“Then who is in charge here?” Lord Zel’Esten shouted.
“I am!” a different voice shouted and a figure appeared on the parapet. “I am Chief Elder Mikal Kel’Kaffrey.”
The two young lords exchanged a glance, then Lord Zel’Esten rode forward. “Open the gates,” he shouted, but no one seemed to move. “Did you hear me? Open the gates immediately.”
“Your pardon, Lord Zel’Esten,” Chief Elder Kel’Kaffrey shouted in reply, “but Kel’Kavin is now Evandian territory. King Kalin annexed us last year.”
“Open the Gods damn gates,” Lord Zel’Korvalas shouted.
There was silence for a moment, then a small door opened and a dozen men filed out. The leader, dressed in full armor so they couldn’t see his face or much of anything else about him, stepped forward and bowed. “Lord Zel’Korvalas,” he said in a loud but courteous tone, “we are now an enclave of the Evandian Royal Guard. As such, only King Kalin’s will rule’s here. Prince Stavin is not here. What else can we do for you?”
“We demand to know who you low-born fools think you are to give our kingdom away to the Evandians?” Lord Zel’Korvalas shouted.
Chief Elder Kel’Kaffrey considered his words carefully before answering. “We are the descendants of the Royal Houses of Zel’Kanis, Zel’Eshen, and Zel’Vordan. We carry the blood of the Kings of Farindia, but those kings are no more. It’s time for Farindia to once again have order.”
“We control Farindia,” Lord Zel’Esten all but screamed.
Mikal shook his head. “No, lord, you don’t.” He raised his hand and the west gate opened. Before any of the men could ride forward, two hundred armored warriors jogged out to take up positions in front of Fort Kel’Kavin. Looking left and right, he smiled.
“Lord Zel’Esten, Lord Zel’Korvalas, take this message back to your homes and those of your peers: the Kingdom of Farindia died two hundred years ago when the rebels killed King Haran. Since then, we of Kel’Kavin have stood idle and allowed anarchy to rule. Our isolation is at an end, and we will see order restored to our land. Evandia will annex this portion of Farindia. Andaria is taking the rest.”
“We’ll fight you!” Lord Zel’Esten screamed. “We won’t allow it!”
Mikal again shook his head. “That will only result in the deaths of your people. You will be facing the Evandian Army. At last count, there were over sixty-thousand of them. Do you really think you can stand up to those odds?”
The young lords exchanged a look, then wheeled their horses around and galloped back through their men. The rest of the men turned and followed their leaders. It was not what they had expected and many of them were disappointed. They had looked forward to raping and pillaging Kavinston before burning it to the ground.
*
It only took two days for Stavin’s group to reach the Evandian border, and Barvil sent three men ahead to tell the guards who was coming. They didn’t even slow down when they reached the border, and the guardsmen all knelt to their prince as he rolled by. Captain Zel’Coy stopped her troopers short of the border and watched the royal party ride away in silence, then just as silently turned her horse back toward Fort Kel’Vardal.
This road wasn’t a major trade route, so the town at the crossing was little more than a village. Still, it boasted an inn, and after camping for two nights they were ready for real beds. Barvil got all of the rooms on the top floor as soon as he told the innkeeper who they were escorting.
The next morning, they traveled on, leaving the innkeeper with two gold crowns and bragging rights that were going to be the envy of his peers for generations.
They continued toward Twin Bridges, stopping in towns for the night if there was one nearby, or camping in the countryside if there wasn’t. After seven days, they reached the city of Korvan’s Corner. Karvik took the opportunity to tell the story of Stavin getting hit in the mouth with a hail stone, and soon had everyone except Stavin wiping tears of laughter from their eyes.
“It’s not that funny,” he muttered as Shari patted his shoulder. She already knew the story, but the way Karvik told it made it so much funnier.
Three days’ travel delivered them to Nasan, and three more brought the city of East Bridge into view. Barvil rode up to the side of the wagon and said, “We should be able to reach the palace before dark.”
Stavin nodded. “Good. I’ve had enough traveling for a while.”
The people of East Bridge ignored the group for the most part. Important men with private guards were always passing through, and it was usually the case that the more guards, the less important the person really was. Nothing about the men or wagon proclaimed that their prince and princess were passing by.
That all changed at the bridge. When the bridge guardian came forward to collect the toll, he was directed to the wagon. “Your toll will be three silver and nine sparks, good sir.”
Stavin chuckled as he shook his head. He’d covered his armor with a cloak while driving through town, but now let it open. “I’m Prince Stavin. I’m pretty sure I’m exempt from the toll.”
The old man saw the golden armor, then looked up into the boyish face and stumbled back a step before going to one knee. “Prince Stavin, welcome home! Welcome home indeed!” he all but shouted, drawing the attention of everyone within range of his voice. Noise flowed away from the bridge terminus as word was passed that the savior of the kingdom had at last come home to Twin Bridges.
Stavin smiled and bowed from his seat, then flicked the reins to get his mules moving again. It still took seven spans to reach the palace, and Barvil led everyone around to the royal stables.
“Here now, what’s this?” one of the stablemen asked as the warriors started dismounting. He froze when Stavin walked around the wagon, then he went to his knees. “Prince Stavin, welcome home, Your Highness. I’ll see to your team.”
Stavin nodded and helped Aric open the back of the wagon. They collected their family as the rest of the wide-eyed stablemen knelt, then Stavin led the way into the palace. Captain Zel’Tarlin met them just inside the palace proper.
“Prince Stavin, this is a surprise.” Mahren and Sahren chose that moment to announce that they were hungry, and the captain winced. “Let’s get you to the Royal Suite.”
Stavin shook his head. “Marina’s suite first.”
“Are you sure?”
Stavin grinned. “I’m sure. She doesn’t know about the twins yet, and if I don’t go see her first she’ll smack me.”
Captain Zel’Tarlin laughed and nodded vigorously. “Oh, you know her well enough, don’t you
, Prince Stavin? The Princess’ Suite it is.” He escorted them through the halls and signaled the guards Marina’s suite to open the doors before they got there. Stavin didn’t even have to slow down as he escorted Shari and Sora to the sofa in Marina’s sitting room.
Marina’s maids and matrons stood silent as Stavin arranged his family. He looked over at them and smiled. Most of them were women he knew, but some hadn’t accompanied Princess Marina to Kavinston. “Ladies, this is my wife, Princess Sharindis, and my sister, Sorandis. Please see to their needs. Where is Marina?”
The senior matron bowed and said, “Prince Stavin, Princess Marina is in Council.”
Stavin bent over and kissed Shari. “I’ll be right back. I have to go tell King Kalin and Marina that we’re here.”
“Take your time and be polite,” she said as she settled back, Sahren suckling at her breast.
Stavin chuckled, and left the suite at a fast walk. Much to his amusement, Barvil and the team that included Karvik were waiting for him. “Marina is in Council. Follow me.” He headed up the hall as his guardsmen formed up behind him. It was a short walk, and the guards at the Council Chamber door stared as soon as they saw his golden armor come around the corner. The lieutenant in charge was knocking at the door and spoke over his shoulder as soon as it opened. Once again, Stavin didn’t even have to slow down as he was passed through.
“Stavin, welcome back,” King Kalin said loudly as Stavin walked to his side. He stood and clasped Stavin in an affectionate hug, and this time Stavin hugged him in return.
Marina was right beside her father and grabbed Stavin as soon as he was free. “Welcome back, Stavi. Did you bring Shari and Karli?”
Stavin grinned up at her. “Yes, and Sahren and Mahren as well.”
Marina tilted her head to the side and asked, “Who are Sahren and Mahren? I don’t remember them.”
“Our twin daughters,” Stavin replied through his grin.
“What?! When?”
“About four moons ago. Shari found out that she was pregnant again just after you left. They’re in your suite.” Marina didn’t say anything else. She just turned and ran out of the Council Chamber as fast as her dress allowed.
Stavin looked up and found the king grinning down at him. “That went better than I expected. She didn’t even try to hit me.”
King Kalin let loose a deep chuckle and looked around the room. “Council is dismissed. Come along, Stavin. I’d like to meet my grandchildren.” He led the way toward Marina’s suite and nodded in approval as Barvil and his men fell in with the royal guards and followed them.
They found Marina on her knees in front of her sofa, staring at the baby girls as they were being fed. Stavin led the king over and introduced everyone. When Karlin walked over, Kalin held his arms out and the boy climbed into his embrace with hardly any trace of shyness.
“Well, little Karlin, your daddy is full of surprises, isn’t he?”
Karlin looked up at the big man with the white beard and said, “Daddy fun.”
“Daddy’s fun, is he?” Kalin laughed.
Stavin looked at his son and said, “Karli, this is your new grandpa.”
Karlin’s eyes grew wide and he said, “G’n’pa?” with a bright smile.
King Kalin looked at Stavin with a question clear in his expression, and Stavin chuckled as he explained. “Karli associates grandpa with treats. Dad and Charvil spoil him.”
Kalin laughed. “Oh, he does, does he? Well, I won’t disappoint him.” He looked at Marina’s maids and said, “Fetch something.” Three of the maids immediately hurried to the doors.
“Stavin,” Marina asked from the floor, “what are you going to need?”
“First of all, we’re going to need a new servant. Salli was married three moons ago.” He smiled as Marina glanced at the girl. “We’re probably going to need several, as a matter of fact.”
Marina looked at Sallin and nodded her head deeply. “Congratulations, Sallin. It’s too bad you had to leave your husband so soon after your wedding.”
Sallin was on her knees with her head bowed very deeply, and didn’t look up as she replied, “With respect, Princess Marina, I didn’t. Karvil is here with Prince Stavin’s guards.”
Marina looked at Stavin and he confirmed what Sallin said. “Karvil Kel’Dessar is one of our greenlings. He defeated Charvil to win a place with this group.”
“A greenling beat the Warmaster?” Kalin asked.
“Three strikes to two on his final test before joining the expedition,” Stavin replied. “Karvik and I had been working with him all winter.”
Kalin’s eyebrows rose. “I’m impressed. Is he here?”
Stavin nodded and walked to the door and brought Karvil in to meet the king. “King Kalin, I am pleased to present Karvil Kel’Dessar of the Evandian Royal Guard.” Karvil dropped to one knee and bowed his head.
“I remember you,” Marina said as she looked at the young man’s handsome face. “You and Varik came to visit several times.”
Karvil glanced up, then swallowed visibly and bowed his head again. “Yes, Princess Marina.”
King Kalin was looking at his daughter curiously, so she explained. “Varik is Shari’s little brother. Karvil and Varik are sort of like Stavin and Karvik. If one of them is getting into trouble, you can bet the other is close behind.” She chuckled at the blush that was coloring Karvil’s ears.
King Kalin smiled sadly. “I had a friend like that.” He heaved a deep sigh, then looked at Karvil and nodded. “Congratulations on your wedding and on your success against the Warmaster. Return to your post.”
Karvil snapped to attention and then bowed deeply. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Then he took three steps backwards and turned to leave the suite.
Kalin was nodding in satisfaction. “He handled that well.”
“Couldn’t you hear the quavering in his voice, King Kalin?” Shari asked.
“No, but I get that so often that I don’t always notice. And please, when we are alone, just call me Kalin. You are, after all, my daughter-in-law.”
Shari smiled and bowed her head. “As you wish, Kalin.”
The maids returned with an assortment of sweet treats and set them on the table, and Kalin smiled as he picked up a bowl and offered Karlin some honeyed fruit. Karlin grabbed a piece and stuffed it into his mouth, then grabbed a second piece and stuffed it into Kalin’s mouth. Everyone froze in horror, but Kalin just chomped the fruit and chuckled. “So grandpa gets a treat as well, hmm?” He smiled at the room in general and everyone relaxed.
Kalin noticed Noral peeking out from behind his father and called him over. “You can have some, too.”
Noral came forward timidly and took a piece of fruit, then managed a passable bow and said, “T’ank you, you Majes’y.”
Kalin smiled down at the little boy and said, “You are welcome.” Looking at Aric standing behind the sofa at attention, he nodded. “Your son is well mannered, Sergeant.”
Aric stood just a touch straighter as the king praised his son and replied, “We do our best, Your Majesty.”
Chapter 9
KING KALIN SET KARLIN DOWN AND said, “Marina, take care of Shari and the children. Stavin, come with me.” He turned to go, and Stavin was right behind him. Outside the suite, he found Barvil and his men on the opposite side of the hall, facing both Marina’s guards and his own. He finally seemed to notice Barvil’s shoulder and frowned. “Another Warmaster?”
“This is Warmaster Barvil Kel’Carin,” Stavin explained. “He was the leader of my first expedition, and was with me when we came to the palace.”
“Ah, I remember,” Kalin said as he looked Barvil in the eye. “You managed to impress Dahral quite thoroughly. How many men did you bring?”
“Your Majesty, I brought thirty and three warriors as Prince Stavin’s escort and guard.”
Karvik was just behind his father’s shoulder and King Kalin noticed his twin stars. “And are you the second in command, Wa
rleader?”
Karvik stepped forward and bowed deeply. “No, Your Majesty. I’m only on my fifth expedition, sir.”
King Kalin tilted his head to look at Karvik’s shoulder more closely. “Two stars in four expeditions?”
Stavin grinned and said, “This is Karvik,” as he stepped up beside his friend.
King Kalin smiled. “Ah, your partner in trouble. It seems that he’s nearly as successful in battle as you are. He’s—” the king paused as something caught his eye and looked at the Dragon’s Tongue that one tall young man was holding. “Isn’t that yours?”
Stavin grinned. “King Kalin, this is Shari’s little brother, Varik. I promised him he could use it on his first expedition.”
The king smiled and nodded as Varik bowed deeply. “And did you defeat the Warmaster to get a slot on this expedition as well?”
Varik replied, “No, Your Majesty. I only managed two strikes against Warmaster Kel’Carin before he got his third.”
The king glanced at Karvil standing beside Varik, then grinned at Barvil. “You’re going to have to watch those two closely, Warmaster. They’re likely to end up like these two.” He nodded toward Stavin and Karvik, and both of them smiled broadly at the king.
“One can only hope, Your Majesty,” Barvil replied.
“Come along, Stavin. I’m sure the Prince’s Room is ready by now, but I doubt Marina is going to let Shari and your children loose anytime soon. How many servants will you let me assign to you?”
Stavin had to laugh. “Three maids for Shari and Sora, but I only need one valet.”
The king sighed and shook his head, but didn’t argue. “There are some surprises waiting for you as well. Marina finally has a serious suitor. He’s an Army captain named Markal Zel’Tahran. He’s somewhat younger than her, which is not the usual pattern, but I think the example you and Shari set has made Marina consider men she otherwise wouldn’t have.”
Stavin nodded and said, “Zel’Tahran,” in a soft, thoughtful tone. “Is he related to General Zel’Fordal’s Chief of Staff?”
Farindian Summer (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 4) Page 6