“Sire, I believe finding the Sentinals is only part of the quest. The Lady said: ‘Find the forgotten, heal the wounded’. I believe the descendants are the wounded and are also lost.” He recapped all that he had learnt about the Ascendants from the Sentinals, from their persecution to the existence of powerful crystals.
“You can sort of see why they would be unhappy with us,” the king said, “but all of this dissent has been going on silently. Why haven’t we heard anything before?”
“I can only surmise, but after years of perceived injustice and persecution, there is now a belief that they are and should be the dominant family ascendant over everyone else. I think they want to prove they should be the ruling family in the same way their forefathers did. I think they have been searching for knowledge that would give them power, and that seems to be the crystals. They’ve found a source for the crystals. They must have found an old mine, and the only place the Sentinals have mentioned in relation to crystals are the Telusion mountains in Terolia, only they are no longer marked on the map.”
“Telusion mountains,” mused the king. “That’s an old name. They were destroyed, weren’t they? The volcanoes erupted all along the southern coastline when the Lady sundered the Bloodstone. The Ascendants must have found a new source. More worrying is the fact that they have found someone who can create powerful magical objects.”
“We could have them too if we can find the crystals. A Sentinal called Niallerion is familiar with them, so it would be useful if we could find him. We also have one dead communications crystal,” he said, producing the cloudy crystal he had brought with him and handing it to the king.
The king turned it over in his hand. “It doesn’t look like much.”
“It’s clear when it’s active, cloudy when the power is used up. I understand there is a limit on the distance it will work across, but you can see how useful it would be if you were directing multiple groups at once.”
“And something we would find difficult to combat. An Arifel is not particularly reliable,” the king said with a short laugh, handing the crystal back. “What other news have you?”
“I restored Sentinal Laerille in Marchwood, but she didn’t have a tree. She had been mortally wounded when Anterion dragged her into his sentinal. They healed her wounds, but she wasn’t there physically. I had to plant another sentinal for her to be released,” Jerrol said, wincing as he heard himself say such words aloud. It all sounded so farfetched.
The king stared at him in wonder. “You can create new sentinals?”
“Not by myself. The Land helped, and between us, we produced twelve more seeds. Lord William and his nurserymen are growing them, so they will be ready for when we find the missing Sentinals, but there are only twelve seeds, and that was draining,” Jerrol admitted. “What if we need more?”
“Then I expect the Land will assist you when you need them. Don’t borrow trouble, Jerrol. You won’t be able to save everyone, so don’t expect to. You have to be prepared for losses. None of this is going to be easy.”
“I need to go to Terolia,” Jerrol said, suddenly standing and walking back over to the map. His eyes wandered over the Sentinal’s golden stars spread across the desert kingdom. “Everything leads back to Terolia,” he said. “Ascendants, crystals, missing Sentinals. Find one, find them all.”
The king rose and joined him at the table. “Very well. Tonight, you rest. Tomorrow, spend some time in the archives. Find out all you can about Telusion mountains, mines, and the Terolian families. I will do the same.
“We will plan your trip to Terolia, but before that, I believe we have visitors. Anders will be home and it’s time to celebrate. This next week will be about presentations and dinners, so be warned, I expect your attendance. You are my eyes and ears. I want to know what is being said and by whom. I will grant an audience and speak with Alyssa and Jennery. You make valid points. Let’s see what they have to say for themselves.”
Jerrol nodded agreement. “Yes, sire,” he said as the door opened and Darris poked his head in.
“Your Majesty, Prince Anders has arrived.”
The king’s face lit up. “Excellent, send him in.” He turned to Jerrol and said as an aside, “I’m appointing him as the new chancellor. Keep it hush, but he needs the experience. I’ll announce it later this week.”
Jerrol grinned in return. “Excellent move, Your Majesty.” He bowed as a wiry, dark-haired young man, the image of the king, entered the room.
“Jerrol!” the prince exclaimed. “It’s an age since I last saw you. You must promise to meet me in the ring later, and we can catch up properly,” he promised, with a gleam in his eye.
“It would be my pleasure, your highness,” Jerrol responded with a grin.
“But not until later in the week,” the king interrupted. “Jerrol needs to rest. Starting now, you are off duty. I’ll speak to you tomorrow. Anders, my boy, tell me everything,” the king said expansively, turning to wrap an arm around his younger son’s shoulders.
Jerrol bowed, turned smartly, and left the room. Darris closed the door behind him.
Jerrol found Jennery, Landis, and Bryce in the guest barracks. They had made use of the bathing facilities and were seated on the beds at the end, talking in low voices. Jennery looked up with a grin as he saw Jerrol approach. “You made it back safe, then?”
Jerrol leaned against the post at the end of the bed. “As did you, I see. You made good time.”
Jennery laughed. “Alyssa was eager to get here and receive the king’s approval for her to take Guardianship of Deepwater so she could return as soon as possible. I think Denirion is pining already.”
“Ah, sounds like he’s going to be a hard taskmaster,” Jerrol grinned, relaxing into the easy banter.
“He needs to be. Lots to put right in that Watch,” Jennery said, sobering up.
“True, and tension on the border won’t help, either,” Jerrol agreed.
“Tension on what border?”
“You need to keep an eye on the politics if you are going to lord it over that Watch.” Jerrol grinned wryly. “Especially your soon-to-be northern border with Elothia. If you are defending Deepwater, you need to be aware of who borders your land. The Grand Duke’s daughter is currently under house arrest. He is not too happy about that.”
Jennery gasped in horror as Jerrol chuckled. “Admittedly, your northern border is shorter than Stoneford’s, but yours does have that really flat, inviting river plain, which is much easier to cross than the mountain ranges.”
Bryce grinned at Jennery’s dismay. “And here you thought you were going to have a nice, cushy life.”
Jennery recovered his composure. “Now that would be too boring. A little tension now and then never hurt anyone,” he said, comfortably back on balance.
“Well, you need to convince the king first. He is ready to be convinced, so I hope you have your arguments ready,” Jerrol said.
“You’ve spoken to him?” Jennery asked.
“Just now. He is eager to fete his guests; I think he is ready to party. He was talking about presentations and balls and dinners, and Prince Anders is home,” Jerrol said as if the last point cinched it, which it did.
Landis laughed as Jennery shuddered in horror. “You’d better get used to escorting your lady to balls and such like events. This will be your new battlefield during peacetime,” he said.
Jennery held his head in his hands. “That explains all the luggage Alyssa insisted we bring, even though she kept saying we would only be here a few days.”
“A week, at least,” Jerrol said.
“I need to buy more clothes,” moaned Jennery.
“Well, you could try, but I haven’t managed to persuade the Lady to change my uniform for anything else so far.”
“But if we explain it’s for a ball,” Jennery suggested hopefully.
“I’d be careful what you wish for,” Jerrol advised, pushing himself off the post. “I’m beat and off duty, so I’m
going to have an early night. This week is going to be hectic. I’ll be at the Chapterhouse in the morning. I need to speak to Liliian about some additional researchers. You should show Alyssa around while it’s quiet. I’m sure she’d love it.” He gave them a casual salute as he sauntered out of the room.
16
Chapterhouse, Old Vespers
Taelia was sitting in the garden enjoying the morning sun on her face when she heard voices by the fountain. A smile lit up her face as she recognized Jerrol’s voice. He was back; he had been away for far too long. Torsion was right; he was never here when you wanted him, always gallivanting off on errands for the king. She never knew where he was, and he wasn’t very good at writing to her. Admittedly, someone would have to read it to her, her lack of sight galling in some ways, but her other senses compensated most of the time. At least it would have shown he was thinking of her.
She was preparing to rise when she heard a woman’s voice and paused. The woman’s voice was playful as she teased Jerrol, and the undercurrent of amusement in Jerrol’s voice in response sent an unexpected flash of jealousy through her.
She could just make out his voice as he spoke to the girl.
“Alyssa, honestly, it was my pleasure. I am glad you are back to full health.”
“Thank you, Jerrol. I love it here; the company is so exquisite,” Lady Alyssa replied. “So much more considerate than Deepwater. I look forward to improving the welcome next time you visit.”
Jerrol chuckled knowingly, and Taelia's stomach twisted. How could he flirt with another woman right in front of her? She simmered silently as the voices finally faded away.
A little while later, she jumped as Jerrol flopped down on the bench beside her. “Taelia, what a week,” he murmured. She heard the fatigue in his voice. The sense of his exhaustion tinged her awareness of him. The bench creaked as he dropped his head back against the wood.
Her hand strayed toward him. Just his presence eased her heart. But no, he was paying attention to that other woman. Maybe she assumed too much.
“Been busy?” she asked.
Jerrol stirred at the edge in her voice. “Is everything alright?” he asked, rolling his head to see her face.
“Oh, yes.” She tried to smile. “Just working a tricky problem right now.”
“Ah, I was hoping to ask for your help on something.”
She heard him rub a hand over his face.
“Maybe another time?” Taelia said through her teeth. “I’m busy right now.” A sense of loss flooded through her as her awareness of him faded as he unconsciously withdrew whatever it was they shared. He stiffened beside her before the bench creaked as he rose to his feet.
“I apologise for disturbing you,” he said, his voice neutral, giving nothing away. His footsteps faded before she could retract her hasty words.
She regretted her words straight away. How could she have been so stupid? She had heard his fatigue, and she had sent him away and in a fashion that had made him put up his defences. She hadn’t given him a chance to tell her what he had been doing or ease his tension. Restless, she rose, intending to return to her office.
Walking down the corridor, she paused outside a meeting room as she heard Jerrol’s voice. He was tired and frustrated, and a young woman’s voice interrupted. It was that girl again from the fountain. Taelia’s mouth tightened as she listened. And then to her great surprise, she heard something even more galling; the novice, Mary, spoke suggesting a research protocol. He had found another scholar to help him instead of her. How dare he? she thought, forgetting that she had told him she was too busy.
She stomped off, before the rumble of Jennery’s voice suggested he escort Alyssa back to the palace before she was missed.
The group broke up, and Jerrol thanked Mary for her help and swore her to secrecy, not that it was needed; the Deane had already told her the project was confidential and she wasn’t to speak of it to anyone. “I think we all need a break, me especially. Let’s reconvene tomorrow.”
Jennery flicked Jerrol a glance but didn’t say anything as he offered Alyssa his arm and escorted her out of the room. Jennery glanced back. “Jerrol?” His face mirrored his concern.
“I’m fine.” Jerrol sighed, exhaling his breath in a rush. “I’ll see you when you return to the palace?”
“We’ll be here for the king’s ball, and then we leave for Deepwater.” Jennery grinned at Alyssa. “I think it’s time the new guardian took up residence, don’t you?”
Alyssa smiled in return. “Yes, Denirion is not happy. He is anxious without us, and we need to start rebuilding as soon as possible.”
“In the morning, then. Keep safe, you two,” Jerrol said as they walked away, their heads together. He sincerely hoped the reclaiming of Deepwater would go smoothly. He wasn’t so sure. It wasn’t clear to him what the Ascendants were intending, and he had yet to find any reference in the records.
Enough for today. He would spend the afternoon in the king’s archives, and then he would get up early tomorrow and start again; maybe he would be in a better frame of mind. First though, he would visit Torsion.
Making his way through the dim corridors, Birlerion a silent shadow at his shoulder, he paused outside Torsion's door. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he knocked on the door, and opened it as Torsion's voice bade him enter.
“You wanted to see me?” Jerrol said as he moved some papers off a chair and collapsed onto it.
Torsion peered at him. “What’s the matter? You look awful.”
“Nothing. I’m heading back to the palace, but I got your message, so I thought I’d check to see if you were here.”
Torsion straightened. “Where else would I be? I’m not the one jaunting about Vespiri, waking up ancient guards with social problems.”
“Enough, Torsion. They are good people. They are still adjusting; give them a chance.”
“I am. Most of them are alright, but you place too much trust in that Birlerion. I’m surprised he’s let you out of his sight.”
Jerrol grinned. “He’s outside your door, so be careful what you say.”
Torsion strode over to the door and yanked it open. He scowled as Birlerion turned around, raising his eyebrow. He slammed the door shut. “I’m telling you, Jerrol; he is hiding something.”
“He is a Lady’s guard, and I trust him. Trust me, Torsion.”
“Since when did you ignore my advice? Why now? I’ve got your best interests at heart. Your life has been at risk more times since these guards awoke than ever before.”
“That’s because there is an Ascendant threat against Vespiri. The guards are waking because of this threat.”
“Ascendants? Don’t talk rubbish. They were banished with the Lady. There is no threat. They are making it up.”
“Torsion, you know more about the history of Vespiri than any of us. You were chasing down history thieves when I was a kid. What was it you said that time in Stoneford when we first met? There is much history we don’t yet know; that is the joy of research. I would have thought this would be your dream; to have living history at your fingertips.”
“It is, but I am concerned they have affected you somehow. You are different around them.”
Jerrol sighed. “I am responsible for them, and they have just been woken after three thousand years of being encased in a tree. It is not surprising I am different around them.”
Torsion gripped his shoulder. “Jerrol, I’ve never steered you wrong before, but I’m telling you; don’t trust Birlerion until you know more about him. All I’m asking is that you dig a bit deeper. Even your Darian is suspicious of him.”
Jerrol jerked upright. “What?”
“You know it. My Darian, She’vanne said your mare doesn’t like him. Don’t you trust your Darian?”
“Of course I do.”
“Well, why don’t you listen to her, if not me?”
Jerrol massaged his temples. “Torsion, the Sentinals are the Lady’s Guard. The Lady
’s. They are sworn to her and Remargaren.”
“Just because they were sworn, doesn’t mean they still are.”
Jerrol rose. “I don’t know why you are so determined to think ill of them, but they have sworn allegiance to King Benedict. They revere the Lady, and they will protect her people. They report to me, and I am their Captain, and I am telling you they are loyal and trustworthy.”
Torsion stilled. “You are their Captain?”
“Yes.”
“It’s you? You are the Lady’s Captain?”
“Yes.”
Torsion burst out laughing and paced around his room. “I don’t believe it.”
“Why not?”
“You? The Lady chose you? And you are waking the Sentinals?”
“Why is it so difficult to believe?”
“Jerrol, much as I admire your progression through the rangers, even with your recent mishap, you never struck me as a team player. You are always out there on your own, doing your own thing, not listening to anyone else.”
“Maybe that is what has changed,” Jerrol murmured.
Torsion’s eyes narrowed, his gaze drilling into Jerrol. “Maybe you’ve chosen the wrong time to start listening to others.”
“You can’t have it both ways. You can’t tell me to listen one moment and not the next.”
Torsion snorted. “They are deceiving you; that Birlerion is deceiving you. You shouldn’t trust a source you haven’t verified.”
Jerrol gave him a gentle smile. “As always, your advice is solid. I thank you for your concern. But my sources are verified by the Lady, and that is good enough for me.” He turned and opened the door, glancing back at Torsion he left a parting remark. “As such, they should be good enough for you. If I hear of you tainting those sources, I will have words. Am I understood?”
Torsion clamped his lips shut and glared past Jerrol’s shoulder, as he closed the door.
17
Sentinals Rising: Book Two of the Sentinal series Page 13