Sentinals Rising: Book Two of the Sentinal series

by Helen Garraway

  Casting his Captain a withering glance, Birlerion refrained from answering.

  The Ambassador joined them. “Commander Haven, that is not your horse,” he gasped. “She’s a Darian.”

  “She should be right at home in Terolia, then, shouldn’t she?”

  “But how did you get a Darian? They are rare in Vespiri.”

  “Well, it’s a long story. I’ll tell you on the way. She found me.” Jerrol gripped the reins as he mounted and settled in the saddle. He looked down into Birlerion’s stubborn face and knew that even if he said no, Birlerion would still follow him. “This is Sentinal Birlerion. He will accompany us.”

  Nil’ano ducked his head. “Sentinal. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Elder,” Birlerion’s face relaxed as he nodded at the Terolian, and he mounted his horse.

  Jerrol led the way out of the courtyard and down the switchback, and after a thoughtful glance back at the golden buildings of the Remargaren Chapterhouse, turned his back and set a steady pace down the road towards the port where they would pick up the East Road to the Watches. “So, Ambassador,” Jerrol said, “tell me about Terolia.”

  Chapterhouse, Old Vespers

  Mary and Taelia sat on the floor of the stale and musty catacomb that Jerrol had found. Little fresh air found its way down to the depths; another question Taelia filed away for the Sentinals. They must have had some system for clearing the air in the lower levels.

  Taelia ran her fingertips over a section of the wall, frowning at the indentations. She and Mary had settled into a comfortable working pattern, both enjoying the other’s keen wit and intelligence. They had found that they worked very well together.

  “Mary,” Taelia said, her voice trembling. “I am positive this says ‘The Oath Keeper.’”

  Mary sat up in surprise, noting the location of Taelia’s hands. “What does it say?”

  Taelia began reeling off a litany of verses, translating the whole section of the wall. When Taelia finished, Mary whooped. “That’s our key. We can use that to translate the rest. You are brilliant.”

  “W-What did I say?” Taelia stammered.

  “Don’t you remember?” Mary asked.

  Taelia mutely shook her head. Mary read it back, and they both sat there in silence as they digested the words.

  “The Oath Keeper;

  A last resort, a Liege may think

  Yet consider well, before you speak

  Once spoke, invoked, accepted

  No recourse to break the link.

  Keeper empowered, your Oath to hold

  Access denied no longer

  Submit your will and open your heart

  Entwined, you will be stronger.

  Lady’s blessings, her smile aplenty

  A trembling Land acknowledges

  The Oath twixt Lady, Land, and Liege

  A Keeper’s pledge bequeathed.”

  “Do you think the king invoked the Oath?” Mary asked after a short silence.

  “Yes,” Taelia said, “and Jerrol is his Keeper. No wonder he is so desperate to find out all he can. I knew something had changed. He felt different, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. He has this to carry as well,” she murmured to herself. “This we tell the Deane and no one else.”

  “Absolutely,” Mary agreed.

  They rose and brushed the dust of their robes before Mary led Taelia out of the small catacomb and back up the steep stairs.

  24

  Mistra, Terolia

  Var’geris relaxed into the cushions and watched the squat dark-haired man sitting stiff and uncomfortable opposite him. The man was red-faced and perspiring heavily. He was suffering in the heat of the Terolian desert.

  The man ran his fingers around his collar and mopped his face with his handkerchief. “Why don’t you have any fans in here? It is insufferably hot,” he complained in a thin, reedy voice.

  Var’geris raised his eyebrows. “You seem to have forgotten your heritage, Iss’aren. The comforts of the chancellorship have softened you. Maybe you need to stay here for a while and reacclimatize.”

  “Don’t think you are in a position to tell me what to do. I did everything as planned; it was not my fault. You were supposed to have dealt with Haven. I told you he was a threat.” Iss’aren squirmed on the cushions, trying to get comfortable.

  Var’geris flicked his fingers in disdain. “You were responsible for Vespiri. After all, you had Kharel and power over the king. One ranger shouldn’t have upset all your plans. He couldn’t be in all places at once. You should have moved quicker.”

  “Don’t underestimate him. He has the king’s ear.”

  “We have Fenton and the King’s Justice. He will deal with Haven. And just to be sure, I put the Kirshans onto him. They will have the final say.”

  Iss’aren paled. “What? Why did you do that? They will leave a trail of bodies that will lead back to us, you fool. I thought the watchword was discretion. Months I spent laying the foundations, leaving the evidence of the Elothian involvement and their machinations. Vespiri’s eyes should be firmly fixed on the pontifications of the Duke, whilst we finish off Terolia. But the Kirshans shout Terolia. We don’t want them paying attention to us here.”

  “We’ve wasted too much time. The mines gave us nothing. We need the Lady’s Captain; he is the one who will show us the way. I know he’s out there; he is waking the Sentinals. He is the cause of all our troubles. We need to stop him before he finds any others.”

  “And how are we supposed to find out who this mythical saviour is?”

  “You’ll see. The attack on King Benedict’s palace should draw him out. He won’t be able to ignore a direct attack on the king.”

  Iss’aren swallowed. “Are you mad? We weren’t supposed to use any of the powder yet. We don’t have enough of it.”

  Var’geris shrugged. “The reports should start coming through shortly. It’s done. I have the Families in my hand.” He opened his hand out flat. “In two weeks, they will fall. Ensnared and vanquished without a drop of blood being spilt; that should please the fathers.” He clenched his fist, his coal-black eyes glittering on his pale face.

  25

  Stoneford Keep, Stoneford Watch

  Jerrol led Birlerion and Nil’ano under the portcullis and pulled Zin’talia to a halt in the flagged courtyard of Stoneford Keep. He dismounted and rubbed her cheek. She nickered softly and butted him with her head.

  “You’re tired. Let the stable lads do their work. You should rest, as should Birlerion. He’s hardly slept.”

  “You tell him. He won’t listen to me,” Jerrol replied wearily.

  “I can’t fault his diligence. After all, he is keeping you safe, but he looks like he might fall out of the saddle.”

  They had been travelling for five days, stopping at roadside inns instead of using the Waystone, which he would have done if the ambassador had not been with them. He knew Birlerion had barely slept; Jerrol had caught him patrolling during the night, vigilant whilst he and Nil’ano slept. No matter what Jerrol said, Birlerion was determined.

  They had made reasonable time as Jerrol pushed them on late into the evening. He looked at his road-begrimed companions. “We’ll stop here tonight; Jason will give us a bed. We need to stock up before we go into Terolia. This is the start of the hot season.”

  Nil’ano grunted in agreement, swinging his leg over as he slid off his horse and stretching thankfully. “I’d like to have a proper bath,” he muttered.

  Stable lads came running as Jason appeared in the open doorway. “Jerrol, come in. We’ve been expecting you.”

  Jerrol strode across the courtyard. “Jason, I’m glad to see you.” He embraced the Lord Warden. “May I introduce Ambassador Nil’ano of Terolia. He travels with us to Ramila, and you know Sentinal Birlerion.”

  “Welcome to Stoneford Watch, Ambassador Nil’ano. Birlerion, it’s good to see you again.” Jason led the way into the keep. “Let me show you your room, Elder. I am sure
a chance to freshen up will be welcome.”

  “Where’s Chryllion?” Jerrol asked.

  “He’s around somewhere. That man never seems to sleep. Making up for lost time, I suppose.” Jason chuckled. “Freshen up, and then we’ll eat.”

  Jerrol glared at Birlerion. Maybe it was a Sentinal thing. “Birlerion, you are off duty. Go and rest. No arguments! Jason’s men will keep me safe.”

  A little later, Jerrol leaned back in his chair, replete. Nil’ano looked like he was about to doze off. “Nil’ano.” Jerrol nudged him. “Don’t go to sleep at the table.”

  “I’ll show you to your room, Elder,” Birlerion offered, rising. He, too, looked like he would fall asleep where he sat.

  Nil’ano grunted and stirred. “That would be much appreciated. I am getting too old for these jaunts.” He struggled to his feet.

  Jason watched them leave. “Come to my study. You can tell me about Deepwater and the king.”

  The evening passed while Jerrol filled Jason in on the latest happenings at the palace. He leaned back in his chair and said with a tired grin, “I’ve seconded Bryce as my deputy. I need someone I trust at the palace while I am in Terolia.”

  “I had a feeling Bryce wouldn’t come back,” Jason said, frowning out the window. He stared unseeing at the dimly lit courtyard. “You think the substance they used to control the king was found in Terolia?”

  Jerrol nodded. “Along with the crystals that the Ascendants are using to communicate. You know, Jason, it surprises me that there is no mention of any of this anywhere.”

  “Three thousand years is a long time. Many things are forgotten—some deliberately,” Jason said. “I’ll see if we can find anything in our archives, though, to be honest, the king’s archives go back much further.”

  “He’s searching, as is Taelia in the Chapterhouse. We’re all searching. Everyone is searching for something,” Jerrol said, following Jason’s gaze. What were the Ascendants after? He gave a deep sigh as he stood. “I need to speak with the Sentinals before I turn in. I won’t be long.”

  Jerrol wasn’t surprised when Birlerion returned to his shoulder as he set off up the road. He was persistent in his duty and stubborn. And if Jerrol was honest, he was glad of it. The night was dark; the clouds thick. The damp air was heavy with promised rain.

  The small copse of sentinal trees loomed up in front of him, a darker shadow against the night sky. He veered off the road and followed the track to the grove. The stillness of the evening embraced him as he approached, a palpable sense of welcome in the air. He unerringly stopped in front of Tagerill’s tree and laid his hand against the bark.

  “Your Sentinal needs you,” he thought to the tree. “We can’t bring him here. I wondered whether you could go to him? He is with Denirion in Deepwater.”

  Jerrol felt a ripple of assent, and a soft touch embraced him. A fresh zing of green energy flowed through him, and he patted the trunk in thanks. He wasn’t sure what the sentinal could do, but as his foster mother used to say, “you don’t get if you don’t ask.”

  He pushed himself upright as Chryllion stepped forward.

  “Captain, you surely didn’t think you could visit without us knowing?” His deep voice rumbled in his chest.

  “Chryllion,” he gripped his arm in welcome. “How goes it?”

  “It is well. We have cleaned out the barracks and are almost back to full strength. We have closed the pass. They won’t be getting any more contraband through that route.”

  “Good work. Keep an eye on the Elothian border; the Duke is getting testy. I’m just passing through on the way to Terolia, but Tagerill needs some help. I left him at Deepwater, and he wasn’t in good shape.”

  Chryllion nodded. “We heard. Jennery has been keeping us informed.” He drew his breath in as he caught sight of Birlerion. “Where did you come from? I didn’t hear you arrive.”

  Birlerion embraced the older Sentinal. “Just keeping an eye on the Captain,” he began and stopped as the ground began to tremble. Staggering, he gaped in amazement as Tagerill’s tall sentinal began to shimmer. The green fronds of the canopy began to shake violently as the ground vibrated around the roots, shaking the dirt loose, and the tall tree faded out of sight, leaving a slight dip in the ground where it had been standing.

  Jerrol began to laugh. “Oh my, I can’t wait to hear what the new Lord of Deepwater will have to say about this.” He laughed harder as he imagined Jennery’s shock as a new sentinal appeared overnight.

  Sobering up, Jerrol wiped his eyes. “Is there any word from Saerille or Serillion? I’m hoping I’ll be able to call in at the Watch Towers on my way back and seal the repairs properly.”

  “Serillion reported that he had contacted Saerille. She was somewhat drained, and he was taking over the patching. I think the sooner you can seal the repairs, the better, Captain,” Chryllion said.

  “I know. We’ll see you in the morning. We need to get some sleep. We have an early start tomorrow. The sooner I go to Terolia, the sooner I’m back.”

  “As you command, Captain.” Chryllion watched as Jerrol and Birlerion faded into the evening gloom, much like the tree. An icy chill stole down his spine as he stared after them. Chryllion shook off the feeling and stared at the hole left by the tall tree. He was not looking forward to trying to explain that in the morning.

  Deepwater Watch

  Jennery woke as the building shook, instantly alert. He struggled into his trousers and dashed out of his bedchamber, holding them up. Deepwater did not usually suffer from ground tremors, so what was going on?

  He met Peppins on the stairs. “Did you feel it too?” Jennery asked, his gaze darting around the hallway.

  “Yes, the whole building shook. Is it one of those Ascendants’ attacks? I didn’t hear an explosion.”

  “I’m not sure.” Jennery descended the staircase and, not seeing any problems with the building, opened the front door. He met Landis on the steps and relaxed as he saw him was smiling.

  “We have a visitor,” Landis said with a grin.

  “What?”

  “A sentinal tree just arrived. Come see.” Landis’ smile widened as Alyssa appeared behind Jennery, wrapped in a robe. “My lady, it looks like a sentinal tree has just arrived. See for yourself, look!” Landis had led them around the house as he spoke. He flung his hand towards the home lake, where Denirion’s sentinal stood. Only there wasn’t just the one tree; there was now a second, tall and majestic, standing between Denirion’s sentinal and the house. “It just appeared from nowhere. Gave the sentries quite a shock.”

  “The Captain’s work, no doubt,” Jennery said.

  “Got to be Tagerill’s, wouldn’t you say?” Alyssa suggested, sneaking an arm around Jennery’s waist and resting her cheek on his bare chest. “No reason for any other sentinal to come visiting.” She smiled as Jennery hugged her close.

  Lady Miranda stood open-mouthed, having followed them around the building. “That is Sentinal Tagerillion’s tree? Does he know it’s here?” she asked, peering around nervously as if she expected Tagerill to appear out of thin air as well.

  “Ah, Denirion.” Jennery grinned as the tall blond-haired Sentinal approached. “It seems we have a visitor.”

  Denirion’s silver eyes gleamed. “Yes, my lord. As you have surmised, Tagerill’s sentinal tree has travelled. He is exhausted; it takes a lot of effort.”

  “Is there anything he needs? Can we help at all?” Alyssa asked.

  Denirion shrugged. “My lady, I think the only thing he wants is Tagerill. I was just going to get some help to move him. It’s probably best for both of them.”

  “Carry on, then. Everyone who is off duty, back to bed. You can see the sentinal in the morning; he isn’t going anywhere.” Jennery called over Landis. “Keep an eye on him, just in case there is something he needs.”

  Landis laughed. “And how would we know?”

  Jennery shrugged. “I don’t know. Set Denirion on him; he’ll know. I’m g
oing back to bed.” He herded Alyssa and Lady Miranda back into the house.

  The next morning, everyone naturally gravitated to the new sentinal tree. The silver trunk gleamed in the morning sunlight, and the tree seemed to glow. Denirion shimmered out of his sentinal, and Alyssa gave him a quick hug in greeting. “Is Tagerill inside?” she asked.

  “Oh, yes. Tagerill knew he was here and insisted on being transferred. He’ll recover much faster now that his tree is here. Having sustained us for so many years, our own sentinals have a closer link with us, as they already know us so well.”

  Jennery looked around them. “Then I suppose we’d better get this Watch back in order. We have a confirmation to prepare for tomorrow. Let’s make sure we are ready.” Jennery entered his office to find Peppins, the new Watch steward, waiting for him. The reception room next to Alyssa’s study had been repurposed for him.

  “What a night,” Jennery said as he sat behind his desk. “Right, all preparations for the confirmation need to be approved by Alyssa, so make sure they go to her office. Where do you suggest we start?”

  “Security, sir, especially on the Elothian border.”

  Jennery glanced at him sharply. “Has Captain Haven sent word ahead of us already?”

  “Yes, sir. Well, it was a Commander Haven, sir, of the King’s Justice.”

  “He kept that quiet! Is there a full report of the attack on the palace included?”

  “Yes, sir. Enlightening reading.”

  “I’m sure it is. I was there and I don’t know half of what went on. Let me have it and the report on Elothia. I’ll start with those. You can begin to factor in Captain Landis’ unit; he has twenty-four men with him and a further twenty to follow once they’ve recovered. A full battalion.” Jennery took the reports and leaned back in his chair. “We need to consider a recruitment drive. Hopefully, our people will be more willing to support us now that we’ve cleaned house. Landis can set up a training program; the men we’ve got need to be retrained.”