The False Prince (Fall Of A King Book 1)

by Fuller, James

  Berrit did well to pretend to grieve. He could not wait until all of these people were delivered the bloody truth, when they would all fall to their knees and beg for their pathetic lives. Just a while longer, he told himself, reminding himself not to grin.

  In the morning a meeting was called; Lady Tora, Lady Angelina, Raven, General Morris and Prince Berrit were summoned to attend. The mood in the study was very solemn with the news of Lord Tundal's assassination still fresh in their minds.

  "Thank you all for attending this morning." Lady Tora addressed the small group, her eyes still puffy from a night of mourning.

  "What is this meeting about, my Lady?" General Morris asked, leaning back in his chair.

  "With the unfortunate and untimely death of my husband," Tora paused to stifle the tears that threatened to escape, "Draco Kingdom is once again without a leader. No one present has the right or the mind to run the kingdom."

  "Lord Dagon and Lord Marcus are the only two with the right, the bloodline, and the authority to," Raven commented.

  "Agreed," Lady Angelina concurred. "The problem we face is that by last report, Lord Marcus has the fever and does not look as if he will recover, and Dagon is in the field with his army, fighting the barbarians to take back Mandrake."

  "It would appear Lord Dagon is the only option we have then. We should send word to him immediately," Morris replied.

  "Yes, that brings about another problem. We are not sure where to find him,” Tora admitted. "He could be anywhere out there by now, if he is still alive. It may take a fortnight or longer just to send word to him."

  "I know, but what choice do we have?" Morris commented. "I do not understand your haste."

  "I think I know what the ladies are trying to make apparent," Berrit interjected, all eyes falling to him. "While the search for Lord Dagon is underway, there is much that needs to be achieved and kept up in Draco."

  Lady Tora nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Prince Berrit. We cannot just let the Kingdom wane until Dagon is found and returns. Yet none of us are completely qualified to take rule into our own hands."

  "So what are you suggesting we do?" Raven asked.

  "A council," Lady Angelina began, walking around the table. "We form a council until my husband returns to Draco and can take the reins, so to speak."

  "No single one of us - aside from Prince Berrit - truly has any understanding of the full scope of ruling a Kingdom," Tora began. "Prince Berrit, I hope you understand I mean no disrespect when I say this, but since you are Zandorian and have no true ties to us…we could not allow you to take control of our kingdom, but your knowledge is always appreciated."

  "No disrespect at all, my lady. I never expected anything else," Berrit replied, using all of his resolve to control his rage. This was not how he had hoped, nor expected, things to go after the death of Tundal. He had hoped they would be so grief stricken and unfocused that he would be able to pick up the reins of rule without much opposition.

  "Together, we all have the measures to see to the running of Draco. No, it may not be a perfect solution, but I believe it is better than our current circumstances," Tora finished.

  "I agree completely," General Morris replied. "It seems to be our most logical standpoint at this time, until Lord Dagon returns."

  "Good, we will all have our stations and tasks, which we are to oversee at our own accordance. When situations arise that impact the whole, we will come together and hold a vote as to the best course of action with a wider outlook on things," Lady Angelina finished.

  Standing off to one side, barely concealing his anger, we shall see about your precious council, Berrit thought to himself.

  17

  Meath woke to the sound of flowing water and a soft, soothing voice singing an old song that he had not heard since he was a boy. His head began spinning wildly when he tried to open his eyes. He fought to stay conscious. For a few minutes, while he lay there, he almost forgot where he was and what had happened to him. He wondered if he was dead and the voice singing this alluring melody was a servant of the Creator coming to collect him. He rolled over to get a glimpse of what his collector looked like and agony assaulted his every sense.

  "Are you okay, Meath? You should not try to move," the voice informed him.

  Meath opened his eyes and looked up to see whose voice had delivered the sound. Kneeling in front of him was a beautiful redheaded young woman that Meath was sure he had seen before. She was staring back at him with an extremely distressed looked upon her smooth face. She dampened a cloth in a cup of water and placed it on his head. Meath flinched when the cool water touched his skin, but quickly rejoiced in the soothing feeling that accompanied it.

  "It is okay, Meath - I am not going to hurt you," she whispered tenderly.

  It all started flooding back into his mind. The memories came back so fast it disorientated him even more and he had to fight the urge to vomit. He tried to speak but no words escaped his dry lips before everything went dim and he slipped out of consciousness again.

  "I promise it will all stop soon, Meath - the poison is almost out of your system," Kara whispered to him, rolling him over on his side and remoistening the cloth on his head to help hold his fever at bay.

  Kara had found Meath the morning after he escaped - he was unconscious when she had found him, and the poison in his wounds had spread further than she had expected. She did not know if she could save him. The last two days and nights she had been using every potion she could possibly think of and find ingredients to make. She had absorbed so much life force from the vegetation around them that for a dozen paces in each direction everything had wilted and died, even the dirt had lost its rich, moist texture and was now close to ash. She hated defiling the land like that, but knew it was necessary to save his life. She had been able to heal the physical wounds and stop the poison from spreading further, but he still had to fight what was already in his system. The battle seemed to be going nowhere, for over the last two days he did not seem to be getting better, but neither did he seem worse. Today was the first day he had come to - even if it were only for a moment, it was a positive sign.

  Kara wondered how Daden had faired and hoped he found shelter and safety. She knew Daden could take care of himself, but he, too, had been wounded badly in the fight and if barbarians had discovered him, he might not have been able to fend them off. She sighed deeply. She could not let all these questions assault her mind - it was driving her to her mental limits. She hoped Daden was well and waiting for her and as soon as Meath was able, they would go find him and continue on their way.

  Meath woke again, this time to the sound of birds chirping. He opened his eyes and saw Kara asleep a handspan away from him with her back against the inside of the large hollowed out stump they were residing in. He peered out the leaf-covered opening and saw the faint light of dawn emerging through its cracks. Slowly, with gritted teeth, he rolled himself over onto his arms and knees and had to stifle a cry of agony as pain assaulted him from his mended shoulder and leg.

  Meath glanced over at Kara to ensure she had not heard him move. His attention was captured for a moment by Kara's sleeping form - her fiery red hair framed the soft angelic features of her face. Her lips were plump, alluring, and a vivid scarlet. If she had not wronged him so profoundly, he may have found her attractive. Relieved to find she still slept, he crept out the opening and into the fresh crisp morning air.

  Meath gathered himself up, testing his weight on his injured leg, and was disappointed to find it would not hold much weight before the pain was too great.

  "Leaving without even saying thanks?" a very sarcastic Kara said from behind him. "Just like a man."

  Meath did not even turn to look at her, he just ran, trying to forget the pain he was in. He did not make it more than three steps before he pitched forward from the pain erupting through his injured leg and body.

  "Please, Meath, do not make me be the bad guy and have to restrain you again," Kara pleaded with h
im. "Just cooperate with me, you are still weak and exhausted from your wounds and the poison that was in your system," Kara explained to him, putting her hands out in an offer to help him off the ground. "We have enough enemies out here," she gestured to their present surroundings. "Neither one of us can afford more right now."

  Meath knew she was right. He could not escape - he was far too weak and with the barbarians and Priestesses about, he would not last long in his present state. He started to move his hand up to reach for hers when he noticed he was not bound by the hemp rope they had used before to impede access to his Gift. He would ensure she would not get it around him again. He grabbed her hand and she helped him up.

  "Let us sit outside and get some fresh air - I am sure it will do you good," Kara said, leading him over to a log she had moved the day before to use as a seat.

  Meath looked around and noticed all the dead foliage and the ash-covered ground, then looked back to her, confused.

  The weak smile she gave him was full of guilt. "It took a lot of life energy to heal you and I could not afford to move around and collect it - you needed it as quickly as I could draw it out."

  "You have my thanks."

  She smiled at him, "You are welcome." She made a small pile of branches and dried shrubbery and started a fire. "Hand me that pot, but be careful."

  Meath picked up the small pot and was surprised it was partly full of water - he took the lid off and noticed several small crayfish swimming inside. His stomach promptly reminded him he had not eaten in days as he returned the lid and handed her the pot.

  "I thought I found you too late. I was sure you were going to die on me," she admitted with true distress, placing the pot on the small fire to boil. "I will give you the rest of today and tonight to rest and build you strength, then we must find Daden and get to Salvas as soon as possible, this has taken far too long already," Kara explained to him, and then realized she had said something she should not have.

  Meath's mind raced with questions that he so desperately wanted answers to. He watched her busy herself with the crayfish - he could tell she was hoping he did not catch what she had said. "Why are you taking me to this place, Salvas?" He asked bluntly, hoping since Daden was not around that Kara might indulge him some answers finally.

  Kara bit her bottom lip and muffled a curse. "Meath, you know I cannot tell you. I just need you to trust me."

  "How am I to trust you? You took me against my will, confined me like a prisoner, and almost got me killed so you could take me to a place I know nothing about, for reasons you will not tell me! You talk of trust like you have earned it." Meath responded bitterly.

  "I know I have no right to ask for your trust, but I am asking anyway. I am not asking as a friend, or as someone who has earned the privilege - I am asking as someone who has spent nearly a year of my life looking for you because I know how important you really are."

  "I could have left you two to die back there," he muttered coldly, trying to hide his shock that she had been looking for him for a year.

  "Then why did you not, Meath? Why not take your chance and run when I cut you free and let them kill us? Do you know why? Because I know why."

  "I am not a heartless bastard who just lets people die, unless I truly know they deserve it."

  Kara smiled softly. "And that is why we need you, because you are not heartless, not like him. You are different, you are the better," she replied, again realizing she said more than she should have and turned back to the boiling pot. "I guess we are even. You saved my life and I saved yours," she quickly added, hoping to curve the conversation.

  "Why am I needed? Who am I not like?" Meath asked and seeing her hesitation added, "give me something Kara, you owe me that much at least."

  Kara stared silently at the small wavering flames before answering him, wondering how much she should tell him. "You are needed, Meath, for something far greater than you could ever realize," she said with an unknown awe in her eyes.

  "And what if you have the wrong guy?" Meath countered.

  "No, it is you - I can tell by your eyes. They are the same as theirs." Kara answered. "I can tell you no more, Meath. You will get all your answers when we reach Salvas - I promise you."

  Meath sighed in near defeat. "I have never heard of this place before - it is on no map I have ever seen."

  "That is because it is not on any map, only those who live there know of its existence." She removed the pot from the flames to let it cool.

  "I am sure people have stumbled upon it by mistake, or have seen smoke from its fires."

  Kara smiled, shaking her head softly, "No one can see the town - it is hidden by magic. The only way in and out is if you have a key." She was staring down at a finely crafted ring on her right hand. It was a solid black band, but not of metal - it had the look of smooth stone from what Meath could see. "It is such a wonderful place, Meath - you will like it there."

  "That smells so good," Meath said, his stomach growling angrily at him.

  "It is plain, but it will take that growl out of your gut," Kara laughed.

  "I am sure it will be the best thing I have eaten in days," Meath joked.

  "You are a lot more talkative now that Daden is not around," Kara smirked.

  "The company does not seem as hostile." Meath laughed, taking the small wooden plate she handed him with two steaming crayfish on it.

  "Are you going to come willingly now?" Kara asked bluntly and very seriously after they had finished inhaling the crayfish.

  Meath put his plate down. "It does not seem like I have a choice either way, now does it?" Meath remarked a little bitterly.

  "No, you do not, but I would really rather not have to drag you there kicking and screaming the whole way," she said honestly with a hint of humor.

  "The sooner we get there, the sooner I can leave," Meath lied.

  She smiled at him. "I am glad to hear that. Now you need to do some walking to get your muscles working again, not to mention you need to bathe."

  Meath turned his head down and sniffed himself, frowning at the horrendous smell rolling off him in waves.

  "Yes, it is that bad," Kara teased.

  She helped him down to the creek, not far from their camp and let him wash and clean himself up while she went upstream a ways to give him some privacy and to search for more crayfish.

  Meath was surprised about the amount of space and freedom she was allowing him. He thought about running while he was down at the creek, but decided it was better if he waited - she could be testing him. He decided to earn more of her trust - besides, he knew he was still too weak to make it far. Tonight, he would make his escape and he would let nothing stop him this time.

  They sat together later and ate dinner, a small trout Kara had trapped in a side pool of the creek and the last few dry pieces of cheese Kara had left in her pack. She took the dishes down to the creek to wash and left Meath poking at the small fire. As soon as Kara was out of sight, he grabbed her pack and began searching through it. Near the bottom, he found a length of the hemp rope they had used on him. He smiled widely as he stashed it in his blanket. He quickly put everything back the way he had seen it and put her pack back where she had left it.

  He watched the last few pinks and purples in the sky fade to night through the thick canopy - he thought of his friends and how he could not wait to see them again. He thought of Nicolette and how he would take her in his arms and kiss her deeply when he saw her next - he did not care who was around.

  "What are you thinking about?" Kara asked, catching him by surprise.

  "Oh, nothing, nothing of importance," Meath stammered, his cheeks flushing slightly.

  "Anything that makes someone look as happy as you just were would be of importance, I would think," Kara said, sitting down next to him.

  "I was just thinking about my friends," Meath replied, staring into the embers of the dying fire.

  "You will be with them again one day. Now let us get some sleep - we have an
early start tomorrow."

  Meath lay awake, knowing the sun would soon rise and he would finally be free. His hands played with the length of enchanted rope underneath his blanket. The plan had seemed so simple at the time he had thought of it, but now he wondered if the enchanted rope would work the same on a druid. It did not matter now - he had to do something. He would do it before she woke up, it would give him that extra moment of surprise.

  He rolled over to face Kara, who was only a short distance away from him. She was fast asleep on her side. He knew she was a light sleeper and he had to be fast and accurate. He made a loop in the rope at one end and gave it a good pull to make sure it would close fast and hold strong. Slowly, he inched his way over to her and began sliding the loop under her hand and to her wrist. She began to wake up and Meath pounced on her, rolling her on her stomach and holding her firmly to the ground, grappling with her hands behind her back as fast as he could before she realized what was happening.

  "What are you doing, Meath?" Kara screamed, trying to buck him off.

  "Changing the plans just a little. I am not going with you Kara," Meath said, after making sure the enchanted rope was not coming off. "Do not bother trying to escape - it is the same rope you used on me," Meath said, getting off her and backing away.

  "Meath, please do not do this!" Kara cried, rolling onto her back to face him.

  "I am going back to my life, and if you, or anyone else comes for me again, I will kill them. I swear to you I will," Meath replied coldly. He backed out of the shelter to the sight of a few rays of sun gracing the sky, making the beginning of a new day. He smiled widely - he was finally free again.

  "You cannot just leave me here Meath! I will die without being able to use my powers and my hands bound behind my back," Kara yelled out to him. "How am I to defend myself when I am found by enemies?"