by L. R. W. Lee
“If you could just postpone your expedition,” the regent countered.
“That’s not possible, sir.”
The man gave a heavy sigh and nodded. “You can’t say I didn’t try.”
“No one would ever accuse you of that, Ragnar,” Father added. “Thank you for ensuring our queen and her company will be as safe as possible. I know it’ll help me sleep better.”
Regent Bellum lifted his head. “I’ve selected from the best of the best. Prince Andrew, you’ll know most of the men. I’ve assigned a party of eight to this detail: Captain Baldric will head up the mission with Sergeants Albin, Gavin, Terric, Hammond, Fulk, Ector, and Rosser providing security. With their combined capabilities, they will give any would-be attacker something to think about.”
Andy recalled the correction he had received from Captain Baldric last year after failing to follow the chain of command. Andy had deserved the reprimand, and he knew the officer had his and the kingdom’s best interest at heart. Still, the thought of working with him again made Andy’s mouth go dry.
“My men will be ready to leave at first light.”
As the officer bowed and left, Andy spied the cloaked book sitting on the shelf where he had filed it after depositing the phoenix feather the previous year. He strode over, pulled it out, then returned to the others. With no empty spot to place it, Andy retreated to the red rug. He plopped down and balanced it on his crossed legs.
“What are you doing?” Yara queried, kneeling beside Andy.
Mom edged closer while Father and Mermin took in the scene with grins.
“I hold in my hand a book! See?” Andy laughed.
Yara swatted playfully at his arm. “No, really, what are you doing?”
Andy lifted the front cover, pulled on the white loop handle to access the interior compartment, then reached in and extracted the phoenix feather. The instant the plume rose above the book both Yara and Mom gasped.
Grinning, Andy asked, “Look familiar?”
Yara took the crimson feather and studied it. “Is this from the phoenix?”
“It is.” Andy proceeded to withdraw the unicorn horn, vial of venom, and Abaddon’s red scale. “Every ingredient I’ve collected is in here.”
The princess could only nod. “Were each of these as hard to get as this feather?”
Andy bobbed his head. “They’ve all been different trials, but yes, each has been difficult in its own way.”
Andy glanced up. Mom held a hand to her mouth and Father pulled her close with an arm around her shoulder. Andy replaced the ingredients then looked to the first page. A single word occupied the otherwise empty folio:
Courage.
He flipped the page over, hoping for more, but the giver of the book left no other admonitions. Andy swallowed hard.
“You okay?” Yara tried to catch his eye but he focused on the message.
A minute passed and Andy sighed as he closed the book. “Come on, we need to tell Alden and Hannah the plan.” Andy reshelved the volume, then headed for the door, Yara following right behind. “We’ll see you later.”
That night Andy stared at the ceiling, reflecting on the disturbing conversation he and Yara had with Alden after dinner. While his friend had not said no to joining the company, he had not said yes either. Alden had been unusually quiet, which was not surprising. Clearly, events had stirred up a cauldron of memories that again boiled over, leaving remnants charred on his friend’s mind. No matter how vigorous the scrubbing, the seared images would never be completely erased.
Andy’s mind replayed Alden’s story, inserting Father and Mom into the mix once more. Horror upon horror visited his mind, causing him to toss and turn. Exhaustion must have finally won, for he woke to gray, foggy skies peering into his window.
Andy stretched and yawned. At least it’s not raining.
He brushed his teeth and combed his hair first. Let’s not have a repeat of yesterday, he goaded himself. He changed into the brown tunic and gray leggings that lay on the chair beside his armoire. After tucking his pouch inside the garment, he fastened the new holster Cadfael had given him last night, complete with a shiny dagger. Cadfael sure is observant. Upon presenting the belt, the big man had commented wryly that Andy had again returned without it. He joked that while most folks made due with one holster for a decade, Andy seemed to be going through them annually.
Methuselah. With that thought, the hilt appeared in his hand and he nestled it in its custom compartment. He packed two changes of clothes, matches, a long-sleeved gray linen undertunic, and a rain poncho that was considerably shorter than the first time he had worn it four years ago. He secured his bedroll to the bottom of the pack with the leather straps. After sliding on new sandals he found under the chair, he surveyed his room. What will this trip bring?
He headed out the heavy wooden door and immediately heard a shrill squawk from the niche to his left. “Fair thee well, Prince Andrew!” The two-foot statue of Sir Lancelot continued pressing his foot down on the neck of a squirming Clarence the Barbarian, his prisoner. “Off on another adventure?”
“I am. Headed to get the claw of a griffin.”
The little knight shivered. “Beware of those sharp-beaked hounds that do not bark. Do not approach them.”
“Then how would you suggest I get a talon?”
“Not sure, having never confronted the beasts myself, but they are not a creature to be trifled with. Be careful, my prince.”
“Thank you for that, Sir Lancelot. I’ll do my best.”
“And I shall do mine to keep this rogue from eliciting more havoc on the peace of our fair castle.” The small knight saluted Andy who returned the gesture with a chuckle before continuing down the hallway toward breakfast.
Reaching the dining hall, Andy noticed Father, Mom, and Mermin had not yet made an appearance, but he spotted Alden seated next to Hannah halfway down the long communal table. They appeared deep in conversation.
“Did you hear?” Yara waltzed up behind Andy, intercepting him before he had taken a step. She wore a dark brown leather tunic that laced up the front, under which she wore a long-sleeved black undertunic with hood. A holster equipped with a sword and dagger hugged her middle, and a dark pair of pants completed the ensemble. It reminded Andy of the costume he had seen an assassin wear in one of his video games. The darkness of the outfit contrasted with her long blonde hair and made her all the more alluring.
Andy pried his attention from Yara’s wardrobe and replied, “Hear what?”
“Alden’s decided to join us.”
“That’s a relief. I hoped he’d come around. He’s always joined me on these missions, and it wouldn’t have been the same without him. I wonder what made him change his mind?”
Yara shrugged then followed Andy in Alden’s direction, but they stopped short as Father hailed, “Son!” and strode toward them with Mom at his side. While the King wore his standard black T-shirt and jeans, Mom sported a hunter green tunic with a long-sleeved white undertunic and charcoal pants. A belt with two anelaces, one on either side, hung about her waist. She had slung a small pack with bedroll over one shoulder and held a gray wool traveling cloak over her arm.
Father and son embraced then joined their companions at the table. Razen appeared and tested the King’s cereal and eggs. After satisfying himself that all appeared fit to eat, he turned and left, giving no one but Father any notice.
He’s such a strange bird…and in cahoots with the enemy. Andy narrowed his eyes.
Mermin joined them as Andy dug into his scrambled eggs and bacon.
Father leaned forward and in a hush asked, “I need you all to do me a favor. As you go, pay attention to everything you see. My men bring me intelligence reports, but sometimes I wonder if they are complete. Being cooped up in this castle again with no way to verify, I’m at their mercy. And while I trust them, it’s always good to have multiple sources of information.”
Mom patted Father’s arm as Andy and Yara b
obbed their heads in agreement.
Andy had just tossed his napkin on the table and pushed back when Captain Baldric approached, bowed, and kissed the King’s ring. “Your Majesty, my men stand ready in the entry.”
“Thank you, Captain.”
Father rose, signaling the family and friends of company members to approach. Cadfael gave Hannah a firm hug and a few encouraging words then passed her on to her mother and siblings. The beefy man then put his arm around Alden and bent forward in private conversation for several minutes.
Andy approached Marta, who stood quivering nearby, and held her in an embrace. “Alden told me what happened with his dad. I’m sorry.” She ran a finger under her eyes and sniffed. The words hung for several seconds and Andy continued, “We’ll be careful.”
Marta’s bright purple hair nodded against Andy’s shoulder. “I know you will, but this task brings back too many memories.” She stepped back and took a steadying breath.
Cadfael thumped his hand on Andy’s back. “Be careful, Andy. Griffin’s are nothing to trifle with.”
Andy nodded.
Hans stopped beside Andy with a package in his hands.
“What’s that?”
“Medicines. Never know when you might need them. Alden knows how to use all of these.”
“I hope we don’t need them.”
Hans nodded, then handed the package to Alden who had turned toward his teacher.
“Thanks.”
“If I can have everyone’s attention,” Mermin sounded above the din. He reached into his robe and extracted three silver discs, each the size of a half dollar. Handing one to Hannah, Alden, and Yara, he explained, “This unit will pwotect you fwom the enemy so long as you wear it on your person. With it, zolt cannot harm you. It has pwoven effective with our military and is what we are working hard to fabwicate and distwibute to all citizens.”
“What about Andy and Queen Emmalee?” Yara objected.
“We got ours several months ago,” Mom assured.
“Oh.”
Andy felt the contents of his pouch through his tunic and found comfort as he grasped the disc. That is, until a thought flitted across his brain: He couldn’t have tested it against the bellicose. Does it know I’m back?
Silence fell on the group until Mom offered, “Well, we best be on our way.” She took Father’s hand, patted it, and brought it to her heart, giving him a wink that he returned. Andy, with Yara at his side, followed as they meandered out the doors and started descending the grand staircase. But one glance to the foyer below and Andy raced past his parents and down the stairs. Throwing his arms wide, Andy dove into Sergeants Hammond, Albin, Gavin, Terric, and Fulk as they waited for the company.
“It’s so good to see you all!” Andy embraced each man, receiving laughter, smiles, and pats on the back.
Captain Baldric cleared his throat, quashing the celebration as the rest of the group paused at the bottom of the stairs. “Some of you know my men, but for those who do not, let me introduce them.”
The captain held out his arm, fingers splayed toward the far left of the line. “This is Sergeant Terric.”
The soldier took a lumbering step forward and nodded, his face nearly concealed by the avalanche of his raven-black mustache and beard. He dressed in the gray tunic and black leggings Andy had seen him wear on their last excursion. And like before, a spiked flail swung lazily on the left of his weapons belt.
“Sergeant Hammond,” Captain Baldric continued.
The young man responded with a nod and smile. Andy fondly remembered this officer. His face was square with a jawline that could chisel granite, and his piercing gray eyes swept over the company to assess his charges. Over the back of his forest green tunic he carried a bow and quiver. A sword extended from his belt.
“Sergeant Fulk.”
Still the epitome of svelte, the soldier stepped forward, moving his lean, athletic body with confidence.
This guy’s amazing! Andy remembered the sergeant carrying Hans piggyback through the hungry grass. Despite the exertion, the soldier had barely broken a sweat whereas everyone else lay spent on the ground.
Only a widow’s peak at the crown of Sergeant Fulk’s thinning brown hair betrayed any signs of aging since Andy had last seen him. An axe and sword hung at either side, concealing the fact that the real weapon was the man’s body.
“Sergeant Gavin.”
The sergeant stepped forward and raised a meaty arm. His round face, with its flat, broad nose, high arching brows, and sea-green eyes, was exactly as Andy remembered—this soldier had been the anchor who kept the hungry waters of the rain-swollen Crystal River from claiming Andy two years earlier. A leather-handled sword hung from one side of his belt, and a long knife bearing a series of slots hung from the other.
What’s that do? Andy wondered as he studied the strange blade.
“Sergeant Albin,” Captain Baldric announced, bringing Andy’s attention back.
Like Sergeant Gavin, Sergeant Albin had been assigned to the protective detail two years previously. The tall, wiry officer waved an acknowledging hand, lighting up his narrow face and making his blue eyes dance. The man had exchanged one of his swords for a bow that clung to a shoulder.
“Sergeant Ector.”
The sturdily built soldier nodded, causing his tawny curls to cascade forward and briefly conceal his wide mouth and prominent chin. He carried a sword and dagger along with several caltraps in his weapons belt.
Those could definitely come in handy.
“And Sergeant Rosser.”
Andy’s interest peaked as the blond-haired soldier stepped forward. He had a heart-shaped face with wide forehead and pointed chin, a tall neck, and long slender fingers. Even though not in uniform, the man’s cocoa tunic fit his elven frame smartly as if he might win an award for best dressed peasant. He stood tall, his steady gaze studying the company.
As with Sergeants Hammond and Albin, this soldier sported a bow across his back. A sword hung from the belt about his slender waist. A sling with leather pouch and dangling rubber arms protruded from his weapons belt.
Never seen one of those used here. Cool.
“Eleven swords, three bows, one flail, one axe, some caltraps, several daggers, and a sling—it’s a start,” Yara whispered into Andy’s ear, making his stomach clench.
Overhearing her, Captain Baldric replied, “Can never be too prepared. We don’t know what we’ll face.” The officer turned and approached the queen, “If you’re ready, Highness…”
Mom and Father embraced, then shared a kiss that made Andy fidget. Alden hugged Marta, and Cadfael and Lucee formed a Hannah sandwich. A chorus of well wishes followed the company out the heavy wooden door, under the portcullis, and across the drawbridge.
Out of habit, Andy looked up.
CHAPTER NINE
What Danger Lurks?
Foggy gray skies portended showers but had not yet worked up the courage to make good on their threat. Strong gusts buffeted their progress.
At least there’s no zolt…for now.
Sergeants Terric and Fulk took the lead while the captain brought up the rear. The rest of the guard moved into a wheel formation about the perimeter of the company.
By late morning, Andy knew they neared the center of the city of Oops, for the company began passing crimson banners marking the path. Each ensign displayed a lion on the top and a pair of wings on the bottom, separated by a chevron.
“What do the symbols mean?” Andy threw the question out.
“Just like in the Wizard of Oz, the lion represents courage,” Mom volunteered. “Wings denote flight or freedom, and the chevron speaks of protection. Crimson conveys nobility and power. Oops is the king’s city.”
Another message about courage. I hope this is just a coincidence. Andy felt his legs weaken.
Alden adjusted the wide-brimmed, brown leather hat he always wore into town because, despite their fears over Abaddon, people still treated him poorly
if they spotted the telltale sign of his heritage, his neon green hair.
They reached the town square. Andy remembered the area from when Daisy had smelled the King and landed in the square to shrieks from startled shoppers. The space was now eerily quiet. The few townspeople visible through the fog hurried intently about their errands in groups, sporting anxious looks. No one shopped alone.
Andy spotted a sign swinging on an iron bracket mounted above the awning over a door. Rapscallion. Memories of the gifted storyteller flitted about his mind.
“Let’s eat an early lunch before we set out for the Forest of Giants,” Captain Baldric suggested.
No one objected, so Sergeant Terric led the way through the crotchety wooden door that grumbled as it swung. The company followed him into the dim, nearly deserted establishment. Andy waved at Tom the barman, who raised a hand in greeting as he wiped a tankard with a brown cloth.
Alden and Hannah selected a spot near the front window and sat down with their backs to the view. Andy, Yara, and Mom joined them. As Andy fondly remembered, the grain on the tables was smooth from constant use and the chairs teetered unevenly.
Maerwynn, the same maid as on Andy’s previous visit, hustled over to welcome them, and after taking their orders, she scurried toward the kitchen. As they waited, Andy gazed out the dirt-stained window. Abandoned wrappers and other homeless papers hurried along in the gusts. Shards of glass clung precariously from more than one storefront across the way.
Several bird-citizens shuffled by the window and filed into the tavern, taking seats behind their group of five. Andy peered over his shoulder and started bouncing a knee.
Mom, who sat to Andy’s left, reached under the table and pressed a hand on his twitching leg then whispered, “Calm yourself. You don’t know if they’re zolt or ordinary citizens who have encountered unfortunate circumstances.”