Kelian rose from his chair, his face red with anger. His father left the room, taking several minutes to speak to one of the castle servants before returning to face his son. ‘I will send Borgulnay to attempt to intercept them before they reach Three Ways,’ he repeated. ‘Araas, Timbul, I need to know why the fallen are camped on our land. I cannot allow them to remain. The fallen have no regard for human life. They take children for slaves, an appalling crime. Perhaps rumor has exaggerated their reputation but I’ve heard tales of murder, torture, burnings and starvation.’ He paused again as Borgulnay appeared in the doorway. ‘Kelian, please explain the situation to our King’s Captain.’ He turned once again to Araas and Timbul. ‘I know that you both know more of the fallen than you are willing to share. I must protect my people. I must know why they’re moving east and what they’re searching for.’
Timbul and Araas exchanged glances. Both faces were strangely closed. Finally Timbul spoke. ‘Then your Majesty, you must speak to our Father.’
‘I have known you both all my life, and no greater friends could we have. There have even been times when our people have fought beside yours, when you have come to our aid in defense of our borders, yet I don’t know your father and I know very little of your people. I need to know more. It’s strange. We have always called your people the Daoine Maithe, but that is all I know of you. That you are good people.’
‘You need to travel to the Province of the Guardians. Our father will help you, Majesty,’ said Araas.
Dannicus folded his arms. ‘I will prepare to travel tomorrow. You’ll go after my son and protect him?’
‘He’s going with Borgulnay?’ Araas didn’t look at all surprised.
‘I’m certain he’ll do everything in his power to go, regardless of what I say.’ The King sighed resignedly. ‘Short of having him confined to the dungeon there’s little I seem to be able to do to stop him.’
‘Of course we’ll protect him. As is our duty,’ Timbul confirmed.
Dannicus walked out onto the small balcony overlooking the castle gardens. He was yet to breakfast. He turned to the servant standing motionlessly next to the doorway. ‘Send for the Princess Elizabeth and Duke Li, and ask the Duke to bring his Squire. And please ask my Queen to join us. Then arrange for breakfast. Here on the balcony will be fine.’ The servant bobbed his head and scurried away. King Dannicus turned towards a large cushioned armchair tucked away in a corner of the room.
‘Eijelin, you and your partner in mischief may come out of hiding.’
Eijelin eased herself from her uncomfortable hiding place and was followed by a boy of about nine years of age. Eijelin ran to her father and threw herself upon him whilst the little boy stood aside patiently.
‘Elliot, you mustn’t be led by our mischievous little possum who needs more discipline,’ said the King, his eyes twinkling as he knelt and hugged his daughter. The little girl stole the hearts of all, but none more than her devoted father.
‘Your Majesty,’ Elliot looked the King squarely in the eye, ‘please don’t blame Eijelin. It was my idea to come in here.’ This was so obviously a lie that even Eijelin burst out laughing.
‘Elliot, I told you that if you didn’t come with me I wouldn’t help you to climb the-’ She broke off and flushed red as King Dannicus shook his head in disbelief. He turned back to where Jaralina remained seated only to find her fast asleep.
‘Timbul,’ he said, ‘if you would take the Lady Jaralina somewhere comfortable.’ Timbul lifted Jaralina and carried her from the room. Dannicus turned back to Eijelin and Elliot.
‘Out of here, both of you,’ he ordered. The two children ran to the door with the grace of stampeding cattle. ‘Eijelin, Elliot.’ The children stopped and looked back towards Dannicus. ‘I trust you remember not to repeat anything you have heard in this room.’ He was now looking very seriously at the two children.
‘Yes Father,’ Eijelin’s face was surprisingly solemn. ‘I can be trusted and so can Elliot.’
Elliot added, ‘I won’t repeat anything we heard, sir. Anyway, most of other times we hid in here, I didn’t understand anything anyway.’ And with that startling revelation, the two children turned and raced each other down the winding staircase.
King Dannicus called after them. ‘And don’t be following Timbul – give him a little peace!’ He frowned as they both ignored him and followed Timbul in the direction of Jaralina’s room. ‘Racing around the castle like a pair of rambunctious rapscallions,’ he muttered to himself, as he stood back allowing kitchen servants to carry breakfast into the room.
The castle was a lot more crowded now as people made their way to and from the dining hall and began to go about their daily tasks. Ignoring startled looks, Timbul carried the exhausted agent to the room which was reserved for her use. She didn’t stir as he placed her on her bed and arranged the coverlet over her, and he wondered if she was simply incredibly exhausted or if his brother had caused her mind to sleep. He stood watching her for a moment then he leaned down and gently kissed her lips.
‘Bean mo chroi,’ he whispered softly, then turned and left the room, closing the door quietly. He ignored the two giggling children.
The King smiled as Queen Aithne and Princess Elizabeth approached. They broke off their conversation and followed him to the balcony.
‘My two favorite ladies,’ he said kissing each in turn. ‘After Eijelin of course,’ he added with a grin. He helped himself to cup of hot ti-tree tea.
Queen Aithne pretended to look hurt but failed. ‘Are we breakfasting? I know Elizabeth already ate.’
‘That fine. I’ll manage seconds,’ said Elizabeth, sitting her slender body down in front of a huge platter of fruit. ‘Pass me a bowl Danny. Oh, and some toast please. And the honey. Thank you. And a knife. And a piece of…’ She looked up as Dannicus set his tea cup down on the table with an unnecessarily loud thud.
‘What did your last slave die of?’ he asked, feigning impatience.
‘Tea poisoning,’ Elizabeth replied with a sweet smile, and Aithne laughed at Dannicus’ indignant expression.
‘Oh. In that case…’ Dannicus poured her a cup of tea and set it in front of her.
‘Danny why did you send for us,’ asked Aithne. ‘Not that I mind of course.’
‘I need to discuss with you a very disturbing turn of events, but we shall wait for the Duke and his Squire – Daarin’s son. What’s his name dear?’
‘Dale,’ the Queen answered patiently.
‘Yes. Squire Dale. Duke Li seems to think him a very bright young man.’
‘The word ‘bright’ would be an understatement. You have plans for him, brother?’ asked Princess Elizabeth.
The King nodded as Duke Li and Squire Dale paused in the doorway. He motioned for them to take seats on the balcony and the group waited patiently as King Dannicus outlined his conversation with Jaralina. ‘So I have sent Borgulnay to see if he can stop the barge before it gets anywhere near Three Ways. I would have your thoughts. Speak freely,’ he finished.
‘Is the King’s Captain riding?’ asked Duke Li.
‘Only part way,’ King Dannicus shook his head. ‘They’ll leave the horses before the road bends south. There’s no point in taking the horses off the road, the hills are too steep and rough, covered with granite. Horses would only slow the soldiers down.’
‘This thing they’re looking for…or person…at least that doesn’t indicate an invasion,’ said Duke Li.
‘Yes, but if they’re camped at Three Ways then technically they’ve already invaded, darling,’ said Princess Elizabeth.
‘Yes, that’s true. But the fallen know we’re loath to start a full scale war with them unless they actually cause a lot more trouble than camping on Alkiran land – which they do frequently enough to make anyone nervous.’
‘I’ll wager the people of Three Ways think that having the fallen camped nearby forebodes trouble. Do you remember when they made a camp near Fishing Point?’ asked Queen Aithne.
‘Well do I remember,’ the Kings voice was full of controlled anger and seeing the curious look on Squire Dale’s face he explained. ‘It turned out to be a rallying point for the invasion and destruction of Fishing Point which they believed was their territory. Of course the fallen believe the entire land is their territory. The township was destroyed, men, women and children. Those who were not killed were taken for slaves. Unfortunately the people of Tatharlia were too weak to defend themselves and now the fallen control the land almost as far north as the Cold Mountains. The only reason the Tatharlians still dwell in the north western corner is because the nomads of Sagria came to their aid. It’s supposed the Sagrians were once of the same blood as the Tatharlians. The Sagrians have their own idea of where certain borders should, and should not be. They are a people who despise interference from others. Both the Tatharlians and the Sagrians refuse the help of the guardians.’
Dale raised his hand and Dannicus nodded, giving him permission to speak. ‘Maybe it’s a ruse,’ he said.
‘Continue,’ King Dannicus ordered.
‘Well, maybe there is no object or person that the fallen are seeking. What if the fallen really do mean to invade Alkira? They know we’ll be suspicious of any of their warriors moving through the realm. So they invent a reason, carefully delivered to one of our agents. The agent, whether they’re an innocent pawn or a traitor, tells us just what the fallen wish us to believe. So we sit back and wait to see if they cause trouble, which gives them the time to bring in even more people.’
‘It does seem that something terrible happens every time Nandul of Tarl is involved,’ Dannicus commented.
‘That murderer!’ Dale spat out the words in anger and added a few choice curses.
Duke Li placed his hand on his Squire’s shoulder. ‘Remember, you are addressing His Majesty.’
Squire Dale’s face flushed deep red. ‘I apologize, Majesty.’
‘He has much blood on his hands, Squire. That of your parents and the people of your home town,’ said Dannicus, ‘and apparently he killed a guardian called Tebur, son of Lord Tiernan and Lady Karrijeuiga of Daoine Maithe, though reports of this event are a little vague. No-one seems to remember exactly what happened and I’ve never asked Timbul or Araas.’
‘He killed a guardian!’ Dale was aghast. ‘Is that possible?’
‘Very difficult for us, not so difficult for the fallen, it would seem,’ answered Dannicus.
‘The fallen have ever resented the Daoine Maithe, but to murder the son of the Lord and Lady seems nonsensical,’ said Aithne.
‘To murder my parents was nonsensical,’ said Dale.
‘Not to Nandul,’ Li observed. ‘When he went after Tebur he decided the best route was past Storm Haven and up the eastern coast. The only obstacle was the garrison at East Inlet. Baron Daarin had established continual patrols between the mountains and the sea, but the fallen moved through fast and they practically removed East Inlet from the map. It wasn’t difficult then for Nandul to approach the southern borders of the land of the guardians.’
‘How was the guardian killed?’ asked Dale.
‘Witnesses disagree on exactly what happened,’ said Elizabeth. ‘Apparently Tebur was more than Nandul’s match with the sword and when it appeared Tebur would have victory Nandul drew a knife and threw it at one of the humans. They say Tebur leapt in front of the human as he saw was his duty and the knife hit him. Apparently it wasn’t a terrible wound, but some say Nandul must have poisoned the blade.’
‘That sounds like the fallen. They are entirely without honor. Nasty, sneaky, malicious bastards,’ said Dale angrily.
‘I understand your animadversion,’ Li said adamantly. ‘We came as quickly as possible from Emerald. We were too late, but even had we arrived earlier it’s unlikely that we could have made any difference. You were one of the few survivors Dale.’ The group sat silently for a few minutes.
‘Do we know which way they came into Alkira this time?’ Aithne asked Dannicus.
‘The Ice Coasts are dangerous during the winter so perhaps they came across Skeleton’s Rest.’ The pass through the desert had originally been called Sheldon’s Quest, after Sheldon of Sagria who successfully found a way across the dangerous, burning desert sands. Most people now called it Skeleton’s Rest due to the large number of remains of people who had not successfully crossed the stretch of desert.
‘If they came through the desert, the people of Sheldon’s Mark would have noticed them,’ Elizabeth commented, referring to the small township on the western edge of the desert.
‘But if they somehow managed to come across the Ice Coast and past the Emerald Mountains I doubt anyone would have seen them. Their skills in the forests and mountains are unsurpassed,’ said Duke Li, ‘with the exception of the guardians…and perhaps that Captain...’
‘Borgulnay?’ the King smiled.
‘Yes. Borgulnay; he’s a ghost, that one!’
‘So; are the fallen actually looking for something, and if so, what or who are they looking for?’ Queen Aithne dragged the conversation back on track.
‘And if they’re not looking for something, should we strike now?’ asked Li. ‘And if we strike now, can we overcome them or even drive them back to their own land? If we don’t strike, will we regret our indecision?’
Dale shook his head. ‘If they attack us, we’d be fools to believe we could defend ourselves without help. Surely we need to find out what they’re up to before we attempt something so absurdly reckless.’
‘Timbul suggested I speak to his father,’ said Dannicus.
‘I don’t imagine Timbul would have made that proposal lightly,’ said Li.
Dannicus sat in silence for a moment before speaking. ‘I would like a moment with my Queen please.’
Everyone rose and followed Duke Li across the balcony leaving King Dannicus and Queen Aithne alone. A few moments later the King spoke quietly to Duke Li and Princess Elizabeth and everyone returned to the table. Dannicus folded his arms and leaned on the table.
‘Aithne, take Eijelin south by ship to visit your mother in Tarlique. Beth will be delighted to see you both. If the fallen are planning anything that could instigate a war, the people will need you, particularly if the fallen are moving up from the south. The pass between the mountains and the desert must be watched. Elizabeth,’ Dannicus turned to his sister. ‘I will travel through the land of the Daoine Maithe and glean what information I can from Lord Tiernan and Lady Karrijeuiga. I want you to remain here as Vicereine in my absence. Duke Li, you need to stay here too, until I return. Squire Dale, I want you to do whatever you think necessary to confirm if there are any more traitors here within the castle. Be wary. Don’t let anyone know what you are doing.’
‘Sir, what do you seek to learn from the guardians?’
‘I wish to know why the fallen are suddenly moving through our land and, if Jaralina has not been fed a deliberate falsehood, what they might be looking for, and why they’re looking for it. It may also be useful to know why they resent the Daoine Maithe.’
Squire Dale laughed humorlessly. ‘Resent? The fallen absolutely and completely hate the guardians with every morsel of their being. They loathe the guardians, they detest them.’
‘But why?’ the King wondered aloud.
‘Perhaps some ancient disagreement?’ suggested Dale.
‘I intend to find out. It could be important, and it doesn’t hurt to visit those who would be our best allies should the fallen actually stage an invasion. My visit will be brief.’ He hesitated. ‘I just don’t believe that’s what they’re doing. This doesn’t feel like an invasion. There’s rationale behind everything the fallen do but to invade Alkira is illogical. There are places north of Nyinaku which would be easier to take and offer far less resistance than we would, especially as we live on the doorstep of the land of the guardians.’
‘Maybe they think to invade us and use Castle as a stepping stone towards the Daoine Maithe. We’re the
closest city of any significance,’ said Dale.
‘I have no idea. It’s my hope they will shed some light on this. We will go ahead as planned. Find Danil and send him to me.’
Chapter 3
River Ringo
The journey from Cullen Ringo to Ringo’s Crossing was uneventful. The coach Governor Ringo provided for his daughters was quite comfortable though Elena, Immosey and Louisa had ridden over the rough road for long enough to be pleased to be leaving it for the boat that would take them down the River Ringo to Castle.
The boat turned out to be a large, flat bottomed barge, constructed of lumber which was being sent downstream to Castle. The lumber merchant was quite agreeable to having the daughters of the Governor and their military escort travel aboard his barge, as this meant serious protection should thieves attempt to waylay the barge and demolish it to steal the lumber. It was more common for bandits to ambush merchants travelling in caravans on the road which led through Three Ways and on to Castle, but lumber theft from the river was not unheard of due to its high value and the fact that many buyers would turn a blind eye to the origin of the lumbar in order to have enough to meet current high demands. The merchant, whose lumber now provided transport for the girls, was quite confident his merchandise would reach Castle safely and was almost beside himself with greed at not needing to spend a fortune hiring guards. So elated was he to be provided with such complete protection for his goods that he decided not to accompany the barge but rather to place its safe delivery in the hands of Captain Cassic.
The barge would drift down the river to Castle. Cassic’s company were to take control of the barge which simply meant using poles to ensure the barge didn’t drift against the shore or into too shallow water along the way. Cassic selected which soldiers would remain aboard for the protection of the Governor’s daughters, preferring those who were most confident in the water and least likely to be distracted by pretty young ladies. The remainder of the company would follow the barges on the track that ran adjacent to the river. A shelter was erected in the center of the barge and equipped with a suitable sleeping area for the girls and a small table and chairs where they could rest and eat during the day. Cassic decided only to remove his precious cargo from the barge if they were under attack, shuddering at the thought of the three lovely girls ending up in the middle of even a minor skirmish.
The Fallen (Book 1) Page 3