The Flames of Deception - A Horizon of Storms: Book 1

by AJ Martin

  Matthias shrugged. “Perhaps another time. Are you alright?” Matthias asked, watching the knight as he scanned the village.

  “Just looking for trouble,” Thadius said sombrely.

  “You’ve been here before?” Matthias asked.

  “I have,” Thadius replied. “Many years ago I served on guard duty here. I haven’t returned since. There is not much to write home about. Any newcomers to the village and the news will be spread around in minutes.”

  “Then perhaps we should keep moving,” Matthias replied.

  “I will be dead from exhaustion first!” Josephine exclaimed. “I need to rest!”

  “There’s an inn, the Grey Fox, just down there,” Thadius pointed. “We should be able to get some food and a drink. I for one could do with something.”

  Matthias nodded hesitantly. “Alright. But we won’t stay for long. And before we go in, we might have to do something about your appearance.”

  “What do you mean?” Josephine asked.

  “You’re the heir to the throne of Aralia. I’m sure that your father’s loyal subjects would know the face of his daughter if she were to arrive in their presence, especially this close to Rina and in such a small village. And as for the way you speak. It is very...”

  “Yes?” She growled, her eyes narrowing.

  “Very… majestic. It might help our efforts if you were to speak more like your countrymen.”

  “And how exactly is that?” she scoffed.

  “Well… you know. A bit more… common.”

  “Common?” The princess hissed.

  “Yes,” Matthias continued. “A bit like Thadius!” he jerked a thumb at the soldier.

  “Watch yourself, wizard,” Thadius warned, and waved his pipe at Matthias. “I would show a little more respect to my charge. And to me as well, if you value your legs. I have little patience for you after last night.”

  “You know what I mean,” he said. “It’s important you heed my advice in this matter. Don’t enunciate in quite the same way. Just try to blend in!”

  As Matthias stared into Josephine’s enraged eyes, there was a flickering moment in their recesses of hurt. He sighed, as he felt a pang of guilt lower his heart. “Princess, I know this is difficult for you, and this isn’t what you are used to. But I need you to understand I'm not asking you to do this for my own benefit, or putting you through any of this for some kind of personal pleasure. I’m trying to protect you. You do know that, don’t you?”

  “You claim honourable principles,” she said, her lips trembling. “But I cannot help but believe you enjoy this. I do not know anything about you! You are a stranger from a foreign land who has dragged me away from my home, and since we have left you have failed to address me in the manner to which I am entitled. I am still the princess. Whether I am in the city or not and you are under my father’s orders to care for and respect me! I am heir to the throne of Aralia!”

  “Yes you are,” Matthias said. “Your face is well known for being one of the most dazzlingly beautiful in all of the western nations. You are the ‘Jewel of the West’, a woman any prospective lord would be lucky to wed. Look at you,” he continued, gesturing to Josephine. “Beneath that cloak you still wear the clothes of royalty, and above it your hair shines golden and your eyes dazzle with the beauty of a future queen. It is a beauty that will get you killed if you are recognized. Beyond the safety of the palace walls, not all people look up to royalty. And those that do would bow to your feet as soon as they laid eyes on you.”

  Josephine swallowed. “What would you have me do?” she asked. ‘Am I supposed to shed my skin like a snake until I fit a guise that will satisfy your tastes? I cannot change who I am, Matthias Greenwald!”

  Matthias smiled gently. “With time, anyone can change. All I would ask is that you heed my advice and disguise your beauty, at least a little, until we are safe again.”

  Josephine looked to Thadius. “You agree with him?” she asked. Reluctantly, Thadius nodded.

  “He speaks sense, Your Highness. As much as I wish he did not, I think you should disguise yourself in some manner if it will keep you safe, which I believe it will. Emalin Noire has enough gossiping housewives to spread the news of your presence far and wide.”

  Josephine licked her lips and finally, after a moments pause, reluctantly nodded. “Very well. But what of you wizard? You wear a coat with delicate golden embroidery, leather boots, fine breeches and you carry yourself around as if you were a prince! Such a presence will likely cause a stir as well.”

  Matthias nodded. “You may be right. But these clothes also mark me out as a man of Mahalia. People think twice before approaching a man they suspect may be a wizard. We are feared by many, as you say. Their fear may also act as our protection.”

  Josephine sighed. “You have an answer for every question, don’t you?”

  Matthias smiled. “I find it helps when you wish to win an argument. But perhaps you are right, in this instance,” Matthias said. He put his bag down and untied the thick knot that held it closed, pulling out a thin, black - green cloak made of a glossy material. He threw it around his shoulders. “It protects against the water. At least a little,” Matthias said. “What do you think?”

  “Better than before, at least,” Thadius replied. “If still a little unusual. I have never seen the like.” He shook his head. “Wizards.”

  Matthias smiled. “Good. Now, as for yourself, princess?”

  “Very well then. How am I to make myself appear less regal? Walk with a hunch? Hop on one leg?”

  Matthias chuckled. He bent down and ran his hand across the moist mud, which ran along the bank of the stream, and plied it between his fingers of both hands.

  “May I?” he gestured.

  Josephine sighed. “If you must.” He ran his hands across her hair, spreading the mud through her golden locks, and then across her brow and cheeks. By the time he was finished, her once porcelain complexion was tarnished with the dirt, and her glossy, blonde hair was flat and dulled.

  “Better,” Matthias said, smiling. “What do you think, Thadius? Seeing as you are so quick to comment on my fashion techniques?”

  The knight frowned. “She looks like she has been mucking out the pigs!”

  “Exactly. We will have to find you some less respectable clothes as well, at some point. But until then, just keep wearing your cloak.” He rubbed a little of the mud onto his own cheeks and smoothed it in. “There. We look like a pair of farmhands!”

  “Farmhands with leather boots and pearls?” Thadius added, nodding to the wizard’s shoes that stuck out from below the shiny cloak and Josephine’s necklace that still peeked from the top of her shawl.

  Matthias sighed. “It’s the best we can do for now. You may want to change your own clothes as well at some point. You still wear the garb of a Rinian soldier, and a sword larger than most men!”

  Thadius smiled. “Maybe they will think twice before they come near us then?” he said.

  Matthias shook his head. “Alright. Shall we get on?”

  The inn appeared quiet from outside, which was hardly surprising given the time of morning, but the door was open so they made their way in. A woman was mopping the floor. She was tall and slender with her curly red hair tied by a ribbon into a ponytail. The chairs all around the bar were turned upside down, resting on the tables, bar one, where an elderly man sat, a hat over his face, snoring. The woman stopped and pulled herself upright as they entered.

  “Morning,” she said with an air of confidence. “Up with the cock, aren’t you?” She smiled. “I’m up to get away from mine,” she gestured to the ceiling with her eyes. “The lazy oaf.”

  Matthias smiled. “I hope we aren’t disturbing you?” he ventured. The woman shook her head.

  “Not at all. Nothing to disturb at this hour, save for old Weasel over there.” The snoring man didn’t stir at the remark. “We used to try to get him out every night, but after a time, you just think ‘what’s the
point?’ So we let the old thing be. He’s never any trouble. Anyway, how can I help you? You look as if you’ve been through the ringer. Especially you, little lady,” the woman nodded to Josephine.

  “It’s been a long night of travelling,” Matthias continued. “The two of us come from Tekri,” Matthias indicated to himself and Josephine, “And this man is our guide, a soldier from your country who we met on our travels. He is taking us to Rina. We’ve been travelling overnight, so we can reach the city today for the market.”

  “It’s dangerous to walk the roads at any time, let alone in the dark, even with an escort as burly as your man here. It’s a wonder you were not mugged, or worse. Take my advice. It’s not worth it. I’ve seen too many people hurt on the roads to the city.”

  “I would like to see anyone try their luck, my good lady,” Thadius replied, with a smile.

  The woman walked to the bar and propped the broom up. “Can I get you three a drink? You could surely use something to eat as well? I have some pottage left from yesterday. Turnips and peas?”

  “Sounds delightful,” Josephine said, her stomach rumbling gratefully.

  The woman nodded. “Have yourselves a seat. I’ll be back in a minute.” She left the bar through a short door, and sounds of clunking came from what must have been a kitchen area.

  Josephine turned to Thadius. “What is pottage?” she asked.

  “Oats and vegetables in a stew,” he replied. “It may be a bit basic by the standards you are used to, princess,” he said.

  “Shh!” Matthias hissed. “Don’t call her that here!”

  Thadius rolled his eyes. “There’s no – one here!”

  “There’s old whatever - his - name - is over there. He could be a spy for all we know.”

  Thadius looked at the old man. “Doubtful.”

  “I would eat anything after all that walking!” Josephine replied.

  A moment later, as the three of them turned some chairs over at the table closest to the bar, the woman returned, with a tray of three bowls of steaming food and thick spoons, and three chunks of bread, which she placed in front of them. The pottage was thick and grey. Josephine looked at it curiously.

  “I’ll just get you a drink as well,” the woman continued and went to the bar.

  “Well at least it smells enticing,” Josephine whispered under her breath.

  “It will keep you alive and give you enough energy for the day,” Matthias whispered back.

  “So what business have you in the Rinian market?” the innkeeper continued, returning with two tankards and a goblet. “Wine for the lady,” she smiled, and set the metal cup in front of her.

  “Thank you,” Josephine said. “We are merchants,” she added.

  “Merchants?” The woman said. “Merchants without any wares?”

  “We have coin to buy new produce,” Matthias chimed in, giving Josephine a brief look of disgruntlement. “We wish to take back some of the local wares to Tekri. And we have been told of the market’s incredible stalls.”

  The woman smiled. “If you are going to lie, you had better tell your woman to get some more practice.” She waved her hands as Josephine blushed. “I don’t want to know what you are up to, with a soldier of the realm by your side. All I ask is that you don’t muddy up my floor, you pay your bill, and if there is any trouble, you will be out on your hides. Soldier or no!” She nodded to Thadius.

  “We mean you no trouble,” Matthias said. “I apologise for the deception. We only want some food before we continue our journey.”

  The woman chuckled. “You wouldn’t be the first people to come in here with a tale to spin. I’ve heard them all! Well, that is, I thought I had until last night.”

  “What happened last night?” Josephine asked.

  The woman pulled up a chair and sat by them. “I thought I had seen it all. I’ve seen Aslemerian priests, dark-skinned men, women dressed as men - men dressed as women, for that matter - but a creature arrived here yesterday the likes of which I have never seen before in my life! And he could spin a tale with the best of them.”

  “What kind of creature?” Thadius asked, looking concerned.

  “See for yourself,” the woman said and jerked her head to the far side of the tavern. They turned to see what she was looking at. A figure had emerged from upstairs: a tall man, dressed in a dark green, velvet waistcoat, brown hemp breeches and a white sleeveless shirt, which he wore confidently; the top buttons undone to his chest. His light - brown hair was worked together tightly, tied and knotted into locks that curled up and around his head. Separating his freckled brow and hairline was a white bandana of coarse yarn. His skin was tanned. With his hair tied up the way it was, two long, pointed, curving ears protruded outwards around the sides of his face, with small semi - circular notches taken out at regular intervals until they curved backwards, their ends splitting into two points as they wound their way up past his hairline

  “I don’t believe it,” Matthias whispered, staring at the man.

  “What?” Thadius asked.

  “I know him.” The figure spotted them at the only occupied table and his eyes widened like saucers.

  “Matthias? Matthias, is that really you?” the man asked as he strode towards them.

  “Luccius!” he exclaimed and nearly kicked his chair out as he rushed over to greet the man, embracing him warmly. “My gods but it’s good to see you!”

  “How can you be here?” the man named Luccius asked.

  “I could ask you the same question!” Matthias replied.

  “I’ve come a long way since we last saw each other Matthias!” Luccius replied, a large grin on his masculine face. His accent was rhotic and the twang foreign compared to the Aralian dialects. “I told you I would travel far across the world! Now look at me! I have been to the fabled city of Rina, the furthest from home I have ever been! Probably the furthest my people have been for hundreds of years.” He laughed loudly and patted Matthias on the shoulders. The wizard laughed with him.

  “This is incredible! It’s been what, five years at least?” the wizard asked.

  “More like ten!” Luccius replied.

  “No, it can’t be that long!” Matthias waved him away.

  “Ahem,” Thadius coughed loudly.

  “Oh yes!” Matthias said awkwardly, caught off guard. “Let me introduce you to my travelling companions. This is…” He suddenly eyed the barwoman, and then turned back to Luccius. “You know, where are my manners? May we have a drink for my friend?” He asked the woman. She smiled.

  “Of course. Though if you wanted me out of earshot, you only had to ask.” She turned on her heel and made her way to the bar. Matthias shook his head, smiling.

  “As I was saying,” he continued. “This is Josephine.” Luccius bowed gracefully to her, taking her hand and kissing it delicately. She blushed.

  “Such a fair lady! Matthias, what have you done to deserve to travel with such beauty?”

  “This is her… well, this is Thadius.” The knight stood to shake Luccius’s hand.

  “An impressive sword!” Luccius commented, indicating to the decorative hilt of Thadius’s weapon. “Suitable for the knights of Aralia themselves, I’ll wager?”

  Thadius coughed. “Yes. Yes, I’d imagine it would be, if I were one.”

  “I’m not bad with a sword myself. Perhaps we could spar together later, if you have time?” Luccius continued.

  “Perhaps,” Thadius retorted.

  “When did you learn to use a sword?” Matthias asked.

  “I have learnt a lot in ten years,” Luccius smiled. “I’m a little more worldly than before. So, where are you three going?” Luccius asked. “Is Matthias taking you on one of his famous trips?” He grinned at the wizard.

  “You could say that,” Thadius replied stoically. Then he shook himself. “Famous trips?”

  Matthias shook his head feverishly. “Not now, please Thadius,” he implored. The man looked at him suspiciously. “It’s a lon
g story Luccius,” Matthias replied. He shook his head. “I cannot get over you being here!”

  “Ahem. Excuse me for asking, but what… what exactly are you?” asked Josephine, her eyes drawn to the man’s long, curving ears. Luccius smiled at her and ran a hand across them.

  “I’m an ansuwan, Lady Josephine,” he grinned. “My people don’t travel far from home, if at all. I’m not surprised you haven’t heard of my kind before. We haven’t ventured this way for a long time.”

  “Ansuwan?” Thadius weighed the word up. “That means ‘elf’, in the old Aralian tongue, if I’m not mistaken?”

  Luccius shook his head. “A term my people have endured for many years, especially this far west it seems. It’s a misconception that I must admit has started to grate lately. Wherever I go people point at my ears and yell ‘Look, there’s an elf!’”

  “My apologies,” Thadius nodded. “If not an elf, then what is an ansuwan?”

  “Ansuwan used to live all across Triska,” Matthias interrupted. “Until the kings of the different nations took a dislike to their unique affinity with the world and their long lives, which they saw as dangerous to their sovereignty. So they made up stories of mischievous creatures that stole children from their beds and drove them away. The myth of elves is all that remains of those lies.”

  Josephine shook her head. “I am astounded I have never heard of your people before today!”

  “It’s a big wide world out there,” Matthias added.

  “We have an affinity with the world around us that humans don’t,” Luccius continued. “My people remain solitary creatures. It keeps them safe from the wars of the world. Most of the time.” The innkeeper returned with another tankard. “Thank you Renna. This woman is a marvel! Have you tried your pottage yet? Best pottage I have ever tasted!”

  The woman smiled and shook her head. “This one has all my serving girls brushing their hair all day and whitening their faces with whatever they can get their hands on! Such a charmer. My husband hated him from the moment he laid eyes on him! Which reminds me,” she added, and held up a finger. “As much as I don’t want to, I had better rouse the man from bed, otherwise he is likely to stay there all day! I won’t be long.” She nodded and disappeared through the doorway again. The creak of wood indicated her movement upstairs.