The Blind King

by Lana Axe

  Perhaps a deal could be struck with Na’zora. After all, there was a revenge factor to consider. Tyrol and Efren’s family had been fighting for generations before the marriage between Aubriana and Ivor was arranged as a sign of peace. Obviously Tyrol had planned that as a diversion while he trained his mages for war. He might be willing to give control of the kingdom to a man who the people would support—a man such as Arden.

  What would become of his daughter and grandchildren if he struck such a bargain? Ryshel was strong-minded and would likely never forgive him. Her love for her husband was true, and she would never forgive a man for betraying him to his death, not even her own father.

  There was also the possibility that Tyrol would reject such a plan, and Efren might find out about it. In that case, Arden would be branded a traitor. His grandchildren would speak his name with disgust. No, he could not be a party to treason. King Efren was doing his best to protect the kingdom, and Arden was determined to remain at his side. If he wanted to effect change, he would do so from a position of honor, not one of disgrace.

  With his mind made up, the only question remaining was whether to inform the king of his councilors’ treason. They had not acted on their plan, they had merely suggested it. Arden doubted they would take any action, seeing as how he had refused the offer. There was no one else they could confidently place on the throne, so his unwillingness to join them should put an end to the matter. Until they attempted to act, they had not yet committed treason. Words were not the same as actions.

  The duke decided it was best to remain silent but assign guards to watch over the three men. Efren would need extra protection as well, and his food and wine would need to be tasted before he could partake. At the slightest sign the men were planning something new, Arden would have them thrown in prison. This was no time for fighting from within. The kingdom must not be divided.

  Chapter 28

  “I doubt King Oge is going to be happy to see us,” Darly said, looking over her shoulder at the mountains. She wasn’t looking forward to the arduous trek back to her homeland. Since arriving at the new camp, she had begun to feel at home.

  “Queen Zella won’t be so happy about it either, but there’s nothing else I can do,” Pedr replied. “And don’t think you’re coming with me. You’ve got to stay here and take care of this lot.”

  The majority of the dwarves would be staying behind at Ra’jhou’s northern border. If Pedr entered dwarven lands with more than a handful of companions, it might be mistaken for an invasion. Pedr had supported King Oge during the dwarven civil war, but he had fallen out of favor with the queen. Oge stood by as Pedr was banished, offering no pardon for a loyal subject. Now Pedr had the chance to serve a new king. Though Efren was a human, he was more respectable to Pedr’s eyes than the current royal family of his homeland.

  “Who’s going with you then?” Darly asked, her hands on her hips. “Groot?”

  “No,” Pedr replied, shaking his head. “They’re in dire need of his skills here. I’ve asked Geryl and Bor to come with me. They’re members of the queen’s own family, so maybe she won’t be too angry to see them.”

  “What if she has you tossed in the dungeons?” Darly asked. “What am I supposed to do without my husband?”

  “You’ll just have to take over for me,” he said, chuckling. “King Efren has already promised us mining rights. All you have to do is help build a new village here.”

  “Well, King Efren might not be king for long. Those invaders might take everything, including this silver mine.” Darly had been visiting the small village that lay between the dwarf settlement and the castle. There was plenty of talk about the war, and she loved listening to gossip. She had picked up quite a few details regarding the king’s abilities to conduct a war.

  “If that’s the case,” Pedr began, “then we’ll just have to find someplace else. From what I’ve heard, we won’t want to be under the Na’zoran king’s control. He won’t be too keen on sharing profits from the silver, either.” He shook his head. “No, if Ra’jhou is taken, we’ll have to move on.”

  “Assuming you’re in the dungeons, I’ll be the one who has to move on.” Darly crossed her arms. She hated the idea of parting with the man she’d spent her entire life with. During the war, she had worried each day that she might lose him. After they left the mountains, she thought those days of worry were over. They came to this land to start a new life—a life of peace. With Pedr going back into the fire, she feared what might become of him. Queen Zella did not forgive easily.

  “You do whatever is best for these people,” he said, placing his hands on her shoulders and turning her to look upon the village. Dwarf children ran and played, laughing as they passed by. Men and women busied themselves building temporary homes and preparing the land for habitation.

  “This land is worth keeping, Darly,” he said. “I’m a better judge of character than I ever was, and King Efren will treat our people right. If I can help him save his kingdom, we just might have ourselves a home.”

  Darly’s eyes filled with tears as she embraced her husband. “Come back to me,” she whispered. Grabbing a large leather bag, she helped him position it on his back. “I packed dried venison, pine nuts, and three loaves of bread I baked just this morning.” She wiped at her nose, which was already turning red.

  Pedr leaned in to kiss her and stroke her hair before stepping away. “I’ll see you soon,” he said.

  “You’d better,” she replied.

  With a cheerful wave, he started toward the mountain, where his two companions were already waiting.

  “All set?” Bor asked as Pedr approached.

  “Yep,” he replied. “Let’s see how far we can get before nightfall.”

  “I sure hope you know what you’re doing,” Bor remarked with a crooked grin.

  “Me too,” Pedr replied, clapping his friend on the back.

  The trio journeyed into the mountains with little conversation between them. There were many miles to traverse, and they would need to travel as quickly as possible. The air thinned as they ascended, and a chill entered the air. For hours they trudged, their feet sticking in the moistened earth from the snow melting high above. Luckily, they would not need to reach the summit. The king resided only about halfway up, in a palace carved into the mountain itself.

  The sun was setting quickly, and light was becoming scarce before the men decided to make camp. “This seems as good a resting place as any,” Pedr commented. “Let’s get a fire going.”

  After building a fire and snacking on the rations they had brought, the men spread out their bedrolls and settled in for the night.

  “You know,” Geryl said before lying down, “that silver mine could support a lot more dwarves than we brought with us. Maybe we should see if anyone else is interested in joining us. They’ve had a while to see whether they’re happy with the new king.”

  Bor shrugged. “That’s not a bad idea. Unless we want to depend on the Ra’jhouans for all of our trade, we should at least try to win a few more allies while we’re back home.”

  “We have to be careful,” Pedr replied. “We don’t want them to think we’re trying to reignite a revolution. It’s going to be hard enough convincing Oge to listen to me.”

  “You were his supporter,” Bor reminded him. “He will listen. He might not act, but he will listen.”

  Pedr wasn’t so sure, but he was glad to have Bor’s confidence. Queen Zella was a powerful woman, and she may well refuse to grant Pedr access to her husband. Though dwarf women would not be permitted to rule alone, this queen held great sway over her young husband. Still, things had settled down some since the end of the civil war, and there had been no rumors of further unrest throughout the kingdom. All Pedr could do was hope that his proposal would be accepted. His new life depended on it.

  Chapter 29

  For several days, Aubriana did not rise from her bed. She refused to eat, and her body was showing signs of wasting. The servants
had gone so far as to force-feed her in an effort to preserve her life. Ryshel visited her each day, hoping to bring her some cheer. She decided that a visit from her own children might put a smile on the suffering princess’s face.

  With her three children behind her, Ryshel slowly approached Aubriana’s bedside. “I’ve brought visitors to cheer you,” she said. Stepping aside, she motioned her children to come forward.

  Aubriana lifted herself on her elbow and looked into the eyes of Ryshel’s youngest boy. He was blond-haired like her own son, and his eyes twinkled brightly. For a moment, she thought she might smile, but the realization he was not her son hit her hard. Letting out a wail, she buried her face in her blankets.

  Ryshel realized she had erred in bringing the children. They had only served as a further reminder that Rayne was so far away. “Come along, children,” she said. The three of them followed her away from their suffering aunt.

  Returning to her children’s rooms, she sat near the window to think. What could she do to help Aubriana? What would she do to retrieve her own children? After a while, her mind was made up.

  “Governess,” she called. “See to the children. I need to have a word with the king.”

  She strode confidently to the council chamber and was surprised to find the king alone. “Is everything all right?” she asked.

  “I know not,” he replied. “It is far too soon to have any word from Pedr. For all I know, my new plan may have already failed as the last one did.”

  “Have confidence, my king,” she said, coming to his side. Kneeling next to his chair, she softly kissed his cheek. As she looked upon his face, she realized her own plan was going to be difficult for him as well. It would require her to leave him for a while, and her heart ached at the thought of it.

  “I must tell you of an idea I’ve had to help Aubriana,” she stated after a few moments of silence. “It hasn’t been an easy decision.”

  “What do you mean?” he asked, puzzled.

  “I intend to leave for Na’zora, posing as a nursemaid.”

  Efren jumped to his feet, grabbing his wife’s arm. “Have you gone mad? They’ll kill you!”

  “Aubriana still has friends there. They will help me. Once I’m in, I can secure Rayne’s safety and smuggle him back here.”

  “You are a queen,” he reminded her. “It isn’t possible for you to do this. I won’t allow it.”

  “Would you have me send a servant instead?” she asked. “Would you then have that servant buried next to Kal? I will not send another to certain death. Aubriana’s friends will help me. If I’m discovered, they will use me as a hostage. Even King Tyrol would not be so bold as to execute a queen.”

  Efren’s eyes filled with tears. He knew he would not be able to dissuade his wife, no matter what he said. “I have no doubt that he would give such a cruel order. We are losing this war, and he will kill us all if he can.”

  Ryshel wrapped her arms around her husband. “I am a valuable hostage. I will be safe.”

  “They will demand a ransom that I might not be able to pay,” Efren replied. “They might ask for the kingdom. What would you have me do?”

  “Give them nothing.” Her mind was made up. No matter the consequences to herself, she was determined to reunite Rayne with his mother.

  “You would leave your own children to save your nephew?” Efren asked, pleading. He could not understand her reasoning.

  “My children are safe here, but my nephew is not. Our children have their father, but Rayne’s father is dead. He has no one. I must go.” Ryshel feared she might lose her nerve as tears began welling in her eyes. She could see no other solution, though she would miss her own children dearly. At least they were safe and warm in the castle. Their fate would match that of the kingdom, and with luck, Efren’s secret plan would save them all.

  “When will you leave?” he asked, sitting back in his chair. His posture showed his defeat as he rubbed his hand against his forehead.

  “I will go at once,” she replied. With a single kiss, she left her husband to prepare for her journey.

  As soon as she reached her quarters, she sent her maidservant to fetch her disguise. “Bring me some of your own clothing,” she said. “I need something that doesn’t look too new, nor too expensive. Something plain and simple.”

  The young girl hurried away to obey while Ryshel removed her jewelry. Placing it carefully upon her dresser, she stared at the glittering gems. Knowing how little such riches meant compared to the life of a child, she was happy to put them aside. She would take on the guise of a servant and forget for a while that she was a queen. All her mind would be dedicated to the ruse.

  The maid returned with a simple cotton dress. “This is the plain dress I wear on wash day,” she said almost apologetically.

  “It will do nicely,” Ryshel said. As she pulled on her maid’s dress, she realized it was more comfortable than the fancy gowns she usually wore. “It’s not as bad as I thought it would be,” she admitted with a laugh. “Thank you for your help.”

  She stuffed a handful of coins into a small leather purse, which she hid inside her dress. Bribes might be necessary, and she might require a nicer dress for serving as governess to a prince. There was no time to waste. She needed to leave immediately before she lost her courage. The sooner I leave, the sooner I can return home.

  Ryshel made her way back to Aubriana’s chambers. Strewn about on her desk were dozens of letters that had made it past the armies. If these letters can make it, so can I, she thought. These letters contained all the information she would need to find the princess’s friends. Aubriana’s friends had better come through for me, she thought. If not, I’ll never succeed.

  Chapter 30

  After a tearful farewell to her own children, Ryshel was ready to set out for Na’zora. Efren managed to hire a small ship to carry her in safety around the coastline. There was no safe passage by land, as Na’zoran troops currently occupied nearly all of the outlying villages. Ryshel would go on horseback to the coast, accompanied by two members of the royal guard. A merchant ship would be waiting there to greet her.

  “There is nothing I can say to dissuade you?” Efren asked as Ryshel prepared to leave.

  “I have to do this,” she replied. Putting on a smile, she added, “I’ll be back with little Rayne before you know it.” She had said the exact same words to her own children, and they had stuck in her throat then too. Leaving her family behind was agony, but she could see no other choice.

  Reaching into her pocket, Ryshel pulled out a small bit of parchment. “Give this note to Shala, your sister’s servant. She will know how to get the message through to Na’zora.”

  Efren took the paper and handed it to his manservant. Taking Ryshel in his arms, he squeezed her tightly, wishing he did not have to let go. “I love you,” he said, his eyes filling with tears. “There is nothing else left to say.”

  Tears rolled silently down Ryshel’s cheeks as she kissed her husband one last time. Without saying another word, she mounted her horse and urged it forward. It was half a day’s ride to the coast, and she wanted to reach it quickly. Her guards rode on either side to offer her the greatest amount of protection.

  Efren stood with the appearance of strength as he listened to the horses move farther into the distance. He felt as if he were losing control, if he ever had control in the first place. His kingdom was rapidly declining, and his wife was heading into the eye of the storm. There was nothing he could do now except wait for her return.

  Ryshel pushed the thoughts of her children and home away from her mind. If she was to succeed, she would have to be fully dedicated. She would not give in to despair and melancholy as Aubriana had. Ryshel was a strong woman, and she would need all her strength in the days to come.

  For hours they rode without halting, until finally they arrived at the coast. A small ship was indeed anchored, awaiting the queen’s arrival. The captain, however, did not know her true identity. He was told a
noblewoman needed safe passage to Na’zora. The fewer people who knew the truth, the better.

  “Good evening,” she said to one of the sailors. “I am Rya, and I’ll be traveling with you.”

  The sailor nodded and asked, “Where’s your baggage?”

  “I won’t be needing any,” she replied. “Everything I require is waiting for me there.”

  With a shrug, the sailor led her on board the ship. There were few luxuries to be found. The deck was piled high with crates, and there were only a handful of crewmen aboard.

  Leading her below deck, he showed her to a tiny cabin with four cots. “This will be your room,” the man said.

  Ryshel nodded and hoped she would be the only person to occupy it. Though there were four places to sleep, there was barely enough room to turn around. The presence of three other people would make her feel as if she were suffocating.

  The sailor walked away, leaving her in silence. Instead of going to bed, she headed back up to have a look at the stars. The crew was busy shoving off, but she ignored the noise as they called out to one another. Finding a comfortable spot to recline, she gazed up at the night sky. There were no clouds to be seen—only millions of stars and a bright, bluish moon. Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply as the motion of the ship rocked her to sleep. At sunrise she awoke, surprised to find herself still on deck.

  “Was your bed not comfortable, Miss?” the ship’s captain asked.

  “I’m sure it’s just fine,” she replied.

  Though Ryshel had never traveled by sea, she found herself feeling quite at home aboard the small vessel. For days she walked the decks, learning about the immense amount of work that went into sailing. The crew proved to be friendly, and the food was not bad either. The men kept her entertained with stories and song, but when she was alone, thoughts of her family crept back into her mind.

  At last the coast of Na’zora came into view, and Ryshel felt her anxiety rise. Waving from the docks was a tall, plain-faced woman, her hair pulled back tightly in a bun. Lady Bartin had received her message.