“Rynert!” he bellowed. The door opened. “Get one of those boys to assemble everyone for a meeting this afternoon. Tell them to invite the girl, but not before she's had a chance to rest.” Rynert saluted and closed the door.
“You should tell her, Rael,” Hammurabi said, wrapping a bandage around the wound.
“Tell her what?”
“That you worry for her. That you care for her.” Hammurabi secured the bandage, careful to avoid eye contact.
Rael snatched his shirt and jerked it over his head. “No such thing is happening,” he growled. He stood up and belted on his sword.
“Whatever you say, Your Majesty,” Hammurabi said. He packed his bag and bowed as he left.
23-Tales
Alyssa worked carefully, cleaning Arianwyn’s face while Marie combed out her hair. “I am capable of doing this on my own,” Arianwyn grumbled.
Alyssa smiled. “This way you can focus on telling us what happened!” She wrung the rag into a small bowl, the water stained a murky red-brown from blood and mud. “I don’t see any injuries, except for bruises. Why is there blood on your face?”
“And you’re covered in mud,” Marie complained. “We may as well give you a full bath.” Marie tossed the comb to the side and went to the hall to order the bath. Alyssa shrugged in response to Marie and helped Arianwyn change out of her clothes and into a bathrobe.
The bath came in and Marie helped Arianwyn step into the tub. Arianwyn relaxed into the warm water, letting Marie wash her hair, and told them what had happened. “I’ve never heard of anything like it. It was…it was like they were dead once and then filled with the spirits of something else. Or perhaps their spirits were torn asunder. I’m still not certain.” Arianwyn shuddered.
“I’ve heard stories…” Alyssa trailed off, looking uncertainly at Arianwyn. “But I’d always believed they were stories that Father told to frighten me.”
Arianwyn straightened up. “Did he actually tell you about them?”
“Well, no. Not directly to me. He was usually talking to other adults and I happened to be around,” Alyssa shrugged. “Sailors tend to gossip. Father listened to every story, no matter how improbable.”
Arianwyn stepped out of the tub and into the towel Marie held open. “I think you should come with me when I report to King Rael.” Alyssa looked nervous. “Maybe it was just stories that you were hearing, but I believe it would be worth investigating. It might lead us to whoever’s doing this.” Alyssa sighed and reluctantly agreed. Arianwyn put her bathrobe back on. “Now, if you two will excuse me, I’m taking a nap. Marie, wake me whenever you think I need to start getting ready for the meeting.” She returned to her room and collapsed into bed, sleep overtaking her.
“Lady Arianwyn, it’s time to get ready,” Marie murmured. Arianwyn groaned, certain that Marie was early. She sighed and sat up, stretching and yawning. “I brought you something to eat before getting dressed.”
“Thank you! I feel starved.” Arianwyn sat at the small side table and ate. She finished eating the food on the small tray in a matter of seconds. “I may need to send you for more food,” Arianwyn sighed, standing up and allowing Marie to dress her. Her stomach growled the entire time, making Arianwyn blush and Marie laugh.
A knock on the door signaled the arrival of a page, ready to escort Arianwyn to the meeting with Rael. Arianwyn beckoned for Alyssa and the two followed the page, surrounded by their bodyguards. They were led to the same council chamber where Arianwyn first met Cyril and Albius. Arianwyn inwardly groaned when she saw both were present again. The only consolation was that Bernie had not been included in this meeting.
Rael glanced up when they entered, frowning at the appearance of Alyssa. “I invited her,” Arianwyn said. “She says that she’s heard stories of similar happenings.” Rael shrugged. Arianwyn noticed that he moved carefully and her eyes narrowed. “How are you feeling, Your Majesty?”
“I would have been better if you had not set Hammurabi on me,” he growled. “I didn’t need stitches.”
Arianwyn smiled. “I’m so glad you allowed him to help you, Sire.”
“Allowed? As I recall, he said if I did not let him check on me, you would be sent for.” Arianwyn chuckled and Cyril grinned. “Find something amusing, Cyril?” Rael growled.
Cyril covered his mouth, coughing into his hand. “No, Your Majesty, of course not.” When Rael looked away, Cyril winked at Arianwyn. “May we hear your account, Lady Arianwyn?”
Arianwyn recounted what she had seen happen. Rael added his perspective from the time Arianwyn told him they were still alive. “Alyssa, how similar does this sound to what you’ve heard?” Arianwyn asked.
Alyssa straightened up, her voice going monotone as she recited what she had heard. “Father claimed it was mostly rumors spread by the common soldiers. They called them the Soulless, bodies of soldiers condemned to wander the earth for failing to fulfill their final command. Sailors say they mostly reside where a great battle has occurred and been forgotten. The soldiers would rise up, filled only with the desire to kill. Each failed attempt to kill them would give them strength. I have never heard stories of them being defeated. The sailors would flee when they came across the Soulless.”
Rael sat back, rubbing his chin. “Lady Alyssa, is Kerr with the guards?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Please send him in.” Alyssa curtsied, hurrying to the door and poking her head out. Kerr entered and stood stiffly near the door, back stiff and eye straight ahead. “Kerr, have you heard of the Soulless?”
Kerr blinked, looking startled. “The Soulless, Sire? Most soldiers dismiss them as stories meant to scare the new recruits.”
“But you don’t?”
Kerr hesitated. He took a breath and straightened up again. “I don’, Sire. I think it was a Soulless what took my eye.” Alyssa and Arianwyn shared a startled look. “I was a new recruit in one of the southern villages. We were sent to investigate the disappearance of one of our patrols. We found them…” He closed his eye, shuddered slightly and looked sick. “I escaped and reported what happened. To my knowledge, no others in my group returned. I don’ know what happened, but other soldiers claim that if you are killed by a Soulless, you join their ranks.”
Silence lay thick in the room. Finally, General Albius snorted. “And we’re supposed to believe this story? Your Majesty, I can only assume exhaustion caused the mad belief of dead soldiers coming to life again.”
“And what of my experience, General?”
Albius looked nervous, eyes darting around the room. “Perhaps they were pretending to be dead…”
“They were covered and frozen, General Albius,” Arianwyn said coldly. “Charon had to melt the snow in order for us to even see them.” Silence descended again.
Rael sighed, rubbing his temple. “This is getting us nowhere. General Albius, find what stories you can from the soldiers. Cyril, research the matter in the library. If it even hints at the Soulless, I want to hear about it. You may recruit whatever scholars you need to speed the work. Lady Arianwyn, ask Parvati what she thinks. Perhaps the dragons have encountered this before. We will reconvene in one week to discuss what we have learned.” Everyone acknowledged their assignments and stood to leave. “Lady Arianwyn, join me for dinner,” Rael ordered.
Arianwyn accepted his arm and followed him to one of the smaller dining halls. A few merchants and guild masters joined them. Arianwyn sighed internally and plastered a smile on her face. Since becoming the king’s fiancé, she had discovered a lack of enthusiasm for being in the public eye. She knew she would have to learn to cope.
Arianwyn’s insides churned as she waited for the food to be served. When there was finally something to eat on her plate, she dug in eagerly, manners bordering on the impolite. She could not seem to help herself. She finished her first plate and refilled before Rael was half finished with his food. She tried listening to the talk about trade agreements, but was more focused on the food. Af
ter four plates of food, dinner was finally finished.
Rael stood and assisted Arianwyn to stand. He thanked the guild masters for coming and escorted her from the hall. They stared at her with expressions bordering on awe.
Arianwyn curtsied once they were in the hall and turned to go back to her rooms. Instead of releasing her hand, he tugged her back in the direction of his study. Arianwyn glanced up at him, curious. “Hungry?” he asked, grinning.
Arianwyn blushed. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty, I’m not certain what happened. I couldn’t seem to stop eating.”
Rael laughed. “Using your Dragon Gifts can have consequences. I’ve heard of an increased appetite, but I’ve never seen it happen before.”
Arianwyn sighed, still embarrassed. “Is this the only reason you’re dragging me back to your study? To find out just how increased my appetite is?”
“No.” Arianwyn waited, but Rael was not forthcoming. He changed the subject, discussing what she thought about the trades the guild masters had mentioned. Arianwyn wrinkled her nose, but complied.
They arrived at his study and entered. Rael held her chair while she sat and then pulled another up instead of sitting behind his desk. He was sitting close enough that their knees were touching. Arianwyn shifted away, nervously adjusting her skirts.
Rael leaned forward, elbows on knees. “Are you feeling well?”
Arianwyn blinked. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“You passed out.”
“I’m fine.”
“You had a nose bleed.”
Arianwyn laughed. “A nose bleed? Your Majesty, I’ve had worse.”
Rael reached out and stroked her cheek. “I’ve told you to call me Rael when in private,” he murmured, leaning closer to her.
Arianwyn’s heartbeat increased. She watched Rael leaning in closer. Her mind raced in alarm. Images of dirty faces and rough hands flashed through her mind. Her stomach knotted painfully. She wondered if she could make it to the door in time. She wished she had a knife. :What should I do?: she desperately asked Parvati.
:What?:
She quickly showed Parvati what was happening, feeling Rael’s breath on her face. :I don’t have a knife. What should I do?:
:I think you should kiss him. Isn’t that what humans do?:
Parvati’s amusement broke through Arianwyn’s panic. The knot vanished, her shoulders relaxed. She actually looked at Rael, seeing him instead of the men from her past. :Yes, it is. I’m not used to having a choice.: Arianwyn leaned forward, brushing her lips to Rael’s. He jumped slightly, pulling away. Arianwyn blushed again and leapt to her feet. She curtsied and left, missing Rael’s bemused look.
Rael
Rael tossed open the door, leaving his study after the girl. He frowned at her disappearing figure down the hall. She must understand, he decided. He hadn't wanted to follow Hammurabi's advice. But after seeing her in the meeting, he had changed his mind. The girl needed to understand. He took a breath and went to his chambers. The girl should understand how he felt now.
Sigurd was waiting outside of his room. He nodded the other man inside. “How is she?” he asked when the door was safely closed.
“She's fine,” he replied. “She's stronger than she looks, Rael. What have you got to drink?” Rael waved Sigurd to a small side cupboard in the sitting room. He snagged a second cup, holding it up for Rael. Rael nodded. Sigurd took a long drink and belched. “She's smart, too.”
Rael shook his head. “Oaf,” he muttered. Sigurd grinned at him. “Not smart enough to stay out of trouble.”
Sigurd laughed. “There's that. If there's a mistake to be made¸ chances are good she'll make it.”
Rael grunted. “Has the boy come near her?”
“He's tried. It won't be long until he makes contact with her.” Rael glared at him. “It's inevitable, Rael. The two were on the verge of being engaged. Would you stay away from the woman you loved?”
“He doesn't love her,” Rael snapped. “He never did. Keep him away from her.” Sigurd raised an eyebrow. “I've spoken with him. He refused to answer yes or no to the direct question. Keep him away from her,” he repeated.
“And what if she seeks him out? Does she love him?” Rael froze. It wasn't until the liquid sloshed over his hand that he realized he had crushed his cup. “Do you know how she feels about you?”
“If she's truly smart, she's setting me up,” Rael remarked, tossing the useless glass to the side of the room.
“I don't think that's her angle,” Sigurd said.
Rael sighed. “I'd like to believe the same. But with Manticore preparing their next move, I cannot. It's likely Manticore prepared and sent her to me. And I took the bait.” Rael rubbed his temples, the tension in the back of his neck turning into a dull throb in his temples. “I'm going to bed,” he said.
Sigurd frowned up at him. “Did you use your gift today?”
“Of course I did! I was in a fight.” Sigurd nodded, standing and turning to the door. “Sigurd.” The bodyguard stopped, looking back at his king. “Keep her safe for me.” Sigurd nodded and left. Rael went to bed.
24-Searching
Arianwyn hurried back to her room. She could still feel herself blushing. Halvard and Edmund gave her curious looks, but thankfully did not ask. She hoped they didn’t mention it to Sigurd. She closed the door to her suite and went to her bedroom. She kicked off her shoes and sat cross legged on the bed. “I need to put thoughts of him out of my mind,” she muttered to herself. She immediately contacted Parvati about the Soulless. :Did you notice anything unfamiliar about them?:
:Besides the fact that they were walking dead?: Parvati asked dryly. :I have never heard of such a thing. Nor do I remember my elders teaching me this magic. They taught me about the Time of War, the History of Bonding, and the Voices.:
Arianwyn frowned. This was not helpful. :What of Charon?:
:He has heard nothing of this, as he informed your male. Perhaps your musty books will have more information. They were so helpful with dragons, after all.:
Arianwyn ignored Parvati’s remark. Asking the dragons had been a long shot at best. She was not going to sit idle and allow innocents to be threatened. Helping Cyril would be more productive. There was a soft knock on her bedroom door. “Come in.”
“You shouldn’t sit on your dress like that,” Marie commented. “It will wrinkle.”
Arianwyn rolled her eyes, standing up. “I won’t wear it again for weeks. By then, I’m sure you’ll have it laundered and hanging in a closet.” Marie chuckled, assisting Arianwyn into her nightclothes. “Marie, will you ask Tess to find someone like Tad for me? I have a feeling life is going to become disorganized soon if I don’t have someone to help me keep track of it all.”
“I will ask in the morning.”
“Thank you. I will be in the library if you find out anything.” Arianwyn dismissed Marie, climbing into bed. She started out thinking of the soulless, but her traitorous mind soon traveled to other events in her life. She rolled over, pulling a pillow over her head. :This is all your fault, you know.:
:My fault? I fail to see the connection between your thoughts of your male and me.:
:If you weren’t ‘fond’ of his dragon, I wouldn’t be thinking of him like this.:
Parvati chuckled, but mentally informed her that the bond worked both ways. And Parvati had not forced her to hold him after the battle or to kiss him. Arianwyn fell asleep still battling with her thoughts.
Morning came sooner than she was prepared for. She sighed, allowing Marie to dress her, and headed straight to the library after breakfast. Aldous was already sitting at one of the desks, scowling at a scroll.
“Master Aldous, have you heard anything of the Soulless?”
“It’s all I hear about anymore, Lady Arianwyn,” he snapped. “Lord Cyril has had my scholars scouring the library since late yesterday for any indication of them. I’ve had to set aside all of my studies for this.”
Arianwyn sig
hed, sitting. “I don’t suppose you could use my help.”
“Help yourself.” He waved at the rows of book stacks. Arianwyn made a face and wandered in, picking one at random. She opened the front cover and read the title. The Song of Lord Damian. She made a face, putting it back. She doubted she would find references of the Soulless in poetry. Farther down the stacks, she saw a scholar climbing down from a ladder. “Excuse me, is there some method marking which books have already been checked for the Soulless?”
The scholar frowned at her. “I am assigned these stacks, my lady,” he responded. “I have been looking through the history books. You may check others, though I doubt you’ll find anything useful.” He sniffed and wandered back to the windows, carrying his book.
Arianwyn made a face at his back. She picked up several more books and put them back after reading the title. “Lady Arianwyn?” a woman asked.
She turned, grateful for the distraction. “Yes?”
“I am Nami. Headmistress Tess said you were looking for a steward and sent me.”
Arianwyn frowned. “I thought she would send a man. Can you read and write?”
“Considering your gender, Tess thought a man…inappropriate,” Nami responded, smiling. “I am educated. My father is one of the Merchant Masters. As I have not married, he thought my presence among the king’s favored would assist in my eligibility.”
Arianwyn nodded. “Excellent. Could you help me figure out my daily schedule?”
“Of course. I have written up an outline based on what Tess and Marie have told me you are already doing.”
Arianwyn led Nami back to the window, glancing over the schedule. “Will you add an hour of research in the mornings?” Nami made the notation and then waited, quill poised to add others. “Is there anything else I should be doing?”
Nami glanced at her, frowning. “Don’t you know?”
Arianwyn shrugged. “I haven’t spent enough time among ruling nobility to know.”
The King's Treasure Page 20