Complete In the Service of Dragons

by William Robert Stanek

  He was, however, slightly surprised to find King Peter of Zapad and King Alexas of Yug were also with him. As he had suspected, King William of Sever would still arrive separately from the others. The three had journeyed from the South together with a full complement of soldiers each. He had expected roughly 500; he had not counted on there being 5,000.

  His plans were being crushed. He would be forced to tell Lord Serant before it was too late. He was hoping to dispatch the few rogues easily and thus quietly retain the union of the kingdom. The plot reached farther than he had ever expected it would. The dispute would not end quietly.

  Sister Catrin entered his office just as he finished rolling the scroll and placed it in the fire. She cleared her throat to get his attention, startling him. “Why so nervous?” she asked curiously, wondering if he was hiding something.

  “Most sorry, Sister Catrin. It is just that since the attack, I have been on edge. What can I do for you? Is there something you need?” he asked quickly and smoothly, moving her back out into the hall while he talked to her.

  “Midori wishes to speak with you.”

  “Midori, why?”

  “I am just the messenger. Please come at your earliest convenience,” said Sister Catrin as she departed.

  Captain Brodst was curious why Midori would be looking for him yet didn’t let it concern him. He had other pressing things on his mind. He rushed from his room to Lord Serant’s quarters, only to find that he was gone. Captain Brodst panicked for an instant; where would he have gone? Calyin would not have allowed him to leave. Then he realized where Lord Serant was. He was preparing for the seventh day ceremonies in the audience chamber.

  Captain Brodst hurried into the room and whispered into Lord Serant’s ear that he must talk to him in private. He looked around the hall. He wasn’t surprised at all to find Chancellor Volnej seated across from Lord Serant; and of the many guards throughout the hall, he saw only one that he recognized.

  “Would the Princess Calyin like to escort us?” said the captain, offering her his arm. She almost protested until she saw the fierce look in the captain’s eyes. The three walked from the hall to Lord Serant’s room, which conveniently was close at hand.

  Once inside, the captain locked the door and then searched the room. He found no signs of spy holes, so he returned to a seat near the extremely puzzled duo.

  “Sorry for all the intrigue; it was a necessary precaution.” Captain Brodst was quick to fill them in on what he had discovered, going over each detail completely. When he finished, the shock was evident on both Calyin’s and Serant’s faces. It was also evident that they believed what he had said.

  They would be prepared if the time came for battle. They sent several runners to all the city garrisons and riders to others close at hand. The message called for the garrisons to rotate in and out of the city for battle dress inspections during the coming ceremonies, keeping the real reasons hidden.

  Captain Brodst bade them wait here until his return and he sought out Midori. The more he thought about why she would want to see him, the more interested he became. The question was gnawing at the back of his consciousness for the better part of an hour; now he would have it answered.

  Midori greeted him warmly, and readily invited him into her chambers. She wore a light robe, which, if the captain had noticed, was quite revealing. She closed the door and the two were alone. She sauntered back to the rear chamber of the suite, and sat upon the bed. Nonchalantly, Captain Brodst followed her and sat down next to her. “Well?” he asked as she placed her lips against his. “You aim to seduce me. Is that it?”

  “Seduce you, yes,” she whispered as she kissed him.

  “No games?” he asked.

  “No games. Is this not your heart’s desire?”

  “It has been a long time.”

  “Yes, it has, and I’ve missed you.”

  The time raced rapidly by and soon it was well into the afternoon. A heavy rap sounded on the door several times before Captain Brodst opened it.

  “Captain, come quickly,” the page said. He scrutinized the page thoroughly wondering how he had been found, but quickly followed where the boy led. He arrived in Lord Serant’s chamber just in time to see a runner arrive.

  “The honorable and mighty Kings of the South, Peter of Zapad, Alexas of Yug, and Jarom of Vostok request admittance into your great city.” The small runner announced the message quite brilliantly, then bowed and departed.

  “Well?” asked Captain Brodst quizzically. “Shall we? We will be back soon, Calyin, please stay here as we planned.”

  Lord Serant and the captain hastily ran from the room. They made a short stop to see Swordmaster Timmer and Pyetr to put the captain’s plan into effect immediately. Serant ordered the group to go to the palace courtyard, mount, and wait for them.

  In the space of a few minutes, the entire company was outfitted, mounted and departing the gates of the palace. They raced towards the westerly gates of the city. Upon reaching them, the column of four parted, splitting into two. Skillfully, they faced each other, then walked the horses backwards forming two neat rows on either side off the road, a very graceful display of horsemanship.

  The four lead horses moved from the pack and strode to the gates. Lord Serant signaled for the gates to be opened. Readily the two hulking forms wound outward. “Greetings to the monarchs of the South. Thank you for answering our call. The Great Kingdom welcomes you,” announced Lord Serant crisply; then he asked the troops to follow his detachment to the southern garrison.

  King Jarom’s aide instantly sparked an objection, stating that their guards should be housed in the palace garrison. Lord Serant’s subtle diplomacy quickly and decisively won the argument. He still didn’t like the high number of extras he was forced to accept as retainers for the kings. He was assured that the men only acted as personal bodyguards and servants and the like. He was quite convinced otherwise but didn’t offer further objection. He had them almost precisely where he wanted them.

  Once Lord Serant saw that the kings were properly lodged, he and the captain returned to check on Calyin. She flew into Serant’s arms and hugged him fiercely. He kissed her gently and carried her over to a chair and sat upon it with her in his arms. Captain Brodst smiled and turned his back for a moment, while Lord Serant kissed Calyin deeply and reassuringly. He chased away her fears, reassuring her that no further harm would befall him.

  Calyin moved to a chair beside Lord Serant. “Captain Brodst, it is quite all right to sit down,” she said sardonically. The three then discussed their plans in more detail. Pyetr’s men had taken the key positions throughout the palace as planned. They had replaced the chancellor’s manservant with a planted servant of their own. It had been a delicate maneuver, which Pyetr had quite skillfully managed. The three kings and their servants were placed in the second wing of the palace, which just happened to be nearest the central guard quarters; and the soldiers of the South were tucked away nicely in an easily-accessed position.

  Everything was working to their advantage; now they needed only to wait for the opposition to make its move. They would then be able to spring their exquisitely designed trap. With luck, the coming conflict would die just as rapidly as it began.

  It was well past the dinner hour when the three entered the great hall. The three kings had eaten long ago and were visibly frustrated by the long wait for an audience. Lord Serant took his place at the head of the table with Calyin to his left. Captain Brodst was the last to enter and he took a place next to his lord.

  Servants quickly brought out the main courses and poured drink. Each time one of the guests began to speak, Serant would raise his hand to stop him, offering a toast instead. He was somewhat surprised at how well the royalty retained their etiquette as they watched Calyin, Lord Serant, and the captain drift through an eleven-course meal, which they had already finished earlier.

  When the last remnants of food were removed and drink flowed, Lord Serant raised his han
d again, signaling it was permitted to talk. King Jarom’s aide was the first to stand and beg a more private audience. Serant snapped his fingers and Chancellor Volnej entered the room. He whispered quietly into Lord Serant’s ear. “Ah, yes, Chancellor de Vit, I will permit you this. We shall retire to my personal audience chamber.”

  The group moved to a smaller chamber just off the hall. Captain Brodst winked at Pyetr, who had just changed the guards around the inner audience hall; as he entered, the doors closed behind him. King Jarom’s wolfish grimace grew into a cheerful smile as he studied Lord Serant and his captain.

  “You may speak freely in here, gentlemen,” said Lord Serant loftily.

  “Good,” said Chancellor de Vit. He started to speak further when King Jarom silenced him. “Yes, good indeed, we—” said King Jarom, indicating King Peter and King Alexas, “are most concerned about the affairs of the kingdom.”

  “You needn’t be concerned; there is nothing to be concerned over. I assure you.”

  “We are not so sure. It has come to our attention that since King Andrew’s death there have been circumstances regarding the rightful rule of the kingdom that concern us. The kingdom has no true heir. Prince Valam was the only heir, and he is gone.”

  “You were not called here to debate my position. Princess Calyin is also an heir, and as her husband, I am assuming my rightful place.”

  “I bet you do!” sparked King Peter.

  “I object to what you are insinuating. Calyin is the next in the royal line. It is her rightful place.”

  “She is a woman. Her rightful place is with her husband, nothing more.”

  “She is the rightful heir. I will hear nothing more on this subject. We have more pressing matters to deal with tomorrow.”

  “Just the same, Lord Serant. We wish to make a formal claim to the council to contest your claim. We feel it is a king’s place to rule in the absence of the prince.”

  “Do not forget your place. You come to Great Kingdom as honored guests, nothing more. Great Kingdom has not forgotten the treachery at Alderan and Quashan’. We are not the ones who need to explain ourselves.”

  “As members of the alliance—”

  “—An alliance you honor of your own convenience—”

  “What occurred in the south is a separate matter, a matter of lands in dispute,” cut in King Jarom. “As members of the alliance, it is our right; it was written into the treaty. We wish an audience with the council in two days’ time. I assure you that when Prince Valam returns we will relinquish our rule. You have nothing to worry about.”

  “Guards! Remove these men from my sight! Now!”

  “We are not men, we are royalty, and you will treat us as such in the future. You need to learn to control yourself better. This little outburst will be made known to the council. Good day, Lord Serant—Princess.”

  King Jarom shook away the arm of the guard that attempted to assist his exit. The three kings walked gracefully out of the room, followed by their aides. Once the door was closed tightly, Lord Serant lost his haughty exterior. “Captain Brodst, would you leave us for a moment, and please send for Keeper Q’yer and Father Joshua. I could use their wisdom.”

  Lord Serant watched the captain walk stiffly from the room. He turned to look at Calyin and sank down to his knees beside her. “Can they do it? Can they take control?” Calyin understood the pain her lord was feeling. Uncertainty was an emotion he had only recently discovered. He didn’t know how to deal with it. Even though sadness filled Calyin, she was happy; her pillar of flawless granite did in fact need her, and that filled her mind with joy.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Keeper, Captain Mikhal’s group has arrived.”

  “Send Captain Mikhal in at once!”

  Father Jacob quickly joined Keeper Martin in the command tent. He was eager to get the report from the captain. It had been many days since the scout group had departed. He had feared the worst, his ill omens fading only as he saw the group return safely, and Captain Mikhal stood before him.

  “Captain Mikhal! It is good to see that you are returned safe. Here, drink this; it will refresh you,” said the newly appointed lieutenant Danyel’. Danyel’ was a towering man; his height eclipsed that of most, and his girth was unmatched. His immense size and fierce skill had earned him his title and much respect. Many referred to the former mercenary turned guardsmen affectionately as “Seventh” after his position. He was the seventh to attain the status of lieutenant since they had arrived in East Reach.

  Lieutenant was an office that, through Captain Mikhal’s advice, had been restored. The title meant much more than Swordmaster First Class or Sergeant at Arms, as it positioned the holder in the ranks of leadership. The captain was still the undisputed leader of the army, but the lieutenants were free to act on their own volition to lead their respective detachments.

  During the long journey to the Reaches, Mikhal had been scheming over his plans for the times ahead: the best defenses and the best offenses. The whole picture had been missing one element: a sectional lead, a lieutenant. He divided the entire company into six sections, each section containing ten squads. The sections were led by the lieutenants, and the sergeants or swordmasters led the squads, following the decisions of their leader.

  Keeper Martin and Father Jacob were most impressed by the battle wisdom Captain Mikhal showed. His planning was clear and precise. They were quite confident Captain Mikhal would be a potent force when the time came to join the fight.

  “Captain Mikhal, are you ready to report?”

  “Yes, let’s go do it, ‘Seventh’.”

  The two walked toward the tent, the fatigue of the long trek barely showing in their features. Captain Mikhal unfolded their large, roughly formed map onto the table, crimping the edges so it would remain open. Many marks and symbols were newly sketched onto it.

  “The report is the same as our last though we journeyed farther out this time; still no signs of anyone. The plains are barren, all homes and farms are abandoned. The mountains appear to stretch across the entire north and west here as we thought. We have spotted two passes, here—and here. They are wide enough for an army to travel through with little difficulty. These marks here and here are two narrow canyons where they could also come through, but we could easily dispatch them from above. In the second one, this river joins the main one here. We could easily block the river. Danyel’s group followed the river as far as they dared go and noted the fords. They also spotted a large village here. We did manage to find some salvageable food. This is also where we captured some errant horses, a group of about ten, which brings our total up to thirty four. Here, just the other side of the river, is a small stand of trees, the only trees we have seen on the entire plain. Several times during the night, we could feel someone shadowing us. We would search and find nothing. On the return trip, we did spot a single rider, but he was gone as soon as we discovered him. My group stayed an additional day to try to follow him, but his tracks ended and we could not find the trail again.”

  “We did not expect you to find anyone. This place is strange, a country at war, and no signs of fighting in any direction. Our first summations must have been correct. The mountains still form an effective boundary, and for King Mark to invade would require a vast amount of troops. We are sitting right in the middle of where he will want to go. I am afraid we return to the same questions. Why hasn’t the queen sent her scouts to greet us? Where have all the people fled? Why hasn’t King Mark invaded? Our choices are limited with this odd season upon us. I see two options open to us. We can wait here through the coming cold and hope the queen brings us supplies, or we can return home while we still have enough supplies to make the return journey.”

  “Well spoken, Father Jacob. You know that I fully agree with you as we have discussed this topic all week. What of my other suggestion? Do you think it is worth the risk?”

  “I will not hear of it—using the device is too dangerous. You said so yourself. Eve
n if you could trigger it, you don’t know if you would survive the teleportation.”

  “Teleportation?”

  “Sorry, Captain Mikhal, Lieutenant Danyel’, it’s just that Jacob and I have discussed this so often that I had forgotten. Yes, teleportation, the device that is at the command of keepers. Keeper Martin thinks he may be able to trigger it even at this distance through a dream message.”

  “Is it possible?”

  “Anything is possible. It is just that even if I can activate it, I might not be able to complete the journey.”

  “I don’t understand how it works. How could it be possible to carry you that great a distance?”

  “Distance isn’t the problem if I can trigger it. The device creates a window from one place to another. It is triggered by thoughts reaching it. You picture an image of a place in your mind and it will take you there. It goes through a sphere outside of time and distance. In that space, the kingdom is as close to us as you are to me.”