Complete In the Service of Dragons

by William Robert Stanek

“Good thinking. Let’s go have a look,” Xith said.

  The two didn’t have to wake up the rest of the camp. Noman and Amir were already fully awake and tending to the horses to keep them quiet. Xith and Nijal crouched in the last tree line, staring down the road at the oncoming riders.

  The thunder of hooves echoed closer and closer. “How many do you think there are?” asked Nijal.

  “Enough. From the amount of dust they raise and the noise at this distance, there may be several hundred.”

  “Hundreds?” said Nijal amazed.

  “More like thousands,” whispered Noman, walking up from behind them.

  They watched as the horde grew into a mob of trotting horses. In silence, they watched them pass by. Nijal opened his mouth to say something, but both Noman and Xith quickly clamped their hands over it. Nijal closed his mouth and stared rapidly back and forth along the length of the line of troops.

  A full hour passed before the last horses galloped by. Only then did the trio dare to move from their concealment. Nijal didn’t understand why Xith and Noman were so calm. He had seen three banners move past and none of them belonged to the kingdom. He decided that if they would not worry, he would worry enough for both of them.

  Adrina was also awakened by the noise. She stood next to Amir, looking extremely frightened. “Everything is fine; there is nothing to worry about. Let’s get back to sleep. We need to be rested for tonight.”

  “What?” yelled Nijal.

  “Shh!” said Xith, pointing to Adrina. Adrina hadn’t heard Nijal’s outburst and was heading back into the comfort of the carriage. Amir made sure she was properly tucked in and asleep before he allowed anyone to begin talking.

  “Sorry,” said Nijal, “I didn’t realize—”

  “It’s okay. She just doesn’t need anything further to disturb her right now.”

  “The banners, whose were they?”

  “The banners of the south. King Jarom, King Peter, and King Alexas.”

  “All three together?” asked Amir.

  “Yes, all three, together. I estimated around 5,000 riders.”

  “As did I. We must reach the territories soon, before it is too late.”

  “Too late?”

  “Do not fret so much, friend Nijal. Had you seen the City of the Sky crumble around you, you would know what is ahead, but the end is also the beginning.”

  “What are you saying? I don’t understand your riddles.”

  “You understand, but your mind rejects the thought. If you wish, you may return to the Free City. You have no obligation to us.”

  “No, you are correct. I understand. I have chosen my path, and it is with you, not without you.”

  Nijal offered to remain on watch throughout the day. No one refused his offer. He watched as they all returned to their sleep. Quietly, he opened the door to the carriage to check on Adrina. He was happy to find her sleeping soundly.

  The day turned into night without incident, and the group returned to the road again. Adrina begged Nijal to ride with her inside the carriage so she would have some company. Nijal was hesitant though—afraid in a way. He looked to Xith for advice. Xith didn’t offer an argument so he went.

  He was tired after the long day though he hid it well from Adrina. When she asked him if he was sleepy, this time he lied and said simply, “No.” He enjoyed being with her immensely and didn’t want to ruin it. He was also very worried about her. “Sleep is a state of mind,” he whispered to himself to stay awake.

  Adrina released a tiny cry of pain and then laughed aloud. “What is it?” asked Nijal concerned. “Nothing. Here, feel,” she said reaching for his hand.

  “He’s moving.”

  “Yes, sometimes he does. Did you feel that?” she giggled. Repulsed, Nijal pulled his hand away. The look in his eye nearly brought tears to her eyes. “You fear me, hate me.”

  “I fear for you,” Nijal said taking her hand in his. “I—I—”

  He cut off the rest of his sentence.

  “Whaat?” asked Adrina as the coach veered sharply and stopped.

  “Shh—listen.”

  “What is it?”

  Nijal didn’t have to answer her. The sound became stronger, even as she talked. Nijal peered out through the carriage door. In the darkness it was hard for him to see, but he knew they were moving off the road because of the tall grass striking the sides of the carriage.

  All movement ceased again, and Xith jumped down from the coach in front of Nijal. “Stay in there with her. Remain quiet,” Xith whispered. Nijal closed the door and latched it. He moved beside Adrina and drew his dagger.

  The long wait began. They could hear the sound of voices yelling an alarm. Flickers of light swallowed the darkness as many torches were lit. The trot of horses began anew as riders plunged into the field.

  The door to the carriage ripped open; Nijal lunged with his dagger. The man on the other side was much quicker. He snatched the blade from Nijal’s hand and pulled him out. It was then that Nijal realized it was Amir. “Come on!” he yelled to Adrina.

  Amir grabbed her and readily mounted, fleeing through the fields. Nijal looked around, momentarily disoriented. He saw his escape, and jumped on the horse that was tied to the rear of the coach, but it was too late. He would not reach the other side of the clearing. He made the only choice he could. He decided to hold his ground and give his companions more time. He turned to look at the retreating shadows of his friends one last time, and then released a blood-curdling cry. With his long sword in one hand and his dagger in the other, carefully he maneuvered his mount toward the attack, and charged at the lead rider.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Keeper Q’yer and Father Joshua, thank you for coming so quickly. We have much to discuss,” said Lord Serant, as he began to fill them in on the words of the three kings of the South.

  After a long period of silence and very careful thought, Keeper Q’yer replied, “I really don’t see the harm in it.” Lord Serant and Calyin fixed him with a puzzled stare, but let him continue without interruption. “Really. They want a separate meeting with the council to discuss your right to maintain control. We’ll give it to them, but on our terms. We will work it into the speeches we had planned for tomorrow. In fact, we will begin on that very topic. We will turn the tide in our favor.”

  “And with a ruling in front of all members and the council to support us, they can do nothing. Yes, I like your thinking, keeper.”

  A devilish smile also passed Father Joshua’s lips, “Yes, we shall confront them with it before they expect. Our words will be heard first. I, too, approve of it.”

  The door to the audience hall burst open. Lord Serant was the first to move from the table. In a skillful lunge from his seat as he drew his weapon, he was now only a few feet from the intruder. It took him a moment to relax his sword arm, after he realized it was only Captain Brodst. “Lord Serant, King William is minutes from arriving at the postern gates. Chancellor Van’te of South Province and his aides are just a half hour’s ride behind King William’s delegation.”

  “Good. Any word or signs of those from the free cities?”

  “No, but if I know Geoffrey of Solntse, he will be late in coming; the governors of Mir and Veter will wait to meet him near the crossroads to the south.”

  “Yes, that would be like him, wouldn’t it?”

  After Lord Serant personally greeted King William and Chancellor Van’te, he returned to the audience chamber. Once all plans were set, they retired for the evening. Captain Brodst wasn’t tired in the least; he went to check on Pyetr’s progress. Only then was he satisfied enough to be able to sleep, but something still burned in the back of his mind. He knew something wasn’t right, but he couldn’t touch upon it.

  Early the following morning, a courier brought word to Lord Serant that Lord Fantyu of High Province had arrived in the coastal city of Taber on the eastern sea and would regretfully be a day late in arriving to Imtal. “Did Lord Fantyu explain w
hy he was to be late?” demanded Lord Serant.

  “Yes, my lord. He told me to tell you, begging your pardon of course, and I quote, ‘Tell his lordship if he questions my allegiance by the paltry offense of arriving slightly late that first of all we were delayed by rough seas and bad weather; we rowed our war galleys to a double beat. Secondly, the distance from High Province to Imtal normally takes well over two weeks in fair conditions, and he should be thankful we are here already. Thirdly, I must take into consideration my warships, which are of the kingdom’s own fleet. Under no circumstances will I risk my fleet entering the forsakenly shallow waters of his blessed river!’ Begging your pardon, of course, your lordship,” spoke the courier swiftly.

  Lord Serant had to force back a smile; the youngster had imitated Lord Fantyu to perfection. He had even imitated the uncanny nature with which the lord accented his every word with bodily gestures. Lord Serant dismissed the youth, and returned to his morning duties.

  Throughout the day, delegates arrived; by noon the High Council was in full count, as was the Council of Keepers and ten representatives from each of the priesthoods. Only the governors of the free cities were unaccounted for. Lord Serant and Princess Calyin were growing nervous. They had fully counted on the heavy support of the governors and Lord Fantyu to seal their approval.

  Finally, they tactfully decided to begin the initial ceremonies as planned but to hold off an open meeting until the following afternoon. King Jarom of Vostok was clearly puzzled over Lord Serant’s game of intrigue. He and his aides left the ceremony as soon as it was timely. The other kings and their aides were soon to follow his departure.

  Lord Serant still didn’t approve of the number of bodyguards they retained. In another situation, he would have spoken his opinion; for now, the balance was too delicate to attempt to upset it. All proceeded well for the moment; he hoped it would remain smooth.

  He spent the remainder of the day in his study with Calyin, trying to pass the day calmly. He left orders that he was not to be disturbed under any circumstances. Chancellor Volnej assured Lord Serant that he would take care of their guests’ every wish. Lord Serant was sure the chancellor would. With Pyetr’s men stationed in the key positions throughout the palace, Lord Serant was confident the chancellor would be well watched.

  At the moment, however, Lord Serant was not pleased. Sister Midori and Sister Catrin interrupted his and Calyin’s solitude. He was busy staring out a window lost to dreams of past and future, while Calyin and the two priestesses were engaged in heavy conversation; the topic of their words was beyond him. His tensions cleared when Captain Brodst informed him that Geoffrey and the other governors of the free cities had finally arrived and eagerly awaited an audience with him.

  He seized the opportunity to leave the woman’s talk and go greet the governors. He quickly traversed the distance to his private audience chamber. “Geoffrey of Solntse! Well, it is about time, you old wood troll!” shouted Lord Serant embracing his old friend.

  Seeing Geoffrey again brought back memories from his youth when the two had first met. Lord Serant had been a cocky young lord and Geoffrey a young but experienced swordsman first class. Lord Serant had challenged Geoffrey to a contest of steel over a simple remark. In minutes Geoffrey had won the duel, leaving a fuming lord. The two had later become good friends.

  “I had to make a slight delay, but I overcame the problem.”

  “What, a stray wildcat? Or a female?”

  “Well actually a little of both.”

  “I knew it!”

  “Can we talk freely?” asked Geoffrey looking to Captain Brodst.

  “Yes, I would trust Captain Brodst with my life.”

  “We met a friend of yours on the way here. You know my son Nijal, yes?”

  “Of course I do.”

  “He has left the free city to, ahh, um, travel. I ran into him and his companions near the southern crossroads. He told me to tell you, ‘The child is safe’. He said you would know what he meant.”

  “Adrina? Did you see her?”

  “Princess Adrina? I should have known! Why, that little rogue!”

  “Captain Brodst, send a message to the garrison nearest to the crossroads. I want Adrina found, and I want her back at the palace! Does he know what has happened? Who was he traveling with?”

  “Calm yourself. I know she is safe. Nijal is with her. He would not allow anyone to harm her.”

  “I know he wouldn’t, but in the name of the Father, why haven’t they brought her back to the palace?”

  “I should not tell you this as I have sworn not to, but if you need assurance this will give it to you. The band that he travels with is quite unique. They arrived in Solntse over two passings of the moon ago. The leader is one of the great ones called ‘Noman’.”

  “Are you mad, Geoffrey?”

  “My friend, know that I simply speak the truth and accept it. I would never lie to you. I did not know it was Adrina he spoke of, but again I say she is in capable hands that do no mean her harm.”

  “I am sorry, Geoffrey. I hope in time I will understand; Adrina’s rightful place is here. We will find her!”

  Afternoon disappeared into evening and evening ended in morning, which once again became afternoon, although it was very early afternoon, being just past noon. Lord Serant’s thoughts drifted from past to present. He remembered how he had stood on the balcony watching the morning sun grow with the birth of dawn. He watched as the old hall began to fill; tension was visible in the air, as was an intermixing of foreboding and relief.

  He recalled with fondness the first time he had come to court Calyin. He had fallen in love with her simple beauty and warmth, which time could never taint, only perfect. His eyes fell to where she was seated beside him. She saw his smile and grasped his hand, holding it reassuringly tight.

  He watched as the final guests were seated and waited for Chancellor Volnej’s queue to enter. Together they stood; and regally, Calyin placed her arm in Lord Serant’s. Lord Serant took a last minute look at the guests and then closed the antechamber’s viewing port.

  They entered the great hall through the antechamber’s small, seemingly minuscule door when compared to the immensity of the old hall, which had stood idle during Andrew’s time. It had only been used by the Alder, on occasion for which the chamber had been constructed. A similar hall stood in the newer section of the palace, newer being a misnomer since both sections were quite aged, but one indeed had been constructed more recently than the other. This chamber, although it had not the rich design of the other, had, nonetheless, been chosen. A servant behind them drew a tapestry that depicted the sun rising over the far mountains, an omen of good fortune, across the small door as they walked forth.

  Calyin’s eyes wandered the hall’s vast span, which comprised almost entirely the eastern wing of the old palace. They walked past the long, oaken tables behind each of which sat one of the kings of the South amidst their aides, chancellors, and even their bodyguards, with which, even under these most serene and secure conditions, they would not part. Her eyes rose to the high-mounted pews where the High Council sat, only consuming a minute portion of them. In times of old before even the High Council, the seats had been filled with representatives from each city, village, and burrow across the kingdom and all its holdings, but this again had only occurred once, for afterwards there was no need as before.

  The great double doors opened wide as the heralds slowly approached. Those gathered rose and remained standing until Princess Calyin and Lord Serant were seated at the foremost position, which took quite some time, as the walk was a long one, especially at a stately pace. The doors were closed as the heralds departed and sealed in accordance with the ancient ordinance. The doors would not reopen until all differences were justly settled and the alliance was secure.

  “Herald and Welcome! The few gathered into this great hall represent the trinity that maintains the alliance of peace and prosperity,” began Calyin, raising her voice
strongly at first to insure that all could hear her voice, but the hall had a wonderful resonance which took her quite by surprise, as her voice carried to even the farthest reaches of the hall at a level that caused some to wince. She continued in a softer, somewhat subdued tone, “In these days of troubled times, it has become commonplace to see a keeper walk the halls of the palace often, forcing us to look back to other days and other times. Now is the time to solve all our disputes. The past is behind us; we have only our future to preserve. There are those that question my right to rule beside my beloved husband in Prince Valam’s absence. I hold no reservations; I only wish the kingdom to prosper, so let us begin this session by taking an earnest toll. The majority of you know me personally and know my soul. For those few of you who do not, I understand and welcome your caution in accepting me. Andrew was my father. Knowing him the way I did, I know he would have agreed that I am overly qualified for this honored position. I always remain true to my word, so if you see fit in your hearts to deny me the opportunity to serve my kingdom, then so be it. I will return to High Province without protest. Are there any here who would like to speak before we begin the count?”