“Thank you, Your Highness. You are most generous,” replied the visibly relieved farmer.
The value of the missing cattle was higher than his tax bill would be, but not having to sell off any cows to pay his taxes would allow the farmer an opportunity to rebuild his stock. Queen Amelia was happy to see that the farmer’s complaint was the last order of business on the list for the day. She excused herself and went to her chambers. She had much to think about.
When the king came to her chambers, Amelia was struggling to contain her fury. “Why did you go behind my back and arrange a marriage for Isabella? What were you thinking?” asked Amelia. The anger seeped into her tone.
King Robert stiffened his back. “I am king. It is my right.”
“You are king because I needed a man to sit beside me. If Lord Hummel didn’t have such bad personal hygiene, you wouldn’t be sitting on the throne,” answered Queen Amelia, acidly.
“That may be the case, but I am now king,” replied Robert. “My advisors and I believe that the only way to neutralize the threat of King Ramsey trying to take our kingdom is this marriage.”
Amelia wanted to scream, she was so frustrated, usually Robert and his advisors argued on what wine to drink and what to hunt next. “If this was such a great plan, why did you not tell me about it before making the arrangements?”
“You are not rational about such matters. A woman cannot be trusted to make this sort of decision. We did not want you interfering with the negotiations. We have saved the future of the kingdom today,” said Robert with a smug look.
Queen Amelia could not believe her ears. Robert and his damnable cronies had purposely gone behind her back. “No, Robert, you have given the kingdom away,” replied Amelia. “King Ramsey is old and his health is deteriorating rapidly. Prince Erik will be king within the next few years, and now you have given him a bride and a perfect excuse to declare the entire isle his domain. He won’t need to use his army to defeat us, you have given him the perfect weapon.” Amelia’s voice rose in anger, “You have agreed to marry my eleven-year-old daughter to a brutal womanizer who will end up taking our kingdom anyways.”
King Robert looked nervously at his wife. “That is not how my advisors explained it.”
Amelia rubbed her temples, Robert’s stupidity was headache inducing. “Your advisors are fools at best. At worse, they’re spies for King Ramsey.”
“My advisors are fools? You’re the one that just took the word of a farmer that dragons ate his cattle. No one has seen a dragon in over a hundred years. That you allowed that man to claim dragons as a reason for not paying his taxes is beyond foolish.”
Queen Amelia shook her head in frustration. This man has the tact of an ogre. “One again you show your ignorance to what is happening in this kingdom, my lovely husband. That farmer is not the only one to have dragon complaints. Our own scouts have seen them. And regardless of it being dragons or raids by bandits, his claim was legitimate. The correct course of action was to give him time to rebuild his stocks so he can once again afford to pay taxes.”
“Lies, they are all lying. I will not accept unfounded rumors of dragons to be used as excuses to not pay taxes. I shall not let rumors of dragons affect the way I run this kingdom.”
“Then you are an even bigger fool than I thought,” said Queen Amelia as she turned and left the room, leaving the king to ponder her meaning.
…
Raven walked into the queen’s private chambers, having been summoned by her.
“Raven, I need you to take Isabella to Droll Isle,” said Queen Amelia as she watched the beautiful warrior enter the chamber. Raven was a large, powerfully built, yet exotic looking woman, with long blonde hair constantly kept in a braid. Raven was a warrior of Solotine, a faraway land filled with barbarians and savages. She’d been kidnapped by slave traders and sold to a noble from Kosal. Queen Amelia’s father had rescued the young girl during a raid into Kosal. Amelia had taken the younger girl under her wing and wanted to teach her to become a noble woman. Raven had refused Amelia. She wanted to be a warrior, as was the way of the people of her homeland. Raven became Amelia’s protector and as the two grew of age, her best friend became her most trusted ally. When Isabella had been born, Raven agreed to become Isabella’s protector. Raven had been watching over the girl ever since.
Raven, already having heard rumors that the king had agreed to marry young Isabella to Prince Erik, King Ramsey’s brute of a son, was not surprised the queen wanted Isabella taken away. “When do you want us to leave?”
“In two days. My husband, the wise king, is going on a boar hunt. He will be traveling to the forests at the northern end of the isle. That should buy you a few days’ head start.” Amelia had been plotting since the moment she had heard the herald mention the marriage. No way was Amelia going to let her young daughter be a political prisoner, especially at the hands of a savage like Erik Ramsey.
“How many warriors do you want to accompany us?” asked Raven. The question was an important one. A large force offered protection, a small one would provide stealth. Raven preferred a small number, but would trust her queen’s judgment.
“Take only one warrior. Only tell the warrior and Isabella at the last moment. Secrecy is paramount. I’ve sent a message to a friend in Droll. She will help you once you’re there.”
“Is taking the girl to Droll the wisest choice? Especially now?” asked Raven.
“Droll is a risk,” admitted Amelia. “However, I’m not going to have my daughter hiding in a hovel in fear of being found by Prince Ramsey because my jackass of a husband decided to try acting like a king. Damn that man, why couldn’t he just stick to whores and hunting? No, despite the risks, the wisest course of action is to remove Isabella from the equation.”
“His advisors are power hungry,” said Raven. “He gladly hunts and drinks, but they keep harping on his needing to act more like a leader. You may have to do something soon, before they push him into doing something even more foolish.”
Amelia nodded. She had let things slip out of her hands and now was paying the price. She was sending her daughter to a foreign land to protect her, and the kingdom, from her husband’s decision. Her thoughts returned to Droll. It was a dangerous place called the Dragon Isle by many. It was one of the last homes of dragons before they disappeared from the land. “The was a farmer in court today, claiming dragons had killed twenty of his stock.”
Raven nodded. “There have been other sightings as well. It seems that the prophecies were true, but I’m not sure that the missing cattle were the result of a dragon attack. Bandits coming from Kosal have been raiding deep into the kingdom lately.”
“I’ve been carefully watching Isabella mindful of the prophesies. So far she hasn’t shown any signs of change, but you must be careful,” said Queen Amelia.
“Forgive me, Mistress, but why take Isabella towards the dragons? If she is indeed Dragonblood, shouldn’t I be taking her far away from the beasts?”
“Where would you go that a dragon can’t fly?” asked Queen Amelia. “Besides, it’s not dragons that are the danger to Isabella. The greater danger to my daughter is the men who fear dragons that will be hunting Dragonbloods. In Droll, there is a coven of witches who’ve been guarding the secrets of dragons for centuries. They know the true history of Dragonbloods and will protect Isabella against those who would harm her. Perhaps my husband’s stupid blunder is a blessing in disguise. I’ve been ignoring the facts for too long. The prophecies declare the return of dragons is imminent., and will happen before the next double eclipse, which shall occur on the next harvest moons. That’s only three short weeks away. It’s very likely that dragons have already returned to the world, given all the rumors that have arisen to that effect. I should have prepared Isabella for this, but I dared not risk exposing her secret. Only you and a few trusted others know of her mark. Taking her to Droll is risky, but staying here is far more dangerous. I’d never let my daughter fall into the hands of a
n evil brute like Prince Erik Ramsey.” Amelia handed Raven a map.
Raven studied the map of the isle. “Bridgewater is a long journey away, at least four thousand furlongs. We’ll need two weeks’ supplies at least. There are several villages in between where we can resupply ourselves if necessary, but the less time we spend among people the better. Having someone recognize the princess would complicate things.”
Queen Amelia watched Raven run her finger down the map. The tip of Raven’s finger curved around the spine of the mountain range that ran down the middle of the isle and she marked the places where water was easily found. They would cross several mountain streams along the way, so water was not as critical as it would have been if they had been going north or west instead of south. The journey still held many dangerous areas, but at least thirst wouldn’t be a concern.
Amelia thought about the proud northern woman while watching her study the map intently. Raven was the only one she could trust to protect Isabella. Loyal, and a fierce warrior, Raven had been her most trusted protector. More than once Raven had saved Amelia’s life. Now she would save Isabella from a cruel marriage, and the kingdom from a cruel king. Amelia frowned as Raven circled her finger around one stretch of the map. The Dark Forest had once been a feared place, home to vicious creatures who made travel through the forest extremely dangerous. “You would lose several days traveling around the forest,” Amelia pointed out.
“Yes,” Raven nodded in agreement. “But, the forest is home to strange things, and is not easy to navigate. There is a reason the main roads go around the forest. It might be best to just go around. By then, we should be far enough south we won’t have to worry about Isabella being recognized.”
“It has been twenty years, you don’t think the monsters have returned, do you?” asked Amelia with concern. The Dark Forest covered a large amount of territory, territory they would need to stay close to, even on the road.
Raven shrugged, “Monsters or bandits, it doesn’t really matter. Either way, going around the forest is the safest course of action. To be honest, the forest concerns me less than the mountains. The weather can change there to some very nasty conditions.”
“True.” Amelia looked at Raven. “I shall miss you, Raven, but you must stay with Isabella in Balta until it is truly safe for her to return.”
“It is an honor to serve you, and I shall keep Chipmunk safe, I promise.”
Chipmunk indeed, thought Amelia. Isabella was closer to the baby that Raven had always called chipmunk than being a woman mature enough for marriage. In time, Isabella would have to come home and reclaim her kingdom, but for now, getting her safely to Balta was all that mattered.
3
RAVEN CHECKED ON THE HORSES one last time. The animals were sturdy. Mountain bred, they had stamina and would handle any terrain, unlike the larger mounts the knights preferred. She glanced over at Eron, a broad shouldered warrior with the well scarred face of a man familiar with battle, who was watching her with an amused look on his face
“You’ve checked three times, Raven. The supplies are secure. The animals are ready to go. It is time,” said Eron.
“You are right. As soon as the queen arrives with Isabella, we shall leave.”
Raven and Eron were waiting for Isabella in the stables of a farmer loyal to the queen, one whose farm lay beyond view of the castle. The queen had many ways of leaving the castle unseen, but leaving with four horses in the middle of the night was much easier from a distance.
“Last chance, Eron. If you want to stay on the Isles, speak now.” Raven was sure she knew the answer to the question, but giving Eron the opportunity was important. The journey would be dangerous, and if successful, it would be years before they would return to the Isles.
Eron stared into Raven’s eyes, holding her gaze, “It is an honor to guard the princess. I will go wherever she goes.”
Eron had been part of the queen’s guard for as long as Raven had been in the kingdom. He was lifelong warrior with no family, a perfect candidate for the mission. Raven knew that Eron would do whatever asked of him, but she had wanted to give him the choice. Warriors would only follow a leader so far, but when they chose to follow, they were always more committed.
Raven smiled, it would be good to travel with Eron. “You are just thinking of all those sun kissed red-haired women on Droll. You think they are going to get all hot and bothered when they meet the mighty Eron.”
Eron laughed, “I’m too old to be whoring around, but one last adventure in a foreign land is a good thing.”
Raven suspected Eron did like the idea of foreign women, but she knew he wouldn't admit that to her.
Eron smiled, he would rather fight a badger with one hand tied behind his back then say something to anger her. Raven had a good sense of humor, but when cross, she was quick to strike and could hit as hard as any man. Eron had suffered more than one black eye due to a colorful remark at her expense. He had also shared her bed at one time, but Raven was a warrior first, woman second. Being any man’s wife was not in her future. Eron respected her, despite his habit of being rude to her.
A small thumping sound interrupted Raven and Eron. Eron put one hand on his sword and watched the stable doors. The door opened and the queen came in, followed by her young daughter, Isabella. Eron released his sword and bowed his head. “My Queen,” he said in greeting.
The queen nodded at Eron, then turned to Raven. “I have to get back before we are missed.” The queen put a small pouch in Raven’s hand. “It’s gold,” she explained. “Use it as you need. I have made arrangements for you both in Droll, but just in case something comes up along the way.”
Raven took the small but heavy pouch and put it into her bag on the pack horse. Later, she would hide gold on her person and other places to make sure if they were ever robbed that they would not lose everything. Not that she had any intentions of ever being robbed, but prudent planning was always a good idea.
Turning to Isabella, Raven smiled as she looked at the petite child. She had her mother’s dark eyes and high cheekbones, but her square chin and dimples were courtesy of the late King Medina. “Hello, Chipmunk, are you ready for an adventure?”
Isabella looked at Raven, her hero, with big eyes. “Is it true that on Droll they have mages who make fireballs fly out of their butt?”
Raven laughed, “Where did you hear that?”
“I overheard the king’s guard talking about Droll once. One of the soldiers was telling everyone at supper that he saw it with his own eyes,” answered Isabella.
Raven chuckled, the word of a king’s guard, especially one with a few drinks under his belt was not to be taken seriously. Not that Raven didn’t believe the man might have seen a mage capable of making fireballs, but only the way it happened. She couldn’t imagine any mage purposely putting flames so close to his manhood. Raven gently picked up Isabella and put her on her horse, “I think the soldier may have been exaggerating. I am sure there are plenty of fire mages in Droll, but blowing fire out one’s bottom sounds rather unpleasant. I doubt anyone would do it on purpose.”
Isabella looked down at Raven, making a face. “That would probably hurt.”
Raven stole a glance at the queen, who was half ready to cry at sending her daughter away and half about to laugh at the levity of Isabella’s question.
Finally, Queen Amelia grabbed her daughter’s hand and gave it a last squeeze. “Isabella, you listen to Raven. She is going to take good care of you.”
“Yes, Mum. I know. Don’t be sad, Mum, I know why you are sending me away. I don’t want to marry yet, I’m glad to go away with Raven and Eron.”
The queen kissed her daughter’s hand. “Oh, Isabella, I should have known you would know the truth. I am sorry I lied. Yes, your father thinks your marrying the prince is a good thing. But he is wrong, very wrong. The best thing for you, and the kingdom, is for you to disappear. I will send for you when it is safe. I love you, Isabella.”
“Good bye
, Mum, I love you too.”
Raven and Eron mounted their horses and waited for the queen to finish saying goodbye.
The queen gave Raven a nod and opened the stable doors wide.
It was time to go. Raven nodded back at the queen and gave her horse a small squeeze with her knees. The animal started moving out the doors. Isabella followed her, and Eron took up a protective rear position. The queen closed the stable doors and quickly made her way back towards the castle.
As Raven watched the queen disappear, she wondered if she’d ever see her good friend again. A touch of sadness grabbed at Raven. She’d miss Prozia as much as Isabella would.
4
“ANOTHER PINT OF YOUR FINEST, barkeep,” said Kai before giving a loud belch. “Excuse me,” he slurred as he dug into his pocket feeling for the copper he was sure that he still had.
“Why don’t you call it a night, Kai?” asked Britt Wistol, the barkeep and owner of the Winking Pig. “Save your coin for tomorrow.” Britt had a soft spot in his heart for Kai, but the man rarely judged his own limit accurately.
Kai looked up at Britt with a look of disappointment. “Aww, come on, Britt. One more and I’ll call it a night. I’m not that drunk!”
Reaching out to grab the bar top, Kai misjudged and put his hand down six inches in front of the bar; his balance thrown off, Kai fell to the ground, crashing in front of the bar.
A few laughs rang out from the crowd. One patron yelled at Britt. “Throw that bum out, why do you keep letting him back in?”
“Cause, unlike you, Tom Shepard, Kai pays for his own drinks, you cheap bastard! So don’t be telling me who to serve in my own bar,” replied Britt. On more than one occasion Britt had felt the need to put Tom in his place. Tom was far too free with insults when it came to Kai. “If I’m going to throw anyone out, it’ll be the cheap bastards who don’t bring coin with them.”
Sisera's Gift (Dragonblood Sagas Book 2) Page 2