Sisera's Gift (Dragonblood Sagas Book 2)

by Robyn Wideman

  “Yes, it is,” said Raven. “On a different subject, how is your training coming? You’ve been spending a great deal of time in the training room.”

  “Frustrating,” admitted Isabella. “I can create flame, I can control it and make it do what I want, but I have the worse aim. The more I practice, the worse it gets!”

  “Aim? Well, finally something I can help teach you!” exclaimed Jaime.

  “You can teach me to aim fireballs?” asked Isabella.

  “Sure, why would fireballs be any different than aiming an arrow, or throwing a rock?” asked Jaime. “I may not be the best archer in the Daxrah, actually the best archer is riding towards Kosal now, but I had the same teacher. I do know a thing or two about teaching new recruits about aim.”

  Isabella lifted an eyebrow, showing her skepticism. “Kai is the best archer in the Daxrah?”

  “Lady Isabella, Kai Woods is probably the best archer in all of Seron. I realize he’s a bit rusty right now, hunting doesn’t keep his skills as sharp as they used to be, but when he trains … the things he can do with a bow are simply amazing.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me,” said Raven. “I’ve witnessed him in action. When we took the tower, Kai’s bow did most of the work. At one point he fired three arrows so fast, I hardly saw him draw, and each arrow found its mark. What you witnessed when those first bandits attacked our camp was not Kai’s best effort.”

  “When he comes back, ask Kai to do his apple trick,” said Jaime.

  Isabella frowned, “What kind of archery trick can he do with an apple? I’ve seen archers hit an apple off another’s head. That is a stupid and dangerous trick.”

  “I agree,” said Jaime. “However, that is not his trick. No, a good archer needs a unique combination of accuracy and speed. Archers train for hours trying to draw and release arrows as quickly as possible. Kai can take three apples, take a bite of the first apple, throw it into the air and then take a bite of the second apple and then throw it in the air and again with the third apple. Before the first apple hits the ground he can put an arrow through each apple.”

  “That’s impossible,” said Isabella.

  “Not only is it possible, but he only puts the arrow through his bite mark. The Daxrah have the best archers in all of Kosal, we train at it every day. Kai was the best of all of us.” Jaime paused and then gave his biggest smile, “That doesn’t mean he is the only Daxrah that can do a trick shot or two. Let’s go outside and I’ll show off a little.”

  Isabella smiled. This will be fun, she thought as she followed Jaime and Raven outside.

  …

  “As I was saying before, the two most important skills an archer needs to master are speed and accuracy.” Jaime handed Raven an apple. “Raven, if you’d be so kind, throw that apple across the yard when I give the signal.” Jaime held his bow in his left hand, and three arrows in his right hand. He turned so he was facing Isabella and not Raven. He gave Isabella a wink and then said to Raven, “Now.”

  Raven gave the apple a hard toss, sending it hurling across the open grounds of the courtyard.

  Jaime turned and lifted his bow, he fired one arrow and then as soon as he released the arrow he was drawing his second arrow and then his third.

  Isabella watched Jaime in awe. His hands moved so fast, he fired three arrows in the time most archers would fire one. She’d been so enthralled by how fast his hands moved, she had forgotten to look at the apple. Turning, Isabella looked across the yard. There was the apple, two arrows were stuck in the apple while a third was further up the yard. “You hit it twice!” exclaimed Isabella, “That was amazing!”

  “Twice?” asked Jaime. “You better take a closer look!”

  Isabella laughed and ran across the yard to where the arrows had hit the apple. She went to the third arrow and sure enough, it had a small chunk of apple on the tip. All three arrows had hit the apple! Isabella picked up all three arrows and returned to Jaime. “I stand corrected. Three hits on the apple. Even more amazing!”

  “Thank you, Lady Isabella. It always gives me great pleasure to impress a lady with my skills.”

  Isabella laughed, “I’ve heard that about you. Kai warned us you were smoother than a lake at dawn.”

  “Did he? I would take offense if it weren’t true.”

  “It’s too bad,” said Isabella.

  Jaime looked confused, “What’s too bad, Lady Isabella?”

  “It’s too bad Raven isn’t impressed by bow work. She’s currently the only woman in the tower, and the only way you are going to impress her is by beating her with an axe.”

  Jaime took a look at Raven and her war axe. “I think not. I shall patiently wait for the opportunity to flirt with village girls. I know when I’m out matched.”

  Isabella giggled, “Good idea. Now teach me how to be super-fast and accurate.”

  “You must learn to walk before you learn to run,” said Jaime. “First we learn how to be accurate, speed comes later. Now, without actually throwing a fireball, show me how you have been doing it.”

  Isabella showed Jaime a flame. “When I want to throw a fireball, I just kind of wave my arm and focus on making it fly.”

  Jaime nodded, then picked up a small rock off the ground. He handed it to Isabella. “So you can throw fire the same way you’d throw a rock?”

  Isabella cupped the rock. Yes, it was very similar throwing style. “If I threw the rock underhanded it would be similar. I don’t think I can toss fire overhand. Also I don’t really have to throw harder with my arm to make the fireball move faster. It’s more about focusing my energy and thoughts into a fast moving fireball.”

  “Interesting,” said Jaime. “Your technique needed for ‘throwing’ fireballs, is much different then what an archer or spearman needs, but some principles will be the same, especially for a spearman. When an archer lines up for a shot, his arm gives him a guideline, but his eyes are on the target. When a spearman throws, it is critical that his feet are lined up with the target, but again his eyes are on the target. You must find a consistent release point on your throwing technique.”

  “What do my feet have to do with my arms?” asked Isabella.

  Jaime chuckled, “Everything. Your feet are your base. Where your feet are aimed, so is your body.”

  Isabella looked down at her feet, she supposed it made sense that if her feet were aimed at her target then her body would also be lined up with the target. “Okay, that does make sense. What’s next?”

  “If your feet are lined up with your target and you have a consistent release point, so you know the height is going to be correct, you will find all your shots are very much on target. Then it becomes a matter of focusing your eyes on the target. The trick with that is not to have a big target. Make your target small. Pretend there is a tiny little fly sitting in the middle of the target. Aim for the fly every time. As Camdyn likes to say ‘aim small, hit small’”

  “Aim small, hit small,” repeated Isabella. “I can do that. Anything else?”

  “Practice, only lots of practice will make you better.”

  Isabella smiled, “So I hear. I’m going to go back to my training room to do some practice. Thank you for the lesson, Jaime.”

  “A pleasure. I shall check on you later.”

  Isabella headed back inside the tower, she mumbled to herself as she went. “Aim small, hit small.”

  39

  ON THE EASTERNSIDE OF THE CASTLE was a hidden garden. High stone walls covered in moss, with intricate stonework pathways that wound and twisted in a haphazard pattern through the thick growths of flowers. The garden was one of Queen Amelia’s favorite spots in all of Prozia. The Wessel Violets that only grew in the shade and had the most wonderful aroma were something she’d miss when she left the kingdom. The garden and the people of Prozia were all she’d miss. The politics and ancient laws which were so prejudiced against women would not be missed.

  “A lovely garden,” said Isaac Byrne as he joined Queen
Amelia. “I could see myself spending many hours here.”

  “Yes, it certainly is a lovely place to escape to once in a while. Francis informed me of your request for an audience. I thought you were beyond such civilities.” Amelia fully intended to make a deal with Isaac Byrne. However, she wasn’t going to make it too easy for him. The man had come into the castle courtyard like a conquering hero. Now he’d have to show he could handle the politics of being a king.

  “I may have been a little caught up in the moment when we last spoke. My apologies. I realize these are difficult times for you and my behavior was boorish, and certainly not worthy of the title I desire.”

  Not bad, thought Queen Amelia. Take away the arrogant smirk and throw in a little flattery and he sounds like a true politician. Perhaps he wouldn’t be as poor a leader as his cousin had been. “I’ve recently been informed that there is a bit of formality with the royal council that must be dealt with before a coronation can take place. It seems that other family members may have equal claim to the throne.”

  “Not necessarily,” said Isaac. “I think that if you look objectively at the situation, you would see that I am the worthiest of the Byrne lines.”

  “Randolph Byrne is older and richer than you.”

  “Randolph Byrne is almost sixty, and he made his wealth through extra taxes on the citizens of Breakwater. Surely a man who puts his own wealth above the welfare of the people is not a ruler you’d support.”

  Amelia gave a non-committal shrug, “What about Esteban Byrne, I’ve heard he’s quite the warrior. With the troubles we’ve had with Kosal, a man like Esteban might make a worthy leader.”

  “Esteban Byrne? The man is a pirate. He’d steal the kingdom’s gold and head back to his ships at the first opportunity. No, Queen Amelia. I am the one to rule Prozia. The question is who should be my advisors. That is part of the reason I’ve requested this audience. I would like your input on the matter. My understanding is that you had a low opinion of the men that Robert relied on to make his decisions.”

  Amelia could see where Isaac was going with this. If she helped choose his advisors, it would insure his rule wasn’t as foolish as Robert’s had been. It was a major concession. “That would be putting it mildly. His advisors are idiots. Childhood friends turned drinking companions with no knowledge of how to run a kingdom. Also among them are spies. I’ve suspected Francis of being one of your men for a while, but King Ramsey also managed to have a man among Robert’s council.”

  “I do know Francis from long ago, but to call him a spy … I think that unfair. I do find the idea of a man of King Ramsey’s being among my cousin’s advisors troubling. Although in hindsight, it does make sense given some of the rulings he made that seemed to favor the kingdom of Kosal. This is an excellent opportunity for you to help clear out those whose loyalty is not to Prozia. You above all would have a good idea of who best would serve Prozia.”

  “It is an interesting proposal. How many advisors are you planning on having?”

  “I would need no more than three, perhaps four. Someone with good knowledge of taxes and the finances of running a kingdom. I believe you set a solid course for our kingdom in that regard and would not want to make drastic changes to the structures you had in place before Robert became king. An advisor with good relations among the magic users of Prozia would be vital. With the return of dragons, having someone with knowledge of magic and the lore of old would be critical. As well as someone with a diplomatic mind who understands and pays attention to the world beyond the lands of our kingdom.”

  “What of Francis? Is he to be one of your advisors like he was to Robert?”

  Isaac smiled, “I believe Francis is mostly concerned with what benefits Francis. I’d rather have competent advisors who are intent on bettering Prozia. What is the point of being king if the walls fall apart around you due to poor leadership? A man who desires to be known as a great king, surrounds himself with minds who are focused on a worthy cause. Men who will act just and fair and serve Prozia well.”

  Isaac Byrne might be an arrogant and conniving bastard, but he was not unintelligent. Queen Amelia could find little argument to be made on his desired list of advisors. “I find your request to assist you in finding the proper men to serve intriguing. It is something I will have to consider. Was there something else you wished to speak about?” asked Queen Amelia.

  “I was examining the royal proclamation regarding the rules of succession and I wanted you to know that as king, I would honor the provisions that are applicable to your rights as widow to a fallen king. Your coin would be counted by the tax advisor who you recommend, and my first act as king would be the overseeing the oath swearing of guards into knights of your service.”

  “That is very generous of you, Isaac, to give me what is mine,” said Queen Amelia.

  “Come, Queen Amelia. Let’s not play games. We both know anyone else declared king would try and weasel out of honoring those rights. Why the gold alone would send both my cousins into a fret, let alone the loss of up to thirty guards. We also both know that if the matter went to council, I would have the best odds of being declared king. However, it is within your prerogative to put your support behind one family member and negate the need for the royal council and the tedious procedures and political maneuvering that would follow. I am giving an extremely fair offer. You may pick advisors who you will feel will serve Prozia well, and you can take your coin and men and go to your daughter.”

  “Okay. When the funeral proceedings for Robert are done, you declare your intended advisors and intentions regarding my rights and I will announce my support for your claim to the throne.”

  “An excellent decision, Queen Amelia. Have you men in mind for the positions of advisors?”

  “Simone Bante is currently in charge of taxation and the kingdom’s finances. He should continue in that role. When it comes to magic and dragons, Craigg John is your most vital asset. I suspect he’ll recommend you appoint a court mage, Craigg would have a better idea what mages to consider than I. As for the diplomatic advisor, I would say Robert Hill. He’s not currently among the king’s advisors, but he is by far the most well-travelled noble in Prozia and is well versed in diplomatic speak.”

  “Thank you, Queen Amelia. I will speak to the men in question shortly.”

  “You may call me Lady Amelia. Queen is a title I shall have to get used to not hearing. If you’ll excuse me, Isaac, I would like a few moments to myself here in the garden. It is a spot I will miss.”

  Isaac nodded. “Lady Amelia. I shall see you at the funeral.”

  Lady Amelia watched Isaac leave the garden. Part of her felt like she’d just made a deal with a devil, but in truth, Isaac Byrne probably was the most competent of the Byrnes, and his willingness to take advisors of her choosing insured that the kingdom wouldn’t fall apart on her departure. It was a fair deal. Isaac got his crown. Amelia would have gold and men loyal to herself and walk out with dignity. Her days as a ruler were over, Amelia realized. When I rejoin Isabella, I will be the mother of a Dragonblood ruler. Isabella will be in charge of Mara. I will only be there to show my love and support and guide her as she finds her way. The idea pleased Amelia greatly.

  …

  The funeral for King Robert Byrne was a complicated ritual. His body, wrapped in white linen cloth and covered in flowers, was carted from castle through the streets to the Temple of the Divine, this was done so all in the kingdom would have a chance to wish a great king farewell. Religion in Prozia was much like the rest of the Isle of Seron, a mixture of three main group’s gods. Those who prayed to the sky gods, followed the priests and priestesses of Sol. Those who prayed to the earthly gods followed a priest of Ranha. For those who hadn’t declared a god, Tolhan monks were spiritual guides.

  As was the case with most nobles, King Robert had been a follower of the sky gods. So the local Priestess of Sol would take center position at the Temple of the Divine. All three religious groups would be repr
esented at the funeral ceremony. Nobles, especially kings, liked to hedge their bets when it came to notifying the gods of their death.

  Queen Amelia knelt in front of the death pool, a large, square, and shallow pool set in the middle of the temple. Robert’s body had been placed on a wooden platform and floated out into the middle of the pool. The white linen and flowers contrasted with the blue-green color of the pool. On the far side of the pool stood the three religions leaders.

  Lady Levine, the Priestess of Sol, started to say a short prayer for Robert while the two other religious leaders dipped their fingers into pots of incense infused oils. They then flicked their fingers spraying the oil onto the water. They did this until a path of oil flowed to the platform holding Robert’s body.

  Lady Levine’s voice carried throughout the temple. “Robert Byrne, son of Brenton Byrne, son of Halden Byrne, King of Prozia, has ended his time among men. He travels to the gods now. One of the greater gods will accept him among their own or he will travel to Bakal, the first of the seven hells, where he will wait in exile until a greater god chooses him. With our blessings we shall ignite the holy flames and free his soul. It will rise with the ashes and find its way to the gods or fall into the death waters and make its way towards Bakal. Robert Byrne, son of Brenton Byrne, son of Halden Byrne, may the eternal fires take you to your destiny.”

  A small torch was handed to Amelia. She tossed it into the waters of the pool. The flame caught the thin layer of oils on top of the water, bursting them into flame. The flame traveled to the middle of the pool and Robert’s body. The wood and oil soaked linens burst into flames. Amelia could feel the heat on her cheek. If the gods are just and only good people join them, he’s surely on his way to Bakal, thought Amelia. But she doubted the gods were any more just than man, so she suspected the sky gods were adding another king to their flock of souls. The heat of the flames started to intensify. Amelia stood, turned and walked out of the temple. The gathered nobles and family would only depart after her.