The officiator raised a hand above his head, waited a moment, and lowered his hand.
Ivor spun and raced back to his weapons. Instead of heading to where his weapons were, Rayne ran toward the edge where he and Ivor had entered.
Rayne reached where the merchant had fallen. He caught his grandfather’s questioning look before he bent down and picked up a large, solid apple that had spilt out into the circle. He spun toward Ivor who had selected a wicked looking two-handed mace, set himself, and threw the apple as hard as he could. The timing was perfect—the apple hit Ivor in the face just as he was turning toward Rayne. The apple exploded in a shower of pulp and peel. Ivor’s head snapped backward sharply, and he stumbled back a few steps, but didn’t fall down. Instead, he wiped the apple residue off his face, gripped the hilt of his mace tightly, and started moving toward an unarmed Rayne.
***
“Where is he going?” Snapdragon screamed when Rayne didn’t move toward his weapons.
Sunshine didn’t answer. She only hoped Rayne knew what he was doing. When she saw him hit Ivor in the head with an apple, her eyes went wide, but then she noticed the giant man’s reaction and smiled. But he didn’t go down, so she grabbed onto Snapdragon’s arm, squeezing him hard. She buried her face into his shoulder, and for the first time this afternoon she could not force herself to watch.
***
Rayne looked to where his weapons lay a dozen paces away. They were more than likely useless, but he would have felt a bit better with something in his hands. He was considering his options when the officiator raced in and stood before Ivor, stopping him. It took Rayne a moment to realize that the crowd standing by Ivor’s weapons was making extra noise and pointing to the ground. The officiator motioned Rayne to approach, which he did.
Again, the officiator raised his hands to get the crowd to quiet down. Rayne expected the officiator to declare Ivor the winner because Rayne had used the apple. He was ready to argue that the apple was a fair item because it was in the circle before the match started. The rules clearly stated that anything could be used that was found in the circle as long as it wasn’t added after the match had begun.
To his surprise, the officiator said, “Number 13 from Erd stepped out of the circle after being hit with the apple, which makes number 17 from Lebu the winner!”
CHAPTER 20
“And these will be your quarters,” Captain Sullivan said brusquely to Rayne and Oakleaf. “Someone bricked up the window years ago. You’ll just have to live with it.”
The room’s furnishings consisted of two beds, both worn and lumpy. At the foot of each bed were large trunks, the only real storage the room offered. Against one wall there was a small table with a large bowl that held some water. A mirror hung above the table, lit by candles in sconces.
“Go ahead and put your belongings in the trunks,” Sullivan said. “You’ll be fitted for guardian uniforms tomorrow. Until then, wear your nicest clothes. Dinner with the royalty will be in about an hour, so make sure you are ready when summoned.”
With that, Captain Sullivan walked away, leaving Rayne and Oakleaf alone in the room. The two new guardians stood there a moment, looking around.
“Which side do you want?” Rayne asked.
Oakleaf, his nose still swollen, nodded to the left. “I’ll take this one, though neither look like much of a choice.”
Rayne set down his packs and opened the trunk. He first put in his father’s sword and then his copy of the Tome of Laws. Covering both with a dark brown canvas blanket, he made it look as though the canvas was the bottom of the trunk, effectively hiding his father’s possessions. Next, he unpacked his clothes. “Well, at least we will get to be together. I’d hate to be forced to live with Ivor, or any of the other new guardians.”
Oakleaf, starting to unpack as well, agreed. “Do you find it odd that we are the only new royal guardians who aren’t from Erd?”
Rayne shrugged. “Not really. When the officiators posted that the two of us and four participants from Erd won, I wasn’t too shocked. In fact, I heard someone say that had we not won today’s events, all of the new royal guardians would have been from Erd.”
“That doesn’t seem fair.” Oakleaf frowned. “So far, I’ve not been impressed with how things have been run. Perhaps my expectations were too high. I have been working toward this for the last few years, and now that I’m here, I guess I’m disappointed that my reality and my dreams aren’t quite matching up.”
Rayne reached over and slapped Oakleaf on the shoulder. “Give it a chance. We’re just getting started. After all, how many people get the opportunity to have dinner with the royalty?”
They finished unpacking and were talking about the day’s events when their door burst open, causing both of them to jump. In the doorway stood a thickly built man with narrow eyes and a very pronounced crooked nose. He wore the uniform of a guardian, trimmed in crimson and silver.
“Git up,” he said. “Time fer dinner.”
Rayne stood up and extended a hand. “Hello. My name is Rayne, and that’s Oakleaf.”
The guardian didn’t take Rayne’s hand. Instead, he gave a hard stare that switched between Rayne and Oakleaf. “Wut kinda names are those?” the guardian scoffed.
“Furst a woman savant named Sunshine and now yous two. Wut ever happened to proper names like Cameron?”
Oakleaf stood up. “I take it that’s your name.”
Royal Guardian Cameron nodded sharply. “Yeah. By the way, wut happened to yours nose? Ah, wait—yous the one that Ivor beat up. Ha ha! Chances are yous be lookin’ like me from here on out,” he said, pointing to his own nose.
Rayne noticed Oakleaf wasn’t amused, and he decided to jump in before Oakleaf said anything to get himself in trouble. “You said it was time for dinner, right? We should be going then.”
“Aye,” Cameron said. He turned and walked down the hallway, with Rayne and Oakleaf following.
After walking down a series of hallways, they arrived in a large chamber and stopped in front of two huge wooden doors. The other men chosen as royal guardians were standing at the door already, their escorts beside them. Rayne spotted Ivor right away and couldn’t help but smile when he noticed Ivor was sporting quite the black eye.
Ivor shouldered his way past the others to stand in front of Rayne. The large, bulbous-nosed man looked down at Rayne’s tunic and grimaced. “I see you’re wearing the pin you were awarded for the combat event,” he said, poking Rayne in the chest just above the pin, a miniature replica of two crossed swords. Ivor turned his head to include the rest of the new guardians and said loudly, “Although it would be more appropriate if it showed an apple instead of swords.”
Ivor laughed heartily, and the other guardians soon joined in. Rayne looked down at the pin, smiled, and then looked back up at Ivor. “Perhaps it should. But at least I’m able to hit a target at a distance.”
The guardians laughed again, but stopped quickly when Ivor spun and glared at them.
When Captain Sullivan entered the chamber, his dark eyes narrowed. “What’s so funny?” he demanded.
The guardians all became silent and Cameron stepped forward. “Nuthin,’ Cap’t. Just a bit ’o fun ’fore dinner.”
“I see,” Sullivan said, then turned his attention to the rest of the guardians. “Let me make one thing clear to you new royal guardians. You’ve earned the right to be worshiped by the commoners. However, when around me or the royalty, you will be quiet and speak only when spoken to. That clear?”
“Yes, sir,” they said in unison.
Sullivan nodded. “Very good then. Let’s go in and have dinner. And remember, anyone who causes problems for me will live to regret it.”
***
“My compliments on a wonderful dinner,” Governor Eadward said, taking a seat. After dinner, Governor Eadward, Magistrate Caldre, and Councilor Abrecan had retired to Abrecan’s room.
Caldre sat down next to Eadward. “Yes, the Councilor made s
ome excellent choices for dinner tonight.”
“Yes, yes, enough with the pleasantries.” Abrecan looked uncomfortable with the positive comments. “Let’s discuss how things are progressing for the Shoginoc.”
Eadward sat up straighter. “I’ve been able to procure several valuable items from both Erd and Lewyol, but most of the silver from Erd has been mined out and sent to the castle, and Lewyol hasn’t had much to offer.”
“It needs to be a formidable showing,” Abrecan said. “There has to be no doubt that it is the biggest offering. You should have been able to do that by combining the resources of two districts. Did I make a mistake by appointing you governor of both Erd and Lewyol?”
Some of the color drained from Eadward’s face. “You didn’t make a mistake. We’ve tried very hard, but the commoners don’t seem particularly interested in supplying us with what we need. How do you suggest I inspire them?”
“It’s not my responsibility to inspire your commoners,” Abrecan said bluntly.
Caldre cleared his throat. “If I may make a suggestion?”
“What is it, Caldre?” Abrecan seemed annoyed at the interruption.
“There are a number of valuables in the castle that are gathering dust and won’t be missed if they are removed,” Caldre said. “The items could be polished and added to Eadward’s offering.”
Abrecan leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers as he thought. “That’s not a bad idea. I’m surprised I didn’t think of it.”
“Shall we proceed then?” Caldre asked.
“Yes, yes. Make sure it’s enough to make a difference.” Abrecan focused his attention on Eadward again. “And remember our agreement, Eadward. In return for giving you the throne, you will do what I say and not make any decisions unless they are cleared through me first.”
Eadward nodded. “Understood.”
“Excellent,” Caldre said. “Since that is settled, may we discuss something else, Councilor?”
Abrecan stifled a yawn. “What is it now, Caldre?”
Absently pulling on his ponytail, Caldre said, “I have a plan to unseat Bertram.”
“Not another plan.” Abrecan sighed dramatically. “Tell me what you have in mind. I’m curious to see how this one fails.”
Caldre tried to ignore the lack of support, but he couldn’t hide the frustration in his voice. “I’ve not been able to remove the magistrate because he stays fairly isolated. However, I’ve noticed that someone has gotten close to him.”
“Who?”
“The new savant, Sunshine,” Caldre said. “Bertram has taken her under his wing.”
Abrecan’s attention perked up a bit. “Are they involved romantically?”
Caldre snorted. “Oh, no. Not in the least. He’s more like her mentor.”
“Ah. That would make more sense—he’s rather ugly. Sunshine, however…even I have noticed her. She’s quite stunning.”
“Yes, she is,” Caldre said. “As you know, I’ve never married. I think it may be time. Sunshine would make a wonderful prize with which to be seen, and I could use her to get to Bertram.”
Abrecan raised his eyebrows a bit. “And how do you plan on wooing her?”
“Everyone has a price,” Caldre said. “She obviously loves knowledge, so I’ll offer her fewer duties so she can study more. I’ll start by asking her to be my personal assistant.”
Abrecan looked doubtful. “And if that doesn’t work?”
“Then I’ll see that she gets more duties so she has less time to read,” Caldre said. “And if that fails, I’ll threaten to take away something she cares for more than books.”
***
Rayne and Oakleaf were awakened when Cameron barged into the room, looking none too happy.
“Git up,” he commanded. “It’s bad enough I gots stuck training yous two, but even worser that I gots to git up early too. Meets me at the front gates as soon as yous can.”
The two new guardians got ready and rushed to the front gates, asking servants along the way the quickest route there. They arrived at the front gates in plenty of time, but Cameron still harassed them about being slow.
“Where are yours uniforms?” Cameron asked, folding his arms in front of him and looking at Rayne and Oakleaf with distain.
“Captain Sullivan said we would be fitted for uniforms today.” Rayne stood as straight as he could.
Cameron looked doubtful. “Oh, he dids, dids he? You better nots be lying to me.”
Oakleaf, not standing nearly as straight as Rayne, responded, “Why would we lie to you?”
“Because yous may want me to git in troubles with the Cap’t.” Cameron pointed a finger at them.
Rayne and Oakleaf exchanged a quick questioning look, but neither said anything.
“Never minds abouts the uniforms for now. Yous will start learnin’ to read laters today.”
“I already know how to read,” Oakleaf bragged.
“As do I,” Rayne said, trying to sound less boastful than his companion.
Cameron’s expression soured even more. “Oh, so now yous thinkin’ yous better than me ’cos yous knows how to read already?”
“Uh, no,” Rayne said carefully.
“Whatevers.” Cameron shook his head. “This mornin’ yous will be inspectin’ anyone enterin’ or leavin’ the castle. Makes sure no ones brings nothin’ dangerous inside and no one leaves with stuff that don’t belong to thems.”
“Understood,” Rayne said, and Oakleaf nodded.
“And don’t tries nothin’. I’ll be checkin’ in on yous from up theres.” Cameron pointed up to the archer’s tower by the front gate. “Any questions?”
“Yes, sir, I have one,” Rayne said. “Where do the guardians in the castle live once they get married?”
Cameron gave Rayne a blank stare. “Wut?”
Rayne tried again. “In Lewyol, guardians who got married were given a house by the governor. I was wondering what arrangements are made for royal guardians.”
Again, Cameron didn’t say anything for a moment. Then he broke out in laughter. “Wut’s yous talkin’ about? Royal guardians can’t git married, least not untils they retire. Now quit wastin’ my time and git to work.” He walked away, still laughing.
“What’s wrong, Rayne?” Oakleaf asked. “You look pale.”
Rayne didn’t respond—he was still in shock. Why hadn’t he known before? Perhaps he just assumed they could marry because guardians throughout the land were allowed to. Plus, it wasn’t mentioned in the Tome of Laws.
This knowledge impacted Rayne in more than one way. The most obvious was that he wouldn’t be able to court Sunshine. Did she know about this? Is that why she wanted to talk to him? How could he work here in the castle, with her so close, and not be able to be with her?
But even as disheartening as that was, it was the next thing he realized that was the most disturbing. His father had been a royal guardian, and he had gotten married. Perhaps that was the mistake his father had referred to—getting married when it wasn’t allowed. What would cause him to do that? His father was one of the most honorable and truthful people he had known. If that was the mistake his father regretted so much, Rayne himself was a result of this mistake. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that, but it did give him reason to pause.
“Rayne?” Oakleaf poked him in the shoulder. “Hey, are you there?”
Rayne glanced at Oakleaf without turning his head. “Did you know royal guardians couldn’t get married?”
“Well, yeah. You mean you didn’t? I thought you were just messing with Cameron.”
“No,” Rayne said quietly. “I didn’t know.”
***
A week passed, and Cameron had kept Rayne and Oakleaf very busy. It was called their “training” period, but it seemed like they were given all the duties and tasks of the older guardians. This meant long days of almost nonstop activity, followed by short nights on lumpy beds.
The swelling in Oakleaf’s nose had gone dow
n, and it did indeed look like it would be crooked from that time forward. As time passed, the young man from Lewyol was becoming more disenchanted with being a guardian. It was fairly obvious that the new guardians from Erd were not given as much work as Rayne and Oakleaf.
At one point, Oakleaf even said that had Rayne not been there, he would have probably resigned. Rayne, on the other hand, was no stranger to hard work from his life on the farm. While the days were long and the work hard, Rayne accepted it and actually enjoyed it.
He had started developing a good rapport with many of the servants, as well as several of the nobles and savants in the castle. In addition, the hard work sometimes helped him keep his mind off the rule that he was forbidden to marry. However, no matter how hard he tried, there were any number of things that would remind him and cause him to become troubled again. Despite being exhausted after working all day, sleep seemed to elude him, and he often woke in the middle of the night thinking about Sunshine. He desperately wanted to talk to her. He had seen her in passing and could tell she wanted to talk, but they couldn’t find a time to get together. At night he would think about what he’d say to her, but nothing sounded quite right.
After the first full week, Captain Sullivan finally gave Rayne and Oakleaf the night off after dinner. Oakleaf chose to spend his time trying to catch up on some sleep, while Rayne was able to get a servant to find Sunshine and ask her to meet him in the eastern courtyard.
When Sunshine entered the courtyard, Rayne stood by a large sculpture of King Daimh, looking at it distastefully. “That’s the same reaction I had when I first saw it,” she said.
Rayne turned and smiled when he saw her. “It seems a bit, well, much, doesn’t it?” He nodded his head slightly toward the statue.
“No more than just about everything else in the castle. You can’t go anywhere without seeing some tribute to either the king or his father.”
The Hidden Sun (Bariwon Chronicles Book 1) Page 22