Child Of A Guardian And Of The Free (Book 3)

by Dan O'Sullivan

  ‘Your Majesties, your bed is ready,’ he announced. ‘No-one else can sleep in this room,’ he ordered firmly.

  Kelian stood in surprise. ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘But we don’t mind sharing the room.’

  ‘No! You’re the King of Alkira! I’ve been listening to everything you’re saying and I know you’re the King! And these people aren’t even...aren’t even...they aren’t looking after you properly!’

  Kelian laughed and Kalinya frowned back at him. ‘Kalinya, if I’m to get to the Sanctuary I need to do so without being noticed. It wouldn’t do for me to ride into the city with flags flying and trumpets playing. From what we’ve been told, I think there may be someone who would like to make sure we never reach the Sanctuary.’ Kelian’s face turned absolutely serious. ‘And don’t ever say these people aren’t looking after me. They’re keeping me alive. I owe my life to these men and these guardians so many times I’ve lost count and I won’t have anyone think less of them.’

  ‘Oh.’ Kalinya gazed between each solemn face, and in that moment he saw past the joviality and camaraderie and he saw a group of serious men, who had and would again put their lives on the line for their King. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said in a small voice. ‘I just think someone should look after the King and Queen.’

  ‘I didn’t think it was a good idea to bring a Squire with me,’ said Kelian. ‘But I appreciate what you’ve done. It was very thoughtful.’

  ‘So you will sleep here then?’

  ‘Of course,’ Kelian agreed. ‘And my personal Squire would normally sleep there.’ Kelian pointed to one of the smaller beds and Kalinya’s face lit up.

  ‘Really? You want me to sleep there? Thank you!’ He rushed over to the bed, threw himself onto it and was asleep before it stopped swinging.

  ‘I think the lad’s a little tired,’ said Borgulnay drily.

  Kelian lay on his bed, wondering how the child had known Elena would need the extra blanket when the night became cool. He laughed ruefully as the bed continued to sway for some time.

  ‘What is it?’ Elena asked as she slipped under the coverlet beside him.

  ‘I’m wondering if I’m going to be seasick in this bed.’

  ‘Hmmm. You won’t be if we keep still.’

  ‘It’s very unstable isn’t it? With beds like this it must be difficult for people in Tatharlia to-’

  Elena cleared her throat warningly and glanced at Kalinya’s sleeping form.

  ‘-sleep,’ Kelian finished firmly.

  Elena rolled her eyes. ‘What are you going to do with the lad, once we leave Tatharlia?’

  ‘I guess we’ll give him a choice. He can stay in his homeland, or he can come with us.’

  ‘And if he comes with us?’

  Kelian groaned. ‘You might be able to think of a thousand things at once, but I’m having trouble just dealing with today...and tomorrow.’

  ‘He’s just a nice little boy, and I feel so sorry for him, and I don’t want-’ Elena broke off as Kelian rolled over and put his arms around her, making the bed swing once again.

  ‘I won’t leave him without the means to live well,’ Kelian confirmed.

  ‘Good. Ugh, the bed’s moving,’ Elena groaned. ‘And I feel scared.’

  ‘Go to sleep darling. No-one can get in here that shouldn’t be here. I notice even Milgorry is having a little rest...right in our doorway. I’d like to see someone try to get past him.’

  ‘It won’t happen.’ Milgorry smiled confidently. ‘I’ll stay right here in the doorway and fortunately the window is very high. Sleep well.’

  Chapter 13

  Nali

  ‘Vocopulis.’ Uslantlo turned and smiled at Nali. The old servant had been in the Sanctuary for longer than he could remember, and their friendship was sound. ‘Do you have a moment?’

  ‘What is it Nali?’

  ‘I’ll come straight to the point. I’ve known you long enough to know something’s badly wrong. After what happened to your wife and children I know some are blaming you. But I know there’s a lot more to the story than people are aware. Now everywhere I look servants are disappearing and most of the guards I’ve never seen before. Most recently Guard Kaduk disappeared entirely. No-one has any idea where he went! I’ve been here for a long time and I’ve never seen so many changes. You’re supposed to be in control of those changes.’ Nali paused and stared expectantly at Uslantlo.

  ‘I have no idea what’s going on around here!’ Uslantlo answered in an indignant whisper. ‘All I know is where I used to be in charge of servants and military changes, Luhxdal has taken over. I don’t think he trusts me to do the task I’ve been doing for years. He knows how difficult it’s been since Laria and the children went. He doesn’t think I can handle my work any longer. And with Asdul being so ill Luhxdal seems to feel it’s his place to take control - not just of Asdul’s duties but of mine as well!’

  ‘And?’ Nali’s hands went to her hips.

  ‘And he’s supposedly courting Pevita, but he’s with Edrah every other moment! The man disgusts me! Yet I can’t pinpoint anything that’s bad enough to have him removed as Sub-Commander. Oh how I wish I could!’ Uslantlo gesticulated dramatically as he spoke.

  ‘Edrah? Ah! The new girl in charge of the Empress’ wardrobe. Interesting.’

  ‘He said to me that Edrah was there to keep watch on everyone. To make sure they were doing what they were asked to do. As if we need spies within the Sanctuary!’

  Nali frowned thoughtfully. ‘Few people that I trust remain within the Sanctuary. I think you need to speak to the Empress.’

  ‘She’s so young,’ said Uslantlo raising his hands in worry, ‘so inexperienced.’

  ‘That she is. But she’s intelligent and I know she’s also noticed the changes. She knows something’s wrong, but I doubt she knows what to do about it. That’s why she has advisors, you being her primary advisor. So...advise her. Regardless of her age and her lack of experience and knowledge, her power is unquestionable and her word uncontestable.’

  ‘What about the Guard? He never leaves her side. Luhxdal has expressed concerns about him, and so has Guard Penn. The man rarely speaks to anyone other than the Empress.’

  Nali’s frown was immediately replaced by a huge smile. She patted Uslantlo on the arm reassuringly. ‘I would trust him with my life… and with the Empress’ life. In honesty I would prefer he was present for any conversation you have with the Empress. And Pevita should be there too. She will be Empress if anything happens to Cahndrech.’ Her mouth dropped open as she finished speaking.

  ‘What? What are you thinking?’ Uslantlo urged.

  ‘Just that Luhxdal is courting Pevita, yet obviously doesn’t love her. I wonder what he’s playing at.’

  ‘Perhaps he intends to worm his way into power. Nothing would surprise me. Marrying Pevita could possibly make him a very powerful man.’

  ‘As Vocopulis of Tathra, you are a very powerful man, Uslantlo,’ Nali pointed out. ‘But I imagine that doesn’t sit well with Luhxdal. He’s far too power hungry.’

  ‘What of Superior Commander Asdul? He’s been ill for so long. They don’t expect him to survive. I would think Luhxdal would automatically be made Superior Commander if Asdul dies, but perhaps that’s not enough for him. He’s a very controlling type of person.’ Frustration and anger was evident in Uslantlo’s voice.

  ‘Uslantlo, I know Luhxdal’s somehow holding sway over your actions. You must tell me how. And why.’

  Uslantlo took a deep breath. ‘Laria knew things about him he didn’t want told, mainly of all his women friends, but also of some business outside the Sanctuary. She said it was serious enough that she wasn’t prepared to even tell me, for fear he would try to have me removed as Vocopulis. She threatened to tell the Empress. Without actually making a statement, Luhxdal made it very clear that if my wife told of his affairs, she would be in great danger. I tried to stop her, but she was so angry she went to Cahndrech.’

  ‘So what are
you saying? Did Luhxdal arrange for Laria’s death? It seemed accidental to me. They went swimming as they always had, and they were drawn out to sea and drowned.’

  ‘No,’ Uslantlo lowered his voice. ‘That’s not what happened.’

  ‘Tell me.’

  ‘They were good swimmers, all three of them. You know how strong they were. I had them swim out past the combers and Captain Mercah sent a small boat and took them to his ship. They’ve gone to Alkira.’

  Nali stared at him in stupefied astonishment. ‘They’re alive?’ she gasped.

  ‘As far as I’m aware.’

  ‘So the entire incident was a charade?’

  ‘Yes. But Nali, no-one must know.’

  ‘Does anyone else know?’

  ‘Captain Mercah of course and he may have told Leanna but no-one else.’

  ‘They were brave swimming out to sea with the rumors of all the sharks.’

  ‘Ah Nali, who do you think started the rumors?’ Uslantlo asked with a smile.

  ‘Oh. Very clever of you Uslantlo.’ She began to pace up and down the small room. ‘I can smell it in here too!

  ‘What can you smell...ah! I smell it too! What is that?’

  ‘I don’t know, but it’s quite strange. I can smell it all over the Sanctuary. I wish I could work out what it is. It not something I’ve ever smelt before and it makes me nervous. I’ll have to keep looking... So what was this other business Luhxdal was involved in outside the Sanctuary? Have you any idea?’

  ‘No. For all I know, Laria may have been mistaken. All she would say to me was that he had been overheard in the sleaziest Silahfohr in Tathra, talking with Guard Penn and one of the fallen. She refused to tell me what was said. She said if she was wrong, only she would look a fool and I shouldn’t be dragged in.’

  ‘Guard Penn?’ Nali stopped walking and folded her arms. A small smile came across Uslantlo’s face. ‘What are you planning Vocopulis?’ asked Nali, inclining her head curiously.

  ‘I’m planning to see what Penn has to say.’

  ‘No!’ Nali shook her head adamantly.

  ‘Why not? It can’t hurt surely. He might know something. Or at least I might scare him enough to let something slip.’

  ‘No! You are obviously unaware that Penn is Luhxdal’s half-brother.’ Nali sighed heavily. ‘On another topic, did you know that the Empress’ artist was found murdered? There’s a half-finished painting still standing against the wall in the Empress’ chambers. It’s hard to tell when it’s only half done, but it looks like it was to be a painting of a soldier wearing Alkiran uniform.’

  ‘The artist? Lorah?’ For the first time in the position of Vocopulis, Uslantlo was feeling entirely out of his depth. ‘Incredible. In all the chaos I didn’t notice she was gone.’

  ‘Listen to me Uslantlo. You need to find out what’s going on around here, but you need to do it without arousing suspicion. Why don’t you try talking to Edrah for a start?’

  Uslantlo scratched his head thoughtfully. ‘Actually, if you’re confident Cahndrech’s personal guard is above reproach, I want to talk to him first. I know nothing of the man. Who is he? Why did he come here? Who asked him to work in the Sanctuary? He’s not a soldier, yet he’s acting as the Empress’ personal guard, and before her parents died he seemed to have a serious friendship with them. I remember he would appear and disappear as he chose and no-one ever knew how he got in and out of the Sanctuary. But when Alem and Sahbdah died he appeared the next day and he’s been here ever since.’

  ‘If he chooses to tell you who he is, that’s his business. I’ll say nothing.’ Nali looked worriedly at Uslantlo. ‘But I will say this. Be careful. Too many people have disappeared without a trace. I don’t want to join them and I don’t suppose you do either.’

  Nearly an hour passed as Nali and Uslantlo discussed possibilities and strategies for dealing with the unusual circumstances within the Sanctuary. Uslantlo found himself amazed by the wealth of knowledge the old servant had accumulated over the years, and Nali herself began to understand the depth of the Vocopulis’ intelligence. She was surprised by the lengths he had gone to in order to make his family safe and to make himself appear far less threatening than he otherwise might. Even with this in mind she couldn’t help but stress the need for utmost care.

  Uslantlo was in agreement. ‘I’ll be careful, but I won’t sit around any longer doing nothing. For too long I’ve been bound by the threat of what could happen to my family. Now they are safe in Alkira. I’ve waited patiently and played my part well, but I knew the time would come when I needed to act. Well...time has come.’

  Nali watched the Vocopulis as he strode purposefully from the room, and she felt reassured by the renewed confidence the Vocopulis was showing. She smiled as she went back to her tasks, knowing now that Uslantlo’s previous insecure behavior was an act and she shook her head in admiration, remembering how grieved he acted when his family disappeared, and how weak he appeared when Luhxdal began to flex his political muscles. She had always considered Luhxdal a very dangerous soldier and a very dangerous man, but she felt sure that, in his own way, the intelligent and cunning Vocopulis could be far, far more dangerous.

  Chapter 14

  Eibhear and Dale

  ‘Why aren’t we unconscious like the others?’ Dale whispered, struggling to keep his head above the waves.

  ‘I have no idea,’ Eibhear said cautiously. ‘They must have done something to knock everyone out, but somehow they missed us.’

  ‘So if they do it again whilst we’re in the water?’

  ‘We’re in deep, deep-’

  ‘Water, Eibhear. We’re in deep water.’

  ‘Stop whispering so loudly. How long can you tread water for?’

  ‘Do you want me to answer or to stop whispering?’ Dale’s whisper was sarcastic. ‘I don’t have to tread water forever; I just have to outlast you. Then I can use your dead body as a raft and make for the shore.’

  ‘You do realize I won’t tire for a very, very, very, long time?’

  ‘Eibhear?’

  ‘You’re already tired aren’t you?’

  ‘Yes. I’ve not been the same since I was ill.’

  ‘Hang on to my shoulder, but whatever you do keep still and don’t panic, and don’t try to climb me if someone sees us, or if a shark bites your leg off.’

  ‘Can you still hear their thoughts? Are they going away yet?’

  ‘They want the ship, but they don’t think they can sail it so they’re deciding whether to wait until the sailors wake up or to move them onto their own boats whilst they’re unconscious.’

  ‘That could take hours!’ Dale whispered indignantly.

  ‘Relax. They’ll probably remain on board.’

  ‘That doesn’t help us!’

  ‘That storm will,’ said Eibhear, glancing upwards to the re-gathering clouds. ‘If it rains down heavily enough, we’ll make for the shore. Can you swim, other than treading water badly?’

  ‘Of course I can swim! But I doubt I can make it to the shore. I’m certain it’s even further away than it looks.’

  ‘We’ll try anyway. It has to be better than staying here. Do you notice the waves are starting to pick up as the storm closes in?’

  Without warning a huge wave picked them up and slammed them against the ship’s hull. Eibhear cursed as he frantically tried to keep his face above water. Another strong wave burst over their heads and Dale was smashed against the ship for the second time. He lost consciousness. Eibhear grabbed him by the front of his shirt and yanked him away, hoping with all his heart that no-one would look over the side of the ship and see him dragging Dale through the water. Minutes later the storm hit in earnest, bringing torrents of rain, massive flashes of lightning and almost simultaneous crashes of thunder. Eibhear felt nothing but relief as the rain hid them.

  Dale regained full consciousness as Eibhear dragged him from the water onto a rocky beach. His eyes shot open as a particularly loud crash of thunder
sounded and he marveled that the storm could last so long. He groaned in pain. His head felt like he’d been kicked by a horse and he felt faint as well as being nauseated. He reached up and touched his scalp gingerly and found that blood was still oozing from a long wound, despite his time in the salty water. He wondered where Eibhear was.

  ‘Right beside you,’ Eibhear muttered. He was lying on the rocks just below Dale and he wasn’t moving. Dale sat up in surprise and almost fainted. He wondered how much blood he had lost.

  ‘Eibhear! Are you alright?’

  ‘Just a bit tired. Ahh.... more than tired. I’m absolutely exhausted. You were right. We were a lot further from the shore than I’d imagined and the waves just got bigger and bigger. It’s a bit...disturbing…out there in the sea, feeling something huge brush past my legs when I’m dragging someone who won’t stop bleeding into the water.’

  ‘Sorry,’ said Dale, feeling a bit guilty for blacking out. He lay back against the rocks. ‘Eibhear I really am sorry. Being dragged through the water in the middle of that incredible storm, with the ship getting further away in the lightening and wondering what was brushing against my legs, wondering if I’d be such a burden I’d end up drowning both of us...that was scary.’

  Eibhear sat up and stared at Dale. ‘I thought you were unconscious!’

  ‘Yes. I was.’ Dale rolled over slightly so he could look down towards Eibhear. ‘And it’s terrifying to be in a situation where I can hear exactly what’s going on, but no matter what I do, I can’t get my body to move. It’s like being crippled when you know you’re not.’

  ‘Do you ever actually sleep properly?’

  ‘Sometimes. Rarely. Well, my body sleeps, but my mind doesn’t want to. If a shark had taken a piece out of me there would have been nothing I could have done about it. I would have had to drift there and watch it eat me.’