by Sigrid Kraft
Neither the soldier nor Branden paid any attention to Aileen at that moment, so only Eryn noticed her eyes shining in recognition. She nodded slightly in his direction and made the Fenn sign for ‘silence’.
Then the man grabbed Aileen by her elbow and forced her with him to the back of the wagon. Their voices grew lower as they entered the wagon and the door slammed shut. Eryn listened eagerly, still able to understand every word. The man berated Aileen for not pleasing the Prince. He said he had better teach her some manners. This was followed by sounds of bumping and banging, accompanied by the man’s heavy breathing. Eryn trembled with rage.
That evil bastard. I would kill him if I could.
Chained up as he was, however, he had no choice but to hope for a better opportunity.
A short while later, the man once more stepped out of the coach. He pushed a bar into place across the door and attached a heavy lock to hold it fast. Satisfied with his work, he reentered the citadel.
Eryn glanced cautiously in the direction of the guards, assuring himself that they weren’t paying him any attention. The two men were deep in conversation, so Eryn called in a low voice:
“Aileen, can you hear me?”
He cast another nervous glance at the guards.
“Aileen?” Eryn tried again.
Then came a reply: “Eryn, what has happened to you?”
“Speak softly – the guards may hear us.”
Luckily, the guards were involved in an argument about the previous day’s game of cards, so Eryn and Aileen could talk undisturbed. “Can you free yourself?” he asked hopefully.
“No, and you?”
Eryn replied in the negative. There wasn’t the slightest chance of him breaking his chains. Then they were telling each other what had happened after they had been separated in the mountains. First, Eryn reported in a few short words about the attack and how the others had died. He talked about Arun’s bravery and his last wish. The story didn’t came as a surprise to Aileen, as people in the towns had talked about the battle in the mountains and about how the rebels had all been killed. Even rumors of the execution had reached her, though at that time, she hadn’t known it was Eryn who had been saved in such a miraculous way.
After Eryn had finished, it was time for Aileen to relate how she had been captured by Branden Hold. Time and again she faltered, struggling for words. They roved from town to town, Branden controlling her with a bewitched armlet which protected him from her wrath and which she wasn’t able to take off. “He defiled me and one day I’ll kill him for all the terrible things he put me through.”
Eryn was overcome with impotent rage. I’m condemned to watch helplessly as my first sweet love, my comrade, the sister of my best friend, is surrendered to that filthy pig. The image of Arun’s death flashed into his mind and he heard his best friend’s last words again. His fear for Aileen’s safety and then Arun’s reply: ‘She is safe.’ Nothing but a lie – and there is nothing I can do to change it.
“We are the last of the Fenn, Eryn, the only ones who can keep alive the traditional values,” Aileen whispered. But in his mind, Eryn was turning over the problem of how he could help her. All of a sudden, he had an idea, which at least provided a small glimmer of hope. It is worth a try.
“I can beg the Prince for your freedom.”
“What good would that do? Do you really think he will listen to you? He is our enemy. All the misfortune that has befallen us was done in his name. Or have you forgotten that?”
“If I offer him what he wants. I will give up my pride and honor for your freedom. A small price, I would say,” he joked, but Aileen became agitated.
“Don’t do this! It’s all we have ever fought for. Remember, you are a Fenn. Other chances may come, and if not, at least we will walk to the Gods with a pure heart. If you give in, then what have we fought for?”
“For nothing,” was his bitter reply. It was easier to utter those words to someone other than himself.
“The Prince will take me hostage to force you to his will. You can’t believe that he’ll really let me go – just like that. From his point of view, that would be more than foolish.”
But the more Aileen tried to dissuade him, the firmer Eryn’s resolve became.
I will keep my promise to Arun and buy Aileen’s freedom with my sacrifice. And somewhere in the deepest recesses of his mind there was a great sense of relief: And my suffering will be at an end.
“I’ll find out how the Prince reacts. Also, compared with that Branden pig, the Prince is probably an improvement.”
They were both arguing heatedly in raised voices. Eryn had long since forgotten to keep an eye on the guards, so it wasn’t any wonder that at the sound of the voices, they had grown suspicious.
“Hey! Who you are talking to?” With a few swift steps, one of the soldiers now stood in front of Eryn.
“To myself,” he replied, before demanding in a firm voice: “Take me to the Prince!”
Eryn had to bend his neck back to look up into the man’s face. Against the glow of the torches, there was nothing to see but a black silhouette.
“Like hell I will, disturbing the Prince while he is dining. You will see His Highness soon enough. You can be sure off that.”
Eryn mocked: “But I want to speak the Prince at once. Just now I am in the mood to tell him everything he wants to hear. But tomorrow I might reconsider my decision. And then, you can be sure I will not forget to mention your negligence...”
The soldier expressed his reluctance with a snort and went back to consult with his comrade.
Meanwhile, Aileen chastised Eryn: “That is pure folly. You will humiliate yourself for nothing before that cursed bastard. The great Prince of Ardeen, in whose name all bad deeds were committed that led to the downfall of the clans.”
“Ssh,” Eryn hissed, because the soldiers now were coming back together. Without a word, they unlocked the chains and took Eryn with them.
The Prince of Ardeen and his guests were sitting around the festively decorated table and dining, a multitude of platters with various delicious foods set before them. Branden was enjoying his meal without a care in the world, while the Gray Wolf picked bad-temperedly at the food. Prince Raiden observed both with some amusement.
“Lord Boron, you should give up your grudge. Mister Branden has already explained everything and cleared up all the misunderstandings.”
Lord Boron stabbed a knife into a piece of meat as if he meant to kill it a second time. “My Prince, I simply don’t understand how you can believe a single word that... villain says. I still declare myself in favor of a just condemnation.”
To see our good Lord Boron in such a rage is a very rare occurrence. Of course Branden is a liar. But he also has some useful qualities. Even if the Gray Wolf neither recognizes nor appreciates them.
“My dear Lord Boron, I’m deeply indignant at being called a villain. Do not my very deeds speak against this? I followed the shadow without being detected, which was exactly the order you gave me. And later, I brought back the ring as soon as I could. So why don’t you just forget your grudge?”
But the commander was one of those who allowed things to fester inside him, so he simply kept silent.
Prince Raiden smiled and began a more casual conversation:
“What about a game of cards after dinner? I remember the last time, when you won by a cat’s whisker.” I am certain he cheated but I never found out how.
Branden put on an innocent face: “My Prince, that was sheer luck. Today will certainly be different.”
“A fair game without magic and without your smart tricks. Let the better man win.” If I don’t use magic, then he will also not use his sleight of hand. I’ll win honestly as a result of my mental superiority.
As usual Branden sucked up to him: “Naturally, you are better, my Prince. That is beyond doubt.”
“Don’t you dare let me win. That would be worse than losing with integrity.”
Bran
den had somehow managed to trap himself, which gave Lord Boron his smile back.
Unhappy with the situation, Branden now began to wriggle: “My Prince, I fear whatever I do I’ll annoy you. And nothing could be further from my intentions than that.”
I dare say. And I shall observe eagerly how you manage to wriggle yourself out of that. In such matters you are a supremely skilled artist.
One of the guards entered and reported that the prisoner wanted to see the Prince. At once the game with Branden was forgotten and the Prince commanded:
“Send him in. Let us see what he has to say.” Have I at last succeeded in breaking the lad so that he now comes to submit before me ... or will he just provoke me with his impertinent behavior? Let’s wait and see.
The prisoner was flanked by two soldiers. They stopped at a respectful distance and awaited new orders. The Black Prince fixed Eryn with his steel-blue eyes and the young man stared back, challenging and proud.
Sullen and stubborn as always. “Well?”
For the length of a heartbeat, there was silence. Then Eryn fell to his knees: “May I make a request, milord?”
Prince Raiden had worked towards this moment for so long, but it still took him by surprise to see the young man on his knees. “Have you at last come to your senses, lad?” he asked in mild disbelief.
“Yes, milord.” The answer came hesitatingly but then Eryn spoke on, fearing that if he didn’t do so, he might change his mind again: “I’ll do everything you demand...”
How gratifying that we have reached this point. Prince Raiden smiled faintly and nodded, as though he were showing a child that he was pleased with its behavior.
Eryn looked down at the black tiles as he continued: “... under one condition. Let the woman go.”
Unbelievable! He thinks he can negotiate! The Prince raised both eyebrows in incredulity and gave a hiss of outrage: “You are not in a position to dictate any terms.”
But Eryn remained resolute and for Aileen’s sake, even forced himself to speak very politely: “Milord, it is only a request: I beg you for this small gesture. In return I’ll pledge you my loyalty as henchman... or whatever you want me to do.
Prince Raiden considered the words at the same time as he read Eryn’s mind. It costs him great effort to swallow his pride. But he really means what he says. If I grant the raven haired beauty her freedom, he will surrender completely. At least, that’s what he is thinking now. Shall I trust him?
“And what guarantee do I have that you won’t betray me? I let her go and you fall back into your stubborn opposition? That wouldn’t be of much use to our cause.”
“Milord, I can only give you my word. It’s the only thing of value I still own.”
Suddenly Branden intervened: “My Prince, I just want to point out that the lady belongs to me. She is my property.”
This amused the Lord of Naganor and he replied: “The ownership of other people is not allowed here in Ardeen. We are a civilized country. We will have to find a satisfactory way for all of us to deal with the situation, particularly as the lady does not seem very happy with your company, Branden. I suggest a little game. As a terrifying rebel, the lady is certainly able to handle a weapon.” Prince Raiden rolled his eyes dramatically– as far as he was concerned, the lady did not pose the slightest threat.”
“I’ll also provide her with all the equipment she needs to improve her chances. Give her a horse and a head start of a day. Once that time has lapsed, you can try to catch her. If you succeed, she may rejoin your exquisite company. If not... she will be gone. Just a few well-meant words of advice: Be careful. I read her mind and she doesn’t have your best interests at heart.” A wolfish grin flitted over the Prince’s face. He turned to Eryn:
“As for you, lad, renounce your false Gods and finally accept magic for the high art it is. Henceforth, you’ll make an honest effort to study it. You will swear loyalty to Ardeen and to my person. I hope your name will not prove to be a bad omen here. Eryn Oathbreaker. If you surrender... as you call it … your miserable living conditions will also improve markedly. How generous I am today – don’t miss the chance, lad.”
Humbly, Eryn lowered his head: “Yes, milord.”
“Give me your oath!” thundered the Prince. Ah, the ferocious warrior lad is proud enough to keep his word. Perhaps it’s a mistake to let the woman go. But it’s worth a try. It may indeed solve the problem with the fool – and if not, then I will be deeply enraged and he will be given the beating of his life. Lord Boron will also receive his satisfaction in that game if Branden loses his precious prey. But that’s the way of gambling - someone must always lose.
Eryn swore the oath in his own words: “I, Eryn Bloodhand, swear loyalty to Ardeen and you, the Prince of Ardeen. I renounce the false Gods and accept magic as the rightful power. I will study magic to the best of my abilities. This oath I swear by my honor as a warrior.”
The voice of the Prince assumed its usual soft undertone: “And why did we need so many days for that little step? It really wasn’t so difficult, was it?”
Branden made an attempt to interrupt the Lord of Naganor: “My Prince...”
But the flashing eyes of the Prince silenced him at once and he swallowed his objection, changing completely what he was about to say: “... as usual, your decisions are absolutely fair and besides, such a hunt is a game that is certainly worth playing.”
“I’ll equip the lady with all she needs, my Prince,” said Lord Boron eagerly and proceeded to go through a lengthy list: “She shall have a fast horse, a decent bow and an arsenal of sharp arrows. A few knives will come in handy, and diverse supplies, warm clothing, blankets...”
“That seems fair enough, Lord Boron. Just as long as you don’t intend to supply the black haired beauty with a complete company of the Guard by way of an escort. That would be a little overdone.”
Branden could already feel his beloved lady slipping out of his grasp, but he made the best out of the situation. Putting on his most winning smile he said: “My Prince, may I suppose that the delay will grant me another day of your incomparable hospitality?”
“Branden Hold, barefaced as ever. In a manner of speaking – yes. Lord Boron, will you see to the lady’s affairs... because, as you know, Branden can’t be trusted.” The Prince winked, then he instructed the guards: “Take the lad to one of the guest rooms. Master Werge will organize everything he requires... clothing, a meal... and a bath is definitely a necessity for our young friend here.”
Prince Raiden contemplated the iron around Eryn’s wrists and ankles. “Those chains won’t be needed any more. Off with them.” Magic made them disappear, and immediately, Eryn began massaging his wrists. He held his breath in suspense, suspecting something terrible would happen at any moment. But nothing did.
“You can leave.” The Prince dismissed his soldiers before cautioning Eryn: “And you, lad, don’t even think about escape. That would only shatter my confidence in you and I would regret all the benevolence I am showing you. It would also mean the lady returning immediately to Branden’s custody and you being chained up in the dungeon. However, as my long life has taught me not to believe in the power of threatening words alone, I have also cast a few spells on you. After all, in this new phase of our relationship, blind trust seems to me inappropriate.”
“Yes, milord,” murmured Eryn, still astonished that his ludicrous plan had worked out so well.
One of the guards laid a hand upon Eryn’s shoulder and asked him to leave. The soldier wasn’t especially friendly, but he was now guided through the citadel without being bashed in the ribs. He was suffused with a feeling of great happiness mixed with disbelief. Aileen is free.
Let that damned Branden do his best. But with a day’s head start, he has no chance of catching her. Even without horse and weapons, it is more than Aileen needs to give him the slip.
Captured in her prison, Aileen yearned for Eryn to return.
They won’t believe him. As like as no
t, they’ll just continue the torture until they grow weary of the game and then they’ll kill Eryn.
She buried her head in her hands. Just as she raised her head again to look out of the window, she saw the guards escorting Eryn across the yard. Aileen pressed her face against the bars for a better look. They took Eryn to a building to the left of the outside gate and vanished through a door.
They are taking him somewhere else. He has really done it! He has renounced his beliefs to save me. Eryn, you are such a fool. Tears filled her eyes. Nothing can save us but the Gods. We were lost from the moment they discovered the damned gate. A curse upon you, Willen and the likes of you. Scum, murderers, traitors. The world of the Fenn has been extinguished and we – the Fenn - have ceased to exist.
Once Eryn had disappeared into the other building, Aileen leaned against the wall of the wagon and then slid down to sit on the floor, where she stared in front of her in resignation. How long she sat that way, she couldn’t tell. But she jerked her head up when she heard someone at the door. A key clattered in the lock. Aileen started, fearing it was Branden returning. Full of hatred, she thought: That swine, I’ll kick him in the balls if I can.
She most gladly would have done so, but the bewitched armlet prevented her from doing any harm to the filthy knave.
She felt besmirched. That disgusting pig makes me sick. He will soon lay his hands on me again and there’s nothing I can do but endure it. Death would be a truly welcome end to my shame.
The door swung open and Branden’s silhouette appeared, but then a voice used to issuing commands said: “Step aside!”
“Certainly, Lord Boron. Always at your service,” Branden fawned in the background, while an elderly man in bright armor entered the wagon.
An officer! What’s this supposed to mean? Aileen wondered.
“Woman, you are free to go wherever you wish.”
In disbelief, Aileen looked at the officer. Behind him she spotted the brutish face of Branden. When Aileen didn’t answer, the officer continued:
“Well, I suppose I should explain matters to you. Your Fenn friend spoke for you and made a deal with the Prince of Ardeen. In his gratitude, His Highness gives you back your freedom, but our good Branden here maintains that you belong to him. He wrongly believes you were the payment for his exceedingly great contribution to our mission.