Deragan Sword Prophecy: Book 01 - Kainan

by Rosemary Lynch

  “Who are Outlanders?”

  She glanced across at her uncle, then back at Kainan. “Outlanders live on the edge of the boundary, in the forest.”

  “They are rebels. People who do not want to live by the rules of this city.” Lord Detaine interrupted sharply. “Scum nothing more.”

  “How did he get into the castle?” Kainan asked, resting his hand on his side as he tried to stay standing. Lord Detaine’s brow creased.

  “Well I guess I will have to find that out won’t I.”

  Kainan looked at Lord Detaine suspiciously. He had such an unnerving feeling about Arweyn’s uncle.

  “Funny that!” Kainan remarked under his breath as he began to walk out of the room.

  “What’s funny?” Lord Detaine questioned, standing back and allowing him to pass by him. Stopping Kainan stared at him.

  “How lapse your guards can be.”

  “And what do you mean by that?” Lord Detaine demanded sharply, his brow creasing and perspiring.

  “Well for a start there were no guards trying to stop me from taking the Crystal, none at the portal.” He looked across at the Outlander and waved his hand at him. “And he managed to get by them as well. Maybe you need to check the loyalty of some of your guards.”

  “Are you telling me how to do my job boy?” Lord Detaine questioned angrily, his fist rising to his hips as he leaned forward.

  “Uncle, I am sure he didn’t mean it like that. Did you Kainan?” Arweyn shot him a furtive look.

  “Of course not my Lord, I was just making a suggestion that is all.” Kainan replied, with intent sarcasm in his voice.

  “Well, then your comments have been noted. I suggest you go and get your wound attended to before you bleed to death. Now we would not want that would we?” Lord Detaine sneered at him, and then raised his eyebrows as he met Kainan’s unflinching gaze. He undoubtedly did, that was blatantly obvious.

  “No not now. Not if I am about to become your First Prince,” the words slipped out before Kainan could catch himself. Perhaps he should not have pushed his luck, but he could not help playing into it. The man annoyed him so much.

  “Indeed.” Lord Detaine huffed as his eyebrow drew back down in displeasure. He gave a slight bow of his head. “We shall see.”

  “Come on Kainan.” Arweyn grabbed his hand, her voice taking on a cautious tone. She wanted to get him away before they became engaged in a full-on fight. Lord Detaine grabbed her arm, pulling her back sharply. She looked at him startled.

  “Make sure it is one of the healers and not you,” he warned her. She nodded nervously, her eyes shocked by the anger she could see held within his.

  Watching as they left the room, Lord Detaine clasped his hands behind his back. There was more to this boy than he had first thought. He pondered for a moment, and then turned sharply to the guards, waving his hand in front of him. “Get this mess cleared up. Now!”

  “Yes my Lord,” one replied and set about clearing away the body.

  Kainan leaned a little closer to her.

  “I am sorry,” he whispered in her ear

  “Sorry, what for?” she replied, as they walked together along the corridor.

  “I didn’t mean that. You know that remark about being the First Prince. I would not take that away from Gareion.” He gazed at her and gave one of his smiles that just melted her. She smiled back.

  “Well it is true you are the First Prince.” He shook his head.

  “No not yet. It will take more than just being a King’s son to be a Prince. He just wound me up, I could not help myself.”

  “Kainan you are tired and injured; you’re bound to be a bit snappy it is only natural. Don’t worry about my uncle he will get over it. It is just his pride that is knocked that is all.” She laid a hand on his arm as they walked. “And because you are with me. He does not like that at all.” Placing his hand over hers he rubbed it affectionately with his thumb.

  “I do.”

  “You do what?” she asked, looking up at him.

  “Like being with you.” She felt herself blush and half smiled back at him.

  “Well I like being with you too. You are….” she grinned, fluttering her eyelashes at him. “Interesting.” He chuckled and lifted his chin amused at her choice of words. He winced and held his hand tighter to his side.

  “Seriously though, thank you,” he offered again. She flashed him a smile.

  “What for, I haven’t done anything?” He looked down into her big hazel eyes, and fell head first into them. How wrong could she be, she had done so much for him. She had saved his life, and not just in the physical sense, she had saved his soul, and she had brought him home.

  “For being so understanding and for taking a chance and trusting me,” he replied, gazing at her he added. “You could have just left me to die.” She smiled warmly at him. Then pushing her hair behind her ear and blushing again ever so slightly she said.

  “No, like I said, you are far too interesting and most definitely require further studying.” He laughed, nudging her playfully and she chuckled.

  “Come on. We’re here, let’s get that wound looked at,” she said, stopping at an arched wooden door and knocking hard.

  “Come in,” a small voice cried from inside. Arweyn turned the handle and pushing it open they entered the room.

  It was a large room and on the right hand side of the wall, running from one end to the other, were six beds. Each bed having a chair and a table placed next to it, and a large privacy drape which was pushed back and tied against the wall. Daylight it seemed had finally come and light was now beginning to stream through the stained-glass window at the end of the room reflecting its rippling patterns across the white starched linen on the beds. Closing the door behind them and stepping inside further they saw there was no one else in the room apart from a young fair haired woman. She was dressed in grey, wearing a white starched apron, and was sitting at a desk. Turning she smiled at them; then standing up she walked over to them and curtsied.

  “My Lady, my name is Corrina. How may I help you?” she asked, smiling cheerily. Placing her hand on the small of his back she pushed Kainan forward.

  “Hello Corrina. Thank you but it is not me that needs your help, it is Kainan. He has been injured in an attack in my chamber.”

  The young woman frowned, staring.

  “Prince Gareion?” She questioned looking at him then back at Arweyn, her face full of puzzlement. She bowed her head courteously. Arweyn smiled shaking her head.

  “No Corrina. This is not Prince Gareion. This is in fact Kainan. He is Gareion’s twin brother.” Stepping back the young nurse raised her eyebrow questioningly. Kainan smiled at her confused face. He supposed he would have to get used to this, people thinking he was Gareion.

  “My Lady, I am sorry but I don’t understand?” Pushing her hands down her apron nervously she stared at him. Gareion didn’t have a twin.

  “It’s okay Corrina. I don’t expect you to understand. Very soon everything will become clear. But for now I need you to trust me and go and fetch some water and herbs so I may tend to his wound. Will you see to it for me?”

  She nodded. “Yes of course my Lady, but do you not want me to tend to his highness.” Shaking her head Arweyn replied firmly.

  “No, thank you, I will do it.” Kainan looked at her and shook his head. “What about your uncle?”

  She cast a hard glare. “Kainan, it’s time I stood up to him and do what I want to do and not what he wants. I am a grown woman not a child anymore.” She took a breath and he smiled at her resolve. She most certainly was a woman; the most beautiful and sensual woman he had ever met in his entire life. “He is not my father,” she continued. “I didn’t choose him to be my guardian it was put upon me, and the sooner he realises that things have changed the better it will be. I have healed you once and I will do it again. Now get your shirt off and go sit on that chair,” she ordered forcefully, pointing her finger.

  Kainan l
aughed, winking at her. “Yes ma’m!” He unbuttoned what was left of his shirt pulled it over his head wincing as he did so. Walking over with a tray of equipment Corrina placed it on the table next to him. She stared intensely at Kainan’s athletic body. Arweyn looked at her and raised her eyebrow.

  “Corrina?” The girl shook when she realised what she was doing. She lowered her head shamefully.

  “Oh my Lady please forgive me. I’m so sorry, it is just... Now I see that it is not his highness Prince Gareion. I tended to him not so long ago and he didn’t look like that.” Arweyn smiled at her embarrassment. No, she was right he did not.

  “Okay Corrina. Now can you go and get me the other things, quickly.” The young woman nodded and scurried off embarrassed into the cupboard to fetch the medicines.

  “What did she say?” Kainan asked curiously, turning his head around.

  “Oh, nothing for you to worry about,” she replied, staring at him. She was right though, he did have an incredibly firm body. Muscle proportioned just right, a tight torso, finely chiselled stomach. She swallowed and shook her head, walking over to a sink in the corner. Taking a breath she poured some water into a bowl, scrubbed her hands clean and then dried them on a towel. Walking back over to him, she leaned closer and whispered in his ear.

  “Right let me have a look.” He leaned over slightly so she could reach. Gently she ran her hand down his side; he jerked forward suddenly as she touched his wound. She pulled her hands back sharply.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay, it needs to be done,” he replied, trying to sound brave even though it stung like hell. The young girl passed Arweyn a cloth which she had dipped into a bowl of herbs and oil. Arweyn, using the herb covered cloth dabbed the wound ever so lightly, clearing away the blood. Kainan bit his bottom lip, scrunching his eyes closed in hidden pain as she worked.

  “It is not too bad Kainan, under all this blood. It is quite deep but the wound is clean and has not done too much damage, this should not take long.” Pulling up a chair she sat down beside him making herself comfortable. The young woman raised an eyebrow at her.

  “What are you doing my Lady, are you not going to stitch it?” Arweyn smiled at her and shook her head.

  “No Corrina that would take time to heal, time we do not have. Now you may watch if you like, but please remain quiet so I can concentrate.” Corrina nodded and stood intrigued with her hands behind her back. Her eyes fixed on what she was doing.

  Arweyn began rubbing her hands together until a white light began to emanate from them, reaching forward to Kainan’s side she placed her hands over his wound and began to chant quietly, over and over again.

  “Alora mentoria escalida, alora mentoria escalida, espora healarta, espora healarta.” Kainan’s back straightened as he felt the warmth running through his side. He could feel the tingles of her magic repairing his wound; he breathed deeply, closing his eyes. He could feel her and it was more than just the magic, he could feel deep into her soul and it filled him with peace, warmth and happiness.

  She continued until finally the wound was completely healed. Sitting back on the chair she let out a deep breath, recovering her strength. The young girl stood with her hand clasped to her mouth in utter amazement.

  “Oh my Lady how did you do that? That was the most amazing thing I have ever seen in my entire life. I didn’t know that you could do magic?” She tilted her head down to Arweyn.

  Patting his back, she smiled at him. “There, all done. You can put your shirt back on.” Turning she looked up at Corrina and smiled, placing her finger onto her lips.

  “This is to be our secret do you understand, you must tell no-one?” She frowned at the young woman to ensure she understood.

  “Oh my Lady, I promise not a word will pass my lips, not to anyone, not a soul.” She bowed her head humbly holding her hand to her heart.

  “Good…” Stopping at the loud banging coming from the door, she looked over at Kainan. Shrugging his shoulders he stood up from his chair pulling his shirt back on, then walking forward he opened the door. It was Wizard Marton.

  “Marton!” Arweyn exclaimed joyfully, and rushing over to the old man she gave him the biggest bear hug she could muster.

  “My, my, that is quite a greeting my dear,” he chuckled, hugging her back affectionately as he walked into the room. “How are you my dear? I have heard all about your adventure from Lord Detaine.” Arweyn smiled at him.

  “I am fine thank you Marton,” she replied, smiling at the old man. His old eyes were wrinkled and his white bearded face bore the marks of time. He wore a deep blue cloak and carried a golden staff with a bright green emerald nestling in the top. Gently his kissed her cheeks affectionately. He was the dearest and sweetest friend and Arweyn loved him as a grandfather.

  “Ahh. Here we are then you must be Kainan?” Nodding Kainan bowed his head.

  “I am the Great Wizard Marton,” he sniffed, glancing at Arweyn playfully. He loved to use the word Great. In times long ago he had in fact been a great and powerful wizard, feared and awed by many. There had been a great need for his magic and power during the Great War against the Gorzar Empire near on forty years ago. He had in fact sacrificed much of his power as a wizard in order to banish the Gorzars to the world beyond worlds. To rid the lands of their evil, blood thirsty reign of terror had been a sacrifice he had been willing to make. But now, what little power he had left, unfortunately was slowed down with age. He shuffled over to Kainan.

  “Incredible!” he announced, as he studied Kainan hard. Walking around him he peered into his eyes. “Absolutely incredible,” he repeated. He then lifted Kainan’s shirt to check on his wound; he eyed Arweyn suspiciously.

  “Hmm, best not tell uncle eh!” he quipped, raising his eyebrows at her and pulling Kainan’s shirt back down. He moved back around to the front of him. Arweyn grinned at him; he was the only one that knew her true secret.

  Kainan winked affectionately at her and she smiled back at him. He could see the affection she held for this crazy old man.

  Wizard Marton shot a curious glance between the two of them and smiled deeply. He could see what others could not, and most definitely he could see a sparkle of magic flowing between them. These two were somehow connected. He rubbed his old white beard as he thought; now all he had to do was to find out how and why. It had to have something to do with the scroll he had discovered the day before. He had been puzzling over it for most of the night. Something had called him, and he had searched high and low in the record chamber, not knowing what it was that he was searching for and then there it was.

  He had found it hidden within another scroll, and it spoke of a prophecy, but he just could not understand what it meant. Now the King’s first born son had been found alive, it turned a whole new light on the words that had been written. Further study of the scroll was needed urgently.

  “Hmm,” he mumbled under his breath, pondering to himself momentarily. Then grinning he clapped his hands loudly.

  “Now Kainan, it has been called upon me to run some tests on you. I do not think it will hurt.” He scratched his head absently. Arweyn sucked her bottom lip as she watched Kainan’s face twitch nervously.

  “Never done it before though,” he continued, shrugging his shoulders and gripping his staff tightly.

  “Okay,” Kainan replied slowly, apprehensively. “What do you want me to do?”

  The Wizard’s eyes flashed as he thought. “Perhaps you’d better sit down just in case.”

  Warily Kainan pulled out the chair he had used earlier and sat down.

  “Now the first and by far the most important test Kainan is to check that your marking is real and has not been faked.”

  “How are you going to do that?” he questioned. Not really fancying being injured any more today and this old man, although obviously a great wizard in his time, did appear somewhat in his opinion slightly scatty!

  “With this!” He pulled out a wand from beneath his clo
ak. Kainan jerked back on his chair.

  “A wand?” He swallowed nervously; he had never seen a real wand before.

  Marton nodded excitedly. It had been such a long time since he had been able to use his wand properly. Malgar was a quiet place now; there had never really been the need for magic since the Great War. The only time he now used the wand was in the privacy of his own chamber, when practicing spells and enchantments. He believed it always paid to keep in practice, just in case one day, magic was needed again.

  “Marton. Are you sure you know what you are doing?” Arweyn questioned. She loved the old wizard dearly but she was worried for Kainan’s safety.

  “Oh yes, do not worry, the rules are quite clear on this one. Now we just have to wait for….” The door to the room was suddenly flung open rudely.

  “Yes. Well here we all are then.” Marton scowled slightly as Lord Detaine stepped into the room. Alongside him was the Queen’s personal physician.

  “Marton are we ready?” Lord Detaine asked abruptly, his eyes glancing sharply at Kainan and then back towards Arweyn.

  The Queen’s physician, a short stout, balding man, with soft kind features stepped forward.

  “May I take a look at him first Lord Detaine?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at Lord Detaine’s obvious abruptness. Nodding he stepped back out of the way.

  “Very well, continue,” he agreed, waving his hand for him to begin.

  “Kainan I am Jacob, the Queen’s physician. Do you mind if I examine you?” Kainan shook his head. He didn’t care who looked at him so long as they could tell him if he really was Gareion’s twin and put him out of this torment.

  “You can stay seated, that’s fine.” Reaching into his black bag he pulled out a listening device. “Just lean forward a bit for me can you.” Kainan obliged and the physician lifted his shirt placing it against his back.

  “Hmm,” he mumbled to himself as he listened. He had a good strong heart. First he checked Kainan’s eyes, then his ears and his hands. Then as he looked around the side of his neck a smile spread across his face and he nodded satisfactorily. He prodded Kainan’s neck with his finger, then reaching into his bag he pulled out a small round piece of glass and placed it against Kainan’s neck. Kainan shivered as the coldness of the glass sent a chill down his spine. The physician looked closely as it magnified the small mark on his neck. Then standing up straight he turned to Lord Detaine.