Deragan Sword Prophecy: Book 01 - Kainan

by Rosemary Lynch

  Her mother had always told her that she would be sent to a special place to learn her magic, as it was not something that just any wizard could teach her. It was the place from where her mother had come from. She sighed deeply. Now that would probably never happen with her mother gone; for a start she did not even know where this special place was or how to contact her mother’s people. They probably did not even know her mother was missing; and to be perfectly honest she was not entirely sure if they even knew she existed.

  Knowing that she could only take a few things with her so she could travel quickly, she grabbed her potion bag. Opening it up she threw in her hairbrush and comb, some perfume, and braids for her hair. Some basic food rations and flask of water, just in case it took a while before it was safe enough for her to reveal herself. At least two days, she had thought, would be far enough not to warrant sending her back. Standing up she went back to her wardrobe and opening the wooden door she reached into the back and pulled out her cloak. She hugged it. It was the cloak her mother had given to her, the cloak that contained the power to turn her invisible. She laid it carefully on her chair ready for the morning.

  Sitting down at her desk she pulled open a drawer and took out some paper. Bringing a candlestick closer she wrote a note for her uncle, ready for when she left in the morning. She didn’t want him to worry or to try and bring her back; her destiny was with Kainan. Not here with him and Lothar.

  Undressing she slipped on her nightgown, and hung her evening gown back in the wardrobe. Walking over to her bed she bent down and pulled out a wooden chest. Opening it up she began rummaging through, then finding what it was she wanted, she smiled and pulled out a book. It was her mother’s spell book. She had kept it safely hidden from her uncle all these years. Now it was time to take it with her, just in case she needed it. She sat on the edge of her bed and began flicking through the pages. There it was the sleep spell. She would cast a spell so that she would awake in plenty of time to leave before the others. She had learnt a few spells, nothing exciting yet, but nonetheless it was still magic.

  Lothar sat at the table, staring hard at Kainan. Kainan looked back at him and for a few moments they just stared at each other. Kainan could feel the hairs on the back of his neck prickling him, and a deep unnerving shiver ran down his spine. Then his father called to him and he looked away.

  Lothar stood up pushing his chair back noisily. “I have something to do father.” He looked down at Lord Detaine. “I will catch up with you later.”

  His father looked up at him and frowned.

  “Do not do anything foolish Lothar. Now is not the time,” he warned sharply. Lothar huffed and stared across the table. Kainan had stood up, his eyes turning back to him, and for a moment, they stood glaring at each other. Lothar smirked at him, then knocking back his tankard of wine he slammed it down hard on to Arweyn’s plate smashing it in two. Wiping his sleeve across his face he turned abruptly and left the room.

  Kainan frowned with concern, and his mind raced; where was he going? He didn’t like the way he had looked at him. He was going after her, he could feel it. He started to follow but his father grabbed his arm, stopping him.

  “Kainan, where are you going?” Spinning around he hesitated for a moment before replying. “I was just going to check on Arweyn.” His father raised his eyebrows at him and shook his head.

  “Plenty of time for that later my son; first there is something of great importance that I need to show you.” Kainan wanted to tell him no, but he could not, his father’s eyes were insistent. So nodding, he then began following his father reluctantly out of the Banqueting Hall and along the corridor.

  “Where are we going?” he questioned, still worrying about Arweyn. Lothar’s eyes had been full of rage and he was feeling quite anxious that he was going to do something to her.

  “You will see,” his father grinned at him. Coming towards them along the corridor was Gareion’s wife, Lady Alys. She was older than Arweyn, but only by a couple of years. Her hair was flaming red and tied back off her face. She was quite pretty in her own way, with freckles and a button nose; but nowhere as beautiful as Arweyn. She was dressed in a dark green heavy velvet gown. Although she looked sad, Kainan could sense there was something about her. He could not quite figure out what it was, she was almost glowing. Stopping as the King approached she curtsied.

  “My dear how are you. You didn’t join us for dinner this evening?” The King took her hand, kissing it gently.

  “I am sorry but I am afraid my appetite is somewhat lacking at the moment my King.” She stared at Kainan; she had met him earlier but it was still difficult for her to look at him when her Gareion was still missing. He did look so much like him, even without the beard. She swallowed but the lump in her throat was still there. She found it hard to hold back her tears, she missed Gareion so much.

  Kainan smiled kindly at her, bowing his head. He knew it must be so difficult for her to look at him, with Gareion still missing. He could feel her pain.

  “I understand,” the King continued. “We are all worried for Gareion my love, but you must not go without food.” The King insisted squeezing her hand gently.

  “No. It is not that. I….” she stopped. She wanted to tell him she really did, but she couldn’t, not without Gareion. It would not have been right.

  “I had some food sent to my chamber my King. I have eaten.”

  “Good. You must keep up your strength Alys. Now why not go along and see the Queen. She has retired to her chamber and I am sure she would love your company. You should not be alone at a time like this. If I have any news about Gareion you will be the first to know, I promise. Please be assured my dear we are doing everything we can to find him.”

  “Yes my King.” She lowered her head. “Thank you. I would very much like to go and see the Queen.” The King nodded satisfied, and began to walk on.

  “Come along Kainan,” he bellowed.

  Kainan remained. He was still worried about Lothar.

  “Just one moment father,” he called back turning to Lady Alys

  “Lady Alys.”

  “Please, just Alys,” she bowed her head to him, and then looked up. “I am sorry my Lord if I stare. It’s just, you do look so much like Gareion,” she sniffed. Kainan smiled at her and gently squeezed her arm in a comforting manner.

  “It’s okay really. I promise I will find my brother and bring him back to you. I know he is still alive Alys, I can feel it.” He placed his hand on his heart and smiled again.

  She returned his smile. “Thank you my Lord, it gives me great strength that you are here, and if anyone can find him. I know it will be you.”

  Kainan nodded, and then bit his lip. He was still deeply worried about Arweyn.

  “Alys will you kindly do me two favours?” She looked at him and nodded.

  “Of course my Lord, what do you wish me to do?”

  “Please firstly, just call me Kainan,” he insisted. She bowed her head. “Kainan. What else do you wish of me?”

  “Can you check in on Arweyn on your way to see the Queen?”

  “Why is there something wrong?” She could see by the expression on his face that he was worried.

  “I am not sure. I have just got this feeling that is all. It is probably nothing, but it would put my mind at rest. Would you mind?”

  She smiled at him, shaking her head. “No of course not; don’t worry I will see if she is all right. I promise.”

  He sighed with relief. “Thank you.” He bowed his head to her; and she returned the gesture before continuing on her way along the corridor.

  Watching her as she walked away he sighed with relief. Now finally he could stop worrying about Arweyn and catch up with his father. Then suddenly his mind flashed dizzily. He closed his eyes as a sudden searing pain went through his head. Stumbling he fell to the wall of the corridor, leaning against it to steady himself, he held his hands to his head. He could see an image of his brother standing beside a bed holdin
g a new born baby, it was a baby girl. Alys was sitting up in bed, smiling. Then as quick as it came the image was gone. Opening his eyes he spun back around, he frowned, just catching her as she turned the corner.

  That was what he could sense. His brother’s wife was pregnant! She had the same glow about her Emmy had had when she was carrying John’s baby. How could he possibly know this? Was it a vision of the future or just his mind playing tricks? He took a deep breath. Maybe he should ask her, next time he saw her; but what if she was not with child, then he would just upset her even more than she already was.

  “KAINAN!” his father yelled again impatiently from further along the corridor.

  “I am coming!” he yelled back, jogging along to catch up with him. He decided for now he would keep it to himself, just in case he was wrong.

  ***

  The hammering on the door was loud and insistent. Standing up from her bed Arweyn threw her book down and rushed to the door. Perhaps it was Kainan? She had not even taken the time to grab her robe. She took the key off the hook and unlocked the door, but it was not Kainan. She looked up, suddenly feeling incredibly exposed in her nightdress. It was Lord Lothar.

  “Oh, my Lord, what do you want, I was in bed?” she asked him, feeling uneasy. She could smell the alcohol on his breath and his eyes were cold and frightening as he stared at her. Then his eyes moved down to her nightdress, at the sheerness of the fabric and he licked his lips. It was too revealing and he could almost see through to her naked body underneath. Arweyn shook, hastily pulling her hands across her chest trying to protect her dignity. Slowly she began to reach her hand back towards the door, to slam it shut. She didn’t like the way he was looking at her, she was alone and vulnerable and her heart began to pound with fear.

  He could see what she was about to do and stepped his foot into the door, wedging it open. His hand shot out and his fingers closed tightly around her wrist. Frightened she tried to pull away from him but it was useless, he was too strong.

  “What are you doing!” she cried at him. “Let go of me!” Her other hand flew up to stop him, but he grabbed hold of it holding her back.

  “You thought it was him didn’t you?” he sneered at her, looking her up and down. “Standing there half naked for him; did you sleep with him?” he screamed at her, his face inches from her own. She recoiled at the stench of the alcohol on his breath; it was so strong.

  “Answer me damn you!” his voice was now low and intent. She shook her head.

  “No I didn’t,” she stuttered fearfully. His penetrating eyes were burning into her, making her feel like she was suffocating. She swallowed hard.

  “You know you are mine, so why do you look at him like that?” She trembled as his grip tightened on her. She was so afraid that she could not speak.

  “I am tired of playing these waiting games Arweyn; I think it is time to take what belongs to me.” He pushed his thigh into her, rubbing himself against her. She resisted with every ounce of strength she had in her. Pushing against him she tried to get him out of the doorway. If he got in, she knew he would take her.

  “Get off me, you’re drunk. I am not yours and I never will be!” she screamed at him, her eyes were brimming with tears at the fate she knew awaited her if he got through the door. He pushed harder, she was losing her footing. Releasing one of her wrists he grabbed at her, ripping her nightgown, exposing her nakedness.

  “NO!” she screamed, pushing at him harder. “Get off me!” She slapped him hard across his face with her free hand. Her eyes flared, she could suddenly feel the magic stirring within her. Feeling her strength increasing she managed to hold him fast. She would not let him take her. Suddenly one of his hands flew up to her throat, his fingers gripping tight. She gasped as his hold tightened, choking her. His free hand began groping at her breast as he forced himself on her. Hitting out with her hands, she began thumping him, trying to get him off her; then out of desperation she scratched him deeply across his face. His eyes immediately glared furiously at her, and then he began laughing at her.

  “Fighting me only makes it more fun Arweyn!” he jibed. Releasing her throat he grabbed a fistful of her hair, pulling her head back sharply. Forcing his mouth on to hers, his tongue began searching her mouth, as his other hand continued squeezing harshly at her breast. She pulled her hands to his face desperately trying to push him off her. As his mouth broke contact with hers, he stared at her, his eyes glared menacingly. Arweyn froze as she saw the evil in his eyes, it was terrifying. Suddenly pulling her hair he yanked her head over to one side, exposing her neck, his mouth clasped around her throat. She could feel his teeth on her neck, and she screamed with all her might, thumping him hard. Her strength weakened and he began pushing her back into her room.

  “Arweyn!” A voice suddenly screamed with panic from the end of the corridor, it was Lady Alys. Lothar pulled back and licked the blood on his lips. He glared at Arweyn; his eyes were wild like an animal, his breathing heavy and fast. Then releasing his hand from her hair he stood back. Stumbling with the shock, she pulled her nightgown back over herself; she was shaking so hard she could hardly stand.

  “I will finish this later,” he promised, raising his hand to his face and wiping away the blood that oozed from the wound she had inflicted on him. Turning he stared at Lady Alys, his eyes glared warningly at her. He then turned abruptly staggering away in the opposite direction, his booted feet echoing along the corridor as he left.

  Arweyn stumbled back into the room. Rushing to her, Lady Alys slammed the door behind them locking it quickly. Grabbing her cousin she held onto her tight as she collapsed, pushing her hair back from her sodden eyes she sat her down onto the sofa.

  “Arweyn are you all right?” she cried, with fear in her voice. The poor girl shook her head, tears flooding from her eyes as she wept against her, shaking. Holding her head against her shoulder, Alys stroked her hair, comforting her as she sobbed.

  “Thank you. You could not have come at a better time,” she managed, sobbing at the thought of what nearly happened.

  “It was not me Arweyn. Kainan asked me to check on you on my way to see the Queen. He was really worried about you. He thought something was wrong but he could not get away from the King.” Her cousin looked back at the door and sighed.

  “I guess he was right.”

  “Kainan, really?” She smiled as she thought of him. Her eyes bloodshot from crying looked up at her cousin. How could he possibly have known she was in trouble?

  “Oh Alys, I hate that man. If you had not come when you did he would have taken me.” Raising her hand to the soreness on her neck she felt a wet patch, looking at her hand, she gasped. She was bleeding. Her sodden eyes stared at her cousin. “That monster was biting me!” She took a deep breath as she rubbed her sore neck. “He is an animal, look what he has done!” she cried showing Alys her neck. “What am I going to do? It is just getting worse; he will never stop now, not till he gets what he wants,” she gasped, desperately.

  “Here.” Alys passed her a handkerchief.

  “Thank you,” she said gratefully, wiping her eyes. Closing them for a moment, she tried to calm down. Her breathing was gradually slowing back down to normal. She blew her nose.

  “I cannot believe he was doing that to you. He is a Lord for goodness sake. You must tell King John.” Arweyn shook her head.

  “He will just deny it.”

  “Yes but I can come with you. I saw what he was about to do to you.” She sighed deeply. “Arweyn, I’m so afraid. Everything is so terrible at the moment. And Gareion is still missing….. I don’t know what I’m going to do if anything happens to him. I just don’t.” Tears began to fall from her eyes, as she tried not to contemplate life without him.

  “Oh Alys I’m so sorry. He will be all right, Kainan will find him. He will, I promise and I’m going to help him.” She pulled at her nightdress, but it was torn beyond repair.

  Her cousin looked at her and shook her head. “You are not goi
ng tomorrow. Lord Detaine said he had forbidden you.”

  Arweyn’s brow creased angrily. “I don’t care what that man says! He is just a bad as Lothar. He knows what is going on but he does not try and stop him. If anything he encourages him.” She looked at her cousin. “I’m going with Kainan.” Alys smiled at her.

  “Is there something you are not telling me cousin?” Arweyn nodded.

  “I love him. I cannot bear the thought of him leaving me behind. Wherever he goes I’m going. It’s not safe for me here anymore. Even if I do tell the King, what is he going to do about it? Between Lothar and my uncle they will manage to turn it around so it is my fault you know they will. He will get me Alys I know he will.” She wiped her nose with the handkerchief and looked at her. “If he does, I might as well be dead. I could not live if that evil man took me.”

  “Oh Arweyn don’t say that. I cannot bear it, please!”

  “I’m sorry, but it is the truth. Kainan would not want me. No one would. And I would rather die than live my life with that monster.”

  “Then you must go. But please promise me you will careful. I don’t want to lose you too.” She flung her arms around her cousin, hugging her tightly.

  “I will be fine, really I will.” Arweyn pulled back sharply and looked down at Alys’s waist. She had felt a distinct bulge. Reaching forward she placed her hand on Alys’s stomach.

  “Is there something you want to tell me?” she asked, looking at her with an arched eyebrow.

  She nodded and smiled, “I am with child cousin.” She was so relieved she had finally told someone. Keeping it a secret from everyone was killing her.

  Arweyn’s mouth dropped, surprised.

  “Alys!” she cried surprised, reaching forward placing her hand back on Alys’s stomach. “Does Gareion know?” She shook her head furiously and started crying again.