by L. S. Gibson
The patrol spied him immediately and all four men aimed their weapons as they moved to encircle him.
"There's no need for alarm, friends," Mathias said, keeping his hands in full view. "I've just escaped from Colyon and am trying to get back to my ship in Buchern."
"You're a sailor?" a sergeant queried.
"Yes."
"And what exactly would a sailor be doing so far inland?"
"I was accompanying an official from Timendra on a visit to one of the ministers in Colyon. We'd also visited an Amister official, too--"
"You think we're stupid? A sailor accompanying an official? He'd have his own party and wouldn't need the likes of you. You know what I think?" one of the soldiers said to his mates. "I think we caught ourselves an Illurian spy. I think our officer is going to be mighty pleased with us."
"No, no, you've got it all wrong. I'm no spy."
"Quiet, or we'll have to gag you," the sergeant demanded, shoving Mathias forward, where one of the soldiers grabbed him by the shoulders. Another soldier pulled his arms behind him, and Mathias was shocked to feel manacles being snapped onto his wrists. He was thrust around to face the sergeant again. "You do what you're told and you'll arrive at base without bruises, got it? Now walk and keep your mouth shut."
Mathias wanted to scream at the injustice, but he was silent. He could only hope the officer might be more understanding, though he couldn't help but wonder if he'd be any better off now than he would've been in Colyon.
* * * *
Jhond arrived back in the dense forest and was immediately aware something had changed. He extended his senses trying to distinguish what it was; he couldn't pin it down, but he knew it didn't bode well. He hurried over to Mathias' hiding spot, angry but not surprised to find it empty. At first glance, he couldn't be certain if Mathias had been discovered and taken or if the man had abandoned the hide because he'd felt threatened and needed to move.
Jhond cursed that he'd waited over an hour to return, maybe only five minutes longer than he'd told Mathias, but still... He wanted to call out for Mathias, but couldn't take the risk he might draw enemy soldiers to his location. He looked at the now empty hiding place again, trying to decide if the fronds had been pulled aside to drag out Mathias or if he'd climbed out himself, but it was difficult to tell.
He considered using the pendant again to see if he could hone into Mathias' location, but he was loath to risk it in case it took him somewhere else entirely. Besides, he had to save his energy...he might need it.
Could Suvran have somehow found Mathias? He considered the question carefully, but thought he'd have sensed the mage's power if he'd been here. One of the patrols perhaps? Possibly.
"But whose patrol?" Jhond murmured to himself. Glancing around again, Jhond could see no sign of any fighting, and surely Mathias would have put up a fight against being captured by Illurian troops. He recalled Patinus thought it possible the sailors might have already crossed the border into Irobi. Was it possible Mathias had been found and taken by Iroban soldiers? If so, might he have gone with them willingly?
Jhond decided there was nothing to be gained by standing in a foreign wood speculating over what might have happened. He should go back and use the strands to try to find exactly where Mathias was now. He just prayed that the man was safe and well. He felt guilty for having left him behind all alone for so long.
* * * *
Amired was distressed to discover Mathias was missing and he encouraged Jhond to search for him using the pendant. Ninian hovered in the background keeping a close eye on Jhond, obviously still concerned about how much the almost constant use of his energy was taking out of him.
"Don't worry so, Ninian," Jhond told him. "I'll let you know if I begin to feel the strain." Ninian raised an eyebrow, enough to tell Jhond what he thought of that.
"I will, I promise," Jhond stated.
Patinus and Gallia had returned a short time earlier. They were watching the proceedings with great interest.
Jhond slid inside the strands again, all his thoughts centered on Mathias and at once he found the young sailor. He watched for a short time before withdrawing.
Before he could speak, Amired queried, "You found him, didn't you?"
"Yes. He's in a small office with a couple of soldiers." Jhond looked up to find Patinus at Amired's shoulder and glanced at first one and then the other before he added, "Iroban soldiers."
"Thank the Lords," Amired murmured.
"It's not that simple," Jhond went on. "He's still being questioned. They seem convinced he's an Illurian spy."
"What? They can't!"
"They found him in the Paynor Forest coming from Colyon," Patinus said. "I suppose it's not a surprising conclusion."
"The officer questioning him seemed to find it odd Mathias claimed to be a sailor trying to return to his ship. His story of being an escort for an official only made the man doubt him more."
"Damn!" Amired said.
"Don't be concerned. I'll wait until he is alone in a cell and then I'll go and get him," Jhond said.
Patinus stepped forward. "Are you strong enough to go for him immediately?"
Jhond frowned. "Yes, but why?"
"Because I want you to take me with you. You bring Mathias back, and I'll stay and get my troops ready to back the Timendran attack." Patinus looked around at the surprised faces of his friends. "Don't you see this is an ideal opportunity? Suvran knows I've betrayed him. I might as well go all out and get my people ready."
Girau had entered the tent while Patinus was speaking. "I don't know what has happened while I've been gone, but I have to say Patinus is talking sense. If he can rouse his people, get them to believe there's hope, it'll be the start of all we want to achieve."
"Jhond," Gallia spoke up, "if you take Patinus, you'll need to take me, too."
"No," Patinus said.
Ninian spoke quietly to Jhond. "Remember what I said."
"Be careful," Jhond replied with a smile. "I remember. What do you think about this?" he asked, referring to what had turned into a four-way discussion going on around them."
"Risky, but probably worth it. Get some sustenance first, though, and it would be better if you got a little rest." Ninian said, and Jhond nodded.
Gallia's voice rose above the others. "There's nothing you can say that'll dissuade me. I go with my husband, and think how that could sway the people. The prince returns with his new wife who is determined to fight for Irobi."
"She's right," Girau said.
"I know it, hells' damnation!" Patinus swore.
"It could also be," Girau added to Patinus, "that you'd be safer in a different place than Suvran believes you to be." Girau frowned. "However, it might be better if Jhond takes you to the prison gates and you demand to see the governor. Start at the top, so to speak."
"Gallia," Jhond said quietly while Patinus and Girau discussed how best to proceed, and she moved to his side. "I know I have no right to ask anything of you, but please take care."
"Jhond," she murmured, lifting a hand to his cheek. She smiled as she said, "I still care greatly for you and I understand you care for me. We have both found new paths for ourselves, but we'll always share a loving past. I think perhaps what we felt for each other was that first sweet flush of love, but I know now there's something deeper out there." She glanced at Patinus, and Jhond watched as her expression softened and her eyes shone. She turned back to Jhond. "May you find such joy, my dear. You deserve better than I could've given you."
"I'm not quite ready to...accept there's someone else out there for me yet, but I am happy for you." Jhond looked at the others watching and waiting. He smiled. "Very well, I'll take the two of you to Irobi and bring Mathias back here. Just give me a little time to prepare."
And a little less than an hour later, Jhond did precisely that, materializing in the small grove near the prison gates.
"I'd expected to feel something," Gallia said, "but if it wasn't for the different
surroundings, I'd think I'd never left the tent. Amazing."
"You didn't find it...strangely empty?" Jhond asked, frowning.
"No." Gallia frowned. "I wasn't aware of anything, anything at all."
Jhond glanced at Patinus, but he just shrugged. Jhond had wondered why none of the others he'd brought back had mentioned how odd it had been and now he knew: it was something experienced only by him. He presumed it must be something to do with the use of his talent, maybe even an exchange of energy? He didn't know, but he would talk it over with Ninian.
Patinus led the way out of the grove and to the prison gates, where two guards could be seen on duty, and there were two more guards on the parapet above the gate. The guards at the gate stood up straight as they approached, and one of them said sharply, "Hold there. What business do you have here?"
"I wish to see the prison governor," Patinus said.
"You need to arrange that in advance; you can't just come walking in here."
"I think you'll find that I can," Patinus began, but the other guard spoke up.
"Lords, it's the prince!"
"What?" the first guard said, looking at his compatriot, who was now standing to attention looking very flushed. The first guard turned to the prince again and, belatedly recognizing him, stuttered, "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I didn't realize."
"No matter," Patinus said. "Take us to the governor."
"Of course, Your Highness." The guard was flustered and looked again at his fellow soldier.
The man gave him a quick shove. "Go on. I'll watch the gate."
The guard hurried on ahead, and Patinus and the others followed him. By the time they reached the office, the governor was already listening to the guard's garbled announcement that Prince Patinus had arrived.
The governor was on his feet, shooing the guard back to his duty. "Your Highness, what a surprise and an honor. I wasn't aware you'd returned to us."
"No, my return was kept quiet by necessity. Allow me to present my wife, the Lady Gallia of Timendra, and her cousin."
Jhond wondered at the introduction, but decided Patinus was wise to keep his name secret.
"My great pleasure, My Lady. Sir."
"I understand you have a prisoner here by the name of Mathias, a sailor?"
"Yes, Your Highness." The governor looked puzzled, no doubt wondering how the prince knew of the arrival of the new prisoner. "We believe he's a spy acting for the Illurians. We caught him near the Colyon border. He's telling some tale about being an escort for some Timendran official." His tone said what he thought of that story.
"Ah, but you see, he speaks the truth. I sent him on the mission myself. He was, in fact, escaping his Illurian pursuers when he was captured. Have the man brought here, if you please."
"You sent... Of course, Your Highness, immediately."
The governor was true to his word and Mathias was soon welcomed into their midst. Mathias was surprised to see Prince Patinus and Lady Gallia in the room, but as soon as he saw Jhond, he approached him and said, "I knew your magic wouldn't fail me, Jhond."
"Magic? What is he saying?"
Patinus gripped the man's shoulders and held his gaze. "He's saying the rumors about the Illurian mage are true. And I am saying we have mage power on our side too. But--and this is your liege lord speaking and I will be obeyed--that information does not leave this room. You will swear to it."
The governor's eyes widened as the prince spoke, but never wavered. "I swear, My Prince. No word of this will pass my lips."
Patinus sighed. "Thank you. We will take our leave now and knowledge of our presence here is part of your oath, you understand?" The governor nodded. "Order your guards to keep silent."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
The governor led them to the gate, and Jhond saw him talking to his guards as they walked away, heading again for the small wood.
"Thank you," Patinus said. "Now get yourselves back to safety in Timendra."
"What of you two?" Jhond asked. "You have no transport. I can't just leave the two of you out here."
"Yes, you can," Patinus said. "I know this area very well and the small town of Jienda is just over the hill about two miles. We can easily walk that and I can get a carriage from there to take us to the capital. We'll be fine. And you know you can always keep an eye on us." He smiled. "Now go."
With a last glance at Gallia, Jhond obeyed and returned with Mathias to the army camp.
Chapter 34
There was someone knocking on the door and Suvran had left orders not to be disturbed. He'd commandeered the warden's office, the highest room in the rambling prison, as he didn't wish any delay. He was at a vital time in his spell-casting, so he ignored the interruption, filing away the thought to tear whoever it was to pieces later. When the knock came again, louder, Suvran snarled, "Go away!"
Through the door, a nervous voice replied, "Forgive me for disturbing you, My Lord, but a messenger bird has arrived from the emperor with an urgent message for you."
Suvran cursed, rising to his feet in the center of the circle that had only been waiting for the final protection spell to enable Suvran to use his dwindling supply of the strands. It had taken a while for Suvran to convince himself it was worth using them one more time to attempt to see Jhond Reeve. Discover where he was and what he might be doing. It was even more important to find out how he might have gained these new powers he seemed to possess. Suvran wouldn't even admit to himself that he feared the confident mage who had stolen two prisoners out from under his nose.
If it had been anyone but the emperor, Suvran would have told the messenger to go to the deepest levels of the hells. He took a deep breath, wishing he could tell Bardius to go to the hells, or better yet, find a way to send the man there directly. As it was, all he could do was obey.
Suvran threw open the door, the guard jumping back reflexively. Suvran thrust out his hand and the guard gathered himself, stepping forward to place an envelope in his hands. The envelope was bound in red, the emperor's sign indicating the highest urgency. The guard hurried away as Suvran slammed the door shut.
He opened the envelope and read the very short message. Get back here now. I need you. At once! Whatever had happened, it clearly had rattled Bardius. Suvran closed his eyes, wondering yet again how fate could have put such a man in power instead of Suvran.
He really didn't need this now. It would mean delaying his plans in regard to Jhond Reeve and that man was already too much of a thorn in his side. It was a long day's ride to Rugarold and as it was already mid-day it would mean stopping for the night. He'd be lucky to arrive at the castle before evening the next day.
He opened the door and yelled to whoever was within hearing range, "Get my horse saddled!" before turning back to pack away his supplies and quickly remove as much evidence of his protective circle as was possible in the little time available to him.
Ten minutes later, he strode out of the prison building to find his retinue mounted and waiting, and his own horse ready for him.
* * * *
It seemed strange to Gallia, as she rode into the Iroban capital of Robat, to know this place was to be her home from now on. Even after her marriage, she hadn't seriously given any thought to one day making a new life across the sea in Irobi. It had seemed so far away. Now she was here, and they were about to go to war. She glanced at her husband riding beside her. He truly looked the part of ruler of his small country, dressed in the formal uniform of a Marshall of the Iroban army: dark blue edged with pale yellow piping, gold buttons and epaulettes of blue and gold twisted cord.
They had been accompanied from Jienda by a troop of soldiers from the small base there, led by a major. The colonel in charge of the Jienda base had wanted to come along, but Patinus told him he would be required there, and soon. Patinus hadn't needed to say anything further; the colonel was smart enough to understand what his prince didn't say. Gallia was fairly certain her husband would have to be more direct when it came to talks
with his country's military leaders. Before leaving the base, Patinus arranged with the colonel to send messages to the commanding generals of the armed forces to attend him at the palace in Robat.
Word had obviously reached the city that the prince had returned as crowds gathered to cheer as they rode by. People shouted congratulations to Gallia, too, and many flowers were thrown in her direction. Patinus waved and smiled, but he didn't slow their pace. It was clear he wanted to reach his palace as soon as possible.
Gallia had seen representations of the ancient palace of Irobi, but seeing it in reality was much different. In the painting she had seen, the stone walls were painted in tints of blue, green and yellow, but the colors had long since faded and now the stone had a warm patina that reminded Gallia of a soft bronze, warm and welcoming.
Patinus didn't give her much time to admire it, however, for he rushed up the steps and inside, Gallia hurrying to keep up with him. When they entered the main hall, staff rushed forward to take coats and their few belongings, as curious glances were thrown Gallia's way, while officials waited nearby until the servants had gone. All at once, they were surrounded, men smiling and offering felicitations on the marriage and welcoming Patinus and his new bride home.
"Thank you." Patinus smiled, grasping Gallia's hand and kissing it. She raised their joined hands and pressed her cheek against them. "I wish we had time for a proper celebration, but we have more urgent matters to discuss. I've sent for the commanding generals to meet me here. Have any of them arrived yet?"
"Just one, Your Highness...General Halbour."
"Commissioner Carbery, would you send a message for Admiral Henoch to attend me?"
Carbery bowed and strode from the room.
Patinus had explained to Gallia that the commissioners acted as advisors to him, but the final decision was his.
"If you don't object, Highness, would you advise us what is going on?" Commissioner Oldget asked.
"I wish to wait until everyone is gathered today, then I'll explain all."