And defend the Sun.
That was too much like his own predicament. He had to choose. The one in the King’s library sounded more prophetic.
When the darkness comes again, the third war will have begun.
Watch for the heroes’ return.
The Lord of the North shall rise again, to lead the people to war.
Death will walk the South, to bring an end to the division.
Let the Queen of Battles reign,
And the Champion of Light protect us.
For with the sword forged of Ice,
Only he may face the Destroyer.
So who was the Lord of the North? Eryk wore that title long ago. And Death in the South? He had never heard any reference to that before. Most importantly, who was the Champion? Obviously he would not find any more answers here.
It had been two days since his meeting with the King and he thought he might be able to ride tomorrow. It was just over a day since he had come up with this idea. If there were prophecies on the next war he might gain some insight by reading them. He had spent most of last night and this morning digging through the palace library to no avail. He realized that if it was important the King might have it somewhere close at hand. He regretted having to sneak into the King’s study, but at the time he was obsessed with finding something that might help. His real question was why had he never seen this before, or why it was hidden away?
He rubbed his forehead and put down the copied papers. Hopefully, it would become more clear in time. It didn’t help with the decision he had to make now. His heart told him to stay. His head told him that he had to go, since there seemed to be no one else who could do it. He tried to decide what the right thing to do was, but it was all jumbled together. It wasn’t just the fact of the dangers he would face, but he felt dread at the idea of going. He couldn’t explain it. The only thing he was sure of, was that it felt wrong to stay. He had been thinking on it for two days and nothing became any clearer.
He stood and picked up the papers. He went to the narrow bookcase and selected a volume titled ‘A History of Mon Vusaar’ and put the papers between two pages in the middle of the book. He replaced the book on the shelf. He decided to get some fresh air. Maybe that would help clear his thoughts.
Coran reached the gardens and took a deep, calming breath. The sun shined brightly among the full-leafed trees, and flower-tipped plants. He walked the stone paths until he came upon the open area in the center where the round pool was located. Passing a marble bench that faced the water, he stood before the pool, and watched the trees and sky reflected on its surface.
“I hope you do not mind, but I saw you going this way and decided to join you.” Margery stepped into the clearing and came to stand next to him. She wore her light yellow dress that set off her hair.
“I never mind seeing you,” he replied truthfully.
She smiled warmly at the compliment. “You seem better.”
“Much better, thank you.”
“I never had the chance to ask, how did you find Westhaven?”
He had the feeling she wanted to talk about something, and thought he knew what it was. “Dangerous,” he replied, remembering duels and assassins.
“You survived, that is what is important.”
“Barely survived,” he amended.
“I can still not believe that you won the tournament,” she told him, changing the subject a little. “When the news came, I thought your father was about to burst with pride.”
“Right up until he learned of my altercation with Torvilin,” Coran stated. Meaning when he learned of Stemis’ plan for his son.
“Well, he was less than pleased with my father about that, but everyone was overjoyed with the result,” she informed him very diplomatically. She didn’t want to get into that, he could tell.
“Yes, I much prefer winning to dying.”
Margery took his arm and turned him back towards the path. He waited for her to continue pushing the conversation in the direction she wanted it to go as they walked.
“This is nice,” she commented happily. “We have not had much time to talk together lately.”
“I noticed that,” he replied.
“Was I that obvious? I suppose even you could have figured it out by now. I mean it was sort of obvious that I was not really busy all those times,” she told him with a little laugh.
So that was why. He felt stupid for not seeing it earlier. It had all been a plan for him to spend more time with Katelyn.
“Still, it did take you longer than I expected,” she continued, not noticing his surprise.
He tried to think of something to say that would not give him away. “It took me a while to realize how much some people have changed.” It was the truth too.
“Do you really think that?”
“That some here have changed since I left for Tyelin? Yes.”
“Then you are mistaken,” she told him pointedly. They passed some low trimmed hedges and turned right on the path when it split in two.
“Are we talking about the same thing here?” he asked when uncertain what she meant.
“My sister?” She waited for him to nod. She must have sensed his uncertainty when he hesitated. “You seem troubled?”
“Would you not be?” he asked incredulously. “Some wizard wants me dead. Of course he will have to beat Torvilin to it. I am contemplating going to a place that is most likely very hostile. I find myself suddenly betrothed and everyone seems to have something to say about it.”
“There I go, being obvious again,” she abashed herself. “You knew why I wanted to talk?”
“Fairly certain, yes, but I hope it is not only for that?”
“You should know better than to ask that. I like being with you. If you do not want to talk about my sister we won’t.”
“Actually, I could use your help. This whole situation is weighing on me. I feel like everyone is waiting for me to make a decision.” From the woman in his dream to Alys trying to talk to him, then his father asking about it, and now Margery, he did feel that way.
“Perhaps you fight making a decision because it was forced on you.”
“Perhaps,” he said and stopped in the middle of the path. She did too and they both turned to face each other.
“You could leave Summerhall. No one would stop you. You could leave today if you wanted. You do not have to go to the East, or marry my sister,” she pointed out and he knew she was right.
He could. No one would stop him. Stemis might be disappointed in him, and others too, but it would not be the end of the world. His father would understand, and he was fairly sure Katelyn would, and Margery. They would all forgive him eventually. But I cannot, can I?
“But you will not,” she echoed his thoughts. “I can see that. And it will be for duty.” She said it sadly as she looked down at the stone walk.
For duty? Is that all there is for me? No, there must be more. I know it is more than that. He was sure, and his own motives became clear. “Not for duty alone. I like to think it is more than that. I love Summerhall and what it represents. I love Tyelin and the people there. I love my father, and your parents. I love you like a sister.”
“And Katelyn?” she prompted.
There was no more denying it. He could hide behind the ruse of duty no longer now that she had popped it like a bubble. “I love her too.” Once admitted, he felt a little better about things now.
“And do you love her like a sister too?” Margery asked with a small smile.
He couldn’t help but smile back. “No.”
“Good. Now all you have to do is tell her that,” she said sounding quite pleased with herself.
Coran went in search of the King. Now that things had become clearer he knew that he had to go. He did not want to, but his gut was telling him that he had to no matter what he wanted. He came across the stressed looking Stemis on his way to the King’s study. Stemis was conversing with Martin and didn’t notice him until he
was forced to stop, as Coran was standing in the way. The King watched him uncertainly.
“I am leaving in the morning,” Coran informed him coolly. He did not like it, so Stemis should know that. “I will go on your mission.” Without waiting for a response he turned on his heel and walked away. Coran did not return to his rooms, but passed by them until he reached Katelyn’s. He hesitated at the door. This was not going to be easy. He started to knock, but the door opened and a startled Alys stepped out.
“Is she in there?” he asked. He didn’t think he needed to mention who he meant.
“Yes. I was just going to see about having some dinner sent to her. Would you like me to have some sent for you as well?”
Dinner? His stomach was too unsettled to feel hungry. “No, but thank you anyway.”
She must have sensed something in his voice, or on his face. She took a closer look at him before speaking. “I will leave you two alone for a while.”
“Thank you,” he said as she left. He prepared himself for what was to come, and went in.
Her outer room was more spacious than his. She had a couch as well as two chairs and a squat, round table stood between them. Katelyn turned towards the door and let the curtains drop where she had been looking out the window. She started to smile and stopped when she saw his features set.
“What is it?” she asked. He was saved from having to tell her. She answered her own question. “You are leaving.” He nodded. “Are you well enough to go so soon?”
“I think so.”
Her anxiety was clear. “I wish you would not go.” It was also clear that she meant that in more than one way.
“I do not want to, but I have to,” he said regretfully, and he did regret leaving her. He almost changed his mind, seeing her.
“You will be gone so long.”
He hadn’t thought about that part. He wasn’t sure how far he had to go, but he guessed it would take at least a couple of months, and that, only if he traveled by sea as much as possible. “I should be back before winter.” He hoped.
“You do not know that. You might have to go all over the East to find the information my father needs.”
“A promise then,” he said with as much confidence as he could. “I promise that I will be back by the first day of winter.”
She stared at him for a moment. “You swear?”
“I swear.”
That settled things for the moment. Despite his earlier denial to hunger he agreed to stay for dinner. While she went to see Alys, and make the arrangements, he went to say good-bye to his father and to Anne. He didn’t want to face any of the difficult good-byes that would surely occur in the morning. That was also why Alys and Margery joined them for the meal. Devon had left the day before. He said he had already been gone too long from home and Coran told his friend that he understood.
For some reason the conversation over dinner had turned to reminiscing about all the times they had spent together here in Summerhall. Aware of Alys, they tried to include her as much as possible in the conversation. It was difficult since calling on her to tell of her childhood was not exactly appropriate, considering who her father was. They talked until long after dark. It was Katelyn who finally ended the gathering, she told them that he had to leave early and she wanted a few words with him before he went to bed.
Margery stood beside him with a smile. “Take care, and make sure that you come back.”
“I will try,” he replied, and they exchanged a long hug. When they separated he spoke from his heart. “Rob is a very lucky man.”
“Thank you,” she replied, and despite her smile, tears started to appear in her eyes. “May the light shelter you in the dark places you must walk.” She quoted an old saying people would tell someone who was leaving for a long or uncertain journey, it definitely fit the situation. She left quickly after that.
Alys stood by awkwardly, unsure of what to say or do. Coran ended her predicament by stepping close and hugging her almost as long as Margery. When he let her go she had tears in her eyes too. Without a word, she left them.
“She thinks very highly of you,” Katelyn commented, now that they were alone.
“And I her,” he said and stepped towards her until they were inches apart. She started to move away and stopped herself, then looked up into his face. Their eyes met again and he felt all the doubts melt away. All the awkwardness that had been there since his return from Tyelin was gone because he now understood why it had been there. He was sure of how he felt about her now, and he had to tell her before he left.
“You will...” she began, but he stopped her by putting his finger to her lips. He could hear her breath coming faster. It seemed to match his own.
“Shhh. Nothing we say matters except for this.” He removed the finger and looked deeply into her eyes. There was no way he could ever describe the way he felt when he was with her. Words could never be enough, but they were all he had. “I love you.”
Her eyes widened in surprise at his admission. Then she returned the look with one just as intense. “I love you.” She pulled his head towards hers. He ran his hand through her long, dark hair. The world around them disappeared as they kissed for the first time.
The curtains were pushed aside to allow what moonlight there was to filter into the bed chamber. Stemis stood staring out at the night, not really seeing anything. He heard a rustling of bed covers.
“Can you not sleep?” his wife asked him sleepily.
“I am sorry. I did not mean to wake you,” he replied, crossing over to the bed and sitting next to his wife.
“Are you worried about Coran? I know I am, but he can take care of himself. He proved that at Westhaven.”
“I know,” Stemis sighed. He reached out and took her hand. It was a little wrinkled from the years, but so was his. “But I am still worried.”
He checked the cinches and straps that held the packs onto the gray mare one last time. The horse would carry him to Ostis where he would then travel by ship across the Ithan Sea. The Black he had ridden from Westland would stay here and be well cared for until he returned. He grabbed the reins, put a foot in the stirrup, and swung into the saddle. Torches lighted the courtyard in the pre-dawn night. Leaving so early was the final precaution against any final farewells. They were difficult enough without prolonging them.
Two guards opened the steel gates and he booted the mount forward.
Katelyn looked down on the courtyard from the small, iron-railed balcony. The light robe she wore was pulled tight about her. The chill she felt was not for the night alone. The figure in the dark cloak stopped the gray horse at the gate’s threshold. He turned sideways and then looked back. Lifting his chin he looked up towards her. She raised a hand in farewell, and in love. He gave a deep bow from the saddle in return, before turning away and riding out into the night. She watched until he was lost from view as he disappeared into the streets of the city. Then she turned away with a sad heart.
Chapter 15
Arencia
With the overcast sky he had to guess at the time of day from the ship’s deck. He thought it to be late afternoon or early evening. He had waited two days in Ostis before arranging passage on a ship bound for Arencia. He knew he would be gone for quite some time, so a delay so early in his journey was not a good way to start.
As the ship lined up to one of the docks, crewmen jumped across to the dock carrying coils of rope and began tying off the lines. Once the ship was securely attached, a plank was run out from the deck to the wooden dock. Coran passed busy crewmen who hurried about their tasks as he headed for the opening in the railing. The sooner the cargo was offloaded the sooner the crew could go ashore. With a quick nod for the Captain, who had tried to find out who he was and why he was here the entire trip, Coran crossed the gangplank and headed up a slight incline away from the harbor.
He passed a gray stone building with a sign out front proclaiming it to be the customs house. Further on was a less well-tended estab
lishment. Coran could hear men singing in discordant tones from inside. He followed his father’s directions and turned right off the main street before it opened into the central square where his father said was the city’s main market. He noticed some of the white stone buildings around the city. They were all becoming run down from a combination of age and sloth. Some of the buildings dated from Imperial times when Arencia was an important point of trade. It still was in a way, but the problem was that no one wanted to invest energy in a place they did not control. The Ithanians were supposed to be running the city from a political view, but the truth was the traders actually ran things. Ithanians, Midians, and Karands, all had a say on the council. It sounded like a good idea to have different people represented on the council, but they were traders. Their interest was in trade and taxes, not the welfare of the people.
As he thought about the people, he looked around and noticed some in long, flowing robes, and others in Western style cloaks. Western dress did not always mean the wearer was Midian. Ithanians tended to imitate Midians in their attire and many of the local Karands did as well. The place was a hodge-podge of cultures.
The clouds darkened and thunder boomed in the distance as he reached his destination. He stopped before a small, squat building. This one was well kept and showed that the owner, here at least, took pride in himself. A light was on inside. He could see it through a small barred window. He tried the door and found it unlocked. It opened inward.
The entry room was not very large, maybe ten feet by ten. A waist high counter separated the rear third of the room from the front. Counters ran along the walls in the front area. Each one held an assortment of goods. Coran surmised that these were samples of the goods in which the owner of the establishment dealt. On one side there were silks and linens and woolens of several varieties, from the expensive and high quality to the cheap and serviceable. Another wall held jars and bottles. Spices and preserved foodstuffs. The third wall was arrayed in crystal glasses and vases from Ithan. Coran only looked at the items in passing as he stepped up to the counter.
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