'What was it you came here for?' Alek asked with a sudden look of confusion.
'Oh. You’re supposed to give me the grand tour and we only have two days 'cause then Elena is setting us to work,' I announced, feeling a twinge of nervousness at the idea of this sort of work. Though again, it would be a distraction from reality. I swallowed hard when a feeling of despair threatened to loom and shook my head, forcing a smile as Alek stared at me with penetrating eyes.
ALEK WATCHED CAT force a smile and his own emotions swung back and forth. She’s doing so well, he thought; what can I show her to keep her smiling properly.
'The grand tour,' he mused over that and lifted Cat, setting her on her feet. Grabbing his cape off the table, he fastened it and turned to Cat who’d straightened her hair and clothes. The thought of mussing her clothes again appealed to him greatly.
ALEK GAVE ME a sexy, crooked smile, eyes suddenly darker and I couldn’t help but blush. Trying to get my thoughts to an appropriate place I pointed at his cloak. 'Why the cape? I didn’t see the others wearing one.'
He turned to show me the back. His family shield was embroidered on the heavy purple fabric in gold thread. 'It’s to show my rank. Elena effectively runs the kingdom for me; this is the only thing she asks of me while I’m here, so I can’t object.' He shrugged. 'When I do succeed in my task and I’m crowned I’ll have many more responsibilities. Not that I mind, but it’s nice to come and go as I please. I’ll enjoy it while I can.'
'Where are we going first?' I looked forward to seeing more of the castle. About to answer, Alek stopped when Audrey pelted into the room. Something had her excited; her ears perked up, tail high while she spun in the room, like she hunted something. Nnelg blinked into the room and landed on the table with his wings half spread, he growled at Audi. My jaw dropped in astonishment and I went to leap between them when Alek placed a restraining hand on my arm.
'Wait,' he murmured in my ear. 'Just watch.'
Audrey snarled fiercely at Nnelg but her tail and ears still stood high. I just began to realize they played when Nnelg launched himself at her. The two rolled past us, a blur of fur, wings and a wildly thrashing blue tail. Alek started to laugh at the sight of it. He stopped short when the two rioters crashed into a tall lamp that he lunged to steady. 'ENOUGH!' he bellowed, while holding the lamp.
They both froze.
I started to giggle at the comical and most unexpected sight. Audrey sat with a guilty look on her face, Nnelg’s long tail in her mouth while he appeared to chew on one of her ears.
'NNELG, I’M GLAD you have a new friend but don’t you think you should take her outside?' Alek crossed his arms and gave the dragon a stern look.
'Elena sent me,' Nnelg replied defensively, 'This dog creature is funny. Where is she from? I can’t understand her at all.'
'She’s not from this world, Nnelg. What did Elena want?'
'To remind you to have the women back in time for tea, I’ve got to go tell the others too, bye.'
Nnelg vanished again. Audi yelped and shot out the room.
'What does Nnelg mean he can’t understand her?' Cat looked perplexed.
'Dragons can usually use their telepathy on other creatures too. Obviously he can’t with Audi.'
'IS NNELG COMMUNICATING with us by telepathy?' I asked in astonishment. 'I thought he was just speaking. We can all hear him. It isn’t like with Loushka.'
Alek offered me his arm and explained while we wandered down the corridor. 'Loushka can’t be heard by creatures other than griffons and those she links with. Usually it’s just one creature. That’s why we were so impressed when you could hear her.' He winked at me. 'Dragons have different abilities and are able to link with most creatures minds. They’re born with the skill.'
Alek pointed out various rooms when we passed them, stopping to show me the ballroom that linked to the Great Hall. Like the throne room the floor had gemstones embedded within. Silver framed mirrors lined the walls; reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. 'This is where small events are held. For the ball we’ll open this room and the second ballroom that links to the throne room,' he explained, leading me through it. 'Do you like dancing?'
I nodded enthusiastically.
He arched an eyebrow questioningly. 'We have casual dancing in the Great Hall most evenings after dinner until late?'
I laughed then and shook my head. 'I’m usually in bed early, so I can get up at dawn for my run.'
'Of course. Do you go often?'
'Most mornings if possible.'
'If you want, I could meet you at your room prior to breakfast? Unless the weather’s really awful.'
'Wouldn’t want to mess up that hair,' I teased.
We turned down another corridor where two women in richly embroidered clothes walked toward us at a stately pace. Stopping when we were within a couple of feet, they both dipped into graceful curtsies. Alek greeted them while I stood back, observing. I don’t know how to curtsy, I thought, considering the fluid looking move; bowing is much easier, maybe I’ll just stick to that.
Both women ignored me while they chatted to Alek and it dawned on me. This must be what the Guard spoke about. These had to be some of those women. They made such an effort to avoid acknowledging me. One, a tall slim brunette, wore a lovely dress in dark blue. Belted tight at the waist to show off her cleavage, she leaned forward just enough to show it to its best advantage. I chomped on the inside of my cheek to stop the laughter that bubbled up. These two just screamed high maintenance. God I wish the others were here, they would have loved to have seen this. The other one, a plump blonde in clinging fuchsia, hung off Alek’s every word with an expression rather like the vacant one I’d given him earlier.
ALEK FORCED A smile while answering the usual inane questions the women here loved to ask. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Cat watching in amusement. Right then, he thought, let’s include you. 'May I introduce Catherine to you both.' He gave them a charming smile and indicated Cat. 'Catherine, may I introduce the Countess Stranson and her good friend Lady Kelanor. Catherine is here with her friends at the Archduchess’ invitation.'
While Lady Kelanor looked impressed and gave Cat a tentative smile, the Countess shot Cat a barely veiled look of contempt. 'Are you one of the women the Griffon Guard rescued?'
I RETURNED A bland smile while maintaining strong eye contact. The brunette—sorry, the Countess—flinched, which felt mildly satisfying. Let’s see if we can turn her green with envy, I thought, resisting a smirk and instead put on my best dumb blonde smile; learned from Sian of course.
'Yes, we were exceptionally lucky. Alek and the others arrived just in the knick of time.' I beamed at Alek, his blue eyes twinkled at me. Fighting off the giggles, I channeled the feeling of hilarity, smiling broadly at the women while fluttering my lashes. If looks could kill I’d be fried on the spot—yeouch—that woman has an evil glare! The Countess went to say something but Alek beat her to it.
'IF YOU’LL EXCUSE us,' Alek gave them a polite smile. 'I have just two days in which to show off the castle and Elion to Catherine.' He swept Cat along until they were out of sight.
'The Countess appears exceedingly fond of you,' Cat suggested with a wicked look.
He gave a short laugh and rolled his eyes. 'That woman has been my nemesis for years now, not that she appears to know it. She’s openly told the high court since I was fifteen that she would marry me.'
'NOT TEMPTED?' I teased. 'I’m sure she’d look lovely draped over your arm and she probably has her coronation gown already designed.' The invitations and place-settings too I imagine and if there’s a chopping block list I’ll bet my name is now at the top; I smirked at the thought.
Alek gave me a long look, then detached his arm from mine and drew my hand to his mouth, gently kissing it and then led us on. The hairs on my arms went stiff and butterflies pinged about in my stomach. We’d wandered along a bit more before I felt steady enough to speak without stuttering. 'Where ar
e we going?'
'To the kitchen.'
Not what I’d expected, but my stomach gave an approving growl making us chuckle. We passed many more doorways and Alek explained they were various court rooms.
'Are they all in use?'
How many people did I see at breakfast? I didn’t think it was this many.
He shook his head. 'No, most are empty. The majority of the courtiers won’t return to the castle until I’m established on the throne. There’s no reason to be here without a ruling monarch.'
'Will the castle be full then? When you’re crowned?'
'Actually, there won’t be enough rooms then.' Alek chuckled at my surprise. 'A whole new life is injected into Elion when the monarch returns, creating an abundance of jobs. Nnelg won’t have as much time to play then.'
I’d forgotten about Nnelg. 'What’s his role in the castle?'
We rounded the corner to the kitchen, I could hear the noise of pots and pans and general cooking sounds.
'Nnelg is employed as the castle’s fire dragon. It’s his job to keep the fireplaces and lamps burning.'
I wanted to ask more about that, but we’d reached the kitchen and Alek ushered me in.
IT FELT A bit of a shock to come from the quietness of the corridors into the sudden noise and organized chaos of the kitchen. They stood for a moment, observing. Then a kitchen worker spotted him and let loose a yell. Everyone stopped and turned to stare at them in surprise. At the realization that the Prince stood amongst them, they bowed and a man rushed over.
'Y-y-your Highness,' he stuttered. 'What a surprise, how can we help?'
Alek smiled and indicated Cat. 'Hiranes, may I introduce you to Catherine, one of the women the Archduchess is working with.'
'A pleasure to meet you. What can I do for you both?'
Alek drew him to the side while Cat wandered off around the kitchen.
IT KEPT SURPRISING me how modern things seemed here. The huge ovens could have been found in a restaurant on Earth and it all seemed clean and pristine the way a kitchen should be. I was fascinated when I noticed a row of five giant mixers all steadily mixing away. What do they run on? I snuck a little closer, listening and peered at them. I couldn't hear an engine of any kind and nothing appeared to attach it to a power source. I turned to look for Alek, but he still conversed with Hiranes, so snagged a worker. 'Excuse me, but how are those mixers turning?'
The boy, a waif like blond thing, stared at me like I was stupid then answered cautiously, 'Hiranes is turning them.' He gave me another fishy stare then ducked off. I stared at the mixers, more puzzled now. How could Hiranes be turning them? He stood nowhere near them. I went back to Alek who’d finished his conversation. He reached out to draw me close.
'Are you okay? You’re frowning,' he murmured in my ear.
'Oh. I just wondered how the mixers turned by themselves,' I spoke quietly so none of the staff would overhear me. 'A kitchen boy said Hiranes is doing it?'
ALEK SMILED AT Cat, pleased she seemed distracted from her current predicament. I’ll have to have a word to Elena tonight, he thought. Before he could answer her question Hiranes presented them with a basket, Alek thanked him then led Cat out of the room. He explained while they walked down another corridor. 'Hiranes is gifted. He can make things move. It’s a gift that can open up many opportunities as it’s useful in most professions. He’s very lucky.'
WHAT A COOL gift. I wonder what ours might be like?
Alek led us out of a door into the courtyard and I stopped short when the sun hit me. 'Wow. What a lovely day.'
The garden was beautiful. Neat paths paved with glistening stones meandered all over the place. The vegetation varied between big beautiful maple-like trees and a variety of shrubs and flowers. Tucked in niches stood statues of faeries, goblins, and other mythical (or so I’d thought before arriving here) creatures, many I didn’t have names for. Alek chose a spot for us under a dark red broadleaf tree and I helped him to set out the blanket and food. It looked great. While we ate I gazed around, admiring it all.
'What’s with all the statues?' I rolled onto my back and looked up at Alek who ate a piece of fruit.
He paused between bites. 'They’re to honor someone. Each statue is of a being that for some reason or another has been recognized for a service to the realm. Around two statues are created each year and the one depicted is allowed to choose a spot for it within the courtyard.'
Well that’s a bit more interesting than your average garden gnome, I thought. 'Do they have plaques telling you why they’re honored?' I sat up to see if any were close to us.
Alek shook his head. 'No. There’s a book in the library that has the details recorded.'
Another reason to have a nosy at the library. I wonder what gets you in the book?
Chapter Twenty One
WE PACKED UP the leftovers and Alek took a different route back into the castle to show me the Armory. Not knowing what to expect, I stepped through the door and stared in amazement at the display of weapons in the room. To begin with the room must have been as big as the ballroom. It had huge rows of shelving stocked full of items. On Earth it would have been a red-necked, gun-toting, male’s dream come true, except of course, no guns. Instead there were rows of crossbows, long bows, bows I didn’t know the names of, and swords of every length and manner imaginable. I made my way around the room and felt a shudder of disgust at the sight of heavy maces that hung from racks. I paused in front of a shelf covered in light, delicate looking daggers and moved closer for a better look.
'Careful,' Alek warned. He reached past me to pick one up.
'These are exceptionally sharp and can even cut through dragon scales. The blade is made of a rock that’s only found within active volcanoes.'
But of course, thought my rational voice sarcastically. Where else would you locate something with dragon scale piercing potential. 'How do you get it out?' Did they use those special suits like the ones we had on Earth? I didn’t think those suits could get you that close to molten rock—at least not for any extended amount of time.
'There’s a creature, the requon, which lives within the magma. We use it to collect the blistenid rock while it’s still molten.'
'What sort of creature? How do you use it?'
'It looks kind of like a fish and you can lure it to the surface by dropping gemstones into the lava. They take a moment to melt and the creatures love to eat them while they’re hard so they race to the surface. When the requon appears, a harness is looped onto its dorsal fin. The requon then dives low and the scoops hanging from the harness pick up the blistenid. We gently tug the requon back to the surface, where the harness snaps off and we wind it up.'
Just that easy huh, my rational voice sniggered. I stared at him. 'You have got to show me that sometime.'
We continued down the rows of weapons and armor; even armor for the griffons, huge breast plates and leg greaves. And then some armor I didn’t recognize. I circled one of the sets and studied it. At first glance it looked like the armored torso of a very large man, but it extended out some distance at where the backside would be. It seemed strangely familiar, like I should know it.
'It’s for the Centaur Cavalry,' Alek wore a bemused expression. 'What did you think it was for?'
For what felt like the millionth time since arriving in this world my jaw dropped. 'Centaur Cavalry?'
'Of course. They’re essential to any fight.'
I stared at the armor again. 'For those of us that haven’t seen a centaur in real life before, we are talking about a creature which is half man half horse?'
He gave me that look again. 'Yes and no. At some point long ago in their evolution they were distantly related to both humans and horses, but they are their own species and they have different breeds like any other creature.' Alek led me further along the aisle, indicating to other sets of centaur armor. 'There are three divisions within the Cavalry. The Aswaran division, which is for the large heavy races whose skills are
directly linked to their physical strength. There is the Rodhite division, for which you need to be exceptionally fast, but still have the strength to use the massive longbows and crossbows that are designed specifically for centaurs. And lastly, the Medanga division, the medics and messengers.'
'Are they here? At the castle?' I would love to meet one, or just see one.
'No. We never keep all our forces in one area, so they are currently on patrol. They’ll be back at the end of the month.'
'What makes them so vital to the forces?' I could see Alek fight another look of astonishment and I frowned. 'I’m just curious. Remember this is all new to me.'
'They have two hearts and two sets of lungs, Cat, along with four legs designed for speed. They’re practically the perfect species.'
'WHAT DID YOU think?' Alek asked curiously as they left the room. Cat had been rather quiet after viewing the Armory.
'You look well prepared. How many will join you in the fight against Jenviet?'
Alek shrugged, if he had it his way it’d only be the Griffon Guard, but Elena wouldn’t allow it, concerned that Jenviet had a way to harm the griffons. She wanted Alek to take a large army and leave Loushka and the other griffons waiting, back from the fight. Loushka hadn’t been impressed with the idea. 'I’m not entirely sure. Things could change at a moment’s notice so we’ll see. Now, a treat,' he declared. 'This way.'
ALEK WHISKED US down a corridor in the opposite direction to where we’d been this morning. I had to take a long stride to keep up with him and we whizzed past a couple of astonished looking servants. It left me rather flushed by the time we reached the door he wanted. Holding a finger to his lips, Alek hushed me. 'Shh listen.'
About to protest that I hadn’t said anything, I stopped at the sound. Weird. What is that? It sounded like a heavy hum, almost a purr. I glanced quizzically at Alek. He smiled and opened the door for me. The room was darker than the corridor and it took my eyes a moment to adjust. While I waited I heard the murmur of voices. It sounded like Loi and Sian might be here too. Sure enough there they stood in front of me with big, goofy smiles on their faces. Each had a sleepy griffon pup cradled in their arms. My heart melted at the sight.
The Arrival Page 22