Prince of Alasia (Annals of Alasia Book 1)

by Annie Douglass Lima

  “Look,” he gritted out through clenched teeth. “This was not my idea. Rampus has been ruling Malorn ever since my father died, and until I turn eighteen next year, I can’t take the throne, and I have very little real power. In theory I’m supposed to have some say in how the kingdom is run, but in practice – well, Rampus asks my opinion and listens to my suggestions, and then goes off and does exactly what he wants anyway.” Korram’s voice was bitter. He paused for breath and to make sure Jaymin was listening.

  Jaymin’s mind was whirling. Everything he had assumed about Prince Korram for the last month was being turned upside down.

  “So you’re saying it was Regent Rampus’ idea to invade Alasia, and you couldn’t stop him?” he clarified. If that was true, it changed everything.

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying!” The other prince ran a hand through his unruly hair, making it stand up even more. “He came up with all the plans and a whole list of ways that it would benefit Malorn, and then he just went and carried them out.

  “Look.” Korram leaned forward earnestly, resting his forearms on his knees. “I won’t pretend I didn’t see the potential advantages. You have natural resources that I’d love to have access to, for one thing. But I wouldn’t go about it like this. If I wanted something from Alasia, I would open trade negotiations and try to work it out. And even if I did attack, I wouldn’t have done it the way he did – sneakily, and at night, and all. I would have made a formal declaration of war and gone about it fairly. Er … not that I would, I mean,” he added hastily, seeming to realize what he had just said. “I don’t want war. I’m just saying that if I did, I have more honor” – he practically spat out the word – “than to attack at night and worm my way in with the help of spies and traitors.”

  Jaymin regarded him thoughtfully. “If what you’re saying is true, why didn’t you do something to stop it? Surely you could have tried.”

  “What do you think I’m doing right now?” Korram exclaimed, spreading out his hands in protest. “I risked my life to come here. Not only am I at your mercy, but if word of this gets back to Rampus, it will all be over for me. There was nothing I could do before, but I’m trying to stop him now; trying to help you at the same time.”

  Korram stared pleadingly into Jaymin’s eyes as though begging him to believe him. “You don’t know what it’s like in Malorn. Rampus controls almost everyone with any influence in my kingdom. All the noblemen, the army – they all think that everything he does is with my authority, but it’s not. No one opposes him and gets away with it. My family and I, in some ways we’re practically his prisoners in our own palace.”

  Jaymin stared at him, shocked. He had never pictured the other prince’s life being anything like that.

  Korram paused again, searching for the right words. “Jaymin. You’re a prince too. Try to imagine my situation. This man is popular throughout the kingdom; he’s the regent, which means he has almost all the powers of a king, and he lives for power. He gets furious anytime I speak against anything he’s done. Through his clever little hints and implications and offhand remarks he’s made it clear that he is in charge of Malorn, and if I go against him, well, I’d just better watch out. Next year when I turn eighteen, the law says he’ll have to step down for me to be king, and if I know Rampus – and trust me, I do – that’s the last thing in the world he plans to do. And that’s why he’s done all this.” Korram waved his arm in a sweeping gesture that encompassed Malorn, Alasia, and their respective armies waiting to meet in battle. “He’s trying to gain power, to show my people what great things he can do for Malorn, so that when I just happen to die, just as my father happened to die four years ago, he will be the High Council’s natural choice for the next king.” Korram stopped for breath and to run a distracted hand through his hair again. His voice had been gaining in intensity, and his face was flushed. Jaymin didn’t blame him for being so upset.

  “So you think Rampus means to have you killed soon?”

  “I’m certain of it. That’s why he called me here from Malorn. He sent a message – and he made it sound like an invitation to take part in our upcoming victory, but he and I both know it was really an order. But he told me to lead five hundred horsemen, whom he thinks I recruited for him, over the border to attack your troops in the forest, assuming they were still there when we arrived. He’s found out about your plans to attack Almar, by the way. If you haven’t tried yet, I wouldn’t recommend that you do. He’s more than ready for you.”

  “Thank you,” replied Jaymin dryly, “but we found out about that on our own.”

  “All right. Anyway, I’m supposed to come sweeping through the woods with my troops tomorrow, wiping out any resistance between here and Almar, and then meet up with Rampus in the city. If I managed not to be killed in the forest, I know Rampus would have someone else ready to do the job; probably a sniper in an Alasian uniform lying in wait somewhere in Almar. In any case, Rampus wants me out of the picture just as surely as he wants you dead, and he wants Alasia as a trophy.”

  Korram leaned back again in the camp chair and regarded Jaymin across the fire. “So there you have it. We’re both in a tight place, and that’s the whole situation.” He sighed, and some of the anxiety seemed to drain from him, replaced by a look of mingled weariness and relief. It was easy to see what he must be thinking. I’ve finally told him. Now I just have to wait and see how he responds.

  Jaymin gazed back at Korram thoughtfully. It was strange how the anger and bitterness he had felt toward the other prince ever since the Invasion had faded so quickly. Amazing what a few facts could do. Assuming they were facts, of course, and that Korram wasn’t lying about all this. But Jaymin had no reason to doubt the other prince’s words. What would Korram have to gain by telling such an elaborate lie? On the contrary, everything he said made sense, and his situation certainly seemed, in its own way, to be as serious as Jaymin’s. Why else would he even have come here?

  Jaymin glanced over at General Dirken, who had remained silent throughout the discussion. The general met his gaze and gave a slight nod. It seemed he was willing to trust Korram, too.

  “What token can you give us to prove your goodwill?” Jaymin asked finally.

  The older prince had apparently been expecting the question. “I’m prepared to give you this.” He twisted a ring off his finger and handed it to Jaymin over the fire. Jaymin took it and examined it closely in the firelight. It had a wide gold band inlaid with a number of tiny rubies and diamonds. The rubies had been delicately arranged to form the shape of a hawk with outstretched wings, and two glittering diamond spears crossed behind it in an X shape. Jaymin recognized the Malornian royal crest.

  “I would like it back after all this is over, if you don’t mind,” Korram ventured almost apologetically, “but in the meantime, keep it as proof of my goodwill. And if at any point you feel that I have dealt less than honorably with you, you needn’t return it.”

  Jaymin nodded, watching the dancing flames reflect off the tiny gems. He knew this ring must be a treasure of the Malornian royal household. His father had had a similar one with the Alasian royal crest. Jaymin’s mind wandered for a moment as he wondered if he would ever see it again.

  “That’s fair enough, I suppose,” he replied, bringing his thoughts back to the present and pocketing the ring. It would certainly not have been appropriate for him to wear it.

  Beside him, the general cleared his throat. “If I may, your Highness ….”

  Since it was unclear which prince he meant, both turned his way, but he addressed Korram.

  “Would it be too much to request one further token? One which would cost you nothing, but be of great practical benefit to us?”

  “Such as …?”

  “Do you know the names of the traitors among our troops?”

  “Of course! Some of them, anyway. If you have something to write on, I’ll give you as much of the list as I know.”

  The list, thought Jaymin in dis
may. Are there that many?

  They all cast about for something to write the names on, but no one had come prepared. Finally, the general produced a large, white handkerchief from his pocket. He carefully extracted a partially burned stick from the fire and handed both to Korram.

  Korram chuckled, but he spread the handkerchief out on one knee, and began to write awkwardly on it with the blackened end of the stick.

  “There are four that I know of in your army,” he began, scratching away, “mostly ranking officers. And I’ll give you some more for free. These next four were part of the palace guard. They are the ones who let Rampus’ men in on the night of the Invasion.” The burnt end of the stick had stopped working, so he used it to nudge another one away from the flames. Its tip was still glowing, so he tapped it in the dirt to put it out. Adjusting his hold on his new writing implement, he bent over the list again.

  “Let’s see … then there was a man who had gone to work in your palace kitchen. And some Malornians who have been living in Almar as merchants for several years. They secretly sent Rampus information about the best ways into the city. If you want to deal with them, go ahead. I don’t care.”

  He finished writing and handed the handkerchief across the fire to Jaymin, who scanned the faintly scrawled names. Captain Talifus and the other three on the palace guard were familiar to him, but the only other name he recognized was the first one on the list.

  Dannel.

  Jaymin scowled, remembering how eager Dannel had seemed to serve him. It was embarrassing to think he had fallen for the man’s act.

  “Apparently Dannel is a double agent,” he muttered to General Dirken as he passed him the list.

  Korram gave a short laugh. “You mean he was spying for your side too? He must have been good. Rampus never suspected a thing.”

  “Neither did we,” growled the general, glaring blackly at the names on the handkerchief. He folded it carefully and tucked it into his pocket. “Dannel and the other three soldiers will be dealt with before morning,” he promised grimly, “and the rest, as soon as possible.”

  “Are you willing to trust me now?” Korram queried hopefully, tossing his writing stick back into the fire and brushing the ash off his hands. “If you want to search out those soldiers and interrogate them to make sure I’m telling the truth, I’m willing to wait.”

  Jaymin glanced at the general, who shook his head. “I don’t believe that will be necessary, your Highness. All four soldiers’ names are familiar to me. I think it’s hardly likely that Prince Korram would even know the names of our soldiers if not for the reasons he states.”

  Jaymin turned back to Korram. “All right. We believe you. So, what is it you suggest we do?”

  Korram crossed his legs and gazed into the fire thoughtfully. “Well, my three basic ideas are to get to Almar alive, place Rampus under arrest, and then take command of all my troops and lead them back to Malorn. Exactly how I’m going to do those things, though, I’m not sure yet.”

  “What do you know about the horsemen you have with you?” Jaymin wondered. “Do you think most of them would take your side if they knew the truth about Rampus?”

  Korram nodded. “Most of them would. I trust the ones I recruited myself. But some are part of the regular Malornian army, and it’s hard to be certain about them. They’ve always obeyed him, but he’s always made it sound as though he was just passing on orders from me. So I’d like to think that if I actually stepped up and gave some orders myself, they’d do as I say.”

  Korram chewed his lip, gazing into the flames, and they could tell he wasn’t at all certain about this. With a sigh, he poked a burning log further into the fire with the toe of his boot. They all watched as golden sparks leaped up and floated into the darkness above.

  “But even if all of them are loyal to me,” he continued glumly, “that doesn’t take care of the first problem. I still have to make it to Almar alive. I know Rampus isn’t going to rest until I’m safely dead, and even five hundred horsemen will be no protection against his schemes.”

  “If I might make a suggestion, your Highness,” General Dirken addressed Korram thoughtfully, and everyone turned toward him.

  “Yes, General?” Korram replied hopefully. Jaymin wondered if it was just an educated guess, or if he really knew what the gold pin on Dirken’s collar stood for.

  “Why not send a message to Regent Rampus tomorrow announcing that you have defeated our troops in the forest. You could also hint that you have discovered something important of which you must tell him in person. His curiosity would most likely keep him from having you killed before he can at least talk to you. Then you and a few trusted officers could meet with him privately in Almar, at which point your men would seize him.”

  Korram pursed his lips thoughtfully, and Jaymin knew he must be thinking over that “most likely”.

  “That’s feasible,” Korram replied finally. “There are details, of course, that would have to be worked out.” He turned to Jaymin again. “I do actually have a similar idea for how to get past the second problem, and that’s where I’m most hoping for your assistance. I need a way of preventing Rampus from calling for help the moment he realizes my intentions. He’s certain to have dozens of guards close by no matter where we meet.”

  “Couldn’t you have some of your own people ready nearby too?” Jaymin wondered. “Maybe some of those horsemen you do know are loyal?”

  “I thought of that. But Rampus has set up his headquarters in your palace, and he would be much too suspicious if I tried to bring them in there. They’d be stopped at the door. Apart from Ernth here, there’s really no one who would have reason to be with me inside.”

  “I see. So what exactly did you have in mind?”

  “Well, I thought perhaps you could have some of your Alasian soldiers waiting in the palace, disguised as Malornians. Then when his guards try to intrude on our little meeting, your men could leap out of hiding and attack them.”

  “One problem.” Jaymin tried to keep his voice convincing. “How do my people get into the palace in the first place? From what I hear, Almar is swarming with Malornian soldiers right now.”

  Korram hesitated. “You’re not going to be happy that I know this,” he began apologetically, “but those spies were pretty thorough, and I did end up finding out a lot of what they told Rampus. I know that there is at least one secret entrance into your palace, and that you had been planning to use it for tonight’s attack.”

  Jaymin let out his breath in frustration. Their spy problem had been worse than he had thought. “All right,” he admitted, keeping his voice calm with an effort, “so there is.”

  “I won’t ask you where it is,” Korram put in hurriedly. “I’m not even going to ask you to let my soldiers use it. But if you could send some of your men through, that could make the difference in whether this whole plan works or not.”

  “So. You’re suggesting that I secretly send my soldiers to the palace through an entrance that Rampus already knows about, have them hide somewhere in its two hundred thirty-nine rooms that we assume is near where he’s most likely to decide to meet with you, hoping that none of the hundreds of enemy soldiers stationed in or around the palace happens to notice them even though Almar must be on heightened alert because of the attack they were expecting tonight; and then somehow at exactly the right moment they’ll all leap out of hiding and defeat Rampus’ men so that you can place him under arrest and then order all your troops out of my kingdom, hoping they’ll decide to obey you. Is that right?”

  Korram laughed ruefully. “It does sound a little unrealistic when you put it that way, doesn’t it? But I think somewhere in there we have the beginnings of a workable plan. Unless you can think of anything better?”

  Jaymin cast a doubtful look at General Dirken.

  “I think,” began the general, “that with a few adjustments and the addition of some minor details, we do have a plan worth following. This is what I suggest ….”

/>   Chapter 16

  Jaymin, Erik and Sir Edmend sat around the camp table in General Dirken’s tent, enjoying a late breakfast of cold venison, cornbread, and coffee. After the negotiations last night, Korram had ridden back to where his troops waited at the edge of the forest, while Jaymin and Erik had turned in for a few more hours’ sleep. But Jaymin suspected that the general had been up ever since, fine-tuning the day’s plans.

  Jaymin wrapped his hands around his steaming cup to warm them and leaned back blissfully in the camp chair. “A proper breakfast at last,” he sighed, sipping the coffee and savoring its rich, strong flavor and warmth. He had never particularly enjoyed it before, but now he realized how much he had missed the simple luxury of a hot drink on a cold morning. “How long has it been?”

  “Four weeks, five days, and, um … about four hours,” replied Erik promptly.

  Jaymin chuckled. “Quite long enough, if you ask me.”

  Sir Edmend chuckled too. “Not many would call this a proper breakfast. Goodness knows there’s plenty of venison to be had in these woods. But aside from what I’ve been able to bring – and a few others too, of course – the soldiers haven’t had much else to eat.”

  “Well, it seems like a feast to us,” Jaymin assured him, helping himself to another slab of venison. Just the taste of meat was a treat after so many meals of porridge or vegetables and potatoes.

  “So this sounds like quite a plan that you made last night,” Sir Edmend remarked, and Jaymin wondered a little guiltily if they should have brought him to talk to Korram too. Well, that had been the general’s call.

  “I can hardly believe that Prince Korram is on our side,” Sir Edmend continued, his brow furrowed. “So, the five hundred Malornian horsemen will be spending today in Camps Three and Four?”

  “They should be on their way now,” Jaymin confirmed, taking another sip of coffee to wash down the last of his cornbread. “Our soldiers are all moving into Camps One and Two. We’ll be a lot more crowded, but it won’t be for long. Korram is going to send a message to Regent Rampus this morning, announcing that he’s on his way to Almar to bring Rampus some important information. Then, this afternoon, a small group of our soldiers will leave to enter the palace through the secret tunnel. An hour or two later, Korram and his horsemen will ride for the capital, where he’ll meet with Rampus in the palace. With the help of our soldiers who will be hiding in the tunnel ready to burst out and attack, he’ll place Rampus under arrest and demand that the rest of the Malornians follow him now as their rightful leader. If everything goes well, he should be ready to start leading his troops back to Malorn by this time tomorrow.”