The Watchers in Exile

by Barbara V. Evers

  The maid’s face brightened with a smile. She nodded and scurried over to a chest. “I thought it looked important. I hid it in the little chamber in the lid of this chest.”

  Astounded, Leera watched Hanna slide open a tiny door inside the chest’s lid. “How clever of you, Hanna. Do you know where my green Watcher’s uniform is?”

  The maid shook her head. “Sorry, Your Highness. I’ve never seen it.”

  “Never mind,” Leera said while she slipped the ring on her finger. This time, she put it on the index finger. It still hung loosely, but she could hold it in place with her thumb.

  Staring at the ring, she wondered how it might help her escape.

  Leera jumped when Catch and the dressmaker bustled into the room. She blinked in surprise at the tall, stern figure of Helmyra. The dressmaker curtsied, then hurried forward, Catch at her heels.

  “Your Highness, let’s see how beautiful we can make you in one afternoon. You must be properly attired for this grand occasion.”

  The woman glanced at Hanna while her hands fluttered around the dress Leera wore, tucking and turning the material. “Could we have some tea? It’s going to be an exhausting day.”

  The maid bobbed once in acknowledgement and headed for the door.

  “Make sure it’s piping hot,” Helmyra called after her. “I can’t tolerate cold tea. Brew a new pot. And bring some food too. Something freshly made and warm.”

  The door closed behind Hanna. Leera opened her mouth to speak, but Helmyra held up a warning finger. “Wait,” she whispered.

  The key in the lock clicked, then Catch put his ear to the door. After a moment, he straightened and grinned in excitement. “She’s gone.”

  “Good.” Helmyra placed her hands on her narrow hips and turned to Leera. “We’ve got a lot of work to do if we’re going to get you out of here before your maid gets back.”

  Leera squealed, prompting another warning look from Helmyra.

  In a loud voice, the woman said, “My apologies, Princess Leera. I didn’t mean to tickle you.”

  At a lower volume, she said, “Although the maid has gone, there’s a guard in the corridor. I doubt he’ll eavesdrop, but we must be careful.”

  Leera’s heart dropped at the news. “How will I escape if a guard waits to stop us?”

  “With the excitement running through the castle today, it shouldn’t be hard to create a diversion.”

  “You knew mother locked me in? How?” Leera said.

  “Me.” Catch scooted around the piles of clothing and executed a dignified bow.

  Leera stared at the young page and the stern woman. In the past, she had given people in their positions no consideration; in fact, she’d cared not whether she offended them. If it wasn’t for their loyalty to Kiffen, her selfish actions could have sealed her fate.

  “Thank you,” she said, feeling humbled by the sentiment. “Both of you.”

  Helmyra pulled scissors and thread out of her bag. “Which dress do you want to alter? We must appear to do as the queen bids.”

  The gowns spilled across the bed in glittering disarray. Leera fingered a few with longing, aware she would have to leave them behind. “What are we celebrating?”

  Helmyra plucked a deep red one from the batch. “War.”

  “Maligon’s?” Leera said while trying to stop the sudden tremble in her voice.

  “Yes. That’s what your mother celebrates.” Helmyra held the dress up to Leera’s body, her head tilted as she studied the cut.

  “Where will you take me?” Leera said

  Helmyra peered over the rim of her sewing glasses. “That depends on the outcome of the battle. We’ll ensure your safety at least for the next few days.”

  Leera returned to the window, sadness in her heart. “Safe. Is there such a place?”

  Helmyra stood and laid a hand on Leera’s shoulder, causing her to flinch at the thought of another reading.

  “You will be safe.”

  The woman sniffed and returned to the bed. “Here.” She handed a dress to Leera and one to Catch. “Start ripping them into strips. We’re going to make it look like the princess climbed out the window.”

  Catch grinned and tore the beautiful pink gown Leera had worn to Adana’s birthday celebration. She watched the gorgeous finery shred under the boy’s enthusiastic hands, closed her eyes at the sight, and took a deep breath. With one swift yank, she tore apart the bodice of a blue gown, her breathing ragged to match the uneven scraps.

  In a short time, they had created a long rope of torn dresses.

  “Now, you must slap me,” Helmyra said to Leera.

  “What?” The urge to do so surprised Leera, and she hesitated, unsure of the woman’s command.

  “Slap me as hard as you can. I want your handprint on my face when I tell them you’ve escaped. And kick Catch.”

  The page jumped back, his eyes widening.

  When Leera still hesitated, Helmyra said, “You will do this. Then we will hide you under this heap of clothes and drop the rope out the window. Catch will run to the door to alert the guard of your escape. When he realizes his one and only charge has disappeared, he will sound an alarm. While they are pursuing you, we will slip you out under their noses.”

  Leera stared at the woman. Could it really work? Her mother’s new guards weren’t very intelligent, but they would recognize her.

  “How will you keep them from seeing me?”

  “We want them to see you, but they won’t recognize you in this.” Helmyra held up a maid’s uniform—plain brown, coarse material with a white bonnet to hide beautiful golden curls.

  Leera nodded and drove her foot into Catch’s knee before he saw it coming. She spun toward Helmyra, twisted the ring to face outward, and slammed her fist into the woman’s sallow cheek.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 34

  Mud sucked at the hooves of Shana’s horse as she rode out at dawn with Queen Adana’s troops assembled behind her. The cool air brushed the young woman’s skin, and she scanned the crowds, uncomfortable with their scrutiny. A young child, a bright array of wildflowers clutched in her arms, stood at the forefront of the people lining the street. Shana halted her horse and smiled at the girl as Montee had directed her to do. She handed her reins to Joannu, who held the horse as Shana dismounted.

  “For you, Your Majesty,” the little girl piped up and dropped into an awkward curtsy.

  Shana accepted the bouquet, her gaze never leaving the girl’s face. “Thank you.” She noted the child’s shy glance toward the giraffes. “Do you like giraffes?”

  The child nodded, her dark braids bouncing against her shoulders.

  Shana turned to the child’s mother. “Am’brosia accepts the child’s touch, she’s told me so. Is it acceptable to you?”

  Startled by the direct address, the woman stumbled an awkward curtsy. “Your Majesty, we are most grateful if you will allow it. My daughter speaks of nothing else.”

  Shana gestured for the girl to approach Am’brosia, who stood among the queen’s honor guard, Sinti’s hand resting on her flank.

  The child laid her small hand along the giraffe’s leg and gazed upwards, giggling when Am’brosia dropped her long neck down to gaze at her.

  “Are you planning to become a Watcher some day?” Shana asked the girl.

  The dark-haired child turned questioning eyes to her mother who bustled over and lifted the girl in her arms. “We truly hope so, Your Majesty. She shows great promise, this one.”

  Shana arched an eyebrow at the young girl. “You must keep watch until we return.”

  The girl’s green eyes grew wide. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Shana sniffed the flowers, enjoying their heady fragrance. She remounted her horse and kicked it forward. Sir Jerold and Montee urged their horses to flank her left and right, and the rest of the honor guard followed.

  From her position, she heard Joannu’s quiet affirmation spoken to Veana and Sinti. “She did well.”

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sp; Shana glanced back and saw the other two nod in agreement, then all three returned to a vigilant watch over the crowd lining the street. Somewhere within the crowds were Pultarch’s men.

  Not far behind Shana rode Pultarch, bound and shackled on a horse. He was surrounded by several Watchers. Adana walked much farther back in the caravan with the rest of her Watchers.

  Once out of the village, some of the prisoner’s guard would drift away from their charge. With fewer to watch him, they hoped Pultarch’s men would seize the opportunity to free the young noble.

  The question was whether they would grab Shana, too. She licked her lips and smiled at the crowds while her insides shrank in fear. She did this for the queen, to prove her loyalty. Whatever it took.

  * * *

  The path from the Central Tower to the outer gates of the Border Keep swelled with humanity. Kiffen kept looking into the unfamiliar faces as he rode forth, a mix of Elwar’s and Moniah’s warriors following him. The people’s cheers spoke of hope and confidence, awakening a strong urge within him to protect them at all costs.

  On the heels of that awareness, Kiffen wished they could depart in stealth through the tunnels. He had argued the point with Simeon and Kassa a few days earlier. This gathered throng of refugees proved their point. The people needed to see them ride into battle. They needed a hope to cling to. The weight of their faith settled on his shoulders.

  “Imagine them cheering your triumphant return,” Simeon said as he trotted his horse up next to Kiffen’s. “Don’t try to carry their expectations with you. We have a long ride ahead of us.”

  Kiffen quirked his mouth into a wry smile. “How did you know what I was thinking?”

  “You are your mother’s son in many ways.” Simeon looked overhead at the clear, blue sky and inhaled appreciatively. “The Creator has given you a fine day.”

  “He has.” Kiffen nodded. “Adana has already departed.”

  “Good. We are on schedule. With Linus at the estate and our two armies approaching from opposite directions, we will crush Maligon.”

  “Do we have any further information on Maligon’s location?”

  “Since the report from last night?” Simeon shook his head. “It’s too soon. I suspect he is still camped north of the estate. He’s only been there for a few days. He will want to wait long enough to make things uncomfortable within the walls. We have time.”

  Kiffen looked back at Bai’dish who ambled behind the first lines of soldiers. An escort of Watchers surrounded the giraffe, but he noticed Glume rode closest, his hand reaching out occasionally to touch the animal’s left flank. The caretaker had a faraway look in his eye. He must be communicating with Bai’dish. The thought reminded Kiffen of his most recent vision from Adana.

  “Something disturbs me about Queen Adana.”

  “What?” Simeon shifted on his horse to face him.

  “The view I get from Bai’dish. The person leading the troops doesn’t look like Adana. I think it’s Lady Elayne.”

  “Lady Elayne?” Simeon’s face relaxed. “Maybe it’s a precaution. She does resemble Adana. Has the queen communicated any changes to you?”

  “No. That’s what concerns me. I sensed a lot of concern and anger from her during the last two days, but I don’t know what troubles her.” Kiffen twisted in the saddle and looked at Bai’dish again. “Bai’dish is not sharing either. I think he’s keeping information from me.”

  Simeon wrinkled his brow. “He knows?” Glancing over his shoulder at the animal, he said, “How can you tell?”

  Kiffen shrugged. “It’s hard to explain.”

  He closed his eyes and reached out to Bai’dish. Along the link came the vision of a clear sky and muddy fields, but when he tried to focus on Adana, the view shifted to the left or the right. “It’s as if I’m looking through Am’brosia’s eyes, but she refuses to look at Adana. If I try, she turns away.”

  “Turning her head?” Kassa’s sharp voice interrupted the two men as she and Halar rode up to join them. “Did I hear you correctly? Am’brosia is turning her head away from Adana?”

  “Yes.”

  Kassa pressed her lips together in a thin line, her wrinkles standing out in stark relief against her tanned skin. She shared a look with her husband.

  “What does it mean?” Simeon asked.

  “It means,” Kassa spoke between clenched teeth, “that something has changed. Something they don’t want you to know.” She turned and waved forward one of the Watchers marching a few feet behind her. “Send Glume to me.”

  “What would she want to hide from me?” Kiffen asked, the pain of rejection aching in his heart.

  “I intend to find out.” The old woman stared down the line at Glume.

  The man flinched as he looked up and met Kassa’s hawk-like glare. The keeper laid a gentle hand on Bai’dish’s flank, patted him once, then rode toward them. Kiffen continued to seek Bai’dish, reaching out to sense his mood. The animal responded with the sounds of a soothing melody and a babbling brook in the background. An image of Adana’s favorite hideaway, the pond within the castle grounds, joined the sounds. Why are you trying to soothe me? The giraffe intensified the sounds and image.

  “Kassa?” Kiffen said. “Why would Bai’dish push peace and quiet on me?”

  Halar jerked his chin up and exchanged another look with his wife. He answered instead. “Kiffen, relax into the image. Bai’dish seeks to calm you in case you dislike Glume’s message.”

  The suggestion scared Kiffen. Was something wrong? Had Adana been injured or kidnapped? Bai’dish’s image of solace pushed into his thoughts, and one word floated through it: “No.”

  Kiffen blinked in surprise. “Do giraffes use words?”

  “Words, Sire?” Glume rode up next to Halar, the farthest he could be from Kassa and still respond to her summons. “I’ve sensed simple words once or twice. What did he say?”

  “No.”

  Glume nodded. “Yes, that’s a word they all know.” He smiled. “Just like children, they learn it early in life.” He turned his attention toward Kassa. “You asked for me?”

  “What is Queen Adana hiding from us?”

  Glume looked from Kassa to Kiffen and back. “I knew this wouldn’t work. I tried to tell them King Kiffen’s skills were greater than they thought.”

  “You knew?” Kiffen frowned in dismay at the man’s betrayal in keeping more secrets.

  Glume dropped his gaze to the ground; his voice fell with it. “I did.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  He shrugged. “My queen commanded me.”

  At least Glume’s loyalty to Adana was firm.

  The keeper received a nod of approval from Kassa. “As it should be, but since we are aware of it, so you must tell us. The king will not be able to concentrate on his duties if he’s worried about the queen.”

  Eyes still downcast, Glume said, “I know. Forgive me, m’lord. I meant you no disrespect.”

  Kiffen smiled at the serious man, surprised at how fond he had become of him in such a short time. Did their connection to the giraffes promote this feeling of companionship?

  Glume’s gaze locked onto his, and he gave a short nod and pleased smile. No words had passed between them, but Kiffen was sure Bai’dish had shared his thoughts with Glume.

  The keeper took a deep breath, squinting at the crowds lining the road, then back toward Kiffen. “I believe this might be better said when we are out of the keep. There are too many people watching, and we don’t want them to overhear or see your face while we discuss this.”

  The sounds of the cheering crowds flooded Kiffen’s ears, and he gazed around at the excited men and women. He owed them a departure worthy of the heroics they expected from this combined army. “Glume, you speak sense. But I must insist you tell me if Adana is harmed or missing.”

  “Oh no, m’lord. She is fine and feeling quite safe and secure. This involves other people. I assure you she is safe.”

  The ten
sion in Kiffen’s shoulders slid away, and, aware of the watching crowds, he fought the urge to relax too much. “Good. I will wait until we pause at mid-morning.”

  “May I return to Bai’dish?”

  “Of course,” Kiffen said. As the man turned his horse around, Kiffen linked with Bai’dish and sent his thanks. A brief nod from Glume told him the man had received his message.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 35

  Maligon smoothed the edge of the map and brushed away a few specks of sand. He studied the drawn contours of the land surrounding Moniah’s fortress. The stronghold stood on the largest precipice within the borders of the kingdom. From the northern approach, it was not high compared to the mountains in Elwar, but the steep incline gave a distinct advantage to those inside the walls. The southern and eastern sides rose above straight cliffs, impossible to scale without being picked off by Moniah’s archers. The northern and western sides were protected by large sandstone walls with Watcher towers placed at even intervals.

  “Why can’t we locate the tributary?” Maligon spoke to himself, his voice a murmur. Below the fortress walls flowed an underground river providing water for the inhabitants. Maligon’s spies had failed to find its access point.

  Kalara sat beside him, but he knew she could not answer this question. Knowledge and access to that part of the estate were limited to a handful of people. Not even Samantha knew its location.

  As if she’d read his mind, Kalara said, “Father, Samantha should be inside the walls by now. Your trap for Linus is set. Why do you wait on that weakling, Pultarch?”

  “If he succeeds, we will hold the perfect key to the fortress gates.”

  “That’s a doubtful “if,” Father.”

  He glanced away from the map for a moment, and their gazes locked. “I plan to wait one more day.”

  “Is that wise? Samantha reported that Kiffen and Adana plan to attack us here.”