Destiny

by Fiona McIntosh

  ‘Goth is a long, long story in itself. I’ll share that with you when we take you back to the others because you’ll be pleased to know that he is presently unconscious and trussed like a pig for roasting…courtesy of the Heartwood’s vines.’

  ‘The Light strike me!’ the soldier said. ‘I can’t wait to see this. And the rest?’

  ‘Is all bad news,’ Tor admitted. ‘I’m sorry you hear it so bluntly from me but both the King and Queen you served are dead.’

  They watched the former prime’s complexion pale as his expression drooped into one of complete shock and disbelief. ‘Lorys dead?’

  Tor took Alyssa’s hand. He knew she would not want to live through this again but he needed to tell this swiftly.

  ‘Cyrus, I should tell you that you are in the presence of the former Queen of Tallinor. Alyssa was married to Lorys.’

  It seemed impossible that Cyrus could be shocked further.

  Tor hurried on. ‘Lorys died after being struck by a lightning bolt not so long ago. But Nyria died first about a year ago because of her weak heart.’ He tried to summarise their story. ‘Alyssa, after watching me being stoned to death, remained at the palace and Lorys fell in love with her.’ He realised this was not coming out well. ‘Oh dear, this must all sound so confusing.’

  Cyrus nodded very slowly, then gave a shake of his head. ‘Wait, slow down. What do you mean you were stoned to death?’

  Now everyone took a deep breath. This might take longer than a simple briefing.

  Rubyn looked from his parents to his guardian, baffled by what he was listening to. Cloot rescued him.

  Come, Rubyn. Solyana and I will take you on a stroll so you can reacquaint yourself with the Heartwood.

  I would like that.

  Cyrus has much to hear. Let them tell him and they will join us shortly, Solyana said gently. Anyway, I want you all to myself for a while.

  Rubyn grinned and dug his hand deep into the silver-tipped fur of his wolf Paladin and together with the falcon on his shoulder walked deeper into the Heartwood, flames burning brightly and dancing around him.

  21

  Heading North

  Figgis and Themesius talked into the early morning, learning each other’s colourful stories of how they came to be where they were. When Gidyon finally stirred, they suggested he take some water. They then risked raising him to his feet but once upright he promptly returned the recent drink. They dragged him outside the tent in case there was more to come, which proved a wise decision as Themesius was soon holding him over the bushes, the two men feeling sorry for their young charge.

  ‘Your tale is impressive for a short man,’ the giant said over Gidyon’s noise. Figgis was about to make some sharp comment back when they felt the shift within themselves. Even Gidyon, in his state, stood up.

  ‘What’s happened?’ he croaked.

  It has taken place, said Figgis.

  We are returned. The Paladin is complete again. Themesius uttered this reverently.

  Gidyon looked at both of them. ‘What does it mean?’

  Figgis tapped him gently on the back. He knew how wretched the lad must be feeling from the previous night’s liquor. It means, boy, that the last of us has linked with their bonded one. Now the real battle begins.

  The two Paladin looked thoughtfully at one another, speaking across their own private Link. Let’s allow him some peace whilst he can still enjoy it.

  Figgis nodded.

  ‘So, with that thought in mind, how about breakfast?’ Themesius offered and could not help but grin at the nauseous look on Gidyon’s face.

  His joviality was lost in the same instant as all three heard the voice of Torkyn Gynt across the Paladin Link.

  Gidyon, son. Where are you?

  Gidyon ignored his aching head. Father! I am with Figgis and a giant of a man called Themesius, my second. We’re in a town and headed for Brittelbury.

  He heard his father make a sound of approval at hearing that they were safe. Lauryn? he said next. They could all hear the worry in his question.

  I’m here. Everyone heard her voice catch.

  This is Juno. The seer spoke to save them hearing Lauryn weep. She is safe for the moment. But we have to get her away from here.

  Juno, this is Lauryn’s mother. What does he mean to do with her? Alyssa’s alarm was evident and it was Lauryn who answered, keen to make sure she was not seen as cowardly, despite her fright. It’s a trap. He’s using me to lure you to Cipres. Neither of you must come.

  Her father cut in. Does he know who you are?

  That I’m your daughter, yes.

  But does he know what you are? Tor persisted.

  If you mean, does he know that I am one of three children and the Trinity…no, I don’t think so. The Trinity has not been mentioned.

  Good girl. Be brave now. Tell him nothing. He won’t harm you. It’s me he wants, child.

  Tor hated the lie he told his own daughter. He believed Orlac would have no scruples over whom he harmed so long as he could wreak his vengeance on the person who represented the target of his hate. Alyssa knew it too. She turned away from him.

  Lauryn, she said. We are coming for you. She spoke over her daughter’s objections. You keep her safe, Juno.

  Wait! Lauryn cried, desperate to tell them of the relationship between Tor and Orlac. But the seer closed the Link and hushed her. ‘Be still, child. We cannot risk these conversations.’

  Juno continued to pour warm water gently over her bonded one to soothe her fright. She knew better than all of them. She knew Orlac wanted this girl—had wanted her from the very first moment she had described the woman from the dream. The less Lauryn heard the better right now. She would need a clear mind and strong heart. Any talk over the Link at present would only undermine her resolve.

  Gidyon had regained his wits sufficiently to realise that Lauryn must be in trouble.

  Where is Lauryn? he demanded of his father.

  There was no point in not telling him the truth. Orlac has her.

  Figgis, Themesius and Gidyon felt the same spike of shock the others had experienced earlier. How?

  It would take too long to explain. The fact is, she’s trapped in Cipres. I need time to think on this. I’m sorry, Themesius, that your welcome is so brief but it is nonetheless heartfelt and offered with the greatest of sincerity by Alyssa and myself.

  The giant’s great voice rumbled gently. I am privileged to be Paladin to your son.

  What do you wish us to do? It was the familiar voice of Figgis.

  Tor was firm. Get the stone back quickly.

  We are on foot—four days perhaps from Brittelbury, Figgis estimated.

  Has Gidyon still got that purse I gave him? Alyssa asked.

  Hardly touched, he answered.

  Buy horses, Saxon suggested. Which town are you in?

  They looked at Themesius for an answer. It’s called Warbyn, in the northwest, the giant said.

  Saxon nodded. I know it. There is a large stable complex in the town.

  But no horse big enough for me, Saxon, old friend. There was great affection in Themesius’s voice.

  A cart, then. Two horses. You should cut that journey by more than half. It cannot exceed a full day’s journey from Warbyn, surely, if you get them up to a gallop for the most part?

  Tell us when you have the stone, Tor said, and hurry!

  Where will you both be? Gidyon asked, referring to his mother and father.

  Dealing with someone who has long outstayed his welcome in this world.

  The Link was cut.

  Themesius scratched his beard, not understanding and realising his companions were just as puzzled by Tor’s last response. Well, they had their task set and he felt it was best to put one foot in front of the other immediately and make a start.

  ‘I guess we may have to pass on breakfast then, Gidyon.’

  He watched the boy turn back towards the tree and could not help but enjoy the scathing look from Figg
is.

  Tor considered the row of people before him, all wearing expectant expressions. Their numbers had certainly swelled. His blue gaze came to rest on Rubyn, who, predictably, was seated between Cyrus and Solyana. It was right that he was but Tor felt a pang on behalf of Alyssa who, he could tell, just wanted to hold her boy tight and keep him safe.

  I’m sorry I didn’t tell them you are found, he said for Rubyn’s hearing only.

  When the time is right, his son replied, his expression unreadable.

  Tor felt a different sort of pang this time. He realised that whereas Gidyon was self-sufficient and Lauryn was perhaps more dependent, the two of them were already close to him and both quite sociable in their approach to people. Rubyn was different. It was true that he had not shared any time together with this son, yet he already sensed the lad was very independent and self-possessed. Tor noticed how Rubyn sat neatly; his movements were precise and economical; and he seemed to waste no words nor show much emotion. Tor tried to pinpoint the quality he was sensing.

  It was as though Cloot could read his thoughts. Very contained isn’t he?

  That was it. Contained. Rubyn had shared no one’s life except Cyrus’s and he stuck close to the former prime. Will he be all right do you think? Tor shared his fears with his friend.

  Let’s give him some space. He has not had the luxury of the private time in the Heartwood with you that Gidyon and Lauryn enjoyed. You three had that serene period to get to know one another. This poor child has been thrown to the dragons, so to speak.

  I hate it when you’re always so right, Cloot.

  Yes, I know. It can be a burden for me too.

  In happier times they would have shared a laugh over such a line. Cloot did so love to sing his own praises. But neither could today.

  Goth, the falcon said. One word. It spoke droves.

  Yes.

  Did you think over what Sallementro said?

  I did.

  And?

  You know your way around those mountains don’t you?

  I am a Brocken at heart. I haven’t forgotten any of the passes. And with my falcon’s view, it will not be difficult to find this place.

  What do you think?

  I think it’s swifter and easier to stab him in the throat here and now but more appropriate to make the journey.

  At that moment, Cyrus opened a Link to Tor and Cloot.

  If I was a gambling man, I reckon I could win a lot of money if I wagered all I had on guessing what you two are discussing right now— Goth.

  You’d be right, Cloot said.

  May I throw in my thoughts, for what they’re worth? the former prime asked.

  We would welcome them, Tor said. You’re the soldier and strategist amongst us.

  Thank you. Cyrus smiled, enjoying the reminder of his glory days. Sallementro’s suggestion is laborious and possibly dangerous but I also believe it is the just thing to do. Goth does not deserve life. He was guilty of terrible sins even in my time and I daren’t allow my imagination to even wonder what he’s been up to in recent times. My recommendation is this. You and Alyssa should take Goth to this place the musician speaks of and deal with unfinished business once and for all. I will go after your daughter.

  But Orlac expects me, Tor cautioned.

  Well, of course he does. His intention is to lure you by dangling the bait he knows you will bite. So don’t. It is not cowardly of you not to go. It is wise. I will not fail. I will bring her back to her parents.

  Tor considered it.

  Cloot spoke first. We must protect you at all costs, Tor.

  That’s my daughter in danger!

  We know this, Cyrus said gently. But we must not play into Orlac’s hands. By keeping you away, it means he must come to you. The Trinity—I truly believe—must be in the Heartwood to prevail. And you are the One. It is you we all protect. As much as our dedication is to our bonded, it is Torkyn Gynt we must save.

  How do you know this?

  I don’t. Call it soldier’s instinct.

  I agree with Cyrus, the falcon said. We should follow our original plan of making you the lure that brings Orlac to us.

  Tor knew they should all hear what was being discussed. Saxon, Alyssa.

  They both answered and he told them what Cyrus had suggested.

  What about Rubyn? Alyssa asked, frowning.

  He answered for himself. I would go with Cyrus. I can help.

  Alyssa baulked. No! Orlac would then have you in his grip as well. I won’t permit it.

  She looked desperately at Tor, imploring him to agree with her. He could not. Whichever way he looked at it, Cyrus’s reasoning was sound, and to force the lad away from his guardian and his Paladin now would be madness. Each of them needed their protectors.

  Rubyn should stay close to Cyrus; we cannot separate him from both his Paladin.

  He saw the despair cross her face and forced himself to ignore it. ‘Here is my plan,’ he declared and everyone gave him their full attention, including Goth who had finally regained consciousness but found himself immobilised against a tree by vines, of all things! The more he struggled, the more pain drove through his body and the tighter the vines seemed to cling.

  He listened to Tor.

  ‘Cyrus and Rubyn will travel to Cipres. I’m hopeful they will link up with the King and Herek’s Company of men.’ He turned to the Cipreans who had sat very quietly through all these hours. ‘Hela, may I press upon you to accompany them? You know the city and, more importantly, you know your way around the palace. Your help will be invaluable.’

  She nodded. ‘Of course. But what of Sarel?’

  ‘I’d like to return to Cipres,’ the Queen said, fiercely.

  ‘Not yet, Sarel,’ Tor counselled. ‘Let us make your throne safe first. We cannot risk you yet.’

  ‘There is no risk,’ she said, with grace, yet firmly. ‘If the usurper follows the trail back to the Heartwood, he will forget about Cipres. It is nothing more than a dispensable tool for him. But it is my realm. Those are my people. I will return and claim my throne. He will be gone and I’m very sure you will see to it that he does not ever return to Cipres. It has been foretold in the dreams that you will protect my throne. I trust you, Torkyn Gynt, and I will no longer shirk my duty and cringe in another kingdom.’

  It was the voice of a true Queen. Tor’s eyes narrowed as he considered her emphatic speech. Meanwhile Alyssa noticed how Rubyn increasingly stole long glances at Sarel. She was relieved. The wheel of life and its loves and torments continued to turn no matter what was happening in the world, she thought. Here sat her son, surrounded by talk of battle, death and struggles, and yet he seemed concerned at this moment only with how his heart beat a little faster at the sight of a young woman. She looked at the Queen now, noting the determined set of her jaw and the imperious way in which she carried herself. And still so young. She shook her head and returned her attention to Tor.

  ‘All right, Sarel. It is your choice and may the Light guide you safely back to your throne.’ He saw triumph on the Queen’s face. Sarel was right to stand up for what was her duty. Every bit her mother and more still, Sarel was destined to be a powerful ruler with a conscience and dedication to her people. He hoped she would forge strong ties with Tallinor now. Two young monarchs. If anyone could turn history around, it was them.

  ‘Rubyn, we shall look to you then, to protect our Queen of Cipres on the journey ahead.’ He said this deliberately, having also noticed the keen interest his son was showing in Sarel. Tor believed Rubyn must be given a mission or they risked his feeling even more isolated.

  Rubyn betrayed little on his face at his father’s instructions but chose careful words in reply. ‘I shall consider it an honour,’ he said and dipped his head towards the Queen.

  She noticed him for the first time…or perhaps not, Alyssa thought with a sudden insight, as she caught the coy grin, promising something, which Sarel threw his way.

  Light! She’s a vixen in a c
hild’s body, she whispered to Tor privately.

  She’s young, I’ll admit, but no child any more, my love. And she’s trying to fill enormous shoes with no experience. I think she’s wonderful. She’ll be good for Rubyn, he answered and shot her a brief smile knowing how much of what he had just said would irritate Alyssa.

  And what about Locky? Did you not notice his final glance back at her?

  I cannot dwell on this now, my love. We have to ensure they all hold on to their lives and must allow them to sort out their hearts.

  It was gently said, and Alyssa kept her peace as Tor turned to Arabella.

  ‘Solyana and I will remain, as always—perhaps, Sallementro, you might care to stay with us and entertain us whilst we wait nervously for our precious ones to return?’ Arabella suggested.

  The musician looked to Alyssa. She shrugged, but not unkindly— it told him that this was his decision. He felt cornered. To remain might be seen as cowardly but to go seemed madness. What could he do? Sing them all to sleep in the evening?

  It was Saxon who rescued him. ‘Sal, stay. You are no fighter. And we surely need some of us to remain in the Heartwood in case preparations need to be made,’ Saxon said, grinning and getting to his feet. ‘I’m off to gather a few things. I presume we’re headed somewhere too?’

  Tor switched to the Link because he did not want to share any of this with Goth, whom he could finally see paying attention.

  Sallementro is right. We should allow the persecuted to decide Goth’s fate. Alyssa and myself, accompanied by Saxon and Cloot, will take Goth to this place in the mountains and he will be dealt with. We will return to the Heartwood as quickly as possible. I need everyone to be back here as soon as you can, he said. They all nodded. Cyrus, we have to think about how to get you there swiftly, Tor added.

  That’s easy, the soldier replied. Rubyn has this curious habit of travelling amongst the trees. It’s hard to explain, it’s best to demonstrate.

  Oh? Tor said, remembering the incredible enchantment when the trees of the Heartwood had flung him between themselves on his journey towards Caradoon. How far can you get?