Fractured Families (The Pearl of Wisdom Saga Book 2)

by Jason Paul Rice

  “Duke Crippler, I know we need to be safe, but discretion is a whore’s business. Besides…” he said. The Man took out his sword and held it under a girl’s chin. “Every whore here knows what will happen if they try to backstab me or run. Many men have softness in their hearts toward killing women. Lucky for me, I don’t suffer from that problem.” He smiled and removed the sword. “Let it be also noted that the guards have been instructed to kill any whore who attempts to leave or send or even receive a letter. Any whore acting suspicious will be killed. Their life is inside these castle walls now. Whores living in castles, we should all be so lucky,” The Man joked.

  “Duly noted, my king,” the Crippler answered, “I have taken some time to design a new coat of arms for a new king.” The Crippler pulled something black out from under the table. He unfolded it and held it high above his head. Tumbling down, came a simple yet dignified black flag featuring a golden sword at a tilted angle. The banner really appealed to The Man. He enjoyed the early spoils of being a king without extravagance so this looked perfect to him. The enemy would know who was coming and probably run, he thought. The flag had an pirateer feel.

  “Well done, Duke Crippler,” The Man complimented. “Why, thank you, my king,” the Crippler bowed.

  “I have named Tucker as Falconer and Benroy the Builder as Grand Duke once the takeover is complete. I will fill out the rest of my council shortly. We must also rank our soldiers. I want a solid chain of command from Commander in Chief to generals to captains to tenants to corpos to common knights to private free riders to common soldiers. Then I want the knights, contracted free riders and common soldiers broken down from least to most experienced. Assign them to five groups according to their abilities. Then, just as we have our new coat of arms, we must design identifiers to easily determine the officers and their rank. I want everyman to know exactly who he is in charge of and who is in charge of him. No backtalk up the chain. Benroy,” he called.

  “Yes, my king.” “I would like you to headman this. You served with many of the men and can rank them accordingly,” The Man said. “Yes, majesty.”

  “Eli Tower has been relieved of his duty as Training Master at Arms in favor of Terry Underling. I expect everyone to give him full support because we are going to need it with those hapless recruits,” The Man told them. The Crippler had been training him well. His vocabulary and speaking skills had increased greatly in the past few months and he even corrected others now. He could still speak rough to the men when necessary and refine it for inside the castle or talking with nobility. The meeting dragged on and The Man’s mind became distanced. He kept thinking about his upcoming supper date with Gamelda. He couldn’t wait to talk to the magical beauty some more.

  Later that night, The Man lay on his specially designed table in a trance-like state. The Crippler walked around his nude body saying, “It takes a hardened heart to rule a realm.”

  The Man repeated the phrase.

  “I will not let beauty or love blind me on my quest.”

  The Man repeated the words.

  “I shall give total credit to the Crippler when I am king.”

  The Man repeated it.

  “I shall stay away from the evil temptress, Gamelda.”

  The Man repeated the phrase.

  “My blood shall run black like a true demon.”

  The Man repeated the words.

  “I will expel the humans and allow the demons to rightfully inhabit Donegal.”

  The Man repeated again.

  “I will faithfully serve Travibero and Damian Doome but only Travibero and Damian Doome.”

  Without hesitation, The Man repeated the words.

  “When you hear the words, Harko Conendro, you shall obey this oath and the words you have sworn here. I repeat, when you are conscious and hear the words, Harko Conendro, you shall uphold this oath. Do you swear to these vows?”

  “I swear to these vows,” The Man responded.

  “When I say the word, eagle, you will rise from your sleep. Eagle.”

  The Man’s eyes shot open but had a glazed look over them. He had the same groggy feeling every time he woke up from mental training with the Crippler.

  MARIAH

  Mariah and Torvald held hands and walked through the flower gardens at mid-day. This had become their daily routine. She had fallen even more in love with Torvald and Ridgetop than she imagined possible. They stopped in front of the red pansies and Torvald pulled her close and spoke, “Mariah, my time with you has made me feel complete for the first time. I’m not the best at expressing my love through words. I am better with actions.” Torvald reached inside his doublet and pulled out a silver ram pin. Tears flowed joyously down Mariah’s cheeks and her lips began to tremble. “My family and I would be honored if you were to take my hand in marriage, pending your brother’s permission of course.” In Donegal custom, he held his right palm up, offering his love, and awaited acceptance. Mariah immediately plunged her hand into his before he could take it back, and latched onto his love. He pinned the silver ram over her left breast and kissed her gently on the lips. “I cannot even tell you how happy I am,” Mariah barely managed to get out. Her golden bull rested next to the silver ram on her chest. “The ram and bull, together at long last,” he pointed and kissed her again.

  Mariah’s heart fluttered thinking about how Torvald had proposed in front of the first place they had kissed in Ridgetop during their moonlight stroll. Now the sun beat down on Mariah but she could only feel gentle tingles pulsating through her entire body and buzzing in her head. She looked through the sharp sunlight and saw Chopkins next to an oak tree. The excited young man had his thumbs up and a goofy grin on his face. Torvald gave him a thumbs up in return and Chopkins turned and ran off.

  They walked the gardens for a while with Mariah’s head floating in the skies. She only wished her family were here to enjoy the moment with her. This was what she had dreamed about since being a young girl, but it tasted bittersweet. She would go to the oratory to pray for her family later tonight, she promised herself. Mariah said a quick internal prayer in memory of her fallen family and the couple started back for the Golden Castle. The gold around Ridgetop seemed to gleam extra bright to Mariah’s eyes. The smile she had flashed when she realized Torvald’s intentions had never left her face. They walked into the castle and Torvald led his love to the main hall. He shoved the nine-foot doors open to expose two hundred beautifully dressed people who shouted, “Congratulations.”

  It wasn’t exactly in unison but Mariah jumped in surprise and had to catch her breath. The crowd rushed the newly committed duo and verbalized praise and words of wisdom for a successful union. She hadn’t let go of Torvald’s hand since he had offered it to her. She didn’t want to ever let go. When the chaos died down, a cute young singer of fifteen named Callice serenaded the couple. In a soft, lovely voice he sang,

  “My sweet and precious turtle dove,

  Can only fly when filled with love,

  Flap your wings and rise so high,

  Dance on clouds up in the sky,

  Her heart is pure and full of hope,

  I’m bound to her by more than rope,

  Into my arms I hope you run,

  On darkest days, my ray of sun,

  Two bare souls will soon be one,

  And then produce a prince-like son.”

  The short song sounded like it had come straight from the heavens. The levee broke and tears streamed down Mariah’s face from the boy’s words. She absolutely loved balls and celebrations like this. She took a sip of the gold barrel wine and noticed a tart finish. Being the center of attention was the frosting on Mariah’s cake. She expected to wake up at any moment and realize none of this had ever happened, but she was enjoying the magical ride for now.

  Instrumental music pleasingly intertwined into beautiful melodies from gems horns, drums of mountain ram skin and lutes ranging in size from a few feet to almost taller than the men who plucked them. The o
dd combination encouraged dancing and Duke Edword asked for her hand. Mariah gladly accepted and Edword said, “Mariah, I am overjoyed to welcome you to the Malik family.” “It’s truly an honor to share your proud name,” she told the Duke. They circled the room a few times until the music changed. Mariah looked up at the minstrels’ gallery to see the singers lining up by order of their upcoming performances.

  Callice came over and announced he was going to sing a song that Torvald had helped him with. Mariah got very excited as the singer began,

  My fair lady was lost—but really twas I,

  She tried to hide as a tear found my eye,

  Her beauty—blinding both my eyes,

  Up to the skies—and thank the Gods,

  Heaven—must have sent her—from above,

  And my heart—she would capture with her love,

  It was never if—and—or even maybe,

  Only yes—from the second—that I saw you—my lady,

  I’d be like a king without the throne,

  Or a dog without a bone,

  A jester forbidden to joke,

  Or a pyromancer minus the smoke,

  Yes I’d—be lost—without you,

  Like a fisherman without a net,

  Or a gambler who cannot bet,

  I would be a farmer forbidden to plow,

  A wise man without know-how,

  Yes I’d—be lost—without you,

  It was never if—and—or even maybe,

  Only yes—from the second—that I saw you—my lady.

  Mariah bawled with joy as she held Torvald tight. She had heard the flattering songs that had been performed for Lucille but never imagined one would be written specifically for her. She danced with so many people that day, she couldn’t remember more than half of them. They also had many group songs and she enjoyed dancing alongside Lucille. Mariah noticed Lucille looked the most cheerful she had seen the Duchess. Mariah had never known a person to get more joy from other people’s jubilance. Any young girl would be lucky to mold herself on the graceful Lucille Malik.

  By evenfall everyone had left, and the Maliks sat down to supper in the small dining hall. Mariah felt it to be one of the most elegant rooms she had ever seen. Mariah had become enamored with Bottomfoot ever since she had accidentally crossed the border after the ambush. Had any other men found her, they would have ransomed her straight to the King. She often thanked the Gods for her stroke of luck in being rescued but questioned them for taking most of her family. She had always been a devout believer but the situation with her family truly tested her faith.

  Another gigantic crystal chandelier hung above a circular black marble table with three legs designed like rams on their hind legs, supporting the top with their horns. A big trestle table in the corner held two cakes. A profile image of the heads of a silver ram and golden bull sat, lips touching at a raised angle for the Maliks to see.

  The food was always exquisite in Ridgetop, but tonight the presentation was over the top. A double-cream cheese of sheep’s milk studded with pistachios and pickled plums sat atop a mobile cart designed like a rolling sheep. A honeycomb hung above a golden tray of warm loaves of manchet for the diners to serve themselves. The roast cockerel with lard and bread stuffing came on a silver serving tray that had the uncooked wings, head and legs arranged with the hot mid-section of the tender bird. Mariah sprinkled some white pepper on a piece of the breast and devoured it. The natural juices ran out the side of her mouth and she quickly wiped away the warm fluid.

  After supper, the family continued to sit at the table, and Lucille spoke, “I finally get the daughter I never had.” She smiled at Mariah with her warm look that could melt mountain icecaps. “And I shall gain a great mother and new family,” Mariah replied as her mind drifted to thoughts about her real mother.

  Chopkins burst into the room, “A thousand pardons but this just arrived.” He handed a rolled parchment to Duchess Lucille. She broke the seal and unrolled the letter. The Duchess’ eyes reddened and welled up with tears. She looked at Mariah and with a huge smile said, “Your father, he…he is alive.”

  “What?” Mariah exclaimed. “Yes, yes, this says that the former king locked your father in the dungeons and Ali-Ster has released him. It says he is back in Riverfront now.” Lucille beamed.

  Mariah tasted salty tears of joy and renewed optimism. The nightmares of the ambush had recently ceased and she thought she had come to peace with the matter. New hope flashed through her overloaded system and Mariah didn’t even realize she was hugging Torvald with her head on his chest. Lucille caressed her back and Mariah melted in the love of the moment. “This letter is from someone trustworthy, right?” the young lady blurted. “Yes, it is as good as fact,” Lucille confirmed.

  Her body quickly became exhausted from a long day of constantly tensed muscles. “I suppose you will be going home to see your father?” Edword asked. Mariah hadn’t really thought about that. She would miss Ridgetop and it stood to be her new home but she could only have one true home. Besides, she had to see her father again. Now it seemed safe for her to return. “I suppose,” she managed to get out.

  “We’ll talk about that on the morrow. She’s had enough to deal with today. Take you to your room, Mariah?” Torvald extended his arm. Mariah grasped the strong forearm and walked. She realized they weren’t headed for her room and Mariah asked, “I thought you were taking me to my chambers?” “I am. We are to be wed. We will share my room until we leave,” he said. “We leave?”

  “Of course, now that your father is alive, my parents want me to deliver a message in person and he must approve of the marriage first,” Torvald stated. “He will approve,” Mariah replied with confidence. Torvald opened his door and pushed Mariah in with a hand on the small of her back. He lit a few candles and approached his love. He grabbed both sides of her face and kissed her soft lips. The passion quickly stoked and Mariah felt like she was on fire. Torvald ripped off his lace-tied doublet and Mariah fumbled at his belt. He picked her up and threw her onto the goose feather bed.

  Torvald jumped on top and buried his hand in Mariah’s dress and under layers. She wiggled with excitement under his touch. She had never felt a dose of pleasure this intense before. She exhaled forcibly and fought to catch the elusive air that kept rushing out when Torvald moved his fingers from side to side. Before Mariah overdosed on ecstasy she screamed, “WAIT.”

  Torvald immediately stopped. “What is the matter?” Mariah explained, “Nothing is…the matter. I want this as much as you but we should wait until our wedding night. We should try to make the wedding soon though, I should think,” she smiled. Mariah thought about how her parents didn’t even meet until their wedding day. Torvald respected her wishes and Mariah fell asleep in his beefy arms.

  She awakened the next day to see Torvald pacing around the room. “What are you doing?” she asked. “I’m trying to figure out what I need to take to Riverfront.” The couple got dressed as Torvald had Mariah’s clothes brought to his chambers. They went to a sitting room to meet with Edword, Lucille, Chopkins, J. Everson, Sir Bastion and the young singer Callice.

  They sat at a long, rectangular table of ash wood painted black with matching benches. This may have been the most modestly decorated room in the showy castle. Only a few silver ram flags hung from the corners of the room, seven feet high.

  “So you have decided to go home for a while?” Lucille hinted. “Yes, I love it here, I truly do, but my heart belongs in Riverfront right now.”

  “I would have been upset had you tried to stay. With that said, I will give you the jolly Chopkins, the silent J. Everson, Sir Bastion the Brave and the angelic voice of Callice. I was saddened to hear you don’t have many performers in Riverfront so Callice offered his services to be your personal singer. I will also send a pack of merry men to protect you and carry all the gifts I am going to send for you and your family. I am sorry, but the Duke and I have to stay.” She looked away from Mariah at the others, “Since
you all will get to see this sweet dear after tomorrow, I am going to steal her for today.” She looked back to Mariah, “We will have a fabulous time before you go back to your family. I couldn’t be happier for you.”

  The two ladies enjoyed a great day. They went to the mountain top markets and anything Lucille suspected her family would like, she bought. The shop owners excitedly steered the Duchess toward their businesses after seeing her early spending. The shop owners would disappear from Bottomfoot regularly. Torvald had told Mariah that he thought the owners took the gold they earned and went to another place where the precious metal was more valuable. She noticed they were the only people she had met in Bottomfoot who seemed to covet gold and silver. Most of the other store owners she had seen in the foot hills bartered their goods for staples. The mountain top vendors only accepted coin for their merchandise.

  The ladies had their hair fashioned the same and Lucille challenged her seamstresses to finish seven dresses for Mariah by morning. The bittersweet flavor came back and began to sour as Mariah realized her time was almost up for now in this heavenly place. She had become a ball of emotions in the past day. Everything seemed lost with her family until this beacon of hope emerged with news of her father. The day raced by and Mariah packed all night. She only left a few items for the next morning.

  The next day, she finished gathering everything and went to the castle foyer to wait for her trip mates. Only Chopkins walked around with his strapped, leather sack. “Aah, my lady is punctual. Too bad J. Everson and Torvald pack like women, no offense, and constantly debate what to bring.” Mariah chuckled and remembered her father chiding her about taking too long to pack. She couldn’t wait to see her father now as the new journey neared. She only worried about what her father would be like after being imprisoned for three months. She hoped to see the strong Duke Jon Colbert she had always known, not an empty shell of the former man.