“You’re right, Bodrin. There’s something odd about the city’s prosperity amid Hador’s poor economy.” Saxthor was pensive, turning to Tournak.
“Yes, but what economic activity there is occurs here. The duke must pay so large a garrison, well underpinning the city’s prosperity. I hope Hendrel can get you an audience with the duke. We must have a look inside the Hadorhof. The answers to our questions are there.”
The four travelers waited out the afternoon with Persnella, but Hendrel and his companion didn’t return. Persnella prepared a large dinner, but dinnertime came and went, and there was still no sign of Hendrel.
“You must eat while the food is hot,” Persnella said. Her hands fidgeted, and she glanced at the door whenever she heard a street sound. “Who knows when Hendrel will return? He gets to chatting with the neighbors and forgets the time.”
Late in the evening, Persnella grew more agitated. She sent the children to bed early, then became more disturbed.
“What could be keeping Hendrel?” Persnella blurted out. “He never used to be this late. Surely he hasn’t picked up another bad habit on his travels.” Her look was incriminating.
“I’m sure he’s just late,” Saxthor said.
Persnella jumped up from her chair and went to wash the dishes.
Saxthor knew Hendrel to be very punctual. His absence that late couldn’t be a matter of choice. He went to Persnella.
“If Hendrel doesn’t return tonight, we’ll go to the citadel tomorrow morning and see what they know of him.”
She perked up and smiled.
“I don’t know what to do if he’s gotten himself into trouble. It’s that strange associate’s fault; I just know it. We’ve been living on next to nothing the last month as it is. Hendrel didn’t bring back much new merchandise for the shop. I don’t know how much longer we can survive if there’s more trouble.”
“We should be going,” Tonelia said. “We still have to find a place to stay tonight.”
“Oh, you must stay here. The place is small, and we’ll all have to bunch up, but you’ll never find accommodation at an inn this late. Things lock up after dark here.”
“You’re too kind.”
“No, Hendrel would never forgive me if I sent you out this late. Security is tight in Hador. Guards patrol the streets to be sure Dreaddrac’s creatures aren’t about in the city.” Persnella turned and put her hand on Tonelia’s arm, restraining her.
Tonelia looked at Saxthor.
Saxthor saw Persnella was overwrought. She might feel better if they stayed the night, he thought.
“We can sleep here in front of the fire.”
“Persnella, would you feel safer if I stayed with you?” Tonelia asked.
“Yes, if you wouldn’t mind.”
With that settled, everyone went to bed for an uneasy night. In the morning, the men rose early and made themselves presentable to inquire about Hendrel at the Hadorhof.
“Tonelia, you and Bodrin stay with Persnella,” Saxthor said. He nodded to Tonelia, who nodded back. He then whispered to Bodrin, “For security.”
Saxthor and Tournak set out for the Castilyernov Hadorhof.
“It’s the most imposing structure I’ve ever seen,” Saxthor said. He took a deep breath and approached the gatehouse entrance.
“I’d like to see the Captain of the Guard,” Saxthor said.
“State your business,” the guard said.
“To inquire about one of Hador’s citizens.”
The guard left to get the captain.
I’d better get an audience with the duke before mentioning Hendrel, Saxthor thought. He appraised the captain as he approached. He’s a large, intimidating man. Looks like he’d rather err on the side of caution than on benefit-of-the-doubt.
“I’m Prince Saxthor Claremendak Calimon de Chatronier of Neuyokkasin, and I request an audience with the duke.”
The captain’s eyebrows rose; he studied Saxthor for an instant before he bowed and left without speaking.
“I hope he went to find the duke,” Tournak said. “Your demeanor was quite the noble prince.”
Saxthor looked at Tournak. “If you approve of me as a prince, thank yourself for raising and mentoring Bodrin and me all these years.”
The captain returned.
“If Your Highness will follow me to the reception hall, I’ll present your request to the chamberlain.”
He led Saxthor and Tournak into an impressive chamber, where carved, straight-back oak chairs lined the walls for petitioners. The captain left again. Saxthor and Tournak studied the hall, admiring the room’s power while waiting for the captain to return.
“It was undoubtedly meant to impress with strength in everything from the paneled walls to the heavy furniture,” Tournak said. “Those colossal tapestries circling the walls depict scenes of the first Duke Jedrac battling Dreaddrac armies. They dominate the room to proclaim and impress the duke’s power. I thought you were going to ask about Hendrel.”
“I decided to establish our credentials first. If we inquire about Hendrel, and he’s in trouble, they might throw us in the dungeon before ever getting to see the duke.”
The captain returned shortly and led the men through a corridor in the mountain to a grand audience hall. Saxthor and Tournak waited by the chamber’s entrance. A ducal throne stood on the dais beneath the vaulted ceiling. Twin staircases wound up the circular walls of the hall on either side of the throne. More tapestries depicting the duke’s warrior ancestors embellished the walls.
The chamberlain entered the audience hall by a side door and bowed low to Prince Saxthor. Saxthor nodded acknowledgement as a royal prince to a supplicant.
“Greetings to Prince Saxthor of Neuyokkasin. The duke will join us as soon as he settles a security issue.”
“I trust there’s no danger to the city. We encountered a few orcs trying to slip over the mountains on our journey here.”
“It seems one of our citizens returned recently with a creature undeniably created by the Dark Lord himself. We seldom see one of our own involved with treachery. I trust you had a safe and pleasant journey here. May I offer you some refreshments?”
“We just ate; thank you. Our journey has been pleasant for the most part.”
Then it dawned on Saxthor that the ‘one of their own with a creature created by the Dark Lord himself’ might very well be Hendrel and his friend.
“For part of the journey, we had with us a Hadorian named Hendrel. His wife tells us his companion is most unusual. They didn’t return home last night, and we came to inquire about them.”
Shock and alarm flashed over the chamberlain’s face.
“Please excuse me; I’ll send refreshments in while you wait.” The chamberlain left without responding to Saxthor’s inquiry.
The Captain of the Guard returned with four soldiers, whom he stationed behind Saxthor at the entrance to the hall. They’ve cut off the exit, Saxthor noted. He nodded to the captain. If the duke imprisons us, we’ll have little chance of getting out and continuing our search for the jewels. I’m glad I had the foresight to tell Bodrin to take the jewels straight back to Memlatec with news of our captivity should we not return.
The duke and the chamberlain entered the hall from a side door. The duke sat on his throne with a dour look studying Saxthor as the chamberlain presented him.
“Your Grace, I have the honor to present Prince Saxthor Claremendak Calimon de Chatronier of Neuyokkasin.” Turning to Saxthor, the chamberlain bowed and said, “Your Highness, may I present Duke Jedrac the Third, Grand Duke of Hador.” The chamberlain bowed to both and stepped back.
“Welcome to our humble court, Prince Saxthor,” the duke said after a small, pensive delay. “What brings you to Hador? Is this an official visit? This is the first time in my generation, a Neuyokkasinian royal prince has visited us.”
“Greetings to your grace from Neuyokkasin’s humble prince,” Saxthor said, accentuating his official connection within t
he power structure of the peninsula’s most powerful kingdom. “My companions and I are touring the peninsula on holiday, but wanted to meet with the North’s most famous general.” Saxthor emphasized the duke was foremost a general and understood strength.
“We understand you have a Hadorian friend, a man called Hendrel. Is he a close friend of yours? Can you vouch for his character?”
“Yes, your grace. Hendrel traveled with us up much of the peninsula. He saved my life once on Lake Pundar. He's of most excellent character. We came to meet him here, but he left his shop yesterday and didn’t return last evening. We would like to solicit your assistance in finding him.”
They stared at each other; neither flinched. Duke Jedrac frowned, his lips pinched.
“Forgive us our impertinence, but have you any verification you are who you say you are? I’m sure you understand. We’ve had no diplomatic notice of your coming.”
“Do you question a prince of Neuyokkasin?” Saxthor drew himself up.
There was a moment of silence while the duke thought through the challenge.
“Your friend is within these walls, Your Highness. We detained him yesterday as he was traveling with a very suspicious companion that would appear to be the Dark Lord’s creation. We’ve never seen the like of this creature before. Have you seen the associate?”
The duke watches my reactions as much as my answers, Saxthor realized.
“No, your grace, I’ve not met Hendrel’s assistant, but if Hendrel can vouch for the man, I can vouch for the man.”
The friend must be unique. Hendrel wouldn’t travel with any companion under the circumstances without good reason. I’ll back Hendrel and his friend nonetheless.
The duke cleared his throat, bringing Saxthor’s attention back to him. “The companion is the Astorax. He’s a legendary creature supposedly from the Heggolstockin Mountains west of Girdane. The ‘man,’ as you say, is half-man, half-deer! Does that change your good opinion?”
Saxthor didn’t flinch. He held his resolute countenance.
“If Hendrel can vouch for the man … creature, then I’m sure there is a valid explanation. What does Hendrel say?”
“Would you like to join me in the dungeon to question the two of them, or would Your Highness prefer to withdraw your support?”
“We’ll go with you at once. Hendrel is a person of the highest character. I’m sure he and this Astorax will give us the explanation you seek.”
Saxthor stepped forward to join the duke when he rose. The court chamberlain moved to the throne and spoke in the duke’s ear, though Saxthor overheard.
“Your grace doesn’t want to create a bad impression. We received a report just yesterday of a Neuyokkasinian prince appearing at King Grekenbach’s court. This must be the prince.”
“Yes, yes, I know that,” the duke said, dismissing the man with a wave of his hand.
Saxthor saw the duke’s attention remained focused on the prince.
“You’re a man of character, much like ourself, and we’ve decided to give you the benefit of the doubt, young man. We hope you’ll prove worthy of that trust.” He paused, but Saxthor said nothing. He just nodded.
“Have the man Hendrel and the creature Astorax brought before us here,” Duke Jedrac said to the chamberlain without looking away from Saxthor.
“Thank you for your indulgence, your grace. I’m certain you’ll find Hendrel as devoted a citizen as any in the dukedom. Once we clear up the matter of the Astorax, I’m sure he, too, will serve us well in our mutual resistance to the Dark Lord.”
The duke smiled. The chamberlain nodded to the Captain of the Guard at the outer door. The captain took the guards with him and left, returning with his prisoners now cleaned up.
Hendrel entered the hall, looking stunned from his dungeon experience. The Astorax looked more resigned to the situation. When Hendrel saw Saxthor, he beamed, then caught Saxthor’s serious expression and immediately checked his emotions. He looked at the duke and bowed.
“We trust you haven’t been harmed, um –” Jedrac said, turning to the chamberlain.
“Hendrel, Your Grace.”
“Hendrel, yes.”
“We thank you, your grace, for freeing us from the dungeon,” Hendrel said. “I’ve always tried to serve Hador as well and honorably as I could.”
“Yes, yes!” the flushed duke said. “We find it most regrettable that our guards imprisoned one of our citizens, but we’re sure you can see that there was reason for suspicion.” The duke’s attention turned from Hendrel to the Astorax.
“I’m sure your guards had public safety in mind when they arrested us,” Hendrel said.
Saxthor realized both Hendrel and the duke were trying to make an awkward situation less so in front of him.
“Hendrel, can you assure us this creature doesn’t serve the Dark Lord, then?” the duke asked. He glanced at Saxthor.
“Your Grace, Astorax is a man that has suffered the most unusual series of misfortunes you can imagine. He is an honorable man who has saved my life. Together we eliminated two orcs just this side of the bridge on our way here. Ask your guards at the rest station on the road here if they haven’t found the bodies. Astorax himself saved one of our soldiers at the rest station. We’re your most loyal subjects, your grace.”
“We release these two into your custody and hold you responsible for their behavior, Prince Saxthor. Will you be staying in the city, then?”
“We should be here for a few days, Your Grace, if that isn’t a problem.”
“We’d be honored if you would stay with us here at the palace if that’s acceptable. You must meet our dignitaries at a dinner tonight in your honor.”
The man wants to make a favorable impression, Saxthor thought.
“We’d be delighted to accept your grace’s kind invitation to dinner and would be honored to join you in the Hadorhof. We’ve spent many nights on the road and would appreciate palace comforts tonight.”
He turned to his friend. “Hendrel, please extend my most sincere appreciation to your wife for her hospitality. Tell her we wouldn’t want to overstay our welcome. We shall rejoin you soon.”
“Captain, give these men passes with my personal stamp and escort them to the gate so the patrols won’t accost them further. Hendrel will remain in the city for the time being.”
“Chamberlain, take the prince and his companion to their quarters. I shall join you later and give his highness a tour of the Hadorhof.”
The chamberlain escorted Saxthor and Tournak up one of the massive circular staircases to the private apartment two levels above.
“How tall is the Hadorhof?” Saxthor asked.
“Well, it depends on which tower you’re in, doesn’t it?” the chamberlain replied. “The main keep is fourteen levels, the average tower height is seven levels, and the back tower is twelve.”
“I didn’t think a tower could stand at that height,” Saxthor said.
“It’s the way the dwarves built them that enables the towers to stand so tall,” the chamberlain said. “They make each stone like a puzzle piece, so it locks from many directions. The sides can’t blow out unless the entire weight of the structure just crushes the stones below. It’s a granite structure built on a solid granite foundation.” His hand pointed up and down.
They climbed on past the first landing to the second level above the great hall. In fact, the vaulted ceiling in the great hall went up three stories, so the guest quarters were on the keep’s fifth level.
“Thank you for your assistance, Lord Chamberlain.”
The chamberlain bowed. “It was my pleasure to be of assistance. Should you require anything, a servant will remain outside your door. The duke will be along soon to conduct you on your tour.”
Saxthor and Tournak took a while to get used to the accommodations. Even as a prince in the palace at Konnotan, he hadn’t had a suite of rooms.
“This is almost as sumptuous as King Grekenbach’s palace in Graushdemheimer.�
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They rested until the duke arrived to take them on tour about an hour later. He was in good spirits, the cautious tone gone.
“My representative at King Grekenbach’s court reported that a Neuyokkasinian prince visited Graushdemheimer and was the city hero for wiping out a troll infestation. That is most impressive, Prince Saxthor.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“If you’re ready, we can begin your tour of the Hadorhof’s defenses.”
Confirmation that Saxthor was indeed a prince, and the troll-slayer, made the duke feel he’d found a kindred spirit. His reticence gone, he now focused on impressing Neuyokkasin’s unofficial ambassador.
“The Gates of Hador are the peninsula’s finest defenses, if not those of the continent,” Saxthor said.
The duke beamed. “Shall we begin? The castilyernov’s dominant feature is the natural lay of the mountains. The entire border with Dreaddrac is the Hador Mountain chain made up of three parallel ridges. These mountains are so tall, steep, and connect so high up, that they’re all but impossible to climb over. No army could hope to make it across the mountains except at this pass. The mountain chain forms a V, funneling anyone from the north traveling south, here. This is the only place where an army’s baggage and supplies could cross with them.”
Saxthor nodded.
“To the west, the Edros Swamps of south-western Dreaddrac blocks an army moving south. Dreaddrac has no forest for timber ships. The only way south out of Dreaddrac is through Prertsten, and then the army has to cross back over the Akkin River. The Duke of Heggolstockin monitors such movements and can mobilize to meet them at the Akkin.”
“So the Dark Lord must take this pass to move south of Dreaddrac through the east,” Saxthor said.
Duke Jedrac stopped and turned to Saxthor.
“If they were to get an eastern army through this pass, they’d drive straight down to Graushdemheimer, or catch us in between their eastern and western armies. Therefore, they must never get through this pass.”
The three men arrived at the north face of the Castilyernov Hadorhof. The duke took his Neuyokkasinian guests to the window, looking out on Dreaddrac’s plain. It was the longest straight drop Saxthor had ever seen.
The Neuyokkasinian Arc of Empire Series: Books 1-3 Box Set High, Epic Fantasy on a Grand Dragon Scale! Kindle Edition Page 59