The Black Morass

by Gerald Lambert

  patient's horse, and then took Chester from his stall. A little down the aisle Weston and Murtagh were laughing about something, and she saw Zen glare at them, and then he

  disappeared outside because his horse, Antara, was in an outdoor paddock that day.

  "What's so funny?" Taya hissed when Zen was safely outside. Weston snickered like a little kid.

  "We figured out why Zen couldn't let us go without him."

  "He's too chicken to go off and do anything by himself." Murtagh said sadly, successfully keeping a straight face.

  Xackzan shook his head as he came out of the tack room. "Give him some credit, you two. At least he's smart and an excellent archer. He could shoot straighter than either of you

  any day."

  There was a pause, and then Weston replied, "Too bad we brought lunch."

  He received three very confused stares and then he finished matteroffactly, "Zen could've shot us a chicken for lunch."

  Taya gasped, startling them. "Weston, how could you think of such a thing? He couldn't do that!"

  "Why not?" Weston asked in confusion.

  "Because he'd be shooting one of his own kind!" She hissed as the back door opened, and Zen was greeted by hoots of laughter. He eyed them suspiciously, which only made them

  laugh harder, and then he growled,

  "Oh, I know you were talking about me. Continue, I don't care. Keep acting like 10yearolds."

  "You left yourself wide open, Zen. But we will refrain from being silly now, for your sake." Taya said, staring down Murtagh and Weston, who were having a hard time getting over

  her comment.

  "Thank you." Zen drawled, saddling Antara quickly. "I feel so special."

  "You should." Xackzan clapped him on the back as he headed outside, Taya right behind him.

  "But I am glad that you're coming with us, Zen." Taya said as she mounted Chester. Murtagh and Weston exited the stable in time to hear her next statement. "Because you'll add

  some sanity to this group of lunatics."

  Weston's jaw practically dropped to the ground, and Murtagh just laughed.

  "Because he isn't a lunatic at all." Murtagh said, mounting in tandem with Weston. "I certainly am not the one who jumps into the fountain in the summer, or tricks people into"

  "Ok, don't even go there." Zen cut him off and glared at him, causing everyone to laugh.

  "Fine, fine." Murtagh rolled his eyes, and then Taya led them out of the castle grounds and into the city, out of the city and towards the lake beyond the city and some of the

  outlying farms. It was one of their usual hangouts because it was out of the way and not many people travelled there. It was a fairly long ride but they all enjoyed it, as did their

  horses. It was a good way to escape, but that day it also tied into Taya's plan for receiving the king's guests. She hardly planned to be easy on them.

  They spent most of the day around the lake, just relaxing and practicing sword fighting, and then the wind started picking up and grey clouds started rolling in at a magnificent

  speed, so they decided it was time to head back. They started off towards the castle at a brisk trot, watching the approaching storm warily.

  Taya looked towards the road, and noticed two blurs in the distance. She pointed them out.

  "I bet you that those are our esteemed guests, trying to beat the storm just as we are. Come on, I want to get there before we get drenched, and just before they get there!"

  "See you there!" Zen yelled as he nudged his horse into a run, and Taya laughed, leaning low over Chester's neck and she spoke softly to him. The big horse's ears twitched and all

  of a sudden he leapt forward, stretching his legs eagerly across the ground. Behind her, Weston, Murtagh, and Xackzan let their horses enter the race, and the land echoed with the

  pounding of the five horses' hooves. Taya pulled ahead of Zen, but Murtagh's horse surged up beside her and they were running neck to neck, full tilt, along the path towards the

  castle. Weston was not far behind either of them, with Xackzan behind him. Antara, Zen's mare, was giving him some trouble, so he quickly fell into last place. They finally slowed

  their horses when they neared the gate, Murtagh and Taya tying for first, but no one cared.

  When they reached the gate, they were barely ahead of carriages and their horses were prancing, ready for more, and everyone was grinning widely, exhilarated. Taya patted

  Chester on the neck and looked at her friends. They certainly looked like a motley crew, and she knew she didn't look any better. Between the lake, sparring, riding hard, and the

  humidity from the storm, she doubted none of them looked like bodyguards and she certainly didn't look like a princess.

  Oh well. The guards knew them and their whereabouts that day, so why should she care?

  "So, Taya," Murtagh asked quietly as they approached the gate just ahead of the carriages, "what is your plan? You hardly look the part of a princess, so I doubt they would believe

  you if you told them who you were. What's your game?"

  Taya smiled. "Does a princess have to always look the part?"

  He rolled his eyes. "I know that smile. Don't be too mean, Taya. Your lighter side is much more agreeable to be around."

  The guards saluted them, and Taya noticed that they were the same men that they'd passed on their way out, hours ago. She frowned and hailed the captain, who was walking in

  the opposite direction.

  "Captain!"

  He paused, and turned slowly around and walked hurriedly to her side. Taya knew that she was holding up the carriages, and she saw out of the corner of her eye someone lean out

  of the second, but she kept her attention on the captain, who seemed rather nervous.

  "Captain Rosen, what are these men still doing here? I believe that the guard was supposed to be switched an hour or two ago, yet these men still stand here, weary on their feet.

  Do not tell me we are expecting a full day's duty from them? Or that we have lazy guards who do not report on time? I do not think that you would like to work through the heat of

  the day and then through a storm. I cannot and will not sanction it."

  The captain was obviously surprised, and he snapped to a relieved attention. "They shall be relieved at once, Milady. I will see that it does not happen again."

  "Wonderful. Good evening, gentlemen!" Taya threw the guards a jaunty salute and entered the city, happy to see the relieved and thankful looks the men gave her. Well, she did

  care about people, no matter what other people said.

  She was satisfied when she heard Rosen bellow "Where are those replacements?!" and then a scurry of metal as men shifted positions. She thought she heard a relieved sigh, and

  imagined that someone had thought that he was going to be relieved of his duty.

  They stopped a ways from the gate on the road to wait for the carriages, and Taya glanced at her men. She frowned, looking at Weston, who at her expression finally allowed

  himself to laugh. Zen too was grinning madly, and Taya shook her head at them. Murtagh, who was beside Weston, rolled his eyes and whacked him over the head, causing

  everyone to laugh. Taya's confrontation with Captain Rosen apparently had been amusing to them all.

  The carriages were stopped for an inspection, and there were some heated words from inside one of the carriages. Taya grimaced, and then sighed. She despised being the

  welcoming committee.

  "Come now, Taya. Don't let a few lords and ladies get you down." Murtagh laughed, and she made a face.

  "Easy for you to say, Murtagh. You aren't the one who has to deal with them."

  "Not directly, no. When I'm around you, yes."

  The carriages started on again, and Taya shot a half serious look at the guys, who straightened and tried to not look like they were amused, but there were still traces of laughter

  on their faces. Taya started whistling, a
nd then waved the drivers to stop. The two carriages did so, and there was an exclamation from the first, and then someone spoke rather

  loudly from the second.

  "Why in Tavron's name have we stopped again? Is there a second gate? And where is that blasted bottle?"

  Taya tried to hold back a snicker. They apparently had a drinker in their company for the week. So much the better sometimes. A calm male voice answered,

  "No, father there is not a second gate. I don't know why we are stopped, actually, but I'm sure it's for a good reason. And remember, you ran out of your drink halfway to the city

  walls. I am sure the King's grace will provide you with some once we are settled in the castle."

  "If we ever reach the castle." The older man grumbled, and Taya heard someone behind her cough over a laugh.

  The window of the first carriage opened and a young lady stuck her head out, and shot a disdainful look at the last carriage, and then turned to say something to the driver when

  she spotted Taya and her company in front of the carriages.

  "You there! Why are you stopping us? We are expected at the castle, so I would warn you to move along."

  Taya raised an eyebrow and leaned on her saddle. "I beg your pardon? Oh dear, you must be Deyana Bretton of Belatona. If I had not been told to escort you, I think I would let you

  get lost."

  Deyana Bretton of Belatona, for so it was, obviously could not believe what she'd just heard. She stared at Taya in growing anger and astonishment. Taya knew she certainly did not

  look her formal part, but she hardly needed a formal appearance to make an impression.

  Taya looked at the drivers, who both smiled slightly at her, wondering at her. "If you will follow me, good drivers, we will lead the way to the castle."

  "Yes, Lady." The first driver said, with a very thick accent. Before Taya turned Chester, she noticed the young man sticking his head out of the second carriage's window to see what

  was going on. He seemed to do a double take at her, and then she turned and started off.

  "How dare she say such a thing to me! What impudence. And to think, she knows who I am! I will not be treated with such disdain. And I thought we were supposed to be met by

  the princess, not some smartmouthed servant."

  "Shush daughter, before your tongue carries you away. We were told that the princess might greet us. That does not mean she will, and I did not expect us to have the honor of an

  escort. You were not too agreeable, besides."

  Taya didn't hear if Deyana replied, because Murtagh sidled his horse close up next to her and said softly,

  "Well, that was different. I have a feeling that this is going to be an interesting week. I wonder what the rest of the characters are like."

  "We'll find out soon enough. Prepare yourself, my friend."

  Murtagh chuckled. "If I must. You seem to be already fully prepared. You're going to give them quite a shock, you know."

  "I know of at least one person who deserves it."

  "Easy, Taya. Your dark side is starting to show again."

  Taya rolled her eyes at him, and then there was a mighty clap of thunder above that ended the conversation and had them urge their horses on a little bit faster as it started to

  sprinkle. When they reached the castle gates Taya waved at the guards, who saluted back and didn't attempt to stop them. They circled the courtyard and the head groom hurried

  out to hold Chester's head as Taya and the others dismounted. Taya turned to the carriage drivers.

  "If you will, gentlemen, the groom will show you where you can put your horses and gear, and I will make arrangements for you in the castle. I will send a servant for you soon."

  The drivers tipped their hats to her, and followed the groom and Xackzan to the stables. Then Taya turned her attention to the guests, and she waved them into the castle. The two

  guards at the door saluted her, and she bowed her head with a smile. Once inside, they were in a welllit receiving hall, with tall pillars and a marble floor, with fantastic designs

  carved into the walls from the days of the elves. Yet to Taya, there had always been darkness associated with the designs, and in the whole room. She wondered what had

  happened here long ago.

  Taya turned on her heel suddenly and faced the guests, forcing them to halt. She surveyed them silently, knowing that she was unnerving them. Deyana Bretton stood beside a

  young man who looked very much like her, who Taya guessed to be her brother, Tanan. He was tall, but he seemed young, especially about his features as there was still a hint of

  adolescence there. Their father, Lord Nezir, was tall and thick with thick brown hair and brown eyes, and a beard. His eyes were keen, and they watched her just as she watched

  him. His wife, Emrita, was of medium height with blonde hair, which both of their children had, and blue eyes. She looked like a quiet, pleasant woman.

  The others were the Katzia's, and Taya's gaze was first drawn to the younger son. He was not looking at her, but around the room. He was lean, tall, and his fine features reminded

  her of an elf. He had very light chestnut hair, and she couldn't see his eyes. Almost reluctantly she looked at his brother, who was taller, more built, and he seemed at ease in the

  strange surroundings. His hair was as black as night, and rather unkempt. She was closer to him than anyone else, and was fascinated by his copper colored eyes. She could almost make out her own reflection in them, which was suddenly disconcerting and she moved onto their father.

  Lord Calveen Katzia was as tall as his oldest son, heavier, and he looked rather intimidating, except it was obvious that he was a drinker which lessened the effect on her. His hair

  was dark and greying at the temples, and besides the look of a man who drinks a lot, he seemed worn to Taya, as if life had not been easy on him.

  "Welcome, guests of the king, to Uru'baen castle." Taya said softly, but her voice echoed in the hall, adding mystery and command to her tone. Everyone's attention was riveted to

  her, and she couldn't help but feel rather smug. "I hope that you enjoy your accommodations and your stay here. If there is anything you need, a servant will see to it but please do

  not harass them." She looked straight at Deyana. "They do the best they can. I expect that there will be a dinner in your honor this evening, and so one of the king's servants will

  inform you."

  As if on cue two manservants appeared, and Taya nodded to them. "Would you show our guests to their accommodations, please?"

  "Of course, milady."

  "Very good. Now, good evening, sirs and ladies." Taya bowed slightly, and then turned and with the others following, exited the entrance hall. From behind them they heard an

  exasperated noise, and Deyana Bretton's voice filtered to them.

  "Oh! To think we would be treated so meanly on arriving here. She was positively horrid. I will be glad if I never see her again, and I'm sure when whoever is in charge of her

  hears of this she will be put in her place."

  "For once in your life daughter, be silent!" They heard a touch of panic in Lord Nezir's voice. "There is more to that young woman than we know… far more than we know. So be

  silent!"

  "Well," Weston commented softly, "at least we know that one of the guests is observant."

  "He certainly gets points for that. But Lord Katzia is still my favorite. You know, if you look past the effects of drinking, I think he would be the strongest and most influential of

  them all. There was something about him… I'm curious to know more about their family." Taya mused, and then there was another loud crack of thunder that caused her to jump.

  They could hear the sudden downpour of rain on the castle roof, and everyone looked at each other and grinned. They all loved the rain.

  "I heard that Lord Katzia's wife died a couple years ago from a disease. From what I understoo
d he started drinking immediately afterwards. But even as a drinker, he is smart and

  invaluable to the king. He has a lot of military influence." Murtagh said, and they all nodded in agreement.

  "That's not hard to believe. I wonder what his sons are like."

  "Well, as you said there's probably going to be a dinner tonight, so I'm sure you'll find out soon enough. We will have to keep an extra careful eye on you, with those two around." Weston teased, and Taya whacked him on the shoulder and glared, but she laughed.

  "I am not averse to that, considering we don't know them. Just give me a little space and I'll be fine. And to counter that, I'll have to keep my eyes on you guys with this Deyana

  girl around."

  Zen's eyes seemed to almost pop out of his head and he coughed. "Are you kidding? If she comes my way I'll turn and run the other way!"

  "Good thinking, Zen." Taya smiled, but before she could say anything else they had reached the doors to her wing, and were greeted warmly by Kell Arder and Raneck Katifa.

  "Well, it's about time you showed up. Again. Next time I'm going on this adventure. What's news?" Raneck asked curiously, having noticed their mixed expressions.

  "We have 7 guests, one who is a slightly panicked, but very observant Lord, his prissy daughter and another Lord who is a heavy drinker with an imposing aura. Only time will tell

  about the others." Zen explained, and Kell raised an eyebrow.

  "A prissy daughter? Just what we need. No doubt she was pretty, too."

  Taya gave him a strange look, and he shrugged. "Usually the prettier ladies are the prissy ones, especially if they have an influential family. At least that's what I've found around

  here. You don't count in that category at all, dear Taya. I can only imagine your reaction to her."

  Weston and Murtagh laughed. "You should have seen her, Kell." Weston said. "She had them going the whole time, and Deyana Bretton, the daughter, got the brunt of it. I can't wait

  to see the look on her face when she finds out Taya IS the princess."

  Raneck widened his eyes. "They didn't know?"

  "No, Taya never said anything and Deyana jumped to the conclusion that she was Taya's servant, or someone of the sort."

  "Oh dear. That will be some dinner this evening. On that topic, one of Galbatorix's guards came by not too long ago and informed us when we said you were out escorting the guests