Furion's Trials (Book Two of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  That was all the general needed to hear. He ordered three men “Bind him and put him under guard!” They instantly obeyed the command.

  Soon his former ally shouted “Traitor! The king will have your head!”

  Rakkian then strolled up to the old advisor, flicked his head and repeated the phrase. Travis remained on his feet and nothing happened. The old man simply smiled. “Do you believe me now? I’m here to help and I have many other important things to discuss that are time sensitive. Including knowledge of spy networks that will surprise you more than this.”

  Allahandra then said. “Very well advisor, come closer for a moment.” She then addressed everyone. “My people, this news is grim. Some of our allies, who think of themselves as our family, don’t even know if they are our enemies. No one is to leave here without being processed. I am dismissing the audience for now because these matters must be dealt with swiftly before someone is harmed again. If any should react as he did, arrest them and bring them to the prison for interrogation.” Allahandra spent the next few minutes clarifying the orders. The gathered soon lined up and began flicking each other and saying the words, even the queen’s personal guard checked themselves. Not a single person was allowed to leave without being screened, not even Lily nor the queen. She wanted all to be on the safe side.

  The woman, Evere, woke several minutes later. She didn’t understand what was happening, but she stood. The General did it again and she dropped to her knees, further showing Travis’s helpfulness in weeding out unknowing spies.

  When all were checked the gathered disbanded and went to do their orders.

  Allahandra was escorted by her guards and Travis. Under an incessant coaxing and haggling Travis allowed for only three protectors to be in the room with them when he says what he must.

  She trusted Lily and Rakkian and they would stay in the room too. Allahandra also ordered one of her men on another important mission.

  Up on the highest floor, Lily, Allahandra, Rakkian and Travis had a secret meeting in the war room and council chambers. When they all sat around the massive wooden table, etched with the map of the lands, Allahandra stated “Now I understand why you were able to pass by my sentries. You can become invisible.”

  Travis shook his head. “Not invisible. My item is capable of absorbing and reflecting light. At will, I can change the colors of my item-clothes to any spectrum of light. If I wish to reflect color altogether I seemingly become invisible to the naked eye. This is what happens if I absorb all color.” In a demonstration, Travis’s clothes changed from pure white to the darkest color ever imagined and one could see how it absorbed light. Then he quickly changed back to white once again. Lily and the others also understood why his face was covered earlier.

  “Very interesting,” Rakkian admitted. “So you’re a level five specialist who is best skilled in infiltration?”

  “Your assumption would be correct.” Then the eldest of the room looked to the queen. His tone was almost a plea. “I’m sorry for causing such a disturbance, your majesty, but it was necessary at the time. I couldn’t have them fleeing before we could speak like this. Once they saw me they would have left the castle because their programming would force them to return to Ra’van and tell of my treachery against him.” A moment later he laced his hands together, atop the table. “Will you please do something for me, tell me of Prince Alex. I haven’t seen him since Eriana took him somewhere safe as a child. What is he like as a man now?”

  Allahandra glanced at Lily for she knew him more. Unfortunately Lily was upset about something and the queen understood. Lily wasn’t in her right mind at the moment and chose to speak for her.

  Travis listened with rapt attention to all of Alex’s exploits. All went well with him until she explained how she became his liege lord. This infuriated him and he accused “You dare force a legitimate crowned prince to swear fealty and become your underling! By all that is right and good, what possessed you to do such a thing?”

  “At the time it was unclear that he was of royal blood and as such it was necessary for his safety as well as his companions. If it became known that he was Runkamon’s son, whether it was truth or not, some would make an attempt on his life. Having him as my vassal cast my protection over him. If someone succeeded in the attempt they had to know I would hang them myself.” Lily stiffened, but went unnoticed. “Now that it is clear he has the rightful claim to the throne he is no longer bound to me as a vassal. A queen cannot force another of nobility to serve them without conquering his land. And now that I know him better I still wouldn’t keep him as my vassal, but as a friend. Also my campaign against King Runkamon isn’t one for conquering, but of seeing a proper and worthy successor to the throne. I have enough trouble running Alluan.” Those words seemed to placate the enraged advisor.

  He then listened to the rest of the story and was pleased that Gerieg and Alex finally met.

  “Before I begin telling you of the king’s many plans I know that each of you wish to know more of whom I truly serve.” Lily leaned forward and Travis looked right at her. “Child, I can understand why the queen chose her general to be in this room, but why did she choose you?”

  “Probably because she and Alex are in love!” Marlin stated as he loudly entered the room. His brown hair was in disarray and his unusually mischievous blue eyes took them all in. His item was collapsed and slid through his belt loops. Marlin wore earthy colors of brown and black and he was sweating. “Sorry I’m late, Allahandra, Clift and I were out for another run when I was told you wanted to see me. I got here as quickly as possible.” He then saw the man in white scowling at him. “Afternoon, old timer, who are you?”

  Travis’s one eyebrow twitched in amusement. Before he could say a word Allahandra said “Marlin, this is Travis, the one who just arrived.” She then explained the situation and now understood why the man who came to retrieve him flicked his head and said those words. He was quickly filled in on what took place. In the end the queen said “Travis, these are Alex’s companions Marlin and Lily. They have been through much together and they have the right to hear about him more than I do. While they were here their group was known as The Pack.”

  Travis nodded and looked back at Lily in a new light. “So you love the prince?” Lily defiantly held his gaze, but she couldn’t stop herself from slightly blushing and having her ears burn. Then the old man smiled happily. “I see Alex definitely takes after his father.” Lily was confused at the meaning.

  Travis told the loving and tragic tale of Alex’s parents and Lily soon understood the earlier statement.

  Once the story ended the entire room became silent and still. None had heard the actual story in this presentation before and how he gained the position of advisor after bringing the head of Gerieg’s stand-in to protect his king. They now had a new insight as to what occurred fifteen years ago.

  The silence ended as Travis became deadly serious. “Your majesty, now is the time I must inform you of the hidden dangers only those with Runkamon’s favor had.” He began and she remained focused for these reports were of more worth than her entire treasury. “Runkamon is growing increasingly impatient with you and this land. As such he is making plans to create a full scale war, the likes of which have never been seen before. After all these years of waiting, he feels it is time for his grandest entertainment to be initiated. I’m sorry to say it but no matter what happens, this conflict will occur whether you wish it to or not. In a year’s time his plans will begin and open war will reign until either you are vanquished or he is replaced. To the north of the Widow’s Forest a battlement, housing six thousand in current troops, is being constructed at this moment.” This made their attention almost palpable as they all stared at him. “As it is, it will take six more months to finish completion and any hopes to destroy it would be lost for many, many more would die. Once finished it would be capable of easily housing and sustaining thirty five thousand troops for the next two years, with the current supplies be
ing ordered and shipped there.

  “What’s more, Central City is also amassing troops to attack Alluan from the south and all towns and villages would surely be razed until they reach this city.”

  The numbers were staggering and many lives would be lost indeed.

  Allahandra then asked “What of you? Travis, what would happen if the king learned of this betrayal?”

  The elderly specialist chuckled. “I would be surprised to find even me still alive after what I did. I was the overseer of the northern battlement’s construction. When Janken told me it was time to begin our counterattack and said King Gerieg said for me to come here to begin the plans, I killed a man of my size and build, placed him in my quarters and burned all evidence linking me to my true king. The fire was spectacular and no one would believe I made it out alive after that. After the faking of my death I made my way here and that is all.”

  When he finished Allahandra stood, as did the others. “This is dire news indeed, but at least we’ve gotten word of this invasion so soon. None of my agents reported me any of this and I suspect that it is not common knowledge.” She then turned to her general and ordered “We must work quickly. If this is true then we need to take control of the battlement and occupy it before its completion. Hopefully if my plans work we’ll be able to arrest the supplies for our own gain. Have our best scouts locate the operation and access everything that is going on. Prepare a large contingent of our troops to assemble and prepare for battle. Also call a for a full war council.” Rakkian smiled, ready for a fight in a moment’s notice, but as he began to leave Allahandra stated “If this structure and troops are validated, we must bring our greatest players and plans to order and prepare for the end of war and the end of Runkamon.”

  “General, wait a moment.” Travis said. He walked around to the north side of the table and pointed on the table’s engraved map. His finger was placed above the Widow’s head and hugged the border of Alluan and Gagiat. “Have your scouts search here. The location is hidden in a heavily wooded forest and stony ground. There will be many places for your men to hide, but that also goes for our enemy.” Rakkian knew all too well that field advantages could easily be used for both sides. “It would be best to have specialists who can communicate over vast distances. Also, if you find one of their scouts, patrols or units, do not attack unless necessary for they will know your attack would be imminent.”

  Rakkian nodded and proceeded to leave the room. He had much to do today.

  Once it was quiet Marlin asked a question that has been annoying him for the longest time. “Travis, do you know a man by the name of Rakkel?”

  Both Lily and Allahandra went still. “Unfortunately I know the young man. Why do you ask?”

  Marlin began chewing on the most appropriate way to answer. “He’s a common enemy of our pack. Rakkel murdered Alex’s uncle and led the last assault on this city. Anything you know will be of use.”

  “So it is true that he was executed by his own child.” Travis sighed through his nostrils before answering. He knew all of the orphans his king brought to his home and Gambit was as well known as Eriana. “The last thing I heard was that his attack wasn’t as good of a distraction as the king wished, but he wasn’t punished for he escaped with twelve others from the last attack. His resourcefulness clearly made Runkamon forgive the failure and he was even promoted to being a commander. The very last thing I heard was that he was recalled to Central City, awaiting further orders.”

  Marlin grinned and elbowed Lily. “Do you want to pay him a visit?”

  Lily visibly shivered at the memories of being in the prisons of that place. “I’d rather never see that place ever again.”

  “Not even if Alex led us?” He prodded.

  Lily punched him a little harder than necessary, but she wanted him to quit. They both knew that if Alex asked neither would hesitate to enter the fray. Lily then turned back to the queen. “Allahandra, I’ve had a difficult day. May I go get some rest?”

  “Of course,” she replied. “Just don’t forget our wager for your start will be early.”

  “What’s this now?” Marlin said, taking a step closer and grinning like a madman.

  Allahandra smiled and answered. “I’m going to turn Lily into a lady.”

  Marlin’s eyes widened as he looked between the proud queen and the angrily blushing Lily. His lips began pressing into a fine white line only moments before he could contain himself. Boisterous laughter sprung from his lips and he hunched over the table to catch his breath. “I can’t wait to see what happens. Maybe a warthog can become something else.”

  Lily then punched his shoulder twice, with the same force, but all in the exact same place to localize the pain.

  “It looks like we need to get started right away.” Allahandra stated with a slight smile. “Lily, a lady never hits. One of our most potent weapons, in this situation, is to use our quick wit and charming personalities instead of brute force. Give it a try, use your words.”

  Lily gritted her teeth, but did as she was instructed. “Marlin, warthogs might be ugly on the outside, but inside is the heart of a warrior and that kind of honor is awe inspiring. If you compare me to something like that again, you’ll see and feel my tusks to learn beauty comes in all forms.”

  “That works….I guess. It’s a start anyway.” Allahandra conceded while Marlin continued to chuckle, she then turned to Travis. “I have made arrangements for you to have a room made up on the second floor. I will also have two guards with you at all times for your protection as well as ours. I must also ask that you refrain from disappearing for the time being. Should you be in need of anything, merely ask one of my aids should anything be required. For now we must all rest, for tomorrow will be a big day for us all.”

  A tap on Lily’s door brought her instantly awake. It was predawn and it was something out of the ordinary. She was grateful for being awoken for the nightmares were horrifying to her. It was about Alex and he had found another pair of pretty legs to be with and left her all alone once again. He was a prince and she needed to accept that, as much as it pained her. Lily knew she needed to separate herself from him, but she’d show him that she’d be alright.

  Lily grabbed her items, dressed rapidly and opened her door a crack. In the lamp-lit corridor stood Mistress Marge, another dark skinned older woman who was both stern and deeply loving. Her midnight eyes looked up into her purple and she smiled up at her approvingly. Mistress Marge was the eyes and ears of the castle and she knew more than she ever led on. “Lily, Allahandra told me that you are interested in a new kind of training, ya?” She nodded back while opening the door wider. “Well Little Allahandra gave me a few instructions that could give you some new insights about this place’s inner workings and about yourself. If you are ready, we can get started.”

  “I’m ready.” Lily said, sliding her sheathes into the appropriate slings in her belt. Once she was ready Marge set a brisk pace towards the council chamber with Lily easily keeping pace.

  As they began descending the spiraling stairwell Marge said “I hear we are about to enter yet another fight, only this time we will not be on the defensive.”

  “That would be correct.”

  Marge tucked a strand of her ebony and graying hair behind her ear to look more closely at the curt remark. Her mothering instinct kicked in. “What is the matter, child? Something bothering you, ya?”

  Lily’s jaw clenched just before she sighed. She then shook her head.

  “Men troubles?” She prodded and Lily shook her head a little harder than necessary and that was all the conformation Marge needed. “Tell me, my dear. Maybe my experience can help you. After all what’s the reason for me reaching this age if not to aid the young? Confide in me.”

  “No offense,” Lily began. “but there are things that no matter how much you talk about them will change reality.” Then she tightly gripped the pommels saying “After all, the differences between us peasants and those of nobility are li
ke plains to the grandest mountains.”

  “Ah, so this is about the man you’ve fallen in love with. And you do not know much about the inner workings of royalty, do you?” Lily frowned at the woman. “It seems that your education is lacking for you’ve made assumptions that are clearly mistaken.” Marge said gently for she didn’t want to intentionally upset the giant woman who could have broken her like a dried reed. “Most times, in the marriages of those born of nobility, they choose to strengthen unions with their allies. That is true, but not in the instance of princes in direct line for the throne of their kingdom.” It was still early morning, but Marge’s lecture held Lily’s full attention and allowed her to be completely awake. “For instance, if your Alex is actually the successor for the throne, he has the right to choose whomever he wishes to be his wife for he will one day become the maker of laws. His word is law and he could choose a princess or woman of noble birth for a bride just as easily as if he wanted a peasant.”

  They continued walking in silence, but this insight filled Lily with hope and she was more angry with herself for not knowing of this and feeling that they could never be together. “Alex,” She vowed silently to herself. “I’m sorry for doubting my loyalty for you and I swear to never do it again.” That filled her with a renewed sense of self and she now looked forward to whatever Allahandra had in store for her.

  As they reached the main hall level, Marge continued descending. Lily had never been down any further than this and the thrill of exploration was too hard to resist. As they continued Lily began to hear many voices and the sounds of clanging metal and other sounds that couldn’t quite be placed.

  As they reached the bottom floor of the castle, Lily marveled at what was down here. The many aromas were mouthwatering as were the heaps of foot being prepared from fresh materials, spices and ingredients. There were many lit oil-lamps that filled the enormous room with a soft orange glow. At least a five-and-seventy servants, that were mostly women, were down here working for this day’s needs. Off to her right was something out of the ordinary, a steady stream of fresh flowing water was cut into the castle stone and flowed into and out of the room. Along the row of flowing water were fifteen women hand-washing the palace’s laundry with their utility items that cleaned each garment to perfection.