by Ed Montalvo
Dregous almost lost himself in her eyes, “What I tell you must not go beyond these walls.”
She grinned, “Shame on you. What is in your mind is mine and none other,” Tatiana made herself more comfortable, wiggling her bottom. “I am ready.”
She stole his breath. That is the most intimate thing a Drouwen could say to a partner. “It was a divine servant.”
“Pardon?” she sounded doubtful.
“A divine servant,” he sipped his tea. “They possess no shape of their own, only that of their victims. They are sent to punish the unfaithful…, …defilers, as in my case.” Dregous barely suppressed a shudder recalling his twin.
“But you said the empire’s religion is not yours?”
“Correct…, if I may,” he gestured, she nodded. “I thought the Knights were taking me to my execution.”
She gasped, “What in Ukko’s name made you think that?” the princess wanted to say more but he raised two fingers.
“Thus, as I thought. They said nothing when they came. When we walked the streets is when they informed me. It was then a woman spoke in my head.”
Tatiana straightened a bit, “The witch?”
“I thought as such at first, when it came upon me,” Dregous could still hear her voice echoing in his head as he recounted. Her undead face flashed in his mind and shut his eye’s. He didn’t want to worry the princess.
She sensed something and looked at him. “Who?” she jumped in, “Oh…, apologies, go on,” Tatiana said.
“The Demon Queen.”
“Demon Queen?”
“She is the patron deity of the Empire.”
“Why would she… What did she say? No wait, what did you say? It had to be bad for her to send that thing,” Tatiana leaned across the table to stroke a lock of his hair from his face.
Dregous enjoyed her gentleness, “I will not repeat in your company Angel.”
She winced, “Ooh that bad?” seeing his face. “In front of all those people…, then again I doubt you cared about watching your words under those circumstances.”
Dregous nodded as he reached for his tea, “Agreed, fortunately they do not understand Drouwen,” he grinned.
“How unpleasant?” she looked surprised.
“Quite.”
Tatiana blinked at him, “Oh, I guess you are my dark angel,” she whispered.
He barely caught her whisper. “Pardon?”
“Nothing,” she straightened inadvertently showing her proportions. “Then what happened?”
“That is when it appeared and said he was there to punish me,” he looked away thoughtfully.
“Oh my.”
They changed the subject to general matters, enjoying each other’s company when a servant came. “Forgive the intrusion. Your grace and Lord are to appear on the morrows council,” he announced.
“My gratitude,” Tatiana watched the servant leave.
“It would appear they arrived at a decision,” Dregous said. He noticed Tatiana’s expression. The gentle worry lines on her forehead, her eyes full of concern. “Why the long face Angel?”
She leaned against her seat, “I fear an unfavorable judgement,” The thought of them ruling against him weighed heavy on her.
“I am sure you will figure out something to turn the tables to your favor,” he smiled.
She straightened, “Are you not concerned? They are deciding your fate.” His calmness exasperated her, and tried to quill the frustration by folding her hands on the table.
He leaned forward, “I obtained what I wished.”
“And that would be?” she rested her hands on her hips, arcing a brow at him.
“The chance to see…,” Dregous looked at her calmly as he turned his tea cup around nervously, “…you.”
Tatiana’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. Her hands clasped tightly, extending them between her thighs leaning forward. Dregous admired her as she shyly turned away. When she addressed him, he was studying her. Another lock of his hair dropped over his eye. She brushed it behind his ear then rested her hand under his chin. Unlike that evening, fear arrested her desire to express her love for him.
***
Dregous studied his tomes through most of the night. He stopped to document his exodus, recent experiences and the people he met. Moments later he stopped writing. The parchment stared back at him. He glanced over his shoulder and gazed at the princess, thinking of the witch’s vision. She appeared in his mind, seemingly sitting as though speaking to him of things to come.
***
Tatiana’s light armor padding was cleaned. A servant aided in dressing her. It was semi–formal military. The magistrate extended every courtesy to her, sparing no expense.
The prince dressed in his normal attire. His spare clothes came in handy. Tatiana wanted to have something made for him, he politely refused.
The monochromatic couple met opposite each other of the grand mezzanine landing that led to the main stairs. He noted her military fashion. The light padding couldn’t hinder her figure or beauty. “You look lovely,” he breathed.
Tatiana struggled against her blush, “You have seen me in this before,” she smiled. His three tone garments were striking. The heavy tunic had wide padded shoulders with a deep v–cut; trimmed with symbols in silver embroidery on deep charcoal gray over a white tunic. His thick black hose hugged his legs loosely but captured his toned muscled thighs and calves. She seemed to light up, “You look handsome,” she commented. “Is this how you will dress for our engagement?”
“Actually, I aspire to formality,” he offered her his hand. She smiled pleasantly. Tatiana took it and tried to stay her blush as they strode down the main stairs. The doors were held open by knights at the threshold as others lined the sides. Beyond the door were ten constables in escort formation. A sea of curious faces stood outside the gate. Dregous sensed no danger, though expected insults.
“We are your escort my lady,” said Knight Glendel.
“Is there a problem great Knight?” Tatiana praised him with grace and charm.
Her address swelled his chest, “No your highness, we are your entourage till your people replace us.”
She smiled, “You honor me by continuing as my escort great Knight.”
Glendel swell bigger with pride, “I am honored my lady.”
“What of the people?” She feared for Dregous.
He glanced, “News spreads fast your highness, but fear not. No harm will befall the Prince.”
“Quite so,” Dregous whispered and set his hood.
“Yes indeed,” Tatiana caught Dregous, “What are you doing?”
“Preventing an incite,” his solemn tone and inability to look at her struck her. The years of walking proud and who he was, failed him. Today, shame replaced pride.
His attempt to hide his face infuriated her, “Do not dare hide,” she ordered gently.
“A riot may ensue princess,” Dregous argued.
“Do not princess me Dregous Von’Negrous, remember, you are a ducal prince of the Empire, son of the most powerful Drouwen,” she studied his eyes, her voice softened. “Besides, I like the way you look and the way your eyes stand out. Do not dare and hide that handsome face. If the people say anything, remember, no one can take away that you are… DROUWEN,” she reminded.
She inspired him, “As you will,” he grinned.
They proceeded to the gates. More people gathered to see the peculiar couple with locked arms. As they reached the gateway Dregous was surprised. The people were not cowering or shouting insults, they were smiling. “Good luck,” said a young lady.
“My gratitude, for me and my family,” the merchant said.
“God speed, I pray you well,” said another woman. Tatiana recognized her. She is the mother of the first two children she took. Pride filled her that Dregous had made a difference. The princess leaned closer, beaming at him, “And you wanted to hide,” she whispered.
Their reaction slowed him. He glanced b
etween Tatiana and the people. He recalled some of their faces. It was overwhelming.
“My lord,” Meredith said warmly, “I took the liberty of holding a bottle of Elven ale for you.”
“My gratitude,” he said softly then continued to the grand hall.
Curious on lookers lined the streets, some with shy smiles. A small group, including Meredith followed. Dregous had difficulty maintaining a stony face. He restrained his exhilaration, then realized if he could make a difference among humans he could do the same back home. It filled him with great expectations.
“Who is she?” Tatiana asked.
“The first I met here…, remember…, when we arrived.”
“Oh, the girl that served you hand and foot,” she teased.
Dregous responded with a sidelong look. “A sour jest Angel.”
“I thought it was good,” she gently bumped him and straightened when they descended a gentle slope leading down the avenue to the hall.
The magistrate, Lord Gunthar, the academy Curator and the high priest flanked the grand hall main doors. “My word, I did not think there were this many supporters,” the magistrate pretended.
“What of the people he saved?” Gunthar asked.
“That cannot be them…, is it?” Ceron hid behind neutrality.
“Aye, they are!” Lord Gunthar answered proudly.
“I wonder… how did they know of today’s proceedings?” Gunthar did as he hoped and passed along the information. He glanced at the Knight and saw him rock on his heels and thought, Superb you sly devil, well done. “Did you speak of this to anyone?” He knew the Knight wouldn’t lie.
“Me?” feinting surprise. “I said not a word. We had to have our evening meal at the inn, since the temple temporarily house’s citizens. I specifically ordered my men not to speak on the morrows proceedings to anyone,” Gunthar answered and looked at the young lady walking along with Dregous and Tatiana. She gave him a toothy grin. Meredith was grateful Lord Gunthar spoke of the proceedings.
***
The populace was allowed to partake in the trial, as many that could fit. They lined the benches of the grand circular chamber. Those who still wished to attend remained outside trying to listen in. Opposite the main door stood the ominous polished wood stain high bench taking one third of the chamber in tiers. The council occupied their places, studying the citizens as they clamored in, looking for a seat.
Moments later Ceron banged the mallet base, hailing order. The Witnesses were brought in, in small groups and questioned at length regarding the attack on the Dark Elf for much of the morning. A recess was declared for an hour before resuming. They continued with the children’s testimony. Their version was heart wrenching. They described what happened and how they heard Dregous in their mind. A mage tried putting words into their mouth. The saved stood their ground with the council’s support. Their version pooled the eyes of all who listened. Ceron, Gunthar and some council members realized it was the same mage that challenged the Lord knight some days ago.
Tatiana explained how she and Lukous met the prince and why they traveled together. She sadly explained with little details of Lukous’s death. The group gave their accounts of how they crossed paths. After which the council called for a quick recess to deliberate.
A short time later Princess Tatiana was escorted and sat in a comfortable chair in the center. Dregous walked alongside her. He was offered a seat and chose to stand. The rest of the group sat near the main door. The polished wood of the short wall covering the raised benches caught the princess’s attention. She saw her reflection with Dregous behind her and smirked. Gunthar also saw the reflection, and thought they make a handsome couple.
The magistrate rose when the council members seated. “Princess Tatiana of the Ayrian kingdom; lord Dregous Von’Negrous of the Empire. We took all accounts, and weighed them. These proceedings would normally be conducted without the use of magic, whether divine or arcane. However, given the unusual circumstances, we mutually agreed, in the best interest to alter that policy.”
“What is your reason?” the princess leaned forward slightly masking her concern with calm.
“Forgive us your highness, but no Drouwen has done as he. In fact, no Drouwen has done anything for human benefit. It goes against everything they are.”
“Because you know little of them,” Tatiana pressed.
“Correct, surely you can see we wish to have no doubts my lady,” Ceron added.
Tatiana paused, and recalled what Dregous said about Ceron. She was poised to argue; when she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. “It is well princess,” he assured and looked at the magistrate. Tatiana could barely keep herself from flushing. “Will you be performing the non-deception?” he addressed the high priest.
The aging priest arced a brow at him, “You know of this?”
“I was tutored in many forms of the arcane, clergy being among them.”
“I see…” the old priest’s eyes glanced at Gunthar.
“In my culture the study of the mysteries is not resigned to the said discipline. You have your chosen specialty, but are instructed in others,” he partially explained. “To do anything less, will render you useless to your house…,” Dregous gave him a knowing smile. The council members lightly glanced each other.
Tatiana was unsuccessful stifling her giggle, and was grateful she could hide her blush. She cleared her throat to regain her composure and thought it was a typical Dregous reply.
“Point taken,” the Curator cast the old priest a taunting smirk.
“Impressive,” Ceron added.
Dregous slightly bowed his head, “My gratitude.”
“Let us begin.” Ceron looked at the old clergyman, “Priest.”
The old man stood with the assistance of his acolyte. He raised both hands and chanted. When completed he looked at Dregous, “Do you solemnly swear to all that is blessed and holy to speak the truth?”
“No…,”
The council and spectators interrupted as they rose to an up roar, shouting he should be chained, forced to comply or expelled. The old priest detected no deception. The princess shot from her seat. “Ukko’s beard, what are you doing?” She demanded softly looking into his eyes. The group reacted the same, in disbelief. Rem remained seated shaking his head.
“Do you trust me Angel?” he whispered calmly.
Obvious confusion blanketed her lovely face, “You know I do…,” she blushed. “But…”
“Then trust in me my princess,” she reclaimed her seat without taking her eyes off him. The people outside heard the commotion and wondered what happened. A young man relayed the accounts from a slightly opened high window.
Lord Gunthar stood looking at Dregous and shouted for silence. After the council settled, he noticed the look on the princess’s face. She was concerned, “Lord Dregous, how can we proceed if you refuse to cooperate?”
Dregous addressed Gunthar, “I have not refused my Lord.”
“But, why did you say no man?” Gunthar rebutted.
“The council interrupted, before I could explain.”
“I see…” The Knight glanced over the members with a stern stare as they softly murmured. “Please continue, it will not happen again.”
The prince slightly bowed his head, “He asked me to swear to all that is blessed and holy. I know no such thing. Where I am from, what is holy may be misinterpreted. I can only answer to the truth as I see and understand it. I was not refusing, only requiring clarification,” Dregous allowed his reply to settle, “Lord Gunthar.”
Gunthar glanced between Dregous and the princess, “Aye,” he answered softly.
“I am Drouwen,” he removed any edge from his tone.
“Apologies milord, I am unaccustomed to addressing…, Drouwen’s,” Gunthar looked at the priest, “Proceed,” reclaiming his seat.
They questioned his reasons for leaving the empire. He was to deliver a message from his father. Dregous presumed it regarded the coming
civil war that may spill to the surface.
They inquired more of his father, confirming what the old priest learned during his divining. He added his mother lost favor with the temple when she relinquished control of her house to his lordship.
When questioned of his mother, his expression slightly dimmed. They shared a strong bond. When asked he stated, he missed her.
“This final question will require no detection, only your word,” The priest ceased his concentration of the spell and asked, “What are your ties with the Princess?”
Chapter 20
Dark tides raged in concert with turbulent skies greet me. The terrible power wielded by the hideous creature hidden within humans began losing its strength. What was unknown, the beast was slowly consuming my soul. My friend tried to forage a rescue, though unsuccessful. The creature controls a contagious power. It is a loathsome, dismal, vomitus monster called prejudice. A horrifying beast, birthed by humans. It is an eater of souls, a destroyer of lives….
Grand Master Lord Hellec’s personal journals
Dregous was surprised and flushed, “I…, I do not understand?”
Tuke, Angelique and Rem looked intrigued as they glance between Dregous the priest and one another. Gunthar wondered if he would confess, and found himself hoping he would.
“I thought the question was simple enough. Why are you together?” All eyes were on him. He considered how to answer the question without revealing himself.
Tatiana took his hand for support, “Just be truthful.”
Dregous glanced at the embrace, and felt a new strength. He explained how they met, confirming the princess’s testimony.
With great effort Tuke pushed aside their overwhelming emotions for one another. “So, it is safe to say you are JUST friends?” Ceron ventured.
He maintained his attention on the magistrate, “I believe we are beyond friends.” Some council members and citizens gasped. Tatiana covered her mouth and thought, he is going to confess. She wanted to hear him say he loves her.
“Meaning?” asked Gunthar. He knew the princess loved Dregous and suspected he felt the same. The knight hoped his prying would position him to profess.