Ruby reached for his hand and he drew her to her feet, lowering his head to kiss her hand, "it is a pleasure to have you at my palace."
Ruby swallowed hard, so much for their plan to hide their identities. But if the prince knew who she was, then his warmth towards her was confusing.
“If I had known the only way into your city was unconscious I would have laid down at the gates," she teased, touching the back of her head where it still ached.
He smiled, clearly pleased with her playful tone, “my apologies, but I am sure a woman of your position would understand my caution.”
There was something about him that made her uneasy but excited at the same time. She was in the presence of the Dravian prince, he was even more handsome than she had imagined, but in a strange way. His eyes were too blue, his hair too golden, his skin too pale and flawless. Maybe he too was an anomaly among his people, maybe that was something they shared.
"Would you care to join me for dinner princess..."
"Ruby," she added.
"Ahhh such a beautiful name for a beautiful lady," he released her hand.
"My servants will attend to you," he cast a look in Serin's direction, "and your friend. Now if you would excuse me, there is lots to do for this soon-to-be king."
He shoved his cloak back and turned on his heels, leaving his servants standing respectfully at the door, holding basins of water and towels. Ruby exhaled deeply, it was like in his presence all warmth fled.
Serin rushed to her side, his grin wide.
"Ruby do you know what this means?" he asked excitedly, reaching up to touch her cheek, "we made it!"
He leaned down to kiss her lips, but she turned her head quickly, her expression disapproving and her brown eyes hard,
"You forget yourself Serin," she whispered firmly, "how dare you try to kiss me in the presence of servants."
Serin drew his hand away from her face, as she turned away from him, his face flushed with embarrassment.
"Well alright," was all he could manage in his shock, “I will leave you then. I am going to go see what accommodations await me.”
✽ ✽ ✽
“You guys hear that!” Ben exclaimed, stopping to look ahead of them into the darkness of the forest.
There was nothing to see but shadows as slivers of the moonlight streamed through the trees hovering over them. They could hear a stream bubbling in the distance in what was possibly the direction of Dravia. It was the only constant since they entered the dark forest and so they pressed towards it without stopping, for resting now was not an option.
“Do not stop Ben,” Deswald warned.
“You must not let yourself be distracted,” Nyla added.
She rode with her back straight in her saddle, alertness making her muscles taut, even as she gripped the handle of her sword. They rode side by side, not wanting to be out of each other’s sight.
Deswald felt like he was holding his breath. He had never felt anything like this before, it was a place completely void of warmth. He felt like there was a chasm between himself and El, a closeness he had never realized existed until he no longer felt it. Ryder shivered beneath him and he patted his mane gently.
“It is okay boy, we will be out of here before you know it.”
“Hey what’s up with Ryder?” Ben asked.
“He seems to be rightfully frightened of this place.”
“No I mean his forehead… it looks strange.”
Deswald frowned, “what?”
Deswald leaned forward eagerly, brushed back Ryder’s mane and unlatched the leather covering he had strapped over Ryder’s gem. The horse neighed and tossed his head as if in relief and as he did so immediately Deswald felt a sense of safety, even as a dim sphere-like light seemed to surround them.
“Do you guys feel that?” he asked in awe.
Nyla was looking over at Ryder with wide eyes, “so that is what that does.”
Deswald grinned and rubbed Ryder’s head, now it made sense why the Eastern Strider horses were so endangered. With this gem traversing the dark infused parts of Saharia would not be such a frightening nor dangerous task.
“Look at you, walking in your purpose,” he said proudly.
The horse neighed again and with its head held high at his master’s praise, pressed forward with the boldness that comes from being fearless.
“Des, my friend” Ben said, “your horse is my new favourite person.”
Nyla shook her head, “thank El for Ryder, I am sure you were very close to crying and running home to daddy.”
“Alright Nyla,” Deswald warned, “let us not fight amongst ourselves, especially not here. Come on Ryder, get us out of here.”
✽ ✽ ✽
Ben peered from behind the bushes where they had been hiding for the last hour, "do you think she got caught?" he whispered frantically.
Deswald looked over at him through heavy lidded eyes, he had not slept a wink in three days and it was beginning to take a toll on him, he leaned back against a rugged three trunk. With Ryder’s newly discovered talent they had managed to make it through the forest, but a great weariness had descended upon them by the time they had crossed the threshold of the forest into Dravia. But at Nyla’s urging they had refrained from succumbing to sleep until they were safely inside the city.
"She will be back, it has only been an hour," he replied.
"After how many hours should we worry?" Ben asked, his uncharacteristic concern for Nyla driving all weariness from his large eyes.
Deswald shrugged, he too was concerned about what they had sent Nyla to do. She had volunteered to go ahead and meet the prince’s contact, as Dravia was once her home. But knowing this did not make Deswald any less concerned for her safety.
Suddenly, they heard a twig snap, it was probably Nyla returning from the city, but they were not taking any chances, not since their encounter with the Feelers. Deswald stumbled to his feet and placed a hand on his sword and Ben withdrew his dagger.
Nyla emerged from the shadows, with a smirk on his face "what are you going to do with that?" she mocked, gesturing to Ben's dagger, "prick me to death?"
Ben rolled his eyes, just as Deswald drew his sword, "Nyla there is someone behind you?" he shouted as a tall figure emerged from the shadows.
Nyla did not flinch though, instead she lifted a hand, "it is okay, he is with us."
Deswald frowned, "with us?"
The figure stepped into the silver moonlight now, a tall rugged looking man, with locked hair much like Aldorian fashion, he walked toward them.
"I am Stiller," he said, his voice was as deep as thunder, and the hand he extended was large enough to snap Deswald's with little effort, "prince Jasper informed me of your coming."
Deswald reached for his hand and shook it briefly, "You are our contact, how do you know the prince?"
"I was once a part of his regiment," Stiller replied, his expression unreadable.
Ben stepped forward, "you are an Aldorian Knight!"
The man nodded, "was, I was the prince’s Lieutenant. You can trust me, ask Nyla."
Nyla nodded, "he helped me get into Aldor many years ago. I would trust him with my life."
Ben bowed low, lower than was necessary, “it is an honour to be in your presence sir.”
Deswald nodded, with not as much flare as Ben but equal in respect.
"It really is an honour sir. As far as we are concerned, once a knight always a knight."
The knights mostly marched with the prince, who was second in command to the king. It was said that the new rules of the Aldorian knights came from what men like Stiller would have done willingly. Sacrificed family, delayed marriage and spent day after day in intense training when they were not out on lengthy dangerous missions. How could men like Stiller not be respected. Deswald admitted that he gave him that, but though the man’s accolades spoke for themselves it would take more than that for Deswald to trust a man who chose to stay in Dravia when everyone else with
an ounce of goodness in them chose to flee.
"You all are very brave for taking on such a mission," Stiller said, "the forest is infested with Feelers and the soldiers who patrol are merciless. The sooner we get out of here the better, come on."
Deswald nodded stiffly, if he was honest he would admit that he had not intended their pursuit of the princess to lead them to Dravia. He had expected the princess to change her mind after her first day on the treacherous trail and returned home, but it seemed like this was one of those rare moments where she followed through. It was either that, or she was forced to. Worry settled like a stone brick in Deswald’s gut.
Nyla tossed them their clothes as they followed the stranger and Ben eased his way beside her as Deswald and the new comer walked ahead.
"Are you sure we can trust him? If he is loyal to our prince, what is he doing in these parts."
Nyla shrugged, "you surprise me Ben. For a general's son there is a lot you do not know about your own kingdom. You should ask him."
Ben looked at her wide eyed, "me? Have you seen the guy? He could stomp me like a bug.”
"Maybe if you stopped acting like one, you would not have to be worried about being treated like one."
"Cruel woman," he muttered.
Nyla chuckled.
"Do not mind me Ben," she said, with strange warmth injected into her husky voice.
Ben narrowed his eyes. Nyla turned to look at him, and in the faint light of the moon he saw something he had not noticed before; a look of respect.
"I have not thanked you for having my back with the Feelers. You are a good warrior and a loyal friend, now I see why Deswald respects you so.”
Ben averted his eyes, suddenly interested in their surroundings, "ah well, let us not assume this is all about loyalty."
Nyla frowned, "what do you mean?"
But before Ben could answer, Deswald turned and gestured for them to get down. They hunched down and scurried to meet Deswald and Stiller where they were stooped behind a stone wall dressed in vines. They were just outside the walls of the city of Dravia and though getting in was not often difficult, they had to assume that the prince was already aware of their presence and would not be particularly welcoming to them. Stiller would be their way in.
Deswald was frantically throwing on the strange looking tunic Nyla had brought for him and Ben hurriedly followed suit. The baggy tunic was long to just above their knees, with two slits on either side, the sleeves were wide reaching them to their elbows and it was in an unflattering shade of brown, with straw like stitching at the seams. It was so different to the slimmer, more artistic design worn by Aldorians, which was a softer material often made with patterned cloth unique to Aldor.
Nyla had already changed and was looking less like a fierce soldier and more like a doe-eyed servant girl used to carrying water than wielding swords. Her long locks were piled high atop her head in a bun.
Stiller turned to them, "now listen, if anyone asks, you are merchants from the lower territory here for the quarterly celebrations. Things are different here, the king has eyes all over this city and any sign of disloyalty is punishable by death or imprisonment. Do not look the patrollers in the eyes, nor the royals, they would not be hard to identify. Peasants are to keep their distance from the upper class. Also, if you are offered any colorful candy, take it, but whatever you do, do not eat it,"
Stiller's eyes went right to Ben, who nodded jerkily.
“What is this candy?” he asked.
Stiller with his eyes still trained on the village replied, “it is a hallucinogen, it is made and distributed around this time. It is part of the three-day celebrations. Which you will find out about soon enough. It is thought to allow one to communicate directly with the gods. Many have lost their minds after partaking of it, those people are considered weak willed, if you manage to come back from its effects there is a great chance you will always crave its effects. Men and women like that are never truly free of Dravia. Trust me, you do not want to return home and long for Dravia because of it. Ready?"
"Lead the way Stiller," Deswald replied.
Stiller led them through a narrow track in the town, this was after he had pushed open a stone door hidden in the vine covered wall. The buildings were quite different to those at Aldor, they hovered above them on rounded log pillars like stilts, with decorative markings etched into the wood. Unlike Aldor’s cottage like stone work and abundance of flora, the houses were closely packed together with very little green anywhere, they were made of stained wood and thatched roofs.
"Where do they keep their horses?" Ben asked, the intrigue in his voice was hard to miss. He was looking about him with wide eyes like he was on a nature tour and not sneaking into an enemy city.
"This is Arduway, a peasant town and peasants do not have horses," Stiller rumbled, "it is a good way to keep us under control."
"Oh" Ben nodded, deciding against voicing his other questions. Stiller did not seem like the conversational type.
They had left their own horses hidden in the woods, having been assured by him that they would be safe.
"We are here," said Stiller.
They followed him up the steep steps at the side of a building into a toasty lodging. This building was different to the others they had seen. Below it was a wooden addition with a large front door and wooden windows, which was closed up tightly. Ben made a note to ask about it later. One lantern burned in the middle of the small room and as they entered, it moved toward them.
"What took you so long?"
The lantern cast its yellow light on the soft worried eyes of a woman. Stiller shut the door behind them and made his way toward the woman with the lantern. The trio watched as the couple met in an amorous embrace, exchanging uncomfortable glances with each other.
Stiller turned to them now, his arm still draped across the woman's shoulders "sorry for the low light, but we are trying to keep attention from ourselves, we already have a bit of a reputation. I would like you all to meet my wife Stacia."
Stacia extended a plump hand toward them and they each shook it, nodding amiably.
"Thank you for letting us into your home," Deswald said.
The woman smiled widely, "it is always a pleasure, we do not get people from Aldor often," she leaned toward them and winked.
"It gets quite lonely."
They chuckled, already warming to her friendliness.
"Come, you all must be in need of a bath, food and a warm bed."
Stiller's eyes went to Deswald, seeming to sense his hesitation, "there is not much to be done tonight, if we are to rescue the princess and return her to our king we need to trust each other.”
He placed a large hand on his chest, “I assure you, my loyalties are as strong as they were the day I left Aldor. Now rest up and get refreshed. Tomorrow, the city will be hectic with the start of the Rah-ma. It is a three day celebration in honour of the god Rah, but it is perfect for what we intend to do. We will canvas the area, make a plan. I already have men out and about keeping an eye for the best opportunity. Hopefully, you get to meet other members of The Community tomorrow."
As Stiller turned away to assist his wife with the accommodations, Ben leaned toward Nyla conspiratorially.
"What’s The Community?" he asked.
“A group of people dedicated to El here in Dravia,” she replied, as she settled herself on chair in the corner of the room.
Deswald frowned “but why though? Wouldn’t they be better off simply escaping to Aldor like all the others.”
Nyla sighed, “some people are holding out for a free Dravia and they believe that El’s influence here is what will bring that about.”
Ben frowned “what do you think?”
Nyla looked at him intently, “what do you think?” she countered.
Ben sighed, and lifted his hand, “okay sorry, I crossed the line again. I don’t know what you want from me woman!”
Nyla’s expression softened, and she chuckled at
his silliness.
“I think that people have a right to want the best for their home. And not everyone wants to be a second-class citizen in someone else’s kingdom.”
“Ouch,” Ben said.
Deswald looked at her soberly, “is that what you think we are Nyla, second-class citizens. In El’s eyes we are all one, are we not?”
Nyla smiled sadly, “maybe in El’s eyes, but let us not pretend that we are like every other Aldorian soldier we serve with.”
CHAPTER 13
Jasper exited the castle and stepped into the courtyard, his purposeful strides taking him in the direction of the temple gates, even as his mind mulled over their current predicament. He missed his sister. It had been three days since she had disappeared and Deswald and his team went off after her. He expected that if they had not caught up with her by now, that their journey had already brought them to the gates of that cursed city.
His sure strides echoed on the cobblestone path in the quiet of the dark night as he made his way to the temple. He had always made it his responsibility to carry the pain of his family, when it had become clear that his father refused to tackle his emotions with the same courage that he tackled his enemies. It is why he often wondered if he could ever be the king his father is. He knew that one day the crown would pass to him, and he would take the responsibility, if only out of loyalty for El. For it was only because it was El’s will that he be the next king of Aldor that he even considered the possibility. Because the thought of having to compromise his values to please council members and older Aldorians worried him.
As he came upon the wooden door of the temple, he lifted his fists and struck the discoloured wood firmly, until he heard a muffled response from inside. As he waited he looked about him. The typical silence that fell upon the Royal city after night fall had often been ideal for his personal meditation. And it was not out of character for him to make his visits to the temple during these hours. So, when the door swung open, his old friend stepped aside and let him inside without a word.
Geoff shut the door behind them and rolled his eyes, “as usual, you care little for my rest.”
Kingdom of Refuge (Gemstone Royals Book 1) Page 11