Kingdom of Refuge (Gemstone Royals Book 1)

by Kelly A. Purcell

  “What now? You three proved just as useless.”

  “Your majesty they came armed with the stones and we are witnesses to its power against us,” one of them said.

  “Yes your high one,” another added, “we must find a way to disarm their power or we will never prevail against them.”

  The prince scratched his chin in annoyance, “I hate that kingdom. Why can’t they have a gate like everyone else.”

  CHAPTER 31

  Once they cleared the city walls, having evaded the Dravian soldiers, they used a secret passageway in the peasant village, that Edgar the drunken actor, had led them to. They were out on their own again, as Edgar stayed behind to rejoin the other members of the community who were helping Jasper. Outside the city they were met with the excited neighs of their own horses as a large man wearing dark armor stood with them, sword drawn. By the grade of his sword, the confidence in his stance and brilliance in his eyes there was no mistaking the fact that they were in the presence of an Aldorian Knight. Deswald was still weak from his wound so Ben helped him sit down on the soft dirt. The moment the soldier laid eyes on Ruby he swiftly placed his arms across his chest and bowed his head low.

  "Your royalty" he greeted, "Sir Cage of the first regiment."

  Ruby nodded jerkily, she was still shaking with fear from their hasty and dangerous escape. The carriage master was helpful enough and had managed to get them through the city as he was supposed to. But just when they thought they were safely away a group of the prince’s men bared down on them, commanding the carriage to a stop. The stench of fear was thick in the carriage as they all tried to temper their breathing in the dark space, praying to El that they were not discovered. Thankfully, the men were called away before they could search them, something about a new directive from the prince. She could not believe they had made it out of the cursed place, all together and in one piece.

  "Sir Cage," she replied, "thank you for meeting us here."

  "The honor is mine," the man said, his eyes were pleasant and warm but not for a moment did his stoic mask crack.

  He gestured to the horses, "we must ride and not stop until we meet the camp. I know the dark forest like the back of my own hand, prince Jasper gave me the task of navigating you all through it as safely as possible. But it would be a hard ride and a treacherous journey.”

  His gaze darted to Deswald, who was slumped at the foot of a tree, he looked tired but stronger and then to Evra, he had one additional horse; a white mare clearly prepared for Ruby.

  "I can hold my own," Deswald muttered, "I will ride with my cousin." he said.

  Evra lowered her gaze, she had been uncharacteristically quiet since they had left the palace. Deswald had shown himself to be strong and capable despite his wound but by the look on Nyla’s face she was not going to have it.

  Nyla pulled him up by his elbow, "Your family is our family,” she said, “your cousin will ride with me."

  "I am sorry I could not provide more horses," Sir Cage said.

  "It is no problem, this is better than we would have hoped for," Ben said, “besides as long as we have Des’ super horse we are good to go.”

  “Alright then,” Sir Cage turned to his horse and unlatched a small bird cage. Within it was a small white dove, he removed it, holding it securely in his hand.

  “Once we cross the border you will be reunited with your father princess, he waits anxiously for you. This will reassure him that you are on your way to him in my care.”

  He turned and tossed the bird upward and they all watched at the dove took off ahead of them. Ruby felt her heart soar even as the bird flew away, she longed to see her family again even if they never forgive her. They mounted quickly after refreshing themselves and rode off into the forest following their armored guide. As they rode, Ruby kept her eyes on Deswald. Even wounded he rode with the confidence of a knight, some people were truly destined for more than the limitations placed on them because of their heritage. If her father ever forgave her, she would be sure to tell him as much.

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  The king arrived at the camp grounds with Topaz in tow and was met by one of his generals. The man waited for him to dismount before updating him.

  “The caravan of refugees is on its way as we speak,” he said, “they will be transported directly to the Royal City for processing.”

  The king nodded, “any word from Cage?”

  The man shook his head, “no your majesty but our last report coming out of Dravia was that Prince Jasper had successfully infiltrated the castle.”

  “Discretely I hope.”

  The man nodded, “as far as I have heard.”

  “The last thing we need is a treaty war. El knows I will not wince at going to war with Dravia but I cannot risk the credibility of our kingdom. If we do not uphold our own treaties how can we expect to retain the trust of the kingdoms around us.”

  “Yes, your majesty. I understand the stakes, but I know that prince Jasper and his men are more than equipped for the task.”

  The king nodded and waved him away, “thank you General.”

  Topaz eased her way to his side, “is Ruby okay?”

  The king sighed “still waiting for news. Why don’t you set up in the tent prepared for you and take a rest? When your sister comes I have a feeling you two will have a lot to catch up on.”

  Topaz bit her lips but did not move, “what are you going to do?” she asked.

  The king frowned, “about?”

  “Ruby father. Surely the council will be expecting you to punish her for her actions and the risk she put the kingdom in.”

  The king shook his head, “your sister’s actions are on me Topaz. I kept key truths about herself from her, things she deserves to know, and I did not even realize how the ways of this kingdom has ostracized her for years and yet I expected her to trust my every word. Change may be far from coming as far as the ways of Aldor are, but Ruby is my daughter and I am king it is time I started treating her that way.”

  Topaz smiled, “I am glad to hear that father but…” her smiled just as quickly faded into a thoughtful frown, “do you think Aldor will ever change?”

  The king sighed, reaching over to cup her chin, “ah my precious one, always thinking and asking the hard questions. If El wills it, it will be done.”

  “Well good, because the El you have taught me about would not want anything less.”

  The king chuckled, shaking his head at his daughter. “Oh father, look up!”

  He turned his gaze upward in the direction of her pointing, “what is that?”

  The king’s frown morphed into a wide grin and he stretched his hand out. “A message,” he replied, as a white dove descended and perched itself on his arm.

  He lowered his arm and petted the bird with an excited grin.

  “What is the message?” Topaz asked eagerly.

  “Your sister is coming home.”

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  It was a tiring and uncomfortable ride to the border but once Ruby broke the hilltop and was met with the familiar sight of her kingdom's flag waving in the wind like a beacon, all exhaustion fled. She dismounted as soon as she could, gathered the folds of her dress in her hands and bolted toward what she knew was her father's tent. Her own anticipation threatening to throw her flat on her face, it was so overwhelming. She ran so hard against the wind that her hood fell away and her hair whipped about her head. The soldiers parted for her, frowning in confusion at her appearance as her red hair flew in the wind. The door of the tent parted and out stepped her father, his large frame like a boulder amid his men. She stopped short, the reality of what she had done and the state in which she now was, suddenly making her legs heavy and immobile. She held his gaze, trying to read what she saw there, anger, hurt, indifference? Nervously, she reached up to pull the hood over her hair, feeling naked standing among her people without her protective covering. She wondered if her father would be angry at her recklessness. But to her surprise he re
ached out and stilled her hand, pulling it away as he drew the hood down with his other hand.

  “My beautiful girl,” he said.

  He opened his arms and a relieved smile broke across his often, stern face. Without further hesitation, she rushed to him and threw herself into his waiting arms, knowing full well he could handle the full weight of her. She closed her eyes and breathed in the smell of him, she never knew she could miss him so.

  "By El, you have returned to me," he said, his low baritone like subdued thunder.

  "If you would have me. If El could forgive my trespass into darkness," she said, lifting tearful worried eyes to his. What she saw there startled her, in the eyes of her austere father, shone unshod tears of joy and love.

  "I will always take you back my girl," he said tenderly, “you are my daughter and Aldor is your home. As for El, he is a better father than I could ever be, so I am certain he is as joyful of this moment as I am."

  She smiled up at him, her own tears flowing freely down her cheeks, "I am sorry, I was so wrong to do what I did. I know that now. All I have ever known was the freedom provided by El in our kingdom. I did not know what you were protecting me from," she whispered clinging to him and promising the God of Aldor to spend time in solitude with him upon her return to the castle.

  She felt like no amount of washing could rid her of the stench of the prince's evil. Her father continued to smile at her, "You are forgiven my Ruby. I am happy that you are home again and wiser too. There is someone here who misses you very much," he said, stepping aside.

  "Topaz!" Ruby exclaimed, rushing toward her younger sister. The girls clung to each other, sobbing and laughing, overwhelmed with joy at the sight of each other.

  "I never thought I would be happy to see you," Ruby teased, touching her face affectionately.

  "Ahhh absence makes the heart fonder," her sister retorted.

  "General," the king bellowed, "bring me my trumpet," he commanded.

  He then turned to the band of unlikely heroes, who were looking at the exchange between father and daughter. He stepped forward and extended a large hand to a still weak Deswald and then to his friends standing at his side.

  "You have done well soldiers," he said proudly, the troops responded by standing at attention and striking the ground with their swords, "you will be rewarded for your bravery with promotions despite your status and your youth. You have proven yourselves worthy of it."

  "Thank you, your majesty," they replied in unison bowing slightly.

  "Your majesty I would like to introduce you to my cousin, Evra," Deswald said hurriedly, holding the king's gaze, "we could not have made it out without her."

  "It is true," Ruby added, smiling at the uncomfortable woman, "she saved our lives and risked her own, we could not leave her behind."

  The king nodded, "I see," he said, he extended a hand to Evra, "people find their way to Aldor in different ways, this is the most courageous of them all. Would you like to seek refuge in the kingdom of Aldor and make it your home, be an upholder of its laws and loyal to its cause and most importantly to get to know and serve the source of all that is good, right and powerful, the creator and God of Aldor, El?"

  Evra inhaled shakily, looking warily at the king's offered hand, "For me and my generations to come?" she asked, placing a hand on her abdomen. Understanding flashed in the king's perceptive eyes and he smiled, "all are welcomed," he said.

  She nodded quickly, tears falling from her eyes, "then yes, yes I will seek refuge. Yes to it all," she reached out and took his hand.

  "Welcome," he said warmly. The king stepped aside, clearing a path between the princess and her guard. They held each other's gaze, smiling widely as the trumpet of the king rose loud and clear, echoing through the woods. It was the trump of mercy, it was the trump of celebration for the daughter of the king had returned home at last, the people of Dravia would see no destruction tonight and all will continue to be well in the land of Saharia... for now.

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  Chills wracked his body as he stumbled into his chamber, he looked down at his trembling hands, now drenched with sweat and swore beneath his breath as he shoved the door or his chamber shut. He leaned up against the wooden door and tried to check his breathing. Now coming in short huffs of panic and sweat dripped down his chin, he groaned and pushed himself toward his desk, as he shrugged off the heavy priestly robes. He managed to fall into his chair and unlock his drawer, pulling out a box wrapped in a plain piece of cloth. As he undid it, he heard a sharp rap on his door.

  “Kohen gadol,” came a tentative voice, carrying on it the title he was growing to despise.

  His hands shook even more as he fought to open the box.

  “One moment,” he managed to ground out as his fingers finally managed to pick up a small yellow capsule from the box. He looked down at his dwindling supply in dismay and tossed the pill into his mouth. Swallowing hard, he stumbled to his feet again and made his way to the door.

  “What is it?” he asked breathlessly as he opened the door just a crack.

  “Kohen gadol,” greeted the young priest, bowing slightly.

  “I have prepared the altar and the offering as you have asked. Will you be entering the holy place today?”

  As high priest he was responsible for doing a weekly offering on behalf of the people of Aldor and every now and then that meant entering the most sacred part of the temple, the holy place. He had not entered the holy place for a few years now, since he had trained his son Geoff to do it for him. Being the eager student that he was Geoff had not thought twice about his father’s request. But now that Geoff was not here the responsibilities were once again falling on him.

  “No,” he replied, “we are not due yet for an entry into the holy place. I will be out shortly to perform the offering.”

  “As you wish,” the young man replied.

  He listened until the sound of his sandalled feet could be heard no more and relaxed. He could feel a sense of control returning to him, as his heart rate slowed and clarity returned to his mind. He looked down at the yellow stain on his thumb and fore finger and sighed. How long can I keep this up? He thought.

  Chapter 32

  Ruby's return to the kingdom was a quiet one. She had not expected a parade such as Jasper often received not after what she had done, but she did not expect it to be like she had never left. It had been two weeks since their return and the castle hands scurried about as usual and the soldiers continued their training in the barracks. Deswald and his friends had been relieved from guard duty, having earned not only a promotion but some much needed time off. She had not heard from Deswald since they had returned, after the Army physician had given him a clean bill of health, he had eagerly left to support his new-found cousin and her unborn child, taking his role of integrating Evra into Aldorian life very seriously. She could not blame him for distancing himself from her, she had after all almost cost him his life, and why would she believe that he cared for her beyond what his duties dictated. He was a soldier who had gone above and beyond his duties and had earned his due reward. She was glad that her father had made the decision to overrule military culture for the sake of Deswald and his friends. Instead of promoting them to centuries as they would have wanted, her father came to see the wisdom in having a team of non-native soldiers like Deswald and his friends. So he created an entirely new division in the army, he called them the Special Integration Unit, she had to admit she was proud of him for getting creative with it and even prouder for facing off against the council over his decision. But she did not expect the same for herself, other than embracing her difference she knew she would never truly rule any Aldorian territory.

  True to her promise to El she had spent her time in solitude. Pouring over the great book in the temple of El and reminding herself of what she believed in. Never had her faith been shaken so violently, but as she read and prayed she realized that her faith was faulty to begin with. If she were a true princess, she could
not imagine leading a territory barely knowing what it is her kingdom stood for. To the relief of her father and the council, Jasper had returned from Dravia along with the men he had left with. They had returned with bitter sweet news. Though they had managed to thwart the plans of the prince by destroying his weapon and not getting captured, they had still returned one man short. Geoff, had stayed behind, having seen a need for someone of his skills and knowledge among the community. Of course, his father, the high priest was furious, at what he thought was a thoughtless decision. But as Jasper explained, Geoff found a cause that he thought was worth sacrificing the comforts he knew here in Stone Vale. Ruby was just happy that no more lives were lost because of her, she was still so remorseful over the spy they lost and Serin's descent into darkness.

  With the hood of her cape pulled over her braided tresses and the new young doe eyed soldier shadowing her, she made her way back to the castle from the temple. This was her way for the past couple weeks since her return. Her father had not officially acknowledged her non-Aldorian heritage to the wider kingdom, maybe because to do that he would have to acknowledge what she actually was. But they all knew that soon enough word would spread about her and who knew how people with old purist values might react to her. So now more than ever, she actually needed a guard shadowing her every move. As she stepped up to her door, she turned to Arit, her new guard.

  "Thank you," she muttered.

  How she wished it was the grouchy soldier with the kind blue eyes instead of this scrawny lad, who seemed to fear her more than anything. If she were up to her old tricks she would evade him with little effort. As she stepped into her bedchamber, she was greeted with an unexpected flurry of arms and fell back against the door.

  "Omph!"

  "Ruby!"

  She managed to free one hand and return her best friend's embrace.