“Which way then? I had hoped to make it back to Denoi in under a month,” Aiden said as they mounted their horses.
“Once we get outside of the gates, turn north and ride as fast as you can. Make sure that you don't veer back east or the cities’ artillery will be able to find you,” Dominic said as he rode his horse to the edge of the courtyard.
Aiden looked back at him as the gate began to open. “Is this going to work?” Aiden asked him.
“I can buy you some time. Ride hard and fast. You can catch a ship at Four Rivers and still make it home within the month.” Aiden looked at his men then back at Dominic. “Be safe, brother. I will send word when we are safe,” he told him as he put his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Aiden, one more thing, hit me and hit me hard,” he told his brother.
“What?”
“Hit me.”
“We just had a huge fight. Why do you want more?”
“Hit me you stupid son of a bitch!”
Aiden’s fist hit him square in the nose. The punch was so hard it knocked him backwards off his horse and onto the hard stone street.
“Go!” Dominic told him pulling his pistol. “They are here stop them!” He shouted as he held the pistol into the air and fired it.
All around him the guards on the wall, the guards in the courtyard and even Allan fired their weapons into the air. “Now go. If you can get out of here I can keep Jayden from you.”
He watched as Aiden turned. He knew his brother had understood what transpired and he obeyed. “Thank you, brother,” he said as they men of the north rode fast hugging the edge of the wall around the Estate and out of the city.
Everything was quiet now but it wouldn't be for long. The sound of cavalry coming closer to him made his heart skip every other beat. He knew that he would be escorted back to the Palace where Jayden would surely question him in detail about what transpired. “How could a fully armed and fortified Estate not be able to capture twenty men?” he could hear Jayden's endless question in his head now.
As the soldiers got closer his heart pounded faster and faster. “Dom? You’re sweating!” Allan said looking at him closely.
“I know. If I don't come back from this. You have Easterway. Send a letter to Aiden on what has transpired and tell him that you are appointed by law from me. Tell him that you need support, military support!” He ordered his friend. Allan nodded; Dominic knew that he understood what he meant.
The soldiers came around a bend in the street. They were all mounted, at least twenty, but not the fifty that had been first reported. As they closed in, he knew the leader of the group, Sergeant Garrett. “My Lord, by order of the King we are hereby ordered to take you and your associates into custody.” He said dismounting his horse.
“On what grounds?” he asked the sergeant.
“My Lord, you are accused of housing a known fugitive of the crown, His Grace the Duke of Denoi, Aiden Carlye.”
“A known fugitive of the crown? And if I resist?”
He heard the sound of movement come from the other soldiers as the each grabbed for either a sword or a pistol. “Stand down,” Garrett said gesturing his hand backwards. Dominic was feeling anger brew up inside of him
“My Lord, please let us not make this hard.”
“Oh we’re not, Sergeant. Before you come into my district commanding me, check your allegations. Sergeant, I am hereby ordering you to stand down and return to the Palace and tell the King that I personally am denying the claims.” He turned his back and started to walk away.
“My Lord!” Sergeant Garrett said with a heightened voice, “I have my orders, and you cannot override a King’s directive!”
“And you, Sergeant, might want to look above you,” Dominic said as he turned back to the man then away again. “TAKE AIM! HOLD!” he ordered, walking back to his horse. “Now Sergeant, which order do I give? You have no grounds for arrest when I personally attempted to arrest the Duke myself. If you have questions, ask my men,” he said, mounting his horse.
“Stand down, return to the palace,” Sergeant Garrett ordered his men.
Allan mounted his horse and galloped to catch Dominic. “Dom, if I may ask, what did you just do?”
“Two things. If I play this right I just saved Aiden and possibly everyone, if I played this wrong I just started a war.”
XXXVII
Damn him!” Jayden said as he threw a wooden chair across the room and into a mirror. “Damn him. Sergeant Garrett, find him and find him now or your head will be on pike before the end of the night!” Jayden screamed as he continued to throw things toward the Sergeant of the Crimson Guard.
“I gave you an order. Either bring me Aiden Carlye or Dominic Carlye. DO IT!” He threw a glass goblet at the Sergeant and struck him in the face.
“Yes my King, I will bring Lord Carlye back to you this time.” Sergeant Garrett said bowing and leaving the room.
They defy me at every turn, Jayden thought as he looked out of his chamber window. The sun was setting in over the city as he saw Sergeant Garrett and his troops leave again from the courtyard. He knew that this time Sergeant Garrett wouldn’t fail him, not again. This time, Lord Carlye, you will obey me.
He sat in his chamber quietly. He had too much going on now to falter at all. He had to remain a strong leader or these lesser lords would be the end of him. House Wakefield leads an army to me and House Carlye defies me, he thought as he took a quick drink of corn liquor.
If I could just take them both away in one blow, yes one blow to rid both houses of my troubles. I cannot have Lords, Dukes and any others defy my power and challenge my authority. I will not be…. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his door opening.
Oberon stepped through the door. “My King,” he said entering and bowing. “I have disturbing news. Earlier today an assassin was found inside the palace. Although his intentions were unknown and still unknown, it is believed you were his target.” Oberon said as he came to stand beside Jayden.
So they hire assassins to kill me. Do they not understand that my death changes nothing; if I die my Brother in Law Duke Ramsden will take my place, he thought and then asked Oberon; “Where is this assassin now?”
“To avoid capture he jumped from the main level balcony into the river, My King. Even for a man as skilled as he, the impact would kill or injure him so severely that he would beg for death.” Oberon replied. “If by some miracle he survived, he will be found and brought to justice.”
“Send a small detail to search for him. Has Lord Candrin been informed of the other news?” He asked Oberon.
“Yes, My King, and he reports that three thousand Crimson Guard troops have been organized with five thousand more arriving from Erinbur plus Lord’s Walters and Gryn have pledged five thousand men each.”
“Eighteen Thousand. Good.” His door knocked again. “Enter.”
The door opened and Sergeant Garratt entered first followed by Lord Carlye with Lord Candrin in tow. Dominic looked tired, bloody, covered in dirt with bruises starting to poke through his skin. “Ah Lord Carlye,” Jayden said as he looked at him. So this is the face of the man who betrayed me.
“Your Majesty,” Dominic said, bowing.
“Tell me. What happened? It was known that your brother the fugitive was spotted in this city and made his way to your home where he spent almost an hour before leaving untouched,” He asked sternly. I want answers.
“Your Majesty. It is true my brother was here at Easterway. I admit that I spoke with him before I tried my best to contain him. During that time a fight broke out between us and I ordered my men to stand down and he did his the same. During the fight his men were able to subdue my own and with ease made an escape. You can ask anyone in the area, along with my men, shots were fired during the exchange, but the escape had been made. Your Majesty I have failed you and I deserve the punishment your desire.”
He sounded sincere, but Jayden knew he was lying. How could a fully armed garrison allow
twenty men to escape? “Very well, how about your insults to my men?”
“It was anger, Your Majesty. It controlled me and I lost my control.”
“Anger? Untrained men. I ask one thing, bring me your brother and bring him to me to answer for his crime. YOU have failed, Lord Carlye.” he shouted.
“Your Majesty, that’s not all. Idris, he has told me something that I feel you must know. Your Majesty, he speaks of the Shadow Beings, the ones from history-”
“Shut up. You sorry bastard, I’m not here to talk about Shadows! Ancient history, forget it and forget Idris; if you listen to him you are more gullible that I expected. The fact is I gave you one thing to do and one thing only and you failed.”
He reared his hand back and slapped the face of Dominic.
“My King.” Oberon interrupted.
“What?”
“Lord Carlye speaks the truth. My King, is it fair to treat a man who did his duty to fulfill that oath to you and failed when he has proven nothing but loyal to you in the past? My King if I may. With the arrival of the troops in a few days, would it not be a wise choice to send Lord Carlye to lead them. He is a strong leader and a fine military advisor; he could prosper at this task; it could also give him the time he needs to remove himself from the poison of Idris.”
A way to rid myself of Dominic, yes! “Yes. Lord Carlye do you object?”
“No, Your Majesty.”
“Very well. Lord Carlye is now the Commander of the Brigade that will be sent to meet Lord Wakefield’s threat. Sergeant Garrett here is now your first and is promoted to Lieutenant. Lord Carlye your job is to end Wakefield’s threat. Do not fail me. Now be gone. You will have men from the Crimson Army and your own House, along with House Ramsden and Candrin.” He obeyed and bowed before leaving the room.
“Lord Candrin. Once Lord Carlye is gone gathering one thousand Crimson Guards you have a special task. Master Oberon, please come with me. We have work that must be done.”
XXXVIII
Mariella watched as Dominic walked around looking at a company of Crimson Guards in the Easterway courtyard. He had been with his men for the last eight days prepping them and getting ready to ride east. She had been waiting to spend time alone with him, but there wasn’t any left. She hoped tonight would be different.
He was a strong leader, stronger than he gave himself credit for, and she knew that one day when all of this strife and disagreement was over that he would emerge as one of the greats of the country. He had organized eighteen thousand men in less than a fortnight and now the final preparations had been made.
She watched him. Even though she knew that he would come home soon, she still worried for him. Dominic was one of the strongest men she knew; he would be okay. Even if a battle were to break out, he would be okay.
“Sis.” She heard Allan’s voice from behind her.
“Hey,” she said, turning and glancing at him
He took a seat beside her on the steps leading into the Estate. “You’re scared for him aren’t you?” He asked her reaching over and rubbing her back.
“No, not yet,” she said quietly.
She knew that he could sense her tone. Who was she trying to fool? Yes, she was scared for him. “I’m just afraid that he will fail and war will start, and then, then… Allan, I know if war starts that both of you will be gone....I can’t… I just can’t…” She was crying now.
“Come here,” he said pulling her into an embrace. “Nothing is going to happen to anyone, not me, not Dominic, none of us. War isn’t going to start, and if anyone can talk Lord Wakefield down, it is Dominic and he will do it.”
“I wish I could believe you,” she said, crying into his shoulder. “Please make sure you bring him home, bring both of you home.” He didn’t say anything; he just hugged her. She wished it was Dominic holding her, but if it couldn’t be he, she would have rather it be Allan.
“Sis, I’m not going,” he said in a soft tone. “Dominic has ordered me to stay here.”
“What?” she said, looking up. She knew her eyes had to be puffy and red but she didn’t care. “What do you mean?”
“I’m staying; Dominic wants someone to stay back who can take his place while he is gone.” He rested both hands on her shoulders.
She was relieved but still her heart was leaving tomorrow, and she had no idea when she would see him again. “That’s good,” she said as the tears starting to come again.
Her eyes were dry and not puffy or red anymore. She was okay now, but she didn’t know how long it would last. Darkness was over the city now but Dominic had not come back yet. He had gone to his chambers with the new Lieutenant and some of the other commanders.
She had eaten alone tonight, something she didn’t like at all. Maybe this is the life of Lord’s wife, she thought as she paced around her and Dominic’s bedchambers. She wanted him so badly that she was becoming anxious. Not only did she want to spend her last night with him; she wanted him one more time before he left.
Please hurry. She begged him in her head. She paced more and even more until finally she heard the door latch drop.
Dominic walked in. He was tired; she could see the need for rest on his face, his dropping mouth and the dark circles under his eyes showed that he was begging for sleep. “My love,” he said as she rushed him and hugged him.
He embraced her back as a sigh of comfort left his mouth. “Please, Dominic, is there any way you can stay?” she asked him as she held onto him tightly. She knew that he couldn’t, and she knew the answer he would give her. “Don’t answer that,” she said, “I just had to ask one more time. I already know the answer.”
“I wish I could. But if this is the means that we need to follow to make this entire mess end, then I will do it, even though something feels wrong. We don’t need eighteen thousand soldiers but the King wants to flex his might so let him do it,” he said as he released her and began to take off his cloak and tunic.
“I just hope that Lord Wakefield can come to reason and is not bent on battle to make his point,” he said sitting on the edge of the bed to take off his boots.
She sat beside him and watched him as he as he took the boots off. “Dominic, please come home to me,” she said as tears started building up behind eyes again.
He looked at her. His eyes were soft, and she could feel how much he loved her. “Why do you cry? Are you afraid I won’t come back?” She swallowed hard, as tears filled her eyes.
“I don’t want to do this, but Jayden is going mad and I’m afraid if I don’t…” He paused, “never mind, I don’t waste this time talking about the what ifs.” He said as he leaned in and kissed her.
Tears rose in her eyes as she kissed him back, she was so in love with him and they hadn’t had enough time together. Seven years lost and the she got him back only pulled away from her again. She cried as she put her hands on his face and kissed him harder and something inside said she would never see him again.
XXXIX
Dominic and the entire eighteen thousand had left early that morning at first light. The entire city was awake when they left and the people of the city watched as the soldiers left to an uncertain mission.
Idris had watched the host leave from the walls of Easterway. As long as Jayden was still not seeing clearly, he was afraid to leave the safety of these walls. Lord Carlye had given him immunity as long as he remained inside the walls, something that could cost Dominic his position among Jayden’s court.
It was now midday and the estate had been quiet. Allan had sent some soldiers out onto patrol into the Commons earlier after complaints of robbery and assault. It was just like normal, just that the Earl, Dominic, was gone.
Idris walked through the courtyard back to the Estate. The kitchen had the midday meal ready and he was making his way back inside. He was alone, as he was most of the time when he wasn’t helping Lord Carlye.
He walked into his small private chambers where his plate and drinks had been prepared and awaited h
im. Sitting down he saw the meal was lavish, pork, apples, leaks, roasted corn and red wine to finish it. He sat and enjoyed it. It was far better than the meals served in the royal Palace. Everything was perfect and good, even the wine, not sour but sweet.
He ate and thought to himself. After this he was to meet with Allan for a short meeting before assigning the new guard rotations to the watch commanders. They had discussed the new rotations earlier, and now they would be prepared this afternoon.
The air in the room suddenly changed as a fine gray mist began to form in front of him. He put his fork down and waited for what he knew was coming. The mist started once again to form the figure of man, this time a man sitting in the chair in front of his desk.
Jarrell suddenly appeared from the mist sitting. “You again,” Idris said looking at him.
“Yes.” Jarrell said reaching for the bottle of wine and pouring a glass. “Idris, something is wrong, terribly wrong. The Watcher’s council doesn’t want me telling you this, but I felt that I must. As you know we will not get involved with problems of men unless the Shadow Beings have a direct link,” he said taking a drink of the wine straight from the bottle.
“My heavens, do you always have sour wine?” He said cringing. “Idris, I don’t have much time but listen to me and listen to me good. Jayden is hiding something, something dark. Please do not underestimate this young King. There are wards and magic in place that is old. Magic that I have never seen before and it is getting stronger,” he said sternly.
Jarrell was warning Idris of something that he had feared the last eight hundred years. “Where are they?” he asked Jarrell.
“Close and in this city. I do not know where or how many. As much as I try, I can’t find them. Idris, keep an open eye. I cannot stay long but without hard evidence to present to the council, I will be going against an oath older than history itself. Idris, Ash is your most trusted ally; do not lose him.” Jarrell told him.
The Coming Of Shadows (The Shadow Tide Book 1) Page 15