Holding The Line (Book 2)

by Andrew Wood

  It did not, "Caldar and Vanessa are not married." Sarena sighed, and to make matters worse Luken was childishly pulling faces each time she turned her back. She was not blind, though to his credit it my make Taylor stop asking such awkward questions. How did you tell a six-year-old boy, who had never known parents, at least not two together, on the reasons for sharing a marital bed? Luken was thinking a lock was probably needed for his door; he would not want Taylor interrupting him every night. Alternatively, perhaps he was now old enough to have a set of rooms of his own, before realising it would not be very fair to push him away like that.

  Luken finally sat up and pulled Taylor over towards him, for his morning hug. "Sarena is your mum now, and from now on she is going to be sharing our rooms." Taylor nodded, "perhaps we can get her a bed of her own, you are a prince and Uncle Caldar is king. I am sure he could order it, that way you won't have to share." The two newlyweds looked at each other, smiling, before all having a big hug together. "I don't mind sharing Taylor," he added. "Do you think I will have to share my bed, when I am older? I am not sure I would want to," Luken and Sarena chuckled, "I'm sure you might think differently when you're older."

  Another awkward moment arose, as Sarena realised she was entirely naked beneath the covers, "Why don't you go and see if our breakfast has been put in the other room?" Luken asked realising this start to a family life was much more difficult than it first appeared. How did every other married couple with children cope? Eventually Taylor slipped down off the top of the bed and made his way back out of the bedroom door. Luken thought it just enough time to move his hand over, and start working his magic, "stop it" she said sharply, "I have to get some clothes on. She shook her head, "this could be problematic Luken."

  He did not think it was, but listened and watched her stand before him. Mainly watched, if truth were told, admiring her pale soft skin, and gentle curves as she slipped a bathrobe around her. She moved around the bed, and Luken thought he was going to be kissed as she leant down towards him. Instead, she yanked the bed covers off him, completely revealing his naked body. She looked down and smiled, "now get dressed, and put that thing away; we need to talk properly with Taylor."

  Luken grimaced, and with the look of a child who had been told he could not get any dessert, he reluctantly got up and started dressing.

  All Sarena's clothes were still in her own room; as such, she stayed in the bedroom, whilst Luken asked Dareen to fetch a few items for her, after she had bought breakfast. Once suitably attired they eventually all sat around the table, to try further to explain how things would now be, to Taylor. Luken did not foresee there being any problems, but Sarena thought otherwise. She could already sense a difference in the child. Here was a boy who for the last few months had lived by his father's side virtually every second of the day. Although Sarena was not new on the scene in the day-to-day run of things, she was now in that space that had been just father and son.

  Over breakfast, she tried to explain, and quell any fears he may have. She told him, that now she was his mum, she would also share that exclusive time with them. Just because Luken and she were together, did not mean they loved him any less. She was not sure her explanations were particularly good ones, and she hoped the young boy did not suddenly feel pushed out by her. Eventually the penny dropped with Luken about her concerns, and he attempted to add input to the explaining, though she thought hers was better. She started her campaign by giving Taylor an extra big hug and Luken just a small one, to show he was just as special.

  The clear up was started in the city, despite there being a number of people still inebriated lying around the streets. Taking into account the amount of wine barrels that had been emptied, and the inevitable number of sore heads that would be around, the whole celebration had gone without any major incidents. There had been a few, which had not been permitted to join the festivities. A half cohort of soldiers had been ordered to remain on duty, just in case anything untoward had made an appearance. As a gesture of recompense, each of those would receive extra in their pay.

  Lord Willem of South Besemia had bid his farewells, and although not completely yet sobered from the previous day slowly trotted his horse away from the city. His men fell in around him, as they made the way back to Berston and Casham, on the border. As nice as it was to take a few days leave, he knew he must return as soon as possible and start on his plans to remove the blight upon the northern part of his country. If he wanted to be in Bashek before winter, he was going to have to get a move on.

  At the camp of recruits, just south of the city it was business as usual. Captain Jak Corley stood at the front, about to give the details for the day. "As a part of your training, from today small groups of you will accompany regular troops on patrols. I will put you in groups of six, and every few days those selected will go on twenty four hour tours." There was a buzz of excitement amongst the young men; going on placement would certainly break up the current monotony of day-to-day training.

  There were a few gasps when Jak Corley continued, and told them those patrols would take place north of the river. He hushed them and read out the first group, who would be leaving at mid-day with the regular soldiers. "Dane, as Squad Leader will have the honour of being in the first group. The others are Camden, Rowan, Patrick, Vincent and Shane." There were one or two groans from those not selected but Jak carried on telling them this was just the first group. He continued dividing the others up for future groups.

  Jak took Dane and the other selected candidates to one side, and gave them some advice. He told them to be alert, and diligent. They were to listen to advice when it was being given, and to obey orders above all else. He reminded them that despite all scouting north of the river since the battle, had been uneventful, they were still venturing into possible hostile territory. As such they should be aware the trip out was not without danger. With little time to even think about getting nervous, the recruits busied themselves collecting their kit, before having to report to the keep barracks.

  By mid-day Jak stood at the bridge as he watched his first six new recruits ride out, joined as they were by twelve regulars. With his immediate duties complete, he needed to see someone in the city; he had an important matter to discuss. After making his way through the gates, and up the main street, past the guards at the keep entrance and those at the keep doors, he started up the stairs. Something had been on his mind for the past few weeks, and he needed some on advice on the matter.

  He knocked gently on the door, and entered the room within. "Jak, come on in, and join us," said Luken, who was sat at the table having lunch with Sarena and Taylor. He felt a little awkward, he had not considered the fact he may be interrupting their meal. He quickly apologised, and offered to return later after they had eaten, but the young prince would have none of it. After reluctantly sitting at the table, he smiled at the young boy who offered him a plate, though refusing politely.

  Jak had hoped to speak to Luken alone, but decided to go ahead and ask for advice anyway. He had already thought how strange it might seem, for a man of his age asking guidance from a boy not quite yet eighteen years old. "I wanted to ask you about something I have been thinking of for quite some time. Well, I was thinking of asking Levin if he would like me to adopt him. I know he is a lot older than the normal age for doing so, but I have grown fond of the lad. He hasn't got anyone else really..." he stopped when he realised Luken and Sarena were both staring at him. There was an awkward silence, and for a moment, Jak thought they were thinking him foolish, for even contemplating the idea.

  "Well Jak, you surprise me. I did not have you down as father material, you really are going soft in your old age," Luken sniggered. Noticing his mocking reaction was making the old soldier uncomfortable, he became more serious. "In all honesty Jak, I think it is a wonderful Idea. What does Levin think?" Jak sighed, and put his head in his hands, "that's the problem; I am not sure how to even start asking the question. I was...well... hoping you might..." Luken no
dded, "all right Jak, yes I'll go and ask him."

  Quickly swigging back his drink, he stood, "right, Mid-day does he still finish working with the General at that time?" Jak nodded, "you are not going now are you?" He nodded, "why not, no time like the present." Taylor went to stand up and go with him, but Luken calmly told him to stay with his mum. Although he had stayed with Sarena before, he noticed a difference in the way his son acted, and was beginning to realise why his wife had shown concern earlier. He quickly gave him a hug and a kiss for Sarena, before he darted off out of the room, leaving a very nervous Jak sitting at the table.

  He found the young man at the centre of conversation, wiping down his horse just outside the keep stable block. Levin waved as he saw Luken, and was surprised when the prince approached him to talk. Luken had quickly decided on his plan of action, on his journey down the stairs. He would be his usual tactful self, "Levin, "that was a good start he thought, small talk over, "Jak has been to see me, and wants to adopt you. Though he is not sure how to ask if you. What do you think?" Levin stood there with his mouth gaping open.

  Luken knew Levin was not really that much younger than he was, but he was still a child. An older child, granted, and as Jak had pointed out, he did not really have anyone. Levin finally spoke, "well, yes. I just thought I would live with Jak anyway, but I guess this kind of makes it all official." Luken grinned, then grabbed Levin by the arm, "come on then."

  Levin was virtually pulled in through the keep doors, and then dragged all the way to the top floor of the keep. This he knew was the royal quarters, "just wait here." He did as was told and watched as Luken went through one door, and came out with Jak behind him. "Wait here," he said again before disappearing through another door on the opposite side of the corridor. A few moments later, Luken appeared again, grabbing both Jak and Levin and pulling them in through the door.

  Inside the room stood King Caldar, who gestured them all in. Jak thought, it would certainly take time to getting used to calling Caldar, king. "Quite exciting isn't it," he said as they all waited. "I've never done this before, so here we go. From this day forth, I do decree that, Levin?" he checked the name with Luken, who nodded the affirmative. "Is now officially the adopted son of Jak Corley. I'll get someone else to write the papers and whatever else ... but I think that is it." Jak turned to Levin, and put an arm on his shoulder, "you don't have to call me dad or anything. It's just I did not want you being alone, and well...I quite like having you around."

  Luken laughed, "That is as emotional as Jak gets Levin, so you don't have to worry about hugs and being tucked in at night." Levin did not join in the mirth, "It is just nice to know someone cares," he said a little solemnly, "after father was killed, I was never quite certain where or what I would do or go. You have all been so kind to me and Jak especially." Luken gave a grin, he had to, it was that, or start crying. In an attempt to quickly move away from the morose subject of Levin's father, "perhaps Caldar could pull a few strings and get you one of the new homes in the city."

  Caldar needed a dig in the ribs from his younger brother, before responding, "Oh! Yes of course, if that is what you want." Jak looked at Levin and the two both appeared to agree on something without saying a word. "The offer is very kind your majesty, but I think I would prefer a little place in the countryside, maybe a half hour's ride from the city." Levin nodded his agreement, he had been bought up in a small rural community, and as nice as these people were, the city was not quite the same as living in the countryside.

  Luken promised to have a word with Lord Galliss, he would probably be more aware of any decent places to make a smallholding. After Levin and Jak had left, Luken felt a sense of achievement, a feeling he had at last done something worthy. "Am I finished now?" Caldar asked, "I was having a very nice lunch until you barged in little brother," he added, patting his sibling on the back, and my head is still pounding from last night. For a moment, he was going to question his younger brother on how his night had been, but knew it would only cause embarrassment so decided against it. That particular line of discussion could be kept for another time.

  Luken returned across the corridor to his own rooms, to find Taylor sulking in the corner. It was clear he had been playing up, and Sarena had sent him there. Luken immediately went to placate his son, but a look from his new wife made him quickly alter direction. Instead, he sat back down at the table, and started picking at the remainders of lunch. "You cannot run to him every time Luken. That is part of the problem. He needs to learn that you will not be there all the time. Luken slumped in his seat; this marriage lark was certainly tougher than it looked. He had only been married a day, and already it was feeling stressful.

  Sarena explained what had happened. Taylor had tried to follow his dad after he had left. Despite her being firm, she had ended up having to raise her voice, and the boy had resorted to sulking in the corner. Realising his dad was not going to come and take his side, after a further twenty minutes of pulling the grumpiest face he could, Taylor finally gave up, and slowly walked head down towards the table. He immediately tried to climb on his dad's lap, and as much as it pained Luken to do it, he refused. Eventually Taylor looked up, "I am sorry mum." Sarena smiled, and held out her arms, and the young boy darted between them for a hug.

  After sorting out his domestic issues, Luken remembered he needed to seek out Lord Galliss, and furthermore his son Darak. They had not yet officially offered him the job of city treasurer; so much had gone on the last few days. He made his way down a few floors, to where the noise grew louder; an indication work was still taking place on the lower levels.

  He finally found the younger of his two targets, overseeing some workers, fitting out, what would eventually be offices. Luken patted his friend on the back, "hey, how is it going?" Darak turned to face the prince, "Your highness," he bowed his head slightly. "Things are going very well. We hope to have the first four offices completed this week." You could not help but be impressed, at the rate at which the work was now being completed. He was certain within another month probably the entire keep would be almost near completion.

  He enquired whether his father had happened to mention to him, the conversation about Darak becoming City treasurer. "He did mention, and if you think I am up to the job, then yes. I would be honoured to do it. I get my own place as well, and my own staff and offices?" Luken nodded in affirming that was correct, and added, "you kidding me, Caldar and I could not think of anyone more perfect for the role. There are few people that we know, to whom we can entrust such a position."

  The two chatted for a little while, with Luken confirming Darak was happy to live in the city, rather than return to their home estates. Lord Galliss had already sent his elder son Aric, to oversee matters on his behalf, with a view to eventually handing them over to him anyway. As the younger, Darak was happy to remain with his friends, and aside Luken, the man to whom he owed so much.

  Luken continued his journey, venturing into the keep yard, and sighting his next target, conferring with a group of builders, pointing at a new building taking shape against the east wall. This was to become another small barracks and stable block. Although they had made use of the old buildings that currently were used for these very purposes, they were not deemed big enough to house the numbers of men and horses required.

  After explaining to Lord Galliss what it was he was after, he started making his way back indoors. He was happy to leave the matter of finding somewhere for Jak and Levin in his hands. He was just about to step through the door when he heard voices shouting behind him. Quickly men were running across the yard, and horses were being readied. Luken immediately thought they were under attack, and he figured that could well be the case when a bell started ringing in the courtyard.

  Rather than get in the way of the stable hands by asking for his own horse, he ran out of the keep. Down the cobbled main street, and rather than go through the gates, he took a turn and headed up the stone steps to the top of the wall. Feeling totall
y out of breath, as he reached the top, he looked firstly in the direction of the river, and was quite confused when he noticed the gates were still open, and the guards were stood casually in their places. It was only when he noticed the guards atop the wall all looking the other way, that he did likewise. Off in the distance, probably a mile or so, due south, was a group of riders.

  He watched, and was not quite sure of their origin. "Murati," said a familiar voice from behind him. It was that of General Skalton, "I saw you scooting up the steps, I'll ready an honour guard your highness, and let the king know. Luken nodded, "I'll make my way down to greet them. I don't suppose we know why they are here?" He was quite certain the General was probably as clueless as he was, and so it was no great shock when he replied. "No idea your highness, but I suggest we be weary. Although we have never had problems with them, Murati only usually help themselves."

  Luken listened briefly to the Generals knowledge on the visitors, which in all honesty was more than he knew. The Murati had never caused war with Corlan. However, in truth they had never aided them either. Various traders moved back and forth over the border, and had done for countless years without any duress. "I would say they have heard of our demise, after all, we are quite literally a much smaller player in the world of politics now. I reckon they are here to see just how much of a smaller player, and they will hope to gain some advantage from it." Luken looked concerned, "you sound as if you don't trust them." The General kept his eyes on the advancing party, "It is not that I do not trust them, I just cannot think, why turn up now. After everything that has gone on with us and Besemia, why show up now?"