Howl of the Wolf (Heirs to the Throne Book 1)

by Diane Rapp

“The ring can kill?”

  “No. The stone reflects intentions. You see? The stone glistens with a white light, proving you’re a good and loyal man. If the ring turned a dark red, my man would dispatch you without a moment’s hesitation. By passing the trial, you survive.”

  Donovan remembered that the ring glowed red earlier today and glanced with concern at his friends.

  “Your companions need not be tested. Their loyalty rests with you. I am prepared to grant you the power of my throne.” Halder’s gaze hardened. “You may become king and rule this world as I have done."

  Donovan said, “I don’t want power, simply a place for my crew to live out their lives in peace.”

  Halder nodded. “The throne is not a gift I fling like a tasty scrap to a dog. It is your duty, cousin. By the blood of your ancestors, you are indeed the rightful heir. I look at you and see the son of King McAndrew the Honorable.”

  “You’re mistaken. I’ve never set foot on this planet.”

  Halder’s eyes gleamed. “Trenton, tell him.”

  Trenton nodded hesitantly. “King Halder has the right of it. We’ve traveled the stars for seven spans as friends, but your journey began here. You were youngest of King McAndrew’s three sons. He saw war coming and sent you to Earth for your safety. You were a small child and I’ve been your sworn man all these spans.”

  Halder added, “Your brothers were murdered along with anyone who knew your whereabouts. My ancestor, your distant uncle by blood, and he survived and fought for twelve long years to secure peace on this world. He won the throne through valiant effort, and I inherited through him. You returned because we need an heir of the blood to sit on the throne.”

  Donovan shook his head, bewildered. “It can’t be true. I was born on Earth.”

  Trenton said, “You were fostered by your maternal cousin, raised on Earth as her own son. It weighed heavy on my heart to lie for so many spans, but I swore an oath to your father. That oath prevented my telling you the truth unless you returned to claim the throne.”

  “I knew about Transfer, how it allowed you to live through many life spans of ordinary men.” Halder pulled a nearby cord to reveal a portrait. “Look at your father and see for yourself.” The man in the portrait looked enough like Donovan to be his twin.

  Donovan stepped back. “This can’t be coincidence. You’re dying and suddenly I arrive on Drako, apparently the last survivor of royal lineage.” He turned on Trenton, his anger building. “Did you bring me here for this?”

  Trenton nodded. “Aye, I received a message from King Halder summoning us home. Lord knows how it found me, but it came before our escape from the Institute. I knew Drako was the place we must come to survive. It’s your destiny, your duty…”

  “No!” Donovan roared. “I’ve spent too many spans performing my duty! Now, I want to live my own life with Krystal.”

  “The power of the throne,” Halder said in a hushed tone, “may be your only hope to guarantee the survival of your crew. You met Hembly. His hatred and prejudice against spacers is typical of the lords. Should you spurn the throne, your people will go to prison or die.”

  Donovan’s face reddened with anger. “Alexander is an extraordinary doctor with advanced knowledge of healing. He’ll find a cure so that you can rule for many more years. Please accept his assistance.”

  Halder muttered, “Another doctor! You may approach.” Sitting motionless, he allowed Alex to examine him. “I’d appreciate a miracle, but even Transfer wouldn’t work at this point. The cells are too damaged to produce a healthy clone.”

  “He’s right.” Alex sighed and stepped away. “The king suffers from acute radiation poisoning. His genes are severely damaged. I wouldn’t be able to prepare a clone even if we had the proper equipment. I’ll reduce his pain, but I can’t cure him.”

  Krystal clutched Donovan’s hand. “This may be our only chance. I read the minds in that crowd. They are filled with malice. Someone plots to kill us at this very moment, just as they schemed to kill the king and killed his family.”

  Halder winced. The anger raged like a fire in his chest giving him strength. “She’s clever, Donovan. With Krystal at your side you might stay alive.” Halder drew a ragged breath. “I promise to help improve your prospects. Bryant!”

  The soldier stepped forward.

  “Swear allegiance to Donovan. Swear to guide him, stand by him and his family.”

  Distress filled Bryant’s eyes. “Sire!”

  Halder’s voice softened to a whisper. “My dear friend, my time is short. Donovan must become king in my stead, and he needs your knowledge, courage and your strong arm to gain the throne. Swear on my sword, Bryant.”

  A muscle bulged in Bryant’s jaw as he knelt before his king.

  “I swear on the king’s sword to defend Donovan with my life, as his true man until my death.” He looked up at the king, his eyes swimming with tears.

  Halder placed a feeble hand on Bryant’s shoulder. “Take your place now. My love goes with you, so keep it safe in your memories.”

  Bryant rose and moved to a position behind Donovan.

  Halder lifted the sword with effort. A spasm of pain made the tip dance erratically for a moment. “Donovan, I bequeath you my power, my sword, and my kingdom. Our kings are not crowned by hereditary rights alone. A man must prove himself in competition, a civilized method of avoiding war.

  “Our sons train from birth. They study with the best masters and learn skills to win the Tournament. My son should have been the one…” Halder choked back tears. “I will bestow my secrets to help you succeed.” Halder took faltering steps toward a wall near the fireplace. “Place your hand over mine on the sword to receive the key to my secret chamber.”

  Donovan obeyed.

  King Halder slid his sword into the center of the stone wall and opened a force field keyed to the sword. Donovan’s hand tingled at the surge of energy and held the sword alone when Halder removed his own hand. “You’re now keyed to the sword and can open the wall.”

  Halder motioned them all to enter the doorway.

  Behind the wall they discovered a chamber filled with antique equipment, hundreds of years old, but in excellent condition. Halder led them to a screen. “This communications port receives a signal from our satellite when a ship enters our atmosphere. The Institute didn’t leave us alone because we asked politely. One of our crafty ancestors seized control of the planetary defense system and forced the Institute to stay out. We can blow their ships from the sky if they try to enter our space without permission.”

  “It probably kept you out of the war,” Donovan said.

  “You are faced with enemies on this planet, but this equipment might keep you safe from the Institute. Bryant will teach you what he knows for the competition, but you must win. We can’t afford to have these defenses fall into unworthy hands.”

  “What makes you think I can handle the responsibility?” Donovan asked.

  Halder grinned. “You don’t want power; therefore, you are less likely to be corrupted.” His body trembled and he collapsed.

  Bryant scooped Halder up like a rag doll. “I’ll take the king to his bedchamber. If the good doctor can do anything to help, we’d all be grateful.”

  “Yes, of course,” Dr. Alexander said enthusiastically. “Donovan, you know where to reach me.” As he followed Bryant, it was clear the doctor had taken on a new patient and a new sense of purpose.

  *****

  Donovan clenched his fist and turned a steely gaze to Trenton. “Have you finally told me everything? Your stories were amusing but there comes a time when I must know I can trust you.”

  Trenton looked as if Donovan had physically struck him. “I swear. I was oath-bound to your father to guide and protect you. It was his decision to keep you ignorant.”

  “After my father lay in his grave, were you still bound to that oath?” Donovan’s voice sounded cold.

  “The current king could countermand my orders. Now Ha
lder’s done that, giving me leeway to tell you all the facts. My loyalty has been with you at all times.”

  Krystal stroked Donovan’s shoulder. “He kept you safe; stayed by your side.”

  “All right, Trenton since you set such store in oaths, you’ll take one now. Swear that you’ll never lie to me again, no matter how small the lie may seem! Swear it now or leave my sight forever!”

  Trenton forced a grin. “I swear I shall never lie to you, Donovan, upon forfeit of my life.” Trenton bent down onto one knee. “Furthermore, I pledge my loyalty to you until my death.”

  Donovan seemed satisfied. “I accept your oath. I pray you’ll never give me reason to doubt you again.” Donovan noticed Bryant enter the room. “Bryant, what are my chances in this tournament?”

  Bryant’s gaze remained steady. “Not the best. King Halder told you the truth of it; you’ve no other choice. Your survival and that of your crew is linked to your success.”

  Donovan frowned. “Take us back to our tower. We have much to discuss.”

  Bryant led them silently through the maze without energy. Donovan sensed danger just as Bryant stopped, instantly alert. Ahead the dark hallway, filled with flickering shadows, held one shadow with more substance than the rest. Donovan’s muscles knotted as he heard the hiss of steel that betrayed a sword sliding from its sheath.

  Bryant reacted.

  Drawing his sword, he vaulted toward the sound in one fluid motion. Stunned by Bryant’s speed, Donovan tried to slip into speed time but Krystal’s trembling hand gripped his arm. Before Donovan could shrug off her grip, Bryant turned with a satisfied grin.

  “That one won’t give us more trouble. Bryant drew a red silk cloth from his waistband, and wiped blood from his sword as if he were sitting safely at his hearth polishing the blade.

  Donovan cringed. Is the red from dye or an accumulation of dried blood?

  Kneeling, Bryant turned the body over and cursed softly. He glanced at Krystal in embarrassment. “Sorry, milady. I felt upset that the cur could not be recognized. Please forgive my rude language.”

  Krystal smiled. “Think no more of it, Bryant. Thanks for saving our lives.”

  Donovan grinned, amazed that Bryant would think nothing of killing a man in front of a lady, but bad language demanded an apology. He wanted to question Bryant about the attack, but the soldier moved them forward. The journey concluded with no further incident, but Bryant did not relax his vigil until they reached the safety of their own hall.

  Donovan erupted with questions. “Who was that man? What kind of place has assassins lurking in every corner?”

  Bewildered by the anger in Donovan’s voice, Bryant said, “He was a mercenary, hired to eliminate you, but we can’t learn who hired him. The secret died with him.” Bryant picked a fruit from the bowl on the table. “It’s not unusual to hire a secret assassin to slay an enemy. You should be gratified someone takes you as a serious threat.”

  Dumbfounded Donovan sat on the bench. “A plot to kill us is a compliment? I’d rather be spared from such compliments, thank you. The king left me little choice but to join this contest, so what’s the next step?”

  The contest begins with the harvest, barely four weeks away. We shall spend our time training in earnest. Get a good sleep tonight as we start at first light.”

  Donovan headed up the staircase, Bryant close on his heels. Turning abruptly, Donovan almost collided with the man. “Where are you going?” Donovan asked.

  “To your room. I’m responsible for your safety, sire.”

  “Not in my bedchamber! I’m competent enough to defend myself behind a locked door. Besides, my lady and I don’t need an audience.”

  Starting to object, he glanced at Krystal and turned scarlet. “Yes, milord.”

  Krystal laughed as Donovan closed the door of their room. “You know he’ll sleep on the threshold.” She slipped her arms around Donovan’s neck, drawing soft lips within his reach. Donovan responded with a lingering kiss, stroking her hair.

  “That’s okay, so long as he stays on his side of the door.” Donovan gathered her into his arms. Krystal could feel his ardor growing as he slid his hand sensuously down her side.

  “It’s been too long since we’ve really been alone,” Donovan said. “We should get married right away.”

  “Unless this world demands proof that I’m fertile.”

  “We can supply proof.” Donovan’s breath was hot as he nuzzled the small of her neck, nibbling at the sensitive spot under her ear. He eased her onto the mattress and pressed his own lean body against hers.

  Krystal responded to the urgency of his desire, pressing her lips to his. Donovan tasted the salty sweetness of her kiss, enjoying the feel of her body. His need was more than physical. He desperately sought the mental link they shared. As their minds touched, he felt like he absorbed her soul. The contact fueled their desire like an electric charge and passion drew them into their own safe world. They floated in the rapture, mingling minds and bodies, becoming part of each other. They drifted to sleep nestled in the warmth of mutual love.

  *******

  Night shadows stretched like gnarled fingers across the field, allowing Kriegen to creep toward the stone caves. Smells assaulted his senses from all directions. Acrid smoke from campfires blended with odors of seared meats; the pungent stench of animal dung mingled with the sweet scent of oats and grasses; the reek of men in sweat-soaked tunics puffing on smoldering sticks alarmed creatures large and small. Reading the smells bordering the trail, Kriegen knew which places offered safety and the ones to avoid.

  He heard mental voices inside the stone caves and recognized some of them. The human leader slept in one tower while another human, filled with great pain and anger, stayed in the other tower. Kriegen examined the area, nosing out a trail that penetrated to the very foot of the massive structure. He settled in the hollow of a large thorn bush and watched as guards passed within inches of his hiding place. It’s true. Humans can’t sniff us out and their eyesight is sorely lacking. A careful wolf can keep vigil in this place without detection.

  Before the first rays of the morning sun broke over the horizon, Kriegen returned to the safety of the woods. He settled down for sleep, instructing his companion host to keep watch. Suddenly Kriegen sat up.

  Pain! There is too much pain! Help me, Kriegen.

  He whirled, expecting to find Tendra. Where are you?

  We are here, in the cave. Kriegen, we are so frightened.

  Kriegen felt amazed. No mind could project over such a distance, but Tendra managed to reach him. Allow your voices to help. They can master the pain until Amber arrives at your side.

  The pain is leaving. We feel embarrassed that we acted like a sniveling cub in the face of fear.

  Call Amber. Having experienced birth, she will surely help.

  Amber comes. The pain begins again but Amber gives us comfort. She tells us the cubs are healthy and will arrive soon. Good-bye, my love.

  Good-bye. Kriegen felt suddenly alone, wishing he could feel her mind, but knowing she should not waste energy communicating at such a distance. He paced, wishing he could grow wings and fly back to the cave. Soon Konig would bring the pack to their summer cave, and he could see his family again.

  *******

  In the desert campground, candlelight flickered inside Jarrack’s tent. He stared into the flame and allowed his mind to drift. Jarrack savored the night. The mind he sought to control felt open, vulnerable. He smiled, knowing his patience would pay off tonight. She would come to him.

  The slave girl entered the tent. Jarrack gazed at her appreciatively, noting her glassy stare. She was a poor substitute for Krystal, but he enjoyed practicing for the real thing. If Donovan hadn’t interfered, Krystal would already be his. This girl merely provided a distraction until he could have Krystal.

  At his mental command, the girl released the clasp holding her robe closed. The fabric slid from her soft skin, revealing ivory-smooth nakedness. Ja
rrack’s concentration slipped, allowing the girl a moment of comprehension. Her expression of fear aroused him. Jarrack licked his lips and took control. She lay down on the couch.

  Jarrack reinforced the spell. He stroked her silken breast and whispered, “Soon you will come to me of your own accord. You’ll dance for me, unable to resist my will. You’ll beg to be taken.” He roughly used the girl’s body, yet the pleasure was not what he expected. He felt disappointed, cheated. “I’d rather you were awake and frightened,” Jarrack said. He chuckled, slipping a cord around her neck before releasing his spell. Her dark eyes widened in fright and she opened her mouth to scream.

  Jarrack jerked the cord tight. The girl struggled, clawing at the noose and gasping for breath. He slapped her. “I am your master and my power will soon enslave you.”

  Her feeble thrashing inflamed his loins. “Better, much better,” he murmured, absorbed in his own gratification. When her body went limp, he failed to notice. Satiated, he released the cord and prompted her to move.

  She lay dead.

  “Damn you!” He kicked the corpse. “Now I need to start over to condition a new girl. What a stupid waste of time!”

  The slave girl’s body, found floating in the river the next morning, caused her owner to grumble. She was meant as a gift for Forshell, a prize if he won the Tournament. There was still time to buy a replacement. Although Havenshire prohibited slavery, plenty of renegades were willing to deal in flesh. Soon the Tournament would begin and policies would change.

  *******

  Morning rays danced cheerfully across the stone floor as filmy white draperies floated like beckoning fingers in the gentle morning breeze. Krystal moved, appreciating the softness of the sleeping furs rubbing against her naked skin. The comforting warmth enticed her to snuggle deep in the bed and ignore the world.

  She was alone, but her fingertips caressed the warm cavity where Donovan had slept. Rest eased her saddle soreness, but she felt ravenous as the smell of freshly baked bed drifted up from the kitchen. “It’s comfort and starvation, or cold floors and Maggie’s cooking. No wonder Donovan deserted me.”