“How many men are in this Army of the West?” asked Natia as she ran through a gap in the column to stand next to Tedi.
“We have five thousand fighting men with us,” replied Reese. “We will pick up another thousand when we meet up with King Altaro.”
“That is not much considering the size of Azmet’s army,” frowned Tedi.
“It is the best we can do right now,” shrugged Reese. “We do have another six thousand men guarding our cities and towns. We could pull off half of them if we had more horses and weapons.”
“The gypsies might be able to get more horses,” offered Natia. “It is our specialty.”
“I will never curse another gypsy as long as I live,” chuckled Reese. “The horses you brought to Southland were a blessing. We would be two thousand men less right now without them. If you can get more, I certainly have a use for them.”
“I think the dwarves were still making armor and weapons for the army when we left Dorgun,” interjected Tedi. “They follow Prince Arik now, so I am sure that we can get more.”
“Fairies, dwarves, unicorns, and gypsies,” Reese shook his head. “This son of Oscar is going to be one amazing king.”
“He is going to have to be,” declared Wylan. “There will be hordes sent against him. I shudder when I remember the sight from the Castle of Man. Tens of thousands of goblins and ogres.”
“That does not even include Sarac’s human army,” interjected Baron Timor.
“Or the Lanoirians,” frowned Bin-lu. “They may not be Sarac’s, but they will be going to Tagaret nonetheless.”
“Do you really think they will come this far north?” asked Baron Timor.
“This far north and beyond,” nodded Bin-lu. “Emperor Hanchi plans to rule the world. Unless somebody in Sordoa can beat him, he will show up in Tagaret.”
“Maybe if all of the rogue armies in Sordoa banded together,” mused Baron Timor, “they might stand a chance, but even then I doubt it.”
“Then it looks like you need more horses and weapons,” shrugged Tedi. “After we reach Tagaret, Natia and I will be returning to the gypsies. We will see that you get the supplies you need.”
“Then we should keep in touch,” suggested Reese. “I am sure that we will get some horses and weapons from Azmet’s men. There is no sense in endangering the gypsies if we do not need all of the three thousand horses that I mentioned before.”
* * *
Master Khatama sat on a log with Fredrik watching Niki groom the horses for the second time.
“I never thought I would see Niki doing such a chore,” commented Fredrik. “She really appears to like it. You have done wonders for her Master Khatama.”
“She has worked for the powers she has,” replied Boris. “It is a rather unique skill these days.”
“I believe it,” nodded Fredrik. “I have never heard of animal talkers before. Still, you are the one who opened up her talents for her. I really appreciate what you have done for her.”
“You like her very much, don’t you?” asked Boris.
“I love her,” responded Fredrik. “I know most people would think me crazy for saying that, but I do not care. I plan to marry her when she will have me.”
“I can believe that,” smiled Boris. “You gave up Cidal for her. Then the Rangers and the Council in Tagaret.”
“I would give up anything for her,” declared Fredrik. “Even my life.”
“That is as strong as love gets,” nodded Master Khatama as he gazed strangely at Fredrik. “She is special. That is for sure.”
“Many think that she is Sarac’s descendent,” commented Fredrik.
“No,” Boris shook his head. “That is one thing she is not.”
“Are you sure?” questioned Fredrik.
“Without a doubt,” replied Boris. “Her magical skills came neither from Sarac nor Aurora.”
“But she carries Aurora’s cloak,” insisted Fredrik.
“And that is most puzzling to me,” declared Boris. “How long have you known Niki?”
“A very long time,” answered Fredrik. “We met in Trekum around five years ago. I was not attracted to her at first. I guess she just grew on me.”
“Did she have many friends?” questioned Master Khatama.
“No,” frowned Fredrik. “Actually, she had no friends. Niki has always been peculiar. Most people will not take the time to understand her as you and I have.”
“Niki told me at one time that she got that cloak from another girl,” Boris said. “You have known Niki longer than anyone else I know. Perhaps you know who the other girl was?”
“She told you that?” Fredrik replied softly. “She never told me that,” he continued after a moment’s hesitation.
“Well that is what Niki said, and I believe her,” stated Boris.
“Oh, I would not doubt her word,” nodded Fredrik. “Master Khatama, would you consider taking me on as a student? I know that you have great skill, and I could use the instruction.”
Boris chuckled.
“I take it that I am imposing,” Fredrik said sadly. “I understand. I really have no right to boldly ask such a thing of a master.”
“You, Fredrik, are a gambler,” chuckled Boris. “And a very clever one as well. Do you really wish to learn magic?”
“More than anything,” Fredrik nodded vigorously.
“Now that I do not believe,” frowned Master Khatama. “Let me explain something about myself to you before we continue this conversation. I am not prepared to take on any full-time students. However, I will teach magic as I travel to certain select people. There are four things that I require of said persons. I am not sure that you are capable of complying with my demands.”
“I certainly would try to,” promised Fredrik. “What are the four demands?”
“Talent is the first,” declared Boris. “Without talent, my instructions would be worthless. Dedication is the second, for without it, all of the rest is pointless. Loyalty is the third. I have in the past trained those who I wish I had not. Never again will I train someone whose loyalty is in doubt. The fourth is honesty. I cannot and will not stand for a lack of honesty in a student. While the last two are not requirements to learn to be a master, they are my requirements for a student.”
“And you obviously think that I am lacking in at least one of those,” frowned Fredrik.
“I do,” Boris nodded sadly.
“Is it the talent that I lack?” questioned Fredrik.
“Certainly not,” stated Master Khatama. “I think you have great talent. It is an undiscovered talent, but great nonetheless.”
“But that is the only one of the four that I do not have control over,” protested Fredrik. “Surely, if I have the talent, I can comply with the other three. Loyalty, dedication, and honesty. I do not understand what I am lacking.”
“Of the three,” sighed Boris, “I would tend to think in favor of one of them and negatively of another.”
“And the third?” pushed Fredrik.
“I do not know,” frowned Boris. “That is something that only time can tell.”
“Honesty is either true or false,” reasoned Fredrik, “while dedication and loyalty are attributes that must continually be expressed to be true. I understand. I understand what you are saying,” nodded Fredrik. “I do not, however understand the reasons for your beliefs.”
“Tell me what you do understand then,” prompted Boris.
“You believe that I desire the instruction enough to provide the dedication,” explained Fredrik. “On the other hand, you question my loyalty because you believe me to be dishonest. Am I correct?”
“You are very intelligent, Fredrik,” nodded Boris. “There is nothing wrong with your powers of reasoning.”
“But why do you think I am dishonest?” questioned Fredrik. “I do not understand.”
Master Khatama saw Niki finishing up with the horses and returning to the campfire. “I want you to dwell upon our conversation toni
ght,” suggested Boris. “Truly inspect the words we exchanged tonight and analyze them. When you are ready to talk further about this, I will be happy to do so.”
Chapter 12
Aurora’s Cloak
The Targa soldier entered the old factory and closed the door.
“Hello, Kendal,” greeted Jon.
“Jon,” Kendal returned the greeting. “How are you today?”
“I am fine,” shrugged Jon, “but your princess is not doing so well.”
“She still depressed about the death of Queen Marta?” questioned Kendal
“I am not sure that depressed is a strong enough term for how she is acting,” frowned Jon. “I am worried about her.”
“Where is she?” asked the Targa soldier. “I will try to cheer her up.”
“Good luck,” Jon pointed to the rear of the room. “She just sits in the corner all day. She doesn’t even know that the rest of us exist any more.”
“Who is handling the food distributions?” inquired Kendal.
“Gwyn and Benni are taking care of it,” shrugged Jon. “It is just a waste of time I think. Now that the queen is dead, the food will stop coming, so we will starve again. I think we should hoard what we can right now.”
“I guess the others don’t agree?” questioned Kendal.
“No,” scowled Jon. “She has them believing that things have really changed in Tagaret. I am not so easily fooled.”
“I will check on her,” offered Kendal as he walked towards the rear of the room.
He stopped when he saw Sheri. She was huddled in the far corner with her knees up to her chin. She appeared oblivious to everyone and everything. Kendal walked over to her and sat down close to her. She showed no signs of having detected that someone was near.
“It is not healthy to mourn so much,” Kendal warned gently. “you will make yourself sick.”
Sheri’s eyes opened briefly as she turned her head and looked at Kendal. She returned to her previous pose and didn’t speak.
“Not even a greeting for an old friend?” prompted Kendal.
There was still no response, and Kendal moved closer.
“Are you going to be well enough to attend the queen’s funeral?” inquired Kendal. “I know that you would want to pay your respects.”
Sheri’s eyes popped open, and she turned to look at Kendal again. “Will they allow me to go?” she asked. “I do want to show my respect for her.”
“I am sure that everyone will get a chance to walk by her,” nodded Kendal. “I am not sure about the actual burial. There are so many who will want to attend. Still, you do have access to the Royal Palace. Maybe that will account for something.”
“Not any more I don’t,” sniffed Sheri. “Nobody goes in or out of the palace without General Gregor’s permission. He has no time to deal with food distribution right now.”
“The general is a very busy man,” nodded Kendal. “The Royal Palace is still closed because they have not captured all of the killers yet. I am sure that will change as soon as all of them are captured or killed.”
“They haven’t caught them yet?” asked Sheri. “How long can it take them to search the palace?”
“From what I hear,” Kendal said softly, “they have searched it several times already.”
“That doesn’t make sense,” frowned Sheri. “When is the funeral?”
“It will be tomorrow,” replied Kendal. “The whole palace is abuzz with rumors.”
“What kind of rumors?” asked Sheri as she wiped the tears away from her eyes.
“Notices are being posted all over the city right now,” explained Kendal. “No weapons will be allowed in public for the entire day. Not even the army will be allowed to have weapons in public. The only exception appears to be the Red Swords.”
“Not even the army?” echoed Sheri. “Why would you have an army and not allow them to carry their weapons?”
“Two of the killers are still loose,” frowned Kendal. “They wore military uniforms. I had heard that they were dressed like Red Swords, but now people are thinking that they must have been Targa soldiers.”
“So the Red Swords are going to arrest the whole Targa Army?” Sheri shook her head. “It still doesn’t make sense. And why tomorrow? Is it because of the funeral?”
“I believe it is because of the funeral,” nodded Kendal. “Well, not so much because of the funeral, but because of who will be attending.”
“Who is attending that is so special?” questioned Sheri as she suddenly sat straight up.
Kendal watched Sheri closely as he answered, “Prince Arik is arriving in the city tomorrow.”
Sheri’s eyes blinked several times, and Kendal was sure that he saw a momentary curving of her lips, almost a smile, before her face returned to the image of despair.
“I guess it is good that he is returning,” remarked Sheri in a monotone voice. “It was his grandmother after all. I am sure that they will smuggle him in and out of the city so quickly that nobody will even know he was here.”
“I would have thought that too,” agreed Kendal. “Especially with killers still on the loose, but that is not how it is going to be.”
“No?” questioned Sheri. “How is it going to be? And how do you know? Another rumor?”
“Not a rumor,” insisted Kendal. “Prince Arik is returning for more than just the funeral. He is to be crowned King of Alcea.”
“Are you serious?” gasped Sheri. “With killers on the loose? Is he crazy or what? They will kill him for sure. Blessed monarch, I hope they keep him hidden.”
“He will be entering through the western gates tomorrow morning,” informed Kendal. “The entrance is not meant to be hidden. Posters all over town are inviting the people to attend and welcome him to the city. They have even detailed the route that he will be taking.”
“Say it isn’t so,” cried Sheri. “What fool came up with this idea? I…we cannot go through another royal death right now. He has to be stopped. Just taking the weapons off the streets is not going to protect him. He will be killed.”
“I hope you are wrong,” frowned Kendal. “In any event, it cannot be changed.”
“Of course it can be changed,” insisted Sheri. “Someone can get word to Prince Arik somehow, and warn him that the fools at the palace have told the whole bloody town that he is coming. Even stating the route that he will take. Somebody should be hung for that.”
“The posters have been distributed by the order of Prince Arik,” declared Kendal.
“No,” Sheri shook her head violently. “That has to be a lie. Somebody is setting him up to be assassinated.”
“I don’t think so,” insisted Kendal. “I overheard Red Swords talking in the courtyard today. They felt as you do, and it is their job to protect the monarch. Supposedly, Prince Oscar came down personally and convinced them that this was Prince Arik’s desire. It was stated that the young prince is tired of living in the shadows, and he feels that the people of Tagaret deserve a monarch that they can see.”
“Blessed monarch,” cried Sheri. “We have to do something, Kendal.”
“There is nothing we can do, Sheri,” comforted Kendal. “Royalty have their own way of doing things. It is not for the likes of you or me to change their minds. You love him don’t you?”
Sheri stopped crying and stared at Kendal. Her mouth hung open and her eyes grew wide. She nodded her head, and then shook it vigorously.
“I don’t know,” admitted Sheri. “I think I do, but maybe it is just that I was overwhelmed by his spirit and generosity. I really don’t know him very well. I do know that he cares deeply for the people, just like his grandmother did.”
“I hope it is just an infatuation,” smiled Kendal. “You must realize that nothing good could ever come of it. Royalty does not wed people like you and me. They must marry nobles. That is the way of life.”
“I know,” nodded Sheri. “When I met him, I did not know who he was. It was the day that Queen Marta g
ave her speech to the people that I learned the truth. Still, I cannot control my emotions. Whether I love him or not, I would be proud to serve him. If he lives, he is the type of monarch that Tagaret needs.”
“I know enough about you,” smiled Kendal, “to consider that a great endorsement for any ruler. If the rest of the citizens of Tagaret felt as you do, this would once again be the greatest city in the world.”
“The people did love Queen Marta,” smiled Sheri. “They will love Prince Arik as well. They are very much alike in how they think of the people.”
“Prince Oscar is also loved by the Red Swords,” commented Kendal. “I guess it runs in the family.”
“Why isn’t Prince Oscar assuming the throne?” asked Sheri. “Isn’t he Queen Marta’s son?”
“He is,” nodded Kendal. “My understanding is that he abdicated the throne under an agreement before the Collapse. That is how King Byron came to rule. I think Princess Callie was the true heir. Or her father. I am not really sure, but Prince Oscar is precluded from becoming king.”
“I want to be there tomorrow when Prince Arik enters the city,” decided Sheri. “Will you accompany me?”
“If I am allowed to,” nodded Kendal. “It would be my pleasure, but I am not sure if the army will be allowed out of the barracks unless they capture the last two assassins.”
“If you can,” Sheri smiled understandingly, “meet me here in the morning. If you cannot make it, I will go alone. I do not wish to miss his entrance.”
* * *
“I am tired,” yawned Niki. “I think I am going to bed.”
“Good night, Niki,” smiled Boris.
Fredrik rose and kissed Niki good night. She smiled and crawled under the wagon. Fredrik returned to sit on the log next to Master Khatama.
“I have been thinking a lot about our conversation the other night,” Fredrik said softly. “I think I understand your concerns about my honesty.”
“Do you?” questioned Boris. “I would be interested in hearing your logic.”
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