The Path Of Destiny

by Mike Shelton

The King whipped his head around.

  “Peace is a fragile thing, King Edward. You will not be remembered for it unless you deal with these things.” She knew they could detain her for such words, but she was compelled to say what the King needed to hear. Everything seemed so much clearer now. “You will give us an answer, or troubles that you cannot stop will arise.”

  “How dare you,” Edward bellowed, and he stepped forward. His face went red and his eyes bulged.

  Christine stood in front of King Edward, defiant and proud. A hush filled the room, and those leaving stopped to watch the exchange. Her eyes pierced his, daring him to look away.

  May the power fill you, and the dreams you desire come true for your boldness, my child, Lightning spoke to Christine’s soul, and she felt uplifted.

  Hope and light filled Christine as never before. Her fear diminished. She smiled at the King and curtsied, never taking her green eyes from his. She had said all that needed to be said at the moment.

  The next move was up to King Edward himself.

  Christine took her surprised companion by his arm, turned, and walked out the large doors. Small whispers followed in her wake, and conversations began to return to normal. The stewards kept control and continued ushering the rest of the petitioners out.

  * * * *

  After the two farmers left the room, King Edward turned with heavy feet towards his private chambers once again. His head hurt horribly. He put his hand there to quell the pain. The headaches had been coming more frequently lately. He motioned his councilor back and entered his private study by himself.

  Without really seeing anything in the room, he dragged his feet to his large red chair. He hated red right now; it reminded him of the troubles in Belor. Maybe one day he would change the furniture. He fell into the stuffed chair and leaned his head back. Slowly his heart slowed and he breathed normally.

  How can this girl have such an effect on me? Who is she? He would have to ask Richard to get more information. He was sure he had glimpsed an aura of light around her this time. That’s what frightened him more than anything else. And the look in her eyes. It was pure, and full of boldness. She seemed so assured that what she was doing was right. He felt power, but didn’t know what to do about it. The only real power he knew of that still existed in the Realm was the Throne of Power. Wizards and other magic hadn’t been seen in a century. Well, there were rumors that the madman in Belor had magic.

  His world felt like it was spinning out of control. Was this his punishment for not being the rightful heir to the throne? He had always done his best, but a nagging in the back of his mind had always told him he was not meant to be the king.

  “Peace.” He banged his hand on his chair. “What does some young wench from the farmlands comprehend of how fragile peace is?”

  Today had been a frustrating day. Earlier in the week he had sent a group of men to Belor to seal the city until things settled down. A messenger had arrived today to inform him that the situation had turned into an ugly and bloody battle. Peace had reigned through most of his kinghood, but all of a sudden things seemed to be happening on all sides. His life was unraveling.

  Besides Belor, the normal bickering of the guilds was flaring up again in Mar, and now he had just learned from his spies that the Gildanians were marching towards Denir.

  Edward wondered what the old emperor was up to this time. They had traded in peace since the treaty over twenty years ago. Rumors held that the man was becoming senile in his old age, and his eldest son had begun running the empire for him—a son who didn’t always agree with the more peaceful ways.

  The King kicked the small table over with his large, black leather boots. A book and two cups crashed to the floor. On top of all the troubles in the kingdom, he now had to deal with a pair of petty petitioning farmers from Anikari’s own backyard. He admitted he had let things get out of hand with the treatment between the farmers and the city. He justified that he hadn’t known the extent of the persecutions. His mind had been on other things. The fighting in Belor, the heir to the throne, his health.

  He wished he had known more about the farmlands earlier. Now there was little time to remedy that problem until other important things were taken care of. His councilors should have taken care of these types of things for him. But now he knew some of his councilors were also conniving behind his back, setting themselves up for the next monarchy. At least that is taken care of. Darius will be the next king!

  Richard walked into the room after a small knock on the door. Seeing the King’s apparent distress, his face grew concerned. “Are you feeling well, Edward?”

  “No!” he yelled, then he continued more softly, “I have been having these outrageous headaches. They almost put me in bed. And this winter weather does nothing to help, not to mention all of those petitioners out in the hall. And just now I thought I might be having a heart problem.”

  “Did the farmers come back?”

  “Yes they did; that’s what pushed me over the edge. I left without talking to them. Well, I tried to leave. That girl.” He held his head between his hands. “What do you know about this Christine? She cannot be altogether what she appears to be. She is not just a farmer; there is too much power there. Who is behind this?”

  Richard sat down across from the King. He reached down and picked up the table that had been knocked over. “She and my son, Darius, were good friends, even though I tried to forbid it.”

  “Why?”

  “Why what, Edward?” His voice rose louder than he intended.

  “Why did you forbid them to be together, and how close of friends were they?”

  “Edward, she is an outsider. A farmer. You do remember what Darius is going to be?” Richard was nervous, looking around, making sure no one else was listening. “They were close friends, from what my wife tells me. Very close. They held strong feelings for each other.”

  “I have a sense about her, but I can’t grasp what it is. The way she spoke today. The power she held. I felt something. Powers that haven’t manifested themselves in generations are here in Anikari again.”

  “My King, am I not your councilor? If so, I now counsel you to get her out of your mind. She is just a poor, silly farmer. She means nothing to us.”

  “Richard . . .” The King paused. “You must not be so hard on them.”

  “But . . .”

  “But nothing, my councilor and friend. Someday you will appreciate things differently. Mark my words . . .” Edward was so tired of late. It was so much to juggle. He had so much information he wanted to share with Richard, but for his sake, he had to only give him bits at a time. He didn’t want to see his first councilor and friend destroyed.

  “What are you talking about, Edward? You had better lie down. You aren't making much sense.”

  Richard helped Edward to his bedchamber, then left the King, telling him he would be in his office if he needed him.

  * * * *

  Out in one of the hallways of the castle, Christine and Martin Halverssn stood talking.

  “They will not listen to us,” said the older man sadly. “But you did try. We will have to think of another way. Let's go.”

  “I am not going until I get some answers. I want to know if they even looked at our petition.”

  “Christine, he will not talk to you. He's the king. He does what he wants. You saw him. That’s how the nobles are. You might have been taken and bound for what you said to him. I promised your dad I would keep you safe. Now let’s go!”

  “You and my dad have been friends for a long time, haven't you?” reflected Christine, walking down the long stone hall. Lamps flickered on the high wall, sending shadows onto the marble floor. Paintings and tapestries hung on the stone walls every few feet, between the lamps. The hallway seemed to narrow as she looked down its long corridor. “I can tell my father doesn’t like the city, but he wants all of this settled peacefully.”

  “We need to get out of here, Christine.” Martin looked
around for guards. He was the opposite of her father physically. Thin and serious, with graying hair. The only hint of his former hair color was the touch of black right above his temples.

  He grabbed her arm and pulled her along. Christine stopped and pulled her arm away from him. “What is this secret that no one is telling me about? I want to know about my father.”

  “He’s the only one that can say. I cannot. Now let’s go back.”

  “I am staying until King Edward or his councilor sees me.”

  “You will need an appointment, and they will never give you one. Now be reasonable. We tried, and I hoped with all my heart they would listen. But they didn't. They don't care. It is only a matter of time before we start fighting,” he said in a fatherly, lecturing way.

  “If that's what it has come to, then all the more reason for me to try even harder to keep the fighting from happening. Now you go back to my father and tell him I am fine. I am going to find the King. Nothing will happen to me in the castle.”

  Martin sighed, realizing that Christine wasn’t going to budge. He told her to be careful and left to go back to the farmlands.

  Is this a good idea?

  Christine felt Lightning’s question probing her. I’m not sure, but I have to do something.

  Christine sat down on a lone chair in the spacious hall to try to think of what she was going to do. It seemed strange to her. For some reason, the hall was empty except for her. In the shuffle of getting everyone out, she and Martin had become separated from everyone else.

  She looked up at the massive stones that fashioned the ceiling, and down at the marble floor that was pieced together in large rectangles. She felt alone and afraid, but was determined to talk to the King. She looked at the gilded mirrors and large paintings and began to get angry. They lived in such opulence while many struggled just to barely live out in the farmlands.

  She would see this thing through right now.

  Be careful!

  She abruptly rose off the chair and started to walk down the hall, leading deeper into the castle complex. More than once she ducked behind a large pillar or corner before someone spotted her. Her heart pounded with adrenaline-filled excitement. She was not the one to opt for adventure but since the night she had gone with Anya and Stephanie to the barn her whole life seemed to be taking a direction of its own.

  Thoughts of adventure made her think of Darius’s friend, Kelln, as she slid through the hallways, looking for the King’s quarters. He would have found a way through this maze. The thought made her smile and relax. She let her boldness still smolder beneath; it gave purpose to her actions.

  She passed a few servants who eyed her but said nothing. Acting the part of a noble and ignoring them seemed to work, though she hated herself for it. Her white cloak was nice enough to blend in, and it covered her homespun dress. No one wanted to ask questions and risk offending someone who may be a guest. Discreetly, she asked a few questions of servants to learn where the king and councilor’s offices were.

  With cautious movements she headed towards the east wing. The halls became narrower and there were fewer places to hide. She began to catch a glimpse of more nobles in this part of the castle. Her heart raced with nervousness. She ducked into a closet as she heard voices reach her from around a corner.

  The small closet was full of clothes. A small window opposite the door let in a stream of dusty light. She noticed the clothes to be those the servants wore. “They must be extra clothes,” she mumbled in a whisper. She started grabbing some off the shelves as a plan formed in her head. It was bold and dangerous, and could land her in the dungeon, but she had to try.

  Chapter Twenty

  CAUGHT

  Farther down the hall of the large castle, Sean San Ghant entered into councilor Richard’s private study. Richard wasn't necessarily fond of this young man, but he knew as long as he kept rewarding him more than another would, he would be true to his needs.

  “How are you today, sir?” The young man bowed, almost in a mocking motion.

  “I am fine, Sean. Now what is your report?”

  “I hear that the farmers have been giving you problems.”

  “I didn't ask you to report on the farmers. I am familiar with their concerns.” He walked up close to Sean and glared at him. They were of similar height. “What about my son?” He was not in the mood today for Sean’s arrogant manners.

  “Well you know he became the first junior commander over a month ago.”

  Richard let himself almost smile.

  “He has continued to work with a fierce determination and is preparing for his final wilderness test to become the first full commander of the Elite.”

  “You must keep an eye on him. He must be kept safe.”

  “I have others helping me, but it is hard sometimes sir. They . . .”

  “And who are they?” Richard raised his voice. “I am in charge here. I tell you what to do and what to say. If anyone questions you, I will have him or her in this office within the week. Now go and make sure my son stays safe. Let me know when he is ready for full command.”

  Richard pushed him towards the door, but before he opened it he added, “And take this. I am sure you could use the coins, couldn't you?” He threw a bag of money towards Sean. He knew money was only extra insurance to ensure that Sean followed his commands exactly.

  Sean turned back to him before opening the door. “Ah, councilor. One more thing.”

  “There always is with you.”

  “There are rumors about your son.”

  Richard gave his full attention. People couldn’t possibly guess about his son and his heritage. No one knew except for the King and himself. Where would rumors come from? “What rumors?”

  “Some think he has powers.”

  “Powers?” Richard relaxed. “Is that all? He has had a lot of training. You know that. The men are just jealous of him, I suppose.”

  “Maybe that’s all it is.” Sean shrugged. He seemed to not be telling him something.

  “But?” Richard prodded.

  “The men talk of a glow about him sometimes, and the power in his sword. He excels at every test placed before him. He seems to push people back with little physical touch or effort, almost as if summoning the wind to do his bidding.”

  Richard’s mind jumped back in time to the day Darius had left. He remembered his son putting his palm on his chest and pushing him back. Was the force more than normal strength? His son was strong.

  Sean continued. “People say he may be a wizard.”

  The notion was so ridiculous to Richard that he actually laughed.

  “Sir?” Sean seemed flustered for the first time since Richard had met him.

  “Sean. You are still young, aren’t you? You must learn that whenever one rises to leadership, others try to discredit, ruin, and tear him down. It’s human nature. Things like this happen all the time. Someday there might even be rumors about you.”

  “Me?”

  Richard stroked Sean’s ego. “Yes, Sean, you. There are surely those who admire you and want your position of trust. They will try to bring you down.”

  Sean puffed his chest out. “Yes. Yes. Of course you are right, councilor. Surely they will.”

  “And they will try to say lies and other ridiculous things about you. But you won’t believe them, will you?” Richard asked.

  “About me? Lies? No. No. Never. I am a loyal servant of the Realm. “

  “I’m glad to hear that. It’s the same with Darius. Others are jealous of him being the first commander and being my son. They are spreading rumors to discredit him. Now, no more childish talk of wizards. We haven’t seen wizards in the Realm for generations and more. We will leave those likes to the other kingdoms to deal with.”

  “I understand now. Thank you for teaching me, councilor.”

  Richard was irked by Sean’s patronizing tone. He knew that the young man wanted power and prestige; it was not a hidden fact. He didn’t trust Sean, but
it was all he had to work with at the moment.

  Sean moved towards the door. While looking at the money, he opened the door and in a hurry stepped out. He had only taken a step when someone ran into him from the side, almost knocking him over. Money spilled from out of the bag. Richard heard the loud noise and walked towards the door.

  “I am sorry, sir,” said a soft female voice. “I will help you pick it up.”

  Sean barely glanced at the servant. “Get out of my way. I will get it myself.”

  She turned to continue on her way as Richard reached the hallway.

  “What is going on here?” He looked at Sean.

  “Some blind and stupid servant ran into me.” He pointed at her as she continued to walk away down the hall.

  “Come here,” Richard commanded. “Where are you going?”

  The girl started to run down the hallway.

  “Get her, Sean!” yelled Richard, as Sean took off running towards her.

  She had started to turn the corner when Sean caught up with her.

  Sean took her face between his fingers, and with a slight force of his hand turned her towards him. “What is your name, girl?”

  Richard couldn’t see the girl’s face through Sean’s body. She said nothing. Sean stared at her for a moment trying to place her, then he pushed back a small hat.

  “How did you? Aren't you a farmer? I recognize you . . .”

  She recognized him also and shuddered, but kept silent.

  “I think the senior councilor would like to speak to you.” She squirmed again but his tight squeeze on her arm made it impossible to get away. He dragged her to Richard’s doorway and they all went inside.

  Richard was astonished. “How did you get in here? You cannot be here Christine.” Richard remembered what he and Sean had been talking about. “What were you doing outside of my door? Were you listening to us? You could be imprisoned for this, you realize.”

  Christine stood shaking at the obvious failure in whatever plans she had conceived.

  Richard watched the young woman smooth her dress and close her eyes for a moment. She breathed deeply as if to calm herself. Then her features sharpened and her eyes popped open.