The Descendants Book One: The Broken Scroll

by Kurtis Smith

  “What surprises you about this? You have witnessed their cruelty first hand,” said Druce, causing Davin to recoil slightly. Druce was right though. They had seen more than they would ever have liked to, more than Druce would ever know.

  “How did it happen?” Egan asked.

  Druce cleared his throat, as if preparing for a long speech. “Aiden and I used to serve in the Grand Army. Growing up in this village, we were close friends. At a young age we decided that the army was where we wanted to be. Like most young boys going into service, we were idealistic, thinking we could single handedly take on the world. We left Habok when we were of age at fifteen and went to the Acadeem at Oamlund, in the Greenlands.

  After a year’s time we made it under a command together. Graduating with top marks, we were placed in the First Regiment. It was a proud time in our lives. This command was the most overseen by First Captain Deverell. We saw and talked with him on a regular basis. He seemed to have the same great ideals that King Avery had had, and was personable. Needless to say, we liked him.” He shook his head shamefully. No one else made any movement.

  “It didn’t last. We were on a routine mission in the desert. There had been word of a band of criminals hiding out in one of the abandon outposts there. Our task was to simply infiltrate the facility and take them captive. However, at the last minute we received word that they were no longer there and the place was rigged to collapse on us. They had somehow found that we were after them. Aiden was the first to know and gave the command to back off. He saved many lives that day.” Druce’s throat constricted and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes.

  After a minute he continued. “The rest is obvious. The Captain of the regiment didn’t believe Aiden’s tale, even with the word of several others as well. It was a direct dereliction of duty in our superior’s eyes. When we arrived back at the capital city, Deverell was informed. He found Aiden insubordinate without a doubt. He was lashed forty times and his tongue was removed.” He paused. “And it was at that moment we realized that we were on the wrong side. We abandoned our regimen and went into hiding, eventually emerging back here after three months on the run. From what I have learned recently, Deverell and the Dous Captains have claimed us dead.”

  No one said anything for a long minute. It was quite a bit of information to take in. In that time the bartender, James, came with the drinks and passed them around. Druce took an immediate gulp of his, seeming to savor the flavor. Neither Davin nor any of the others touched theirs.

  Finally, an unexpected voice spoke up, coming from the only female in the group. “You can’t be the only ones who figured this out,” Kayleigh said. Druce tilted his head slightly at her. As if realizing there were four of them there for the first time, he looked around in curiosity.

  “Perhaps it is time we introduce ourselves,” Druce said, but Egan shook his head.

  “Not yet. Let’s focus on one topic at a time. Please answer her question,” said Egan. His tone was forceful enough not allow much rebuttal without turning the conversation ugly.

  Druce didn’t hide that he was taken aback by Egan’s firm response. It didn’t seem to go over well, but whatever Druce thought, he didn’t say aloud.

  “I will,” he answered at last, continuing in the same conversational manner he had previously. “As a matter of fact, there were others that I remember sharing Aiden and mine’s view, but they lacked the courage to act. They were onto the corruption in the army long before we ever experienced it. It was only after Aiden’s punishment did we believe what they had told us.”

  “Did you even attempt to persuade them to make a stand?” Kayleigh asked

  “We did for several days. But ultimately, we could not wait forever. There was even the start of talk among the loyal soldiers. They were going to report our dealings. No longer could we stay and risk losing our chance at escaping.”

  There was a short silence in which Davin heard wind rattling softly against the windows. He found it mildly relaxing, which seemed silly, but he knew why. So little in his life seemed relaxing these days so he had begun to take comfort wherever he could find it.

  Egan spoke again. “The same pattern prevails throughout this kingdom. People are angry with O’Hara, but scared of losing the lives they have, even men in the army. To most, a pitiful life is better than no life at all.”

  Druce turned away as if those words hurt him. He sighed and replied bitterly. “No one thinks their action alone will make a difference. So everyone waits for their neighbor to make a move, which means that no one ever moves. It is a sad, yet very natural human logic.”

  “A valid point,” Egan agreed. “If only more would openly make a stand against the injustice, we would have a chance at forcing a change.”

  Davin turned to Egan, surprised that Egan hadn’t mentioned what they were planning to do themselves. “We do know of people that will stand with us,” Davin said.

  Druce looked at Egan cautiously. “Is this true?”

  “It is possible. The town of Lemirre in the foothills is said to have been rallied to our cause. But I admit, I have been skeptical.”

  Druce smiled weakly, and Davin thought he knew what why. “I do admire their courage and will be happy to have their support, but they will be little help against the numbers of the Grand Talamaraon Army.”

  “And it is possible they won’t show,” Egan added. “Two days from now we plan to meet our contact in Swift River to find out.”

  “I assume you don’t plan on facing the army head on,” said Druce.

  “If we can avoid it. Odds are there will be some confrontation, but if we are sly enough, it won’t be until we are well within the city. And if it happens, the army will be hopefully too disorganized and unprepared to pose as much of a threat.”

  As Egan finished his sentence Aiden walked through door, looking around swiftly for a moment before his eyes fell on the group.

  Druce acknowledged him and didn’t speak again until he was seated. Turning back to Egan he said, “I, for my part, would like to join this expedition if you’ll have me.”

  Egan bowed respectfully. “We would be honored and glad to have your skills on our side.” Druce inclined his head in return.

  Davin spoke again, wanting to move the discussion forward, as Druce took another drink of his ale. “Since your friend has returned, I think now would be a good time for us to tell our side.”

  “Indeed,” Druce replied, agreeably. Egan seemed contented with this as well. Kayleigh and Teague continued to hold straight faces.

  Druce addressed Aiden next. “I have informed these people of our tale. They have gathered others to help oppose the King. Will you join us?”

  Aiden nodded deeply, as if he would not rather do anything else. Druce clapped his hands together and smiled, showing his pleasure at Aiden’s answer and with what had been accomplished.

  “Now,” Egan began, “let us explain who we are and recall our tale so far. I warn you though; you may find our identities hard to believe.” If Druce hadn’t understood this comment, he didn’t let on. Egan continued. “Do you know the tale of the first inhabitants of this world, the Ancients?”

  Druce sat up and answered conversationally. “I remember most of it from my childhood. It is one of the great fireside tales, complete myth I was told.” Then he looked grim. “Though considering what I have seen lately in our land, I am not so quick to doubt.”

  Egan stared at him for a second, as if trying to figure out how Druce would take the information. “The tale is true. Their race did exist and their descendants still do.”

  Druce digested this information, blank faced. He and Aiden exchanged looks, then spoke, somewhat skeptically, “And these soldiers tonight are part of their race’s bloodline?”

  Egan shook his head forcefully. “No. The power they have is a false one. Deverell has procured a way for their soldiers hold the Ancients’ gifts. From what we saw in that soldier’s mind it’s as he himself holds the key to unlocking it
. This only adds more questions to my mind, but it is all speculation until we face him. Nevertheless, the consequences of a normal human having that power, however, he did not foresee. After a short time, insanity ensues.”

  “Tell me, then, who are these remaining Descendants?” said Druce.

  Egan smiled. “They are two of the travelers who sit before you now. It is I, Egan of Nowhere, and my colleague Davin of Lemirre,” he answered, indicting with his finger himself and Davin.

  Druce blinked a couple of times and straightened himself further. Aiden mouth hung open at these words. The rest of the group waited, hoping the former soldiers believed this truth.

  Druce recovered and asked, “Are there more than just you two?”

  “We don’t know yet, but to be able to accurately give you a more defined answer, we will tell of what has transpired up to this point,” said Egan. Before they started Aiden and Druce ordered another Red Boar brew for themselves, and were happily gulping away when Egan began.

  ***

  Davin, Egan, and Kayleigh took turns telling the tale of the past months and fifteen minutes later it was done. No one spoke for about a minute. Druce sat calmly sipping his ale and thinking.

  “That is a lot to take in, I will say,” he spoke up, finally. “I am impressed with what you have accomplished in such a short time. This truly raises my spirits. With your abilities, we will be able to confront those who have made our lives miserable much easier than I expected. We will make them pay for their crimes.”

  “That is why we must not tarry,” Egan said quickly. “We need to gather whoever will join us and advance on the capital city before they realize what we are doing. And…there is one more complication to the matter.”

  Druce’s eyes widened this time. “What else could”-but Egan interrupted him.

  “This is Prince Teague O’Hara, the heir to the throne.” Teague smiled sheepishly. “If we cannot reason with the King and it comes to deathblows, and Teague falls, the kingdom will be Deverell’s. Teague must live to rule.”

  Druce watched Teague and seemed to be realizing who he was sitting in the room with. “Yes, of course,” he said slowly, rising. He bowed deeply and said, “My prince.” Aiden stood and bowed as well.

  Teague accepted their bows regally. Davin found it strange to hear him addressed that way, being that he had traveled so long with them without his title.

  After Druce and Aiden sat back down, Teague spoke up at last, his tone dignified in the manner fitting to his title. “I do not wish to be addressed as royalty while my father remains alive or in power.”

  Druce squinted, giving Teague a curious look. “Truly the King must be lost if his own son thinks such ill will of him.”

  “Indeed, my lord of Habok. I claim my father’s blood no longer. I ride with these people to overthrow him. And if the people see fit, I will take his place. But I admit, I am scared to take the post yet.”

  “What, then, if the people do not see you fit to rule, my lord? What if they fear your father’s blood will taint you as well?” Druce’s question was presented as if it was test.

  Teague thought for a moment, obviously not expecting this response, but recovering quickly. After a few short breaths he had his answer.

  “Then to show my good will, I will call for an election of the most eligible ruler. Either way, I will do whatever I can from a political standpoint.”

  Egan, Aiden, and Druce looked impressed. Davin admitted to himself that he knew very little of politics, and waited patiently for the others to explain their feelings.

  Druce started, shocked by Teague’s words. “I must say you are most humble, my lord. No sane heir has ever desired to give up their birth right. Even the ones who knew they were not fit to rule. You would do this without question?”

  “Yes, without question.” Davin realized he was now impressed as well with the decision Teague made, now that he understood it. Egan sat up proudly, as if Teague had been his own son.

  “Well,” Druce said, looking in awed of Teague at the moment, “if I may speak forwardly, history may be made in more than one way very soon.” He raised his glass slightly to them and then finished off his drink. Everyone accepted these words without comment.

  Druce looked to the windows and Davin found himself doing the same. The sky was beginning to brighten in the east.

  Druce spoke again. “It is unfortunate that we had to spend the night in talk rather than rest. Such is the way of things. Allow Aiden and me some time to make preparations for travel. In the meantime, you four may take leave and rest in the rooms above this tavern.”

  Egan reached out and shook Druce and Aiden’s hands, as did Teague, Kayleigh, and Davin. “At midday we ride together, not looking back.”

  “We look forward to it,” Egan replied. Then, looking at Davin, and the others, he continued. “But for now we will rest and recover our strength.”

  “Yes, please do,” Druce said, turning and gesturing his arm gracefully toward the stairs leading to the second floor.

  As Davin and the others passed him, he nodded at each of them in turn with a confident smile.

  As they ascended the stairs exhaustedly, it occurred to Davin that they were all were probably thinking along the same lines. Druce had put it bluntly. Like he had said, history would be made soon. No one could tell at this point what sort of history would be made, or which side it would favor, but there was no doubt, change was coming.

  Chapter 25 The Seeds of Dissent

  After they reached the landing on the second floor, Kayleigh spoke up, smiling. “Three spare rooms, who wants to share?”

  Davin jumped to her defense…a little too quickly. “Take this time to have your own privacy for once. We don’t when this opportunity will arise again and I’m sure you crave a bit space from the men you’ve seen so much of lately.”

  Kayleigh threw him a wry look, as if this thought had never actually occurred in her mind, and that it was odd coming from Davin’s mouth.

  Did she want to be with him instead? No, that couldn’t be. He was reading too much into things, as usual.

  Women were always thinking the opposite of what you think they are.

  Feeling embarrassed, he focused on a crack in the wall next to him, and didn’t turn back until she spoke again.

  “Thank you for the consideration. I am impressed that you know women that well, or perhaps you just pretend to,” she said, her tone amused.

  “It must be one of Ancient’s abilities I am unaware of,” Egan cut in. Kayleigh stifled a giggle and turned to Egan.

  “That explains it,” she said in shock, as if she had just figured it out.

  Egan shrugged. “If that were a true gift of my race, I would have broken a lot more hearts before now.”

  “Good to know. On that thought, I think I will retire,” Kayleigh said and then she turned into the first room.

  A few minutes later Davin found himself beneath the sheets of a small, uncomfortable bed. Teague had claimed the other bed in the room while Egan took the next room down from where they were.

  Davin found that he was unable to sleep soundly. Excitement and anxiety took him over. Every half hour, it seemed, he awoke to find the sun a little higher in the window than it was before. And for the short periods he did sleep, he dreamt of battles and death as he tossed and turned. This did not make him want to go back to sleep, even though he knew that he needed to keep his strength up.

  He could think of nothing else but arriving at Swift River. All he wanted was for Niahm to see him alive, and to see for himself the town of Lemirre standing behind her, ready to do whatever Egan and he asked of them. The thought of this caused him to swell with pride, and he had to resort to a calming technique Egan had taught him to keep himself in check. He couldn’t get his hopes up for fear of them being dashed. There was still the very real possibility that, despite the addition of Druce and Aiden to their group, they would find themselves very much alone in Swift River. It would be up to the
six of them to show O’Hara and Deverell the error of their ways, or death if they chose it. This line of thought sent him into his last fit of dreams before midday arrived.

  ***

  “The preparations are made,” Druce greeted them, as they stepped out of the tavern and into the street at twelfth hour. Davin did not feel well rested, but he didn’t feel sleepy either, which was good enough for him. “I have sent several men out to give word to my acquaintances in other towns and cities. They will be informed of our plans and encouraged to join us in Swift River.”

  “You have contacts in the Greenlands?” Egan asked concernedly. Druce did not seem to share the concern openly, but his face fell as if he was suddenly second guessing himself.

  “Of course, there are many people Aiden and I met during our time running from the army. Is that a problem?” he said.

  “It depends, “Egan said. “How loyal are these men to you?”

  Druce regained his confidence. “I can vouch for their character, if that’s what you mean.”

  Egan sighed. “What’s done is done. But I would advise you not to spread our plans around too much. We can’t risk letting the wrong people come across the knowledge. Our success at the capital city rides solely on the element of catching them off guard, so they are not prepared to defend themselves.”

  “That’s not all it rests on. We will need more than a little luck to overcome their ranks, I promise you.” Then he turned away, chewing on his lip. “I can see that in my haste I did not think it through. My mind was set on increasing our numbers.” He turned back. “It is true we must be careful, but we will need more than any Lemirre has to offer.”

  “What are the chances that they will even come if summoned?” Davin asked, trying to hide his skepticism.

  “They are no less likely to show than the people you have called upon,” Druce retorted. His voice remained cordial, but Davin still felt a twinge of irritation pass between them.

  “Come, let us go to stables. I have secured the few spare horses we have for our trip,” Druce said to all of them. “We will want more reliable and speedy transportation than pookas for this trip.”