A Soldier's Honor: The Scepter of Maris: Book One

by Barnes, James R.

  He turned his attention back to the now much larger escort, and urged Ferron into motion so he could resume his place in the formation. Thoughts of war set aside for the moment, he eased back in line next to Brody. Their fifteen person detail had added forty more soldiers as well as the Lord Marshall and his staff. Staff that now included James as Camden had left the Captain formerly in charge of the escort in Seegrin to replace Henley until more permanent arrangements could be made. Captain Bridgewater accepted the transition from commanding a small detachment to the more official Royal escort like he had been doing such his whole career. Meric knew that his friend was not exactly an ambitious man, but he was a natural leader who always thrived when taking on more responsibility; a trait that any superior would welcome, and Lord Camden seemed to be a commander that rewarded ability and work ethic.

  As if summoned by Meric's thoughts, Camden was suddenly there beside him and looked to have something on his mind. It was becoming a source of annoyance how the man caused the old mannerisms beaten into him back in his first days in the military, to come to the forefront. Spine straight, shoulders back, chest out, and gut sucked in. He knew exactly how ridiculous it looked trying to come to attention on a bobbing horse. Brody would try to laugh at him later, but then Meric would remind him that his big frame was even more comical (and noticeable) as he attempted the same maneuver, which he was even now fighting the urge to do. The fact that Camden could not always hide the smirk at this behavior did not help and Meric was sure the man knew that. The only reason it was bearable was due to the fact that the Lord Marshall was not a man who stood on ceremony. He expected his soldiers to treat, and be treated by, people with respect and dignity rather than bow and scrape. An attitude that was more in line with being a warrior than it was for a noble, especially a noble as important as he was. Freemont holdings were vast and rich in resources, from mining to farming and livestock, which meant wealth and influence that most people could not even comprehend. Lord Camden's reputation as a commander that would dig down in the dirt right alongside his men was at odds with the fact that he was one of the wealthiest men in the two neighboring kingdoms. Of course, that was not meant in the literal sense. Meric was pretty sure that the Lord of Freemont had not had to personally dig anything in a long time. His attempts at picturing the noble digging a latrine were disrupted by the man himself.

  "Those are fine looking animals," he opened as he was looking at Ferron.

  "Thank you. They have served us well... gotten us out of a tight spot or two," Meric finished with a grin.

  "No doubt. I understand that there is a bit of a story behind how you... liberated them."

  Meric exchanged a look with Brody and cleared his throat to buy time to think of a response that would not be awkward. They had been able to avoid this kind of conversation for the time they had been on the road, but now it looked like that would no longer be possible. The man spoke before he came up with anything.

  "Relax, gentlemen. My daughter and Captain Bridgewater explained your situation. While I would have preferred being informed as soon as the captain found out, I have accepted his rationale on keeping it to himself. There is no love lost between Xavier and my King, and unlike Bridgewater or Alyssa, I have access to plenty of intelligence that was gathered on the man. The King and I are aware of the kind of man he is and some of the things he has done."

  Meric was glad to hear that from the Lord Marshall and said as much to the man. He trusted James and Alyssa completely and knew they would do everything in their power to protect him and his companions, but in the end if the King decided differently there would be nothing that they could really do about it.

  "We are also well informed on several prominent members of the Rennick military, past and present. Not the least of which being the promising young officer that fell afoul of his new King's displeasure. A bright young Commander that was full of potential, a man not only known for his skills at warfare, but was also well liked by his men and the civilians he protected. A soldier that supposedly, after years of exemplary service, went crazy and ordered his men to start raping and murdering those same civilians that he once protected."

  Brody snorted at this point and shook his head vigorously, the metal clasp at the end of his beard making a clinking noise as it hit the head of his axe. "My favorite part is where we're cavortin' naked around the victory fire after that with a bunch of Orcs."

  "I think our spy master forgot to mention that in his report," Camden said with a raised eyebrow and a bemused look at the big man.

  "Oh, I think there's a few more like that floating around. Silas over there seduced an Orc Chieftain's daughter and Malina is their love child. I think Meric was the one that let the assassin into King Titus' chambers." He was chuckling to himself after he finished.

  "Yes, I had heard that last one. It was of interest to us how you managed that while also being two weeks travel north. I take it there was, in fact, no magic involved? And how about you Sergeant, are you actually an Orc Warleader in disguise?"

  All three of them had a smile on their faces at that comment. Brody was certainly tall enough, but any other attempt at comparison was laughable. The larger than life warrior was way too conspicuous for any type of disguise, especially as a slender, green skinned, hairless beast.

  "Listen. I know that Captain Bridgewater has mentioned to you that we might ask for your assistance with fighting the Orcs and Goblins, and there is a lot to be discussed before any details can be worked out, so I do not expect an answer right away. However, I would like all four of you to seriously consider the matter. I plan on offering all of you a place in the fight ahead. Your experience will be invaluable and could give us an edge in the conflict that might make all of the difference in the world. I have more than a passing familiarity with all of your careers and reputations, and have no qualms about formally offering you service."

  "I appreciate the trust you are placing us, as I am sure, do my friends." After a quick glance at Brody, which received a subtle nod, he continued, "I can go ahead and assure you now that we will all be willing to help. None of us want to be fighting in a war again, but we also know what this enemy is capable of. We will not stand by as long as we are able to oppose them."

  "Good," the Lord Marshall responded. "As I said, we can work out the details later... Commander." With those parting words Camden eased his horse back out of line and moved forward to the front of the procession.

  Meric glanced at his friend and shrugged right along with him, smiling at their near mirrored response. There would definitely be things to hash out, but in the end he and his fellow Rennick natives would do what they could to keep the Orc menace at bay.

  The rest of the trip down into the city went by without incident and with almost no need to even slow down. The size of the escort and the Royal banners proudly displayed at the front rank ensured that they were not impeded in any way as they rode through the city and passed under the two portcullis separated by a ceiling full of murder holes. Meric was even more impressed with the wall surrounding the castle up close. It was made from large blocks fitted expertly together and gave the impression of being impenetrable. The dark gray stones must have been carved by incredibly skilled craftsman; they were so smooth that they almost looked polished and the seams where they fit together were finer than most of the houses they had passed.

  He had almost been entirely turned in his saddle to look back at the structure and had to spin back around as he was interrupted from his inspection by a commotion from up ahead. His attention moved to the front in time to see a handsome redheaded woman in fine robes sliding to her knees in the dusty courtyard in time to catch the two little girls that were running to her at full speed, pulling them tight in a hug. They were joined a second later by a fit man a few years older than Meric who was also wearing expensive robes and a crown that glinted golden in the sunlight. The couple did not appear to care in the slightest that they were tearfully hugging the children and dirtyin
g their Royal accoutrements in front of a growing crowd of people. Alyssa and her father moved up to stand close to the family, but did not interrupt their reunion. After planting a dozen or so kisses on each of her daughter's faces, Queen Briannah Marten stood and gave Alyssa a hug that looked to be just as heartfelt. Meric could not hear the words exchanged, but both women were smiling and wiping at the moisture in their eyes. It was a nice moment to witness after all of the chaos of the last few weeks.

  CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

  Dallena

  Meric's attention was pulled away from the women as the feeling came over him that something was not quite right. He could not imagine what was wrong until he saw Melanie standing by the wagon looking down at her left foot as it traced a half circle over the cobblestones in front of her. The nagging feeling, he realized, was the fact that the young girl was not standing next to Teresa and Sarah. The three girls had become nearly inseparable since the traumatized young Ellis had joined them and now it felt off not seeing them together. He knew how hard it was for her, seeing her new friends being reunited with their parents, knowing she would never be able to do the same. He moved over to her and as soon as his hand touched her shoulder she turned into him and wrapped her arms around his legs, burying her head into the side of his thigh. He doubted she would start crying, but he understood why she would not want to watch. Even though he was sure that she was happy for her friends, it would still be too painful to witness their joy. Too much, too soon.

  He gently rubbed her back and looked to the group in front of the crowd where he saw Alyssa watching the two of them with compassion in her eyes. She was still half hugging the Queen and leaned in to the woman speaking softly as she gestured at Meric and Melanie. The redheaded woman's eyes sharpened in on Melanie as she listened, nodding slightly. Sarah or Teresa must have noticed the women's new focus, since they broke away from their father's embrace and tugged on his hands until he got to his feet and followed them. Slowing only long enough to bring their mother along, the two princesses came over to where Melanie was still tightly squeezing him. Meric leaned down and whispered in her ear that someone wanted to meet her and eased her away so she could face the people in front of them.

  The Queen got down on one knee in front of Melanie and took her hands before speaking, "Hello, Melanie. Do you know who I am?"

  The little girl nodded shyly, still trying to look at her feet around arms that were stretched out to where Briannah held her small hands. "Queen Briannah," Melanie spoke just above a whisper.

  "That's right. I am so sorry for what has happened to your family, and I want you to know that we are going to take good care of you. You will stay here in the palace for now with Teresa and Sarah, and you will not ever have to be alone. You will be safe here. Does that sound good to you?"

  Melanie raised her head enough to see the Queen's face and then looked up to Alyssa who was smiling at her. Next she turned to Meric, a question in her eyes and he also smiled and gave a nod of what he hoped was reassurance. She must have taken it as such because she once again faced the woman kneeling in front of her and bobbed her head in affirmation. As soon as she did Teresa and Sarah moved to either side of her to hug her and immediately started jabbering excitedly about all of the things they wanted to show her. Meric quickly lost track and decided that it would be best for his sanity if he did not even try to follow along.

  Still smiling and planning on moving back to his former place next to Brody, he looked up only to find two Royal stares pinning him in place. King Roderick Marten's gaze was much more intense than his wife's, though not in any threatening way. It was more akin to studying a mystery that he should already understand, but he still had every intention of solving completely. Meric tried not to squirm, as he had been in front of royalty many times before, but the scrutiny was starting to get to him when Lord Camden stepped forward.

  "Your Majesties, may I present Meric Vettor? I believe you have already met him, Roderick. He sold you some horses I think?"

  Meric saw the light of recognition dawn even as Camden continued, "He and his associate, Brody Sonder, came to the aid of Lady Alyssa and your daughters when they were in dire need." He indicated Brody as he spoke his name.

  "You have our most heartfelt thanks, gentlemen." The King voice was rough and Meric was sure that the emotion there was real.

  Before he could answer, Camden spoke again. "There is much to discuss regarding the events of the last few weeks, but I would suggest we adjourn to the palace where everyone can wash off some of the miles of trail dust and perhaps get some rest before we delve into all that needs to be said. It could take some time."

  "Of course," the Queen responded, and stepped back. Though the King looked like he did not want to wait, he acquiesced to the request. He along with his wife gathered up their daughters and Melanie, ushering them toward the large decorative doors allowing access to the castle interior. Since he was unsure of where to go, Meric began to look for James only to realize that Alyssa was standing next to him on his left. She was watching the receding backs of the Royal family with a content smile and Meric decided not to interrupt her thoughts. Once he became conscious of the fact that he was staring, he jerked his head away and tried to give the impression that he had been surveying the area instead. As he got back to her he found the smile pointed in his direction, but could not really tell whether she had caught him or not. He decided there was no need to find out and asked her a question to deflect attention from himself.

  "So... are you happy to be back home?" He hoped that did not sound as feeble as he thought it did.

  Her smile deepened for a second telling him he had not fooled anyone, and then she glanced around the courtyard briefly before answering. "It is good to be back, to see my friends, and I am looking forward to seeing my mother again. It has been even longer since I last saw her, as she usually stays at Freemont. What about you, are you glad to be rid of your charges?"

  "Rid of? Are you kidding, this has been nothing less than a grand adventure worthy of a bard's tale. There are not too many songs out there where the damsel rescues the warrior in distress."

  "You were the one that rescued me, remember?" she said with a slight smirk.

  "I am pretty sure I would not be standing here, in one piece, if not for you. So let us just say that we saved each other and call it even." He just then realized that his friends were moving past them to the entrance while strangers dressed in livery were leading horses away.

  While her smile did not get any bigger, he was still certain she was very pleased by his comments. Without saying another word, she slipped her arm through his and urged him to follow James as he led the others inside. The echoes from their boot heels was the only sound heard as they continued on through the entrance hall in companionable silence, and since she appeared to be comfortable with the quiet as well, he took the time to study their surroundings as they walked. The inside of the castle was just as amazing as the outside, with expertly crafted tapestries lining the hall leading up to the main vestibule. There were battles depicted, a few likenesses of people in heroic acts, and various renditions of the Marten Coat of Arms. The falcon clutching a dagger and quill was fierce in some hangings and regal in others, and in all, the royal purple was prominent. The vestibule was just as fancy as the hall and along with more tapestries there were sculptures and flower filled vases adorning several pedestals as well as numerous paintings on the walls. He slowed to a halt and spent a moment taking it all in.

  "Wow," he breathed.

  "I thought you had spent time in the castle at Parna," Alyssa stated. "It was no less opulent, from what I remember."

  "I suppose. Just different I guess. Titus' taste ran to a more martial theme." He gave the room one more look before turning to his companion. "I am not quite as comfortable with it as some are, even back when I frequented the keep. I'm just a simple son of a woodsman, after all."

  She hugged his arm tight to her side as she laughed softly at him. "I t
hink I know you well enough now that you cannot get away with that. There is so much more to you." Her beautiful smile was turned full force on him and he could not tear his eyes away.

  He was not sure how long the moment lasted, but it was broken by Brody bumping into Alyssa's shoulder. She turned and looked up at the big man and chuckled at the innocent look he was struggling to maintain. "Well, Brody. What do you think?"

  He rolled his eyes around the room while he stroked his beard a few times and then made a show of clearing his throat forcefully. "I could probably appreciate it more if I was not dying of thirst. What's a man got to do around here to get a drink?"

  The exaggerated look of pain he flashed while rubbing the spot on his arm that she had just swatted was enough to make her laugh out loud. After she fought down the last of the giggles, she called out to a nearby woman wearing the uniform of castle staff.

  "Claudia, can you make sure that they deliver plenty of fresh pitchers of water to the guest rooms for my companions?" Alyssa was grinning wickedly after she said the word water, but Brody could not see it as she had already started dragging Meric toward a hallway to the right leading away from the room. At the man's indignant shout she stopped trying to hide her mirth and her laughter was joined by Meric, Silas, Malina, and James. She spun around while still pulling Meric with her and raised an eyebrow at the pouting innkeeper, holding his gaze for a beat before she finally relented and called out to Claudia, "Can you please, also make sure that Mister Sonder gets some of the good ale from my family's private stock?"