Five Kingdoms: Books 01, 02 & 03

by Toby Neighbors

  The officers once again conferred. There was no way to guarantee that they would see things the same way that Kelvich did, but at least he had a solid argument. Finally, after several minutes of heated debate by the officers, they turned and faced the gallery once again.

  “Kelvich,” Sir Hausey said gravely, “your argument is compelling. The only stipulation that we can find is that Zollin Quinnson would have had no way to know that his friend was being mistreated. Can you bring any evidence that would show that Zollin knew what was happening inside the guardhouse before he assaulted the King’s soldiers and illegally entered the fort?”

  Chapter 14

  Kelvich looked around the room, uncertain of what to do. Just then the door opened and Jax was escorted in. He looked a little sheepish in his dirty clothes. He was sweating and his hair was plastered against his skull. Miriam hurried over to him and began trying to straighten his clothes.

  “I think, perhaps, young Jax the orphan might be able to help us,” Kelvich said. He was glad that he had taken the time to speak with Jax when the boy had stayed with Miriam, which wasn’t often. The boy was extremely busy and he had a quick mind for making money. He was taking full advantage of the overcrowding that was taking place in the city.

  “Jax, can you come up here?” Kelvich said.

  The boy smiled and moved up to where Kelvich was standing. “What’s wrong with Zollin?” he asked.

  “He’ll be fine, he’s just been sedated,” Kelvich said. “Now, can you tell the court what happened the night you met Zollin?”

  “Sure,” the boy said. “I took him to buy supplies for his trip and then he wanted me to take him back to find his friend who was drinking at the Silver Pony Inn. We had dinner and then one of the locals started a fight. When the soldiers showed up, they arrested Mansel and took him away. Zollin paid the inn keeper for the damages and asked me to take him to the fort. I did and when we got there the soldiers wouldn’t let us in. They said the centurion was going to make a public example of Mansel. They said he was going to be whipped, perhaps even flogged in the town square.”

  “Did Zollin get angry at this news?” Kelvich asked.

  “No, he was very calm. He told the soldiers that he wanted to pay for Mansel’s release and that they would leave town that same night.”

  “But the soldiers refused?”

  “They wouldn’t even let him see Mansel,” Jax said.

  “Is there any doubt that Zollin acted as any of us would?” Kelvich said. “His friend was facing unjust punishment and every effort he made to resolve the issue was rebuffed. When he entered the fort, he did so without harming anyone. Had Centurion Yorik not assaulted him, I have no doubt that Zollin would have taken his friend and left the city without further incident.”

  Sir Hausey cleared his throat. “It seems that perhaps Zollin’s actions were justified,” he said.

  “I disagree,” said Luca. “He broke the law, destroyed property, and defied the King’s soldiers.”

  “Are you not defying the King’s own orders by trying Zollin for this crime rather than giving him the help he has asked for?” Kelvich said in outrage. “Is there not a letter with the King’s own seal requiring that you give Zollin any and all aid in his quest to find and slay the dragon?”

  “I think,’ said Hausey, “that perhaps due to the aid he has rendered to the wounded soldiers in the garrison, and in light of the facts surrounding the death of Centurion Yorik, that Zollin Quinnson should be released and acquitted of all charges.”

  He banged a little hammer on the wooden desk, ending the court martial, and Kelvich hurried over to Zollin. The guards holding him were lowering him onto a bench so they could remove his shackles. Kelvich removed a vial of foul-smelling liquid and waved it under Zollin’s nose.

  “Wha!” he said groggily. “What’s going on?”

  “I’ll explain all as soon as I can,” Kelvich said. He turned to Miriam, who had tears in her eyes and was standing with Jax, who was beaming.

  “Fetch wine, Miriam,” Kelvich ordered. “Jax, get Zollin something to eat. Meat if you can find it.”

  “Yes, sir,” Jax called out before sprinting away.

  Kelvich turned back to Zollin, who was drifting back into unconsciousness. Kelvich slapped him lightly on the face.

  “Wake up, Zollin, stay awake. Brianna is injured and she needs your help.”

  “Brianna?” Zollin said, opening his eyes. “Where is she?”

  “She’s close, she’s dislocated her shoulder. We need you to fix it.”

  “Take me to her,” he said, but his voice was groggy and it was obvious he was in no shape to help anyone.

  Miriam returned with a bottle of wine and a small cup. Kelvich held the cup while she poured the wine into it and then he held the wine to Zollin’s lips.

  Zollin was so tired it took every bit of his strength not to close his eyes and go back to sleep. But he was determined to help Brianna, so he stayed awake. He could feel his magic, deep down inside him, like embers from a bonfire glowing in the ashes of all it had consumed. His mind was cloudy and he knew he needed something, but he couldn’t think of what it was he needed. Then Kelvich held the cup of wine to his lips. He drank instinctively and the warm liquid ran down his throat and spread its heat through his body. His head cleared almost at once. He was still tired and weak, but he could feel the heat of his magic growing. He drank the whole cup and sat back, wincing at the wine’s strong taste.

  His eyes were clear at last and he looked around the room.

  “Kelvich, what has happened?” he asked.

  “You were put on trial for Centurion Yorik’s murder,” the sorcerer said. “You’ve been acquitted, but it wasn’t easy. Sir Hausey had you drugged to keep you from being able to work magic and escape.”

  “Bastard,” spat Zollin.

  He pulled himself to his feet. The officers were still at their table watching to see what would happen with Zollin.

  “How dare you?” Zollin said angrily. “I didn’t resist when your soldiers came and arrested me. Doesn’t the King’s law give a man the right to defend himself when charges are brought against him?”

  “That law doesn’t apply to wizards,” said Luca, who was bitter after working so hard to see Zollin condemned.

  “You may be an officer in the King’s Army, you may even be noble born, but if you ever come near me, I’ll kill you,” Zollin said.

  “Come on, Zollin,” Kelvich said, leading him away from the officers. “Let’s see about Brianna.”

  Zollin could feel Brianna’s pain, it was radiating out from her shoulder. Her neck was purple with bruising and the shoulder was swollen badly. Jax came running in with a bowl of chicken that had been roasted.

  “Here, Zollin, eat this!” the boy said excitedly.

  “Thanks, Jax,” Zollin said. He picked up a piece of chicken and bit into the juicy meat. It was spicy and he thought nothing he’d ever eaten had tasted so good. He ate several bites and drank more wine. He could feel his strength returning. He finished the piece of chicken and then wiped his hands on a rag.

  When he let his magic flow toward Brianna, he could feel it recoiling off of her. Then he remembered her ring, the White Alzerstone that protected her from magic.

  “We need to take her ring off,” he said quietly.

  Miriam moved forward and gently removed the white ring.

  “What’s he need to take off her ring for?” one of the soldiers asked, but no one bothered to answer.

  Now that she was open to him, Zollin let his magic flow into her. He knew he needed to put the shoulder back into its socket, but the swelling was making that impossible. He needed to deal with the swelling first and then he could reinsert the shoulder. He closed his eyes and let his magic flow out of his deep reservoir. It was like a scorching desert wind as it moved out of him and into Brianna. He could feel the swelling going slowing down, and Brianna moaned softly.

  Several of the troopers were watching
Zollin. They were amazed at what he was able to do with magic. Kelvich stood back and strengthened his own resolve. Being so close to Zollin as he worked his powerful magic was so delicious, he knew that if he didn’t hold himself in check, he would try to usurp Zollin’s power. It wasn’t that he wanted in any way to hurt Zollin, but powerful magic was water in the desert to a sorcerer. He couldn’t help but crave it, but he had vowed never to take Zollin’s magic by force again.

  Once Zollin had the swelling down far enough, he blocked all of Brianna’s pain receptors before willing the shoulder to slip back into place. The arm moved as if on its own and there was a small pop. Brianna’s eyes fluttered open and Zollin drew back his power.

  “Oh,” she said softly. “My shoulder’s better.”

  “I’m not through healing it yet,” Zollin said. “Do you mind if I help you? I had to remove your ring.”

  At first Brianna felt unsteady, as if she were near the edge of a cliff with nothing to hold on to. But then the fear passed. She realized that she trusted Zollin. In fact, she wanted his help. Of course he would have had to remove the ring to help her.

  “Yes,” she said, looking into his eyes as she spoke. “I trust you.”

  He smiled. He tried not to read too much into what she was saying, so he concentrated on healing her injury. It took several more moments to repair the damage where blood and antibodies had flooded her shoulder, arm, and neck in an effort to heal the wound. She had several torn ligaments and even some muscle damage. Zollin took his time, making sure he mended everything as fully as possible. When he opened his eyes, Brianna was smiling.

  “You’re very talented. I can’t even tell I was hurt,” she said.

  Zollin leaned back and swayed on the small stool he had been sitting on. He was lightheaded and tired.

  “Let’s get out of here,” he said.

  “Okay,” Brianna agreed.

  “Here, eat some more chicken,” Jax said around a mouthful of food.

  No one had noticed that he was helping himself to Zollin’s meal. They all laughed, and then Kelvich helped Zollin to his feet. Commander Hausey approached and stuck out a hand.

  “I hope there are no hard feelings,” he said. “I was just doing my duty.”

  “We’ll have to agree to disagree on that,” Zollin said. “I still plan to leave tomorrow. I won’t waste anymore time here. I want you and your troops with me, but only if you can work with me instead of constantly needing to prove your authority.”

  Sir Hausey’s eyes flashed angrily.

  “If you want our help, dictating your commands won’t work,” the commander said.

  “If King Felix’s orders weren’t enough for you, then I doubt you’ll be much help. But rest assured commander, when the King learns that you refused to help us, and he will find out, you’ll get no sympathy from me. I trusted you and you took advantage of me.”

  “You destroyed our guardhouse,” Hausey argued.

  “Because of your stupid pigheadedness. Stop standing on ceremony and realize that the only hope we have of fighting the dragon is working together.”

  Hausey swallowed his anger and stood rigidly at attention while he spoke.

  “We shall be ready to ride at dawn,” he said.

  “Good,” Zollin said. “There’s still a lot to do. And make sure that man,” Zollin pointed at the haughty-looking Luca, “stays here.”

  They moved out of the courtroom, but didn’t go far. Zollin was still groggy from the drugs and although he could have used his magic to pull them out of his body, he was still too weak. He needed food and rest.

  “I don’t think I can make it through the city,” he told Kelvich.

  “I’m sure we can find you quarters here,” the sorcerer said.

  “I’m staying with him this time,” Brianna said. “I don’t care what anyone says.”

  “Here, eat some more chicken!” Jax said happily.

  They found a small room used to house visiting officers. It had a bed, a small table, and two chairs. Zollin sat at the table and ate. He was famished and the food and wine did wonders to restore his spirits as well as his strength.

  “Tell me what you know about dragons,” Zollin said to Kelvich.

  “Not much, I’m afraid. Dragons haven’t been seen in the Five Kingdoms for centuries.”

  “I remember stories about kings and dragon wars,” Brianna said. “When singers would pass through Tranaugh Shire, I would sit and listen for hours. But I doubt many of those stories are true.”

  “We need to find out what can kill a dragon,” Zollin said.

  “I’m afraid I can’t help much,” Miriam said. She had been lingering near the door, obviously uncomfortable.

  “What are you saying?” Zollin said. “You know more about animals than any of us. Your expertise could mean the difference between victory and defeat.”

  “I’m so sorry, Zollin,” she said.

  “Sorry for what?” he asked.

  Brianna and Jax looked puzzled, but Kelvich was scowling.

  “She’s referring to her testimony during your court martial,” he said.

  “Can I just ask how I got court-martialed when I’m a civilian?” Zollin said.

  “What testimony?” Brianna asked, and there was an edge to her voice.

  “I had to tell the truth,” Miriam said meekly.

  “She told about the outlaws you met on the way to Orrock,” Kelvich added.

  “You mean the fact that we didn’t spare the wounded man,” Zollin said as understanding dawned on him. “I take it the court viewed that incident as some sort of proof that I’m a killer.”

  “I’m so sorry, Zollin, I didn’t know what to do. I know you had every right to do what you did, but I couldn’t lie about it. I live here. What if people found out that I lied for you? I’m so sorry. I’ll just leave and you’ll never have to see me again.”

  “Don’t be silly,” Zollin said. “You did the right thing. Quinn always says that honesty is the best bet. And hey, everything worked out in the end, right?”

  “I guess so,” she said, blinking back tears.

  Zollin found it odd to see Miriam, who was old enough to be his mother, looking so embarrassed, with her face turning red and her eyes full of tears. He hadn’t been around many women. His mother had died giving birth to him and his father had never remarried. He’d spent more time with Brianna than any other girl, but he’d spent his whole life surrounded by men.

  “We’ve all got to work together,” Zollin said. “I know I can’t do this task without your help,” he said as he looked around the room and let his gaze land on Brianna. She was smiling at him.

  “What can I do?” Jax asked.

  “First, I need you to check on the robes. Did we get someone started on that task yesterday?”

  “No,” Kelvich said. “I’m afraid we got sidetracked.”

  “Well then, take Brianna to a tailor who can get a lot done by tomorrow morning. We don’t need something fancy,” Zollin said to Brianna. “Most religious sects are into poverty and simplicity. As long as we can have something or can even make something ourselves that looks like we all belong together.”

  “How many troops will Sir Hausey be bringing?” Brianna asked.

  “I don’t know, you’d better stop and ask him before you leave.”

  “Alright, but first I need to say thank you to my hero.”

  Zollin blushed and looked down at the floor. In truth, his heart leapt a little. He didn’t want Brianna to like him for his power or what he could do for her, but he was just happy that she was showing interest in him again.

  Brianna walked past Zollin, who looked up, surprised, and approached Jax.

  “I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t shown up when you did,” she said to the boy, who was looking sheepishly at his own feet now. “You saved my life, Jax.”

  “It was nothing,” he said softly.

  “Helping others is never nothing,” Kelvich said. />
  “I’m so proud of you, Jax,” Miriam added.

  “What happened?” Zollin asked.

  Brianna didn’t explain, she just bent down and kissed Jax on the cheek. His chest swelled with pride and his eyes sparkled.

  “Come on, Brianna, I know the perfect man for the job. He’s got a big shop with plenty of helpers. I’ll take you to him.”