The Four Tales

by Rebecca Reddell

  “Yes, Sire. He mentioned to me when I saw him in passing that he meant to show you had his full support.”

  Overcome, King Tritium could only nod and swallow. “Anything else?”

  “The Queen’s parents have arrived as well. They are within their rooms as well with Queen Arlyn. They have brought their son, Dempsey, the next king. They have brought a surplus of troops as well.”

  King Tritium nodded and set his papers aside. Folding his hands in front of him, he rested them on the desk and took a deep breath. Exhaling, he found Atkins watching him.

  “It’s nice to know a man has friends when there is trouble, Atkins. This show of support is more than I could have hoped for even though I was aware they were all coming. However, if our fears are true, we can’t stand against magic, Atkins.”

  His advisor nodded. “It would be a terrible blow to the kingdom. Many would die, and we don’t even know if he has plans to attack the other kingdoms. I believe King Iver and Queen Elaine are here to determine if this Stay of Arms is going to be effective.”

  “If we continue with this war, I don’t know if there will be anything left of our kingdom. You know as well as I do, Atkins, our ancestors worked hard to salvage what was left of the world. Between the destruction the technology brought and the force the hidden occult group wrecked, it destroyed the world. If King Ammandon continues down the road he’s taking, we might all be wiped out.”

  “It is my fear as well, my king. After the decades taken to rebuild, I’d hate for us to lose it all in one sweep. Do you think the witch means to direct all of her revenge to you or to your whole kingdom?”

  “I hadn’t thought about it,” King Tritium put his hands to his forehead and began rubbing. “She’ll want to annihilate me and my family for sure, but if she’s working with King Ammandon, there’s a chance she’s thinking of taking over the whole world.”

  “Well, I hope our theories are misguided, and we’ll come to some compromise the night of the ball.”

  “Agreed,” King Tritium sighed. “Thank you, Atkins. You’re a good man.”

  Atkins bowed his head for a few seconds and cleared his throat. He raised his head to meet the king’s gaze and smiled. His lined cheeks were red, and he cleared his throat a second time.

  “Thank you, King Tritium. I’m glad to be of use.”

  “You are. Now, I have all these reports, and I’ve read all of them more than once. It seems to me, we might want to concentrate on where the witch went after the night of the blinding light. I’m not seeing any account of where she could have gone.”

  “Since we assumed she was dead, we don’t have any ideas where she went. Although, since she’s popped back up, we can assume she had to have gone somewhere.”

  “Atkins, let’s look back through these and see where her family moved to after that night. I wonder if we could find any of them still living and if one of them might know where she went?”

  “It’s worth a try, Sir. I don’t recall where the headed. I know they were investigated, and it was determined none of them practiced magic. It’s why they were allowed to leave without interference. Do you have the report of the night in question?”

  “Right here, Atkins.” The king pulled out the report and sat it before Atkins.

  “Let’s get started then,” the advisor told him.

  “Lead on,” the king said.

  15

  Caundon Valley

  “I think it’s best if you head home, Prince Simon,” Captain Jack Kincaid stared at Simon with his arms crossed.

  “You know,” Simon sighed. “I thought you’d figure it out at some point.”

  “It would have come to me sooner, but it’s been a few years since I’ve seen you,” Kincaid told him. “I was at a peace meeting at Castle Dalry the year you were to leave and head to King Iver’s kingdom. How long have you been in this war without anyone recognizing you?”

  Simon shrugged.

  “Well, Prince Simon, I feel it’s best if we get you home. I have a feeling your father has not approved this mission? The last word we had in regards to you was in reference to your arrival with King Iver’s supply of troops. I’m guessing it didn’t happen that way?”

  “No, Captain Kincaid. I decided I needed to act on my own. However, you might be right. I’m not doing much good sitting around here.” Simon stood and stuck out his hand.

  Captain Kincaid shook it but indicated the chair. “If you don’t mind, I’d like for you to take a seat and tell me everything you’ve found out in your time of combat. I know you have already told me about the night of the blinding light. I’ve sent a missive to the king about it.”

  Simon took a seat and sighed. “I don’t know how much more I can tell you, Captain. We hadn’t met up with anyone exhibiting that type of power. Have you sent the missives out to the families of those who died?”

  “Yes, I have. It will take a few days to reach them. I think this is one of those times when I dislike not having vehicles to speed us along.”

  Simon glanced at the Captain with a smile. “I concur. Although, let’s not allow my father to hear us saying such a thing. He and our ancestors felt the advancements of our predecessors were the root of the war. They don’t want any of it repeated.”

  Nodding, Captain Kincaid took a seat as well. “They might be right. Especially now we’re up against an old enemy. It didn’t help us in the last war. Anyway, you mentioned there were men in pairs roaming the borderland. Is that true?”

  “Yes,” Simon responded, sitting back in his chair.

  “Why in twos?”

  “I don’t know. My company and I wondered the same thing. It seemed as if they were doing some reconnaissance. It’s the only answer we could come up with for them being there in such small numbers. It was as if they wanted to be killed.”

  “Perhaps they were pin-pointing your location. Their deaths alerted the enemy as to where you were, and that’s how they were able to send the light and kill your men.”

  “It is certainly a consideration. The thought crossed my mind as well. If that’s the case, then they don’t even need battalions of men. They’ll be able to kill us faster with only a few scouts.”

  Shaking his head, the captain growled, “Great! We don’t have a chance to win this war. From the reports I’ve received, the council hasn’t learned anything. They don’t know where this witch is or if she’s for certain working with King Ammandon. Although, I suspect we now know the answer to that question.”

  Simon nodded. “By what I saw, I’d say she has to be involved. It’s very convenient to issue a land dispute and call for war at the same moment my father is made aware of his long-lost love’s return.”

  “Good point,” Captain Kincaid agreed. “I sent this news on ahead to the castle. Your father needs to be aware of it right away. The ball King Tritium plans to throw is in five days. I suspect he’ll be happy to have you by his side.”

  “I’m sure he’ll be happy I’m alive, at least. I doubt he’ll be thrilled with me otherwise.”

  The captain smirked. “I sent a report of your activities as well.”

  “Well, thanks a lot, Captain.” Simon crossed his arms and frowned.

  “He’ll now know your espionage work to ferret out a traitor has been very beneficial. The king will know you discovered the connection between King Ammandon and the witch. Your services have been very useful.”

  Simon laughed. “Thanks, Captain. I suppose it was fortunate I survived the bright light.” His face fell thinking about it. So many of his men had died. He thought of the letter written to the families.

  The captain saw his downcast look and cleared his throat. “Prince Simon, you couldn’t have saved them. Neither of us even know how the light was enacted or what woke you up and allowed you to escape. If we had all the answers, then we could assign blame. Right now, be thankful you’re alive and were able to share with us this valuable piece of news.”

  “I’m just thinking of the men. T
he scene was horrendous, Captain. I don’t know if I can ever think of anything else.”

  “Prince Simon, you’re going to have to think about what’s next. It will help refocus your mind. You’ll never forget what you saw. Unfortunately, it’s the price of war.”

  “Why does it happen then? War? This witch is destroying the world again. How can we stop her? How did our ancestors stop them during WWIII?”

  “The war started around inequality. Their arguments were sound, but the way they went about proving their points were not. Eventually, those worried about racial implications extended to those with powers and the sight and unknown abilities. The anger and fighting on both sides exploded.”

  “Why did they add to the fighting? Why didn’t everyone just back down and attempt to reconcile their differences? I don’t understand this inequality?”

  “It’s because we don’t face it here. Everyone is provided for under the monarchies which were set in place. Everyone has the opportunity to follow their dreams. Education is set up to help achieve goals and allow families to plan and learn for their professions. The kingdoms don’t look at color or race. We are all that’s left of the human population. We had to learn the hard way not to judge others.”

  “I would have thought it’d be worse with the fear people now would have of those who are different or have more?” Simon leaned back in his chair and listened.

  “It was the first few years, but once the kingdoms were able to fully set up and move forward, everyone’s mind focused on the now. The great thing about what was left of humanity is they realized we needed each other. It wasn’t until the night of your father’s engagement party that anyone suspected there were sleepers among us.”

  “Sleepers?” Simon asked.

  “Yes, people with powers who were hiding out.”

  “How did she sneak through? How does she know these things when we collected everything related to technology and the occult?”

  “We don’t know. It might be inherited. Her ancestors could have fought in the war, and their abilities and innate knowledge passed to her. We’re unsure at this point. Another unfortunate piece of confusion.”

  “They weren’t all like that though, right?” Simon inquired, feeling he knew the answers from his childhood lessons.

  “Oh no! Those who were obsessed with bringing the world into a faster, smarter place and those who wanted to control it are the ones who brought the war on. You must remember from your lessons that there were those of the occult who tried to stop what their brothers and sisters were doing. It’s what caused the ultimate blow-up of the world. Their powers were so incredibly prevailing, and they overwhelmed them all.”

  “So, they killed each other?”

  “Exactly. Their powers created such a magnitude of energy fighting against once another that they destroyed themselves and anyone near them. It took out landmasses. The technology had already been burnt out from their hostilities. Our ancestors had no choice but to start over from the ground up.”

  “I see. Our great-great ancestors decided that having more would lead to another war and decided against it then?”

  “Yes, Prince Simon. At the time, everyone wanted to revert back to the time when there was no technology. Although, I have to say, I’ve always wanted to know what it was like to pick up a telephone and call someone.”

  Simon laughed. “Me too! Please, Captain, don’t call me Prince Simon. Just Simon will do.”

  The captain nodded. “Would you like something to drink? The horses are being saddled for your departure.”

  “No, thank you. Do I really have to go home?” Simon wanted to know.

  “Yes, Pr—Simon. We need you safe. Your parents are very worried.”

  “All right, but I don’t know if we have any way of beating this witch. According to the historical accounts, the occults destroyed each other. We don’t have anyone who could help us. I suspect they wouldn’t come forward even if they were a witch or something, especially with what’s going on now. What’s the witch’s name again?”

  “If I remember right, it’s D’Arcy Doran. I doubt she’s been going by it any longer.”

  Simon sat up and wondered, “Could we check the archives though? Look through the history books and find anything else about her or ancestors or even something about a witch named D’Arcy Doran?”

  Captain Kincaid scratched his chin while thinking and nodded. “You might have a point. I’m sure the council has already thought of it though.”

  Sighing, Simon stood. “You’re probably right. I might check into it when I arrive at the castle. Can I ask you something?”

  “Of course, Prin—Simon. What is it?”

  “Have the letters been sent out to the families?”

  “The names you gave me were sent to the king when you arrived two days ago. He’s probably already heard about them and had the notes sent out. Why?”

  “One of the men was a particular friend of mine. I would like to visit his family before I head home.”

  Captain Kincaid was already shaking his head no. “Absolutely not. It’s far too dangerous, and you’ve already have one near-miss with death. King Tritium would have my head if I allowed you to do that.”

  “Then, can you send someone? Please? I’ll stay here until they return with word. I have to know the family is doing well. It’s important.”

  Assessing the younger man, Kincaid noted Prince Simon’s direct eye contact and clenched fists. If it was important to the prince, he knew there had to be a reason. He also knew if he didn’t do as asked, the prince would take matters into his own hands.

  “Yes, Simon. I will send a couple of men. Where does this family live?”

  His body drooped for a second, his fists unclenched, and Simon let out a long sigh. “Thank you! I have a letter to send off as well. Do you have a map? I’ll show you where it is.”

  “Yes, on the table over there,” the captain said and pointed to the second table off to the right. “I’ll cancel the horses and escort and find my top two men. Mac and Brandy can ride like the wind.”

  “Thank you, Captain.”

  “You’re welcome, Prince Simon,” Captain Kincaid said deliberately before slipping out the door of the tent.

  “I told you they were fast,” Captain Kincaid stated as Mac and Brandy rode into the camp at first light five days later. The ball was that night, and Simon was instructed to head home with or without the news he’d been waiting for.

  His horse was standing a few feet in front of him, saddled, and ready to leave within a moment’s notice. Captain Kincaid had a small escort traveling with him, and they were all prepared to leave as well.

  “How did they make it in such time?” Simon was shocked. He’d expected to hear form them once he arrived home.

  “They don’t stop except to change horses and eat. These men live in horses. I suppose they could have been faster in one of those old-time cars,” Captain Kincaid responded.

  Simon heard rather than looked to see if the captain was grinning. His eyes were trained on the men dismounting. He found himself holding his breath.

  “Captain,” Mac saluted and nodded to Simon.

  No one else had been told about the Prince’s identity. Simon felt grateful for the continued anonymity. It was nice not to have men treating you differently because you were the ruler of a kingdom, but instead, as one of the men.

  “Mac, Brandy, good to see you both. Let’s step into the tent for a moment, and I’ll hear your report.”

  Both men nodded before following the captain. Simon trailed behind and noted their slumped shoulders and dirt-stained clothes. They must be exhausted, and he felt an unequaled amount of respect and gratitude toward them.

  Inside the tent, the men took seats, and Simon was given the captain’s chair. If Mac or Brandy thought this was odd, they said nothing, and their expressions remained neutral. Captain Kincaid stood to the right of the desk and sat on its edge before indicating the men should proceed.
>
  “Captain, I must return this,” Brandy spoke first and pulled out the letter Simon had written. He passed it back to Captain Kincaid.

  “Why are you returning this to me, Brandy?” the captain asked. He looked at the envelope before setting it on the desk in front of Simon.

  Eyes drawn to the dirty envelope, Simon feared what it might mean. He pulled his gaze up to the two men and waited.

  “There was no one for us to give it to, Sir,” Brandy continued.

  “The home was burnt to the ground. We couldn’t find any survivors. A few of the neighbors we talked to said the family was inside when it happened. At least, they thought they were. The neighbors helped put out the fire and searched the premises when it had cooled.”

  Captain Kincaid glanced at Simon’s pale face before nodding at Mac and Brandy. “What happened when they searched?”

  “They found four bodies inside, Sir,” Mac disclosed.

  Captain Kincaid nodded. “I see. Thank you for your report men. Go get something to eat and sleep the rest of the day. You made very good time, and I appreciate your efforts.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Brandy spoke and stood.

  “Thank you, Sir,” Mac added.

  Both men left. Simon and Captain Kincaid stayed where they were and didn’t say a word.

  Cassie is dead, Simon thought. His heart stuttered against his chest. He couldn’t catch his breath.

  “Prince Simon?” Captain Kincaid’s voice was far away. “Prince Simon?”

  Simon shook his head and tried to breathe. Am I hyperventilating? He tried to process his body’s reaction.

  “Simon!” Captain Kincaid shook him by the shoulders. “Breathe through your nose and out through your mouth. Concentrate on my voice, Prince Simon.”

  Nodding, Simon followed the captain’s instructions until his breathing filled his lungs and slowed. He swallowed and blinked, trying to return to the room. For a minute, he could only picture her standing there waving as he and Alastair paused before disappearing over the hill.

  “How did it burn down?” he gasped.