Restoring Dermot

by Andrea Boyd

  It was already hot that morning as we mounted up to begin our journey, but it was nothing compared to the unbearable inferno experienced on board the airship. If I ever traveled by that mode again, hopefully it would be in winter.

  We drew attention as we entered the first village in Dermot. People poured out of shops and houses.

  Garrett reined in his horse beside me as we neared the village square. “Speech time. Are you ready?”

  My nod felt like a lie. What could I say to these people to convince them to follow me into war? “Short and to the point, right?”

  “You will do fine, Brother.” His voice did not sound as confident as his words.

  I was not looking forward to this part of the plan any more than the battle we would face at the end. Having risen in rank as a soldier in Rivania to commander of my own troop, I had given speeches that led those below me into battle before, but I held authority there that I did not possess here. I had done nothing to earn my position as a future leader of this kingdom. In reality, I held no power even now. Just like the rest of Dermot, I was at the mercy of the king.

  As the crowd gathered closer, my name could be heard whispered through the crowd. I stood in my stirrups. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rian Barnali, Crown Prince of Dermot. I come in the name of King Farris with a message and a request for your aid. Fellow countrymen, your kingdom is under attack. Cordelia has breached our borders. I, along with these troops from Gilvary, am here to defend our country from this invasion. The king of Aisling rides with me. Warriors from his kingdom are en route. I am asking that every able-bodied person come with us. Defend your country. Protect the rights of your kingdom.”

  Similar speeches had incited cheers in the past. The laughter that followed was unexpected. A stout man with a staff in his hand stepped out from the crowd. He would pass for a warrior, but surely King Farris had already sent his trained men on to the battle. Then again, the king did not always do as expected.

  “Do you think we are unaware? What has King Farris done that we should fight against his enemies? Nothing. He takes our money, and we get naught in return. Besides, is he not the one who made the connection with Cordelia when he chose his foreign bride? Let him fight his own war.”

  I sat back in the saddle and stared at the man. I had no idea this resentment even existed. I only needed to look at the rutted path beneath my mount’s hooves to know that Farris was not taking care of the needs of his kingdom. There was no defense against their accusations.

  “Look, I have no control over the king. I can only promise that when I am ruler of Dermot, things will be different.”

  “Why should we believe you? Is it not true that you once abandoned your own kingdom to fight a war in a foreign country? Your loyalty has proven to be no better than that of the king’s.”

  My irritation built as I sat looking at this imbecile. This again. How long must I answer for a choice I made at the age of fifteen? I had answered to God and my family but owed these people no explanation for my past. Besides, what did any of this have to do with the war at hand?

  I looked all around, taking in the disgruntled crowd. “Believe me, or not. Fight for your kingdom, or not. Allow yourselves to fall under Cordelian rule, if you believe that is a better choice for you. As for me, I will be heading into battle with these brave men you see here. Because we would rather die than be taken over by them.”

  I nudged my horse to move forward, parting the crowd around me. As soon as I had space, I allowed her to trot. The sound of hooves slapping the dirt path soothed my spirit, but as soon as my indignation eased, I recognized my failure. Thankfully, that was only one village. I had until the next one to improve my speech.

  Garrett pulled up even with me as I slowed. I expected to see condemnation in his expression instead of the smile he wore. “You had me worried there for a moment. I thought you had lost them, and we need all the help we can get.”

  “I am fairly sure I did lose them. I will try to do better next time. Better yet, maybe you should give the speeches from now on.”

  “Oh, I predict we will see some from that village again before we get where we are going.”

  And we did. A group of men and one woman caught up to us before we arrived at the next village, led by the very one who had questioned me in the town square. I watched as he headed up his small troop with the stern look of determination. One thing that could be said positively about the man, he had the qualities of a leader.

  He spoke before he even came to a stop. “We have decided to join you.”

  I looked around at the ragtag group. A few wore protective leather coverings but no armor. Some rode mules instead of horses. Every one of them carried the expected staff, but it was a surprise to see a few bows strapped to some of their backs. The rest of Kearnley used a larger horse-bow. No doubt, the Dermish probably used their bows for hunting and protection against some of the larger animals roaming these mountains.

  I stepped down from my horse and the rest did the same. Their leader stuck out his hand. “Abel Pendergrass, at your service.” He was greeting me as an equal instead of his royal leader.

  After a quick thought, I shook his hand. I would have to earn my status with these people. For now, this was a start. “What changed your mind?”

  “If you and your brothers are willing to fight on behalf of Dermot, why would we not be willing to do the same. Though we are frustrated with our king, we are not lily-livered. I am not convinced you will be a better ruler, but I am willing to give you the benefit of a doubt while you prove me wrong.”

  At least he was honest. I preferred honesty.

  It turned out that Abel had been one of the king’s warriors until he was released from his duties along with his pay. I promised to do everything in my power to get him reinstated if we made it through. He spoke as if it was of no consequence, but I could see the eager gleam of his eye when he told of his prior duties.

  The two of us, along with Garrett, discussed strategy. It was decided that we would go to the next town together where Abel would hopefully help encourage more to join us. Then we would part ways, with him taking the more experienced ones on to the battle and the rest would stay with me and Garrett. All would receive daily training. The Gilvarians had their own leader so I sent them on with Abel’s group, as it may stir up trouble if they traveled alone.

  I was tempted to go with them. I should be heading the battle. Garrett explained the importance of bringing the people together under my leadership—something Farris had failed to do. I knew he was right but chafed under the restraint.

  Twenty-eight

  Adrika

  I was allowed freedom to move about the castle, but was told my father’s life was at stake if I alerted anyone to my uncle’s presence. That night, I moved back into my old bedchamber. I said it was to be closer to Father, but in truth, just looking around the suite I shared with Rian was painful. My throat clogged with fear every time I allowed my mind to dwell on what he could be facing at any given moment.

  Early the next morning, I dressed in a pair of slacks and a blousy, pale-blue top, along with my boots. I braided my hair into one thick plait and took up my staff. I wanted to view the castle from the outside to see for myself how far my uncle’s reach went. Why would he tell me to speak to no one concerning his presence? Surely it must be widely known that he had taken over the castle.

  The dry heat was already oppressive when I stepped out on the veranda. I rubbed my fingers lightly over the jasmine vine growing just outside my door. Tiny yellow leaves showered the ground at my feet. Because of the drought, it was necessary to carry water to these plants. The job had obviously been neglected in my absence.

  General Cormac met me as I entered the path leading up the mountain. “Princess Adrika, it is good to see you back in Dermot. I did not expect Session to be over so soon. Did the prince decide to return as well?” There was no missing his veiled barb.

  “He left days before I did, headed to
the Cordelian border.” Why was our general not leading troops into this war?

  One side of his lip curled up. “So, he decided to chase after that bit of a rumor, eh? Well, let’s hope he finds his way back home this time.”

  It was no rumor. My uncle had confirmed that troops had crossed our border with the intent to kill Rian and take over the kingdom, and our general stood here with this stupid smirk on his face . . . clearly, he did not know what was going on.

  “Have you spoken with Father lately?”

  He made a sucking sound through his teeth. “Over a week ago. He ordered me from his presence. Said he’d send for me if he should need my advice again. I don’t know what he was so riled . . .” He stopped mid-sentence and nodded his head at me. “Forgive me, Princess. I did not mean to ramble. If I can be of any assistance, please let me know. I’ll allow you to continue on your way now.”

  I walked on past him with my mind spinning. I could not reveal to him that not only was our kingdom at war, but the enemy camped within the walls of our castle. The last time the general saw my father must have been before his fall. I had taken a chance by asking Brasil what caused the tumble, certain that Galik was at fault. Brasil had taken the blame, saying that Father had tripped over the servant’s bedding.

  Uncle Galik had brought a deviant with him, known only as Carlos, who had taken over the small chamber attached to Father’s room where Brasil usually slept. They took turns guarding Father, with Galik keeping watch during the day and Carlos at night. I had seen Carlos only once and did not like the way he looked at me. Neither had Galik. He had slapped the man soundly across the face. If he had seen the evil look Carlos gave as soon as his back was turned, my uncle may not be as free with his abuse in the future.

  Instead of taking the trail up the mountain, I turned and made a trip around the perimeter of the castle. Father had thought us safe from any threat, so our troops were scarce. Perhaps if he had not held the purse strings so tightly, my uncle would have never made it through so easily. I chided myself for my disrespectful thoughts. My father was in a precarious state. Considering his age and frailties, there was a chance he may not pull through. Now was the time to put away such criticisms.

  As I circled back around to the kitchen, Donal opened the door for me to enter, almost as if I was expected. He glanced nervously at me before looking back down at the floor, and then he slipped outside.

  The room was empty again but for Renny, who was busy stirring a pot. “Good morning, Princess. I suppose you are in need of breakfast. Would you like for me to bring a tray up to your room?”

  That was what I usually did, but nothing seemed normal anymore. “Has Father eaten yet?”

  “No, but I will be taking a tray for him as soon as this oatmeal is done. He is only eating soft foods right now, but I have breakfast casserole and pancakes in the warmer, or I can bring you something else if you’d like.”

  “Is it all right if I just eat in here?”

  She turned to look at me for a moment with a blank expression upon her face. I suppose it was an unusual request, since I had never eaten in the kitchen before yesterday. She gestured to the table in the middle. “Have a seat, and I will get you started with some coffee.”

  I sat down and leaned my staff against the chair next to me. Renny filled a mug with the dark fluid and then stirred in plenty of cream and sugar just as I liked it. The steam drifted over the now pale brown liquid that reminded me so much of the color of Rian’s eyes. Would he ever come back to me? If he did, would he be able to forgive me for the way things were when we parted?

  Renny sat a plate of food in front of me. I was hesitant to pick up my fork and take a bite. In Aisling, we said prayer before every meal. I felt the desire to do so now, but had no idea how to go about it. I had never felt righteous enough to speak to God in that manner. That was reserved for people like Rian and his family, or maybe even my mother, though I had never heard her say one aloud.

  Looking around the room as I ate, I remembered tagging behind Mother through here on occasion and was always offered a treat from one of the kitchen helpers. I felt a certain amount of comfort in being here, probably because of that experience. Several work stations were set up around the perimeter of the room, now empty of kitchen workers. Renny was the only one I had seen since my return.

  “I know we have more workers besides yourself and Donal. Where is everyone?” I had asked the same question the day before and had been given a vague answer, but that was before I knew what was going on.

  She wrapped her hands in her apron and gave me a weary look. “Most of the workers have been sent away.”

  “By my uncle?”

  She stepped closer to where I was sitting and lowered her voice. “Not too many people even know he is here. Commands are given by handwritten notes from your father. Well, with the shape he is in, I suspect Brasil is doing the writing now.”

  “I have not seen another Cordelian besides Galik and Carlos. How is it that no one has tried to overtake them? Two people cannot possibly keep watch at all times.”

  Renny looked over her shoulder as if she expected someone to appear suddenly. “There is a woman with them, but I have only seen her once when they first arrived and she was covered in a cloak then. She shares a room with Carlos. Perhaps she is his wife. As far as I know, it is just the three of them.” She looked directly into my eyes. “You might be surprised at the power behind a threat to a loved one.”

  “I understand more than you think. He threatened to harm Father if I alerted the castle guards.”

  She nodded her head.

  I was trying to come up with a plan, but what could be done with this constant threat hanging over my father’s life? “How many people know they are here?”

  “Only me, Donal, and of course, Brasil. The poor man refuses to leave the king’s chambers. Speaking of which, I must hurry and prepare a tray. I would not want to keep them waiting.”

  I nibbled at a little more of my breakfast while she bustled around the room, preparing two trays. As if on cue, Donal stepped in through the back door and grabbed one of the trays just as Renny placed the last item. I took one last swallow of my coffee before falling in line behind them. Our soft footfalls accompanied by the thump of my staff were the only sounds in the deserted hallway.

  I leaned my staff against the wall, opened the door, and motioned for the other two to precede me. Brasil met us halfway across the bedchamber to take Father’s bowl of oatmeal along with his preferred cup of tea. Renny and Donal moved on to place the trays on the desk on the other side of the bed where Galik sat waiting.

  When I tried to take the bowl from Brasil’s hand, he looked startled, as if he just realized I was in the room. His eyes were sunken with dark circles beneath. It was early morning and he already looked exhausted. “Let me do this while you eat your own breakfast. I insist.”

  I had thought for a moment that he would refuse, but he surrendered the bowl and hurried to his own meal. He lowered himself to his pallet and began shoveling the food into his mouth as if he had not eaten in days.

  Father was propped up against the head of the bed. I tried not to look at the bruised side of his face as I sat down beside him and stirred his oatmeal. I loaded the spoon with his first bite and moved it toward his mouth. His hand shook as he reached for my arm. I thought he was about to protest me feeding him, but when his cool fingers wrapped around my arm, he did not push me away.

  “Thank you.” He guided my hand to his mouth and took the bite.

  Emotion clogged my throat. Things had not been right between the two of us since Mother died—even before that—but in this vulnerable state, he was once again my poppa. It was no hardship to care for this man who had doted on me during my childhood. I did not want to lose him.

  He reached his shaky hand toward my face but came just short of touching me before allowing it to drop. “I am sorry.”

  I almost missed his whispered words for the commotion behind me.<
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  My uncle’s voice boomed through the room. “Leave us now.”

  I kept my eyes focused on Father but could hear Renny and Donal scampering across the room. The door shut behind them with a thud as I fed him another bite. I felt a sudden tug on my braid. When I tried to look behind me, the force of the tugging increased. It was not necessary to look for me to know it was my uncle. I should have expected something like this would happen. Though Galik had never treated me in such a severe manner before, Cordelian women were at the mercy of the men. He had promised to train me in their ways. It was no idle threat.

  His deep voice sounded just above my ear, his harsh breath in my hair sent a chill through me. “What is the meaning of this? Why are you dressed this way? Do you know what we do to women who dress as trollops?”

  There was no choice but to stand as he jerked my braid upward. He shoved me to the side. I floundered, trying to keep my footing. Brasil stood but did not move from his spot next to the wall. As soon as Galik released me, I turned to face him.

  He motioned to the door. “Leave, and do not come back into my presence looking like that again. You dishonor your mother, your family, and your future husband. Get out of my sight before I do something we will both regret.”

  I was helpless against him, so I left without a word of defense. It was good that he could not read my mind. I wanted to tell him that I had a husband, and if he were here, he would protect me—even if it meant losing his life. It was true. Rian had never said it, but I knew he loved me. Realization dawned, revealing that I felt the same way about him.

  I was halfway down the hall, deep in my angry thoughts, before remembering my staff. I turned back to retrieve it, thinking the whole time how things could have gone differently if only I had taken it into that room with me. Each step back to my chambers felt weighted. The truth was, nothing would have been different if the weapon had been in my hand. If Brianna was in this situation, Galik would be begging for mercy, and if it were Gwen, well, he would be dead. Unfortunately, I was not like either of them.