The Sigil of Sobek: Book 2 The Chronicles of Conran

by Valerie Lindsey

Silvesto laughed before adding, “I doubt that will last long.”

  “I hope I never stop appreciating life and my health,” I insisted.

  “As do I but it can be hard not to grumble when things go poorly.”

  I nodded my agreement, but decided it was time to change the subject.

  “Did Doctor Carrizo’s guard tell you how long we’ll be traveling today?”

  “No but Lady Ilena wants to know if you start hurting and she’ll call for us to stop for the night.”

  I shook my head.

  “That isn’t the way I want to start my appointment. I think Doctor Carrizo is already frustrated we did not leave sooner. I don’t want to exacerbate the situation.”

  “There is no need for you to play the hero and affect your progress.”

  “I won’t.”

  We rode quietly until I signaled Silvesto to move away from our party with me.

  “What is it, Conran?”

  “Did you find Raven’s body? Were you able to take care of her?”

  “Yes, we found her. On the way, we passed two cross streams. Lady Ilena had us bury her body between them. She said it would contain her spirit.”

  “You’re sure it was her?”

  “Yes, Conran. Lady Ilena insisted on accompanying us to make certain it was. She was positive and I recognized Raven, too. Though…”

  His voice trailed off and he looked away.

  “What is it, Silvesto?”

  “Raven was already rotting. She shouldn’t have been with the cool weather and cold nights. It was ghastly. Lady Ilena said it was the result of practicing black magic.”

  “I’m just glad her body was still there. I was worried she’d disappear like she did when Nicky thought he killed her.”

  I felt something tight in my chest loosen. It would be good not to watch my back though I was beginning to think every time I vanquished one enemy, another showed up.

  Of course, I still had a powerful enemy in Queen Drusilla. After all, she was the reason I was on my way to the Florenza Court. It was King Drexel’s attempt to distance me from his Queen. He hoped distance and time would end her animosity though I knew better. I must have sighed as Silvesto moved his horse closer to me.

  “What is it? Did we forget to do something with her body?”

  “No, I was just thinking of Queen Drusilla. I wonder when she’ll learn Raven is dead and who she will send in her place.”

  “There is no shortage of assassins for hire. However, you have some of King Drexel’s best men with you.”

  “Which I appreciate more than you know,” I said, smiling.

  I had yet to see a man best Silvesto for long. He was a skillful and ferocious fighter. I had benefited from his training and I knew Nicky’s fighting had improved under Silvesto’s exacting tutelage. As if my thoughts had summoned him, Nicky rode up on the large gelding the King had given him before we left Argelle. Nicky’s black hair glinted blue in the sunlight.

  “You two are so intense! I didn’t want to be left out if you’re discussing something interesting.”

  “Silvesto was assuring me that Raven’s body has finally been laid to rest.”

  “What a relief! I feared she had more lives than a cat!”

  “I’m relieved, too,” I commented. “How do you like your new horse?”

  “He has a good gait and seems very calm. I don’t think he will spook easy but we’ll find out in battle.”

  “I thought you’d had your fill of bloody battles?”

  “I know what to expect now. Besides, it isn’t the same when you are by me. Seems more fun for some reason.”

  “Fun!” Silvesto snorted, shaking his graying head. “Fighting is never be fun. You must take it seriously if you hope to live a long time.”

  “Kat told you to be careful or, are you trying get out of marriage already?” I teased.

  “Our wedding and marriage make me nervous but I don’t want to get out of it. I can’t imagine being without Kat,” his voice trailed away.

  “I remember how nervous Mother was before she married Brendan and you’ve seen how they are together. If she was nervous, then it must be normal. Kat and you are both so fun-loving. I think you’re a good match.”

  Nicky had been the first to make me welcome at King Drexel’s court. He was the first to accept me as I was, too. Our friendship had only grown. I wanted to reassure him.

  “Thank you, that makes me feel better.”

  “You two are becoming maudlin. I will rejoin my men,” Silvesto announced shortly before pressing his heels into his Arabian mare, Hecate.

  I couldn’t help laughing.

  “He’s right. We are starting to sound like women!”

  “Maybe you but I am as manly as ever.”

  “I think we should ride closer to our party, Sir Manly.”

  Laughing, we rejoined the end of our train. Nicky shifted in his saddle with a creak of leather.

  “Are you feeling better about going to Florenza?”

  “You mean have I accepted being cast out of Argelle after saving it? I have. After all, now we will get to spend a lot more time together. I seldom saw you once you became a squire. This will be good experience for both of us.”

  “That is what King Drexel told me, too. You know he only sent you away to protect you?”

  “After all I did, he should have trusted me to be able to protect myself.”

  “And how could you have handled Queen Drusilla without killing her?”

  My mouth opened then closed. Nicky was right. I’d secretly killed Drusilla’s father, King Crispin, after his forces attacked King Drexel’s keep the night of King Drexel and Drusilla’s wedding. When I defeated King Crispin’s army, I discovered just how much power I had.

  I also made an unrelenting enemy of Drusilla. She must have sent Raven after me. I had little doubt there would be other attempts to kill me, and nothing less than her death would end her hatred. However, I couldn’t be the source without committing treason.

  “You’re right. I just wish he had released me, so I could have returned home.”

  “Your stepfather sent you to court to make your own way. I think learning to be a diplomat between Florenza and Argelle will be good experience. Maybe you will find your path.”

  I didn’t answer. I knew my future; both good and bad. Of course, I hadn’t seen paralysis. Maybe Ilena was right and my actions could change my future.

  “Conran? What are you thinking?”

  “Nothing important. How hard did Silvesto work you while I was flat on my back?”

  “Pretty hard but he worked all the men hard. We are ready if there is any trouble on the way to court,” Nicky said, assurance clear in his voice.

  “I don’t doubt you are more than ready but I hope the rest of our trip is uneventful. I suspect it will be some time before I can fight.” I patted Scimitar’s neck and between his ears. “This is the most exercise I’ve had in over a week.”

  It surprised me how quickly Nicky had changed his mind on fighting. He’d obviously recovered from his first battle. Initially, he’d been shaky and horrified at having friends cut down around him. I had thought he might request to leave the King’s service but I’d been wrong.

  “Lady Ilena has kept Silvesto at bay, but I hope you will be able to practice with me soon.”

  “Why don’t we practice after we camp for the night? It will be good to work my muscles before eating and bed.”

  Nicky grinned before turning back forward. We rode in silence, which gave me time to think. Despite being incapacitated for almost a week, I hadn’t spent much time reflecting.

  Frightened at being paralyzed, I had closed myself off from all thoughts and emotions as much as I could. I’d even closed myself off from my magic, refusing even to use the Druid’s Egg to see my future. Now, I felt foolish. I could have avoided a lot of unnecessary fear.

  I looked up in time to see Silvesto hold a fist up, calling a halt. I was relieved. Despite what I�
��d told Nicky, I was definitely aching. I quickly pulled up to the carriage bearing the ladies, so I could dismount and stretch.

  Holding back a groan, I opened the carriage door. I held a hand out to help Ilena first. I heard her voice in my head.

  “That sore?”

  “How could you tell?”

  “Normally, you would have bowed with a flourish.”

  I smiled at her before turning back to assist Jamila. She lay her small, cool hand on mine as she watched my face. Jamila glanced down quickly as a gentle blush rushed up her face.

  “How are you, Conran?” she asked softly.

  “Sorer than I like to admit,” I whispered back, grinning.

  We both laughed as she stepped delicately down. I kept smiling as we walked to the others but I was uneasy. Her blush bothered me.

  I hoped Jamila wasn’t developing romantic feelings for me. After losing my first love, I wasn’t looking to repeat the experience. I liked Jamila too much to risk our friendship.

  Pushing my concern down, I walked over to the men and helped lead the horses to a gurgling stream. I relaxed in the gentle breeze as they noisily drank.

  The clear water eddied around submerged low hanging branches that swayed slowly under the clear surface. I heard a fish flop further up the creek and I immediately wanted to dip a pole in the water. I missed fishing. Silvesto moved silently next to me.

  “How is your first day in the saddle after being bedridden for so long?”

  “Good and bad,” I answered as I met his grey eyes. “I haven’t hurt this bad since I learned to ride. Nicky wants to spar. Maybe it will loosen up muscles.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I want to make sure you are well. Don’t over exert yourself. Just stretch and take a good walk before and after we eat. I will walk with you.”

  “You still think I’m in danger?”

  “I think you are always in danger! I thought I wasn’t earning my pay in Lady Ilena’s employ – now, I suspect I’m being short changed,” he said dryly.

  I couldn’t help laughing as he raked a hand through his cropped, graying hair. Silvesto looked up as one of the men called to him. Quickly, he gave orders to lead the horses to a nearby field. He reached out a hand to stop me as I started to help.

  “We have enough men to take care of the horses. Sit and stretch out,” he ordered as he bent over the creek to refill several canteens.

  “Here, let me help,” I said as I took a couple of the skins, gingerly crouched down and slowly filled them, making sure to hold them well under the surface to reduce the amount of flotsam. He glanced up sharply but shrugged.

  “I should have let you walk the horses,” he grumbled.

  Always comfortable with Ilena’s trusted guard, I didn’t mind the mild scolding. Silvesto had always treated me as an equal. I breathed deeply and opened my senses. It wouldn’t do to be caught off guard so soon into our trip.

  I raised my left hand to clasp the Druid’s Egg to be certain. All was well. I gradually relaxed as I filled the last container. I decided to take Silvesto’s advice and sat back. I bent forward over my legs to stretch my back. Slowly, I twisted to the left and right.

  “How long will we rest?” I asked

  “At least an hour but I think two will be best.”

  I looked up at the sun through the swaying branches. Clouds swept across a graying sky and a chill wind made me shiver.

  “Can we spare that much time?”

  “You sound like that oily little charlatan. We can easily reach the next town before nightfall.”

  I nodded. I started to drift off but Silvesto nudged me before he stood.

  “You need to eat. You’re looking scrawny,” he commented with a smile that puckered the scar running up to his brow.

  Ignoring his outstretched hand, I slowly stood and stretched some more. I groaned as I bent to touch my toes. Darn, but my butt and upper thighs hurt!

  Silvesto looked at me with sympathy.

  “Would you like to ride the rest of the day in the carriage? I’m sure the ladies won’t mind your company.”

  “I hope you’re joking. I’m not that sore!”

  “Don’t let your pride get in the way of common sense, Conran. Dr. Carrizo can accompany you and inform you of all you need to know about the Florenza Court.”

  I glared at Silvesto.

  “That is the second time you have tried to foist me onto Dr. Carrizo. I don’t like it, Silvesto.”

  He shrugged his shoulders as one corner of his mouth quirked.

  “He’s here for you. Whether you like it or not, you need to get to know him. He may be able to ease your entry into the new court.”

  “Perhaps, but he manages to be so annoying without any effort.”

  “Then he’s good practice for you to learn diplomacy. It is easy to be nice to people you like. The challenge is to charm those you don’t.”

  “Lady Ilena must be coaching you,” I sighed. “She has already told me the same.”

  “I trust you will listen,” he firmly stated.

  Glancing at his set shoulders, I held my tongue. I wasn’t in the mood to start an argument. We walked in silence until my stomach betrayed my hunger with a gurgling rumble. Silvesto snorted with amusement.

  “I’m glad your appetite is back.”

  “Me, too. I thought I would drown with all the broth they spooned down my throat. I felt like an old man who could no longer eat solid food.”

  We hadn’t been gone long, but food was already bubbling above small fires. Jamila rushed up and handed me an earthen ware cup full of tea. Smiling my thanks, I sipped carefully at the hot liquid.

  I saw Dr. Carrizo standing awkwardly on the fringe of the bustling camp. Tipping my head to Jamila and Silvesto, I walked over to join him. The short doctor’s swarthy face lightened as he saw me approaching.

  “Salve, Master Conran! How are you doing?”

  “Very well, Dr. Carrizo. And you?”

  “Grateful we stopped. I do not like to ride and having my feet on the dirt feels good.”

  I smiled at his choice of words but wondered if I would become half as fluent in his language.

  “Have you eaten yet?”

  “No, I do not yet feel comfortable with your company.”

  “Come with me,” I directed as I led the way to the cauldron being manned by Kevin.

  “Hello, Kevin! I see you have cook duty. Can we have two bowls of the stew?”

  “Certainly, Master Conran. It is good to see you back up and about, sir,” Kevin’s pale blue eyes were serious as he looked at me.

  “Thank you, Kevin. I’m glad you are with us on this journey.”

  “You may change your mind after you eat. I’m not sure it will taste good.”

  Laughing, I handed the first bowl he handed me to Dr. Carrizo.

  “It will be fine. If not, you will have time to practice.”

  “That I will,” he said sadly.

  I couldn’t help chuckling again as I took my bowl and spoon from him. I looked around and nodded my head at a tree. The doctor followed me to the shady spot. I sat slowly, careful not to spill any of the stew or the rest of my tea.

  “Did you need me to get you something to drink, Dr. Carrizo?”

  “That is not necessary, Conran. I brought our guest some tea,” Ilena announced. She carefully handed Dr. Carrizo a cup of tea. “May I join you gentlemen?”

  “It would be our pleasure,” I said, setting my food to the side before rising to help her get seated. I handed her my untouched bowl of stew. “I will be back shortly.”

  There was now a short line in front of Kevin, but it gave me time to talk with the men as I waited. A couple of the men tried to get me to move ahead in the line but I demurred. I was only the adopted son of a nobleman and didn’t want to take advantage of Brendan’s status. John had joined Kevin at the pot, so I was soon receiving my second bowl of stew.

  “Was it good then?” Kevin asked anxiously.
r />   “I’m sure but I gave my bowl to Lady Ilena. I will let you know what we think. Thank you.”

  I was really hungry now and rushed back to my companions under the tree. I saw that Jamila had joined them. I scooped the first spoonful into my mouth before I even sat down. I almost spat it out. Lady Ilena and Jamila started laughing.

  “Little heavy on the salt,” I choked out.

  “A little heavy?” Lady Ilena queried with a wide smile. “I tried to catch your eye to send you to another line. Fortunately for you, Dr. Carrizo got you an extra bowl when he discarded and refilled his.”

  She held out the mentioned bowl. I poured the first bowl out and took the proffered replacement. I took a hesitant bite but it was much better. I ate faster and pondered how to be honest with Kevin.

  “Why are you frowning? Is it not to your liking?”

  “It’s fine, but I promised Kevin I would tell him how his stew is. He was concerned.”

  “He should have tasted it before putting so much salt in it,” she commented. With a twinkle in her eye, she added “If he used our entire supply of salt, there won’t be a repeat of this.”

  “I doubt we will be that lucky,” I replied, grinning. “I will tell him after I finish this. I’m starving.”

  “That is a very good sign,” Doctor Carrizo interjected, smiling. “Would you like me to tell the young man? Everyone expects foreigners to be rude.”

  I almost choked on a piece of stew. I struggled to compose myself before answering.

  “That is a generous offer, Dr. Carrizo, but it is my responsibility.”

  I reluctantly dropped my spoon in the empty bowl.

  “Delaying it won’t make the news sweeter, I will let him know now.”

  “Would you like me to get you another bowl of the good stew?” Jamila asked softly.

  Still hungry, I handed my empty bowl and spoon to her.

  “That would be nice. Thank you, Jamila.”

  I bent and picked up the bowl I’d taken from Kevin. Dr. Carrizo handed me his empty one. With a rueful look at Ilena, I left.

  I walked slowly to Kevin. I noticed there was no longer a line in front of him. His shoulders were slumped and his head bowed as he put empty bowls into a large tub of water. I felt sure he’d already been told about the over salting.