“Here are two more bowls.”
“I’m sorry about the over salting. That’s all I’ve heard about for the last twenty minutes.” He sighed heavily without looking up.
“Is this your first attempt at cooking?”
“Yes,” he mumbled.
“I don’t know that I would have done any better. All the men realize that, too. I bet by tomorrow, they will just be teasing you.”
“They’re already calling me ‘old salty’.”
I bit my lip to stop myself from smiling.
“It wasn’t fair for you to be ordered to cook with inadequate instruction. I heard the other pot of stew was good. Maybe Roscoe could tell you what he did.”
“You think I’ll have to cook again?”
“I don’t know but wouldn’t it be better to be prepared?”
“Silvesto wants me to eat every remaining bite,” he complained.
Remembering how bad the stew was, I felt bad for him. I glanced around but didn’t see anyone watching us. I pretended to stumble as I whispered a quick spell and twitched my forefinger. The large kettle of over salted stew fell away from Kevin and me.
“Oh! How clumsy of me!” I bent to right the pot.
“Don’t touch it, Master Conran! It will still be too hot to touch.”
Kevin grabbed two towels and pulled the pot upright. He looked around and moved closer to me.
“Thank you, Master Conran. I wasn’t looking forward to eating all of that.”
I smiled in response.
“Just go easy on the salt. Maybe omit it altogether,” I suggested helpfully.
“Roscoe said he’d help me next time. It really is my fault. I thought there was nothing to cooking. Just cut up meat and vegetables. Add water and salt, and set it over a fire. I know better now.”
I could smell burnt vegetables and meat that I assumed caked the bottom of the cauldron.
“Better clean that pot fast before Silvesto expects you to eat what remains in it. Think you need to remember to do a lot of stirring, too.”
Kevin smiled and tipped the pot out before carrying it to the river. Smiling, I stretched and looked around. Several of the men were sleeping with hats or caps covering their faces.
The camp was peaceful with low conversations drifting on the fluff-filled air. The clank and scrap of metal competed with the whirring of insects and a variety of bird calls. For the first time in a long time, I felt at peace with the world. That usually meant everything would go terribly wrong.
That thought sobered me. I briefly closed my eyes and visualized a reflective shield surrounding me. I hadn’t used my magic while I was incapacitated, so it took me a little longer to effect sufficient protection.
I mentally chastised myself for being lax. I privately committed to practicing every day. I stiffened as I sensed someone approaching me. I relaxed and turned to greet Silvesto.
“Planning on going on a stroll without protection?”
“Raven is gone. How many more enemies can I possibly have?”
Silvesto snorted. “Do not doubt your capabilities,” he grinned before becoming serious. “You have Queen Drusilla and she has the kingdom’s resources at her fingertips. Do you really think she’ll stop with Raven? By now, she must realize it didn’t go well. She knows you were injured from the message sent to King Drexel but we didn’t tell how.”
“The message to King Drexel didn’t share what actually happened?”
“I thought it best to keep it quiet and make his queen wonder for a while,” Silvesto replied dryly.
I smiled in response. We continued our walk in a relaxed silence that gave me time to evaluate my feelings about Jamila. Without a doubt, she was a striking young woman, but Gillian’s loss was too fresh. Despite Gillian’s decision to marry a ‘safe’ man, I’d never stopped loving her. I hadn’t seen a woman by my side in my future, but I was beginning to believe I could change that.
Silvesto’s taciturn nature made him the ideal walking companion. However, I stayed aware of our surroundings. I stopped and probed the dense wooded area around us. I didn’t find any threats, but finally noticed how far we’d strayed from our companions. I glanced at Silvesto to find him watching me intently.
“Do you sense any danger?”
“No, but we should probably get back. I doubt you wanted our break to be this long.”
“Lady Ilena cautioned me not to push our party too hard the first few days.”
“Hmm. I’m sure she told you to take it easy on me. I feel saddle sore but I don’t need coddling.”
“You know Lady Ilena as well as I. Do you think it wise to cross her?”
I shook my head and laughed before turning to walk back to our companions. I knew Silvesto’s first loyalty would always be to Lady Ilena and I treasured her friendship too much to argue over such a small matter. Maybe a few easy days was not such a bad thing. As long as Queen Drusilla didn’t send any more assassins after us.
Chapter 5
“Someone is approaching rapidly on horseback,” I warned Silvesto.
A quick shout from Silvesto and all the men swiftly circled Lady Ilena’s carriage. From the corner of my eye, I saw Doctor Carrizo quickly wheel his horse behind the carriage. Reassured, I turned Scimitar around to face the road where the sound of pounding hooves could now be heard.
Scimitar’s muscles twitched in response to my legs tightening but he held steady. I didn’t bother glancing at Silvesto or the other men. I knew they were ready. I only hoped I was.
A lone rider came into view, lather flying off his horse. I relaxed when I saw he wore King Drexel’s colors. My relief fled before my confusion and deepening concern. Why would King Drexel send a page in such evident urgency?
The page’s horse pulled up short with a splatter of flying dirt. I turned my head too late. Dirt and small stones pelted me. Scimitar shook his head and nipped angrily at the offending horse.
“Master Seahorn,” the page gasped, “I found you!”
“Did King Drexel tell you to ride recklessly and frighten our party?” Silvesto demanded.
Silvesto glared at the hapless man whose mouth opened and closed like a gasping fish. Finally, the man found his voice.
“King Drexel ordered me to deliver this letter as quickly as possible.” He dropped his head, focusing his gaze on his horse’s mane. “I deeply regret startling your party. I have been trained better and hope you will accept my deepest apologies.”
“Yes, yes,” I replied impatiently. “May I have the message that has caused such problems?”
I struggled to force my fear down. Mother was expecting twins and King Drexel insisting I receive this message was worrisome. My fear heightened as the messenger fumbled in the black leather bag hanging from his saddle.
Finally, he pulled out a folded and sealed document, and handed it to me. As soon as I touched it, I relaxed. Without opening it, I knew Mother and the babies were well. As my breathing returned to normal, I carefully broke the seal and unfolded the thick paper.
The letter was in my stepfather’s writing and announced that my new brother and sister had arrived early but everyone was doing well. They had named the babies Evan Andrew and Emma Anna. Brendan had concluded by wishing me success in my new assignment and hoping I would visit before my new brother and sister were walking.
Smiling, I folded the letter and slipped it inside my jerkin. My hand brushed the Druid’s Egg and I saw my mother’s room with the sleeping babies. Brendan’s arm was around Mother and they were both smiling as they watched the sleeping newborns.
“Good news, Conran?” Silvesto asked.
“Yes, it is. Mother was safely delivered of twins; a boy and a girl. Brendan wishes me well at the Florenza Court and hopes I’ll be able to visit before the twins are walking.”
“We don’t know if King Stefano will be as accommodating as King Drexel,” Silvesto said pragmatically.
“We will be closer to Brendan’s stronghold, so I will need less time away from co
urt,” I added hopefully.
Silvesto silently looked at me. Turning away from him, I handed the messenger a sovereign.
“Your horse looks like it needs rest, food and water. Would you take a letter to Lord Seahorn for me?”
“Of course, Master Conran.”
“The supply wagon is the last one if you’re hungry. I will write quickly. What is your name?”
“Billy, Master Conran.”
Billy dipped his head to me before leading his horse to the stream.
“Do we have time for me to write a short note?” At this rate, we might never make it to lodgings before dusk.
“Is twenty minutes sufficient time to write your missive to your parents?”
“Yes, Silvesto. Will you ensure Billy is fed before we break camp?”
“Of course, Master Seahorn,” Silvesto answered dryly.
I dismounted and quickly flipped the leather flap of my saddlebag back. I rummaged through my clothes and other essentials until I found the leather case that held my quill, paper and ink. Crossing my legs, I sat and opened the case.
Carefully, I opened the ink bottle and set it by my side, after ensuring it was well balanced. I sharpened the end of my quill as I composed my thoughts. I removed a sheet of my precious stock of paper. Dipping my quill into the ink, I began writing.
Dear Mother and Brendan,
I was glad to receive your good news. Congratulations! I am happy that you, and my new brother and sister are in good health. It may be longer than I desire before I can visit as I have not yet reported to King Stefano’s court. Know that you are in my thoughts and heart.
Brendan, you will be pleased that King Drexel ensured I received your letter speedily though Silvesto chastised the courier for startling our party. He was fortunate that we recognized his colors before anyone fired upon him! I do not think he will make that mistake again.
I will close as I am delaying our progress. I promise to write a longer letter once I am settled at Florenza.
Your loving son,
Conran
I scattered sand across the paper to set and dry the ink before folding and sealing the letter. I still got a thrill from using the signet ring that King Drexel had presented to me before my departure. Although Brendan had formally adopted me, I still felt awkward using his coat of arms on my seal. I planned to develop my own. Until then, I used his that bore an eagle over breaking waves with CS swirled across.
“Master Seahorn?”
“Billy,” I replied, standing quickly. “Have you supped yet?”
“Yes, Sir. I was given a packet of food to take as well.”
“Here is the letter. Can you take it to Lord Seahorn or do you have to return immediately to court?”
“King Drexel said I was at your disposal after I delivered the message, so I can go to the Seahorn Manor first.”
“You can travel with us until the road to Devon. It will be safer.”
I saw the disappointment followed by acknowledgement in Billy’s eyes. He probably hoped to rest longer but realized it was safer to travel with us.
“I will ensure you have a fresh horse, so yours can get some relief.”
Billy pulled his forelock in response. I signaled John who immediately trotted over.
“How can I serve you, Master Conran?”
“Can you set Billy up with a fresh mount? He will travel with us until the crossroad leading to Devon.”
Briefly, I rested my hand on Billy’s probably weary back.
“I’m sorry not to give you more time to rest. I know how tired you must be.”
The courier looked at me in surprise before smiling.
“That is kind of you, but my duty is to obey my King and he made his will clear. There is no time for rest.”
Deciding it best not to say more, I just nodded in response. I wiped my quill clean and repacked my writing supplies. I took a moment to admire Scimitar.
His silky mane rippled and shimmered in the rising wind. At seven, Scimitar was entering his prime. As if impatient to be off, Scimitar turned his head to bump me while flies buzzed around us.
“Are you eager to move, boy?” I murmured. He nickered in response as I swatted fruitlessly at the flies.
After adjusting the saddle and fastening my bag tightly, I remounted. Silvesto signaled the lead man. With shouts, jingling of harnesses, and the creak of leather and wheels, our party resumed our journey.
The wind continued to pick up speed, blowing dark clouds overhead. Scimitar shook his mane. Several of the horses began shying and whickering nervously. Nicky wheeled his horse around to pull up next to me.
“Silvesto wants us to move faster to try to beat the storm.”
“I doubt we can, but I’ll lead the men.”
Lightly pressing my heels into Scimitar, I rode to the head of the party. Scimitar eagerly set a faster pace and I heard the others matching our stride. I pulled a cloak out of my pack, fastened it and flipped the hood over my head as the temperature dropped.
A heavy drop struck my cheek, swiftly followed by more. A crack of thunder preceded the heavy deluge. Steam rose off the horses as the rain soaked man and beast alike. Billy rode up beside me. The courier looked miserable with rain rolling down his face and dripping from his stringy hair.
“Master Seahorn, do you know how much further to the road I need to take?”
I squinted through the driving, grey curtain of rain.
“Maybe a quarter of a mile,” I shouted through the storm. “The road will be on our left. Go through Devon and take the first major trail on your right. It will take you to Seahorn Manor. Lord Seahorn will put you up for the night.”
Billy nodded his understanding and moved to my left. I was thankful for my cloak, but breathing was difficult in the heavy rain. The downpour gradually diminished to a drizzle, then random drops. Scimitar shook his head, sending water flying from his mane. I shivered as the drops hit me.
The wooden signpost with Devon carved into it appeared. With a relieved look, the courier dipped his head to me before riding back to switch to his own mount before leaving us. I looked after him with envy. Not only would Billy see the family I missed, but he would be able to change into dry clothes long before me. I slipped my cloak off, shook it and threw it across the saddle.
“It’s a shame you can’t visit your family,” Nicky commented behind me.
Unable to trust my voice, I nodded. King Drexel had been clear that I was to make my way directly to King Stefano. Not for the first time, I found being a loyal subject difficult.
Always sensitive to my moods, Nicky pulled up beside me and soon had me laughing with his droll imitations of the members of our party. The sun broke through the clouds and dried our clothes on us, further improving my mood.
I raked my fingers through my drying hair and looked up to judge the time. Blue skies had burst through the clouds but the sun had started its downward movement. We had at least three more hours of riding if I knew Silvesto, which I did.
“When I saw the courier, I hoped that King Drexel was recalling us to court,” Nicky commented.
“It was a message from Brendan. Mother had the twins. They named them Evan and Emma. Mother and the babies are well. I sent a message back with Billy.”
“Billy?”
“The courier. Doesn’t seem fair that he will see my family before I do,” I admitted. Immediately, I regretted my words. My new assignment was separating Nicky from the court he’d grown up in and his fiancée, Kat. Who was I to complain?
“I’m sorry, Nicky. You are losing more than I with this.”
“I could have said ‘no’, but I wanted to share this adventure with you. It wanted to see a new country and King Drexel promised that it will shorten my squire ship, so I’m not really losing anything. I will be better able to support Kat.”
“I’ll help you find something perfect for her as a gift.”
“Were you eavesdropping on us? She gave me a list of all the baubles she
expects!”
“We can send some with the guards who are returning to Argelle.”
“No, I want her to miss me longer than that,” Nicky replied with a mischievous glint in his deep blue eyes.
“I have missed your humor! It will be good to have you close again.”
“King Drexel believes I can assist you with negotiating the new court but I doubt you will need help with diplomacy.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure of that. Let us not forget my failure with Queen Drusilla.”
“You saved Argelle by defeating her father’s army and killing her father and brothers – on her wedding day, no less. I can’t imagine how you could have won her over after that!”
I let the subject drop. I needed to move on and forget the Queen. I just hoped my absence would help her forget about me. A glint in the corner of my eye made me cast my arm up, erecting a shield between me and the arrow that fell short of me.
Silvesto bellowed and several arrows went zinging in the direction of the attacking archer. Nicky notched his own bow but he held steady as he waited for any betraying movement from my attacker. Maintaining my shield, I used the sight Lady Ilena had taught me to probe the woods beside us.
I found the archer in the shadows of a large tree as he notched a second arrow and raised his bow. His face was hidden under a large-brimmed leather hat. I let him release the arrow to assist Nicky in narrowing down the area he would aim to.
As the second arrow flew out, Nicky released his with a twang before kicking his horse into a fierce gallop. Eager to assist, I kept abreast and subtly guided Nicky to my newest assailant. I bent low in my saddle and shifted my invisible shield before us. Hardly slowing Scimitar, I dismounted before the tree, rolled and came up beside the archer. Nicky pulled up behind me with a scattering of dirt and small rocks.
“Drop your bow and hold!” Nicky’s voice rang out strong and commanding. I didn’t have to look to know that Nicky had another arrow notched and aimed at the stranger.
The man paused before dropping his bow.
“Hold your hands up,” I ordered as I watched him carefully. I didn’t doubt he had other weapons available.
The Sigil of Sobek: Book 2 The Chronicles of Conran Page 6