The Sigil of Sobek: Book 2 The Chronicles of Conran

by Valerie Lindsey

  Slowly, the man held his hands up, still without looking at me. Silvesto and two of the King’s guards arrived, dismounted and quickly took their places around our new prisoner.

  “Has he said anything?” Silvesto asked.

  “No, but we haven’t asked anything yet.”

  Nodding his graying head, Silvesto pulled the hat off to reveal a tanned face with intelligent brown eyes. For the first time, the man met my eyes.

  “Who sent you?” I asked.

  “Unless you’re a fool which is not what I’ve heard, I think you know.”

  Before I could stop him, Silvesto hit the man across the face with the back of his gloved hand. The man barely flinched and there was no change in his expression. I doubted he was intimidated in the slightest.

  “Answer him!”

  The man sneered and received a swift punch to his gut.

  “It was the Queen,” he gasped, once he could speak.

  I felt unexpected anger surge up. Not against the assassin but against the woman who wasn’t satisfied with my banishment from court.

  “Conran, we have to send word to King Drexel now.”

  “I agree, but we need to get to Florenza first. I don’t think we should spare any of the guards to return this man to Argelle until we arrive safely. What do you think, Silvesto?”

  “I agree with you. We don’t know how many more assassins she has sent.” Turning to the man, Silvesto asked, “Do you know how many assassins Queen Drusilla has hired?”

  “I only received her order and payment by a messenger. Two of my mates received the same. There could be others.”

  “Are your mates with you?”

  The man’s lips pressed together. Swiftly, Silvesto dealt a vicious blow to the man’s kidney that made him drop to one knee with a gasp.

  “Answer me!”

  “I don’t know where they are. Whoever kills the wizard first earns a bonus, so I left before them.”

  “How much of a bonus?”

  “Fifty gold coins.”

  “What were you paid to kill the King’s advisor?”

  “Twenty sovereigns,” the man replied without hesitation.

  “That doesn’t seem like much,” Nicky commented.

  “Depends on how many men she’s hired,” I replied, wondering how Queen Drusilla had been able to come by the money. Had she arrived at court with her own secret finances? The dowry King Drexel had accepted for her had been meager.

  Scimitar had stayed close. I absently rubbed his nose as the guards bound the man and tied the end of the rope to one of their pommels. I gave Silvesto a sharp look, knowing how rough he could be with prisoners.

  “Don’t drag him, lads. Nicky, can you bring one of the spare horses back?”

  “Yes, Sir!”

  Nicky galloped off while I waited with Silvesto.

  “What a persistent and vengeful woman the King has wed,” Silvesto murmured to me.

  “Obviously, she’s not satisfied with my being out of her sight.”

  “What do you think King Drexel will do when he receives the prisoner and knowledge of the attempts on your life?”

  I sighed.

  “He won’t put her aside and he will not recall me to court,” I said with certainty. “He will likely have the prisoner quietly garroted.” I paused before adding bitterly, “He’ll do the same with every would be assassin brought before him, but ignore the one behind it all.”

  Silvesto glanced around before moving closer to me to ask in a low voice, “You really think King Drexel so blind?”

  “No, I believe that is how much he loves Drusilla.”

  “I’ve not known you to give up so easily,” Silvesto commented.

  “I feel as if I’m fighting a losing battle. No matter what I try, Queen Drusilla’s hatred only deepens.” I realized I’d bowed my shoulders and quickly straightened. “I don’t know that I’m giving up so much as facing the inevitability of it all.”

  I hated the despair I heard in my voice. Worse, I hated the hopelessness I felt. Unexpectedly, I stumbled though I hadn’t moved. I felt more than saw Silvesto reach out.

  I hadn’t had such a powerful vision in such a long time. Nor such a confusing one. A strange symbol swirled in the air before me. Before it had completely faded away, I bent to draw the symbol in the dirt.

  “What is that?”

  “It’s what I just saw. I’m going to draw it.”

  I quickly opened the saddle bag that contained my writing equipment. I soon located my journal, pen and ink along the inside of the bag where I’d carefully placed them. Squatting down, I carefully copied the odd symbol into my diary. I blew gently to dry the ink.

  “Have you ever seen anything like this, Silvesto?”

  “No, but Lady Ilena may have.”

  “What are you two doing?”

  I looked up at Nicky.

  “Just an odd symbol I saw,” I replied as I stood, absently rubbing out the symbol in the dirt with my foot. “Are we ready to continue?”

  “The men are just waiting for Silvesto to give the word. The prisoner is bound and in one of the supply wagons.”

  Nicky looked at Silvesto.

  “Are you sure you don’t want a few of us to take him to Argelle for trial and sentencing? Otherwise, we’ll need to guard him for several days.”

  Silvesto and I exchanged looks. I gave a tiny shake of my head.

  “Conran and I think it best. I want all the men at hand if there are further attacks on our party.”

  “I will meet you at the wagons. I need to take care of something first,” I said.

  To keep my hands free for casting, I slipped the diary into my vest. As I walked, I began spinning a protective spell over our entire party as I should have done sooner.

  At the sound of swishing skirts, I looked up to see Lady Ilena walking towards me. She moved with her customary grace. She began smiling as my eyes met her unusual violet eyes.

  “Good thinking, Conran. You finish this end and I will work from the south side. We’ll meet at my carriage,” Lady Ilena directed.

  I quickly spun protections as I walked the perimeter, leading Scimitar. I replaced my pen and ink in the saddlebag, but kept my diary as I wanted to show Ilena the odd symbol. Soon, I stood beside Ilena’s muddy carriage. I checked Scimitar’s bridle and saddle as I waited for my mentor.

  “Hello, Conran.”

  Jamila’s musical voice never ceased to entrance me. I had been surprised when she’d asked to accompany us to the Florenza Court and hoped she would like it.

  “How are you enjoying our trip?”

  “It has not been boring but I do not believe anything ever is with you,” she said smiling.

  “Do you regret joining us?”

  “No. I would not have felt comfortable at King Drexel’s court without Ilena or you. Ilena has become such a good friend and taught me so much.” Jamila paused before adding shyly, “She has said I can stay with her for as long as I want. I will go where she goes.”

  “It is good for her to have a female friend, too. And, here she is!”

  “You finished quickly, Conran.”

  “I had a good teacher. I know we have to leave soon, but do you have time to look at something?”

  “Of course.”

  “Do you want me to leave?” Jamila asked softly.

  “There’s no need,” I answered as I pulled opened my journal and flipped pages to the one bearing the strange symbol. “Do you have any idea what this is?”

  I watched Lady Ilena’s lovely face go still as she stared at the drawing.

  “Where did this come from?”

  “I saw it in a vision today. Do you know what it is?”

  “It’s a sigil. A sigil is a powerful talisman when created with focused intention and belief. I believe this one means the creator is powerful and intimidating, and that none will challenge the bearer.” She paused and looked at a spot over my head before continuing, “If you were to draw this with stro
ng intent and purpose, it will further develop your power,” she mused aloud. “I doubt any would be able to defeat you.”

  Frowning, she handed my journal back.

  “I do not understand how you saw this. Your power must be growing if you can now see how to increase it. Was there anything else unusual in your vision?”

  “All I saw was the symbol glowing and moving before me.” I paused as a thought occurred to me. I felt my spirit rise. “Could this protect me from Queen Drusilla?”

  “I honestly don’t know but we should not share this with anyone else.”

  “Silvesto knows about the vision and saw the sigil.”

  “We can trust Silvesto to keep his counsel.”

  Shouts and the sounds of men readying our train for movement interrupted us. Obviously, Silvesto was getting us underway.

  “Let me assist Jamila and you into your carriage. It sounds like we will be leaving shortly. We have to hurry if we are to make any lodging before nightfall.”

  Ilena hung back until I helped Jamila into the carriage. As I turned to Ilena, she grasped my chin to pull my face close.

  “Don’t do anything with that sigil until I can show you how to do it. Promise me.”

  “I promise.”

  I closed the carriage door firmly. I looked around until I saw Silvesto’s broad back and graying head. I mounted Scimitar and rode to him.

  “What do you need me to do, Silvesto?”

  “Can you check on our prisoner and have that supply wagon moved to the center with Kevin and John guarding it? I would like you and Castor guarding our rear. I will lead the party with Jeffrey.”

  I tried not to show my dismay as I nodded my agreement. Being in the rear meant we’d be riding in the dust and dirt of our party; nothing like having gritty dirt filling your nose, ears and mouth.

  Hiding my disappointment, I smiled and nodded at all the men as I rode past. I checked on the supply wagon and gave Silvesto’s instructions before continuing on. Finally, I saw Castor’s curly blond hair in the center of a group of relaxed men talking. Castor stood several inches over most of the other men.

  I hadn’t known him well at Argelle but had noticed how all the women fluttered around him. I suspected that was why he’d been ordered to accompany us. Someone wanted him out of the competition. I pressed Scimitar into a trot. As I rode up, I saw that everything looked packed and ready to move.

  “Castor!”

  “Yes, Master Conran?”

  “Silvesto has assigned us to the rear,” I said as I dismounted. It would be a long day and I wanted to walk as much as possible.

  “You don’t want to ride to the end?”

  “We can, but I want to spare the horses as much as possible.”

  Nodding at his friends, Castor grabbed the reins of his large bay and walked with me.

  “I hate riding in the rear,” he mumbled.

  I nodded my understanding but didn’t think it prudent to admit my own displeasure. Everyone we passed were mounted and ready. Birds called from overhead and flew into and out of the surrounding trees.

  We greeted or spoke with several men as we walked to the rear. It didn’t take long to reach the end of our party. I dropped the reins, so Scimitar could chomp the grass along the road. Castor did the same. The sun felt good as I enjoyed the peace of the day.

  The wind blew warmly, chasing away any remaining coolness lingering after the storm. It had been steadily getting warmer as we moved south. I hoped the road wouldn’t dry out too quickly. I sensed Castor was uncomfortable with silence.

  “Where are you from originally, Castor?”

  “Bridgeport on the coast,” he responded with longing in his voice. “I miss the sea. Florenza is along the sea, so it will be like home.”

  “I have never seen an ocean,” I admitted.

  “It’s beautiful and everything from the sea is unlike anything you will have tasted! I cannot wait to have shellfish again!”

  I couldn’t help grinning in response to his enthusiasm. Shouts rippling down the line announced it was time to continue our trip. I clicked to call Scimitar to me as he’d moved a few feet away in his search for the freshest grass. He immediately trotted to my side while Castor walked to his horse.

  Within minutes, our entire party was moving and dirt began billowing from the horses and wagon wheels. Obviously, the rain hadn’t been as heavy here. Without speaking, Castor and I began hanging further and further back.

  “What did you do to make Silvesto place you back here?” Castor risked.

  “Me, what did you do?”

  We started laughing until the floating dust caught in our throats. I started coughing and spat dirt out. I pulled out a large cloth and tied it around my face, just below the bridge of my nose. Castor looked surprised, but quickly rummaged in his saddlebag and pulled out a spare shirt. Shaking it out, he tied the arms around the back of his head.

  “That is better. I just hope it doesn’t get too hot today. I’m already sticky from the rain.”

  “It’s good to have the cold weather behind us,” I responded absently as I scanned our surroundings.

  Nothing seemed amiss but I had no intention of being caught unawares. Castor must have noticed as I saw him straighten and begin searching either side. He even twisted in his saddle to look behind us.

  “Are you expecting another attack?”

  “It seems to be my fate,” I said wryly.

  He shot me a sharp look but stayed silent. He seemed unsure if I was joking or not. So many of the people I met or worked with treated me with caution if not outright fear.

  “We have a long ride, Castor. I would like us to get better acquainted.”

  Castor looked down before asking, “Are you really a sorcerer?”

  “I have some gifts but I believe in only doing good.”

  “I heard you defeated King Crispen’s army single-handedly. The men talked about it for weeks,” he said breathlessly “I wish I had been there to see it. How did you do it?”

  “I knew I had to protect our king and Argelle. I visualized shards of stone and sharpened branches attacking the army.” I hadn’t thought of that night in a long time and had never shared how I did it.

  “Waylon said you lifted your arms and it was like all of nature was obeying you. Can you control all the forces?”

  Castor’s excitement and curiosity seemed free of fear. It was a welcome relief and I found myself responding in kind.

  “I feel the power surge within me and I direct it to what I need. I cannot explain it better.”

  “I envy you. People fear you and will never try to prove themselves against you.”

  “Quite the contrary. If people fear you, then they want to kill you without knowing you. I do not have many friends as a result.”

  Castor’s blue eyes reflected his emotions and I could see he was not convinced. I hoped I hadn’t shared too much.

  “This may be the first time I enjoy being in the rear guard.”

  I couldn’t help smiling.

  “Have you been to Florenza before, Castor?”

  “As a boy. I remember a lot of stone buildings, carvings and statues everywhere. My father was a merchant. After my mother died in childbirth, he took me with him until he found a school to leave me at.”

  “I’m sorry about your mother. I also lost my father when I was a child.”

  “We have something in common then. I’m also an only child as the baby died with Mama. Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

  “My mother remarried, so I have two half-brothers and two half-sisters.”

  “That must be nice.”

  “Mother just had twins, so I haven’t met them yet.”

  “I have no family left.”

  I looked at Castor. As hard as it was dealing with suspicion and fear of those around me, I could only imagine how much harder it would have been if I hadn’t had Mother, Brendan and my best friend, Gillian.

  “What took you to Argelle?”


  “I have a way with horses. The Master of the Horse found me and offered me a good position in King Drexel’s stables. Unfortunately, Brian didn’t like how fond his sister was of me, so here I am.”

  I struggled to compose myself. So, my assumption was right!

  “Why are you grinning? I wasn’t treated fairly!” Castor protested.

  “Sorry, but I guessed that was why you were assigned to us as I heard you were very popular with the ladies,” I offered, trying to keep the laughter out of my voice. “I understand your predicament. After all, I was also sent from court. I hope you aren’t too unhappy being with us.”

  Shaking his head, Castor turned to look directly at me.

  “After I got over my disappointment, I was excited to learn I would be traveling with you. I never expected I would actually get to speak with you!”

  I could only smile in response. I had never expected to meet someone so excited to meet me.

  “It is probably best I left all the gossip and possible scandal behind me,” Castor admitted.

  “It wasn’t serious?”

  “Which one?” he answered sardonically.

  I burst out laughing, which made me start coughing again as I swallowed some billowing dust that slipped through my face covering. A few heads turned in our direction but I ignored their questioning looks. I pulled the cloth down, coughed and spat more dirt out.

  “This will be a long day,” I said as I repositioned the cloth.

  Castor nodded in response. In accord, we slowed our horses to fall further behind. The protective spells I’d cast had tired me. I hoped it was just due to my recent convalescence. I rotated my shoulders and twisted my sore back trying to ease the weariness.

  We rode in silence. Out of the dust, we both pulled our face coverings down. It made it easier to breath. Just when I thought our camaraderie was over, Castor spoke up.

  “I don’t understand why you are back here. Shouldn’t you be up front?”

  “I want to be treated like one of the men, so I’m just taking my turn at the rear guard.”

  Castor snorted.

  “If I was the King’s advisor and being sent to represent him at a foreign court, I would want every advantage. Why don’t you?”

  “I think if people see me as one of them, then they won’t fear me.”