I turned in my saddle as I heard approaching horses. The two princes had shifted direction and were rapidly approaching. Silvesto and our men had the two men under control, so I rode to waylay Prince Michele and Prince Matteo. They pulled up as I approached and waited for me.
Both sat their horses well. They were in their early teens and handsome. Prince Matteo had rich dark brown hair and brown eyes with gold flakes while Prince Michele had deep blue eyes and golden-brown hair.
“Your Royal Highnesses,” I said, bowing to each in turn.
“What has happened?” Prince Michele asked.
“Two men were lying in wait for you.” Struggling to keep any censorship out of my voice, I asked, “Do you normally ride without guards?”
Prince Matteo gave his brother a wry look.
“My brother thinks it amusing to evade our guards. I keep telling him it is not wise. Maybe now you will listen, Michele!”
“We have never had enemies before now,” Prince Michele protested but his blue eyes were twinkling. He turned back to me and covetously eyed Scimitar. “I heard of your magnificent Arabian and thought you might be interested in a race.”
I studied both their horses and their elaborate fittings. I’d never seen such fancy saddles and brides. While each horse was magnificent, I doubted either could best Scimitar and definitely not after they’d each run up a hill; even if it was a gently sloping one. Movement drew my attention past them. I couldn’t help smiling.
“I see your guards approaching. I do not think we should be seen racing. That would be unseemly.”
“You are as impressive as we’ve heard. Thank you.” The proud prince turned to his younger brother with tight lips and a fierce glare. “You know it is I who will bear the brunt of this little escapade of yours, yet again.”
Prince Michele tried to look contrite but I saw the laughter in his eyes. I covered my mouth with my hand to hide my smile.
“Do you have siblings, Lord Pierce-Seahorn?”
“Please call me Conran. Yes, I have, but there are far more years between them and I than between the both of you.” Realizing what he’d said, I asked “how did you know of my peerage?”
“King Drexel sent a messenger pigeon to my father. He and Mother are arranging a celebratory feast for you. It is an honor for a lord to be our new liaison with Argelle. We hope you will come to love Florenza as much…”
I launched myself at Prince Matteo, pulling him over his horse just before the stallion screamed in pain. I didn’t have to look to know that a crossbow bolt had sunk in the horse’s chest.
“Prince Michele, get down!”
A war cry sounded. I lifted my head and saw that Nicky had loosed his arrow. From his expression and my insight, I knew he’d killed the assassin. Prince Matteo’s horse’s body was trembling in pain with his handsome head lowered and shaking.
I gently rolled off the prince and stood. I bent and offered him my hand. He hesitated before taking it and standing. We both approached the wounded horse. The bolt was close to his right shoulder.
‘Lady Ilena, can you come to us?’ I asked telepathically. I hoped her healing skill could help the injured stallion.
Silvesto pulled up, his horse’s hooves digging deep in the soft ground as it pulled up from a full gallop.
“We didn’t see the third assassin in time. How are you, your Royal Majesty?”
“Better than my steed,” he said bitterly.
I could hear the pain in his voice and felt for him. I knew how I would feel if it were Scimitar who’d been hurt so badly. Before he could say more, the royal guards raced up and quickly surrounded us.
“Are you unharmed, your Royal Highness?”
“Yes, Luca. Lord Pierce-Seahorn saved me.” He gently stroked his horse, laid his head against its sweating neck, and murmured reassurances.
“The third archer is dead and the first two are well secured,” Silvesto asserted needlessly as Nicky led our party with the bound men up to us. “I think they should walk or be dragged to Florenza. They admitted to trying to kill their royal highnesses.”
“I am Captain Andreas, captain of King Stefano’s Royal Guard,” the man Prince Matteo addressed as Luca said in a deep, slightly accented voice. “What happened?”
I quickly spoke up.
“I saw these men lying in wait, blocked their arrows and swept them back. Silvesto and his men took it from there.” I felt a surge of self-recrimination. “I regret I failed to see the third man.”
I wanted to start my career at the Court of Florenza with honesty while embracing and acknowledging my power. Trying to fit in had never served me well. My words didn’t seem to disturb Captain Andreas, but a strange shimmer sparkled around him.
I focused on him as I rubbed the Druid’s Egg and murmured a short incantation. An odd glimmer shown in Captain Andreas’ eyes and the glowing outline of a wolf gleamed around him. A shapeshifter! This assignment was proving far more interesting than I’d anticipated.
Captain Andreas looked at me oddly before offering a toothy smile that made the hair on the back of my neck rise. I shivered as he turned to his men and directed, “Take the prisoners to the dungeon and let King Stefano know that his new diplomat will be arriving shortly.”
He looked at the young princes before adding in a stern voice, “I think it best if you allow us to quickly escort your royal highnesses back to court and safety.”
“You may borrow my horse, your Royal Highness.” Silvesto dismounted and held his Arabian for Prince Matteo to mount, which he did with a little difficulty as Hecate was much taller than his own horse.
“Thank you…?”
“Silvesto, Sir. My horse is Hecate. She needs a firm hand, your Royal Highness.”
“I will take care of her. Thank you, Silvesto.” Prince Matteo’s lower lip quivered as he looked at his wounded horse. He moved Hecate close to Prince Michele and I heard him murmur, “I will not forget this, Michele. Now my horse has to suffer for your recklessness.”
I felt bad for both brothers. Tears sparkled in two pairs of eyes.
“We will do our best for him,” I assured the young prince. “I will treat him as if he were mine.”
Silently, he nodded. With a last desperate look at his stallion, he turned his back on his brother and guided Hecate to lead the way back to the Court of Florenza.
“Do you want to accompany the princes to court or ride in with us?”
“I will stay with our party, Silvesto.”
I gently stroked the wounded and shaking horse. He made pained huffing noises that I empathetically felt deep inside my own chest.
“Easy, boy. She’ll be here soon.”
“What were you so deep in thought about? You completely ignored Captain Andreas when he took his leave.”
I looked back and saw Captain Andreas riding back to the men surrounding Prince Matteo and Prince Michele. I turned back to Silvesto. No one was within hearing. Evidently, our men had left when the Captain had, but I didn’t feel comfortable sharing what I’d seen with anyone but Ilena.
“Never mind, Conran. I know that look.”
Lady Ilena rode up before I could respond. I was surprised to see Jamila riding beside her. They both quickly dismounted. I saw the sympathetic pain mirrored in Ilena’s beautiful violet eyes.
Jamila’s face was white and stiff. I knew how hard it was for her to assist Ilena, especially when wounds were involved. I caught her eye and smiled encouragingly. I was rewarded with a shy yet dazzling smile that made my heart flip.
“We thought it best to leave the bolt in until you had examined him.”
“You poor boy,” Ilena murmured as she gently stroked the horse. She closed her eyes and I could almost see the power flowing from her hands to the horse. He calmed and his eyes even closed under her hand.
“Jamila, get the towel ready. Come here.”
Jamila, her face pale, held a large towel and glanced at me for encouragement before going to stand at Lady Il
ena’s left shoulder.
“Silvesto, you can pull the bolt out now.”
I winced as Silvesto yanked the black arrow out with a sickening sucking noise. The stallion made a strained, oddly pitched noise and stumbled. I leaned all my weight against the horse to help him keep his balance as Jamila quickly pushed the towel against the wound.
Silvesto dropped the bolt and came beside me to help steady the wounded animal. Lady Ilena put her hands over Jamila’s to help staunch the bleeding. The chestnut stallion seemed in shock but kept its footing.
“Conran, pull the poultice from my bag. When I say ‘ready’, hold it to the wound,” Ilena directed as she shrugged her shoulder bag to draw my attention to it.
I lifted the leather flap and quickly found a large herbal poultice. I pulled it out and held it out questioningly. At Lady Ilena’s nod, I held the dressing poised over their hands.
“Ready?”
“Yes.”
They pulled the towel back and I quickly pressed the poultice against the wound. Idly, I wondered how long I would have to hold the compress.
“Only until I can plaster it,” Ilena said dryly.
Jamila looked at her confused. I couldn’t help grinning until I remember the shapeshifter. I stepped closer to her and whispered, “Can you ride with me after we are done here? I need to discuss something with you.”
“Not a very ladylike entrance to a new court but I will. We can’t leave until we are sure the horse can make it. Can you wipe him down, Conran?”
Taking a towel from Jamil, I carefully wiped the beaded perspiration from around the wound. Nerves twitched and the horse subtly trembled beneath the towel. I nodded at Ilena when I was done.
She worked quickly to secure the poultice to the horse’s sweating shoulder. Ilena finished and surveyed her work. When the poultice stayed adhered, she gently moved her hands over the stallion’s body. Only I could see the glow around her movements. When she was done, she wiped her hands on a towel that Jamila handed her.
“It looks good,” Jamila commented.
Nicky rode up, towing a saddled, dappled mare.
“This is for you, Silvesto. I’m surprised the horse is still standing.”
“He’s a strong stallion, Nicky. If we travel slowly, I think we’ll give him his best chance to recover.”
I looked at the horse and noted that its breathing seemed more even and his trembling had lessened. How did I miss the third assassin? Obviously, I needed to improve my focus. If I’d done my job, Prince Matteo’s stallion wouldn’t be paying the price.
“I don’t think we should keep King Stefano and his court waiting, Lady Ilena,” Silvesto commented in a low voice. “We can have a few men accompany the horse.”
“I can stay with the horse, Silvesto.”
“Two of the men will stay with you, Nicky. Take your time, but stay alert. Three assassins are troubling.” Silvesto turned to me. “Do you foresee further issues?”
I had already used my gift to survey our surroundings repeatedly. I felt confident in saying, “There are no further threats.”
I futilely dusted my clothes with my hands before mounting.
“I’m sure King Stefano does not expect us to be daisy fresh,” Lady Ilena commented.
I looked at her and noticed how fresh and elegant she looked but wouldn’t if she accompanied me on horseback.
“You look perfect. Why don’t you go back to the carriage? I can talk to you later.”
“I need the exercise and I want to know what is troubling you. Jamila, you don’t mind being alone in the carriage, do you?”
“Not at all. I would like to learn to ride one day.”
“I will teach you at court,” I volunteered shyly. I watched a slow blush spread across her high cheeks before she turned away to quickly walk to the carriage.
I watched her graceful walk, my feelings in turmoil. I wanted so much to share my life with someone, but fear of the future stopped me. Mentally shaking my head, I smoothly mounted and pressed my heels into Scimitar. I led the way down the gentle, green slope.
“Conran! I thought you wanted to talk?”
Embarrassed, I slowed Scimitar until Lady Ilena pulled abreast.
“My apologies, Ilena.”
“Still running from romance?”
I gave a short laugh, but didn’t answer. I glanced around to ensure no one was within hearing. I moved my horse closer to Lady Ilena’s and bent closer to her.
“The captain of the royal guard is a shapeshifter. I saw a wolf in his aura. I thought this would be an easy assignment. I think nothing will ever be easy for me.”
“Life is seldom easy for anyone. Does he know that you saw what he is?”
“I think so.” I hesitated before adding, “I weary of all of this. I feel older than I am.”
“All pain leads to strength.”
I rolled my eyes in frustration but held my tongue and tried to hide my thoughts from her. I wanted to tell her that her profound quips weren’t helpful but knew better. Instead, I ventured “Are all shapeshifters evil, Ilena?”
“I do not believe so. There was a young girl in a village I met. She could shift to a hawk. I never saw her do anything hurtful.”
“Did people know?”
“She kept it secret as I advised her. Unfortunately, that meant she chose to live alone. The last time I tried to visit, I found her home abandoned. I don’t know what happened to her.”
“Perhaps Calenzia is a more tolerant land,” I commented softly. Personally, and selfishly, I hoped so. I couldn’t help adding, “I should have seen that third attacker.”
“You did your best and there was no reason to assume there were more.”
“That’s kind of you, but I need to be far more alert and thorough.”
“We learn more through our mistakes, Conran.”
I pressed my lips tight and just nodded in response. We rode the rest of the way quietly, each lost in our thoughts. I surveyed the land around us as we quickly approached Florenza.
The land looked rich and fertile. Golden wheat swayed in the gentle breeze. Fat, shaggy, brown cattle lowed and grazed on either side of the wide road we traveled on.
Calm suffused me, generated by the beauty around me. I looked ahead to Florenza. Its surrounding tall, white stone wall was dazzling in the blinding sunlight. The wide gates were thrown open and I saw an official delegation waiting to greet us.
“Did you want to return to the carriage, Ilena?”
“Yes.” She paused before adding, “Whatever awaits us at Court, together we can face and overcome it.”
“I believe you,” I replied, smiling. I didn’t doubt her words. Alone and with my friends, we’d faced and defeated several strong adversaries. What was a shapeshifter?
The sharp, scree of a hawk sounded from above. I looked up but had to shade my eyes against the glaring sunlight to see the beautiful bird. Hawks had always been good omens for me. Smiling, I turned to see how far back my party was.
I saw Silvesto help Ilena into the carriage. I looked past our horsemen and wheeled vehicles to see that Nicky with his small party and the wounded horse weren’t too far behind. I gently pressed my heels into Scimitar and soon rejoined my party. I rode up to Jeffrey and Castor.
“Looks like you have a welcoming committee,” Jeffrey commented.
I nodded. “It will be good to get off the road and settle in. It’s much warmer than Argelle. I wonder if it will be a hot summer.”
“The sea should help keep it cool,” Castor offered.
“I’ve been told that. I hope it’s true as I prefer cooler temperatures.”
Silvesto rode up.
“Shall we proceed, my lord?”
I nodded and we descended the low hill accompanied by the jangling of harnesses, rumble of wheels, and soft snuffling and nickering of horses. I glanced back to check Nicky’s progress but I could no longer see him. I felt something tighten within me in fear. I didn’t want to lose one of my b
est friends.
I forced myself to relax as I slowed my breathing and opened my senses to scan the area around us. Stroking the stone hanging from my neck, I reached further and further out. Only two herders and farmers were in the area.
Relieved, I gently pressed into Scimitar’s sides to quicken his trot. Silvesto, Jeffrey and Castor kept pace with me. I hoped the faster speed would not make Ilena and Jamila too uncomfortable in their coach, but I felt a sudden urgency to begin my new life.
Chapter 9
I shivered as I stepped out of my bath onto the cold stone floor. I rubbed furiously with the thick towel laid next to the tub. I’d never had such a plush towel before. I balanced on each foot in turn as I dried my feet.
Dried, I draped the towel on the side of the bathtub and walked to the bed where I’d laid out one of the outfits Mother had sent. Gold thread shimmered throughout the dark blue tunic. With the matching pants, I felt sure it was a fitting outfit to meet King Stefano and his court.
Already, I had a favorable impression of him. His major domo had greeted us and taken us to a private room where we were served refreshments before being taken to our rooms to freshen up before our audience. King Stefano’s thoughtful consideration boded well for our posting.
I wanted to make an equally good impression. I took care dressing but also dressed as quickly as possible. After brushing my hair, I fastened Brendan’s pin to my cravat. Stepping into the wide, marbled hall, I found a young, handsome page waiting. He immediately straightened and bowed.
“Lord Pierce-Seahorn. I have been sent to escort you to King Stefano’s audience chamber. He has requested to meet you before your friends join you.”
“Thank you,” I let my voice trail off questioningly.
“Mico, my lord.”
“Thank you, Mico.”
He walked quickly, his slippered feet whispering on the marble floors while my booted feet sent echoes before and after us. I tried to walk quieter but it was no use. Mico’s shoes were simple but elegant. I had never seen cloth shoes before.
A low murmur of voices floated up to us from the lower floors. Concerned about slipping on the slick steps, I held the carved marble banister as we descended the wide, curving staircase. The floor below was comprised of pink veined marble or granite. Everything was beautiful. It made King Drexel’s castle seem coarse in comparison.
The Sigil of Sobek: Book 2 The Chronicles of Conran Page 12