The Sigil of Sobek: Book 2 The Chronicles of Conran

by Valerie Lindsey

  I carried the cup and bowl back to my wood shelf and forced myself to eat. I’d lost a lot of weight in three weeks? Five? More? I’d never bothered to try to count the days, except to hope Queen Drusilla would be impatient to put an end to me.

  The water was disgusting. I paused. Holding my right hand over the cup, I changed it into cold, spring water. I took another sip and smiled. Why not change the food?

  I slowly converted it to beef stew with a fresh piece of bread. I hoped Andy wouldn’t be able to smell the transformation. I ate quickly but slowly sipped the water.

  “Lord Pierce-Seahorn?”

  “You can call me Conran, Andy.”

  “I got the same old slop. You?”

  “The same but no moldy bread.”

  “I’m sure we’ll have it back soon. How long have you been here?”

  “I honestly don’t know. They didn’t feed me for several days and with no window to see day and night, I quickly lost track of time. Do you know how long you have been imprisoned?”

  “Over a week and I thank you for helping me bear it. Your voice sounds better. I’m eager to learn the rest of your story if you’re up to it.”

  “I am.”

  I was secretly thankful to Andy. Relating my story had already helped me.

  Chapter 13

  Bathed and dressed in my best court outfit, I hastened down the curving stone staircase to meet King Stefano. I’d cleaned and dressed as quickly as possible. Though I had no reason to, I felt a twisted knot inside.

  The waiting hall was oddly bereft of the normal crowd of people who daily awaited an audience with the king. I stopped eight feet before the two guards manning the doors. Pretending to tighten the laces of my boots, I held my hand out low and sent power flowing toward the closed antechamber doors.

  I detected a large crowd of people on the other side. Curious, I reached to determine their intentions or emotions. I felt excitement, happiness and anticipation. No threat.

  Straightening back up, I confidently approached the heavily carved doors. Before I could say anything, the guards gave atypical smiles before bowing and throwing open the doors.

  “Huzzah! Huzzah!” and clapping filled the air.

  I paused at the threshold as two royal guards stepped to my side. A sudden silence fell as the one of the guards bade me follow them. The crowd parted as we walked to the dais.

  Slightly confused, I felt reassured as I met the eyes and smiling faces of Jamila, Lady Ilena and Silvesto among the assembly. I couldn’t help being impressed how Ilena had hidden her knowledge of this and managed to arrive before me!

  Both guards bowed and stepped back when I stopped before the royal family. Queen Marguerite sat at King Stefano’s left hand while Princes Matteo and Michele were at his right. All four beamed at me. I sank to one knee on the lowest step and bowed my head.

  “Lord Pierce-Seahorn, you uncovered and stopped a foul attempt upon our family. The lands of the traitors are forfeit to the crown.”

  He paused as a roar from the court rose up. King Stefano and Queen Marguerite stood and the noise gradually died down. The King waved me forward and I saw that King Stefano held a large onyx ring. The gleaming black stone was carved with his seal.

  “We wish to present you with the seal of our house. From this day forward, you are the Lord Protector of Florenza,” he intoned in a deep rumbling voice.

  Queen Marguerite stepped forward with a large seal on a wide blue velvet band. At her nod, I bent my head to receive the seal as trumpets blared. Overwhelmed, I kept my head bowed until the last notes died away.

  “I thank you for the honor but I was only doing my duty,” I said in as strong a voice as I could manage.

  A loud pounding drowned my voice out. I struggled to be heard over it. I looked around but couldn’t find the source. The noise continued until I was rudely shaken.

  “My Lord, my lord!”

  A hand shook me gently, tearing me cruelly from the dream. I struggled out of the dream into the real world.

  “King Stefano sent me to check on you, my lord. Are you ill?”

  Panic set in as I realized I’d fallen asleep when I’d only hoped to close my eyes for a few minutes. I jumped up and hastily smoothed my clothes.

  “Is King Stefano angry?”

  “No, my lord. Only concerned.” The tow-headed page hesitantly added, “You are normally so prompt, so he became anxious. I don’t believe you need be worried.”

  “I hope you are right,” I muttered as I preceded him out the door. I walked as quickly as possible without breaking into a jog.

  “My lord, I know a faster route down,” the page panted from behind me.

  I stopped and turned to see him holding back a tapestry. I couldn’t help flashing back to the last door behind a wall hanging. Quickly, I visualized where we were in relation to the oubliette. We were roughly fifty yards from the King’s chamber.

  I probed the page’s intentions but only sensed sincere helpfulness. Nodding, I walked back to him. He pressed a little lower than midway on the stone door, which swung open silently.

  “What is your name?” I asked as he removed a lit torch from a wall sconce.

  “Piero.”

  “Thank you, Piero.”

  He gave a little shrug as he led the way down, careful to hold the torch to the side, so I could see where I stepped. He set a quick pace though not as fast as I would have liked.

  It was close and hot in the narrow, downward passage way. Fortunately, I wasn’t claustrophobic. I still didn’t like the tight space and still warmth. I touched the wall on one side and was surprised at the coolness. Thankful for the coolness, I trailed my hand on the wall as we descended.

  “Is it much further?” I whispered, not sure why I was whispering.

  “Almost there.”

  I heard the scraping of stone and light streamed into the passageway. Relief similarly flowed within me as I followed Piero out and saw we were less than ten yards from the guarded door. To my surprise, neither guard seemed concerned to see us exit the hidden door.

  “Do many take this route?” I asked.

  “Only the King’s favorites. He directed me to show you, so you can attend him more quickly when necessary.”

  That sounded rather ominous to me but I contented myself with thanking him before walking to the doors in as swift and seemly fashion as possible. The guards immediately opened the heavily carved doors and ushered me in. Shaking the remnants of the dream, I quickly stepped in and bowed deeply.

  “Come forward, Conran.”

  “My apologies for my tardiness, Your Majesty. I think all the food and sun got to me. I only meant to close my eyes for a few minutes.”

  “I quite understand. You have had quite the day. Not much of a holiday.”

  “Actually, it was quite nice. How may I help, Sire?”

  “I wanted to thank you for identifying and assisting the insurgents in my court. I never would have suspected any of them,” he said in a lowered voice.

  “I’m beginning to worry that I bring out the worst in men. This same thing happened when I first joined King Drexel’s court. I feel like a jinx,” I confessed, trying to force a smile.

  “I disagree. I think you are an opportune blessing. You arrived at my court at the most critical time, just as you did for Argelle. You saved us both from traitorous, murderous allies.”

  The warmth in his eyes left no doubt as to his sincerity.

  “Thank you, Sire.”

  He nodded before abruptly shifting subject.

  “We have received word of marauders near Seguna, a seaside town two days journey from here. I have called my council to meet in thirty minutes. I would like you to join us.” He paused and seemed to be struggling. King Stefano met my eyes and I saw sadness in his dark eyes. “King Drexel wrote how you defeated his father in law’s army single-handedly. I want you to ride to Seguna with Captain Andreas’ squadron to take care of these raiders. They saw how you handled Marchese
de Ponti and should be inured to your methods. Can you do it?”

  “Yes, Sire.”

  “Very good. We will announce our plan to the council. It is time,” he announced, rising.

  I quickly stood and walked quickly to open the door to the council chamber. Bowing, I stepped back for King Stefano to enter the chamber where the members were standing. I waited until King Stefano was seated before taking the last vacant seat. The king sat silently until all twelve royal advisors had settled themselves with a soft rustling of brocade and silk. King Stefano did not keep anyone waiting.

  “Gentlemen, we’ve received word that Seguna has been overrun. Many fled before the assault and got word to us. We will send Lord Pierce-Seahorn with a contingent led by Captain Andreas to subdue the raiders. Each of you will provide twenty men and at least forty horses to accompany Lord Pierce-Seahorn. We will be riding hard to reach Seguna by ten tomorrow. So, if your men need more horses to change out, provide them.”

  “When do our men need to report, Sire?”

  “Tonight, as all need to depart by four in the morning. We cannot afford to delay longer. The lives of my people are at stake. The artillery will leave within the hour. Six galleons and four warships have already departed. They include King Drexel’s ships.”

  The latter was directed to me. I responded with a nod. King Stefan met each man’s eyes but none spoke up.

  “Very well. You are all dismissed. Have your men muster in the front of the villa by six. I will address them before they are bedded with my guards.”

  King Stefano crocked his finger at me as he stood to leave. I dutifully followed him out. He led me back to the throne room.

  “Conran, did you want any of your friends to accompany you?”

  “Nicky’s fiancée will arrive soon. I want him to be here for her. With everything that has happened in the past month, I don’t want Silvesto away from Lady Ilena. I will be fine with Captain Andreas and his men. Will you have sufficient protection, Your Majesty?”

  “I will as I shall accompany you,” he said lightly. More seriously, he added, “I do not believe in sending my men into danger without being at their head. Select the additional horse or horses you want from the royal stable.”

  “That is kind of you, Sire, but Scimitar doesn’t suffer many horses. I will ask Silvesto if I can borrow Hecate as she and Scimitar get along well.”

  “As you wish. I will send Piero to rouse you in the morning. We will eat on the road.”

  “Yes, Sire,” I bowed deeply and backed out the door. I knew we would be gone for many days and needed to say my farewells to my friends.

  Chapter 14

  Screams almost overpowered the smell of blood and entrails. Almost. My previous experience had been on the ramparts facing an army far below me. Today’s experience had been horrific.

  King Stefano had sent four scouts ahead to report on the status of Seguna. Two had returned to recount where the invaders had posted guards; the other two had remained to observe. We quickly crept up an unguarded narrow pass.

  I cast a spell to send a high, rolling fog before our small army. The numbers of our opposition were less than half of ours, so optimism rippled throughout the ranks. The dense fog provided additional security.

  The armor King Stefan had insisted on was uncomfortable and made me feel trapped. Sweat trickled everywhere and I hadn’t even fought yet. I felt for Scimitar having to carry the extra weight. I wanted to remove the helmet temporarily but we would soon face the invaders.

  “You have never worn armor before, have you?” King Stefano inquired in a low voice from beside me.

  I had to turn my head and adjust the helmet to see him.

  “No, Sire, and I hope I never do again. I don’t know how men fight in this. I feel so constrained.”

  King Stefano nodded, smiling. Captain Andreas rode up beside the king.

  “Sire, we will be at the head of this pass and into the east gate. Lord Pierce-Seahorn, can you assist us?”

  “Of course.”

  Lightly toying with my bracelet, I looked within and saw the heavy, oak gate guarded by two huge men draped in armor and furs. Their furred helmets topped by curving horns added at least a foot of height to each man. Both men slid to the ground as I cast a deep sleeping spell. Two warriors quickly drove their blades into them when we reached them.

  We rode unopposed into the ravaged town. The fog swirled and mixed with heavy smoke, muffling our entry. I could hardly hear the horses and knew no one else would.

  The smell of blood and offal assailed us before I saw the broken and torn bodies of men, women, children and even a baby whose skull had been crushed. Bile rose in my throat. Dried blood caked the cobblestones while odorous smoke rose from varied small homes, hinting at what lay inside. I heard a sob from behind me.

  “Many of these men come from here,” King Stefano quietly offered.

  I felt my throat tighten. Scimitar snorted and stepped to the side of a dead woman who’d curled around the body of her young son. Both stared sightlessly as we passed. Another tableau had a huge mastiff full of arrows, collapsed before the small family he’d obviously tried to protect.

  Rage surged as I searched for enemy movement. I found notable concentrations of men scattered throughout the town but the largest was holed up in a large brick building that dominated the main road. I motioned Captain Andreas who immediately signaled a halt. We pulled our horses close together.

  “Have you found them, Conran?”

  “Yes, Sire. They are scattered throughout the town but I found the largest group straight ahead in that large building.”

  “What do you propose?” Captain Andreas asked.

  I looked to King Stefano and found him watching me expectantly. Surprised, but gratified at their trust, I dismounted and quickly drew what I’d seen of the town and put X’s where each contingent of transgressors was holed up.

  “I can take the group directly in front of us,” I offered.

  “After, I can help each of the other groups.”

  “My men and I will join you,” Captain Andreas said firmly.

  “Thank you but it isn’t necessary. I think the other squadrons will need your men more. I can easily handle them.”

  Captain Andreas turned to King Stefano. “With your approval, Your Majesty, I would like to stay with Lord Conran and put my men under your leadership.”

  “You have my approval,” he said quickly before adding in almost inaudible voice, “I understand your needs, too. Conran?”

  “I will be grateful for his aid,” I said, bowing my head. I was rather curious to see Luca’s transformation.

  The king quickly issued orders to each squadron and our army quickly left us.

  “Do you mind walking? I’d rather leave Scimitar here.”

  “Walking?” Captain Andreas mocked as he shimmered and transformed into a massive black wolf.

  The wolf looked at me sardonically before running to the large meeting house. Shrugging, I ran behind him. The armor weighed me down and I wasn’t able to catch up until he paused outside the unguarded wide wooden door.

  Luca sniffed under the door and began trotting to the right, slinking low along the building. I followed, bent over to stay below the windows. Several times Luca paused, sniffing or tipping his head to listen. Each time, I froze and reached out and still felt men inside the building.

  Finally, we both paused outside an empty room. Cautiously, I tried the window. It opened easily and quietly. The wolf pushed me to the side and launched through the open window. I quickly pulled myself through though without his grace.

  The room was dark, but the sounds of jeers, catcalls, screams and crying penetrated. I could feel the terror from the other side. Wavering light shown beneath the door.

  I saw Luca’s muscles tense. With my right hand lifted and poised, I quickly flung the door open. I threw a blinding ball of light into the center of the cavernous room as Luca jumped onto the closest man with a rumbling gr
owl. I just had time to see him rip the man’s throat out before I focused on the other thirty plus men in the large room. Terrified, bruised women and girls cried and huddled at the center of the room.

  Seeing their torn clothes and battered condition stoked my fury. Assuming that Luca would take care of the men on the right of the room, I focused my bracelet to summon and send high flames flowing through the startled, recently jeering men.

  Male screams drowned out the female cries. I whirled around to see how the werewolf was faring. I saw a man raise a sword behind him. With a flick of my wrist, I sent the man backwards.

  Using both hands, I sent a maelstrom of flames through the remaining men. The sobs and screams of the women increased. Ignoring them, I turned to Luca.

  “We need to move to the next building!”

  With a snarl, Luca left the man he’d been savaging to lope to me. The women’s screams increased at the sight of a large wolf approaching them. Without bothering to calm them, I ran to the front door and blasted it open with a surge of energy.

  I had so much pent up power to release. Assuming the women would escape through the opened door, I followed Luca to the next closest building harboring more of the murderous marauders. The sounds of battle spilled out before we made it to the building. Luca quietly slunk to an open rear door. Trusting his instincts, I followed closely.

  King Stefano’s men had the situation well under control and wouldn’t appreciate me vanquishing their foes. I could see the pain and anger in many of their eyes. Likely, the men who had family in Seguna. They deserved their vengeance.

  I left and stood in the empty street. Emptying my mind, I focused on the other buildings I’d detailed. All of the small battles were being won by King Stefano’s forces. Satisfied, I decided to walk to the docks where the rest of the trespassers waited on their ships.

  The scent of the ocean crept under the smell of blood. I followed my nose into a narrow alley. The clashing of swords and grunts of fighters echoed between its walls.