by E J Gilmour
**
Later that same day Eben sat with Cassiel and Red in his chambers as the sun was setting, casting long beams of light through the misty sky surrounding the palace.
‘I must say that I’m proud to be a friend of an Ecorian Emperor,’ said Cassiel. Eben looked at Cassiel and wondered if this new revelation would change their friendship.
‘I’m not an emperor, Cassiel. I just happen to belong to a certain family.’
‘The Ecorians are more than a family. They’re a race in their own right,’ said Cassiel assuredly.
‘But I feel and look just like everyone else,’ said Eben.
‘I have read that the Ecorians have exceptional and extraordinary abilities,’ said Cassiel.
‘If I have any powers I haven’t discovered them yet. As far as I know I’m just like everyone else,’ replied Eben.
There was a gentle tapping at the door. Red crossed the floor quickly and opened the door. A beautiful dark haired maiden was standing in the corridor. She was wearing a long flowing red cotton dress.
‘Greetings, Eben Ecorian,’ she said to Red, nodding her head as a sign of respect.
‘Ahh, I’m not the Ecorian,’ stated Red, indicating back over his shoulder toward Eben.
A moment later Eben was at the door and standing beside Red. She looked up and her bright eyes glanced across to Eben. ‘Greetings, Eben Ecorian. My name is Lila. I am a personal attendant of Princess Apherah. Princess Apherah sent me to personally hand you this letter.’
Eben stared down at the letter which had a red wax seal in the shape of an intricately designed A. ‘Thank you,’ he replied.
Lila nodded once again handed him the letter. She then stood there and seemed to be waiting for something. Red glanced across at Eben, not knowing what to do, and then took from his pocket a few coins. He went to hand them to Lila as gratuity, but her dark eyes looked away and revealed her embarrassment. Red quickly returned the coins to his pocket, blushing from his mistake.
‘Do you have a message for Princess Apherah?’ asked Lila, a look of excitement was in the young maiden’s eyes.
‘Yes. Tell her that I was pleased to meet her today, and I hope we can meet again. Tell her not to make any decisions she does not want to make.’
‘I will take your message to her,’ she said, smiling as she turned to leave. Red closed the door and looked across at Eben.
‘You met the Princess today?’ he asked with a laugh.
‘Yes, when I went for a walk I met her in the town.’
‘What is she like?’ asked Cassiel.
Eben thought about how best to answer the question. He opened the letter as he spoke. ‘She is actually a lot of fun and very nice.’
He began to read: Dear Eben Ecorian, I must thank you for assisting me today. You are truly a gracious and noble man. It was a pleasure to spend some time with you. My father has asked me to apologise to you and to explain that it is my duty as the Princess of Irvaria to marry King Lenard of Everdon. Regrettably I must accept this duty. Thank you for understanding me. I hope one day we will meet again. Sincerely, Princess Apherah of Irvaria.
Eben felt his heart thump in his chest and a lump in his throat. He couldn’t stand the idea of her marrying King Lenard against her will.
‘What does it say?’ asked Red.
‘I think she is going to marry King Lenard,’ said Eben as he read the letter again.
‘What a pity; he’s a horrid man,’ said Red.
**
It was early in the morning on the following day and a crisp chill had fallen over all the land. Many fireplaces throughout the palace were burning brightly, which was a very rare event in summer. Eben stepped into the Ecorian Hall from the stairwell and saw that at least twenty guardsmen stood around the Sapphire Throne. They stood to attention as they became aware of him. Eben looked across the marble floor at the throne; an air of anticipation pervaded the hall.
Eben moved on and continued to follow the stairwell up to the royal quarters which were on the level above the Ecorian Hall. He arrived at the top of the stairwell. A large ironclad door and four palace guardsmen stood in his way. One of the guardsmen, a stout and sturdy man with black hair, stepped forward.
‘How can we help you, Ecorian?’ he asked in a respectful but somewhat firm tone.
‘I wish to see Princess Apherah if she is able to see me,’ said Eben.
They whispered among themselves for a few moments and then one of the guardsmen entered the ironclad door.
‘We will see if she is available.’
Eben waited in silence. After about two minutes the door opened, and the guardsman returned.
‘She is not available to see you, Ecorian. The King himself will have a word with you. Follow me.’
Two of the guardsmen led Eben through the door and down a long corridor with doors lining the walls. They arrived at the far side and the guardsman knocked on a solid wooden door. The door opened into a large chamber with a massive polished desk, bookcases lining the walls, and a small fireplace burning in the corner. King Edric was seated at the desk and sternly looked up at Eben as he entered.
‘Guardsmen, please leave us,’ said the King, the guards bowed low before leaving and closed the door.
‘I must say that your arrival has caused quite a stir among my guests,’ said King Edric. ‘Please, take a seat. We need to have a discussion about a few important issues.’
‘I do not want to cause you any trouble,’ said Eben calmly.
‘I am glad to hear you say that. I want you to know that I am very happy the Ecorian line has not been extinguished. Unfortunately it has proved to be a diplomatic nightmare assuring some of the envoys that you are not a threat to them, and this is not my only problem at the moment. A rumour of your existence is circulating throughout the city. The Irvarian people want to know the truth. A crowd is waiting outside the palace as we speak. My people are seeking answers.’
‘Why not tell them the truth,’ suggested Eben steadily.
‘Of course I will have to tell my people everything; however, my main focus at the moment is maintaining our alliances. Much hangs in the balance as we speak. You must understand that if we do not unite we will be conquered by the Prince of Shadows. This brings me to a new problem; one that may prove a decisive blow to our survival. This problem has much to do with you.’
‘What problem?’ asked Eben.
‘Can I have your word that you will be discreet about what I tell you?’ asked King Edric.
‘Of course,’ replied Eben.
The King nodded with relief. ‘You know, as it was evident at the council, that King Lenard of Everdon is not happy about your sudden emergence. He is concerned that you plan to take the Sapphire Throne; no amount of reassurance can calm him. I must say he is not the easiest man to deal with. His parents were both noble people, and my hope is that their young son will someday come to be like his late father. Alas, this is what I must deal with if we are to have an alliance with Everdon. We need this alliance to stand against the muckron invasion. If we do not work together we will fall. Thankfully, as it stands, we do have an agreement to work together.’
King Edric picked up a glass and took a sip of water. He eyed Eben for a few moments before continuing. ‘To form the alliance with Everdon I have promised my daughter’s hand in marriage to King Lenard. She is the only heir I have. I believe that a marriage between the Crowns of Irvaria and Everdon at this time would forge the alliance we need and ensure our survival.’
Eben felt a lump gathering in his throat. ‘As I said to you yesterday: surely she can choose who she wants to marry,’ he said, trying to keep a polite tone but failing.
‘Yes, it is the eternal law; she can marry whoever she wishes, yet my daughter knows her duty, and she will do what is right to save her people,’ replied King Edric. ‘My agreement with King Lenard is bound by honour. King Lenard knows she does not wish to be courted by him, but he believes strongly that with time she will ag
ree to marry him. You requested to see her. I do not doubt from her behaviour yesterday that she would also like to see you again. I can only assume that your intentions are to begin a courtship. Regrettably, I cannot give my permission; I am sorry, but I must forbid you to see or court my daughter.’
Eben fell silent. He knew he could not accept the King’s mandate, and he was aware that the King knew his thoughts.
‘Can you assure me you will not attempt to see her again?’ asked King Edric tensely.
Eben remained silent. ‘I cannot make this promise,’ he said firmly.
‘You leave me no choice, Eben Ecorian. I have given my word to King Lenard. I must keep my word. If you attempt to see my daughter I will send you from Faircastle and forbid you to return. As long as you stay away from her you will remain as free as you are now. I realise that you are a man of honour; I know you will follow your heart, but I am also a man of honour, and I must keep my word to King Lenard. I am glad to have you as a guest in my palace. I wish to honour you as the Ecorian should be honoured; however, you must accept that this is my home. These are my rules, and you must obey them.’
**
‘Forbidden! But why?’ asked Red, shocked at hearing of the King’s mandate.
‘I gave my word I wouldn’t tell the reason, but I cannot accept this.’
‘But how will you see her?’ asked Stella. Eben had no idea and shook his head.
‘You could climb the outer wall,’ suggested Red.
‘Don’t make such a suggestion,’ said Stella crossly. ‘Eben would surely die if he fell.’
‘True, climbing the wall would be very dangerous,’ said Cassiel. ‘But I just can’t think of any other way to enter the royal chambers.’
‘If the outer wall is the only option I will have to take it. At least I won’t have to worry about any guards out there.’
‘How will you know which is her window?’ asked Cassiel.
‘I will have to hope for the best,’ said Eben with a smile as he stepped out onto the balcony and looked up toward the levels above. The outer stone wall was vertical; small gaps between the stones where the only place for him to take a grip. The others followed him out onto the balcony. They looked up.
‘Eben, it looks very dangerous,’ said Stella.
‘Stella is right; this is too risky,’ said Red, shaking his head. ‘Actually, I think that it’s probably impossible. You should reconsider and wait to see her another time.’
Eben stood on the railing. He found a place to grip and edged upward, ascending the sheer wall gradually. He climbed slowly, taking as much care as possible.
‘Be careful, Eben,’ called Stella softly. He glanced down and was surprised how far he had already ascended. The solid ground was at least two hundred and fifty yards below. He felt slightly dizzy as he realised how high up he actually was. His fingers ached as he continued to climb. His friends watched on anxiously. Eventually, after several minutes, he found he was near the upper windows.
He finally reached a window. Climbing onto the ledge below, he glanced inside. There was an empty sitting room, with a small desk, several wooden cabinets, a table with three bottles of wine, and a bowl of fruit.
The window was not locked and Eben found it easily opened. He slid through into the sitting room. He crossed the room to the door and gently turned the handle, opening the door just enough to see outside. An empty hallway was revealed. He stepped out and tread lightly, listening for any voices as he went. Suddenly a door opened; two men stepped out of a room ahead. He quickly opened a door and dashed into a small room. The two men passed by outside, not aware of him at all.
‘What are you doing here, Eben Ecorian?’ asked a woman’s voice. He turned to see Lila sitting at a desk, staring up at him in shock. He was in a small bedchamber with a desk, some shelves, and a single window.
‘I’m looking for Princess Apherah.’ Lila smiled at hearing his words.
‘You won’t find her here. This level is the royal staff quarters. Princess Apherah lives on the uppermost floor.’
‘Can you take me to her?’
‘If I was caught I would be punished for helping you. King Edric has banished me to my quarters for a week for delivering your message to Princess Apherah yesterday. If I took you to the Princess he would probably have me thrown into the dungeons.’
‘Can you tell me where to go?’
‘Of course,’ she said, taking a piece of paper from her desk. With some charcoal she sketched some directions. He took the paper and smiled to her.
‘Thank you, Lila.’
‘The map will lead you to the stairs used by the royal staff. They will take you directly to the main royal living quarters,’ she said. ‘Take this key; it opens the door at the top of the stairs. I hope you find her.’
‘I’ll do my best,’ said Eben, stepping into the corridor.
He edged forward along the corridor in the direction of the stairs. After a few minutes the map led him to a small ascending stairwell. He could hear voices in the distance growing louder. He quickly climbed the stairs; after about twenty feet the stairs turned back on themselves sharply. At the top of the stairwell he came to a small landing and a solid ironclad door. A brass bell was hanging on a hook beside the door. He could hear heated voices inside.
‘I simply cannot marry the Everdonian. He is completely mad! I will never agree!’
‘Listen clearly,’ said another woman’s voice firmly. ‘King Lenard is our ally, and he belongs to a good family. We simply cannot afford to go back on our promise. You are not yet twenty years old. You do not know what is best for you.’
‘Mother, I know well enough that marrying him is not good for me.’
‘This is not about you, Apherah. This is about the kingdom you will one day rule. We are facing an enemy we have never faced before; our days may be at an end. Our alliance with Everdon hangs in the balance. Your marriage to King Lenard will ensure our two kingdoms are united against the Prince of Shadows. This marriage is not about what you want. You must put aside your own wishes for the good of Irvaria. This is the way a good ruler should act.’
The Princess was silenced by these words. Eben wondered what he should do. He simply couldn’t enter the room with Queen Sera present, and he didn’t want to go back down the stairs because of the risk of being seen.
‘But it doesn’t matter if we have an alliance or not. Without Eben Ecorian we don’t stand a chance against the Prince of Shadows. We should be trying to build an alliance with him.’
Again there was a long silence before Queen Sera spoke. ‘Eben Ecorian is young; I hope that he is not as foolish as you. Be sure that we do have an alliance with him through our friendship with Ortaria. Your father knows we cannot overcome the invading army unless we have an alliance with King Lenard. Even with Eben Ecorian on our side we will not win without Everdon.’ There was a short pause. ‘Apherah, you will forget about the Ecorian when you begin to place your people above yourself. I know you met with him when you tried to escape to Elcalee. The Ecorian is handsome but so is King Lenard in his own way.’
‘Eben Ecorian understands me. He was prepared to fight the Royal Guards to protect me. He cares about me,’ she said softly.
‘Don’t be foolish, Apherah. Such thoughts are not for someone of your level of responsibility,’ said the Queen. ‘I am sure you will make the right decision. We will conduct your wedding with King Lenard before the army marches south. The alliance between Irvaria and Everdon must continue. I will leave you to reflect on this conversation.’
A few moments later Eben heard the creaking sound of a door opening and then the thump of it closing. He waited for at least thirty seconds and then placed the key in the door. He opened the lock and gently pushed the door. A large sitting room was revealed. He looked around and couldn’t see anyone. The room was indeed luxurious, with fine silk pillowed chairs, fine couches, and wooden tea tables. Royal red curtains fell beside the windows, and crystal chandeliers hung from th
e ceilings above. The wide windows revealed a magnificent view over the city. Eben glanced around and Princess Apherah was nowhere in sight. He stepped into the room and quietly crossed the floor.
There was movement from out of the corner of his eye. He saw a blade fast approaching. In an instant he drew his sword and deflected the incoming blade. Princess Apherah dropped the short sword and stared at him in a state of shock.
‘I’m sorry, Eben. I thought you were an assassin. Why didn’t you ring the bell?’ Her eyes were wide with surprise. ‘How did you get by the guards without being seen?’ she asked as the initial shock melted away.
‘That was the easy part.’ he replied, placing the Sword of Light back in its scabbard. Eben looked at her and was again struck by her immense beauty.
‘You really shouldn’t be here, Eben. My father will banish you from Faircastle if he catches us together.’
‘I don’t’ mind if he does,’ he replied, feeling untroubled by the consequences. ‘I came because I wanted to see you again.’
She stared at him for a moment, expecting him to say something more. ‘Is that all?’ she asked, raising an eyebrow.
‘I have to say I was disappointed to read that you are actually considering the possibility of marrying King Lenard.’
‘It is not an easy decision,’ said Apherah, frowning and looking away. ‘I am only considering the marriage because my people are threatened. We need the Everdonians.’ She looked sadly toward the window. ‘I have little choice, Eben. My father is insisting that I go through with the marriage. My attempt to escape Faircastle was a desperate move to avoid the inevitable.’
‘There must be another way,’ said Eben.
‘Why do you care so much, Eben?’ she asked, staring at him with sad eyes.
‘Because I want to protect you, and I…’
Footsteps could be heard coming from behind a door. Apherah grabbed him by the hand. They dashed behind the red curtains just as a door opened and someone entered the room. She looked up at him with a sweet nervous smile as they stood completely still.
‘Apherah!’ called King Edric’s voice. They both held their breath and listened as the footsteps crossed the room and then faded away.