The Princess and the Apprentice

by Roland Boykin

  Jon sat on the edge of the bed and watched the steady rise and fall of his young friend’s chest. Aldan approached the Princess and laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. She turned to him with reddened eyes and a tear stained face, unable to speak. With his arm around her waist, he urged her to leave.

  He shared a look with Jon, and asked. “Will you be alright alone?”

  Jon nodded, “I’m not alone, thanks to our Princess. I believe needs you now more than me.”

  Once back in their room, Aldan left her standing by the wash basin, poured some hot water into the bowl and began to untie the laces that held up her hardened leathers. He was rewarded by seeing the life return to her eyes along with a questioning look.

  “You stink,” he smiled tentatively.

  Her nose wrinkled as the odors of goblin and blood intruded upon her senses. After much timid fumbling and several embarrassing moments, they managed to shed each other’s clothes and began the gentle task of washing. Aldan held up the bucket of hot water so that she could wash her hair. He then helped her dry it and brush out the tangles.

  Finished, Odessa pulled Aldan into her arms, her face resting on his chest, and held him tight. She reached up, cupped his face in her hands and pulled his lips to hers for a long and loving kiss.

  “You are a special person, Aldan Beaverson. Thank you.”

  With that, she turned and donned her night shift, slipped into bed and immediately fell asleep, leaving Aldan standing there with a bemused expression. He chose out a clean shirt and pants, the memory of her kiss lingering on his lips, and stacked their discarded clothes outside the door.

  While contemplating the wisdom of slipping into bed with her as she had done to him their first night, he was distracted by a spectral throat clearing.

  “Sorry, but I must interrupt a young man’s fantasies. Things have progressed to the point where you need to learn some offensive spells, and that will require the awakening of the staff.”

  “Why do I get the impression you’re apprehensive? I thought that it was already awake.”

  “The staff is aware of things going on around him, but he was bound in a manner that prevents him from acting consciously. I was part of the team that bound him and he was not in the least bit happy about it.”

  “So there is a spirit linked to the staff, just as you are linked to the tome,” Aldan guessed as he made himself comfortable, the open tome beside him and the staff across his lap.

  “Yes, and a very powerful one. I will teach you the spell to awaken him along with the spell to bind him to you. Do not hesitate! He will fight you for control and will test you constantly.”

  “I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”

  “You don’t have a choice. You have interfered in the affairs of another mage. He will see that as a challenge, so you must be ready to face him. The power of the staff is your only hope.”

  Something deep inside of Aldan stirred which gave him the resolve to continue. “Teach me.”

  Closing his eyes, he saw an image of the staff gripped by hands that were his own. Aldan cast the spell to release the spirit in the staff, and another pair of hands materialized. The battle for control of the staff nearly ended before it began as a bolt of lightning struck the staff, and his first reaction was to let go. With fierce determination, he tightened his grip and siphoned off the power of the lightning, making it his own. His counterstrike sprouted two inch thorns the length of the shaft, piercing the other’s hands and eliciting a cry of pain.

  And so the contest of wills progressed. What Aldan lacked in skill he made up for with imagination and the raw power of his ancestry. More was at stake here than the control of a staff.

  * * *

  Come morning, Odessa was first up and rushed to check on Derek, who was awake and complaining of hunger. Satisfied that he was in good hands with Jon, she picked up the clean clothes outside the door, dressed, and leaned over to wake Aldan with a kiss. She froze in fear at the lines of tension etched on his face, the sweat on his forehead and his white knuckles where they gripped the staff.

  A flare of blue light from the staff forced her to shield her eyes, but it dimmed quickly. She watched in relief as the tension melted from Aldan’s body.

  He opened bloodshot eyes and turned to her. “The staff is now truly mine.” Eyelids fluttered, then fell as exhaustion overtook him.

  The voice of her book of spells whispered in her mind. “All is well, Princess. A contest of wills such as I’ve just witnessed has not been seen since the age of the great mages. Let him sleep.”

  The hours dragged by as Odessa fretted over Aldan. Checking on Derek did nothing to help pass the time. Whenever she consulted her book of spells, it would only say that he was fine, just tired. Jon finally convinced her to take a walk around the village and talk to the people. They had become more than a little afraid to approach her after Maxine’s death and stories from the battle spread. She soon calmed their fears and they agreed to meet at the inn that evening.

  As dinnertime approached, she arose from her table in the common room, intending to check on Aldan again, when he appeared on the stairs. The difference in the way he carried himself was apparent to her, but subtle. She had seen the same thing in other men. Standing a little taller, he walked confidently and kept his eyes focused on those around him. She dropped her eyes, suddenly unsure. The apprentice she had known now stood before her a man and mage.

  He reached out, took her hands in his and squeezed. “I will never see myself as an apprentice again. I am now a mage, but that has not changed my feelings for you, or my determination to see you restored to your kingdom.”

  Relieved and pleased, she smiled up at him. “Does the great and mighty mage require food, or is he beyond that?”

  Laughing, he spun her around and playfully marched her over to the table. “I’m so hungry I could eat a goblin, but a large chicken will suffice.”

  Derek couldn’t stand lying in bed any longer and begged Jon to help him wash, put on clean clothes, and join their companions in the common room. Between them, he and Aldan made short work of a whole chicken while the other two made rude comments and reminded them that the villagers still needed to feed their families.

  By this time all the villagers and their families had gathered in the inn once again. Their spokesman stepped forward, removed his hat, and bowed awkwardly.

  “Mage Aldan, m’lady, we be forever beholden to ye for what ye done and for the lesson ye teached us. There be a confidence in this village that weren’t there before. We understand ye need to leave on the morrow, and maybe we not be seeing ye again, but the village of Hiltop won’t never forget ye.”

  The companions stood as one and faced the villagers. Aldan spoke first. “We will never forget the brave men and women of this village, especially the man called Harold who gave up his life to protect his friends, and his wife Maxine who volunteered her life to preserve that of our companion and friend.”

  He stepped up to the man as his friends spread out around him and offered his hand. “Let me be the first to shake the hand of someone I would be honored to call friend.”

  Chapter Sixteen ~A City Deserted

  After saying their goodbye’s to the villagers, Aldan and Derek returned to their rooms, the guardsman to rest and heal and the mage to continue his studies. Odessa and Jon stayed behind to enjoy another mug of ale.

  They had known each other for many years, as the Princess grew up in a castle lacking children her own age, and Jon had spent his free moments being a friend to a lonely child. He knew when she was bothered by something, like now.

  “You know I am always here if you need someone to talk to,” he said quietly.

  Odessa, who had been staring at nothing, the mug halfway to her lips, turned and smiled at him. “What, did I have that ‘weight of the world’ look on my face again?”

  Jon returned her smile and laughed “You always worried about our kingdom but expected me to fix what you thought was wro
ng.”

  “Oh Jon, this is something you can never fix. I have found two things I wasn’t looking for: a man I can love, and a power I’m not sure I want.”

  He swirled the last of his ale in the mug several times before downing it, and faced the girl he had watched grow into a woman. “I don’t know that those are problems that need fixin’. Your new-found power has already saved the lives of several men. As with any power, there are those who would abuse it and become witches, but I have faith you will resist that temptation.”

  Jon refilled their mugs at the counter and continued after returning. “As for our young mage, I can tell he loves you very much. Hold on to him as long as you can, Princess. I’m afraid the demands of this world will eventually pull him away, not because he wants it but because his honor will require it. He is a special person and there are others in this world who will need him more than we.”

  Time passed as they sipped their ale and enjoyed the quiet companionship. Jon set his empty mug on the table, stood and bowed. “Good night Odessa. Whatever the future holds, you know I will always be there for you.”

  She reached out to squeeze his hand in thanks and let him go. Not ready to retire, she continued to sit, her mind on the things that had occurred since leaving their home. The common room was empty when Odessa left and slowly climbed the stairs.

  Her footsteps made little noise as she entered their room, but Aldan was already snoring softly. His staff leaned against the wall next to the bed and the opened Tome lay across his chest. She leaned over, kissed him gently on the forehead and reached for the large book to place it on the table.

  Odessa froze as a strange male voice entered her mind.

  “Do not be afraid, Princess. I only wish to thank you for what you’ve done for Aldan. He is one of the more powerful mages I’ve encountered, but his confidence is weak. Your love will see him through his coming trials.”

  Sensing that the Tome had more it wished to say, Odessa placed it on the table, but kept her hand in contact and waited.

  “I can never help you with your power, my lady; that is the role of your Book of Spells. But I have been around for a very long time, so if you ever have a question you can’t answer, don’t hesitate to ask. It would be my pleasure to help you.”

  * * *

  In the morning, the inn was abuzz with activity. Not only were the companions leaving, but several villagers decided this would be a good time to bring some of their early produce to market in the capitol. They also felt that the Princess and her friends would be better received if members of the village were there to vouch for them.

  The only quiet moment occurred while they were eating breakfast and a group of women approached the table, two of them holding bundles.

  “We stayed up all night a’maken this for ye. A mage be needin’ a mage’s robe and m’lady a nice gown to be meetin’ da King. Tis a gift from the women of this village for what ye done.”

  Speechless, Aldan stood with tears in his eyes as the women gathered around and placed a robe on him made of the softest, bleached leather he had ever felt. Even with flowing sleeves, a hood, and reaching almost to the floor, it sat lightly on his shoulders. Pockets of various sizes and shapes filled the inside, while golden thread accented the seams and displayed whimsical but faint patterns on the outside.

  “Our village is well known throughout the Kingdom for the soft leather and the fine linens we produce,” one of the women explained. “We save up the material to bring to market once a year, but its value is nothing compared to the lives you have spared.”

  Odessa held up her new gown and marveled at the quality of the fabric and the expertise with which it was made. It was simple, yet elegant, and the color complemented her eyes perfectly. Unable to voice her gratitude, she could only smile and hug the women surrounding her.

  Arms flung out and a big smile on his face, Aldan spun around a few times to the boisterous cheers of all gathered there. The women were urged forward to receive a hug and kiss from the mage, which made the young ones giggle and blush and the older women try to stretch out the kisses.

  Jealous husbands and concerned fathers rushed forward on the pretense that they were saving Aldan from their amorous womenfolk. Odessa settled the issue by wrapping her arms around him and planting a kiss that brought forth a chorus of hoots and whistles. As they returned to the table she shared a sad but knowing look with Jon, the compassion clear in his eyes.

  The four of them decided to forgo the wagon in favor of horses as Derek proclaimed himself fit enough to ride. The sun was only a promise still hidden below the horizon as they rode out of the stable yard, followed by two wagons. Aldan was grateful for the extra warmth of his robe in the crisp morning air. Jon and Derek were once again dressed in armor, while the Princess wore her new gown along with a long, ermine trimmed cape that flowed from her shoulders.

  The innkeeper assured them that even with the slow pace of the wagons they would reach the capitol long before nightfall. The stable master had devised a simple but effective holder for Aldan’s staff that attached to his saddle, and his Tome was safely tucked away. Little was said as they rode along observing the countryside.

  From atop his horse, Aldan watched as Jon coached Derek through a series of stretches and exercises to strengthen his newly healed muscles while Odessa had that faraway look that signaled she was deep in thought. Now was as good a time as any to continue building a rapport with his Staff. The instant he touched the Staff, a sharp burst of power attempted to burn him, but he easily deflected it and decided to ignore the attempt.

  “What is your name?” he thought at the Staff.

  “So you think you can fool me by using a new tactic?”

  “No, there is no need. I have already proven that I can best you in a battle of wills. I’m just being myself, and it seems disrespectful to call you by anything other than your name.”

  “You’re serious. Well in that case, it’s …I don’t remember! Has it been so long?” he asked, panic shading his voice.

  The Tome whispered. “It was Marcus, but I still prefer ‘old stick’.”

  “Yes!” the Staff exclaimed. “I remember now. Marcus the Destroyer they called me.”

  Aldan interrupted his musings. “Well Marcus, the only destroying you’ll be doing is at my direction. Now, if it’s power you covet, the sooner we learn how to work together, the sooner you will be able to exercise that power.”

  Maybe it was Aldan’s imagination, but he swore the vision of a smiling, dark haired, middle aged man superimposed itself over the Staff, and then vanished.

  During a short break for the noon meal, Aldan and Odessa peppered the wagon drivers with questions about the King and how they should act. They decided the wagons should go first to introduce them once they reached the city gate. The fact that the surrounding area appeared deserted put everyone on edge.

  Late evening found the travelers within sight of the Capitol’s outskirts. Hunger consumed them and they regretted the decision to continue on past supper until an inn could be found. They planned to eat a meal, rest up one night and present themselves to the King in the morning. Hope faded along with the evening light as they passed homes and businesses either shuttered up tight or abandoned. Several figures could be seen in the distance running towards a gate in the old city walls. It was obvious, if they wished to find food and shelter for the night, they would have to enter through that gate also.

  The sound of rusty hinges being put into motion spurred them into a run, but the large doors slammed shut before they arrived. Jon rode up to the gate and rapped the hilt of his sword against it.

  “Open this door! There are people out here seeking food and lodging for the night.”

  A guard appeared on the wall above and peered down at them. “I have my orders from the King hisself. These gates will be closed an hour before sunset and stay closed until after sunrise.”

  “It is your King we have come to petition, and claim guest right for one n
ight,” Jon shouted up at the man.

  “Guest right is it? And who shall I say claims this?”

  Odessa rode forward to speak for herself. “I am Princess Odessa Armont of the kingdom of Salmory and this is my mage, Aldan Beaverson, along with two loyal guardsmen.”

  The guard frowned down at her. “His Majesty will probably welcome a young Princess, but we have no use for a court mage or his parlor tricks.”

  Aldan pulled his staff and pointed it at the man. “I don’t know any parlor tricks, but I’ll give you to the count of ten to begin opening this gate before I open it for you.”

  The guard disappeared behind the wall, but other than the muffled sound of orders being shouted, nothing happened. At the count of ten, Aldan approached the gate, touched it with the staff and an opening formed, large enough to drive the wagons through. Jon and Derek rode in next, followed by Odessa. Aldan passed through last and let the portal dissipate behind him. Inside, ten nervous guards faced them with loaded crossbows. However, this time, Aldan was prepared.

  Chapter Seventeen ~Rumors and a Proposal

  Jon and Derek sat their horses on either side of the Princess and made no move to draw weapons. Their confidence in Aldan’s ability to defend them was now complete. The young mage moved his horse next to the lead wagon and leaned over to speak with the driver.

  The Sergeant of the Guard fidgeted with his armor, clearly intimidated by a mage able to ride through solid wooden doors. The fact that the companions sat at ease, with total disregard for the weapons trained on them, unnerved him. After another nervous glance over his shoulder in the direction of the castle, he was rewarded with the sight of several riders quickly approaching. He relaxed with a deep breath exhaled through his helmet’s faceguard. The problem would soon be out of his hands.

  Meanwhile, Aldan scanned the crowd of onlookers drawn to the activity at the gate and called out. “Is there a merchant here?”