Lost Dreamer
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"It is a scientific fact that the more 'o's you put in 'post', the faster the postee will comply"
Death Dealer series
- Thread starter Nikia
- Start date
Rhyanidd
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"It is a scientific fact that the more 'o's you put in 'post', the faster the postee will comply"
Yeah, totally.
You have my complete agreement.
Nikia
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Captain Sadik’s messenger had returned to the queen in record time. Peony was relieved to see that Captain Sadik was willing to go to the aid of Christian if it was war Frederick planned. Still, war had touched their lives too often since the queen’s youth and she hoped it would not come to that.
Peony stood on the balcony outside her bedroom. She propped her elbows up on the railing and placed her head in her hands. From the balcony she could see well over the houses of the capital city, Caspyhor, and across the plains of Otanna. It had taken years to rebuild the damages caused in the last war, she would not risk that harm to her people again. Even at the risk of hurting Christian and their alliance, Peony was going to protect her people.
On the guard tower by the front gates a trumpet sounded. Peony straightened and watched. Someone was coming, someone important. “The Lady of Nadian!” A guard cried.
Corine? Coming to Otanna? Surely not by way of sea, the journey would take far too long. The queen strained her eyes looking north. Finally she understood. A large shape appeared from behind the clouds. Corine had come flying her friend, the dragon Colin. The news must be urgent if Corine had chosen dragon riding in place of a ship.
Colin circled Caspyhor a few times as he descended. Peony took off running. There was not enough room for Colin to land in the city and he would probably land a few miles out. In the stables Peony found her charger unsaddled and unbridled, though the stable hand was trying to get the horse ready. That mattered little; Peony brushed the boy away and climbed on bareback. She gave Pedar a swift kicked and the two took off. She rode through the city gates and saw Colin landing not too far off.
When Peony arrived she was glad to see Corine was actually with the dragon. “Colin, good to see you and Corine,” Peony slipped off Pedar and hurried to embrace Corine. “What brings you here with such haste?”
“Word has reached the shores of the Sun Kingdom that Frederick is calling together his armada. No word as to where they are headed, if any place, has reached us, but we fear for the worst. We caught a spy not four days ago in Aletson trying to rally the northern mountaineers against us. He will not say if there were more or if he was working alone. We believe King Frederick is trying to start a war.”
“He would not dare. If rumors speak true he is in danger of angering all his subjects as it is. He would not dare a war with the Sun Kingdom.” Peony growled. Frederick lacked in judgment, but even he was not so stupid as to start a war like this.
“War is surely coming. Christian has no doubts.” Corine walked back to Colin and pulled a scroll from the large saddle bag. “Frederick sent this to Christian. It is an ultimatum. The Sun Kingdom leaves the spice islands forever or Cesarnan takes action against us.”
Peony looked at the scroll. Cesarnan’s seal was clearly stamped at the bottom. What folly was this?
* * * *
Kitanna had seen great men come and fall. Her mother was the most powerful angel, the angel Faith, and her father had been an elf in a race long since dead. Since the beginning Kitanna had wandered across the world helping the lost find their way and aiding in wars against the demons of the netherworld. She often took the form of a great black wolf to strike fear into any that would harm and to give courage to those that would prevail. In recent years her service no longer seemed needed. Still Kitanna helped those who were lost and needed her guidance.
Grace now looked upon the half-angel, Kitanna, in her true form. She was far lovelier than the plain wanderer Grace had met so many times in Glenbard. She smiled at Grace and helped her to her feet. She kept her eyes fixed on the girl and held her fast by the shoulders.
“Why me?” Grace finally managed to say. “Why have you chosen me? You aided Peony and the Lady Corine, great women who made a difference.”
“It is true I often aid those who do great deeds, but the Immortals instruct that I help them because their destinies shape whole countries. But I help any who need my guidance. I found you when you were lost in a new world and seeing your good heart I elected to help the Death Dealer vanquish some of the evil around her.” Kitanna touched Grace’s cheek, “I helped Jack when death seemed to be his only option after the disgrace he endured from being cast out of court. I have shown mere farmers and milkmaids the way over my long years. There is no one here not worth my time. But I come to you now for different reasons.”
“Whatever you have come to ask, I will do it. You have saved my life often times over the last few years and I am forever in your divine debt.”
“Cesarnan is falling into disrepair. King Frederick and his nobles are hurting the poorer people of the land. He is coming down hard on anyone associated with Marcus and the Thieves Guild. He is planning a war and he wants any that would cause problems to be removed. He has already arrested Jack Anders and he has promised clemency to those on the Fearless Dawn if they take care of Kay. I am here because your friends are in danger. You do not have to return to Cesarnan, but you must now the peril facing those you love.”
Grace balled her fists and turned her face away from Kitanna. She didn’t want her to see her crying. She sniffled a few times and wiped away the tears before turning back. “I will go to aid them, but will sailing back take too long?”
“Corine Huntley is in Otanna on business, she has come on the wings of speed. I cannot speak for Corine or Peony, but perhaps something can be arranged.” Kitanna bent forward a little and kissed Grace’s forehead. “May the Immortals protect your journey and I pray you can help your friends and anyone else being hurt by Frederick. I will help where I can, but this is a battle you must fight.”
Grace then did something she did not expect. She threw her arms around Kitanna’s waist and gave her a large hug before running from the forest, back to Olwen. The ride would take some time, but Grace was determined to make the ride back to the city in record time.
Peony stood on the balcony outside her bedroom. She propped her elbows up on the railing and placed her head in her hands. From the balcony she could see well over the houses of the capital city, Caspyhor, and across the plains of Otanna. It had taken years to rebuild the damages caused in the last war, she would not risk that harm to her people again. Even at the risk of hurting Christian and their alliance, Peony was going to protect her people.
On the guard tower by the front gates a trumpet sounded. Peony straightened and watched. Someone was coming, someone important. “The Lady of Nadian!” A guard cried.
Corine? Coming to Otanna? Surely not by way of sea, the journey would take far too long. The queen strained her eyes looking north. Finally she understood. A large shape appeared from behind the clouds. Corine had come flying her friend, the dragon Colin. The news must be urgent if Corine had chosen dragon riding in place of a ship.
Colin circled Caspyhor a few times as he descended. Peony took off running. There was not enough room for Colin to land in the city and he would probably land a few miles out. In the stables Peony found her charger unsaddled and unbridled, though the stable hand was trying to get the horse ready. That mattered little; Peony brushed the boy away and climbed on bareback. She gave Pedar a swift kicked and the two took off. She rode through the city gates and saw Colin landing not too far off.
When Peony arrived she was glad to see Corine was actually with the dragon. “Colin, good to see you and Corine,” Peony slipped off Pedar and hurried to embrace Corine. “What brings you here with such haste?”
“Word has reached the shores of the Sun Kingdom that Frederick is calling together his armada. No word as to where they are headed, if any place, has reached us, but we fear for the worst. We caught a spy not four days ago in Aletson trying to rally the northern mountaineers against us. He will not say if there were more or if he was working alone. We believe King Frederick is trying to start a war.”
“He would not dare. If rumors speak true he is in danger of angering all his subjects as it is. He would not dare a war with the Sun Kingdom.” Peony growled. Frederick lacked in judgment, but even he was not so stupid as to start a war like this.
“War is surely coming. Christian has no doubts.” Corine walked back to Colin and pulled a scroll from the large saddle bag. “Frederick sent this to Christian. It is an ultimatum. The Sun Kingdom leaves the spice islands forever or Cesarnan takes action against us.”
Peony looked at the scroll. Cesarnan’s seal was clearly stamped at the bottom. What folly was this?
* * * *
Kitanna had seen great men come and fall. Her mother was the most powerful angel, the angel Faith, and her father had been an elf in a race long since dead. Since the beginning Kitanna had wandered across the world helping the lost find their way and aiding in wars against the demons of the netherworld. She often took the form of a great black wolf to strike fear into any that would harm and to give courage to those that would prevail. In recent years her service no longer seemed needed. Still Kitanna helped those who were lost and needed her guidance.
Grace now looked upon the half-angel, Kitanna, in her true form. She was far lovelier than the plain wanderer Grace had met so many times in Glenbard. She smiled at Grace and helped her to her feet. She kept her eyes fixed on the girl and held her fast by the shoulders.
“Why me?” Grace finally managed to say. “Why have you chosen me? You aided Peony and the Lady Corine, great women who made a difference.”
“It is true I often aid those who do great deeds, but the Immortals instruct that I help them because their destinies shape whole countries. But I help any who need my guidance. I found you when you were lost in a new world and seeing your good heart I elected to help the Death Dealer vanquish some of the evil around her.” Kitanna touched Grace’s cheek, “I helped Jack when death seemed to be his only option after the disgrace he endured from being cast out of court. I have shown mere farmers and milkmaids the way over my long years. There is no one here not worth my time. But I come to you now for different reasons.”
“Whatever you have come to ask, I will do it. You have saved my life often times over the last few years and I am forever in your divine debt.”
“Cesarnan is falling into disrepair. King Frederick and his nobles are hurting the poorer people of the land. He is coming down hard on anyone associated with Marcus and the Thieves Guild. He is planning a war and he wants any that would cause problems to be removed. He has already arrested Jack Anders and he has promised clemency to those on the Fearless Dawn if they take care of Kay. I am here because your friends are in danger. You do not have to return to Cesarnan, but you must now the peril facing those you love.”
Grace balled her fists and turned her face away from Kitanna. She didn’t want her to see her crying. She sniffled a few times and wiped away the tears before turning back. “I will go to aid them, but will sailing back take too long?”
“Corine Huntley is in Otanna on business, she has come on the wings of speed. I cannot speak for Corine or Peony, but perhaps something can be arranged.” Kitanna bent forward a little and kissed Grace’s forehead. “May the Immortals protect your journey and I pray you can help your friends and anyone else being hurt by Frederick. I will help where I can, but this is a battle you must fight.”
Grace then did something she did not expect. She threw her arms around Kitanna’s waist and gave her a large hug before running from the forest, back to Olwen. The ride would take some time, but Grace was determined to make the ride back to the city in record time.
Lost Dreamer
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I was dissapointed...you didn't describe Kitanna in her natural form. But the rest was good
Lost Dreamer
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I can't belive its May already.
Nikia
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Indeed, craziness. And about a year ago I started Death Dealer and now I'm near complete, even more craziness.
Lost Dreamer
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Life is wierd sometimes...I feel like i've been working on my WIP all my life, but its only been half a year. But then I think i started just a few weeks ago...and its been SIX WHOLE MONTHS!
^yeah, life is wierd^
^yeah, life is wierd^
Lost Dreamer
New member
WIP=Book 1 of the Parrallel Minds trilogy, Memior of a Weapon. I'm planning on publishing it, so I haven't posted it on the forum. You might ask KK about it tho, as I've let her read some of it for critiquing purposes.
Ha ha...yeah Nikia, whnever your ready
Ha ha...yeah Nikia, whnever your ready
Nikia
New member
Chapter Three: A Final Return
The looming figure of an adult dragon lay sprawled outside the city gates of Caspyhor. Kitanna had been right about Corine coming on the wings on speed. The great red dragon, Colin, was just laying there in the sun. Colin was friendly, but fierce and Grace still felt a lump rise in her throat when she saw him, but now she was happy he was there. She stopped Olwen ten feet before Colin’s powerful jaws. She could feel the heat of his mouth and she saw the faint wisps of smoke coming from his nostrils.
One large eye opened and looked at her. Colin’s eyes were a captivating ruby red that shimmered in the sunlight and glowed in the moonlight. The dragon yawned deeply and pushed himself up so he sat on his haunches.
“Miss Hilren, I was wondering when you would appear.” His voice was deep and soothingly. It was hard to believe something with such a kind voice could be a creature of great destruction.
Grace bowed as deep as she could manage in her saddle. “Is the Lady Corine busy?”
Colin looked toward the city and the castle, “From the looks of it she is still speaking with Queen Peony on the balcony outside the throne room.”
“If your lady permits it, may I ask a great favor of you?”
Colin cocked his head to one side, “If Corine allows it, then I allow it.”
Grace bowed once more and kicked Olwen into action. Within Colin’s chest beat half of Corine’s heart. To save the dragon’s life Corine had sacrificed half of her heart and thus gained a life debt from Colin and formed an unbreakable bond of body and mind. If Grace could convince Corine Huntley to allow her to ride Colin back to Cesarnan she could make it in record time.
Grace did not even bother saying a word to the guards on duty. She blew past them and ran to the throne room after leaving Olwen in the stables. Those stationed in the throne room tried to stop her, but Grace was intent on reaching the queen and Corine with no further delay.
She flung open the door to the balcony and fell to one knee. “I beg pardon, but I have urgent news. It may not pertain to either of you, but it is of great importance to me.”
Peony cast a sidelong look to Corine. The Duchess nodded. “Stand and present your case, Guard Hilren.” Peony said.
“I was riding past the forest in the north, the forest where many believe the Realm once was and I was called inside by a great wolf.” Peony’s interest peeked greatly at this. “The wolf revealed herself as Diggery, the Angel of the Lost, or Kitanna as she is called here.”
“So the dream wolf returns,” Corine said softly, recalling her own brush with Kitanna from her days of youth.
“She spoke of terrible happenings in Cesarnan, my friends, the common people; they are suffering due to Frederick. Diggery believed I should return once more as the Death Dealer. She also said I should beg the Lady Corine for aid so that I may reach Cesarnan with all haste.”
“Kitanna bade you should consider the journey, but she gives choices not commands. Corine and I have both stood before the wolf with two paths to take. Now if you are sure you know your path…”
“My friends need me.” Grace said softly.
“If you go as the Death Dealer Otanna and the Sun Kingdom cannot protect you or your decisions,” Corine stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Aside from giving you a speedy way there you will be alone.”
“I understand and I am prepared to go into this fight alone. I am prepared to face death if it should save my loved ones from despair.”
“Then Colin’s aid I grant you if he is willing to carry you.” Corine released Grace and walked off the balcony and back through the throne room.
Grace turned her attention to the queen. Her expression was unreadable. She nodded and took a tentative step toward Grace.
“Your choice is a noble one, Grace, and I wish I could send a thousand strong men with you. But war is not the course of action I wish to see for Otanna. You may ride to uncertainty now, but there is salvation here for you when your work is done. You and your friends are welcome to asylum here if you so wish. Now,” Peony drew back her shoulders and smiled down at Grace with her understanding green eyes. “Food, clothing, and weaponry must be packed for this journey. Go now and pack.”
Grace bowed to her queen and rushed off. Peony sighed. “Must you take her like this?” The queen was well aware of the sudden appearance of Kitanna the Wanderer seated on the balcony’s railing. The deity was facing the open fields where Colin and Corine were speaking with one another.
“She willingly goes,” Kitanna said softly.
Peony leaned on her elbows on the railing and sighed again. “Cesarnan is not where her future lies.”
“Who are you, oh great and powerful Queen of the Anir Dynasty, to decide where a person’s future lies? That is not for the mortal world to know or understand.”
“Forgive me for questioning your great plans,” Peony said sarcastically, “I question this future because I have seen many friends ride to their deaths because it seems glorious.” The queen looked at her hands, “I have slain many with these hands, I have held many who were dying, and there was no glory in those acts. Now perhaps Grace rides to her own death because it in some way seems valiant.”
“It did not and it was not glorious to watch as your brother’s life drifted from you, but he achieved great glory in the Halls of the Immortals in his death. Dying may not be glorious, but even in death one can achieve glory if their deeds were righteous. But Peony, you are confusing glory with loyalty. Grace Hilren does not ride to a glorious death so that she may seem valiant beyond compare. She goes to Cesarnan because loyalty to friends drags her back. You would do the same.”
Peony nodded, “So this is how it is? A cycle of pain and death due to tyrants like Frederick?”
“I am afraid so.” Kitanna smiled softly, “Peace is not easy to achieve, it never was. I only hope another war can be avoided for a good long time.”
“Me too.”
* * * *
(ta-da! A little bit for now until I can sit down and right like a fiend.)
The looming figure of an adult dragon lay sprawled outside the city gates of Caspyhor. Kitanna had been right about Corine coming on the wings on speed. The great red dragon, Colin, was just laying there in the sun. Colin was friendly, but fierce and Grace still felt a lump rise in her throat when she saw him, but now she was happy he was there. She stopped Olwen ten feet before Colin’s powerful jaws. She could feel the heat of his mouth and she saw the faint wisps of smoke coming from his nostrils.
One large eye opened and looked at her. Colin’s eyes were a captivating ruby red that shimmered in the sunlight and glowed in the moonlight. The dragon yawned deeply and pushed himself up so he sat on his haunches.
“Miss Hilren, I was wondering when you would appear.” His voice was deep and soothingly. It was hard to believe something with such a kind voice could be a creature of great destruction.
Grace bowed as deep as she could manage in her saddle. “Is the Lady Corine busy?”
Colin looked toward the city and the castle, “From the looks of it she is still speaking with Queen Peony on the balcony outside the throne room.”
“If your lady permits it, may I ask a great favor of you?”
Colin cocked his head to one side, “If Corine allows it, then I allow it.”
Grace bowed once more and kicked Olwen into action. Within Colin’s chest beat half of Corine’s heart. To save the dragon’s life Corine had sacrificed half of her heart and thus gained a life debt from Colin and formed an unbreakable bond of body and mind. If Grace could convince Corine Huntley to allow her to ride Colin back to Cesarnan she could make it in record time.
Grace did not even bother saying a word to the guards on duty. She blew past them and ran to the throne room after leaving Olwen in the stables. Those stationed in the throne room tried to stop her, but Grace was intent on reaching the queen and Corine with no further delay.
She flung open the door to the balcony and fell to one knee. “I beg pardon, but I have urgent news. It may not pertain to either of you, but it is of great importance to me.”
Peony cast a sidelong look to Corine. The Duchess nodded. “Stand and present your case, Guard Hilren.” Peony said.
“I was riding past the forest in the north, the forest where many believe the Realm once was and I was called inside by a great wolf.” Peony’s interest peeked greatly at this. “The wolf revealed herself as Diggery, the Angel of the Lost, or Kitanna as she is called here.”
“So the dream wolf returns,” Corine said softly, recalling her own brush with Kitanna from her days of youth.
“She spoke of terrible happenings in Cesarnan, my friends, the common people; they are suffering due to Frederick. Diggery believed I should return once more as the Death Dealer. She also said I should beg the Lady Corine for aid so that I may reach Cesarnan with all haste.”
“Kitanna bade you should consider the journey, but she gives choices not commands. Corine and I have both stood before the wolf with two paths to take. Now if you are sure you know your path…”
“My friends need me.” Grace said softly.
“If you go as the Death Dealer Otanna and the Sun Kingdom cannot protect you or your decisions,” Corine stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Aside from giving you a speedy way there you will be alone.”
“I understand and I am prepared to go into this fight alone. I am prepared to face death if it should save my loved ones from despair.”
“Then Colin’s aid I grant you if he is willing to carry you.” Corine released Grace and walked off the balcony and back through the throne room.
Grace turned her attention to the queen. Her expression was unreadable. She nodded and took a tentative step toward Grace.
“Your choice is a noble one, Grace, and I wish I could send a thousand strong men with you. But war is not the course of action I wish to see for Otanna. You may ride to uncertainty now, but there is salvation here for you when your work is done. You and your friends are welcome to asylum here if you so wish. Now,” Peony drew back her shoulders and smiled down at Grace with her understanding green eyes. “Food, clothing, and weaponry must be packed for this journey. Go now and pack.”
Grace bowed to her queen and rushed off. Peony sighed. “Must you take her like this?” The queen was well aware of the sudden appearance of Kitanna the Wanderer seated on the balcony’s railing. The deity was facing the open fields where Colin and Corine were speaking with one another.
“She willingly goes,” Kitanna said softly.
Peony leaned on her elbows on the railing and sighed again. “Cesarnan is not where her future lies.”
“Who are you, oh great and powerful Queen of the Anir Dynasty, to decide where a person’s future lies? That is not for the mortal world to know or understand.”
“Forgive me for questioning your great plans,” Peony said sarcastically, “I question this future because I have seen many friends ride to their deaths because it seems glorious.” The queen looked at her hands, “I have slain many with these hands, I have held many who were dying, and there was no glory in those acts. Now perhaps Grace rides to her own death because it in some way seems valiant.”
“It did not and it was not glorious to watch as your brother’s life drifted from you, but he achieved great glory in the Halls of the Immortals in his death. Dying may not be glorious, but even in death one can achieve glory if their deeds were righteous. But Peony, you are confusing glory with loyalty. Grace Hilren does not ride to a glorious death so that she may seem valiant beyond compare. She goes to Cesarnan because loyalty to friends drags her back. You would do the same.”
Peony nodded, “So this is how it is? A cycle of pain and death due to tyrants like Frederick?”
“I am afraid so.” Kitanna smiled softly, “Peace is not easy to achieve, it never was. I only hope another war can be avoided for a good long time.”
“Me too.”
* * * *
(ta-da! A little bit for now until I can sit down and right like a fiend.)
Lost Dreamer
New member
And a very good little-bit at that. Nice job.
Nikia
New member
* * * *
A dragon saddle is a bulky hard to maneuver piece of equipment. Made from thick and heavy leather it was not an easy task to saddle or unsaddle a dragon. Corine often found herself fumbling with the straps when she rode Colin. Now she sat in the grass next to Colin, polishing the saddle Grace would use when she returned to Cesarnan.
Colin felt a great sense of fear and uncertainty coming from Corine, but she remained quiet. The dragon took his large snout and gently nudged the small of Corine’s back. She sighed softly and looked over her shoulder at Colin and smiled.
“Thank you for agreeing to take Grace Hilren into Cesarnan.” She said and returned to polishing.
“You requested it of me and I am compelled to do as you wish.” Since she was sixteen Colin had been a permanent fixture in Corine’s life. And yet each time they separated she felt an intense uneasy and hurt at leaving him behind. Not even when she left her husband for her duties did she feel such a sadness. She knew her bond with Colin was deeper and stronger than any bond she felt toward any human and she often tried to explain that to others.
“Grace wants to be in Cesarnan by tomorrow.” Corine continued.
“If we leave just after sundown tonight we can make it to the northern shore of Cesarnan a few hours before sunrise. That is provided I am able to fly with all speed. The summer storms are beginning in the ocean and winds may not be favorable to flight.”
“Grace’s uncles will most likely welcome you and Grace into Arganis. From what I understand they are loyal to Cesarnan and not to the king. If you must land in the daylight Arganis is the place to do it.”
“As I understand Count George of Arganis was a well respected scholar in his youth. He studied in the Sun Kingdom’s university. I met him once in while I was still in human form. Unless he has changed greatly in the past four decades he can respect a dragon lingering on his lands. It is the rest of Cesarnan that is witless and stupid. They have long forgotten the help the mystics provided as time dawned.”
Cesarnan had been the first country to fall into shunning the mystics and their help. Colin had been young at that time. When the other countries fell into the same cycle Cesarnan did one wizard believed in the mystics yet and his belief caused the imprisonment of Colin in a human body. The dragon still cursed Fausto and his wickedness for depriving a mystic of its true form. But Fausto was not alone in his cruelty many mistreated mystics, even in these years. Some dwelled within Cesarnan and Colin gritted his teeth at the thought.
“Try to stay out of sight,” Corine instructed. “If Kitanna spoke the truth there is danger and war brewing under the surface. If you are spotted Christian’s hard work at piece will have been for naught.”
“If the exalted Lady Kitanna spoke of a danger, then there is a danger present in Cesarnan. She would never speak such a lie.” Colin could remember nearly two thousand years, Kitanna remember further. She already held much wisdom by the time Colin hatched from his egg. All mystics revered the Wanderer, as they called her, Colin had no doubt she was speaking the truth about Cesarnan.
“I am sure it is true and that means you must be extra careful. And if at all possible I want you to keep as close an eye on Grace as possible. She may well have to face the army of Cesarnan and one person cannot fight that battle alone.”
“For you I shall keep as close a watch on Miss Hilren as much as possible without giving myself away or at least I shall try. She is a gracious and valiant young woman and this is a worthy cause.”
Corine pushed the saddle out of her lap, content with the work she had done on it. She stood and brushed off her breeches. She smiled up at Colin and patted his neck. Nightfall was not far off.
* * * *
An extra pair of breeches, a black and a grey tunic, and a peasant dress was all Grace felt she needed. The extra clothes were incase she needed to blend with the crowds. Now she wore the black breeches and tunic of the Death Dealer with her leather jerkin fastened on. In her left hand she held the executioner’s hood that served as a symbol of justice and struck fear into many.
A tingle ran up Grace’s spine and she shuttered slightly. She always knew she would return to Cesarnan, it was her home, her heart called to it often, but she never imagined returning in such a way. Under these circumstances Grace wondered how her chances for success were. She had never taken on such a responsibility. It had always been petty thieves and murderers, never a king and his army and guards. Even fighting Mac and his thugs had been easy compared to what she was daring now.
A knock at the door caused her to jump slightly. The queen opened and glided in to stand before Grace. The queen often sat in the mess hall in the guards’ house or in their common room, but rarely did she enter a specific guard’s room. Grace felt honored that Peony would grace her with her presence like this. Two servants stood in the hall waiting patiently.
“Do you fully understand the task before you?” Peony asked, crossing her arms across her chest.
“I know it is an almost futile fight and that one against an army does not seem like the best of ideas, but I also understand my friends need me and I am willing to risk my own life if I may give them a fighting chance.”
A soft, almost sad smile played across the queen’s lips. “Your loyalty puts some of the greatest warriors to shame.” She took in Grace standing there in her leather jerkin. “Leather can be a fine, lightweight armor in a pinch, but when it rains arrows it will not protect you and it certainly will not turn the blade of a determined sword.” Peony signaled to the two servants in the hall.
They came in, carrying a large wooden chest. On the lid of the chest was an eagle with spread wings between two rearing horses. Clutched in the talons of the eagle were two roses that pointed at either horse. The two horses and the eagle were the oldest symbols of Otanna.
“The Duchess Wren told me she believed you would one day return to the role of the Death Dealer. She suggested I at least provide you with better armor.” Peony called Grace to her side and opened the chest. Inside was shiny black armor, the same that the knights wore.
“This armor will do little for your legs. I had it made in the same fashion as jousting armor. Your calves will be open to injury this way and the armor will slow you down if you try to run on foot, but I would hope you’ll be on horseback if you are trying to escape Frederick’s guards.” Peony took it out piece by piece and handed it to Grace. “I had a helmet made as well and it will be a little big. This way you can wear the Death Dealer hood underneath if you choose.”
“I cannot possibly accept such a gift, Your Highness.”
“When a guard retires from my guard a gift is given to show his service was appreciated. When a guard quits he is shunned. I feel you are doing neither. Yes you are leaving, but I am confident you will return when your duty in Cesarnan is over. So I am treating this as though you were retiring from my guard. This gift will ensure your return to my service.”
Grace went down on one knee and bowed low to her queen. “I go to save my friends from pain and death and on my honor I will return to finish my service to you and Otanna.”
Peony bade Grace to rise to her feet. “Words are for scholars and priests. You and I are fighters and through our actions we show our intent. Your loyalty and valor in these troubled times will be well remembered among the guards of Otanna.” Peony patted Grace on the shoulder. “It will soon be dark and your supplies must be strapped to Colin before it is too dark.”
A dragon saddle is a bulky hard to maneuver piece of equipment. Made from thick and heavy leather it was not an easy task to saddle or unsaddle a dragon. Corine often found herself fumbling with the straps when she rode Colin. Now she sat in the grass next to Colin, polishing the saddle Grace would use when she returned to Cesarnan.
Colin felt a great sense of fear and uncertainty coming from Corine, but she remained quiet. The dragon took his large snout and gently nudged the small of Corine’s back. She sighed softly and looked over her shoulder at Colin and smiled.
“Thank you for agreeing to take Grace Hilren into Cesarnan.” She said and returned to polishing.
“You requested it of me and I am compelled to do as you wish.” Since she was sixteen Colin had been a permanent fixture in Corine’s life. And yet each time they separated she felt an intense uneasy and hurt at leaving him behind. Not even when she left her husband for her duties did she feel such a sadness. She knew her bond with Colin was deeper and stronger than any bond she felt toward any human and she often tried to explain that to others.
“Grace wants to be in Cesarnan by tomorrow.” Corine continued.
“If we leave just after sundown tonight we can make it to the northern shore of Cesarnan a few hours before sunrise. That is provided I am able to fly with all speed. The summer storms are beginning in the ocean and winds may not be favorable to flight.”
“Grace’s uncles will most likely welcome you and Grace into Arganis. From what I understand they are loyal to Cesarnan and not to the king. If you must land in the daylight Arganis is the place to do it.”
“As I understand Count George of Arganis was a well respected scholar in his youth. He studied in the Sun Kingdom’s university. I met him once in while I was still in human form. Unless he has changed greatly in the past four decades he can respect a dragon lingering on his lands. It is the rest of Cesarnan that is witless and stupid. They have long forgotten the help the mystics provided as time dawned.”
Cesarnan had been the first country to fall into shunning the mystics and their help. Colin had been young at that time. When the other countries fell into the same cycle Cesarnan did one wizard believed in the mystics yet and his belief caused the imprisonment of Colin in a human body. The dragon still cursed Fausto and his wickedness for depriving a mystic of its true form. But Fausto was not alone in his cruelty many mistreated mystics, even in these years. Some dwelled within Cesarnan and Colin gritted his teeth at the thought.
“Try to stay out of sight,” Corine instructed. “If Kitanna spoke the truth there is danger and war brewing under the surface. If you are spotted Christian’s hard work at piece will have been for naught.”
“If the exalted Lady Kitanna spoke of a danger, then there is a danger present in Cesarnan. She would never speak such a lie.” Colin could remember nearly two thousand years, Kitanna remember further. She already held much wisdom by the time Colin hatched from his egg. All mystics revered the Wanderer, as they called her, Colin had no doubt she was speaking the truth about Cesarnan.
“I am sure it is true and that means you must be extra careful. And if at all possible I want you to keep as close an eye on Grace as possible. She may well have to face the army of Cesarnan and one person cannot fight that battle alone.”
“For you I shall keep as close a watch on Miss Hilren as much as possible without giving myself away or at least I shall try. She is a gracious and valiant young woman and this is a worthy cause.”
Corine pushed the saddle out of her lap, content with the work she had done on it. She stood and brushed off her breeches. She smiled up at Colin and patted his neck. Nightfall was not far off.
* * * *
An extra pair of breeches, a black and a grey tunic, and a peasant dress was all Grace felt she needed. The extra clothes were incase she needed to blend with the crowds. Now she wore the black breeches and tunic of the Death Dealer with her leather jerkin fastened on. In her left hand she held the executioner’s hood that served as a symbol of justice and struck fear into many.
A tingle ran up Grace’s spine and she shuttered slightly. She always knew she would return to Cesarnan, it was her home, her heart called to it often, but she never imagined returning in such a way. Under these circumstances Grace wondered how her chances for success were. She had never taken on such a responsibility. It had always been petty thieves and murderers, never a king and his army and guards. Even fighting Mac and his thugs had been easy compared to what she was daring now.
A knock at the door caused her to jump slightly. The queen opened and glided in to stand before Grace. The queen often sat in the mess hall in the guards’ house or in their common room, but rarely did she enter a specific guard’s room. Grace felt honored that Peony would grace her with her presence like this. Two servants stood in the hall waiting patiently.
“Do you fully understand the task before you?” Peony asked, crossing her arms across her chest.
“I know it is an almost futile fight and that one against an army does not seem like the best of ideas, but I also understand my friends need me and I am willing to risk my own life if I may give them a fighting chance.”
A soft, almost sad smile played across the queen’s lips. “Your loyalty puts some of the greatest warriors to shame.” She took in Grace standing there in her leather jerkin. “Leather can be a fine, lightweight armor in a pinch, but when it rains arrows it will not protect you and it certainly will not turn the blade of a determined sword.” Peony signaled to the two servants in the hall.
They came in, carrying a large wooden chest. On the lid of the chest was an eagle with spread wings between two rearing horses. Clutched in the talons of the eagle were two roses that pointed at either horse. The two horses and the eagle were the oldest symbols of Otanna.
“The Duchess Wren told me she believed you would one day return to the role of the Death Dealer. She suggested I at least provide you with better armor.” Peony called Grace to her side and opened the chest. Inside was shiny black armor, the same that the knights wore.
“This armor will do little for your legs. I had it made in the same fashion as jousting armor. Your calves will be open to injury this way and the armor will slow you down if you try to run on foot, but I would hope you’ll be on horseback if you are trying to escape Frederick’s guards.” Peony took it out piece by piece and handed it to Grace. “I had a helmet made as well and it will be a little big. This way you can wear the Death Dealer hood underneath if you choose.”
“I cannot possibly accept such a gift, Your Highness.”
“When a guard retires from my guard a gift is given to show his service was appreciated. When a guard quits he is shunned. I feel you are doing neither. Yes you are leaving, but I am confident you will return when your duty in Cesarnan is over. So I am treating this as though you were retiring from my guard. This gift will ensure your return to my service.”
Grace went down on one knee and bowed low to her queen. “I go to save my friends from pain and death and on my honor I will return to finish my service to you and Otanna.”
Peony bade Grace to rise to her feet. “Words are for scholars and priests. You and I are fighters and through our actions we show our intent. Your loyalty and valor in these troubled times will be well remembered among the guards of Otanna.” Peony patted Grace on the shoulder. “It will soon be dark and your supplies must be strapped to Colin before it is too dark.”
Nikia
New member
* * * *
With Corine and a few stableboys’ help Grace was able to ready Colin. Corine and Grace fastened the saddle to Colin first and then the boys helped in fastening the armor just behind where Grace would sit. Grace slung her pack with her extra clothes and her executioner’s hood onto her back; it would be easier to carry that way.
The sun had set and Grace stood in the field beside Colin. Many from the guard came to wish her a safe travel and return. Peony stood in between Corine and Gavin.
“Be careful when you head into Frederick’s domain, he is looking for any reason to start a war these days. There are few heavily wooded areas and no mountains for you to hide in Colin, so you must be extra careful.”
Grace, with the aid of Colin’s trunk like leg, hoisted herself into the saddle. “Colin will be well accepted on my uncle’s land.”
“And I have no intention of giving us away to that fool Frederick,” Colin growled ever so slightly.
“Then speed to both of you and return safely,” Corine and Peony said together.
Colin extended his great wings and those standing around backed away to avoid the great gusts of wind that would soon begin. Colin flapped a few times and lifted into the air. He darted straight into the clouds and Grace held on for dear life. She had never experiences anything so freeing and terrifying at the same time. The dragon leveled himself and pointed them toward Cesarnan.
“Try to get some sleep if you can, I will not let you fall.” Colin instructed and Grace obeyed. She slumped slightly forward and closed her eyes.
* * * *
Grace woke up when a great deal of water hit her in the face. They had flown right into a summer storm. Colin was fighting hard against a great wind that was threatened to throw them off course.
“Can you handle this or do we need to land?” Grace called over the storm.
“We are above the ocean, there is no place for us to land,” Colin called back. Grace could feel him straining just to stay up. She gripped the saddle for dear life.
“I am going to try to fly us around this maelstrom.” Colin threw his entire body into a left turn. He pointed himself upward and tried to fly above the clouds. His great wings pumped hard and the rain beat down on him and Grace. Grace felt his muscles shaking and straining under the winds, still the dragon flew up.
Finally he moved his entire body above the clouds and Grace lost all the breath from her body. The moon was full and bright and hung gracefully in the sky. And the stars shone like little candles in the blackness of the sky. Below them the clouds looked like a snow covered landscape. Grace had never witnessed something so beautiful in her entire life.
“We are safe for now from the storm,” Colin said, “We may yet hit another one, but try once more to sleep. There are still a few hours before we reach Cesarnan.”
Grace fell once more into a sleep. The next time she awoke the dragon was slowly descending from the sky. The first bits of light from the sun were just beginning to appear. Grace saw a large black mass drawing near as Colin continued the descent. He landed softly in a forest Grace knew all too well. It was the only truly forested area in Cesarnan and her childhood home was only five miles from where Colin had landed.
“I must rest myself for a while,” Colin said as Grace slid from his back.
“The let me remove this clutter from your back.” Grace struggled for a few minutes with the saddle.
The armor had been easy to remove, but the number and size of the buckles made the saddle a real task. Final she managed the last buckle and it slid from Colin’s back pulling Grace down with it. She landed in a heap beside Colin’s back leg. The dragon let out a strange noise that was most probably a laugh.
“I am going to see my uncles and am going to try for a horse. I will leave my armor with you, if you do not mind.”
“I will guard your effects, now go and attempt to gain help from your uncles.”
Grace smiled and though her legs were sore from the flight she attempted to make haste toward the Arganis castle.
With Corine and a few stableboys’ help Grace was able to ready Colin. Corine and Grace fastened the saddle to Colin first and then the boys helped in fastening the armor just behind where Grace would sit. Grace slung her pack with her extra clothes and her executioner’s hood onto her back; it would be easier to carry that way.
The sun had set and Grace stood in the field beside Colin. Many from the guard came to wish her a safe travel and return. Peony stood in between Corine and Gavin.
“Be careful when you head into Frederick’s domain, he is looking for any reason to start a war these days. There are few heavily wooded areas and no mountains for you to hide in Colin, so you must be extra careful.”
Grace, with the aid of Colin’s trunk like leg, hoisted herself into the saddle. “Colin will be well accepted on my uncle’s land.”
“And I have no intention of giving us away to that fool Frederick,” Colin growled ever so slightly.
“Then speed to both of you and return safely,” Corine and Peony said together.
Colin extended his great wings and those standing around backed away to avoid the great gusts of wind that would soon begin. Colin flapped a few times and lifted into the air. He darted straight into the clouds and Grace held on for dear life. She had never experiences anything so freeing and terrifying at the same time. The dragon leveled himself and pointed them toward Cesarnan.
“Try to get some sleep if you can, I will not let you fall.” Colin instructed and Grace obeyed. She slumped slightly forward and closed her eyes.
* * * *
Grace woke up when a great deal of water hit her in the face. They had flown right into a summer storm. Colin was fighting hard against a great wind that was threatened to throw them off course.
“Can you handle this or do we need to land?” Grace called over the storm.
“We are above the ocean, there is no place for us to land,” Colin called back. Grace could feel him straining just to stay up. She gripped the saddle for dear life.
“I am going to try to fly us around this maelstrom.” Colin threw his entire body into a left turn. He pointed himself upward and tried to fly above the clouds. His great wings pumped hard and the rain beat down on him and Grace. Grace felt his muscles shaking and straining under the winds, still the dragon flew up.
Finally he moved his entire body above the clouds and Grace lost all the breath from her body. The moon was full and bright and hung gracefully in the sky. And the stars shone like little candles in the blackness of the sky. Below them the clouds looked like a snow covered landscape. Grace had never witnessed something so beautiful in her entire life.
“We are safe for now from the storm,” Colin said, “We may yet hit another one, but try once more to sleep. There are still a few hours before we reach Cesarnan.”
Grace fell once more into a sleep. The next time she awoke the dragon was slowly descending from the sky. The first bits of light from the sun were just beginning to appear. Grace saw a large black mass drawing near as Colin continued the descent. He landed softly in a forest Grace knew all too well. It was the only truly forested area in Cesarnan and her childhood home was only five miles from where Colin had landed.
“I must rest myself for a while,” Colin said as Grace slid from his back.
“The let me remove this clutter from your back.” Grace struggled for a few minutes with the saddle.
The armor had been easy to remove, but the number and size of the buckles made the saddle a real task. Final she managed the last buckle and it slid from Colin’s back pulling Grace down with it. She landed in a heap beside Colin’s back leg. The dragon let out a strange noise that was most probably a laugh.
“I am going to see my uncles and am going to try for a horse. I will leave my armor with you, if you do not mind.”
“I will guard your effects, now go and attempt to gain help from your uncles.”
Grace smiled and though her legs were sore from the flight she attempted to make haste toward the Arganis castle.
Nikia
New member
Chapter Four: To Nareroc
King Frederick had gathered his most loyal into his study as midnight approached. Tristan of Escion and his father Duke Nigel, Benjamin of Salatia and his aging father, the Duke Michael, the Count Joshua from Actis, and a about five knights from lesser houses were seated at a large conference table Frederick had had set up in the study. In the shadows behind his own chair his favored assassin lurked. The assassin had failed in killing Corine Huntley, but there was still hope in this one.
“As you know I have an informer in Aletson, hopefully he is able to persuade the people to once more attack the Sun Kingdom.” Frederick began.
“Impossible,” Joshua said, folding his hands on top of the table. “King Patrick of Aletson owes his crown to the Sun Kingdom and he would never think to betray King Christian.”
“That was a concern, but I have been informed that there is unrest in the followers of Zimmah, the original leader against the Sun Kingdom. They feel Aletson is just a puppet to Christian. A little careful pushing and Aletson may well be our ally when the time comes.”
“And when will the time come?” Nigel asked. “The longer the Sun Kingdom is allowed to stay on the Nareroc Islands, the more support the natives will give them. As it is, your plan to show the superstitious natives that Corine Huntley was a friend of dragons failed. Instead of fearing the duchess they welcomed her as some lesser deity.”
“My father is right,” Tristan said, “And your assassin failed to kill her. You assured us ‘The King’s Right Hand’ would not fail us.”
Tristan referred to the assassin the king of Cesarnan kept in his service if he had any enemies that needed to be disposed of. The current Right Hand was the best Frederick had ever employed and sometimes even the best were allowed a mistake or two. Benjamin of Salatia was the only one in the room put on edge by the assassin shrouded in the shadows. A former member of the Thieves Guild had no place in the service of the king. Besides there was treachery behind those dark eyes. Benjamin saw it in the dim light of the study.
“The Right Hand was stopped by what I believe to be a guard of Corine Huntley’s. Whoever it was was extremely well trained or extremely lucky. In any case, my assassin will not fail again.”
“So as of now, where do will our plans lead us,” Michael rasped. Age was quickly catching up to him and it was only a matter of time until Benjamin was officially in charge of Salatia.
“I am focusing my attention on taking down this ‘King Marcus’ of the Thieves Guild and finally catching that wench Kay who plundered so many of my ships as captain of the Fearless Dawn. Without their rogue leaders the common men will be more loyal to their real king.”
“It will take more than removing the leaders of the common man.” Joshua tapped his fingers lightly on the table top. “You should attempt to bring the Death Dealer back. He has been gone for sometime, but with the proper setup he may return to aid you. If the Death Dealer backs your Highness then the commoners will certainly stand behind you.”
Frederick nodded and smiled, “I have thought of this and am attempting to bring the Death Dealer out of retirement he is in fact still alive.”
The meeting continued, but Benjamin found his attention waning. His eyes were ever on the assassin. The road Frederick was taking could choose to be a very dangerous one for himself and Cesarnan. Benjamin wanted to speak up and share his doubts, but he saw how that behavior had caused for the exclusion of Henry of Egona and Prince Drake from these war councilors. Despite his loyal to king and country, Benjamin was beginning to doubt the validity and success of this war and it had not even begun yet.
* * * *
Marcus and Ridley had locked themselves away in their house with Thom to answer any visitors. Only their most trusted friends were allowed in. It had been like that for a week and a half. Jack was still being kept in the jail on the docks until the king’s guards dragged him to the castle in Ursana and Kay was hiding out in the cellar of Marcus and Ridley’s home. The former pirate had not seen her daughter or her aunt since she received the Black Spot.
Ridley carried a tray of food into the cellar where Marcus and Kay were speaking in hushed tones.
“I was one of the best captains the Dawn ever saw and yet now I am being hunted by my own crew. Something is not right in all this. My boys would not do this to me.”
“It does seem a bit odd, even for them.”
“Something is not right with this,” Kay snatched a roll from the tray Ridley was holding. She broke off a piece and stuffed it into her mouth.
Ridley set the tray down and sat on an empty barrel. “Has Thom heard anything?”
“Not a word,” Marcus sighed. “No one in port knows anything about what the crew of the Fearless Dawn is up to.”
“I know someone who might have an idea,” Kay grumbled a bit. “If Thom can get me onto Donald’s trade ship to Nareroc I may be able to get some answers.”
Marcus understood fully where Kay was planning to go. Her idea was a risky one for many reasons. “Do you honestly think he’ll allow an audience? Max has not been too friendly toward you after you became captain of the Fearless Dawn.”
Max Yuli was a pirate captain himself and had been one since before Kay even set foot on a ship. He was the captain of the pirate ship, the King’s Bane, and it was the only ship on the seas that even came close to rivaling the Dawn. But what Max really had to offer was his niece, Samantha, she heard and saw everything while the King’s Bane was in port. If something was amiss on the Dawn Samantha would have caught wind and given her knowledge to Max. The only problem was Max was no fan of Kay as a captain. Not because she was a woman, his own niece had made a fine pirate; no it was because Kay had been so young when she was named captain.
Still Max seemed like the only source of any real information. Kay was willing to take the risk and go to Max’s stronghold on the Nareroc Islands. Even if he did kill her, he’d at least humor her and give her a little information.
“Ridley,” Kay turned all her attention on the princess of thieves. “Care for a journey to Nareroc?”
“Now wait a minute,” Marcus snapped, “What makes you so sure I am going to allow you to take Ridley like this?”
“Jack Anders was thrown into jail for some offense he was tried for and pardoned for nearly a decade ago. There’s no telling who could be next. Even you, King Marcus, are no longer safe from Frederick’s goons. If there’s a raid on this house they’ll surely take Ridley too. She’s safer going to Nareroc with me.”
“A fine scenario you paint, but she’s only safe until Max sees to your head mounted on his wall.”
“She’ll be as safe as a kitten in Max’s company. He would never hurt a young woman that in any way reminded him of Samantha.”
“Please Marcus,” Ridley finally spoke. “Let me accompany Kay to Nareroc. Glenbard is no place for me right now. She’s right. Any one of us could be next.”
Marcus looked long and hard at Ridley. She was the closest he had ever come to having a child and like any parent he feared the worst in times like these. Still Kay had a point. Samantha Yuli was a year younger than Ridley and Max would be reminded of his niece when seeing Ridley. Even if Kay met an untimely end Ridley would return unharmed. With Jack in shackles and Kay hiding from her former crew, Glenbard was no place for Ridley to be staying.
“I’ll have Thom speak with Donald about you two gaining passage to and from Nareroc.”
Kay smirked and shook Marcus’ hand in gratitude. Ridley gave him a big hug. What was this world coming to? In his head Marcus offered a prayer to Kamaria for safe passage for Kay and Ridley.
* * * *
King Frederick had gathered his most loyal into his study as midnight approached. Tristan of Escion and his father Duke Nigel, Benjamin of Salatia and his aging father, the Duke Michael, the Count Joshua from Actis, and a about five knights from lesser houses were seated at a large conference table Frederick had had set up in the study. In the shadows behind his own chair his favored assassin lurked. The assassin had failed in killing Corine Huntley, but there was still hope in this one.
“As you know I have an informer in Aletson, hopefully he is able to persuade the people to once more attack the Sun Kingdom.” Frederick began.
“Impossible,” Joshua said, folding his hands on top of the table. “King Patrick of Aletson owes his crown to the Sun Kingdom and he would never think to betray King Christian.”
“That was a concern, but I have been informed that there is unrest in the followers of Zimmah, the original leader against the Sun Kingdom. They feel Aletson is just a puppet to Christian. A little careful pushing and Aletson may well be our ally when the time comes.”
“And when will the time come?” Nigel asked. “The longer the Sun Kingdom is allowed to stay on the Nareroc Islands, the more support the natives will give them. As it is, your plan to show the superstitious natives that Corine Huntley was a friend of dragons failed. Instead of fearing the duchess they welcomed her as some lesser deity.”
“My father is right,” Tristan said, “And your assassin failed to kill her. You assured us ‘The King’s Right Hand’ would not fail us.”
Tristan referred to the assassin the king of Cesarnan kept in his service if he had any enemies that needed to be disposed of. The current Right Hand was the best Frederick had ever employed and sometimes even the best were allowed a mistake or two. Benjamin of Salatia was the only one in the room put on edge by the assassin shrouded in the shadows. A former member of the Thieves Guild had no place in the service of the king. Besides there was treachery behind those dark eyes. Benjamin saw it in the dim light of the study.
“The Right Hand was stopped by what I believe to be a guard of Corine Huntley’s. Whoever it was was extremely well trained or extremely lucky. In any case, my assassin will not fail again.”
“So as of now, where do will our plans lead us,” Michael rasped. Age was quickly catching up to him and it was only a matter of time until Benjamin was officially in charge of Salatia.
“I am focusing my attention on taking down this ‘King Marcus’ of the Thieves Guild and finally catching that wench Kay who plundered so many of my ships as captain of the Fearless Dawn. Without their rogue leaders the common men will be more loyal to their real king.”
“It will take more than removing the leaders of the common man.” Joshua tapped his fingers lightly on the table top. “You should attempt to bring the Death Dealer back. He has been gone for sometime, but with the proper setup he may return to aid you. If the Death Dealer backs your Highness then the commoners will certainly stand behind you.”
Frederick nodded and smiled, “I have thought of this and am attempting to bring the Death Dealer out of retirement he is in fact still alive.”
The meeting continued, but Benjamin found his attention waning. His eyes were ever on the assassin. The road Frederick was taking could choose to be a very dangerous one for himself and Cesarnan. Benjamin wanted to speak up and share his doubts, but he saw how that behavior had caused for the exclusion of Henry of Egona and Prince Drake from these war councilors. Despite his loyal to king and country, Benjamin was beginning to doubt the validity and success of this war and it had not even begun yet.
* * * *
Marcus and Ridley had locked themselves away in their house with Thom to answer any visitors. Only their most trusted friends were allowed in. It had been like that for a week and a half. Jack was still being kept in the jail on the docks until the king’s guards dragged him to the castle in Ursana and Kay was hiding out in the cellar of Marcus and Ridley’s home. The former pirate had not seen her daughter or her aunt since she received the Black Spot.
Ridley carried a tray of food into the cellar where Marcus and Kay were speaking in hushed tones.
“I was one of the best captains the Dawn ever saw and yet now I am being hunted by my own crew. Something is not right in all this. My boys would not do this to me.”
“It does seem a bit odd, even for them.”
“Something is not right with this,” Kay snatched a roll from the tray Ridley was holding. She broke off a piece and stuffed it into her mouth.
Ridley set the tray down and sat on an empty barrel. “Has Thom heard anything?”
“Not a word,” Marcus sighed. “No one in port knows anything about what the crew of the Fearless Dawn is up to.”
“I know someone who might have an idea,” Kay grumbled a bit. “If Thom can get me onto Donald’s trade ship to Nareroc I may be able to get some answers.”
Marcus understood fully where Kay was planning to go. Her idea was a risky one for many reasons. “Do you honestly think he’ll allow an audience? Max has not been too friendly toward you after you became captain of the Fearless Dawn.”
Max Yuli was a pirate captain himself and had been one since before Kay even set foot on a ship. He was the captain of the pirate ship, the King’s Bane, and it was the only ship on the seas that even came close to rivaling the Dawn. But what Max really had to offer was his niece, Samantha, she heard and saw everything while the King’s Bane was in port. If something was amiss on the Dawn Samantha would have caught wind and given her knowledge to Max. The only problem was Max was no fan of Kay as a captain. Not because she was a woman, his own niece had made a fine pirate; no it was because Kay had been so young when she was named captain.
Still Max seemed like the only source of any real information. Kay was willing to take the risk and go to Max’s stronghold on the Nareroc Islands. Even if he did kill her, he’d at least humor her and give her a little information.
“Ridley,” Kay turned all her attention on the princess of thieves. “Care for a journey to Nareroc?”
“Now wait a minute,” Marcus snapped, “What makes you so sure I am going to allow you to take Ridley like this?”
“Jack Anders was thrown into jail for some offense he was tried for and pardoned for nearly a decade ago. There’s no telling who could be next. Even you, King Marcus, are no longer safe from Frederick’s goons. If there’s a raid on this house they’ll surely take Ridley too. She’s safer going to Nareroc with me.”
“A fine scenario you paint, but she’s only safe until Max sees to your head mounted on his wall.”
“She’ll be as safe as a kitten in Max’s company. He would never hurt a young woman that in any way reminded him of Samantha.”
“Please Marcus,” Ridley finally spoke. “Let me accompany Kay to Nareroc. Glenbard is no place for me right now. She’s right. Any one of us could be next.”
Marcus looked long and hard at Ridley. She was the closest he had ever come to having a child and like any parent he feared the worst in times like these. Still Kay had a point. Samantha Yuli was a year younger than Ridley and Max would be reminded of his niece when seeing Ridley. Even if Kay met an untimely end Ridley would return unharmed. With Jack in shackles and Kay hiding from her former crew, Glenbard was no place for Ridley to be staying.
“I’ll have Thom speak with Donald about you two gaining passage to and from Nareroc.”
Kay smirked and shook Marcus’ hand in gratitude. Ridley gave him a big hug. What was this world coming to? In his head Marcus offered a prayer to Kamaria for safe passage for Kay and Ridley.
* * * *
Kitanna
New member
A sequel she says. A sequel?! I am very, very excited.