Marked (17 page)

“Yes... I suppose you could explain it like that.” Kayti rubbed her chin, considering Hartz’s summary. “But it is much more complex than you could possibly imagine... it would take me a long time to explain it to you...”

“Don’t worry. I think we understand—more or less,” said Komir.

“So, what was the assignment? And who was that Dominator who ambushed you?” questioned Hartz, his curiosity piqued.

“I honestly do not know the answer to either question. I’m just an Initiated Soldier, the lowest rank of the Brotherhood. I was assigned to Knight Ulvin... who is lying over there, dead,” she explained, pointing at one of the fallen men. He was wearing exquisitely sculpted armor that had an eagle engraved on the chest plate. “I don’t know what the assignment was or why we were ambushed.”

“Any theories?” inquired Komir as he sat on a rock to rest.

“I can only guess that it was about something important, but I don’t know—”

“And what are you going to do now? You are alone and very far from home,” questioned Hartz.

“I suppose I’ll go to the nearest city and try to notify my superiors. I need to find a post with carrier pigeons; they could help me get in touch with the kingdom of Irinel or with one of the eastern kingdoms beyond the Endless Prairies and The Thousand Lakes. From a major commercial city I should be able to communicate with one of the five city-states on the East coast, at the edge of the continent. The Federation of Free Cities has established a messenger service with the larger kingdoms. I should be able to communicate with my kingdom from there.”

“City-states?” asked Hartz.

“Yes. On the East coast, where the continent of Tremia ends. The five very important and heavily populated cities erected there have been competing among themselves for as long as anyone can remember for lucrative maritime commerce and the power that generates. They have been constantly at war for more than one hundred years, and the alliances, betrayals, and madness of the rulers of those incredibly strong civilizations is legendary. They have recently formed an alliance to end the wars and deal with the ever-constant threat from the South by the Nocean Empire’s mighty military and that of the kingdom of Norghana to the north. And I’d say, from the looks on your faces, you don’t know anything about those faraway lands or their history.”

“Well, no; we don’t know anything about any of that,” smiled Hartz, shrugging his shoulders. “We are on our way to the west coast. We don’t know much about this region. But we do know there are a couple of important coastal cities not far from here. You can travel with us if you want. You would be safer.”

“Hartz...” Komir was not sure about the invitation.

“Come on, Komir. Let her come with us. I know we don’t know her at all but we can’t leave her out here alone in the middle of nowhere, with that
Dominator
prowling around...”

“Haven’t we have enough problems today? Don’t you see that if she comes with us, so do her problems. If they attack her again, we’ll be right in the middle of another dangerous situation we know nothing about.”

“One more danger is not going to make any difference. Besides, I don’t think that Sorcerer will bother us again for a while. You got him good with your dagger.”

“Please, there is no need to argue. I will continue on my way, alone. You’ve already done more than enough for me. I appreciate it greatly, and I don’t want to be a burden or a danger for you in any way whatsoever.”

“We can’t leave her here alone, with all her companions dead...”

“What am I going to do with you?” Komir threw his hands up, looking at the sky and shaking his head. He took a few steps, then he finally gave in. “Fine. She can come with us... but if we end up in some kind of mess you will answer to me!”

“Thanks, friend! You are the best!” exclaimed Hartz, bursting with joy.

“I appreciate this... I truly do...” said Kayti, bowing.

They rested a short while, and once they had regained their strength, the two friends searched the dead bodies for money or anything of value—and had no qualms about it. It was as if this was the most natural thing in the world. When they’d finished, they put their armor back on and picked up their bearskin capes.

Meanwhile, Kayti put some objects belonging to the members of her party in a leather satchel. With great remorse, unable to fight back the tears, she recited several prayers to Zuline, the Custodial Dame, Patroness of the Order and Foundress of the Custodial Brotherhood.

As she finished her prayer, she pleaded sorrowfully, “I beg of you, Our Lady, to protect your valiant brothers, fallen here today in your name, as they travel to the celestial kingdom of the brave so that, by your side, they might continue to serve the cause of goodness for all humanity.”

Then the three travelers started walking toward the west, following the path that would take them to the coast. The sea could not be farther than a few days’ hike.

The sea that bathed the west coast—the Rogdon Sea.

Aliana diligently cared for the Prince of Rogdon for more than two months until he had almost completely recovered. He was a strong young man; at no time did his body yield to his malaise, and he gradually regained the vitality the vile poisoning had robbed him of. During the time she was dedicated to ensuring the wellbeing of the heir to the throne, she was able to observe how the feel of the city was changing—the way the landscape of an unfinished painting, with new brush-strokes, is reshaped into a different panorama. The colors on the canvas, once light and agleam, became progressively more gray with each passing day. 

War was coming.

Soon the painting would become dark and dismal...

Everyone was talking about it; it was the main topic of conversation in this majestic city of stone and marble, especially in the markets and taverns where all sorts of rumors were being exchanged. Worry and fear were growing more intense by the day, as was the number of soldiers arriving in the capital from other regions of the kingdom. The proliferation of military units was never a promising sign.

Little by little, an army was being organized and outfitted in Rilentor. Hundreds of blue and silver military tents with banners from the different counties had been placed in the large expanse on the north side, at the foot of the great Gate of the Snows. But soon they would have to increase its capacity by extending the camp to the other side of the wall since the available space was too little to house so many men. And Count Longor and Count Helmar would soon be arriving with their respective armies, or at least that was the rumor the birds brought from the skies of the North and East of the kingdom.

The city’s merchants were working frantically to obtain all the basic necessities and products the army required and to supply these. The enormous entourage of support ranged from blacksmiths to young ladies brought in to calm the soldiers’ tense mood; from cooks and carpenters to all kinds of other tradesmen—and the swelling crew required countless pieces of equipment. Trading was at a peak; hundreds of merchants were capitalizing on the unexpected benefits of the critical political situation. The city was abuzz with activity, with thousands of industrious people, all working tirelessly, harvesting the fruit of the day, adding up the shiny gold pieces that would fill their coffers of greed. The Gate of the Snows and the Gate of the Plains that opened to the north and the east were jammed with the incessant traffic from merchants and soldiers alike. The Royal Guard tried their best to hurry them all along but they were having serious difficulties. Trade with other cities of the kingdom was growing at an incredible rate as vendors from every region of the kingdom hurried to take full advantage before the first drop of blood would be shed.

A terrible war was brewing before her eyes and Aliana did not want to see it; she did not want to accept its inevitability. The attack on the Prince had escalated the already strained relationship with the Nocean Empire—to the point that diplomatic ties were broken. Armed conflict appeared imminent. Rumors coming from the South told of a great army of merciless, dark-skinned men approaching the border. They were advancing from the desolate depths of the Empire of the Deserts. The spilling of blood seemed inevitable, and that fact greatly saddened the Healer, dampening her usual joy and optimism.

That afternoon, Aliana was taking a walk with Prince Gerart in the exquisite gardens of the royal palace, trying to keep her mind off the tense situation in which the capital city was embroiled. In the many hours Healer and patient had shared during his convalescence, a spontaneous and sincere friendship had blossomed between the two. Aliana, little by little, had become accustomed—though not without effort—to seeing the Prince for who he really was and not for the position he held within the court.

They stopped next to a small lake.

Gerart smiled at her and bowed elegantly. “Your preference, my lady,” he said, referring to the tulips of many different colors that adorned the bank and lent a cheerful liveliness to the landscape.

“Indeed, noble sir, you know me well,” replied Aliana, returning the bow and smiling broadly.

Gerart’s expression suddenly dulled.

“Truth be told, I cannot believe you have to return to the Temple of Tirsar so soon.”

“My stay at the palace was on the condition of the Prince’s recovery, and from what I can tell, the Prince has completely recovered,” smiled Aliana.

“That is because I have been in the best possible hands. Your care has worked miracles. My recovery is complete; I am once again in tip-top shape. My instructors just mentioned that to me today. A very quick recuperation. My strength has been increasing day by day, and I don’t see any residual impairment in my sword work. I’ve got my quickness back, my arm is strong and my thrust, accurate. I feel fantastic. All thanks to you.”

“Not all,” smiled Aliana. “The hard work of recovery was done by
you.
Day after day of serious physical effort. I only took care of ensuring that your body was healing with the help of time which, in these matters, is essential. Trying to force your recovery would only have caused a relapse. Nature requires whatever time it takes to repair her work. You have so much willpower and strength of character. I know this has been difficult for you—even though you’re trying to hide that now to make it look like all the credit is due to my care. But we both know that’s not true.”

“I didn’t want to disappoint my father. I needed to make a quick recovery so I would be able to serve the kingdom. Dreadful times are drawing near and I must be at my best.”

“I am sure His Majesty, King Solin, was not expecting a miraculous recovery; he must be quite surprised and very proud of how quickly you’ve improved.”

“If you say so... but I’m not so sure...” Gerart kicked a stone with his boot. Looking at the ground, he began walking again. “My father is a man who gives praise sparingly... and I am not used to being the recipient of it. In fact, my mother and I rarely receive any show of affection from him. Throughout my entire childhood I only remember a few times when he was truly affectionate toward me, and since I’ve been an adult... almost none at all. Much of the time I don’t think I meet his expectations. He doesn’t say that outright but I can see the doubt in his eyes.”

“Just because he is a man of few words who is not given to sentimentality or showing his feelings in public does not mean he doesn’t love you or that he isn’t proud of you.”

“Oh, sweet Aliana! You always look for the nice side of people, but not everyone has one. My father is how he is—a surly man in every respect. There is no room in his heart for sentimentality or displays of affection. He is responsible for the kingdom and that is all that matters to him—he lives for Rogdon. In order to rule, one must be hard, inflexible, and show no weakness. My father was born to rule.”

“Not showing something outwardly doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel it inside...”

“I have spent my whole life being the great King Solin’s son, Solin the Savior, Solin the Rock, the pillar upon which the kingdom is sustained. It wasn’t easy growing up in his shadow; his expectations were huge. Conversely, I can count on one hand the number of times I got encouragement or approval from the legendary King. That’s how he is and I accept it. I have to keep improving every day so I can try to become at least half the leader he is so one day I will be able to lead this great nation with a firm and steady hand. It is my duty and I cannot fail...”

“I don’t think you give yourself enough credit.”

“Thank you, Aliana. Your words always lift my spirits. But let’s not talk about this anymore. There is nothing I can do; I will always live in my father’s enormous shadow. That is my fate and I accept it. I only hope that when the time comes, I can rise to the occasion.”

“I have no doubt that you will.”

They continued on their walk until they came to the fragrant rose bushes where they stopped to gaze at the crimson beauty in full splendor. 

“You haven’t told me much about yourself in all this time we’ve spent together,” said Gerart, playfully jumping in front of her.

Aliana stopped and looked at him, amused.

“There really isn’t much to tell. I’ve spent my whole life in the temple, since I was a little girl. My first memories are sharing toys with the sisters of the Order, in the evenings... How I loved them...”

“So, you were born in the temple, then? I had thought only women of the Order were admitted as residents, that you don’t allow men to live there.”

“True. Men are not permitted to live in the temple. In fact, very few even have the privilege of being able to enter it. You, for example, because of your lineage, would have that right. It is one of the concessions the Order had to make for the kingdom of Rogdon to guarantee its survival.”

“Why? I have never understood why you refuse to accept men. Do you hate us for some reason? Maybe for our superior physical condition?” he jokingly rebuked.

Aliana made a dismissive gesture. “Not at all. It has nothing to do with your gender.”

“Then, what?” said Gerart, flexing his muscles.

Aliana laughed. “The healing talent manifests itself predominantly in women. There are hardly any men who possess the Gift of being able to heal. In Tremia they’ve disappeared almost completely. So the Order was founded by and for women since the Gift of Healing is present mostly in them. I don’t consider that rule to be entirely fair, but I have to admit it has helped create a true sisterhood, a bond among us that is unique—and precious. It is a strong and very beautiful union. We are all like sisters, both the Healing Sisters and the Protectress Sisters who defend us. So the rule has remained intact over time.”

“If the system works, who am I to question it since, after all, I owe you my life?” he chuckled. “But tell me, what do you know about your parents?”

“Not much, really. I was left abandoned at the gates of the temple. The sisters found me in a basket one winter morning, wrapped in old blankets and crying. They found nothing that indicated where I came from. I have never known who my parents were or why they abandoned me.”

“I don’t think it was a coincidence that they left you precisely there. They recognized your Gift. They knew the Healing Sisters would be aware of your power and would welcome you with open arms. Don’t you think so?”

“Yes, I think so too. Unfortunately the sisters did not find anything in the basket, in the clothes I was wearing, or on me that gave any indication of who I could be.”

“Interesting mystery. It looks like there’s an intriguing story behind your origins after all...”

“I don’t think so. At any rate it has never bothered me much. The Order has cared for me and protected me my whole life. My sisters are my family and the Temple, my home. That’s how it’s always been and I’ve always been perfectly happy with it.”

“But wouldn’t you like to know the truth? The reason why you were left at the temple, and who your real parents are?”

“What would I gain? I am happy now; I don’t think anything I could discover would make me happier. It could, though, break my heart and bring me pain and sorrow, and I don’t want or need that.”

“You’re right. That was inconsiderate of me... forgive me...”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m not as delicate as I may appear. Remember, there’s a warrior inside me who’s been trained to fight. The Healing Sisters are obligated to heal but they can also kill if necessary. We have been trained from a very young age to be able to defend ourselves on our own, to ensure the survival of the Order in hostile times—like now—and to protect ourselves from the lechery and perversion of men of corrupt souls.”

“Wise principles. I must admit that the system and laws that guide your Order are making more and more sense all the time. I may end up agreeing with you!” laughed the Prince.

“And if you spend more time with the Healers, it will make even more sense.” She was smiling. “We should return now. I have to finish a few tasks and get ready for my trip back home tomorrow.”

“I will miss your company terribly,” said Gerart sincerely, his voice tinged with sadness.

“And I, yours. But my duties are reclaiming me; my Order needs me so I have no choice but to leave. Yet I have no doubt we will see one another again soon—you can be sure of that,” she assured him, trying to relieve the sting of their imminent separation.

For a moment they stood there, looking into each other’s eyes, both conscious of the feelings swirling around inside them. An uncomfortable silence hung between them—a silence neither dared to break. Gerart did not want her to leave. He stepped closer to her, almost unwittingly. The beautiful Healer’s proximity, the nearness of her slender but shapely body and that lovely, heavenly face... Gerart felt as if a knot were forming in his stomach. With an inexplicable boldness, he gently caressed her golden hair as an intense feeling of desire was building inside him.

Aliana trembled at his touch. She felt something new and exciting coursing through her entire being... a pleasant and exhilarating sensation; a feeling as powerful as a hurricane had instantaneously swept over her whole body. Something her mind could not identify. Without giving her time to react, before she could understand what she was feeling, Gerart took her hand and kissed the back of it. Desire and nerves collided in Aliana’s chest, leaving her completely stunned and embarrassed. As her cheeks flushed, she turned and ran off toward the palace without saying a word, without looking back.