Sword of Light (26 page)

“That was bravely done, Captain Stoneworth, but foolish.”  Farrious said, shaking his head slightly.  “Lord Darrius is not a man who takes slights lightly.  I will make sure to send my Queen’s Guard with you when you return to your barracks.”  Stoneworth nodded his head.

“You may put up your sword, Lord Dominic.”  Farrious said as he faced Dominic.  “You will not be molested again.  I am Nundal Farrious, Commander of the Queen’s Guard, and I will escort you to her presence.”  A slight smile crossed his face.  “I don’t know if you remember me, but I accompanied the queen when she visited Sanduas those long years ago.”

“You are a hard man to miss, Commander Farrious.”  Dominic replied as he sheathed his sword.  “You and that oversized mallet of yours were the topic of much discussion amongst my troops, most of it on how to avoid offending you.”

Farrious laughed, the deep sound echoing off the nearby walls.  “I wondered why everyone was so pleasant to me.”

Dominic grinned slightly.  “I did train my soldiers to think critically.”

Farrious chuckled some more, shaking his head.  His mirth faded.  “We need to continue to the palace.  You are expected.”  He moved over to his troops, calling out orders.  They formed up around the party, spears ready, and at Farrious’ command, moved forward.

They arrived at the palace, passing through the gates and halted near the main entrance.  The doors were made of steel, inlaid with gold relief, and stood open.  Farrious’ soldiers pulled the merchant and his man from the wagon, taking them under guard, while the others dismounted.  Satisfied with what he saw, Farrious led them inside.  The entry hall was a single large room that stretched the width of the palace, the stone walls tall and covered in carvings, the roof a series of domes.  Across the hall was another set of doors, guarded by four of the Queen’s Guard.

Following Farrious, they passed through the doors into the throne room.  The room was similar to the entry hall, with a high roof and carved stone walls.  This room was filled with people, most in fine clothing, lining both sides of the large blue carpet that led to a tall dais with a single chair on top.  The throne was made of a light, highly polished wood, high-backed and intricately carved.  On the throne sat the queen.

Nenia Windrun, Queen of Aletonia, was an older woman, her dark hair streaked with gray.  Despite the lines on her face, Dominic saw the remnants of her former beauty.  She had been slim in her youth, though she now appeared thin and slightly frail.  Her dark eyes were still sharp, though; the intensity was as Dominic remembered.

A tall man dressed in palace livery, standing next to the throne, called out.  “Come forward and approach the queen.”  His voice carried through the hall.

They stopped before the throne, Farrious, Moshanna and the soldiers dropping to one knee, while Dominic and Taric bowed.  The merchant and his man were shoved to the floor, forced to sprawl out on their stomachs.

“Welcome to Aletonia, Lord Dominic and Brother Cleric.”  The queen greeted them warmly.  “We have not received many visitors from Sanduas over the last few years.”

She motioned to Dominic.  “Approach me, my lord.”  She said.  “It has been many years since we saw each other last.”

Dominic climbed the dais, stopping two steps from the top, bringing him to eye level with the queen.  She reached out and touched his face; her fingers warm as they traced his scars.  He saw sadness in her eyes when she spoke.

“I was devastated when I heard of what happened to my beloved Elidona and your son.”  The queen said softly.  “You have my undying sympathy.”

“You honor me, Your Majesty.”  Dominic replied.

“The honor is mine, Dominic.”  The queen replied.  “I loved Elidona as if she were my own flesh and blood.  You honor her memory with your unceasing war on the demons.”

She leaned forward.  “Why are you with Moshanna Deepwood?”  She asked quietly.  “His presence complicates matters.  Are you aware of what he has done?”

“I am, Your Majesty.”  Dominic replied softly, aware that the others in the court were trying to hear.  “However, I need him.  We are on a quest of great importance, one that could bring an end to the demons.  We would have continued that quest, unseen, but for Brother Taric’s insistence that the two demon followers on the ground receive a trial.  I would have killed them and been done with it, but he convinced me to approach your soldiers.  Moshanna knew what could happen, but came anyway.”

“What do you seek that can put an end to the demon scourge?”  The queen asked.

“It is an object of great power, rumored to be in the far south, near the Wilds.”  Dominic responded.  “We hoped to approach in secret, the three of us riding quickly, lest the demons become aware of our mission and take steps to counter us.  There may be demons there, but we will not know until we reach the location.”

The queen sat there for a few moments, thinking.  “That is something I would like to see, but getting you out of the city may be difficult.”  She glanced over at Darrius.  “Lord Darrius is the head of his house, one that is rich and influential.  I cannot be seen as forgiving Moshanna’s broken vow, though I know the true reason for it.”

She saw the surprise in Dominic’s eyes.  She smiled briefly.  “My young cousin has told me everything.  There was no proof that Darrius’ family made the threats, so I could not risk moving against them.  Out of caution, I did take Deepwood’s family under my protection, quietly and without them knowing.”

“So what now, Your Majesty?”  Dominic inquired.

“Step back, Dominic, and you will see.”  She told him with another brief smile.

When Dominic returned to stand next to Farrious, the queen spoke.  “Lord Dominic of Sanduas is a friend of Aletonia and will be treated as such.”  She said forcefully.  “He has informed me of the reason for his visit and I find that I will support him, though the cause will remain secret.”  She pointed to the two lying on the ground.  “Take these two demon followers to the dungeon, where they can await their fate.”  Farrious soldiers complied, dragging the two from the hall.

“Sister Anatan.”  The queen called, looking around the crowd.

“I am here.”  A woman in dark blue robes replied, stepping forward.  She was a robust woman, her dark wavy hair hanging down to her shoulders.  She moved with an easy grace that belied her size.

“Lord Dominic, Brother Taric, this is Sister Anatan, the Chief Cleric of Aletonia.”  The queen introduced her.  She turned to Anatan.  “Sister, I would like three clerics to accompany Lord Dominic when he leaves here, to support Brother Taric.  They should be strong in their power.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”  Anatan said with a bow.

“I will send a small party of soldiers with you as well, Dominic.  That should prevent any further misunderstandings.”  The queen said.  She turned to Farrious.  “Commander, please make sure that Lord Dominic is resupplied and have ten Queen’s Guard ready to ride by the morning.”  Farrious nodded.

“That leaves us with the matter of the traitor, Moshanna Deepwood.”  She said, looking down at him.  “You broke your sacred vow to me, damning yourself.  For that I should send you to the headsman.”  She paused, and then continued.  “However, Lord Dominic has told me that he requires your presence on his mission.  I have decided to support him, so I cannot deny him your assistance.”

“Would you let him go free?!”  Darrius demanded loudly, stepping forward.  “You cannot be serious.  You must-” He cut off when the queen rose from her throne.

“Cannot?  Must?”  The queen said harshly.  “You forget yourself, Lord Darrius.  If you think you can demand anything from me in my own throne room, you are sadly mistaken.  If you say another word that I find unwelcome, I will have you join the demon followers in the dungeon.”

Darrius bit back a reply, his eyes still angry, then bowed.  “Of course, Your Majesty.  Please forgive me.  If I may ask, will you forgive him his crime?”

“No, Lord Darrius.”  The queen said as she sat back down.  “I am only granting him parole to assist Lord Dominic.  He faces possible death on this mission, but if he survives, he will return to face my justice.”  She turned to Dominic.  “I will require your pledge on this, Lord Dominic, that you will bring Moshanna Deepwood back to the capital, once your mission is complete.  You are a man of honor, so all can trust your word.”

Dominic looked over at Moshanna, the question in his eyes.  Moshanna nodded.  Dominic faced the queen.  “On my honor, I do so pledge, Your Majesty.”

C
HAPTER
S
IXTEEN

On the other side of the Gray Ridges, with the torchlights guiding his way, Marcus was crossing the palace courtyard, walking slowly and enjoying the brisk night air.  He glanced up to see the stars shining brightly overhead, brilliant points of light in the inky black sky.

He was returning to the palace after checking on Norlan and his family.  Madalin had insisted that he stay for the evening meal, piling food on his plate until he was full, then he and Norlan had sat outside for a while, talking over a mug of ale.

That is what a functioning family does.
  He thought to himself, shaking his head. 
Not that I would know anything about a functioning family.

The thought of his family put a damper on his good mood.  He was a bit surprised that they were still at the palace, having assumed that they would have returned to their holdings once Keria was back safely.  He was glad to be able to spend some time with his father, but that time was limited as his father was often in meetings with the king.

His father had finally relented and allowed him to return to his quarters with the Royal Guard.  The atmosphere in his parent’s quarters had been stifling, having to endure Rolas’ presence with all the grace he could muster.  The surprising thing had been when his mother had spoken up and supported him, claiming that she wished for some peace and quiet.  At least at his quarters, he could find Daen and Nathen when he needed to talk.

Well, at least Daen.
  He chuckled to himself.  Nathen had gotten into some trouble with the Royal Guard’s commander.  Nathen had let loose one of his witticisms about an order that had come down regarding their uniforms.  Unfortunately for him, Commander Helgrant was passing by and overheard.  After being taken to task by Helgrant, who chastised him for lacking good order and discipline, Nathen was sent to work in the dungeons, the duty that all the soldiers of the Royal Guard hated, pulling the overnight shift.  Nathen had been more subdued since he started working there. 
At least, where anyone but Daen and I could hear.

Not that he was spending that much time in his quarters.  A few days after Jake left, Keria had come to him.  They had gone for a walk around the palace grounds, stopping in a quiet alcove that was hidden from view.  They had sat close together on the small bench and spoke of their feelings for one another.  Saying that she had been acting foolish, Keria asked for his forgiveness for her interest in Jake.

“I know now that it was never to be, but he was someone new and exciting, maybe even an escape from my duties.”  She had told him, tears in her eyes.  “He did come after me, fighting the demons to rescue me.  That would make most women consider such a man.”  She took his hand.  “But you were also there, fighting for me.  Without the clerics’ power, you were probably most at risk.  Yet, you still came.  I know that in encouraging him, I have hurt you.  You have been my closest friend, my defender and rescuer, but I do not deserve you.  I will understand if you do not wish to see me again.”

“Keria, I will not say that your fascination with Jake did not bother me.”  He had replied.  “But there is nothing to forgive.  You know that I love you, that I will endure anything for you.  We are and always will be friends, but you know I wish for us to be more than that.”

She had looked at him, not speaking, then gently took his head into her hands, leaned in and kissed him.  He pulled her tight against him, relishing the feeling of her next to him.  When they heard someone passing by, they quickly broke their embrace, looking around, but they were not seen.  He had felt the excitement and joy of knowing that she was his.

“How can we make this formal, Marcus?”  She asked, still holding his hand.  “My father does not seemed inclined to consider you as a suitor.”

“We could always run off.”  He said lightly.  “I’m sure we could find a nice cottage somewhere, far away from the palace and its politics.  Maybe take up farming or some other honest living.”

Keria laughed softly, picturing the two of them working the ground.  “Until my father’s soldiers tracked us down.  I don’t think either of us would like what came after that.”

“I will speak with my father.”  He had said.  “Maybe he could convince your father to allow this match.”

True to his word, he had spoken to his father that very evening.  His father seemed pleased, pouring some wine, and assured him that he would press the case with the king.  His mother had sat there silently, a neutral look on her face, listening but not participating in the conversation.  He had not seen his father much since that night, but was confident that he was engaging the king during their meetings.

After that night, he had spent most of his free time with Keria.  They had to be circumspect, but they seemed able to find some privacy, even in a palace full of servants.  He relished those times, just the two of them, holding each other, kissing and talking quietly, while keeping an ear out for any interlopers.  The thought made him smile.

“Marcus!”  He heard Daen shout, coming from the direction of the palace.  He glanced over and saw Daen running over to him.

“What is it, Daen?”  Marcus asked when he got close.

“I was sent to find you.”  His friend replied.  “The king has called the court together for an announcement.  Your presence is required.”

“What is it about?”  Marcus asked as he fell in beside his friend.

“I don’t know and I did not ask.”  Daen stated.  “All I was told was to find you.”