The Jake Thomas Trilogy: Book 02 - Sword of Light (18 page)

Chapter
Sixteen

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.”

They moved briskly, almost a jog.  Marcus did not want to be the reason for delaying the king’s announcement.  They entered the palace courtyard and headed to the nearest entrance.  When they reached a hallway near the throne room, Daen stopped.

“Unfortunately, I was not asked to attend.”  He said.  “I will wait for you here; you can tell me what happened after.”

Marcus nodded and continued into the throne room.  He saw that almost everyone from court was here.  Fortunately, the king was not yet here, so Marcus relaxed.  His mother and brother were standing near the dais, his father markedly absent, but he spotted Jonas standing near the center carpet, his arms wrapped around his staff, chatting with some of the people next to him.  Marcus decided to go stand with him.  Jonas nodded to him when he stopped, continuing to speak with the person next him.

Jonas had called Marcus to the Temple the day that Jake left.  He wanted to ensure that Marcus understood the need for secrecy regarding Jake’s condition.  Once Jonas was satisfied with Marcus’ discretion, he told him some of what had happened; specifically that Jake was looking for a powerful artifact.  Marcus knew that he was not being told everything, but he felt honored that Jonas would trust him with the information that he did receive.

Jonas had also asked Marcus to be alert for any signs of the demons’ spy in the palace.  He wanted to find out the spy’s identity and neutralize that person.  Jonas and Marcus had met several times after that, sharing information and sometimes just talking.  Marcus could tell Jonas was worried about Jake, Hailyn and Dominic, so he tried to be available if Jonas wanted to speak.  During one of these sessions, Marcus had told Jonas of his intentions towards Keria.  Jonas had simply smiled and wished him good luck.

Keria came into the hall through the doors near the dais.  She nodded and spoke with the nobles as she made her way to her chair.  When she sat down, she looked over at Marcus, smiling broadly.  He returned the smile, giving her a nod of his head.

“You should be more subtle.”  Jonas said quietly, his eyes knowing.  He made a slight gesture towards the assembled nobles.  “You will set the tongues wagging with this lot.  Remember to be patient.  All things come in the One’s time.”

Before Marcus could reply, the king’s herald came into the hall and banged his staff three times.  The crowd quieted.  “The king comes!”  He called out.

Marcus watched as the king entered the hall, followed by his father.  The king climbed the dais and sat on his throne, Marcus’ father standing next to him.  Marcus noticed that the king seemed rather pale, a thin sheen of sweat visible on his face.  He glanced over a Jonas, who was looking on with concern in his eyes.

When the king spoke, however, his voice sounded strong, carrying throughout the hall.  “I have called you together to make a happy announcement.  Recent events have prompted me to consider
the need for my daughter to marry and produce an heir.  As a father, I had hoped to delay that day for a while longer.  But as king, I cannot risk putting the realm in jeopardy.”

“So, I have had a series of discussions with Lord Marcelas.  We have agreed that the best way to serve the realm is to join our houses.”  The king announced.  “Therefore, my daughter, Keria, Princess of the Realm, is to be married.”

The hall erupted in cheers and applause.  Marcus, not quite believing what he was hearing, looked over at Keria, catching her eye, seeing joy there and exchanging smiles.

When the crowd quieted, the king continued.  “In ten days time, the Princess Keria will marry Rolas, Lord Marcelas’ eldest son.”

Marcus, stunned as if he had been punched in the stomach, looked over and saw Rolas staring at him, a cruel smile on his face.

…

Jonas kept his face neutral, though he was shocked by the announcement.  He caught movement next to him and reached over to stop Marcus, but was too late.

“NO!”  Marcus shouted, rage and disbelief on his face, as he stepped into the center of the hall.  “I will not allow it!”

“Control yourself, Sir Marcus!”  The king said sternly, rising from his throne.  “It is not your place to disallow anything.”

“Why, Father?”  Keria cried out, rising from her chair, dismay on her face.  “You did not even consult me!”

“Father, how can you do this to me?!”  Marcus said at the same time, ignoring the king.  “You know of my feelings for Keria.”

“Marcus!”  His father replied, stepping forward.  “You shame yourself.  This is a great honor for the family and your brother.  Do not allow your jealousy to ruin it!”

“Jealousy?!”  Marcus retorted.  “I feel nothing but betrayal!”

“ENOUGH!”  The king shouted, slamming his fist down on the arm of the throne.  The hall went silent as the king beckoned to the Royal Guard standing nearby.

“Sir Marcus, you will remove yourself from the hall without another word.”  The king stated in a more normal voice, though his body shook.  “You are sworn to obey me, so honor your oath.”

“Please, Your Majesty.”  Marcus began, but the king cut him off.

“Sir Marcus, you are banished from the palace until after the wedding.”  The king ordered curtly.  “Speak again and I will banish you from the city.”

Jonas had moved next to Marcus, putting an arm around him, squeezing his shoulder.  He could feel him shake from his repressed rage.  “I will make sure he obeys you, Your Majesty.”  Jonas said calmly.  “Please forgive him.  He is still young.”

“Leave, Marcus.”  Jonas whispered to him.  “Go to the Temple.  I will find a place for you to stay until this can be resolved.”

Marcus nodded sharply, stepping away.  He made a bow to the king, his eyes still on Keria, then spun on his heel and strode from the room, the Royal Guard trailing him.

The king sat back down, wiping his forehead, his body still shaking.  Jonas approached, concerned.  “You look unwell, Majesty.”  He said cautiously, his body shining as he called up his power.  “May I examine you?”

The king looked down, seeing Jonas approach, then held up his hand.  “No, Brother Jonas.”  The king said.  “I am simply tired.  I will be fine with some rest.”

“It would be best if I made sure.”  Jonas pressed.  “Some illnesses can be confused with weariness.”

“No, I said!”  The king stated curtly.  “Will no one obey me this evening
?!”

“Forgive me, Your Majesty.”  Jonas said, bowing.  “I did not mean to insult you.”

“It may be best if I retire.”  The king said, rising.  He looked over at Marcus’ father.  “Forgive me, Lord Marcelas.  This is a happy night for both of us and I allowed it to be ruined.”

“Nonsense, Your Majesty.”  Marcelas said, bowing deeply.  “It is I who owe you an apology for my son’s behavior.”

“Please enjoy the rest of the night.”  The king said.  He left the hall, with Keria right behind him, pleading quietly.

Jonas watched as the nobles gathered to congratulate Lord Marcelas, Lady Arelia and Rolas.  He quietly moved towards the exits, troubled by what had just occurred.  Something was seriously amiss, he knew, but was not sure where to begin to find out what it was.

Letting his power go, he left the palace, hoping to calm down Marcus and prevent him from doing something even more foolish.

…

Near midnight, with a cool breeze blowing down from the Gray Ridges, Lieutenant Jeffreys stood on the battlements overlooking the approach to the East Gate, leaning against the stones and checking the area lit by the watch torches.  Yawning, he stretched and moved around, trying to fight off sleep.  He was still adjusting to the night shift.  He was filling in for the regular night officer, who was gone on leave to visit family.

Absently, he rubbed at his eyepatch over where his left eye had been, still not comfortable wearing it.  He lost that eye in the battle of the city, reacting too slowly to a swing from a half-man, the tip of the sword striking the eye.  By the time the battle died down and the clerics were able to reach him, the eye had been damaged too severely to save, despite their best efforts.