Mercy's Prince (14 page)

“Nay,
Sire. There’s no sign of the Horde.” Conrad waited beside Theo, but Valerian
managed to slide down unaided. “Your Highness appears to have recovered.” The
groom removed Theo’s bridle.

“Yes,
thank you, Conrad. My squire has the gift of making the impossible possible.”

Conrad
grinned and saluted Kieran, who laughed.

“Now,
Sire, dinna give me so much credit. Ye are amazingly strong to have come so far
after such a dire injury.”

Valerian
made the mistake of looking directly at Conrad and
Saw
the admiration
and respect the groom had toward him. Valerian turned away, embarrassed by the
praise and uncomfortable at breaching the young man’s privacy. Even though most
of those he’d
Seen
did not realize their thoughts were exposed to him,
Valerian desperately wanted to find a way to set limitations on himself.

While
Valerian and Kieran entered the Keep and made their way to King Orland’s
apartment, they met many lords, ladies, knights, and servants. After their
initial surprise upon seeing the prince in radiant health, each stared at the
unfamiliar weapons hanging from his and Kieran’s belts. Valerian wondered why
the population of the Keep had increased until he realized it was the first day
of the twelfth month and nearly time for the winter feast. Kieran leaned close
so only Valerian could hear him.

“You
are certainly making a memorable entrance upon your return, Your Highness.”

“I
certainly did not intend to do so.” Valerian smiled at Kieran. “Perhaps it is
my bonny squire who turns so many heads.”

Laughing,
Kieran stopped and bowed with a flourish.

“Aye,
perhaps ye have it there, Sire.”

They
were still laughing when they knocked on King Orland’s door. A page admitted
them, and the king warmly greeted them.

“Be
seated,” Orland said. Valerian sat across from his father, but Kieran
hesitated. “You too, MacLachlan.” The king gestured to the chair beside
Valerian.

While
Kieran carefully lowered himself to the seat, Valerian adjusted his scabbard so
it wouldn’t scratch the wooden arms of his chair. His father pointed to the
scabbard.

“What,
pray tell, is that, Valerian?”

“I’m
glad you asked, Father. Before we left, we found these in the armory.” He
pulled Alden’s sword from the scabbard and laid it across his palms to show the
king. Orland studied it thoughtfully. He reached for the hilt, looking to
Valerian for permission.

“Go
ahead, Father. This very sword belonged to our ancestor, Lord Alden.”

The
king raised his brows in surprise. He gripped the hilt and lifted the weapon,
inspecting the blade.

“Careful,
Father. Master Murray sharpened the blade. The edge is so sharp Kieran and I
haven’t yet had the nerve to use them.” He grinned at his squire.

“What
do you mean?”

“Using
an old scroll from the library and sticks instead of the actual blades, we’ve
taught ourselves the basic moves of how to use these swords in hand-to-hand
combat. We believe they would be effective against the Horde’s axes and would
like to give a demonstration.”

Orland
sighed and returned the blade to Valerian.

“I’m
afraid that will have to wait. I need you to leave immediately for the border
garrisons. Have you chosen your ten men?”

Valerian
returned the sword to the scabbard. He could not hide his disappointment.
Somehow he had to show his father what marvelous weapons these swords were. But
it appeared he would have to be patient.

“Yes,
sir. Kieran has my list.”

The
squire fumbled in his belt pouch and pulled out a small roll of parchment that
represented hours of discussion on his and Valerian’s part. Kieran gave the
roll to the king, who scanned the list of names and nodded.

“This
is excellent, Valerian. You have chosen steady youths and two, no, three older,
more experienced men. Sir Gregory will be especially valuable to you.” He
handed the list to Kieran. “Summon these men to the hall where we will dine
together this evening, and then I want you to leave at first light. Everything
has been prepared.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Yes,
Valerian. I know this means you will be away from the Keep for the winter
feast, but I cannot wait until after.”

Valerian
inclined his head to hide his panic. He didn’t mind being absent during the
feast days, but he wasn’t sure how he could prepare himself to take command on
such short notice.

“You
need only rest until this evening.” Orland stood, and Valerian scrambled to
stand also.

“Yes,
Father.” Valerian and Kieran bowed and started to leave.

“One
more thing, Valerian.” Orland’s mouth tightened. “You will not find the page,
Gannon, in your rooms.”

“Why,
Father?”

“The
poor lad was found drowned in the castle middens.” Orland folded his hands to
contain his discomfort. “Apparently he fell into the shaft while cleaning the
garderobe.”

Valerian
glanced at Kieran, stricken. Though he hadn’t known the boy well, one couldn’t
help but like his cheerful disposition and eagerness to please.

“Thank
you for telling me, Father.” Valerian fled before the king could say more. He and
Kieran walked to his adjoining rooms in silence. How did his father expect him
to
rest
after news like that?

            *         

Later
that evening, Valerian entered the hall at his father’s right hand. Kieran had
dressed him in a black velvet doublet. He wore a jeweled chain around his neck
and his circlet of rank upon his brow, while King Orland was even more
elaborately attired.

Kieran
stood with the other ten men while they waited for Valerian and his father to
be seated first, the king at the head and Valerian to his right. Kieran took
the seat beside him, and Sir Gregory and his squire, Terron sat opposite them.
Valerian noted that the five Highlanders sat on Kieran’s side in order by age,
since none of them held rank, and the other three men sat on Sir Gregory’s
side. He said a silent prayer that he would be able to lead these men without
making a complete fool of himself.

While
pages served heaping platters of food, Orland asked about Sir Gregory’s aged
father. That gave the other men permission to talk among themselves. Kieran had
an animated conversation with those further down the table, and Valerian envied
his easy way with people. Valerian smiled when he caught Terron’s eye, for the
squire appeared almost as uncomfortable as he felt. He
Saw
the young man’s
nervousness at traveling the length of the border after the recent bloody
battles with the Horde.

“What
think you, squire?” he asked Terron. “Will we see any sign of the Horde on this
journey?”

“I
must confess, Your Highness,” Terron said, “I hope we do not run into an ambush
with our small number.”

“Dinna
worry about that, lad.” The man seated beside Kieran, Quinlan MacNeil, had a
surprisingly deep voice for a man of his slight stature. “After all, ’tis not
the number but the ability of the men who stand with you.” He leaned back so he
could see Valerian. “By the way, Your Highness, my thanks for what ye did for
my cousin, Ruddy. I know ’twill be difficult for him, but ye did save his
life.”

“He
would have done the same for me. Sir Rudyard is an excellent knight and
mentor.” Valerian noticed everyone had grown quiet, watching him. When he
glanced at his father, the king nodded for him to speak. Valerian cleared his
throat.

“I
want all of you to know how grateful I am to band together with you for this
scouting mission. Even though we are primarily to gather information on the
Horde, we will travel prepared to fight if necessary. I’ll need volunteers to
ride as front and rear guards. At night, we’ll take turns on watch when we camp
between garrisons. The safe return of each of you is most important to me.”

While
he spoke, Valerian glanced from man to man, deliberately not making direct eye
contact. Observing how they all listened attentively made him hope they would
give him a chance to prove himself, at least, though he was younger than every
man present except for Terron.

Quinlan
MacNeil began to beat on the table with the flat of his hand. The rest of the
Highlanders joined in his rhythmic thumping, including Kieran. When the others
realized it was a sign of approval, they added their hands to the noisy
accolade. Valerian’s face grew warm as the king caught his eye and smiled.

Once
the room became quiet again, King Orland lifted his goblet.

“I
salute you and wish you success on your journey.”

All
the men stood and lifted their goblets to the king.

“Long
live the king!” Sir Gregory shouted. The shout was echoed by the others, and as
one they drained their goblets. “We should get a good night’s rest now,” the
knight said.

“Hear,
hear,” added a voice down the table.

With
bows and parting words, the men drifted out toward the barracks, leaving
Valerian alone with his father and Kieran.

“A
word with you before you go.” Orland stood and addressed Kieran. “In the crown
prince’s wardrobe is a royal surcoat.”

“Purple
hemmed in gold with the dragon emblem worked in gold thread, Your Majesty?”

“That’s
the one.” Orland turned back to Valerian. “I want you to wear that surcoat.”

“Isn’t
it too fine for such a journey, Father?”

“Perhaps,
but since you have not had the opportunity to travel much beyond the Keep, the
surcoat will identify you and admit you to the garrisons with no delay.”

If
Valerian were going to rule this land someday, it was about time he discovered
the lay of the land and the quality of its inhabitants. Would he ever have the
confidence that his father, and even Kieran, possessed?

***

When
Lewes entered Caelis’ room, his wary gaze darted to every corner. Caelis could
hardly blame him. His young cousin would not survive long without such caution.

“Hello,
Lewes,” Caelis said with a genuine smile. He beckoned to Drew and his page.
“You may leave us now and fetch your supper in the kitchen.” Once they quit the
room, Caelis invited Lewes to sit at the table with him, where a small meal
awaited them.

They
did not speak until they’d eaten and Caelis refilled their goblets. Lewes
leaned back and smiled.

“I
know you did not invite me here merely to eat, Sir Caelis.” He sipped the wine,
watching Caelis over the rim.

“You’re
right, cousin.” Caelis reached inside his tunic and pulled out a folded piece
of parchment. “Read this.”

Lewes
set down the goblet, opened the parchment, and scanned the brief lines. His
eyes widened and darted back to Caelis.

“Where
did you get this?”

“I
found it in the crown prince’s bedchamber after the prince and his squire left
the Keep for a fortnight.” Caelis stared at Lewes.

“Only
the king has the power of life and death.”

“Yes,”
Caelis said.

“Then
why did Prince Valerian write this? And why did he not destroy it afterward?”
When Lewes frowned, Caelis shrugged.

“I
can’t answer your ‘whys,’ but I have a question for you. Are you absolutely
certain the king’s Seer is sympathetic to our cause?” A shiver ran down Caelis’
spine, more of thrill than fear. He’d said “our” cause and meant it.

“Yes,
I’m sure,” Lewes said. “He may not be of much use in a battle, but he
definitely will not betray us to the king.”

Caelis
leaned forward. “If I could find a way to sign and seal this order, I would
find a way to use it to damage the relationship between the king and his son.”

Lewes
glanced at the parchment again. “I can sign and seal it, Sir Caelis. But I
wouldn’t be able to return it until tomorrow morning.”

“Tomorrow
is soon enough. I must see the king tonight.” Caelis rubbed his hands in
anticipation. “I plan to leave for the Southern Woodlands tomorrow.”

Lewes
folded the parchment and placed it inside his own tunic. Then he stood.

“I
must leave you now, Sir Caelis.” Lewes said. “Sir Brandon only gave me one
hour.” He patted the breast of his tunic. “I will finish preparing your weapon,
and trust you to use it in the best possible way.”

“Until
tomorrow then, cousin.” Caelis gripped Lewes’ wrist. By the time the young man
stepped out of the room, Caelis had decided what exactly to ask King Orland.

            *         

Caelis
strode down the hall leading to the royal apartment. He was playing a dangerous
game, and he relished the edge it gave him, like sharply honed blade. After
climbing the tower stairs, Caelis went straight to the king’s door and knocked.
A page opened it.

“May
I help you, sir?”

“Would
you please announce to His Majesty that Sir Caelis requests an audience?”