Death of a King Read online

  “Is that so?” Gunthar glanced at Tuke.

  The party silently agreed to keep Angelique’s identity a secret. Knowing there were two Drouwens in their mist would be misinterpreted as a conspiracy or worse. The priest disregarded his question, “The princess must be informed.”

  The mention of the princess turned his gut, “Not yet. I cannot face her with my failure.”

  Tuke considers the old knight, “How did you fail her my friend?” he asked gently.

  Gunthar’s forehead creased, “I promised his safety. And wish not to shatter her faith in us,” he sighed. “Her faith in me…. I cannot afford another shame in her eyes…. I wish her no injury.”

  Tuke sympathized with Gunthar, “Very well, but once the threat is over, I must inform her of my deception and pay penance.”

  He studied the priest and knowingly nodded. His smiling eyes approved of Tuke, “I expect no less…. I will join you. Dear Tuke, you have the heart of a knight. Now we must move quickly, inform your friend. I must return to speak to an associate and hope to unearth the architect that wishes our friend ill.” Tuke and Meredith gave Gunthar a wide-eyed look and smiled for calling Dregous his friend. His guard’s stony faces cracked with a smirk. “What?” Gunthar asked.

  ***

  Tatiana occupied her time in the mansion aiding the servants in their daily tasks. They saw the sadness in her eyes regardless of how hard she tried to shield herself. The princess’s pale complexion contrasted her black hair and near white eyes seemed dull. She lost the twinkle in her eyes since Dregous’s incarceration.

  Upon nightfall, she’d look out the second-floor window. The sight of the academy swelled her heart with deep pain. With tear filled eyes she reached for a candle and lit it. Deep within her packed gear, she drew out a lovely ornate cylinder. A transparent white cloth resembling silk coated the inside. It was one of the samples for the magistrate. Thin metal strings shaped symbols and figures of Ayrians flying accompanied by birds. The freedom it represented was painful to look at because it reminded her of the day, the humans took Dregous. It haunted her dreams ever since.

  Often, Tatiana wandered about the mansion aimlessly, pondering the day she would see him again. The servants felt the princess’s sorrow as she passed, much like a dark raincloud above her. They had commented to Hegtha of her condition. Some wondered after they finished their duties if there was something they could do to lift her spirits. One of the girls glanced at the old maid. Hegtha nodded, “I will speak with her,” she whispered and followed the princess, “My lady….” Tatiana rounded the handrail heading towards the kitchen when she heard the old head maid. “My lady, words please?”

  “Of course, what is the matter?” she turned.

  “Well my lady…,” Hegtha began.

  “Please Hegtha, Tatiana would be fine,” she said gently.

  She gave the princess a knowing smile, “I know dear.”

  Tatiana returned the gesture, “Good…, now what is the matter?” she repeated.

  She held her pleasant expression, “You are the matter, my lady.” The Ayrian princess stared at the old maid with wide eyes. She thought of arguing and elected not to. “I also know why you mill about the mansion,” Hegtha finished.

  “Truly?” she tried to hide her pain with a smirk. The old woman’s eyes shined with years of experience. The experience that could see through her masquerade.

  The housemaid wanted to hug her, but restrained herself and took the princess’s hands instead, “You need time child.”

  “Is it that obvious?” The old maid nodded. “Oh Hegtha…, I know not what to do. Ever since they took him from me….” Her voice cracked.

  “I know child, that is why you must go and be with your friends.” Tatiana made to speak. “But you would tell me, being with them only reminds you of how much you miss him.”

  The princess’s shoulders slumped, “That is unfair,” she paused. “Oh, by Ukko’s name, I miss him so,” she confessed and wiped her eyes before the tears left her lashes.

  “You do not have to be gifted to see you are in love with him. This would be a good time to go home and be with family…,” Hegtha encouraged.

  Tatiana considered her thoughtfully, “I suppose so,” she slowly headed upstairs with Hegtha in tow. The princess undressed as the old maid closed the door, then assisted with her padding and armor.

  Minutes later Tatiana stepped out onto the courtyard followed by the house staff. She stopped and studied the old maid, hugged her, then walked to the center of the small courtyard, extended her wings, looked at them with heartfelt warmth. The princess leaped as her powerful wings cut through the air with ease. She ascended into the afternoon sky, again expressing a heartfelt motioned embrace.

  The old maid smiled with teary eyes as Tatiana rose. Hegtha grew fond of the princess. She was like one of her own children, an innocent girl who fell in love and needed her mother’s guidance.

  ***

  Tuke spent the morning praying for assistance. By midday, he headed to see Tatiana. He entered the mansion and didn’t notice the princess flying overhead. A servant approached a mirror by the door with a cleaning rag. “Pardon…,” he said.

  “Oh,” she yelped with a hop, “Priest Tuke…, …pardon, you startled me…, how may I serve?”

  “Forgive me my dear…” he offered a slight bow, “if you would please… I need to speak with the princess.”

  Her face frowned, “The princess left.”

  Tuke was surprised by the news. She mentioned nothing of leaving. Was being apart from Dregous more than she could bear? He wondered. “Left? Has she mentioned where?”

  “I know not, but Hegtha may,” she retreated with a bow.

  Moments later Hegtha approached him, “Greetings priest Tuke. You wish to see the princess.”

  “I do.”

  “She has returned home.” His silence prompts her to continue. “Her heart has fallen ill since her Dark Angel was taken.”

  “Dark Angel?”

  “That is what she secretly calls the prince.”

  Tuke nodded with a silent O, “I know her heart is ill… it was expected. Did she state her return?”

  “Apologies, no.”

  “None required. I will see her upon her return. Good day to you Hegtha,” Tuke gave her a head nod, exited the mansion then strolled toward the farming district. He entered the section, Crystal spotted him and ran as he greeted a neighbor. He turned in time and caught her in midair with a gleeful chuckle, “Greetings little one,” and hugged her.

  Seeker stepped out and saw Crystal jump onto Tuke’s arms. “Crystal!” she called.

  The priest carried her back, “What mama?”

  “Your manners little lady.”

  “It is well lady Angelique,” Tuke said as Crystal lowered her gaze.

  “You are sweet dear Tuke…,” then address Crystal, “Now little one, go eat. Millie prepared your noon meal,” she took her hand as Tuke set her down. Seeker led her to the door, then playfully whacked her bottom.

  “Mama,” she retorted. “Not in front of company.”

  “Do not mama me, Millie is waiting…. Now go, before I chew your bottom…,” Seeker rapidly stomped her feet in a pretended chase.

  Crystal squealed and ran giggling, “You said bottom,” she pointed.

  Tuke waved smiling. “You are most fortunate to have her.”

  She sighed gazing at Crystal, then addressed Tuke, “I am.” Tuke’s face slightly grimaced. “What troubles you?”

  He ensured privacy, “We have grave matters at hand.”

  Her heart skipped, his eyes mimicked the time they thought Dregous dead. “What happened?” she whispered.

  He stepped away with her in tow, “Lord Gunthar suspects fowl with our friend…” Tuke explained all he learned.

  She steadied herself for a moment, “What is required of me?”

  “We need to know his condition.”

  Her head went lite, her heart cold and her l
egs numbed. “How foul is this misgiving?”

  His lips thinned, “Quite foul.”

  She checked her swelling anger, “Any thought on who?”

  He shook his head, “That is what I hope you will unearth.”

  “I will, one way or another, I will.”

  He gently touched her shoulder, “First, discover him.”

  “As you say,” There was no time for short-sightedness.

  Tuke knew her skills, “Search as you see fit my lady,” he leaned closer, “When will you begin?”

  “This night.”

  “Is there anything I could do to aid you my dear?” he offered.

  “Dear? We should get to know one another better,” she attempted teasing to curve her anger. Tuke pulled his hand away, blushed deeply and stuttered trying to apologize. “I tease Tuke,” she gently padded his face, “…I know what you meant,” cupped his cheek and gave him a bright smile with a wink.

  He looked nervous and wiped the beads of sweat from his brow. “Of course….”

  “Join our noon meal?” she offered.

  Her jest frazzled him, “Perhaps another time,” he said weakly.

  “As you will,” she suppressed the urge to giggle. He stepped away.

  “You teased him hard Angelique,” Millie commented as she approached.

  “I could not resist,” she lied. The news must be kept secret. Then it dawned on her, “And why were you spying on us? Hmmm?”

  “I did not. You spoke by the window,” Millie smirked.

  ***

  Remmenton spent a few days searching for a mage that would mend his strength potion. It cost him a few hundred coins. He wanted to sell the demon’s name but thought it better to visit a different academy instead. He journeyed a few days to Riverbend, another four days ferrying to the City of Kal. It was a week travel by sea along the coastline, heading northeast from Kal. Rem bought passage aboard a ship bearing the city Nevis, where he’ll find the academy’s main library. Upon his arrival, he entered the inn for a meal and drink. He inquired about the mage’s academy. They instructed, outside of town.

  He offered the inn’s maid payment and left. At the gate, Rem questioned a constable regarding the library. He observed him strangely and pointed up the road passed the tree line, where the gable of a tower peers through. Rem looked too sturdy a figure to be a mage as far as the constable was concerned.

  The road bend as the gable broke the tree canopy. A trail on the side of the road led to a large compound. Students walked about engaged in theoretical discussions and applications. His presence didn’t go unnoticed. Most studied him with mild curiosity, others with blank expressions. A small few looked down on him. Rem ignored them. He focused on those he thought were friendly. They accepted his flamboyant introduction with mild amusement. Though confessed their limits to his request. He would need to speak with the headmaster.

  After finding the headmaster, the two spent some time talking before he granted permission to speak with the students. Some were willing, but upon learning the subject, they refused.

  Kenton, an advanced student was elated for the opportunity but contained himself so not to appear eager. He informed him, he needed some time for payment. Rem suggested they meet at the tavern at dusk.

  As dusk approached, Rem entered the tavern and waited for Kenton. Moments later he entered. The Half-Elf waved him over. As the mage sat, “So, you require time for payment, explain,” Rem opened gently.

  A tavern maiden approached, smiled at Rem, then addressed the mage, “Good day Kenton.”

  He grinned, “Good day.” She finished pouring his ale. Kenton sipped, then nodded at her. She bunched her dress and stepped away with the pitcher, “It is no small amount you require. It would be simpler to pay you platinum coins instead…. Platinum equals one to five in gold. With that much to carry, it would be too obvious, and a target for any thief who would dare tangle with you.”

  Rem arced a brow at him, “Platinum?” he bit his excitement.

  For the delay in payment, I will add a summoning spell for your use. However, it is only good once. It will take me time to write one. Went that is completed, your payment would be ready as well.”

  The Half-Elf sipped ale while leaning back, then set the mug on the table, “How long?”

  “It depends on the possessor’s name… anywhere from a week to a month. I have seen scholars spend as much as a year.”

  “Woo, a year?” Rem voiced his concern.

  “It does not claim yours will be as such.”

  Rem pondered whether to proceed. Kenton sounded convincing. “Very well, let us proceed. However, so you understand where I stand…, betray me…,”

  Kenton interrupted, “Aye, you will do many unspeakable upon me, I am aware,” he said blandly.

  “True, but no. I will have my mage friend speak with you,” he studied Kenton.

  The mage looked surprised Rem didn’t threaten him, “Oh.”

  Chapter 3

  I often wondered how one would react when trust is betrayed. The treachery I refer is one that hit home…. My friends and I almost died due to horrendous duplicity. Had it only been me… but they endangered my Angel. Thus, I gambled my soul to save her.

  Memoirs of Dregous Von’Negrous

  “He is a Drouwen mage of the Empire,” he stated with satisfaction. “He held the horde at bay… alone.” Kenton’s face grew paler as he spoke, “Do we understand one another?”

  He’s heard rumors of a Dark Elf mage holding a goblin and Gnoll horde at bay with Drouwen magic, while others assisted in getting the people to safety. Word spread of his display when he jumped into the horde fray to save a hand full of peasants. The thought of that mage chasing him cautioned Kenton, “Clearly.”

  “I am pleased,” Rem didn’t bother to hide his smirk. In his mind, it was an assurance this mage would not try to cheat him.

  Kenton recalled amongst those champions of Riverdale was a Half-Elf. “A hero of Riverdale’s siege.” Rem arced a brow at Kenton’s comment. “Will HE, be casting the summoning?”

  “No,” Rem stated flatly.

  “In that case, I will ensure safety measure’s in the summoning to aid you.”

  “My gratitude,” Rem handed him a small parchment roll. “This is only part of its name. I will pass the remainder, upon YOUR completion,” then exited. He returned to Riverdale.

  Kenton contemplated, “Easy money, but that Drouwen!” he whispered to himself. The summoning spell will be challenging on its own. To include traps would complicate matters greatly. Satisfied, Kenton finished his wine and returned to the library.

  ***

  For days, the princess skimmed the cloud bottom. A pastime she enjoyed, but not on this flight. The memory of who she left behind haunted her wherever she looked. The thrill of the sky did not brighten her spirits. The beauty of the land below only reminded her of the beauty in his heart. Her sorrow grew with each passing day knowing what he did for her. His face appeared wherever she looked. What hurt and haunted her most, the day they took him away, his eyes glassy, and what she thought was his final farewell. The princess hated herself for not confessing her affections, fill Tatiana with regret. Her heart ached, knowing he was willing to die to prove his loyalty.

  The frigid air froze Tatiana’s tears on her skin and gently brushed them away, they fell to the cold void below. Evidence of tear tracks remained on her cheeks.

  She sensed her home near. The smell of the air, then the familiar mountain range, the pressure against her body. The foregate of her home echoed in the sunlight. Below stood the last great Ayrian Kingdom glistening from the distance, surrounded by majestic mountains. The sun reflected off the natural beauty, shining on her home like rays of divine light. The stone playground where she played as a child was a ghostly reminder. It conjured images of Dregous standing guard behind her and wiped away more tears as they fell frozen.

  Her heavy sorrow caved her chest. She was desperate to push away the void. Tatian
a recalled diving from these heights in the past, it exhilarated her. The thought of a dive didn’t thrill her at all or weakened her sorrow. She’d try anything to brighten her heart and tucked her wings in.

  ***

  An Ayrian guard scanning the sky noted a speck in the distance, “Steady, one approaches,” Andrei pointed.

  Yaakov, an older guard stepped beside him, moments later he spotted the intruder. As far as he knew, no harpy ever flew that high, they rarely go over the tree canopy. It dived like a spear from the heavens. The dive seemed familiar, then realized who it was, “By Ukko’s beard,” he said.

  “Which harpy clan?” asked another.

  “Nyet! It is our princess,” Yaakov whispered.

  “What?” Andrei asked.

  He smiled while looking at his fellow Ayrians, “Our beloved princess returns.”

  “Princess Tatiana?”

  He nodded, without taking his eyes off her, “She is,” he said with a measure of pride.

  Yaakov barked orders for his Ayrians to assemble and greet the princess. Moments later, Tatiana arched her back as her wings cut through the air breaking her descent. Snow dust formed eddies. Upon her landing, the lead officer Yaakov, shouted, “Our Princess returns!” The Ayrian squad cheered.

  Tatiana glanced at them with a weary smile as she strode by, trying to hide her broken heart, “It is good to see you.”

  “My princess,” Pavel bowed low. Then arced a brow as she passed and realized she was not herself. His eyes drifted behind her and wondered what happened. “My lady, where is Lukous?” She didn’t answer.

  A stout Ayrian stepped over, greeted her as she passed. “It is grand to see you again Princess,” Verrell fell in beside her and sensed a displacement within his hopeful betrothed.

  “And I you cousin?” Tatiana tried to mask her sorrow.

  Verrell studied her curiously and wondered what happened to his princess, “Well I suppose…,” her silence prompted him, “We are close, please, shut me not. There is something wrong,” he realized her personal guard wasn’t with her. “Where is Lukous?”

  Tatiana struggled many years trying to sense others and felt like an outsider amongst her own people. It was a painful realization she differs from her kind. The thought of outsiders made her think of Dregous and wondered if they would accept him. It was because of him she was able to feel others. Her love for Verrell was not how he wanted. Unable to sense others made her feel like a freak of nature, Verrell was no exception. What bothered her most, she wasn’t able to sense him, but, he was always there for her. “Apologies.”