The Exodus Sagas: Book II - Of Dragons And Crowns (17 page)

“I wouldn’t be surpris
ed.” t
he minotaur returned the comment, yet followed her down the road.

Azenairk Thalanaxe joined them, then stopped and looked to the tree where the elf was posted. “Lady Shinayne, we should go. Lord Savanno would have been here by now.
It has been many hours.” h
e put his warhammer on his belt, secured it and walked forward slowly.

“I will wait here a while longer, perhaps he-“

“E
lf!” Saberrak whispered loudly.
“We have to leave. He is not our concern, he made his decision. More could be coming and James is up ahead. Let’s go!”

Shinayne looked back to the western road they had walked, wanting to go and find the Harlian man that had helped them escape. The elven swordswoman climbed down the tree with grace and ease, her eyes scanning for any movement. She drew her blades slowly and took cover behind a tree, her back to the west and staring at her friends who were staring back at her. “Three horses, one man, heading this
wa
y. I can hear them from here.” s
he whispered low and nodded for them to take cover as well.

All but Saberr
ak moved. T
he gray gladiator stood in the middle of the road, horns lowered and axe in hand. He snorted the air, his nostrils picking up the scent of blood and sweat from whomever was getting closer now. The minotaur
crouched low, digging his heel in
the mud and preparing to charge should it be anyone other than Lord Savanno.
As the horses passed the treeline on the road, Saberrak saw the flash of st
eel as Shinayne’s blades appeared
out across the man’s chest.

Savanno turned to the elf that had caught him off guard, forcing a smile to his lips and raising his gaze from the blades to her eyes. “You should be further ahead by now, my lady.”

Shinayne smiled and sheathed her swords, giving a bow to the former lord of knights. “We waited for you in hope
s
of your victory.”

The dwarf spoke up quickly.
“And a long victory it was indeed, we should be going. Gwenneth says that James is ahead on the road to the mission and with others.” Zen fiddled with his iron box in his pouch, wishing to get away from danger and closer to his secret promise he made to his father.

Savanno handed the reins of two of the horses to Gwenne and the dwarven priest, then mounted the third himself. “Twas not the victory that took long, my apologies. It was the prayers and burial over my longtime fri
end Bernardus that slowed me.” t
he lord kicked his horse on ahead, his head low with sorrow. He had no choice in the matter, yet having killed one of his own knights left him feeling more grief and pain than he could imagine.
He struggled with the meaning of it all, the young ruthless king, his wife, the knights, and now killing Bernardus. Savanno saw his actions and purity plain enough, however he did realize to those
that viewing from the outside
,
he may appear to be guilty of
what
he had been accused. He began to wonder what the cost of it all would be, and to what end.

“I am sorry for your friend, but it was either him or you. Those decisions are never easy, and I do not envy your position. Your help is greatly appreciated, Savanno.” Shinayne bowed to the human lord, feeling his sadness without any effort.

All five of them shared more silence while trudging the road to the rendezvous in the foothills. Shinayne and Saberrak were on foot ahead of Savanno, Gwenne, and Azenairk on horseback. The minotaur smelled it just after the elven woman saw it; campfires, six or more
off of the main road headed north now. They were camped in a small valley between two well forested hills, just as Savanno had instructed. Tents enough for twenty men and plenty of steeds as well, they even saw supply horses tethered and unpacked.

“Cristoff.” t
he former Lord Knight Errant felt relief knowing he still had some allies.

“James.” Shinayne whispered, having missed him and his blade this day. She cared for him as much as she worried for him.

“Who goes there?!” several bowstrings
drew back, the stretchi
ng noise creaking into the air
and mingling with the crackling fires.

“Lord Knight Errant Savanno Lisario and company to see Lord Cristoff Bradswellen the Third.”
t
he Harlian man walked forward to the soldiers of his cousin, eager to see him in this most desperate time of need.

“Yes my lord.” t
he man bowed, motioning for those hidden throughout the surrounding trees to lower their aim. He went into the blue and white tent in the rear of the camp, a dozen men taking a look at the strange company. These humans had obviously not seen much of elves, wizards, minotaurs or dwarves; yet they seemed as veteran soldiers that had seen many a battle. They bowed, albeit hesitantly at those present, and received the same in return, except for Saberrak who again would not bow.

The tent flap flung open,
a middle aged man in plate armor of fine decoration approached. His small silver crown held sapphires atop his long dark and graying hair and trimmed beard. His impression was one of leadership and confidence as he strode
with hand on his sheathed long
sword
, blue cape flowing in the mild breeze, and his crown and rose emblems all polished. James Andellis walked behind the Lord of Saint Erinsburg, his eyes lowered as he saw Savanno, giving away that something was not right.

“Well cousin, a fine mess we have here. Let us talk of how this could be salvaged, and how best to get the company of this scroll safely to Soujan
Mountain.” Cristoff did not want to tell him of what his sc
outs had heard in Harlaheim last
evening, and he had ordered James to silence in the matter. The noble lord reached out his hand to Savanno, pulled him close, and held him tight knowing that what he was about to tell him may very well push him over the edge.

“I killed Sir Bernardus in a duel just a few hours ago cousin. More men will be trailing us soon, we have to move off the roads and get them to the dragon. Kalzarius is under siege by now, and we-“

“I know Savanno, I know. Sir James has informed me of everything on our travel here.
Scouts have reported more.
There is something I must tell you, inside my friend.” Cristoff bowed to the bearers of the scroll, knowing he would have time to meet them in more detail and formality in the journey to the hidden mountain.

“James, what is
all that about?” Gwenneth was curious as to why the lord would not meet with them or speak in front of them. She looked to Saberrak, Zen, and Shinayne with the same puzzled look.

“The siege has begun, and much larger than ever before. It seems the king wants Kalzarius and –“

“We know all about the siege James, we were there as they were planning the defenses. What is it with Lord Savanno?” Saberrak huffed, not wanting too hear again things he wa
s aware of on no sleep
.

“Savanno has been stripped of title and Lady Florin has taken his position. She also leads the attack on the tower that is supposed to begin tonight.” James lowered his head, not wanting to tell any more, remembering his vow to Cristoff.

“And for being married to the queen in secret, he is lucky that is all he has suffered.” Gwenneth spoke up, not feeling all too sorry for the man who made his own decisions
and knew well the consequences of such actions
.

“You know of that?” James looked up in surprise.

“At this point, that fact is no
longer a secret to anyone James.
Savanno told us.” Shinayne knew there was more, but waited til the knight of Chazzrynn decided to tell them.

“
The ki
ng had Rosana imprisoned yesterday
, and if found guilty at
court, she will be executed.” t
he veteran knight hung his head, looking back at the tent.

“So when is the court convening on the matter. Kalzarius and Savanno will c
ome up with something surely.” t
he elven swordswoman looked
under James’ hair for a glimpse as to the real meaning he was not sharing.

“They had court when you left, and her execution is tomorrow night. She will face the guillotine for treason and adultery, and in front of Castle L’Herrim with at least two thousand soldiers in formation. It is hopeless.” James felt terrible for Savanno, and wished there was something he could do.

They all lowered their heads as the scream of pain and denial echoed from the tent and into the dark forests outside of Harlaheim. Like a man who had fought legions for years only to find nothing to return to, Savanno sobbed and yelled his
grief and agony for all to hear. He cursed Alden’s name, time and again for the armband and for his plight. Begging and pleading with God for this to not be, he tired eventually and fell into a deep sleep of shock and exhaustion.

Cristoff emerged from the tent. “Men, pack our supplies. We head north through the valley pass to Soujan Mountain. Load Lord Savanno onto his horse. Scouts may leave now, but three of you remain to cover the rear. James, you and your allies ride
in the front with me until midday, then we make camp. At night
, we will ride ahead to your mountain to meet your dragon. The journey is two days, and we
will have time to talk then.” n
o one questioned his orders for a moment, he had that aura of trust and nobility to him. They all knew the risk he was taking simply by being here, let alone assisting his cousin and those hunted for the scroll.
Cristoff’s honor was apparent in word and deed. He mounted his black steed, and led the small army through the hills, watching his back for whoever may be sent from Harlaheim.

LCMVXI
ILCMVXIILCMVXIILCMVX

Lady Knight Errant Florin inspected her rapier, eyeing the perfect edge and black swirled steel crossguard. She paced in front of the thrones, admiring the empty one to the right of a tired and weary
K
ing Richmond. She played with her short curls of dark hair, and felt content with the day. The siege was awaiting orders from the king to begin assault, her agents of the White Spider in place by the entrance to the tombs that led under the tower of Kalzarius, and the queen was in prison awaiting her execution. With her new title, Savanno and his order of knight
s
mostly under her rule, and the wizard kept busy; Florin’s hopes were reaching their summit. All that was left was for Richmond to invite her into his confidence even more, and she would have all the power in Harlaheim.
If not, she would take it.

“My king, I await your orders to attack. May I ask why you delay, your majesty?” her voice was soft, alluring, and full of care in all appearances.
The grand chamber was empty, save the two of them, and Florin had all the time in the world to wait for his orders.

“I have spoken to Rosana
, and she is with child Florin. This goes no further, understood?” Richmond, despite his youth and treachery, was having second thoughts of executing his queen.

“Is it yours, my liege?”

“Of course it is not mine, you are well aware of what has been my marriage and why it bore me no heir, Florin! Do no
t toy with me.” h
is hands held his face above his regal garb as his elbows rested upon his knees.

“So an unborn bastard and an adulteress di
e tomorrow night, what of it?” h
er words were cold and uncaring as she practiced her attacks and parries in the open air of the throne room.

“You may think it an easy decision, but for me it is still ordering the death of the daughter of the king of Caberra who is with child. I need some time with m
y thoughts Florin, leave me.” h
is words were softer now, realizing the pressure he was under, and the repercussions his actions will have with the
mighty naval
kingdom to the north.

The double wooden doors opened from the guards posted outside. In walked a soldier of Bernardus, dirty, injured, and weary from exhaustion. “Lady Florin, your majesty, I have news from the search my lords.”

“Speak soldier, what is it?” Florin sheathed her blade and approached the man, making sure he did not soil the blue velvet carpet that led to the steps of the thrones.

“My lady, Sir Bernardus is dead, Savanno killed him. Few of us escaped the minotaur and the spells of the wizard of Lazlette. They headed east on the mission road, but now they have left the road and make north with a small brigade. We believe the men are those of Lord Cristoff of Saint Erinsburg your majesty
, yet we have no proof save that they came from that direction.” t
he soldier nearly collapsed before he finished, as the night was well into morning and his cuts looked in dire need of a priest’s attention.

“Well my king, we can now add murder to Savanno’s list of charges. What are your orders against th
ose that defy the crown
?” Florin knelt at the base of the steps
next to the fallen soldier.