The Jake Thomas Trilogy: Book 02 - Sword of Light (17 page)

“I will send a rider to inform the queen.”  The soldier said.  He beckoned over another soldier on horseback and sent him riding off towards the palace.   The officer turned back to them.  “You have brought much honor upon yourself, Sergeant.  Have your men wait here.  I will have my soldiers provide an escort to the palace.”

“Welcome, Lord Dominic.”  The man said, nodding his head.  “I am Captain Renral Stoneworth.  I have heard the stories of your endless pursuit of the demons.  It will be my honor to escort you to the queen.”

“Thank you, Captain Stoneworth.”  Dominic replied.  He gestured towards the palace.  “Should we continue?”

“Of course, Demonhunter.”  Stoneworth said.  He called over his men, having them form up around the small party while Riverborn’s soldiers went over to a nearby building.  Once he was satisfied, they started up the road that led to the palace.

The sun had set by then and the torchlighters were out, moving to and from the lampposts that lined the road.  They received some curious looks from the people in the streets as they rode past, but they seemed fairly uninterested for the most part.  The palace grew larger as they rode closer, the lights of the watch torches flaring into the darkening sky.

They were several blocks from the palace when a party of twenty armored men on horseback suddenly rode out of the side streets and blocked their way.  Stoneworth halted his men, then rode slightly forward of the group.

“Move aside!”  He ordered.  “You are interfering with the passage of the queen’s soldiers.”

A man rode from the crowd, dressed in fine dark clothes, a shining breastplate visible under the cloak the hung from his shoulders.  He was tall and rangy, his dark face ruggedly handsome.  He had a haughty look on his face as he faced Stoneworth, his hand resting on his swordhilt.  Out of the corner of his eye, Dominic saw Moshanna stiffen, his face going flat.

“I am Lord Darrius, Captain.”  The man said, his eyes on Moshanna.  “My men will deal with this traitor and his companions.”  He called mockingly over to Moshanna.  “I will have your head before the night ends, Deepwood.

“With all due respect, Lord Darrius, this is a matter for the queen.”  Stoneworth stated, sitting stiffly in his saddle, though he looked worried.  “You may accompany us to the palace, but I have given my word to the Demonhunter to take him to the queen.”

“You are on dangerous ground here, Captain.”  Darrius said, turning his gaze to Stoneworth.  “If you do not release the traitor to me, I will be forced to take steps to retain my honor.”  He gripped his sword, its meaning not lost on Stoneworth.

“I will not release him to you here, Lord Darrius.”  Stoneworth said, swallowing hard, as he drew his own sword.  “Defensive positions!”  He called to his solders, who drew their own swords and spread out to surround the party.  He continued to face Darrius.  “Only by the queen’s command will I turn him over to you.”

Darrius laughed as he signaled his men.  They drew their weapons and began to move forward.  Dominic motioned Taric to stay behind him as he drew his own sword.  Moshanna’s sword was already in his hand, his eyes fixed on Darrius.

Before the battle could be joined, a new sound intruded.  Out of the night came the rhythmic beat of men marching in unison and the faint echo of jingling metal.  From behind Darrius’ men, a large group of soldiers appeared in the street from the direction of the palace, moving at a near-run in ordered rows, their long spears held at the ready.

They were led by a very large man, his head shaved bald, dressed in a heavy breastplate, with armor covering his arms, and leather pants with close knit steel rings above his dark leather boots.  There were four golden stripes on his breastplate and a large war hammer in his hands.

Without pausing, he shouldered his way through Darrius’ men while his men began to form a ring around them.  He strode over to where Darrius was sitting on his horse.

“What madness is this, Lord Darrius?”  The man said, his voice deep and commanding.  “You know better than to interfere with the queen’s soldiers.”

Anger twisted Darrius’ face, but his voice was suddenly cautious when he addressed the man.  “It is a matter of personal honor, Commander Farrious.  The traitor Deepwood insulted my honor and that demands retribution.”

“It is the queen’s place to determine that, my lord.”  Farrious stated bluntly.  He gestured towards Darrius’ soldiers.  “Dismiss your men and accompany me to the palace or I will order them dispersed.”  At that, Farrious’ soldiers leveled their spears at Darrius’ men, with at least two spears aimed at each one.

Darrius looked around, his frustration clear on his face.  He seemed to be considering resistance, but instead called over to his men.  “Lower your weapons and return to the barracks.  I will go to the palace and speak with the queen.”  With a last baleful look at Moshanna, he turned his horse and rode towards the palace, Farrious’ soldiers making a path for him.

“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.”