The Path of Decisions (20 page)

Cray stood, and Darius gaped at him speechless. The pledge was far
more forceful than needed and maybe not altogether appropriate since he wasn’t
the king yet.  However, he smiled and only said, “Thank you, Cray.”

“Sire. You will be a good king. I am sure of it.”

“And your men?” Darius motioned towards the others.

“They will follow me.” Cray sent a hand signal, and they
dispersed.

Darius relaxed. “So you knew my grandfather?”

Cray smiled and began telling him of boyhood adventures with
Alric. Darius enjoyed hearing about his grandfather

Darius then excused himself, telling Cray he wanted to continue
the talk later. They parted, and Darius ran back to the castle to get something,
then had to sneak away to avoid the eyes of his father and his men. As the next
heir, he would be guarded day and night now. He used his powers to silence his
steps and to ditch his guards. For one last time he wanted to be alone.
Well,
not all the way alone.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Late afternoon found Christine walking into the Field of Diamonds
once again. The sky and air had turned bright and warm. She basked in the feel
of the spring sun on her face. The grass in the field continued to green, even
more so from the day before. She looked more closely. Flowers.
How could
that be? Flowers this early in spring. They weren't here yesterday.

As Christine reached the flowers, she bent down to pick one. There
were about a dozen flowers, not planted, just stuck in the ground. She brought
one up and breathed in, thoughts and feelings of springtime abounded in its
soft scent. Large hands encircled her from behind. She turned around.

“Like them?” Darius had a grin from ear to ear.

“They are beautiful. But how?”

“Nobility does have some benefits. The King has a private indoor
garden. I took a little early prerogative.”

“They smell like spring. Like this field does later in the
spring.” Christine looked around, as if remembering.

“Remember when we used to come here when we were younger?” Darius
spoke.

Christine laughed. “It wasn’t that long ago, Darius.”

“Seems like it was.” Darius blew out a deep breath “A lot has
happened this past year.”

Christine’s eyes glazed over, remembering back to the first time
they had found the field. They had been running through the forest after a
rainstorm. As they had reached the field, the sun had broken through. The
reflection of the droplets of rain on the ground had given off the glimmer of
diamonds. Things were so simple then. “We’ve both grown up since then. Back
then it seemed so innocent and fresh and… so...” she struggled for the right
words.

“Romantic?” Darius finished for her.

“Well, I guess. Except we didn't know what romance was back when
we first met. Anyway…” Christine looked down at the ground.

“What?” Darius prodded.

“Nothing.”

“Come on, Christine. What were you going to say?”

“It doesn't matter now.”

“What doesn’t?

“Us.” A few tears leaked out of her downturned eyes.

“What?!” Darius exclaimed, “What do you mean?”

“You are going to be king. How does it feel?”

“It feels... uh... I don't know. I’m not any different. King
Edward will recover soon; I am sure I still have a while.”

“But one day you will be king.”

“Yes, but what are you saying, Christine?”

“It may sound silly now, but when you first left I always dreamed
you would come back for me and we would be... married.” She turned away in
embarrassment
. A silly girl’s dream.

Darius reached over and turned her head softly back to him. “We
still can!”

“What?” Christine was taken by surprise. But the words made her
heart skip a beat, and she took in a sudden breath.

Darius bent down on one knee. “Christine Anderssn, will you marry
me?” Darius almost seemed to be begging. “It’s perfect. If we marry, then the
farmers and city people have to be united. Our son will be the first true king
of
all
of the people.”

“Aren't you the first, Darius?”

Darius thought briefly. “I guess I am. I keep forgetting that my
father’s mother was a farmer. Still, it will be perfect, you and me.”

Christine considered the excitement in Darius’s voice. She
remembered all of the times they had together. He was her best friend. She
loved him very much, but...

“I can't, Darius.”

Christine’s heart ached watching the pain surface on her best
friend’s face as he stood back up from the grass. She could hardly stand it.

“Why? Christine, what are you talking about? I know I’ve made some
mistakes this past year. If it’s about Leandra, don’t worry. She is only a
friend to me, nothing more. When I saw you in the road the other day, I knew in
that instant that I needed you in my life forever. Please don’t do this to me.
I love you. ” He choked on his last words. Tears filled his eyes. “I can’t do
all of this without you by my side.”

“It would seem like you are just marrying me for political
reasons.”

“Political reasons!” His face stood in shock. “This isn’t only
about the kingdom, it is about us. I want to marry you because I love you. Even
if I weren’t going to be king, I would want to.”

“I know that, Darius. But you will be a king, so that changes
things.”

“How?” His gray eyes flashed in anger and confusion.

“I don't know,” Christine stammered. Tears filled her eyes. “It
just does. I’m a farmer, an outsider. The city people still treat us poorly.
Look at the mess that happened with your grandfather marrying a farmer. King
Charles disowned and banished him. What if King Edward or your father banishes
us?”

“They won’t, Christine. King Edward wouldn’t do that to me after
naming me the heir to the throne. And my father… well, my father has been hard
on the farmers, but I think he is coming around. We will make it work.”

Christine just shook her head. It was so hard to say no to him. It
was the moment she had dreamed about for years, but not now and not this way.
“I just need more time. I need to know this is real and not us just caught up
in the political maneuverings of the Realm.”

Darius stepped up to her. “I don’t want to hurt you, Christine. I
guess it’s just too much to ask right now.” Tears filled his gray eyes.

Christine’s heart broke. She couldn’t bear to see Darius in so
much pain. Pain she was causing. Things weren’t fair. Why did this all have to
happen? Why couldn't they have a normal life? She could see he thought it was
possible. A lot of things seemed impossible before Darius. But he had a way of
making things work. Maybe it could.

“Darius, I’ll think about it.” Christine touched him lightly on
the arm. It was all she could promise at the moment.

Darius looked up, and over his tear-stained face a broad smile
spread. His eyes sparkled with hope once again.

With tenderness, he grasped Christine and held her tightly. He was
so strong. She could feel the muscles that had developed while he was away. Her
heartbeat fluttered and slowed down to match his. His power washed over them
both, giving them strength and hope.

DESTINY

L
oud voices outside the castle walls woke Darius out of a dreamy
sleep in his warm bed. As heir to the throne he had been given a suite of rooms
in the castle. He still couldn’t believe how soft the bed was compared to where
he had slept for the past year. He lay still for a moment, listening to what
had awakened him. He heard the sound of horses and yelling. Then, he thought he
heard his name. Darius tried to wipe the sleep from his eyes as he dragged
himself out of bed. Yesterday had been an exhausting day he hoped he would not
have to match anytime soon.

“Darius, you will never be king over Belor!” shouted a fading
voice. Darius jumped to the window opening and shaded his eyes from the rising
sun. He watched men on horseback riding out of the castle gates. He recognized
the voice now: the Preacher.

Darius grabbed his clothes, still half-dressing himself as he ran
down the empty hallway to the front of the castle. They would be long gone by
the time he got outside, but he had to try. As he ran, he wondered who the
other men were. Someone from inside the nobility of Anikari, most likely.
Someone who had the means to get into the cells and unlock them without being
caught. There wasn't any other way the Preacher could have escaped. Not with
the dose of drug they had given him to stop him from using his power.

By the time Darius reached the large main doors of the castle,
others joined him. He realized he was not the only person in the castle to be
awakened by the noise. Leandra stood next to them in her nightshirt, blinking
her eyes. He had forgiven Leandra’s deception while he had been held prisoner
in the cave. Now he just felt sorry for her. She had been through a lot and had
been injured when they arrived in Anikari. Her ashen face had begun to show
signs of color again.

“It was Sean,” she whispered half to herself. “I am sure of it. He
was working with someone from inside the castle.”

“What?” Darius shouted, and then ran toward the dungeons. One of
the guards stopped him and told him he needed to check for danger first. The
cells were no place for a future king to be. Darius reluctantly agreed with the
strong soldier.

A few minutes later Darius, Leandra, Richard, and a few of the
guards gathered in one of the many castle meeting rooms. Darius was glad a fire
already burned in the fireplace. The clear night had brought in uncommonly low
temperatures for this time of spring.

Richard surmised the Preacher as well as Sean had been helped by
some noble, perhaps even some of the other councilors who wanted to stir up the
people against the announcement of their new, young king. Darius insisted on
going after them. If they reached Forest View and had time to organize the
Preacher’s men, they could attack Anikari that very day. The city was not ready
for an all-out war, especially not after the recent fighting with the farmers
and lack of food. The people would be confused as to whom they should follow.
The King seemed to be failing rapidly. Would they now listen to Richard or to
his son? Or to someone else? He hoped Alessandra and Kelln were making their
way north from Belor with the rest of the Elite Army. He hadn’t heard from them
yet.

“Darius, you can’t just go running off every time there are
problems. You must stay here and be protected.” Richard lips were tight in
frustration.

“If I am going to be a king, the only way both the city and the
farmers will accept me is if I show them I am on their side… that I can protect
them. All of them. I have to prove myself to them, and I have to prove myself
to me, Father. I am the one who brought the Preacher here. I thought he would
be safe in our cells.” He said this last remark while looking at some of the
councilors who had joined the group. Some of them did not return his gaze. “But
I guess I was wrong.”

“What do you propose, son?” Richard sighed.

Darius could tell his father would have a hard time letting him
form his own plans, but he had been out in the field preparing and fighting for
the past year. If there was one thing he did know, it was field tactics. “You
organize the Elite soldiers here. Take them out on the road to Forest View. Not
all of the way... only about half way. A buffer zone to protect fighting from
coming to the city.”

“But...”

“We can't afford an all-out battle in Forest View, if it comes to
that. We have to protect the people. But hopefully I can stop the fighting from
reaching that level.”

Richard nodded.

“I will bring a small group into Forest View with me to try to stop
anything from happening. You will be informed if it gets out of control and I
need your help.” Darius was scared to death. What if he was wrong? What if he
failed? He would not be popular and unpopular kings or kings-to-be didn't live
a long time.

“But the Preacher and Sean will get there first.” Leandra said her
first words since the informal meeting had begun.

The men in the room looked at her, wondering why she was there.

Darius answered her question to the others.
“Not
if I hurry.” Darius gave a few more instructions, ran to get a few things, and
bolted to the castle stables to get his new horse, a quick black Andalusian
that had been kept at the King’s stables for him.

He jumped on his horse and rode at a frantic pace to Christine's
house, catching Jain as he was about to leave. He gave Jain a key and told him
to go to a room under the library in the school, taking Karel and Thomas with
him, and grab as many swords as he could. He gave Jain some papers signifying
that he had permission to be in the school. Darius hoped there wouldn’t be any
problems there. Jain was to pass the swords out to as many farmers as he could,
then meet Darius in Forest View.

Darius pulled out a map and spread it on the ground. He had drawn
on it a different road into Forest View, one that bypassed the main road. The
smaller trail stayed north of the Black Forest but was used only on rare
occasions. He instructed Jain to take that road. That would keep them away from
his father and the city soldiers.

Jain looked a little bewildered as he bowed awkwardly to Darius.
“You can count on us, uh… Sir or Prince or…”

Darius smiled at Jain’s red face. “Just call me Darius for now,
Jain. I hope to have a long time until I am king, and prince just doesn’t sound
right.” He saluted back, and Jain rode off.

“We need to ride Lightning to Forest View.” Darius turned to
Christine.

“I thought you said she would only take one rider at a time.”

“I think she will take me.” Darius smiled.

Speaking to Christine’s mind, the Cremelino spoke boldly.
Don’t
worry, child. I can carry you and the wizard.
The beautiful white horse
trotted up next to them, looking anxious to run.

“But I thought they would bond to one rider and one owner?”
Christine asked.

It almost seemed as if the horse smiled as it spoke in both their
minds.
Darius is a wizard, and they may ride us anytime if their heart is
true. But don’t worry, my bond is still with you, Christine.

Darius leaped up and then reached his hand for Christine to join
him. His strong arms drew her up behind him in one long pull.

“Let’s go!” Darius yelled. “The peace of the kingdom depends on
you, Lightning.”

Oh, no, wizard, it all depends on you.

They rode with the speed of a stormy wind over brush and grass.
The thin trail had grown over in spots, but Darius kept his hand out in front
of them and, drawing on his power, burned the brush and small trees away as
they road through. The horse was fast, but Darius still worried about whether
or not they would beat the Preacher and his party to Forest View. His plan depended
on him being there first and the element of surprise disarming the Preacher.

The ride seemed to take forever, but Darius knew it was only his
mind playing tricks on him. Christine didn’t say a word. He wondered what she
was thinking. Had she made up her mind yet about marrying him? It felt good
having her arms around him. The side of her head rested on his back. He
breathed in and smiled at her lavender scent. With Lightning’s increased speed,
the enjoyment lasted less than an hour before they reached the edge of Forest
View.

“The city is too quiet.” He panned the area with a slow turn of
the horse, making sure he didn’t miss anything. They slowed and trotted from
the north around to the east side of the city before entering. They saw his own
soldiers up ahead, and Darius stiffened. He looked around for someplace that
would be safe for Christine. Someone shouted his name. 

A few of the Elite soldiers came running toward him. Darius smiled
and jumped down off the Cremelino.

“Commander,” said one, “we have heard the news. Congratulations.”
They nodded their heads to him in acknowledgement of his new position as heir.

Darius smiled and shook hands with a few of his Elite soldiers.
Some, still seemed reluctant and untrusting. Darius couldn't blame them.

“You got my message in time, I see.”

“Yes. Alessandra and Kelln must have ridden through the night. All
the way from Anikari to Belor in one night is an astonishing feat. We could
hardly believe it,” said one of the Elite Army captains. “We came to Forest View
as fast as we could, as you instructed.”

Just then a young woman stepped out from the crowd. “It wasn’t too
bad. I guess a lady had to show these men what could be done.” Alessandra
smiled.

Christine moved closer to Darius. Was that jealousy on her face?

Darius introduced Christine to Alessandra.

Kelln walked up, and Darius and he clasped arms. “Thank you, my
friend.” Darius spoke in low tones.

Alessandra moved over next to Kelln. Darius felt Christine relax
somewhat when it became apparent Alessandra was more interested in Kelln than
Darius.

“And my... father?” asked Alessandra. “Where is he?”

“He is on his way and should be here any minute,” Darius informed
her.

“Your father,” Christine gasped, “is the Preacher?”

Alessandra looked ashamed but nodded.

Darius asked for a horse other than Lightning, motioned orders to
a few soldiers, and rode out to the entrance of the city. The Preacher’s men
from Belor stood uncomfortably around the city gates as they eyed Darius’s
small group of Elite soldiers. He positioned himself inside the tall, elaborate
city gate and watched as the Preacher arrived. Darius smiled inside at the
shock that spread across the face of the self-proclaimed leader of Belor.

“You are a devil!” the Preacher yelled.
A small
group of men arrived behind the man, led by none other than Sean San Ghant. It
seemed it hadn't taken them long to forge an alliance in prison and find some
men to let them out and follow them into battle. 

“What do you want here?” Darius directed his question at the Preacher,
trying to stall for some time.

“I want you.”

“I thought you wanted peace and freedom for Belor. Isn't that what
your soldiers are fighting for? They don't want me. I am nothing to them.”

The Preacher glanced around at his men. They were obviously considering
what Darius had said. “Your death is a means to that peace,” he said to Darius.

“My life is the only way to that peace!” Darius let some of his
power seep through him, and his voice bounced off of the nearby buildings. The
power filled him with righteous anger and determination. He turned to the
Preacher’s soldiers. “I have been proclaimed today to be the next king of the
Realm by King Edward himself. I promise you that I will listen to your
grievances. I will even sign a proclamation to make Belor a safer and better
place.”

Many of the soldiers nodded in agreement. They had wives and
children. If they could get what they wanted without fighting, so much the
better. The Preacher’s fanaticism had moved beyond what many of them had
originally signed on for. They served him now only through fear.

“You are a liar,” shouted the Preacher. “You deceived us before.
And now you lie again.”

“I didn't deceive you. I had deceived myself.” Darius continued
prancing his large brown horse in a circle. He wanted to make sure the entire
crowd heard him. “Hasn't there been a time in each of your lives when you
didn't know what you were searching for? Haven’t there been times when you made
mistakes? I have been proclaimed to be a king, not a god. I am not perfect, but
neither is your leader, the one we call the Preacher. I promise you I will do
all I can as the next king to help your city, and to help the entire Realm have
more equality among all of her wonderful and diverse people. But if you don't
listen to me, I also promise you will receive the utmost punishment for
continued rebellion against the Realm. Put down your arms. I am still commander
of the King’s Elite Army, sworn to defend the Realm and have the King’s
authority to maintain the law.”

The men began to talk and argue among themselves. Some pulled out
weapons. The Preacher tried to regroup them, but they were out of his control
now. Many of them, convinced of what Darius had said, were tired of fighting.
They wanted to go home. The portion of the Elite Army that had come up from
Belor started to form a semi-circle around the outside of where the Preacher’s
men stood. Somebody from within the rebels shot an arrow and hit a Realm
soldier. Some of the soldiers retaliated and drew their arrows and swords.