Warden (Blade Asunder Book 3) (3 page)

The five travelers decided to journey in disguise while they were still in the Kingdom of Palara, each one wearing the simple clothes of merchants. Each would also carry a small supply of silks to reinforce their deception.

Having horses meant they could carry plenty of food supplies and hide their weapons from prying eyes. After much discussion, they agreed that a wagon would slow them down, although Ganry would have preferred one as it would have allowed them to hide the Queen.

Since the coupe, there was now much more trade activity. Myriam’s new advisors had agreed to slacken security on all borders. They hoped this would lead to an increase in trade to help the crown pay for the cost of the war that the usurper had caused. Trade negotiations were just one of many new changes that Myriam had implemented. Trade would bring prosperity back to the people of Palara.

This night they were staying at an inn just a mile from the borders of Vandemland. It was a busy inn due to the borders being overcrowded. The pass between the two kingdoms was set on a narrow road, between high cliffs. Prior to the coup, hardly anyone had used the official posts to cross the border, with smugglers having free reign. Now the borders were better patrolled and most, if not all, goods had to go through the official crossings.

“Getting over the pass isn’t the problem,” Ganry informed the group over their venison dinner. “It’s finding the elusive Qutaybah that is proving difficult. The Duchess had an alliance with him, but no other in the kingdom has such a privilege. I can send word by the Narcs, but this will be costly and even then they are not trustworthy. They are known as the smugglers, but the opening of the borders has made smuggling useless so they will now be looking for other ways to be making money.”

“I heard of a terrible tale told by the castle guards about the Narcs,” Myriam disclosed. “They sold Captain Henrickson and his squire, Arexos, into slavery. They had gone as spies sent by my uncle. You know, he was planning to invade Vandemland once he had the crown. He was totally mad,” she told the others, but none had known of the usurpers intentions. Ganry had always ignored the nobles and definitely had no time for politicians. “It’s true,” she emphasized with wide eyes. “The worse part of the tale is that Arexos managed to get back to the castle and my uncle had him beheaded. Poor boy. It seems my uncle was murdering people at a fast pace. He would have made a terrible King. I cannot imagine the state of the kingdom with his rule. My father was far too trusting of his brother.”

The Queen’s friends remained silent. Myriam rarely spoke of the coup. They all knew that the grief from losing both parents was still fresh and painful. Ganry felt she never had the chance to grieve her losses, but what did he know of a young girl’s needs. He had lost his own daughter at a similar age to Myriam, so his role at fatherhood had been thwarted. This was all the more reason to rescue the Duchess. Myriam needed a mother figure to help her mature, and to guide her into being a “good and just” Queen for the kingdom.

Everyone in the party slept lightly that night. Tomorrow they would brave the crossing into Vandemland.

They all rose early, whilst the sky was still in darkness, and ate a light breakfast before setting off. Reaching the border crossing just as the sun was rising above the horizon, it seemed that they were not the only ones looking for an early start.

“We could get through the thronging crowd much quicker if we told them who you really are,” Hendon suggested, looking in dismay at the long line of people trying to get over the border. This was going to slow down their progress.

“We cannot let the kingdom know that the Queen endangers herself in foreign lands,” Ganry said. “It’s mad enough that she’s here, but it is essential she remains incognito.”

“On this one, I agree with Ganry,” Myriam put in. “Can we not bribe our way forward? A few coins here and there to push our way to the front of the line?”

“It is a viable option,” Ganry agreed. “We will pose as the Johannson family once again, as we did in the town of Athaca. Myriam can be a sickly daughter that we are keen to get home quickly. Linz and Hendon can choose the people to bribe in the line so we can move forward to the border guards at a quicker pace.”

It did not prove that easy a task. Many of the people in the line were traders, all equally in a rush to sell their goods at local markets. It was easier for Linz and Hendon to offer to buy their wares, as the traders understood this far better than just receiving the money for nothing, which made them uneasy and suspicious.

“I will buy your knife, at a good rate, but only if you let my family have your place in the line,” Linz bartered with the a large man, stood in front of them.

It was a slow trade but it was moving them down the line quicker. Ganry and Wyatt stayed on their horses, observing for anything suspicious. Ganry had come to like Wyatt. He was much older in years than Linz and a veteran in battle. It seemed all in the line had learned of the family with the weak daughter and they all expected the trade deals to take place as the Johannson family arrived behind them.

After a few hours, Ganry was the next to be questioned by the border guards. He worried that the guards may have heard of their trickery to get to the front of the line, but it seemed that the tradespeople did not communicate with the guards unless they had to. It seemed to be an accepted opinion of, “them,” and “us.” The Johannson family were through the border guards in no time, with their purses much lighter and their saddles laden with the bartered goods.

They entered the first town after crossing the border and Ganry led them to an inn.

“We will be approached by a guide, sent to us from the Narcs. He is to take us to see Qutaybah,” Ganry explained.

They all settled down and awaited the guides arrival. Qutaybah was a mysterious figure to most of them. They had heard he was a rich man, a hardened slaver and mercenary, hiring out his private army to the best payers. What they were certain of though, was that no one should ever cross him. The plains of Vandemland were littered with the graves of those who had dared.

Artas was disappointed that he had not been able to go with the Queen on her quest. He was supposed to be her personal knight, an honor he had taken seriously. It seemed this was not a role that was needed all of the time, especially when she had Ganry. However, Ganry was older than him, so he supposed he would be trained to take his place, eventually.

Smiling at that thought, he looked down at the crowd that stood before him. One of his roles in the Queen’s absence was to placate the nobles. He was to convince them that the Queen was unwell and unavailable. There were few who were privy to the fact that she was not even in the castle, but the others must be told that he was Regent, given this role by his Queen.

He understood them to be nervous of a Regent, so soon after the cruel, vindictive self appointed Harald who had only recently held this position. But they could not compare him to Duke Harald. The man had murdered his parents by beheading them. He could never be a merciless leader, only a just one. He intended on doing a good job, while the Queen was absent. She had bestowed much responsibility on him, so he would forget the quest and meet his role head on.

Standing up, he took in a deep breath and then yelled at the top of his voice, surprising himself just how loud he was capable of shouting.

“My Lords, it is time for silence!” he ordered them. “I have been given the task of relaying all your concerns to your Queen. You are given the task of patience, and I see no sign of that amongst any of you today.”

Now he had their attention, he would instruct them of the Queen’s wishes.

“We have just finished a war. Our kingdom is in no hurry to be making rash decisions. The people need peace for a while, not changes. You must understand what your Queen has gone through. Now we must leave her to grieve her parents, let her have a mourning period. I’m sure even the politicians amongst you understand this human need.

“I will act as her representative. All your messages will be relayed to our Queen and all unimportant decisions can wait. I will be announcing to the citizens of the Kingdom of Palara that there is going to be a period of mourning for King Ludwig and Queen Alissia. It is only respectful and proper that we put them in our thoughts, even if only for a short while. That includes nobles and politicians.”

With the end of his speech, he bowed to the frowning faces and made his leave. He would have to face them again the next day, but for the rest of today, he would avoid them like a plague.

The Queen had called upon one of her faithful nobles, the young Lord Parsival of Ival Hold. He had been one of the first to come to her aid and had even attempted to assassinate Harald. For his troubles he had been incarcerated in the castle’s dungeons and no doubt treated with cruelty.

Since his release, once the throne was taken back by the rightful owner, she had come to trust his judgment. Artas also liked Lord Parsival and was glad for his council. Together they would run the Kingdom in the Queen’s absence.

“Bravo, Artas,” Parsival greeted him as he arrived back from his meeting with the nobles and politicians. “I heard your speech, very authoritative. That should placate them for a day or two.”

Artas smiled as he received the liquor that Parsival had poured for him in a beautifully cut glass goblet. It burned his throat and made his toes tingle, but it hit the spot.

“I think we’re going to be needing a few of those over the next few months,” Artas declared.

“Fear not, Artas, for we are not alone,” Parsival assured him. “There are few nobles that the Queen truly trusts, but there are enough of us to carry this deception through for a short while. No harm will come to her Kingdom and she shall rule all the better for having her grandmother by her side. Relax, the first day is over and all has gone as planned.”

Artas sat in a large cushioned chair and remembered his lost friend, Zander, who had been killed by a dragon on their quest to try and rid the land of Harald the usurper. Zander had been Duchess D’Anjue’s Chief Advisor, and he wished he were here now, to advise Artas.

Whilst he knew he had trusted nobles on his side, ultimately all decisions were to be on his head. Myriam must truly trust him to have ordained him Regent, and this thought cheered him. Though they had played together as children, and adventured together as adults, they were yet to spend time together socially.

He looked forward to Myriam’s return once her grandmother was safe. It would be a time for peace and relaxation. That time would come soon. He just needed the patience that he had asked of the nobles.

Lady Leonie walked into the room. She was also one of his loyal advisors. It was a pleasure to watch her enter the room so gracefully, for she was a beautiful and cultured lady.

“How are you both bearing up?” she asked, knowing Parsival would be fine, but also that Artas was still grieving his parents death. He rarely showed his grief, but Leonie knew him well and could still see the pain of loss in his eyes.

Leonie too had attempted to assassinate the false Regent, along with Parsival, and like him she had spent a while in the dungeons. It was about that failed attempt that she was here now as she had recently learned of who the betrayer had been on the eve of the assassination attempt.

“I cannot see how the news I have to tell you should affect our temporary running of the Kingdom, but I do believe that Parsival deserves to know who betrayed us.”

This had Parsival’s attention and he stood up. He had often wondered who could have known, other than the loyal nobles involved, and none of them would have sided with the usurper.

“It was the monk, the one that you said was last seen with the Duchess. I found out from one of the guards who was posted with Duke Harald. He was there during one of his conversations with the strange little man,” Leonie finished.

“You mean, Ghaffar?”

Leonie simply nodded.

Queen Myriam had only met Qutaybah once, and that had been fleeting. After she had regained her throne, she had never really had the chance to thank him, for she knew he had played a part as he was allied with her grandmother.

He took her hand in greeting as they arrived in one of his many homes. He had specifically chosen this one as it was nearest to the border. His large dark skinned hand encompassed hers, delicate and pale in contrast.

“Any who are aligned to the Duchess D’Anjue are welcome in my home and in my lands. I will provide you with safe passage, Queen Myriam, for I wish to see the Duchess back in her homelands,” he said. “My only regret is that I did not secure her safety before I left your Kingdom. I had not realized that she had been taken.”

“Nor we,” Myriam responded, annoyed at herself for not seeking out her grandmother as soon as she had arrived back at the castle. Though she had probably been long gone by then. “We had word that she had been released from the dungeon and I think we all presumed her safe. The sly monk had slipped her away from under my nose, and I will have her returned at all costs.”

“Please, let us sit and eat,” Qutaybah opened up his arms, welcoming the small party to be seated upon the plush cushions. He gestured at a table where a variety of fruits, cheeses, meats, plus servants, awaited upon their pleasure.

All took a seat with the exception of Ganry. He was always on duty to protect his Queen, even if this Qutaybah was meant to be an ally. Ganry would eat when his Queen slept. For now, he would listen and observe. Later he would learn much information from the gossiping slaves and servants.

“I have heard of this Ghaffar, he is an elusive creature. He dwells in the forbidden lands of the underground dwellers. We call them the Akkedis Mense. My country has many riches under its soils and most of it is mined, but the forbidden lands are never entered by the wise. This is where the Akkedis Mense dwell and none would wish to stir up their nests. Ghaffar is a chameleon. He can disguise himself as many creatures. Your people have seen him as a monk, mine have seen him as a rich merchant. Whatever disguise he wears, he is a reptilian by heart. He is an ambassador of his people, the Akkedis Mense.”

“You have given us much information to ponder, Qutaybah, I thank you for your openness,” Myriam said.

“My people are familiar with a legend of the Rooggaru, which you call Akkedis Mense,” Linz spoke up, remembering what had happened the night he lost his uncle. “Ghaffar had one of these creatures with him whilst he lived at the temple near my home. It was a vile and vicious monster and killed Chief Clay by draining him of his blood. If Ghaffar is a Rooggaru, or Akkedis Mense, then I do not think he can be trusted.”

“We may have something that he wants,” Hendon spoke. “Why else would he take the Duchess other than to lure us there to rescue her?”

“He seemed a kind man when he brought my grandmother’s men to me. They had been searching for me in vain until he showed them the way. I believe whatever he wants must be connected to the D’Anjue bloodline,” Myriam shared her thoughts. “I also believe it must be something we are loathe to give up, otherwise he would have just asked us, surely?” she added.

“Well,” Ganry finally said, wanting this meeting to end, “we won’t know until we meet them in person, and as the journey there is long and perilous I suggest an early night.”

He hoped this would encourage Myriam to see that there was no more to be learned here, and retire to her rooms. There she would be safely in once place, and he could mingle amongst the household to find out any real secrets. Slaves do not do the bidding of their masters, voluntarily. A few coins in the right direction and he should find out all he needed to know.

He glanced over at Qutaybah. He was fearsome looking, very powerfully built and completely bald. Ganry did not trust him despite his proclamation of friendship to his Queen. Having been a mercenary himself, he knew that his sword had gone to the highest bidder. What if this bald man was playing both sides? What if he was just luring them into a trap? The sooner they were away from here, the happier he would feel.

“I personally cannot guarantee your safety, Queen Myriam,” Qutaybah’s deep, rumbling voice said. “Instead, I will send one of my most trusted guards with you. I would like to introduce you to Perseus. He is to be your guide while you are traveling in this region, and he will take you deep into the forbidden lands where many of my people do not dare to tread.”

Ganry looked at the huge warrior who had just entered the room. He was nearly twice the size of himself. He wondered at how much his role was meant to be as a spy, and how much as a guide. He knew that their guide would be doing Qutaybah’s bidding, and not theirs.

“Perseus is a welcome addition to our group of travelers,” Myriam thanked Qutaybah, for she knew they could not do this quest without his help. “Once again, my family owes you thanks for the kindness that you show us.”

Myriam was not fooled by Qutaybah’s kindness. She knew it would come at a price, but her grandmother could negotiate that once she was free, for this was her ally.

Linz was awed by the huge warrior, Perseus. So much so that he could not resist getting up from his seat to prod him, and check if he was real.

“I think with Ganry, Wyatt and Perseus, we will be unbeatable indeed,” Linz laughed, and he was not without his own skills when it came to battle. He felt secure that Myriam would be safe in the hands of such companions.

Hendon played no part in the amusement of the new group member. Instead he would be relying on his magic, not his muscles, which could not be compared to the fighters in the group. But, nor could any of them talk to the animals and to nature itself. Since accepting the Berghein stones as his bloodline right, his skills had been enhanced to such levels that he would never want to be without his magic ever again.

“That’s settled then,” Queen Myriam announced. “We are now a group of six. My grandmother will be most grateful upon her return.”

With this Myriam stood and said her goodbyes, agreeing that Ganry would organize their departure with Perseus so that they could all leave the next morning.