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  Chapter Two

  Leonard, the Regent of Rodonel, stared out the window overlooking the city of Rodon. The blazing summer sun glinted off the river Leukos that flowed past the capital nestled at the foot of the Augazo Mountains. Only by crossing the bridge, wide enough for four horse-drawn carriages, could one enter through the guarded gates. The river provided a means of protection, along with the worm dragon residing in the depths of the deep watercourse.

  Not that Leon thought the capital city needed protection. Aside from the few infringements by rogue wizards on the border towns, he’d not witnessed any threats to the Province of Rodonel. Still, because of what he had seen during his tour, Leon realized the need for added protection around the borders.

  He glanced down at the letter clutched in his hand. This one from the Prior who was in charge of the Meeting Hall in Osas—The livestock traders. The majority of responses said practically the same thing. Most of the Rodonel townships were unwilling to send their young people to him at this time.

  Leon wanted to train more guards to protect the borders from the neighboring wizards. He also wanted young people to make the trip to Radiance and Aloblase where they could attend the Academy and begin learning to use their gifts to help enhance the kingdom.

  Most of the Priors had responded that everyone was too busy working their land and nobody had the time to accompany the younger ones on the trip to the capital city.

  The Prior from Osas actually sounded rude with his response.

  “Sire, you promised that we would have time to organize and find people willing to make such a trip. A trip, might I remind you, that will take them far from their homes. Yes, as I said when you visited, I believe that encouraging our youths to undergo instruction concerning their trades was essential. However, it simply is not practical at this time. This is the season we need every hand available to work the land. How else can we maintain the trade Rodon is accustomed to from us?”

  Leon crumpled the letter and tossed it onto his desk with the other crumpled bits of parchment. Strange how agreeable they’d been when speaking to him face-to-face, but now…

  Distance did make a huge difference, it seemed.

  He would need to make the trip north to the mountain city of Radiance after harvest. He’d hoped to take as many with him as were willing to go. From Radiance, they could continue their training, or travel through a portal to meet with King Shaydon.

  One huge need he’d noticed during his tour was that too many of the younger generation had not made any attempt, or even shown a desire, to meet with the King. Leon needed to find a way to encourage that desire.

  He leaned against the bookshelf that surrounded the arched window. The Hall was high up on the side of the hills that bordered the town. The township spread out along the flat plain between the foothills and river.

  Watching the cluttered market square reminded Leon that he needed to make time to visit the tailor for some new outfits. Now that he had meetings to attend on a daily basis, he needed to dress the part.

  He would miss his comfortable traveling clothes.

  “Oh well, I’ll go tomorrow.” For now, he needed to find a solution to this one problem, at least. He rang a bell sitting on his work table. A few minutes later, a young blond-headed boy entered and bowed low. He wore the blue and silver uniform of a Page, except the knees of his breeches were grass-stained and an inch too short around his ankles.

  “Samuel,” he said to the young attendant who often ran his errands and delivered messages. He would someday make a fine Messenger for the King with his clarion voice and daring personality. “Would you let my advisers know that I’d like to meet with them in the next hour? Tell them I’ll be waiting in the library.”

  The boy bowed again. “Yes, your highness.”

  Leon pinched the bridge of his nose. “How many times have I asked you not to call me that? You save that title for the day you address King Shaydon. You’ll address me by my name.”

  The boy’s freckled face colored to match the red carpet of the study. “But Sire, the Steward will have my hide if he hears me using your common name.”

  The Steward, another relic remaining from Leon’s father’s time of serving, or rather ruling, might soon need to be reassigned. The former regent, Lonnell of the House of Lion, served nobody but himself.

  Leon still did not understand why Prince Issah appointed him to take over his deceased father’s position. There were many others who were better equipped to handle running the Rodonal Province.

  “Then call me Regent, that should be safe. Now go do as I ask.” He waved the boy away. People who showered him with lofty titles and too much praise made him nervous. He didn’t like it.

  Eventually, he’d need to find someone to replace the Steward who constantly looked down his long, bent nose at Leon’s lack of decorum. There were still too many of his father’s staunch followers hanging around like cobwebs clinging to the walls of a tomb.

  This was a new day, a new rule, with new plans to carry out. Leon would not tolerate anyone remaining who intended to drag down his innovative ideas. He wanted this province to thrive and grow, and he planned to do whatever it took to make that happen.

  If the town leaders were reluctant to send their people to him, he would find a way to go to them. Maybe not him personally, but he could send Messengers to stir the people’s hearts and get them excited about his plans for growth and maybe even someday expand his borders.

  Wouldn’t that impress Prince Issah?

  Yes, somehow, he’d work hard, every waking moment if that’s what it took to turn this province around and make it into something King Shaydon could actually be proud of.

  As he headed down to the first-floor library, he met his mother along the way. She had also received a letter which she waved to get his attention. “I’ve word from your cousin and his wife. They’ve reached Goia safely with Riyah’s help. There is now a white road for people to travel between there and Rodon, I’m sure you’ll be pleased by that news.” Her smile tilted up on one side.

  Riyah was a being, called an Elderad, who served as King Shaydon’s counselors and advisors around the kingdom. Only regents were given the privilege of the council from an Elderad. Leon did not take his friendship with Riyah lightly. Not anymore.

  One of Riyah’s many talents was his ability to turn a common dirt road into one covered in the sparkling white stones that Meeting Halls were built from. Any person who walked upon the King’s Highway, also known as the White Road, traveled under the protection of King Shaydon. A province with such roads joining the various hamlets and towns were also protected from those outside forces that wished to bring harm to a province dedicated to Shaydon.

  Leon was sure that was why Issah assigned the Elderad to Rodonal.

  “Any word from my Chief Adviser?” he asked, taking the envelope from his mother.

  “No, but cousin Emory wrote to let us know there are no signs of wizard activity in the town. The previous Prior, a man named Wilhelm, said that Goia is free from any contacts made with sorcerers. Emory and Lizzy have already fallen in love with the little hamlet and promise you will hear more from them soon. He has several young people that he’s met that are of prime age to make the journey to meet King Shaydon. He wanted to know if you wish for him to send them your way now, or wait until you were ready to depart for Radiance.”

  He took the letter and glanced over it, wondering if there might be some mention of the former Prior’s daughter. But no such news had been included. His heart deflated, but he kept his face stony in front of his mother who had listened with great interest when Riyah had shared about his accident while they were visiting Goia and the Sano woman who healed his broken leg.

  Since then, he’d had a hard time getting the golden-haired maiden out of his mind.

  “Emory is a smart man,” Leon folded the letter and tucked it into the pocket of his jacket. He had faith that his cousin would bring the town around and make it prosperous
in due time. “I’ll write him back after I speak with the council. That’s where I’m heading now.”

  His mother brushed a bit of lint off his shoulder. “Very well. I’m pleased they arrived safely. Will you ask about the girl when you write back? I’m sure you must be curious, especially after she mended your broken leg. If anyone needs to make that trip with you to Radiance, it should be her.”

  “Emory can handle Goia, that’s why I sent him. If she wishes to come, I’m sure he’ll send her with the rest. Now I’m going to be late for the meeting I called.”

  His mother narrowed her eyes at him as she clasped her delicate hands together. “This evening we should discuss my idea for having the ball here. It’ll give the people a chance to see you, and perhaps you’ll meet an eligible maiden during the event.”

  Leon would not fall into another discussion with his mother about his need to find a wife. He was fine with how things were. He had too much on his platter already. He did not need a wife to be a good regent, he didn’t care what all the Elders thought.

  “I’m running late, Mother.”

  “Oh, very well. I’ll see you at dinner tonight. We can talk more about this at that time.”

  Before he could make an excuse to eat in his quarters, she was strolling out the front doors, probably for a walk in the gardens.

  By the time Leon finally reached the library, his advisers were already gathered around the main table.

  “Good afternoon,” Leon said, trying his best authoritative tone. He took the seat at the head of the table. “I’ve heard back from nearly all the towns that I sent the letter we drafted. So far, the majority have answered the same way. They can’t spare the loss of workers, and they don’t wish to send their young people at this time.”

  The fair-headed man to his right tapped his fingers on the table top. Ansel, who was in his late forties, had taken over Kolomon’s post after the elder man, who’d worked for his father, had left Leon during the tour of Rodonal Province. Leon did not mind the loss of the arrogant Koloman in the least and actually liked his new appointee.

  The other two men, Zoppel and Naton, had both served as Priors at one time in their lives, both were in their sixties, but were open-minded and thoughtful with their advice. They had also served on Father’s council, but Leon liked them and had decided to keep them on.

  Ansel leaned forward on his elbows and pressed his hands together. “I suppose, Regent, if they will not come to us, we should discuss the possibilities of us going to them.”

  Zoppel’s hair was gray like river stones and often tied back at the nape of his neck. His paunch pressed against the edge of the table. He used it to rest his arms on. “The real question is, who will we find that’s willing to travel to the hamlets?”

  Leon suggested, “I will have notices posted around town. Maybe I can send a request to Tarest and DeTierre? They are the only two towns, aside from my cousin who just reached Goia, that are willing to send people to us.” Though they were only willing to offer a handful of their youths.

  Naton leveled his gaze on Leon. “It’s early, Leon,” the practical man said. “Don’t become discouraged over their lack of enthusiasm. They are waiting to see what kind of leader you will be.” He shook his finger at him, “I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again and again until you start doing something about this. If you want the people’s respect, show them you are a respectable man. A family man.”

  Leon’s mouth started to open in protest, but Naton cut him off.

  “I know, I know, you think you are too busy. But I’m telling you, Regent.” Naton paused a moment, then asked in a softer tone, “Isn’t this why you agreed to appoint me as an adviser? I’d assumed it was because you believe I have a small bit of wisdom to impart. Am I correct?”

  Naton enjoyed his simple comforts, as well, and often spoke with bluntness, and sensibility.

  Except on the matter of marriage. There was no need to rush such things.

  “Yes, Sir.” Leon gave a nod to pacify them and hopefully get them back to the important topic of the towns.

  “Then listen to me. To us.” Naton moved his hand in a circle motioning to his fellow counselors. “We’ve all said that you need to find a wife and start a family if you honestly hope to gain cooperation from your people. Look at all the other regents. They are married and have huge families and, I will add, the respect and devotion of their citizens. Folks want to know that you understand them, what they are going through. Here you are asking them to send their youths to you. Do you have any idea how hard it is for parents to send their children away? Not knowing for sure how you will treat them?”

  Leon leaned back in his chair, realizing he’d never once considered how families would feel about being separated. But what was he to do about that? In the other provinces he’d visited or passed through, it was a common expectation that children in their teen years would come to the capitol and undergo more intense training than they received in the smaller towns.

  Unfortunately, Father hadn’t seemed to care what the people of the towns outside of Rodon did, so long as trade remained stable.

  “So, you’re not going to let this go?” Leon sighed deeply. “I must find a wife and soon?”

  All three men nodded simultaneously.

  Wonderful. A wife was the last thing he wanted, or needed, at this time of his life.

  Chapter Three

  Darnel led the caravan wagon into a cluster of trees. There were few sheltered areas outside of the large town of Osas, their destination. From the road, he could see the town perched upon a hill and surrounded by miles and miles of grasslands.

  Their little group that consisted of himself, an injured wizard and a frightened elf were in no way ready to enter the town’s gates.

  While he unhooked the cart ponies Anwynn approached her long curling hair, the color of a cloudy sunset. She’d tied back today, revealing her pointed elfin ears. Her graceful steps barely made a mark on the ground. She’d brought the horses’ brushes and feed bags with her.

  While Darnel removed the harnesses, Anwynn began brushing down the ponies’ coats. “Fajer still does not speak.” Her melodic voice lowered into a whisper. “He’s slept all day. I’m worried, Darnel.” The elfin woman only used his name when she wanted something. At least she’d finally stopped calling him Mutt. Since fleeing the hamlet town of Goia, after the fiasco with the Sano girl, he and Anwynn had gained a small bit of respect for each other.

  Darnel gave a short nod. “Soon as I picket the horses, I’ll try to speak to him again. Why don’t you go hunting for us? I think we’ll camp in the shelter of these woods for a few days.” He took the brush from the elf. “There is no point entering Osas until Fajer is responding again. This plan was all his idea.”

  Her sharply defined mouth turned down in a sneer. “And we saw how his last plan fared.”

  “Let’s try to not rub it in, shall we? What’s done is done.”

  Anwynn’s scowl remained, but she nodded despite any reservations she might have. “Do you believe that Koloman fellow is still in the city?”

  Before Fajer went to Goia to claim his contract on the Sano girl, he’d learned that the regent’s adviser had abandoned his post. There had been some disagreement between the two men. Fajer was sure he could use their disagreement to his favor.

  Darnel shrugged. Without being able to look into the all-seeing globe, he couldn’t be sure. “That’s why we are remaining here. We’re far away from the Mire Woods and the Brethren Order. And hopefully hidden enough that travelers passing along the road won’t see us.”

  Her head bobbed a few times before she reached over her shoulder and pulled a bow out of nowhere. Somehow, the elf had access to any kind of weapon she felt necessary by mere thought. “Don’t build any fires until I return.”

  Darnel found her special talent amazing and wished he knew if elfin magic could be transferred in the same way the Brethren sapped a human’s gifted powers. His mind danced with the
possible advances he would accomplish by being able to pull any weapon out of thin air. However, he had plenty of powers in his own right. Shielding, mind-probing, and more. So much more, that he kept strictly to himself.

  As Anwynn headed away from camp, Darnel called out, “Take your time and bring back something that’ll last us a few days.”

  Mainly, he wanted her gone while he had it out with the wizard hiding inside the wagon. He knew Fajer didn’t sleep all day. Nearly a month had passed since the incident with the Sano girl. For the first couple of weeks, Darnel and Anwynn were patient with their master, but enough was enough.

  Soon as he had the horses tended, he went to the back of the caravan. Not bothering to knock, he yanked open the door. Fajer sat on the floor, surrounded by several brown tinted bottles from his supply cabinet. His bald head was covered with red markings, reminding Darnel to proceed with caution when dealing with the wizard.

  The heavy smell of snakeroot and other pungent herbs permeated the small space. Darnel’s gaze drifted from the man on the floor to the potbelly stove where some concoction brewed. “What are you doing with that…? It’s poisonous!”

  Fajer glared at him, his violet eyes rimmed with red and burning with some kind of fevered anger. “Begone, Grunt! Leave me!”

  Darnel’s breath caught. He’d not been called that in ages.

  Sweat dotted the master wizard’s scalp as he poured a bit of the steaming liquid into a vial. He set the pot back on the stove, then stared at the liquid and swirled it in the beam of light shining from the small square window.

  “This will take care of everything.” Fajer tipped the glass to his lips.

  Darnel bolted inside, knocking the tube from the man’s hand. Glass shattered, spewing the contents over the wood flooring. He grabbed Fajer by the hood of his cloak and dragged him outside. “What do you think you are doing?”

  Fajer hit the ground and didn’t bother to get up. “Like you really care? I’m surprised you are not holding the vial steady for me while I drink. Then you’ll get what you’ve wanted all along. Me out of the way.” He reached into the pocket of his vest and threw a key at Darnel. “There, that’ll unlock my cabinet where I keep my most prized possessions. You’ll find several items of interest along with the globe you’ve been drooling over. Take it. Take it all and let me finish what I started.” He moved to get up when Darnel pinned him down with a boot on his back.