《I Am King: Book One (fourth draft)》


 Chapter 1

    As Nisila approached the guild camp, she said a silent prayer, hoping she was not too late to save the prince. Her journey to the country of Hattan was the most extended sea voyage she had ever taken, and the farthest she had been from her homeland in the Middle Islands. She was homesick and weary of travel, but the quest took precedence over her body and heart.


    If she did not get to the boy in time, all the years she had spent fighting and planning would be for nothing. She had to get the young prince home safely, and she was prepared to do anything to save him. Her life''s calling was to make sure Prince Beaumont ascended the throne and becameking of the Middle Islands.


    She crossed the sea with her raven Shadow-cry. The bird occupied his time eating grain, and also found great sport in diving into the ocean and grabbing fish near the surface. The sailors quickly grew fond of the raven, and the bird kept them entertained during the long journey. Shadow-cry was twice the size of any other raven, and his eyes were bright and intelligent; she was happy for his companionship.


    Once she arrived in the country of Hattan, the ship docked in the city of Morris Port. It was a young city that served as the central trading hub of the region. Nisila did not remain in Morris Port long; she took a ferry across the river to Arlem, and after getting directions from the ferryman, she made her way west to the camp of the New Brotherhood. She would need help securing his safety, and the guild of the New Brotherhood was her best chance. The Brotherhood were once allied to the Paladin army that freed her country from Deode occupation, and she hoped that would lend some favor to her request for help. She set off through the forest on foot, with hope in her heart and Shadow-cry watching her back.


    After nearly two hours of walking, she emerged from the cold shadows of the forest, and before her were the walls of the New Brotherhood camp. Shadow-cry flew ahead to investigate. To her left was a dirt road that left the tree line and meandered toward the main gate. After watching the raven disappear into the distance, she noticed a small group of men running drills a few yards in front of her. The men reminded her of her comrades back home and she longed to see her island again. An old grizzled captain, a tall black man with a thick reddish beard, shouted instructions to the sweating soldiers.


    He wore a black gambeson that came down to his knees, similar to the style Nisila purchased from a sailor during her journey across the sea. Her''s was light brown, but more form-fitting and buckled at her waist with a black leather belt. In Morris Port she bought boots lined with sheep''s wool and the merchant, who was a sweet young woman with a lovely smile, added some linen gloves with her purchase.


    She lived her entire life in the warmth of the islands and never felt such cold weather before. The mist that appeared after every breath fascinated her. Everyone looked as if they were smoking, and upon landing in Morris Port when she thought no one was looking, she blew out puffs of air to amuse herself. Real smoking¡ªa popular pastime in the Middle Islands¡ªwas a habit she never picked up, along with drinking anything that would dull her senses. Observing the change in other people after they drank was enough to deter her from the past time; she liked keeping her wits alert and sharp at all times.


    An immense wall of timber enclosed the camp, built in a semi-circle against the face of a cliff. The cliff reached several feet high, and on the top was a plateau with a building surrounded by many trees. The structure was in the shape of a long hall, well built with high windows that sparkled in the distance like jewels. From where Nisila was standing, she could make out a path that went from left to right across the face of the cliff. A massive green lawn separated her from the main gate. It was a strong defensive position allowing the Brotherhood to see any enemies coming from a long way.


    She looked up and spotted Shadow-cry circling above just before he dove over the wall and entered the camp. He would signal her if he found any threats within. He had a keen eye that saved her in the past, and she relied on him. Satisfied, she adjusted her cloak about her shoulders, trying to fend off the cold. The sky was clear and the sun was beaming, yet she could not feel its warmth. It was like the fire of the sun struggled to penetrate the northern air.


    When she approached the gate, there were four guards on duty. The guards wore black woolen coats over mail armor and green cloaks, without helms; they leaned lazily on their long spears. One fair-skinned man with brown hair and bright blue eyes addressed her.


    "Hello, what brings you to the New Brotherhood guild?" the guard asked.


    Nisila quickly sized up each of the men as she spoke, "I would like an audience with your guild master."


    "If you come to join our ranks, I can point you in the right direction," the guard said. "You do not meet with the guild master directly."


    "I am not here to apply to your guild, though I am sure it would be a great honor," Nisila replied. "I have traveled far and I do not have much time. I mean to speak with the guild master right away. I have an important matter to discuss with him. He would be interested in meeting me."


    "If you have not sent word of your coming, doubt that he would," the guard said, sounding bored. "He rarely meets guest on short notice, but I will take your message."


    Nisila thought carefully before giving the message, hoping to pick the right words that would grant her the meeting. "Inform him I have arrived from the Middle Islands, and that I am a messenger from an old alliance. Let him know I require his help with a matter that could benefit him greatly."


    The guard looked at one of his companions and shrugged, "If that is all, I shall have my man send word to the guild master. What name should I give?"


    "He will not know me," Nisila said. "I am only a humble messenger, but if you must give a name, tell him Nisila of the Middle Islands."


    "Wait here at the gate for his response, but make yourself as comfortable as you can. As I said, he rarely meets anyone without prior notice and he may not see you this day, but maybe on another day."


    "I cannot wait another day," Nisila said. "I have already come late, and my quest is of great importance. I suggest you tell your messenger to express this to the guild master."


    "We cannot be so bold," the guard replied, with a raised brow. "But we will see what comes of your request. Wait here." The guard briefly spoke to one of the men at the gate, a tall fellow with light skin and long dirty blonde hair. The man nodded and was off to deliver the message. Nisila watched the man walk away and his lack of urgency irritated her, but she had done all she could do for the moment. She pulled her cloak tightly around her shoulders and stood to the side of the gate.


    Several wagons appeared from the forest, slowly approaching along the dirt road that led directly to where Nisila was standing. Many men dressed in the fashion of the guild sat upon it. They wore warm clothes and long green cloaks, and some were fair of skin and others darker in complexion like Nisila, with sandy brown skin. The wagons were laden with crates, barrels, and bags. As the men rode past her, she caught a strong smell of fish and soil. She counted four wagons, all filled to the brim with goods. The last travelers were hauling an assortment of arms, mainly spears and throwing javelins.


    As she watched them enter the gate, they continued along the dirt road that led directly through the middle of the camp. It was wide enough to fit four horses side by side, with smaller paths leading off to other sections of the base. Small makeshift tents lined the inside of the wall and adjacent to those, larger structures constructed of wood were built toward the center of the camp. The men and women living within the camp went about their daily business with much vigor, and they greeted each other warmly. The breadth of the camp reminded her of a small town. It was strange seeing such a large community of people at ease. Her homeland was suffering through a violent civil war, and she had forgotten how calming security and peace of mind could be. It was a positive reminder of why she was fighting. She yearned for peace.


    Nisila waited impatiently for the messenger to return, and the guards refused to send another runner to find him even though it had been over an hour since he left. Just as she was crouching to eat a few bites from her pouch, she spotted the messenger riding toward the gate, leading a horse behind him.


    "Greetings," the guard said. "The guild master can briefly meet with you. He asked that you take the horse up the hill to his hall. It will be much quicker. I will ride along with you." Nisila put her food away and slipped on her linen gloves. She mounted the black mare, and the guard led her down the main road toward the guildhall; He was riding a lovely horse with a gray coat and black spots. Getting an audience with the guild master was a big win. Now she had to make sure she made a positive impression on him.


    Nisila was impressed with the camp as they rode through, and she wanted to learn more about the guild. "How long has your New Brotherhood occupied this land?" She asked the young man riding beside her.


    "I only joined them a year ago," the guard said. "But they arrived twenty years past. It was all forest before they came, but the guild master at the time ordered the trees cut down and cleared from the cliff, as far back as you see it today. They used the wood to build the first barracks and stables, which we ride past now if you look over your shoulder to the left. Upon settling here they were harried by raiders from southern Hattan, so they fortified this position. Once the raids stopped and they pushed the clans out of northern Hattan, which today we call Arlem, they continued to build and prosper."


    A group of men went past them carrying arrows. With the training and incoming goods, it looked like they were preparing for war.


    "So much preparation and training," Nisila said. "Do you still fight these southern raiders?"


    "At times we do," the guard said. "There are many princes who own land in Hattan, and unlucky for them the best soil is near the southern border. The New Brotherhood helps to protect their interest by hiring out our men to defend against the southern raiders. Once I finish my training, I can join the fighting. They pay men well to defend the borders." An army of mercenaries was the thing that the Middle Islands needed. However, such men did not come cheap, and her people hardly had enough to contest Rancine''s army. Her priority was securing the safety of her prince; she would have to leave the rest to others with more exceptional minds than her own. Her current quest was overwhelming enough, without the added burden of politics and financing armies.


    The road leading to the guildhall was narrow and paved with stones. Any enemy looking to assault the plateau would have a difficult task ahead of them. There was only room for two horses to walk abreast and the path became more narrow the closer they got to the top, allowing for only one horse at a time once they reached the halfway point. Upon reaching the top, Nisila looked back to see an open view of green forest and white peaked mountains in the distance. The wind was strong and cold, sending a shiver through her body. She did not think it was something she would ever get used too. She spotted Shadow-cry descending toward her. The raven landed upon her shoulder with a noisy flutter, and she dismounted the horse.


    Two men standing at the entrance of the hall approached her and the guard. The man that addressed her was dark of skin with a bald head. He wore a black wool coat and black trousers, "I hope you do not intend to walk into our hall with that eagle upon your shoulder."


    Nisila fed the bird a small morsel from her pocket before addressing the man, "This is a raven, though I am sure you have never seen one this large. The bird is well trained and will be no bother, that I can assure you."


    "As I am closer to the bird, I can see my error now," the man said in awe. "It is a raven. I was unaware that the beast could grow so large. This one must be half drake. Even if your bird is trained, these are the rules, and the raven must remain outside."


    "You might find it difficult keeping Shadow-cry outside while I am in your guildhall," Nisila replied with a sly smile. "He is swift and agile; he will easily find his way within your hall."


    "Very well," the guard replied. "I do not mean to make an issue out of it and to tell you the truth I do not relish the idea of chasing a bird around. He has an unsettling way about him. He looks at me as if he were listening to every word and understanding what I was saying. Very strange, indeed. I will make note that the request was made to relinquish your pet, but you refused. We will see what Master Eric says on the matter."


    "That is a fair decision," Nisila replied. "And I thank you for being so understanding. Please take me to Eric. I am eager to meet him." The guard bowed curtly and turned about in a flurry, his cloak snapping behind him. Shadow-cry screeched loudly, and the man glanced back with a raised eyebrow. Nisila held back a laugh and patted Shadow-cry.


    "Do not be so mean," She whispered. "The guard is only doing his duty. Also, be mindful of your manners with Eric, we cannot afford any mistakes."


    The guildhall was warm and inviting. It looked larger from the outside, but the first room they entered was cozy. The ceiling was vaulted, fitted with cross beams and windows were built high near the ceiling, letting in plenty of sunlight. Torches burnt dimly from scions, making the room comfortably warm and a black rug led to a set of double doors. The guard opened the door and motioned for Nisila to enter.


    "Greetings, guild master," the guard announced. "I present to you Nisila of the Middle Islands." The room was large, with the floors laid with gray and white flagstones. To the left was a warm hearth and to the right a large wooden table with several maps and documents laid open upon it. Before her, sitting in a high backed chair covered in furs, was guild master Eric.


    Eric was a middle-aged man with short black hair and a clean-shaven face, black skin and bright, welcoming eyes. He wore a sleeveless linen shirt, showing powerful arms and a broad chest, with fitted black pants and tan traveling boots. Upon his neck was a necklace with a golden medallion, but Nisila could not make out the design etched into it. On both his forearms he wore golden armguards, and he had a ring upon his right index finger with a small green jewel in it. He clasped his hands before him, with his index fingers pressed against his lips, contemplating some deep thought.


    "Fetch Samus and leave us," Eric said to the guard, as he nodded toward a stool at his feet. As Nisila sat, he remained silent, staring directly at her. She smiled and nodded, wondering if she should address him first, or stay silent. She was Unclear if there was a custom she was supposed to follow before the guild master and chastised herself for not asking before meeting him.


    "I apologize," Eric said finally. "I should have called on Samus earlier. He is my second in command, and he must be present at all my meetings." His voice was cheerful, and Nisila felt a little more at ease. She noticed him eyeing Shadow-cry.


    "This is my raven, Shadow-cry," Nisila said. "He is well trained. I understand you do not allow animals in your hall, and I am sorry, but he is impossible to keep away. He watches over me constantly."


    "I do not mind," Eric replied. "He has been quiet since you entered and has hardly moved. How did you come by him?"


    "He was a gift from a friend," Nisila said, hoping Eric would not inquire any further. Shadow-cry belonged to her lover, Denali and upon his death a month ago, the raven had followed her ever since. It was a grief that was still near to her heart and the reason she found herself in this desperate quest to find the Prince. "Shadow-cry, the mantle," Nisila commanded, and the bird leaped off her shoulder and landed neatly above the hearth.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    "The raven knows what a mantle is?" Eric smiled.


    "He is brilliant," Nisila said. "He impresses me every day." The door behind her creaked open, and another man entered the room. He was fair of skin and tall, with a clean-shaven face and blue eyes. His hair was brown and came down to his shoulders. He was much younger than Eric, maybe similar to her age, at about twenty-five. He wore a light brown woolen sweater, that buttoned up along the left side of his torso, with black boots and trousers. Nodding to Nisila, he stopped short when he saw the large raven sitting upon the mantle.


    The man nodded at Eric with a smile, "What is this eagle doing in here? By the gods, I have never seen one so large!"


    "The raven belongs to, Nisila," Eric said. "Nisila, this is Samus my second in command. As I said, he is to be present at all my meetings. He is to know my mind on all matters because he oversees the guild business when I am away." Samus leaned forward and offered his arm to Nisila in greeting. She did not like the way he looked at her. His face was pleasant and handsome, but there was lust in his eyes. He quickly glanced at her from head to toe, before walking to stand at Eric''s shoulder. Nisila slicked her black hair back and adjusted her ponytail, feeling suddenly uncomfortable with Samus in the room.


    "Tell me, Nisila of the Middle Islands, what brings you to Arlem?" Eric asked.


    Nisila took a breath to clear her mind and bring her thoughts in line. There was so much that had happened, that she was suddenly unsure where to begin. She decided to get straight to the point. "I come seeking your help because you were once an ally of the Middle Islands. Twenty-five years ago, you brave men of the New Brotherhood rode side by side with the Paladins of Gordon, and you freed us from the Deode Empire. You gave us a King to rule our new country, and we are forever in your debt."


    Eric exchanged an approving glance with Samus, "I thank you for the kind words, Nisila, those were truly the best years of my life, and I look back on them proudly."


    "As you should," Nisila replied. "Yet, we call on you again for aid."


    At this, Eric sighed, "The war is behind me now, Nisila, I cannot imagine what more I could do for the Middle Islands."


    "There is much you can do," Nisila said. "We have been in a civil war for nearly ten years now. After the murder of King Bohemond, the islands fell into turmoil. Old grudges between the wealthy clans erupted anew, and we remain fractured."


    "That is truly sad to hear," Eric replied. "The Middle Isles are beautiful and rich, and I remember the coronation of Bohemond, it was a great victory for all involved. I felt he would make a good leader."


    Nisila nodded solemnly at the memory of her past King. "He was a good King, and he brought the clans together. Our only hope is to have peace returned."


    "Are you looking to hire our men in your civil war?" Samus asked.


    "Hire you? No, I am afraid that would not be possible," Nisila said. "We do not have the means to hire men to fight for us."


    Samus laughed incredulously. "Then why are you here if not to hire us for our military assistance?" Nisila looked at Eric, and he seemed to be waiting for an answer to the question posed to her. Samus irked her with his carefree laugh, and she suddenly wished he was not in the room.


    "I am here because it is time for the true King of the Middle Islands to return to the throne," Nisila said. "Rancine murdered Bohemond and then assassinated Queen Reena. He also meant to murder their newborn son, Beaumont¡­but he failed." Eric raised an eyebrow and looked at Samus. Whatever thought they shared went unspoken before Nisila.


    "Bohemond had a son?" Eric said. "There is a living heir? Why is this coming out now? How old is the child?"


    "He would be in his tenth or eleventh year," Nisila said. "My people and I knew of his existence, and he has been kept safe all these years, waiting until he was a man grown to make his claim. Unfortunately, Rancine has learned that he lives and is determined to have him murdered, like his father and mother."


    "How did Rancine discover the boy is alive?" Samus asked.


    "His warriors captured a high ranking member of my faction," Nisila said, grief-stricken at the thought of Denali. "His name was Denali, but he is dead now, executed by Rancine''s men. Once King Bohemond passed, Denali helped lead the resistance and was one of the few who knew of Beaumont''s existence and whereabouts. We know the warlocks who serve Rancine, and there is no chance Denali could have kept his secrets from them long. He suffered greatly at their hands." Nisila''s voice broke, and she felt her emotions rising.


    "Who was this Denali to you?" Samus asked, sounding concerned.


    "A great friend," Nisila said, taking a deep breath and composing herself. "The best man I ever knew and the only man who had my heart."


    "You are young, give yourself time to heal," Samus said softly, as a strange look flashed in his eyes. Nisila steeled herself beneath his piercing gaze. She would have time to mourn Denali, but she would not do it before a man who had no respect for his memory.


    "I know the Prince''s location," Nisila continued. "He is being held in a place called Mount Hope. I know this place is in Hattan, but I need your help getting there because I do not know the way, and I cannot keep the boy safe alone." Eric nodded slowly, pondering her words. After a moment, he sighed and stood up, his arms behind his back as he paced toward his large desk.


    "Tell me, Nisila," Eric said. "Why come to us for help?"


    "I do not know this country," Nisila replied. "Rancine has a long reach and more resources than we do, so I cannot easily trust anyone with this information. I come to you because you were once our ally. It was because of you and the Paladins that Bohemond was king; you are the only one who would understand. You were there for us once, and I ask that you help us again. We have read the signs, and the Prince is the key to winning back what was once ours. We know Rancine has seen it too, his warlocks would have shown him. If the boy lives, he will be king."


    "You speak of magical foretelling?" Samus said, laughing. "Does Rancine truly believe in such things that he is willing to kill a child over it? What threat could a boy of ten possibly pose to a man of stature and power?"


    "You know nothing of the powers that exist in this world," Eric snapped. "There are signs hidden from men''s eyes. I have witnessed such things myself. If Rancine had his warlocks explore his destiny, and the boy is his bane, then that is a threat he cannot ignore."


    "This is why I came to you, you understand," Nisila quickly said, seizing the opportunity. "Rancine will do everything he can to kill the Prince. That is why I need your help. I do not ask for much, only a guide and some good men to help me return him safely to the Middle Islands."


    "How do you expect to pay us for our help?" Samus asked.


    Nisila was hoping to avoid the question of money. Her people had none to give, not enough to pay for hired men. She spent everything on her journey across the sea. "What I have to offer is a debt. You believed in us once, enough to risk fighting a war to free us. King Bohemond was murdered before his time, cheated from life by lies and deceit. There was still so much good he could have done. Now, his son has a chance to right these wrongs, do you not see the good in that? Please, help me."


    Samus shook his head and sighed, looking at Eric. The guild leader stood silent for a moment, and Nisila hoped her words had given him some pause to consider her request. He was a warrior from the age of honor, where men fought for the rights of the weak. After the death of Amost the High Priest, and his bride Latree of the Amazon''s, the Paladins retreated to Gordon, never to be seen in the world again. She could not turn to them for help in this matter. The New Brotherhood was her only choice, the only warriors with ties to the old alliance that she could trust. She anxiously waited for his response.


    "There is much to be done in Arlem, and these matters need my attention," Eric said. "The attacks on the southern border are becoming bolder, and it looks like there will be an all-out war soon. My guild grows larger and larger as the months pass and I must spend more time away from camp, trying to convince these young lords to band together. Even with all these great responsibilities, I find I cannot ignore this thing you ask."


    "What?" Samus said, surprised. "Eric, you cannot be seriously considering helping this woman?"


    "Must there always be a reward, Samus?" Eric replied. "Must we only do a thing for profit and personal gain? We are discussing a friendship that is beyond your understanding. You did not fight in the war between the Paladins and the Deode Empire. I do not expect you to understand, but you will respect my decision. Nisila, I will find some men to help you."


    "Eric, before you¡ª"Samus pleaded.


    "I have made my decision, Samus," Eric snapped before the young man could finish. "You will see to it right away. Gather five men to guide and escort her to Mount Hope. They are to secure the Prince and return them safely to Morris Port. Go now." Samus looked as if there was more he would say, but he held his tongue. Nisila could see his jaw grinding in frustration, and when he looked at her, his animosity toward her was clear. He walked out of the room and slammed the door behind him.


    "Forgive him, he does not truly understand the history between our guild and the Middle Islands," Eric said. Nisila looked up at the old veteran, and he smiled, a look of satisfaction coming over him. Her guess was right, and she had secured the best chance of saving the Prince. She knew Denali would be proud of her. Shadow-cry flapped his wings and cawed in approval.


    "Shadow-cry agrees as well," Nisila laughed. She stood up and shook Eric''s arm, "Thank you, Eric. I will be sure to remind the Prince of what you did here today."


    "I have to do the right thing," Eric replied. "I am glad that you came to me with this. Have you spoken to anyone else about your quest?"


    "No, I have not," Nisila said. "You are the only one since leaving the Middle Islands. A select few know that I left on this quest, but we did as much as we could in secret. Rancine has many spies, and I suspect they were watching our movements. I only hope I was not too late in arriving here."


    "We will see," Eric sighed, and patted her hand like a loving father before releasing her. "Let us continue to keep this secret, just between us here. Speak of it to no one, and I will have Samus also express that to our men. It is like you said, one cannot be too careful. In the meantime, I suggest you rest up before your journey. I will have my man find you a room and a hot meal in my hall." The idea of a bed was appealing, and Nisila suddenly realized how hungry she was.


    "Thank you for everything, Eric." He escorted her to the door and gave instructions to the guard who she first met at the entrance. She bid farewell to Eric and followed the man out of the hall to another entry on the far right end of the building. Inside he led her to her room. It was cozy with a small fire already going. There was a single window that faced out toward the forest, and she could see some of the fields between the trees. There were more men outside training. Shadow-cry landed on the window sill, nodded his head to her, and then flew off. She supposed he would want to try and scavenge for food, leaving her to eat in peace.


    "I will have a hot meal brought to you right away," The guard said.


    "I thank you," Nisila said. "Please send word to me as soon as Samus has assembled the men who will escort me. I want to meet with them." The guard nodded and left, closing the door behind him. Nisila sat down on the small bed and removed her cloak. She undid her ponytail and shook her hair out. She shuddered as the anxiety and stress of the past few days left her shoulders.


    Here she was, in the distant country of Hattan all by herself, and she had already completed the first step in her quest to save the Prince. She was currently writing history, and the idea of that made her smile. She did not do any of it for glory or fame, but to cherish the memory of the one she loved, and to do right by her country. Upon meeting the king, she would make sure to let him know the sacrifice Denali made for him. He will be remembered as a hero for all time, even if he could not be there with her. Nisila closed her eyes, and she could see his face, as clear as if he was standing in front of her. She felt tears well up and run down her cheek, but she did not wipe them away.


    * * *


    Eric leaned against the hearth, idly poking the flames, waiting for Samus to return. He knew Samus was upset, but the boy had to learn to see beyond what was in front of him.


    From her first words, Eric understood Nisila. She was a pretty girl, who cared nothing for womanly charm or looks because she lived the warriors'' life; A mindless soldier like the men and woman he knew in his youth. They were all dead or living frugally in the muck of the world. None of them had grown to anything more significant than sheep, following a false belief in honor, an idea created by more powerful men to control them. Eric had learned the truth many years ago, and his ambition had taken him far.


    He started as a lowly squire and was now the leader of the most powerful guild in the north-west; with so much more he wanted to accomplish. He played a methodical game with the little lords of Arlem. While they squabbled for scarps and fought the southern hordes, he slowly expanded his military force across all of their lands, in the guise of security. He had recently convinced another wealthy lord to build him a third stronghold along the border, manned by his New Brotherhood soldiers. Soon he would control the forts that protected all of them, and when the time was right, he would strike.


    Despite his work in Hattan, he kept his ear open to all rumors of unrest throughout the greater world of Dayconis. At the end of the day, war was a plague on people, but it was how he made his living. As reports came in over the years regarding the civil war in the Middle Islands he knew it was only a matter of time before one of the factions began seeking assistance. He did not care who he fought for, as long as they paid the price for his men, he was open for business. Learning today how hard pressed Nisila and the rebels were, helped clarify his goals. He would get the most opportunity working with Rancince. He would have to make contact with them soon. The information he received from Nisila would be of value to Rancine, and it would be an impressive introduction to the king.


    The door swung open, and Samus walked in with a peeved look on his face. "I carried out your orders as you requested. Five men and a guide will lead the woman to Mount Hope. I request permission to speak freely." Eric nodded and walked over to his table, shuffling some papers.


    "I believe we have missed an obvious opportunity here," Samus said. "This woman knows the location of a child with royal blood, a bloody King''s ransom and you help her, freely? Out of some long-forgotten alliance. Why, Eric?"


    "Who did you assign?" Eric asked.


    "I beg your pardon?" Samus replied, confused, his temper beginning to rise.


    "To assist, Nisila, who did you assign?"


    "No one of importance," Samus sighed. "A raggedy outfit of misfits, most of them on probation for minor infractions. Drunkenness, brawling, and tardiness. Will you answer me? I only ask so I understand you better." Eric knew that was a lie. Samus thought highly of himself, sometimes too much so. Eric respected his loyalty, but he began to feel the young man was reaching too far as he gained more and more responsibility. Eric had decided to slow his progression to remind him where he stood in the greater scheme of things. Never equal to the guild master, always beneath him.


    "How much do you think we could have gotten from her?" Eric asked. "For ensuring the safety of the Prince?"


    "We will never know," Samus said bemused. "We never had a chance to gauge her willingness to negotiate. I can imagine it was a great number indeed." Samus approached the table and leaned forward, trying to catch Eric''s eyes.


    "How much do you think Rancine would pay for the boy?" Eric asked.


    "Rancine? I don''t know maybe¡ª"


    "The boy is a threat to his power," Eric said, raising his voice and cutting off the young man. "He has the might of an entire nation behind him, and a child threatens that. Even if your small mind cannot fathom anything beyond what you can touch, men greater than you can. He believes in the signs. He is afraid, Samus. In turn, powerful families, powerful enough to wage a civil war against a king, support Nisila. How much is the Prince worth to them? How much is Nisila worth to them?" Samus stood with his mouth open, and Eric could see the wheels turning within the man''s eyes as he finally began to see Eric''s mind.


    "That is your problem, Samus," Eric said. "You think too small. You truly thought I was flattered by that woman''s words? You are just as stupid as her if you believed that. She came here, appealing to old alliances that have longed dissolved and no longer serve any purpose. Tell me, Samus, how far does honor get a man in this world?"


    Samus sighed with his head down and his hands on his hips. "As far as his master will allow it to take him."


    "To hell with that war," Eric spat. "After the Paladins left the only thing I had to show for my effort was a bloody copper badge, the spear in my hand, and the shield on my back. I had to make my way in the world. I made a promise to myself that I would never be insignificant. I swore to make myself invaluable and I stand before you as the leader of the most powerful guild in Hattan. Day after day, more men flock to my banner and swell my ranks."


    Eric picked up a stack of papers and shook them in Samus''s face. "You see these? Calculations of everything that I own, everything that moves in and out of my camp. It is the count of every single soldier under my command, and all the forts I man, along with the stretch of borders I patrol and control. Within these papers are the numbers, the numbers that it will take for me to accomplish my goal of conquering this continent. The cost to feed every man and beast of the New Brotherhood."


    Eric slammed the papers back down on the table and stood at his full height. The young man looked directly at him, and Eric could see the resentment in his eyes. The youth wanted so bad to be the guild master, but Eric would never allow that to happen. Samus was a tool, that was all he was good at. Like all tools, he would use him to the best of his abilities.


    "You will have men waiting for Nisila to return to Morris Port," Eric said. "I want her returned to me alive, along with the boy. I will then contact Aiti and negotiate their release myself." Samus nodded, and Eric saw that the boy was sufficiently cowed, he could see it in his shoulders. He would string him along as he always did with a little encouragement; he needed the boy hopeful and purposeful to complete his duties.


    Eric placed a hand firmly on Samus''s shoulder. "Look at me, Samus. I know I am hard on you, but understand, if you want to lead one day, you must learn these lessons. Keep your head and pay attention." Eric waved his hand over his table of papers. "You see this ten-year plan I have devised? With the exiled prince, I could cut that timeline by half with the resources I may get from Rancine." Eric smiled at Samus and slapped him playfully on his cheek. He would get some more use out of the boy yet.


    However, Eric made up his mind. He would have him killed at the end of this particular drama, no matter the outcome.


    "I will make my way to Morris Port and begin preparations for their return," Samus said, his voice renewed with confidence. ¡°When Nisila returns with the prince, I will be waiting for her.¡± Eric was pleased with his demeanor because it ensured his obedience. Samus was an excellent soldier, and Eric required a loyal man to carry out his orders.


    "Good, and don''t worry," Eric said, smiling. "Rancine has deep pockets, and I intend to see the bottom.¡±

 Chapter 2

    The sky was overcast, and a misty rain fell over the city of Morris Port. The boards of the gangplank groaned beneath Royce¡¯s boots as he departed the ship. The Falcon¡¯s Feather was a merchant vessel out of the island of Queensland, and it reminded him of the many vessels his own family once owned. At the peak of their power, his mother commanded nearly two dozen ships. They were the source of his family¡¯s wealth before Rancine commandeered them.


    The sailors and workers ignored him as he stepped onto the dock. They shouted orders over one another, and it seemed like chaos, yet the work was getting done. Royce looked on as men splashed through muddy puddles, haggling and negotiating with one another, using terms he had never heard before. He honed in on two fat men discussing business.


    ¡°How much stink you hauling?¡± One tanned skinned man said. He had a balding head and a few missing teeth.


    ¡°I gots a Queens worth,¡± The second man replied, an ugly fellow of black skin with a pimpled face. He was biting down on a small wooden pipe, shuffling through a stack of notes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you one fist, nothing more,¡± The first man replied defiantly.


    ¡°Go off yourself; we hauled Long Bone in there. Two fists.¡±


    ¡°You old bastard, may the goblins take your mother. It¡¯s a deal.¡± The men shook hands and began exchanging papers. Royce laughed as the scene played out before him, wondering what his life would have been like if he ignored his mother and never entered the army. It was likely he would have seen more of the world traveling to distant lands seeking new trade routes. He always thought himself to be a fair dealer, though his mother swore that would only make him a poor trader.


    ¡°Well, what a shit excuse for a city,¡± Juvey said as he came up behind Royce. He was tall with a light brown complexion, short black hair, and a square-cut beard that made him look much older than he was. Juvey was a trusted friend, a man who had saved Royce on more than one occasion. Royce did not think he would have lived through the war without him.


    Royce shook out his long black hair and pulled up his hood. ¡°Reminds me of Gabini. The only difference is Gabini mostly traded in fish. They are loading lumber in that yard, and barrels of beer or wine are going on that ship over there. There are many trade opportunities in this city, my mother would be interested in this port.¡±


    ¡°That can wait, my lord,¡± Duboi said as he came off the ship behind Juvey. He was Royce¡¯s most seasoned soldier. He was slightly shorter than Juvey, with dirty blonde hair and tanned skin, same complexion as Royce. He was older than both men, and a lifelong warrior who served under too many captains to count.


    His low social status restricted him from becoming anything higher than a squad leader, but it was the only position he aspired too. He was the type of man that liked to be among the men in the thick of battle. Royce depended on him for his level-headedness and experience. He wasa needed balanced to all the young, hot-headed soldiers within their War-band.


    Besides Juvey and Duboi, Royce brought along three other trusted men with him to Hattan. Rudan, a beast of a man, was more bear than human, standing at an imposing six-six, with a head of long salt and pepper dreadlocks. He was black of skin with bloodshot eyes always in a scowl; no one but Juvey could make him smile. Lebber was the youngest of the group. He was tall with light skin, a lithe figure, and always in good spirits. He kept his black hair cropped short, and he was incapable of growing a beard. Lastly was Tamin, a handsome man with brown skin who was the son of Valentino the All-Father, a notorious pirate and raider. Tamin kept his black beard cut short and neat, and his head was clean shaved.


    ¡°It looks like everyone is here,¡± Juvey said. ¡°We should ask around for some lodgings; we need food and rest. Once we regain our strength, it will be time to inquire about our little lady friend.¡± He was referring to Denali¡¯s woman. When Royce planned the ambush, he hoped he would have captured them both, but she had escaped his net. When the warlocks questioned Denali, he denied that Nisila knew anything about the Prince¡¯s whereabouts. Royce would not accept that answer, but the warlocks were convinced. He expected they would be, anything less would call their power into question. He would have to find the woman on his own, and he did not need advice from Warlock¡¯s to do his work.


    After three days of torture, Denali died, leaving them with one clue. The country of Hattan. Hattan was a mystery to most people of the world. It was a newly discovered land, and no map existed outside of its borders. Royce knew that tracking Nisila was vital because she was close to Denali, and she would know all his secrets. So far he was right, as the woman wasted little time fleeing the Middle Islands. They lost her on the island of Queensland, but by then it was apparent to him that her destination was Hattan.


    ¡°Let us head along this main street,¡± Royce said. ¡°We are sure to find an inn within sight of the docks. Who knows, maybe we might find the woman having a drink with the boy on her lap.¡±


    ¡°No one is that lucky,¡± Tamin said. ¡°Knowing our luck, the witch will likely lead us on another sea voyage.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope not,¡± Rudan said in a deep voice like thunder. ¡°The quicker we get this over with, the faster we can get home. I do not like this city. It is cold, and I hate the cold. All these people make me uncomfortable. The herd needs thinning in these parts.¡±


    Juvey laughed, tossing his bag over his shoulder. ¡°There are many folks here, that¡¯s for damn sure. That¡¯s the way it¡¯s going to be for the next few months, boys. The world is a lot smaller than we thought.¡± The group of six men walked along a cobblestone street, parting the crowd before them. They made for a strange sight carrying their gear and weapons. Most people in Morris Port seemed to be dockworkers and merchants from what Royce could see. He did not like standing out so much. If by some miracle the woman was here, she would spot them coming from a mile away.


    A light mist sat above the buildings, obscuring the evening sky. The buildings, constructed of wood and stone, were built tightly together. Firelight danced in many windows and voices could be heard blaring out of most buildings along the street.


    Tall men in gray uniforms, holding long spears eyed Royce and his men as they passed by. These soldiers wore mail and high leather boots, with white tabards emblazoned with a red symbol he had never seen before. As they continued on their way, he saw more of the uniformed men patrolling the streets in groups of two. They had olive skin, long raven black hair, and dark eyes.


    ¡°Curious who these bastards are,¡± Royce said. ¡°They seem to take a fancy to us.¡± Royce placed his hand on the hilt of the sword strapped to his belt.


    ¡°Those are Minican soldiers,¡± Duboi replied. ¡°They shared a border with the Deode Empire on Daymo. If not for the Paladins they would have fallen under Deode rule. They were the first to settle in Hattan, and if I remember correctly established this city of Morris Port, though the warrior Princes of Arlem brought its prosperity.¡±


    Lebber walked backward as he addressed Duboi. ¡°I heard that Arlem is a free-for-all, where any man with gold and capable warriors could carve out a piece of land for himself. Is there any truth to that?¡±


    ¡°You have designs of building yourself a small kingdom, Leb?¡± Royce asked, smiling at the youth.


    ¡°I can hardly get myself up in the morning,¡± Lebber said. ¡°I don¡¯t think I will find much success in running a kingdom.¡±


    Tamin grabbed Lebber by the shoulder, turning him around. ¡°Very true, you should be a squire cleaning my boots, and fetching my meals.¡± Both men jostled with each other playfully. Royce was glad to see them in good spirits; the voyage healed some of their old hurts. They lost much when Rancine took power, and darkness overshadowed them for a time. They saw several men of their War-band hung, and they were only moments from meeting the same fate. Despite the defeat they were dealt, Royce knew his men would make it through. He was their leader, but it was an easy task leading loyal and disciplined soldiers. Embarking on this quest returned them to a life they knew well. The mission was everything; the last few years did not matter now.


    ¡°There is some truth to those stories,¡± Duboi said. ¡°There is no king in this land and no common law. Powerful guilds take what they can. The New Brotherhood is the most powerful of them all, but they occupy the northern region of Arlem. I believe the better lands are near the southern border. It is a wild country, but crops grow plentiful, and the weather is mild. It would not be easy claiming land, you will have to fight for every inch, and there are many formidable factions in Hattan. Most of these Princes are well dug in with established forts and men-at-arms.


    ¡°Our best course of action would be entering the service of one or more of these Princes. It would give us the chance to learn their weaknesses. Once we know that, I would approach the southern tribes and offer an alliance. They hate the Princes and would jump at any opportunity to root them out. Once we secure a foothold, it would be a matter of claiming our stake¡ª¡°


    ¡°Settle down, Duboi,¡± Royce interrupted him laughing. ¡°I think the boy was only curious. I have no plans of venturing into Hattan and battling foreign hordes for land. We have fertile land back home waiting for us. Draft me a plan to take back my family estate, that would be of greater use to me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why we are here,¡± Duboi said soberly. ¡°We will find the boy, and we will return him to Rancine.¡± Duboi nodded to Royce, knowing well what was at stake for all of them. The men knew his family plight; they stood with him when King Bohemond died. If not for Royce¡¯s sacrifices, they would all be dead, and the men knew that. They respected and loved him for what he did. For Royce, they were the brothers he never had, his second family. He vowed to do right by them.


    Royce lingered behind as they continued up the street. It was dark and more lights appeared in the row of buildings before him. They were dim, as if a pale sheet lay before his vision, an effect of the mist that lingered in the air. The streets were still lively with people. It was a city filled with folk from near and distant lands. There were languages he had never heard before. It all reminded him of how young he was and how little of the world he had seen. War in the Middle Islands had taken up the early years of his life. He vowed to spend his final days in peace. Finding the Prince was the first step in that direction.


    ¡°Hello, traveler.¡± Royce slowed down and looked around to find the owner of the hoarse voice. Sitting in the mud on the side of the street was an old hag. Her skin was deathly pale, and her hair was thinning so much that her scalp showed in many places. She had a bulbous nose, and a wart scared face. She stared at him with a gap-tooth smile, and her round eyes gleamed by some hidden light.


    ¡°I said hello, traveler,¡± The old woman repeated smiling.


    Royce looked back to find his men and saw they had stopped to speak with a group of sailors, likely inquiring about an inn. He turned to the older woman. ¡°What do you want, ancient one?¡±


    ¡°So warm and handsome,¡± The old woman said. ¡°Help an old girl fetch a meal this fall night. A small token is all I ask, little lord.¡±


    ¡°Little lord, eh?¡± Royce said as he retrieved a gold coin from his purse. ¡°You are a perceptive woman. What gave me away, was it my disdainful swagger, or my well-kept threads?¡±


    ¡°I smelt it in your blood, I did,¡± The old woman said as she reached out with her thin claw-like fingers for the coin. She brushed his hand upon taking the gold and Royce recoiled at her cold touch.


    ¡°A gold coin,¡± The woman said. ¡°You are too kind, too kind. I feel obligated to repay you for your kindness, maybe you wish to learn what the future may hold for you.¡±


    Royce smiled and shook his head. ¡°A fortune teller, of course, what else would you be. Then tell me what you see, woman, I am curious.¡± The woman licked her dry lips and stuck the gold coin into her sleeve, beneath a thick layer of dark rags. She looked at Royce for a moment before she began.


    ¡°Honor bound and vengeful,¡± The old woman said. ¡°That is your heart. So young, yet you carry the burdens of an older man. There is no happy ending to your tale, little lord. A black tomb awaits you, and that is truly a waste of a beautiful life.¡±


    He had sacrificed much; the hag was right. Unconsciously Royce raised his hand to his cheek, just beneath the patch covering his right eye. When it came to it, sacrificing himself was the only choice. He would do anything for his mother and four older sisters. Though he was the youngest, he was the only one capable of protecting them from Rancine¡¯s wrath. His oldest sister Henna had lost three fingers on her right hand after being tortured by Rancine¡¯s warlocks.


    His poor mother Sheena, nearly sixty years of age, had to watch as they mutilated her daughter. Henna was beautiful but unmarried, and Rancine had ensured that no man of any worth would have her. As for his men, Rancine wanted to hang all of them. It was more than Royce could endure, and he bent the knee, begging for mercy. His plea did not sway Rancine, so he looked to the warlocks, and they would only accept sacrificial mutilation. So with help from Duboi and Juvey, Royce cut out his eye and placed it at the new king¡¯s feet. Blood was the only thing Rancine understood; it was the only way Royce could save everyone he loved.


    His mother and sisters cried for many days afterward. His family lost all of their lands and ships. Rancine had their cottage burnt to the ground, and a barracks now stood in its place. Their beautiful property with its spacious green lawn and fruit trees was cleared to make a military training yard, and finally, he ordered his family to the palace, but at least they were alive. In his heart, Royce knew he would see them free once again.


    The thought of Rancine holding them made his heart ache with sorrow. However, he had found a way to win them back. In exchange for their lives, he would find the young prince in Hattan and return him to Rancine. It was difficult leaving his family again, especially the youngest of his sisters Renna, who was with child. She would not say who the father was, and Royce feared for her and the baby. Renna claimed it was not an evil deed, but one of love. It broke his mother¡¯s heart, but Royce trusted his sister and let the matter be.


    ¡°Royce, we found a place,¡± Juvey shouted. Royce waved at him and turned back to the old hag, but she was gone. He searched the crowd, but he saw no sign of her, so he returned to his men.


    ¡°I have excellent news, brother,¡± Juvey said. ¡°We spoke to some sailors, and they said continuing this way is our best hope for good food and clean beds.¡± Juvey jabbed Royce playfully and turned to walk away.


    ¡°Did you see where that old woman went off too?¡± Royce asked.


    ¡°The woman you were speaking with?¡± Juvey said. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Did she swipe you?¡±Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°No, nothing like that,¡± Royce said as he quickly felt for his purse. ¡°It¡¯s just that she was there one moment and then gone the next. She said something interesting¡­¡± Royce trailed off, and he saw Juvey looking at him, expecting him to go on.


    ¡°Nevermind, just lead the way, I am weary of walking in the cold, I could use a strong drink,¡± Royce said.


    Juvey laughed out loud and clapped him on his shoulder. ¡°Happy to hear it, I feared you would be gloomy this entire journey. I have hope; luck goes with us. I know you worry about your mother and sisters, especially Renna. I assure you they will be safe, we need only do this thing, and we can be on our way home.¡±


    ¡°Yes home, I miss it dearly,¡± Royce said with a sigh. ¡°I would like to get back home before Renna has the child. Maybe the devil who gave her the baby will show himself. If he is a man of any worth.¡±


    ¡°Do you not trust that your sister would choose a good man?¡± Juvey asked.


    ¡°I trust her completely; I only question what kind of man would abandon her in her time of need.¡±


    ¡°It could be all sorts of reasons. Maybe this man was away at war, or maybe he feared what her brother would do if he met him.¡± Juvey said, smiling.


    ¡°I would likely have him killed,¡± Royce said. ¡°If he has nothing to offer. I won¡¯t have my family be taken advantage of.¡±


    Juvey laughed, running his hands over his head. ¡°You are too serious sometimes. I am sure whomever she chose is a good man. Just have an open heart.¡± Juvey walked off to catch up with Duboi and the others. Royce followed closely behind, observing the dirty city around him. He compared Morris Port to the various port cities of the Middle Islands. In the Middle Islands, they used white sandstone to construct all of the buildings. They made sturdy structures, decorated with intricate carvings, usually to mimic the waves of the sea.


    The walls had mosaics of soft blue hues, all in the glory of the ocean, and the beautiful fish and coral beneath the waves. The streets were lined with palm trees and swept clean daily. As he walked in the cold northern night of this country, he appreciated the loveliness of his home so much more. The street he was on was filthy with mud and trash, but the people around him were not bothered by it, as they went about splashing through the brown water.


    Morris Port was a working town. People only passed through on business, and the buildings were all built to that standard. Warm enough with a roof to block the rain and snow, and some windows to let you know a new day had come, and it was time to return to work.


    As they came around a corner, Royce spotted an Inn called the Dirty Dancer. There was a large pole with a lowered flag, and a wooden sign hung stiffly in front of the building. It depicted a woman in a twirl, her dress floating behind her, with three little piglets dancing about her feet, and the tavern name in bold red lettering.


    Several people were gathered in the front, smoking, drinking, and carrying on; likely more trade talk. The Inn was taller than all the other surrounding establishments, and the front was swept clean. A black iron gate separated the main entrance from the street, and two burly gentlemen stood guard. They both wore red coats, black trousers, brown boots, and white cloaks.


    ¡°Look at that place,¡± Tamin called back to them. ¡°Best looking in the whole place so far.¡±


    ¡°Maybe they have good wine and beer as well,¡± Lebber added as they all jogged across the street toward the Inn.


    Juvey approached one of the guards, a tall man with olive skin and long raven black hair. ¡°Evening, we seek accommodations for the night, do you have any rooms?¡±


    The guard looked him over dismissively. ¡°This is not a rogue establishment. You might have better luck down the street at Pravis or further up at the Golden Cups.¡±


    Royce realized the man was judging them by their gear. He glanced at the other men and women who stood nearby and realized they were finely dressed and clean. He stepped forward and touched Juvey lightly on his shoulder.


    ¡°Evening, I believe my man asked if you had any rooms available,¡± Royce said with a bright smile. ¡°We will need six beds, also a hot meal and drinks for the night as well.¡±


    The second guard addressed Royce this time, a light skin man with brown hair and blue eyes. ¡°You seem like a good lad, but I doubt you could afford an evening here. Are you sailors just arrived? If so, we offered accommodations that would better suit you. Now be on your way and clear my gate. Good luck to you.¡±


    ¡°You are mistaken, guardsman,¡± Royce replied, his voice light and pleasant. ¡°We have traveled long from the Middle Islands. If our look is off-putting, that is why. I am the son of a merchant and captain in my king¡¯s army. If it¡¯s gold you require, we can pay ten times over.¡±


    The olive-skinned guard sighed and unfolded his arms stepping forward. ¡°Now we have already told you, you have no business being here. Now shove off before I have to do it for you.¡± The guard raised his hand to push Royce back, but before he could touch him, Duboi and Juvey leaped to action. Duboi twisted the man¡¯s wrist, and Juvey chopped him in the throat, causing the guard to choke and go down to his knee. The second guard was too surprised to react. Tamin put a boot to the man¡¯s groin, and Lebber pushed him to the ground.


    Rudan stood with is large boot on the guards chest, as the small crowd near the gate stood aghast.Royce laughed and addressed the two fallen men. ¡°I will give you a moment to rethink your actions, or you can retrieve the owner of this establishment, whom I hope will be more reasonable.¡± At that moment a light-skinned man, with long hair tied into a ponytail came from behind the gate. He wore an elegant white gambeson that came down just below the knees. It had five buckles across the front, and a silver sword belt was fastened tightly around his small waist. He wore fitted black trousers tucked neatly into his black leather boots.


    He stepped forward with his palms up, showing he was no threat. ¡°Greetings, Sir. I see you have a little misunderstanding with these guards of this fine establishment. Forgive them. They have to deal with all sorts of riffraff in this city. Please let them up. You can enter as my guest. I am Samus of the New Brotherhood.¡± The man offered Royce a hand in greeting.


    Royce removed his glove and shook Samus¡¯s hand. ¡°My name is Royce. As I was trying to tell these fine men, my fellows and I have traveled long. We only need one night to eat and rest; then we shall be on our way.¡±


    ¡°That seems more than reasonable to me,¡± Samus said. ¡°Come in, follow me. I will buy you all a round of some fine wine. Being a busy port, we get some of the finest from around the world. I believe you mentioned you are traveling from the Middle Islands? We have wines from your country as well. Come in and warm yourselves at the hearth.¡± Royce allowed Samus to lead the way as he filed past the gate with his men.


    Duboi touched Royce on his elbow. ¡°Be careful with this one, captain. He is of the New Brotherhood. They were allied with the Paladins of old and they might be partial to the woman¡¯s cause.¡± Royce nodded as they entered the Inn. Duboi was right as usual. It was something they discussed at length during the journey. He decided that it was best to be careful around the New Brotherhood until they could figure out who they were loyal too. On the other hand, they were a powerful guild with many connections, and Royce suspected he would need allies if he wanted to find the Prince.


    The Dirty Dancer was a clean and upscale establishment. The customers drank and laughed gaily as string and wind instruments played upbeat music in the background. They walked through a vast hall that led toward two doors depicting women covering themselves in red scarfs and flowers. Golden sconces lined the wall and held red candles that burnt with a soft light. The walls were made of smooth gray stone, and looked almost soft to the touch. As they reached the doors, the music and laughter became louder. Samus stomped his feet upon a black rug before opening the doors.


    Immediately to their left was a small wooden stage where several men played music. The crowd before them was a mix of men and women in a swirl of red, yellow, white, pink, and blue colored clothing. Most were standing together, though there were also many tables set up with wine and beer to drink. The smell of food permeated the room, making Royce¡¯s mouth water. The room had a slightly smoky air to it, and it felt overly warm.


    Samus lead them to an alcove where he had two large tables and some empty seats. ¡°This area is for me and my guest only, you are welcome to use it.¡± Royce nodded to his men to step in. They removed their things and sat down, observing the room. Within a few moments, several men and women approached to greet Samus and engage Royce and his men in conversation.


    As promised, Samus bought them all wine and beer, adding a large plate of food to share as well. Samus was a gracious host and seemed to be popular among the other wealthy folk in the Inn. Royce sat aside by himself, sipping a cup of red wine as he watched his men interact with the guest of the Inn. Royce noticed a group of men huddled with Samus in a distant corner, just out of sight. They seemed to be listening intently to something Samus was saying.


    After a short time the men left, and Samus turned back to the alcove, walking directly toward Royce. He had a bright smile, and his face was slightly red from his drinking. He made a short greeting to Royce¡¯s men before sitting down.


    ¡°Is that the same glass you started with?¡± Samus asked. ¡°Your men are easily on cup number three. The big one might be up to ten, I think. That son of an ogre can drink.¡±


    ¡°Look at him,¡± Royce replied as he set his cup down. ¡°He is built like a Barbarian. You might have made a mistake offering him free drinks.¡±


    Samus laughed, finishing the rest of his wine. ¡°I suppose you are right; I will be smarter next time. Though I doubt I will ever see another man as big as that again.¡± The air between them became awkward, but Royce would not break the silence first. He felt Samus had something he wanted to say, and he decided to wait.


    ¡°Tell me, Royce,¡± Samus said. ¡°What brings you and your men to Morris Port?¡±


    ¡°The same thing that attracts everyone else,¡± Royce said. ¡°My family has a successful trading business back in the Middle Islands. We are interested in new ports, and we are hoping to find allies interested in our goods. You seem to be very popular among these folk. I am sure you could connect me with just the type of person I am seeking.¡±


    Samus smiled, but Royce could sense the man was not fooled by his answer. ¡°Makes sense, venturing out looking for new ports. It is what a smart trader would do. As far as an introduction, I suppose I might know some people who would be interested. They will have concerns, as all prudent merchants do. For starters, I have heard there is unrest in the Middle Islands. That could make trade difficult.¡±


    ¡°And where did you hear that?¡± Royce replied.


    ¡°I recently met another from the Middle Islands,¡± Samus said, and Royce felt a jolt of excitement shoot through his body. He did not alter his expression as Samus looked at him intently.


    ¡°This person you met,¡± Royce said. ¡°Was he also a merchant?¡±


    ¡°No, not a merchant,¡± Samus said. ¡°And not a man. It was a woman traveling on her own.¡± Samus looked directly at Royce, and he knew the game was up. Royce breathed in slowly and leaned forward. Juvey must have noticed the change in his mood because he slowly got up and walked toward them. Royce waved him away, and Juvey reluctantly returned to his chair.


    ¡°Well, what is your intent?¡± Royce asked as he remembered the group of men Samus was speaking with earlier. Royce assumed he and his men were about to be ambushed. It would happen within the Inn, or as soon as they stepped outside. He thought they would have a better chance within the Inn, where they could use the tight quarters to even the odds. Samus leaned back casually and crossed his arms across his breast.


    ¡°I would learn what you are doing here,¡± Samus said. ¡°What is the woman to you? Why did you follow her here?¡±


    ¡°And why would you assume that?¡± Royce replied. ¡°What reason do I have to lie? Besides, even if she was an interest of mine, why would I share any of that with you? We only just met; a handful of drinks does not make us friends.¡±


    ¡°A handful of drinks? I see you waste no time in trying to cheat me.¡± Samus said, smiling. ¡°I will have to be careful with you. Regarding the woman, I might be able to help you.¡± Royce did not count on that particular outcome. He looked over at Juvey and Duboi, and they looked concerned. Smiling seemed to put them at ease for the moment. He was exceedingly curious to find out more about this man of the New Brotherhood.


    ¡°You would help me?¡± Royce asked. ¡°Even after meeting this woman? What did she tell you? Did she mention me?¡±


    ¡°I know that she seeks a young Prince,¡± Samus said. ¡°And that she is in great haste to find him and return to the Middle Islands. She did not mention you or any other names, but she feared someone was following her. Whom do you serve?¡±


    ¡°I serve my king and my country,¡± Royce replied. ¡°Who do you serve?¡±


    Samus unfolded his arms and moved to sit right next to Royce. ¡°I serve myself. It is true, I am a man of the New Brotherhood, but I did not fight in the great war, I joined them after that. Our leader Eric has this notion that he can use the Prince to strike a bargain between your king and the rebels.¡±


    Royce could not allow that to happen. If another were to present the prince to Rancine his deal with the king would be forfeit. He had to get to the boy first, no matter the cost. He forced a laugh. ¡°If your guild leader thinks Rancine would make such a deal he is surely mistaken.¡± A troubled look came upon Samus¡¯s face.


    ¡°I knew it,¡± Samus said softly. ¡°I knew his plan was folly.¡±


    Royce moved quickly to solidify the notion. ¡°Rancine would, of course, grant him the highest price he wanted, but he would then murder your guild leader and anyone else who was involved. That I can assure you.¡± Samus looked even more troubled at that.


    ¡°Forget Eric then,¡± Samus said. ¡°What if you and I were to strike a deal, here and now. What could you do for me?¡±


    ¡°Why should I trust you?¡± Royce replied, he did not want to seem desperate, but he did need the man¡¯s help. Working with Samus could be his best chance of finding Nisila and the prince.


    ¡°You would be making a grave mistake not trusting me,¡± Samus said. ¡°I was with the woman only a day ago, and I sent her on her way right here from Morris Port. I know where she is going, and I know the men that accompany her.¡±


    ¡°A day ago, you say?¡± Royce replied. ¡°How many men did she take with her and where are they going?¡±


    ¡°That is enough,¡± Samus said. ¡°I can lead you to her. Now, what can you do for me?¡±


    ¡°What is it that you want?¡± Royce replied.


    Samus thought for a moment before answering. ¡°I want safe passage out of Hattan. I want to return to the Middle Islands with you and your men. You said your family is in trade? Then I want two ships of my own.¡± Royce eyed the man for a moment, wondering if he could ever learn the truth of his situation back in the Middle Islands. Royce was in no position to offer any reward. He would make the deal, and with the help of his men, they would figure out a way to rid themselves of Samus after the prince was secure.


    ¡°That is a tall order,¡± Royce said, fainting reluctance. ¡°Our ships are currently commissioned by the throne to deal with the rebel threat within the islands.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t help you for anything less, Royce,¡± Samus said intently. ¡°If Eric was to find out I betrayed him, there will be no life for me here any longer.¡±


    ¡°You are a military man,¡± Royce said as if an idea came to him. ¡°I could have you placed with my family and gift you a farmstead.¡±


    ¡°Do I look like a bloody farmer to you?¡± Samus said, frustrated. Royce realized that Samus had put himself in a vulnerable situation. If they did not strike a deal, Samus already played his hand and Royce would then have considerable leverage over him. Fear was an emotion he could control.


    ¡°You did not let me finish,¡± Royce said. ¡°You would be a Lord and have a military title. Essentially you would have a fief. I can give you men for protection and slaves to work your lands. You would be untouchable, and Eric would never reach you in the Middle Islands. He is the one that you fear, is he not?¡±


    ¡°I do not fear him or any man,¡± Samus snapped. ¡°But this arrangement sounds promising. How would I acquire the land and title?¡±


    ¡°It is an easy thing,¡± Royce lied. ¡°I have four eligible sisters, all in marrying age, all great beauties of my homeland.¡±


    ¡°If Nisila is any indication of the beauty of your homeland, I am not so sure this arrangement can happen,¡± Samus said. ¡°I prefer my women more¡­womanly if you get my meaning.¡±


    Royce felt a sudden flash of anger and hoped he did not show it. He ignored the quip, but he would remember the slight and deal with him when the time was right. ¡°You marry one of them, and I shall grant you a plot for yourself out of our holdings. You see, King Rancine has trusted this most important task to me. I am his most trustworthy warrior. If you marry into my family, you will live out the rest of your days like a fat lord.¡± Samus nodded and leaned back, but he did not look satisfied. Royce offered his hand to conclude their arrangement but Samus was still reluctant. Royce feared the man would not take the offer, but suddenly he smiled and took his arm. Samus had a flair for dramatics, and Royce knew that he would never grow fond of the man.


    Royce nodded to Duboi and Juvey, and they joined him at his table. ¡°Now tell me everything you know about the woman and what her plans are. Spare no details.¡± Samus looked at Juvey and Duboi, nodding nervously at the two men. They did not respond; they only looked at him, waiting for him to begin.


    ¡°Well, as I said before,¡± Samus began slowly. ¡°She left Morris Port only a day ago. She travels with five men of the New Brotherhood, and they are heading to Mount Hope. She claims the prince is there, and that her people are protecting him.¡±


    ¡°Did she mention how many people?¡± Duboi asked. Samus shook his head.


    Duboi sighed and addressed Royce and Juvey. ¡°In any case, Royce, we will need more men. That I am sure of.¡±


    ¡°Good thing you met me then,¡± Samus said. ¡°I can help with that as well.¡±


    ¡°I am not sure how I feel about getting even more men of the New Brotherhood involved in our plans,¡± Royce replied.


    ¡°I agree,¡± Samus said. ¡°That is why I will be looking at other sources. I know a group of trustworthy sell-swords. They go for cheap, and I can get you twenty men.¡±


    ¡°You get what you pay for,¡± Duboi said to Royce.


    Royce rubbed his chin thoughtfully. More men could complicate things. He was confident he had enough to purchase the men and even horses if need be but getting rid of them later on could be difficult. They would be loyal to Samus and defend him at the first sign of a double-cross. He would discuss it further with Duboi and Juvey, but for now, it seemed this was the best opportunity they would get to complete their quest.


    ¡°I believe we have an agreement,¡± Royce said finally. ¡°Hire the men and whatever else you need. I want to leave first thing in the morning.¡± Samus nodded and left to begin preparations for their journey.


    ¡°Do you really think we can trust that bastard?¡± Juvey asked.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Royce sighed. ¡°I do not plan on keeping him around long. We will find the prince and deal with him and his men after. This is our chance, boys, we might be heading home a lot sooner than we thought.¡± The three men had a good laugh and ordered another round of drinks on Samus¡¯s tab.

 Chapter 3

    It was the fourth day of cloudy skies, and Beau began to think that he would not feel the warmth of the sun again. A gust of cold wind blew across the Holdfast, followed by a drizzle of rain. He preferred a full downpour of rain because maybe the bad weather would pass quicker. The rain clouds lingered over Mount Hope, and it felt like there would be no end to the darkness flowing down from the northern mountains.


    Beau picked up his scrolls¡ªdocuments given to him by scholar Corin. Today he was reviewing tax collection and how the money was applied to benefit society. Beau sat on a tall backed chair, writing at a large wooden desk. He was in the scholar¡¯s chambers, a neat nook upon the second floor of his uncles Holdfast. Like the weather outside, the walls and floors were all gray and made of stone. The room had one window that looked out over the central yard. Though it was mid-morning, he worked by candlelight.


    Sitting next to him was his cousin Julius. At eleven years old, Julius was one year older than Beau. He was similar in height, and both were light brown in complexion and kept their hair cut the same. A short tuft on the top with the sides cleanly shaved toward a sharp point to the back. Beau¡¯s Uncle made sure to keep them well-groomed. He insisted on the traditional Middle Island military haircut.


    ¡°Did you hear me, Beaumont?¡± scholar Corin asked. The scholar was an older man, with pale, wrinkled skin and a balding head of black hair with a bushy beard and bright blue eyes.


    Beau was not listening, being distracted by the foul weather and brooding over having to work on his lessons. Glancing at the books on the shelf, he realized that he would spend a vast majority of his time reading.


    Corin followed his gaze to the shelf and sighed before sitting down on the table. ¡°Many more hours of reading to come. I know how overwhelming that must feel. You should have seen the collection before the fire. What we have here are the only books I could save before Rancine sacked the capital.¡±


    ¡°Must we read them all?¡± Julius asked as he yawned. He was standing in the back to peek out the window. Beau did not know why he cared so much; there was nothing to see but a muddy yard.


    ¡°No, not all of them,¡± Corin said. ¡°But most. A diligent man would read everything he could get his hands on but in good time. Remember, if you ever have questions that go unanswered¡ª¡°


    ¡°Always refer to books,¡± The boys replied in unison.


    ¡°Yes, we will see,¡± Corin replied, smiling as he began slowly pacing the room. ¡°We can complete your writing at a later time, let us continue to review the current state of affairs in the Middle Islands.¡±


    ¡°Rancine secures power by fueling a civil war,¡± Julius blurted out, still looking out of the window.


    ¡°The war is important, but there is more to it than that,¡± Corin replied. ¡°He cannot fight the entire nation on his own, can he? Beaumont, you wish to add to this?¡±


    ¡°He secures his power by building strong alliances with the most wealthy families,¡± Beau said.


    Corin smiled at Beau, his eyes sparkling with an accepting warmness. ¡°That is right. Everyone needs allies, even Rancine. So, as distasteful as it may seem to him, he must court some of his enemies. Several influential families are being raised high by Rancine, and as long as they benefit under his rule, they will never oppose him.¡±


    ¡°How long will his reign last?¡± Beau asked.


    ¡°If the families remain loyal, likely for a very long time,¡± Corin said sadly. ¡°You will secure victory by breaking his alliances. If you can successfully eradicate the trust between him and his allies, you will greatly weaken his military advantage and strengthen your own at the same time.¡±


    ¡°But how can Beau do that?¡± Julius asked, turning to Corin. ¡°How do we even begin to negotiate with them if we know they are friendly to our enemy?¡±


    ¡°By forming alliances of your own.¡±


    ¡°You expect us to befriend the people who support Rancine?¡± Julius scoffed. ¡°They cannot be trusted. They betrayed Uncle Bohemond, and they will do the same thing to us the first chance they get. No, they have to be defeated and punished.¡± Beau knew his cousin¡¯s mind before he spoke the words; he sounded like his father. Fighting was his answer to all their problems in the Middle Islands. His uncle Milton was a soldier before they came to Mount Hope, and Julius had aspirations to be a warrior as well. Beau wished he could care as much as Julius did about the war, but he did not.


    He had only seen maps of the Middle Islands and everything he knew he learned from Corin and Milton. He heard endlessly about the cities near the ocean and the black sand beaches. His uncle would go on about the lush jungles and boast about the exotic fruits only found in the Middle Islands.


    Beau would faint interest the best he could. However, in his heart, he did not care. He was happy in Mount Hope. It was peaceful, and everyone got along. He liked the food and the people here. The thought of leaving always left him with a feeling of dread. Why would anyone want to leave a serene life and go into a place where war was the least of the dangers to fear?


    Besides all the talk of fruits, lush forest, clear blue seas, and endless summer, he was the one who would have to wear the crown. He would have to face Rancine, a seasoned warrior and politician. The man who murdered his father and mother. Why didn¡¯t he care more, he wondered. Why could he not make himself angry like his cousin and his uncle? He looked at Julius, watching the fire that burned within his eyes, that lust he had for battle, and knew he could never speak his thoughts out loud. He was the heir to the throne, but how could he tell them he did not want to be king. He wanted to be Beaumont of Mount Hope, not Beaumont, son of the great warrior King Bohemond.


    ¡°You will find justice and punishment a lot more complicated on such a scale,¡± Corin said. ¡°Without the support of the families, there is no crown. We need their men, and we need their wealth. It is this unique bond that makes a nation. A king cannot isolate himself upon the throne. He must always open his heart and mind to his people.¡±


    ¡°Even if the people do not want him as their king?¡± Beau asked in an attempt to mask his true feelings within the question. Corin looked at him, and Beau thought he saw what looked like sadness in his eyes, though he smiled. He felt Corin suspected his doubt, but he never confronted Beau about it.


    ¡°The people do not choose the King, Beaumont,¡± Corin said. ¡°God chooses the king for the better of the people.¡±


    ¡°But it was Amost the High Priest of the Paladins who appointed my father to the throne,¡± Beau replied. ¡°He had mystical power, but he was not a God.¡±


    ¡°There was no man in the world closer to God than Amost,¡± Corin replied. ¡°He chose your father because it was his destiny. If it were not by the decree of the High Priest, then it would have come to pass by your father¡¯s determination. He was the man leading the slave revolt in the Middle Islands months before the Paladins arrived to help us. It was inevitable.¡±


    Now the burden of the crown fell on Beau¡¯s shoulders. He could not find it in himself to thank a father he never knew. Being the king and leading a nation was his father¡¯s dream, not his. The crown should have died with him. Beau noticed his cousin giving him a curious look, and he feared that maybe he showed his feelings too plainly. He quickly returned to the original point of their discussion.


    Beau cleared his throat loudly before addressing Corin. ¡°In any case, I don¡¯t see why they would follow me over Rancine. Though I am the son of the true king, they did not oppose Rancine. He appointed himself through murder and took control by force. Am I expected to do the same in return?¡±


    ¡°It was not simple murder, Beaumont,¡± Corin said. ¡°It was a carefully planned execution that took some years. Rancine, through carefully laid traps, made your father look weak and undermined his policies, while at the same time feigning friendship and loyalty. One by one, he began losing his support until he was all alone. When the time was right, Rancine convinced the clans that a change was needed, so some let it happen, others actively participated. This is an important distinction that you should remember, to avoid falling into the same trap. It is the sword that you don¡¯t see that is the deadliest.


    ¡°The families care only for wealth and power. It would be best if you convinced them that their status and power would remain, and even flourish under your rule. It is about gaining their confidence; you cannot approach them with threats of retribution. That will play out in due time. However, you two must know that in life, not all get the justice we think they deserve. Be comforted in the fact that God will always balance the scales, and all wrongs will be made right in the end.¡±


    At that moment, there was a single knock, the door swung open, and Milton entered the room. He was brown of complexion and stood at average height. He had a broad figure and bright brown eyes. Unlike most of the men Beau knew in Mount Hope, his uncle always kept his face clean of hair and his head shaved in the same military cut Beau and Julius wore.


    ¡°Corin. Boys,¡± Milton said. ¡°I thought I would find you here.¡±


    ¡°Hello, father,¡± Julius said with a bright smile.


    ¡°Hello, Uncle,¡± Beau said as he stood up to take Milton¡¯s forearm in greeting.


    ¡°I am sorry to interrupt you,¡± Milton said to Corin. ¡°But we must speak right away.¡± Beau noticed a lack of his Uncle¡¯s usual cheerfulness. He was concerned about something, and it was critical. Corin seemed to pick up on it as well, as he nodded silently.


    Corin turned to Beau and Julius. ¡°Continue reading while we speak. I will be only a moment.¡± Milton held the door open for Corin as he walked outside and with a curt nod to the boys, he pulled it shut behind him.


    ¡°Something is wrong,¡± Julius said after a moment. He walked over to the window and pushed open one of the shutters.


    ¡°He seemed more serious than usual. I hope that everyone is well.¡± Beau said as he joined his cousin.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a little rain,¡± Julius said. ¡°I am sure we will not hear of anyone drowning in the river. Like all the rain that fell before, it will pass.¡± Julius leaned against the windowpane and stuck his arm out to feel the droplets.


    ¡°I know that,¡± Beau replied. ¡°I have been feeling uneasy these last few days, is all. It¡¯s like¡ª¡°Julius slapped him softly on his arm.


    ¡°Hold on, look down by the shed,¡± Julius said, pointing. ¡°Who are those men?¡± Beau leaned on the ledge and peered out. He saw two tall men in green hooded cloaks. He could see their faces clearly, but he did not recognize them. They had ruddy skin with thick black beards. They were also wearing leather armor and carrying weapons. One had a longbow, and both had swords hanging from their belts.


    ¡°Maybe they are soldiers,¡± Beau said in wonder. ¡°Look at how they are armed. No one walks about Mount Hope like that.¡±


    ¡°But why would soldiers be in our yard?¡± Julius asked. It was not unheard of them to have guests, but armed guest was a rarity. They welcomed visitors at the keep, and he was curious to learn more about these men in the yard. News from outside of Mount Hope was appreciated, though it was mostly conflict and drama. At times it felt like all of Dayconis was at war and remaining in Mount Hope was the safer choice.


    Corin returned, but Milton did not look pleased. He avoided making eye contact with Beau and Julius as he stood in the doorway.


    ¡°Listen, gentlemen,¡± Corin said. ¡°We have some unexpected guests. They have arrived to see our prince. They come to see you, Beaumont.¡± Beau was speechless, though many questions swirled about in his mind. They did not discuss his title openly. No one in Mount Hope knew his secret, and he was curious at who would have such secret knowledge.


    ¡°We should not keep them waiting,¡± Corin said as he began putting books away. Beau and Julius started helping him tidy up. Milton grumbled to himself impatiently. Beau wondered what had his Uncle in such a mood. His Uncle suddenly left, his boots echoing down the hallway.


    ¡°Do not mind him,¡± Corin said. ¡°He is very protective of you and Julius, and only wants to keep you safe.¡±


    ¡°Are we in trouble?¡± Beau asked.


    ¡°No, you are not in any trouble,¡± Corin said, though Beau felt he sounded unsure. ¡°Let us not assume anything. We shall meet the guest and ask some questions. Remember you two, watch your manners, we have been over how you are expected to conduct yourself in meetings, yes?¡± Beau nodded.


    ¡°Well, Julius?¡± Corin said as he saw the boy looking out of the window. ¡°Did you hear me? What are you looking at?¡±


    ¡°The visitors,¡± Julius said. ¡°Are they soldiers? Are we meeting those two men in the yard?¡± Corin walked over and looked out. The two men slowly looked up. Beau thought they had cold and empty eyes. They were not hostile, but they were not welcoming. He shivered and stepped away from the window.


    ¡°No¡­not those men,¡± Corin said. ¡°But they came with the guest we are meeting. They escorted her here.¡±


    ¡°We are meeting a woman?¡± Beau asked.


    ¡°Yes, come, let us go down to the hall and make introductions.¡± Corin shuffled the boys out of the room and locked his study. They walked down a narrow staircase that led directly to the feasting hall. The room was once a barrack, but Milton had everything cleared out once they arrived in Mount Hope and purchased the land. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Milton named the Holdfast after himself and to Beau it was home. He liked to think of it as his castle in the mountains. The main building did not have majestic guard towers, and most of the original outer walls were gone, yet it was the only Holdfast in the region that remained from Mount Hopes long-forgotten past. He was not entirely clear why the original inhabitants abandoned the place, but he was happy to live there now. Julius said it was a dragon that drove them away. It was clear that fire destroyed many of the Mount Hope ruins. Beau was sure it was merely the result of men fighting one another, just like they did in the Middle Islands and every other country in the known world of Dayconis.


    The feasting hall had two long tables lined with chairs. There was a large double door leading directly to the yard with two shutters along the same wall, now open to let in what little light was available from the overcast skies. As Beau stepped into the Hall, he saw his uncle standing toward the front with his arms crossed. There was also a tall man with sun-tanned skin and long brown hair, and a woman. Her head was at shoulder height with the two men standing next to her. She was dark of skin with jet black hair in a tight ponytail. She wore a travel-worn cloak tossed back over her slender shoulders. She was the prettiest woman Beau had ever seen. He noticed a short sword at her hips, a weapon he hardly saw and never on a woman.


    Beau followed closely behind Julius and Corin as they made their way toward Milton and the strangers. It was at that moment he noticed another man sitting quietly upon a stool near the window. He looked directly at Beau as he drank from a mug. His skin complexion was dark with a glistening bald head and a salt and pepper beard. Beau did not like the look of him. His eyes were piercing, though he only locked eyes with the man for only a moment. The man had a dirty green cloak draped over his shoulders, and dark clothes, which combined with the poor light in the Hall made him a frightening looking figure.


    As they approached the front of the Hall, Corin and Julius stepped aside to let Beau come to the forefront. The woman looked down at him, and she seemed to be struck dumb. Beau thought he could see her hands tremble, but he was not sure. As Corin had explained to him many times before, tradition dictated that the visitors present themselves. The woman looked at Beau in silence, and it felt like he was standing there for a long time under her piercing gaze.


    An audible sigh from Milton broke her out of her momentary paralysis, and she finally took a knee to address Beau. ¡°My apologies, Prince Beaumont, I am truly in awe to be within your presence. I am, Nisila of Rudel, a village on the main island of Aiti.¡±


    Beau looked to Corin, as he felt unsure of himself. He had never actually had anyone bow before him or address him as a prince. He took a deep breath and recited his practiced manners. ¡°Greetings, Nasila of Rudel. Rudel is a large province that has remained friendly to my family. For that, I thank you.¡± Beau extended his hand toward Nasila with his palm facing up. Nasila gently held him by his wrist and forearm as she leaned forward and touched his palm with her forehead. Her fingers felt rough, and though she only laid a light touch upon Beau¡¯s arm, he felt the strength in her hands. This woman was a warrior, a thing he had heard of but never seen in person. It was thrilling and strange all at once.


    Nisila stood and presented her companion. ¡°This is Adore Hamhas of the New Brotherhood. Without him and his men, I would not have found my way to you. I only hope I come in time.¡±


    ¡°Your arrival is questionable,¡± Milton said unkindly. ¡°You are unannounced, and you ride armed, and with sell-swords. What is the meaning of this? You risk much coming here in this fashion.¡± Nisila glared at Milton, her lip twitching as she struggled to control her tongue.


    ¡°Shall we sit down,¡± Corin said nervously. ¡°I will have some wine prepared.¡±


    ¡°That would be much appreciated,¡± Adore replied.


    ¡°We are fine,¡± Nisila snapped as she sat down. Adore looked visibly disappointed as he remained standing at her side. He gave Beau a good-spirited nod with a smile, and Beau instantly liked the man. He reminded Beau of his uncle when he was in better spirits.


    Corin was uncomfortable, and Beau could feel it as he sat next to him. The old scholar cleared his throat and addressed Nisila. ¡°Milton has justification in his concerns, though I would have expressed it differently. Please, tell us why you are here.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you want the boy present for this?¡± Milton asked Corin.


    ¡°Why do you address the Prince so disrespectfully?¡± Nisila snapped at Milton. ¡°You cannot call him a boy, he is the prince of the Middle Islands, son of King Bohemond, and he should be addressed with the proper respect his stature commands.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Milton replied. ¡°He is my nephew, and we are family. That¡¯s how we get along here. We don¡¯t need any of your title rubbish.¡±


    ¡°Titles matter, Milton,¡± Nisila said standing up to meet the old knight. ¡°You of all people should know that. If Prince Beaumont cannot command respect from those closest to him, how will he command respect from the clans in the Middle Islands?¡±


    ¡°What the prince does is none of your concern,¡± Milton said as he glared at Nisila. ¡°We have taken good care of the boy, and I kept him safe. However, you coming here puts his safety at risk. You must have been the village fool as a child.¡± Beau thought they would come to blows. He had never seen his uncle argue with another person as he did now.


    Corin leaped between the two of them. ¡°Come now, not like this. It is true, Nisila, we do not address Beaumont with his proper title. You see it was a matter of habit, to keep him safe. Not everyone here is from the old country, and as you know, one cannot be too careful. Come, tell us why you have come.¡±


    ¡°If only I could have come sooner.¡± Nisila sighed. She looked at Beau and slowly sat back down. ¡°A high-ranking member of the resistance was captured by Rancine¡¯s men. His name was Denali, and he was one of the few who knew of Prince Beaumont¡¯s location. We feared that it was only a matter of time before Rancine¡¯s warlocks broke him and learned the truth.¡±


    Beau read about the warlocks in several of the old histories Corin assigned him. They were men and women who channeled dark magic and used blood sacrifice to control spells. His mother shared ancestry with the customs, but not his father, and at the request of High Priest Amost, the practices were forbidden. Hearing Nisila speak of them now and how they broke a man frightened him.


    ¡°Rancine¡¯s warlocks would need only to learn the name of Mount Hope,¡± Nisila continued. ¡°With that name alone they would search far and wide and eventually find him. The prince is no longer safe here.¡±


    ¡°No, thanks to you, and your band of fools, he may already be exposed,¡± Milton said.


    Nisila ignored him and went on. ¡°After meeting with the leaders of the resistance, it was decided that our original plan would not work. We cannot wait for the prince to be a man grown before returning him to the Middle Islands. He faces grave danger, and we alone have the strength to keep him safe.¡±


    Milton looked confused. ¡°What does that mean? Will you remain here with these sell-swords?¡±


    ¡°No, that was not the plan we had in mind,¡± Nisila said. She took a breath and looked directly at Beau. ¡°My Prince, you must return to the Middle Islands with me. With the help of the New Brotherhood¡ª¡°


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Milton shouted cutting her off. ¡°You are insane if you think I would allow you to take Beaumont to the Middle Islands.¡±


    Corin again stood between Milton and Nisila as they both began to shout over one another. ¡°Calm yourselves. Nisila, the decision would ultimately have to be finalized by the Strategist, I would be interested in learning the reasoning behind such a drastic decision.¡±


    Beau looked at Milton and Corin, finding it hard to believe what he was hearing. ¡°I must leave Mount Hope? Why do I have to leave? Who is the Strategist?¡± Beau felt a sudden panic at the thought of having to travel to the Middle Islands.


    ¡°The Prince does not know of the Strategist?¡± Nisila asked.


    ¡°I was waiting for the right time to tell him,¡± Corin said quickly. ¡°There is so much that he must learn. I do not think he is ready to leave Mount Hope.¡±


    ¡°Of all the things he should learn, that is the most important,¡± Nisila replied. ¡°The Strategist saved his life. If it were not for those efforts, none of you would be alive. The Strategist leads the resistance against Rancine and will be his number one advisor in the struggles to come.¡± Beau had thought Corin and Milton were the ones who saved him. He wondered now about this mysterious person. However, he was not curious enough to want to leave Mount Hope.


    ¡°We will speak more about that when the time is right,¡± Corin said. ¡°But first tell me, what will be his fate if he returns to the Middle Islands now? How would they keep him safe?¡±


    ¡°I will not lie to you, I do not have all the answers,¡± Nisila said. ¡°But I can say this. With my life, I will see the prince safely home. Once he is in the care of the Strategist, I am confident he will be safe enough to continue his training.¡±


    Milton laughed out loud. ¡°You are mad. You cannot keep him safe in the Middle Islands. Will you take him to Aiti? Where he will be set upon by hordes of soldiers and dark magicians? Or maybe he will flee among the lesser Islands like some homeless wanderer, with no home, no family, and in constant fear of his life?¡±


    Hearing his Uncles words made Beau even more afraid. He glanced back at his cousin, who was standing quietly and listening. Julius only looked at him and shrugged, and whatever encouragement or answers he hoped his cousin would have was gone. Beau did not know what to do, but it did not feel right that everyone around him was discussing his fate.


    ¡°You have such little faith,¡± Nisila said. ¡°He has the blood of a king within him. He will be the true ruler of the Middle Islands one day. However, our prince cannot do it alone; he needs us. He has it in him to bring unity back to our country, and he is the only one that will bring an end to this civil war.¡±


    Nisila took a knee and addressed Beau directly. ¡°My Prince. Your father was a magnificent king, and I am sure you have heard the stories of his conquest. He has left behind a grand legacy to live up too, but I promise you his strength is in you. The free citizens of the Middle Islands need security, Prince Beaumont. If you stay here, you might lose your chance to save them. Rancine¡¯s agents are coming, and they are likely on their way to Hattan as we speak¡ª¡°


    ¡°That is enough.¡± Milton grabbed Nisila roughly by her shoulder and pulled her up. She reacted with lightning speed, snapping hold of Milton¡¯s wrist and twisting his arm. He cried out in pain.


    Julius jumped forward as he saw his father going down. ¡°You let go of him.¡±


    Beaumont stood clear as Corin was again forced to stop the two from clashing. Adore quickly positioned himself between Nisila and Milton.


    ¡°You would draw weapons in my hall?¡± Milton cried as he stared at Adore. The sell-sword had his hand upon the pommel of his sword, as did his men who suddenly appeared from the yard when they heard Milton cry out.


    Adore looked down at his hand and then signaled his men to stand down. ¡°I mean no offense, my lord. It is a natural reaction; I would not dare raise weapons against you, especially before the two boys.¡±


    ¡°Bloody witch,¡± Milton screamed at Nisila. ¡°You go too far, scaring the boy with your lies. Rancine has not sent anyone, has he? You spin your lies to force his hand. I won¡¯t stand for it.¡±


    ¡°I am loyal to the prince,¡± Nisila shouted as Adore held her back. ¡°I will give everything for him. I have long forfeit my life for his own, as have other people much greater than me. I tell you no lie. What I say will come to pass if you do nothing.¡± Beau thought he could hear her voice nearly breaking. He could see that her eyes were tearing up, but she remained resolute.


    ¡°Nothing will stop me from keeping him safe,¡± Nisila said as she stood back, breathing deeply. Beau could hear his uncle shouting, but the words made no sense. They were all angry, and it was because of him. His uncle had doubts, but Beau believed Nisila was telling the truth. It was a truth he did not want to hear, but there was no running from his fate.


    If Rancine wanted him dead, what would stop him from bringing the violence in the Middle Islands to Mount Hope? Beau realized that his selfishness would endanger the land he truly loved. He had to make a decision, and he could not do it thinking only of himself. A king belonged to the people, and it was his duty to serve them.


    He could not stand the shouting and fighting. They were getting louder and louder until all he could hear was an unyielding roar.


    Beau spoke up just loud enough to be heard over the arguing. ¡°I will go.¡±


    ¡°What was that, son?¡± Milton said. ¡°You want to go to the Middle Islands?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will go,¡± Beau replied. He hated saying the words, and even as they left his lips, he felt regret. There was no going back now. Beau could not express his fear; he had to go through with his decision. He sighed deeply and cursed his unfortunate fate, wishing he was the son of a farmer. It would seem the Gods had decreed that he be the son of a king. As the prince, it was his duty to take the crown. There was no separating his life from his service to his country.


    Beau noticed that everyone was looking at him. Corin seemed proud, though Beau did not feel any pride in what he was doing. Beau wanted to hide away in his room and end this terrible meeting. He could not imagine experiencing anything worse than this moment.


    Milton looked stunned as he addressed his nephew. ¡°Beaumont, do you know what you are saying? If you leave Mount Hope, son, you will never be safe again. You no longer have family in the Middle Islands, only men, and women who are fighting for power. Are you sure you want to enter that life?¡± Beau could not find the words to express himself as fear gripped his mind.


    ¡°He has made his choice,¡± Corin said. ¡°In any other circumstance, I would agree with you, Milton. In this case, we have the decision from the Strategist. The decision was made to make Prince Beaumont safe. I say we follow Nisila and make our way to the Middle Islands.¡± Beau felt his stomach churn, and he thought he would throw up. There was no going back now. They were going to leave.


    ¡°How soon can you be prepared to leave?¡± Nisila asked.


    ¡°We will need two days at the very least,¡± Corin replied.


    ¡°I cannot believe you are going to go through with this,¡± Milton said. ¡°Beaumont leaves Mount Hope, and we play right into Rancine¡¯s hand. You will deliver him right to the bastard. Is that what you want, Corin?¡±


    ¡°What I want is to see the prince claim his throne,¡± Corin sighed. ¡°Listen to me, Milton. It is not what we planned, but this is our reality now, and we must see it through. ¡°


    ¡°You¡¯re a fool,¡± Milton shouted. ¡°You will kill him. His blood is on your hands, and you, Nisila, you will go down in history as the one who let Rancine win. Come, Julius.¡± Julius looked at Beau and shook his head sadly before following his father out of the Hall.


    Nisila looked at Beau and smiled. ¡°My Prince, I promise you that I will see you home safely. There will be such joy and celebration once your people see you step foot back onto the Islands.¡± Beau felt his emotions rising, and he could not control it anymore. She stood before him smiling, oblivious to the fact that she shattered his world. He no longer felt afraid; he was now angry. Nisila was the cause of all of this.


    ¡°Why did you have to come here,¡± Beau shouted at her.


    Corin stood aghast at the sudden outburst. ¡°Beaumont, you cannot speak to your guest in that fashion, control yourself.¡± Beau fled from the Hall, his eyes streaming with tears. He ran directly into the New Brotherhood man who was sitting near the window when he first entered. The tall man looked down at him with mean eyes but stepped aside to let him go.


    As Beau fled the Hall, he heard Nisila speaking to Corin. ¡°It is all right; he is upset. I understand. He will be better once he takes to the road.¡±


    Beau took the stairs two at a time as he made his way to his quarters. He dashed into the room and swung the door shut, throwing himself upon his bed. He cried and cried, with no end to the sadness that tormented him.


    Julius knocked on the door and then let himself in. Beau tried to control himself, not wanting to cry before his cousin. Julius sat on the foot of the bed with his back to him and remained silent. After a few minutes, Beau calmed down.


    He sat up next to his cousin and wiped the tears from his face. ¡°I am such a fool. Why did I say I would go? It was a foolish decision, I was trying to be kingly, but all I did was ruin everything.¡±


    ¡°You are going because it is the right thing to do,¡± Julius said. ¡°If Rancine is looking for you, do you want him coming here?¡±


    ¡°It is how I saw things as well,¡± Beau said. ¡°Yet, I still hate it. I don¡¯t want to go to the Middle Islands, not yet.¡±


    ¡°When will be the right time, Beau?¡± Julius said as he turned around to face him. ¡°You are the prince and heir to the throne. You must rule, and to rule, you must go home. You will have an army, allies, and advisors. I will always be with you, as well.¡±


    Julius placed his hand upon Beau¡¯s shoulder and rocked him gently. ¡°Cheer up, cousin. You will see, it will all work out in the end. Don¡¯t you want to go on a grand adventure? We will travel and see so many different places. It is the start of your story, the story of Prince Beaumont.¡±


    ¡°You are the one who cares for traveling,¡± Beau said. ¡°I like it here just fine. I would live my whole life here if I could.¡±


    ¡°Stop sulking,¡± Julius replied. ¡°Come, let us go find some treats in the kitchen. It will do you some good.¡±


    ¡°How can you think of treats?¡± Beau whined. ¡°There is no food in the world that would save this day. I want to stay in my room.¡±


    ¡°Why? So you could cry all day. You are a prince of a nation, with people looking to you to protect them. You are letting the words of that stupid woman and a little bad weather ruin your mood. I won¡¯t let it get me down; I look forward to the journey. You will see, it will be a splendid adventure that you will remember for all your days.¡± Beau peered out the single window of his room. It faced the back of the Holdfast overlooking a forest laden with golden leaves. In the distance, the northern mountains wore dark clouds on their peaks.


    Beau sighed and remained leaning on the window sill, doing his best to ignore his cousin. Julius shook his head and walked out of the room. Maybe his cousin was right. He was nearly a man, and a prince of the Middle Islands, everyone expected more of him. He wished he had the heart to embrace his fate, but the more he tried, the more the burden weighed him down.

 Chapter 4

    Two days had gone by since the meeting in the hall, days that Beau spent feeling miserable. He remained inside the holdfast to avoid the gloomy weather and hide his brooding mood. Julius was hardly around, and Corin was busy making preparations for their journey. Beau felt guilty for how he acted at the meeting, and he was having a difficult time mustering the courage to apologize.


    On the morning of the third day, he sat with his Uncle Milton, Corin, and two men from Mount Hope his uncle considered dependable friends. One man was a farmer who grew wheat on a decent patch of land an hour away, and the other grew rare herbs that made tea and medicine. They discussed the road and possible routes they could take to reach Morris Port in a timely fashion. It was a route the men were familiar with since all trade was conducted in the port city. As the discussion dragged on, Nisila and Adore entered the hall with a dry greeting.


    Nisila had dark circles below her eyes. Beau wondered if she had slept since he last saw her. There was still a palpable tension between her and Milton, and she did not spare his uncle a glance but instead stepped forward to address everyone else. She looked like she wanted to be any other place than the hall, sharing the same air as Milton.


    ¡°I have come to see your progress,¡± She said sternly. ¡°Will you be prepared to leave today? The weather is good and I take that as a sign that it¡¯s the right time to depart. The rain stopped late last night and it¡¯s much colder now, but better than a rainy day and muddy road.¡±


    Corin sighed as he stood to address her. ¡°Indeed the weather is most promising. However, we are still short of certain supplies we will need for the journey. Also, after taking some inventory, I have learned that most of the prince¡¯s clothes have become unfit and we must have some suitable things made for him before his arrival in Aiti.¡±


    Nisila was like a storm on the brink of breaking. She put her hands on her hips and took a deep breath before speaking. Milton smirked at her frustration, but Beau did not find the situation amusing. He steeled himself for another argument.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see how his choice of fashion is a priority,¡± She said finally. ¡°Already you have waited too long. If you delay because you are upset with me, then I am sorry. I am lacking the knowledge to say it any other way.¡±


    ¡°He is returning to his homeland after being exiled,¡± Milton said. ¡°This is an important moment. It is the most important moment in our history. The prince cannot show up to the main island of our nation, the seat of our royalty, dressed like a beggar.¡±


    ¡°I agree with Milton,¡± Corin added. ¡°His first impression is most important. The leaders of the resistance will judge his words, actions, and looks. And that is their right. We cannot give them any reason to doubt his worthiness. Combined with the doubts and fears they will have about his age, any additional mistakes could do irreparable damage. Everything must be done in a way to present Prince Beaumont in his best light. These things take time, Nisila.¡±


    ¡°And it is like Corin said,¡± Milton added. ¡°We need to gather a few other things.¡± Nisila finally looked at Milton. She glared at him, openly showing her disdain for the old soldier.


    Adore stepped forward to address them. ¡°The supplies you are lacking, I am confident we can acquire them in Morris Port. Also, as you travel down the Arlem toward the sea, you can stop at Haven Mott. You will find any fancy things you need in that town; it is a place known for high fashion, and high-class folk. But you should know this, my lord.¡± Milton did not look pleased with Adore.


    ¡°That is our answer then,¡± Nisila said. ¡°We leave this afternoon with what you have, no more delays. We can get everything else you need along the way.¡± Milton motioned to argue, but Corin waved him down and nodded to Nisila.


    Corin sighed as he addressed Nisila. ¡°It seems that today is the day then. We will have our last meal in the hall, at noon, please join us. After that, we will begin our journey to Morris Port. It will be a sad departure. We have had many good memories here, and it has been a peaceful life. I knew it would end one day, but I never thought it would be so sudden.¡±


    Beau found that he was still angry with Nisila. He knew the right thing to do was apologize to her for his harsh words, but he could not find the words with everyone present around him. Beau tried his best to avoid eye contact, hoping she would not address him. Despite his efforts, Nisila approached him.


    ¡°My Prince, I am sorry I had to be the one to bring you this news,¡± Nisila said. ¡°I hope you understand that I am doing what I think is best for you, and our homeland. If we did not believe you were in danger, I would never have come.¡±


    ¡°I understand, and I thank you for your service to my family,¡± Beau replied, as he turned to address the others. ¡°If there is nothing else to be discussed, I would like to be excused.¡±


    ¡°Of course, my Prince,¡± Corin said. He had taken to addressing him by his title in the last few days. Beau hated hearing it. It felt like they were all pretending, acting like his life in Mount Hope had never existed, and he was never only Beau. He turned and left the room, feeling all their eyes on his back. They would begin the journey today, that was certain. The thought made him sad and angry all at once.


    He could not stand the mix of emotions swelling within his heart, but he had no way to express his displeasure. The feelings remained bottled up within him, slowing boiling and churning into a wild broth of resentment toward everyone and everything.


    When he entered his room, Julius was already there. ¡°How was your meeting? Are we leaving today?¡± Beau nodded and moved past him to lay on his bed. He put his head down, and Julius sighed.


    ¡°We are leaving Mount Hope, Beau,¡± Julius said. ¡°There is nothing more you can do. Will you be this dull for the entire journey? Are you not curious to see Morris Port?¡±


    ¡°They plan to stop at Haven Mott,¡± Beau said, his voice muffled in the pillow.


    ¡°Even better,¡± Julius exclaimed. ¡°I would love to see as much as possible, and speak to as many people as we can. I want to buy treats; my father always brings back good treats from Morris Port. We will have our pick of whatever we wish.¡± Beau tried to block his cousin out. He loved Julius, but all his talk of travel and leaving Mount Hope was wearisome. He knew his cousin was trying to cheer him up, but Beau pulled the pillow tighter to cover his ears.


    ¡°The horses have been ready since morning,¡± Julius continued. ¡°We will ride by day and camp at night. Can you imagine sleeping under the stars in the woods? It will be like our fathers when they marched to war, living out in the elements, surviving off the land around them.¡±


    Beau could not take it anymore and he snapped at his cousin. ¡°Would you stop already? What joy you get out of tormenting me I will never know. Our journey is nothing like our fathers going to war. Going to the Middle Islands is not a journey for pleasure. Did you not hear anything Nisila said? I am in danger, you fool, and you only care about stuffing your face with sweets. People want me dead, for no reason other than a title given to me by people I never met. Do you want to be king?¡±


    ¡°Beau, calm down, I was only¡ª¡°Julius began, but Beau cut him off. He could not stand the sound of his cousins voice, as he felt him self thrown into a dizzying rage.


    ¡°Calm down? Julius, can¡¯t you see what is happening?¡± Beau said, jumping up from the bed. ¡°We are no longer children. Traveling to the Middle Islands is not a game; we are leaving and never coming back. We are going to the Middle Islands, where men are killing each other. People will want me to change things for the better, and what do I know?¡± Beau was finding it difficult to breathe. The room felt smaller than he remembered it, as the walls loomed closer and closer. There was no way to escape, and death lurked behind him like a shadow. Beau looked about wildly, fearing an entity that was not there, only a faint nightmare that lingered in his mind.


    ¡°Beau, what is wrong?¡± Julius asked, concerned. ¡°You do not look right, are you going mad?¡±


    ¡°I cannot go, Julius. I cannot leave. I change my mind,¡± Beau cried.


    ¡°You cannot change your mind; we are leaving today.¡±


    ¡°I will run away then,¡± Beau said, and he fled from the room. Julius called after him, but he ignored him and dashed down the stairs through the back door of the kitchen. His fear was after him like a monster, and he wanted to escape it. Pushing by some men who worked for his uncle, Beau made for the back gate. The men called his name, but he ignored them. He was beyond the walls and running beneath the trees of the surrounding forest.


    Beau could smell the soil and moldy leaves beneath his feet. He felt free the farther he ran away from the holdfast. He felt this was his moment, the chance he needed to escape an impending fate of servitude. The thought of strange faces looking to him for their salvation made his guts twist into knots. Running through the forest, with the branches and leaves brushing against his face and body, felt like he was moving past all of it, overcoming the obstacles that were trying to hold him down.


    ¡°I said, wait!¡± Julius cried out. Beau skid to a stop, and turned to see his cousin weaving in and out of the trees. Had he run through that same tangle of woods? Beau could not remember, the exhilarating feeling of the flight consumed him. He wanted to feel it again; he did not want to stop.


    ¡°What are you about?¡± Julius said as he put his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath.


    ¡°Just leave me be,¡± Beau said as he leaned against a tree, his adrenaline wearing off and the fatigue finally catching up to him.


    ¡°You won¡¯t be rid of me so easily,¡± Julius said. ¡°We are family, and I won¡¯t leave your side. You don¡¯t have to be afraid, I am on the same journey as you, Beau.¡±


    ¡°No, you are not,¡± Beau said, frustrated. ¡°You have your father. I am alone, and I have to wear the crown by myself. No one understands. I am afraid; I have never been so afraid in my entire life. It was all fine, talking about it, but now it¡¯s real. I am not ready, Julius.¡± Beau sat and dropped his face into his hands. Julius joined him on the ground and held him tightly.


    They sat beneath the tree, neither speaking. The surrounding forest was restless with the creaking of branches, swayed by the coming winter winds. Birds were singing somewhere in the distance. Both boys wore thick wool sweaters tied at the waist with black belts, and dark brown pants made of cotton, with additional leggings beneath to keep warm, tucked into brown leather boots. They were one with the forest, as it prepared for its long winter slumber. The brown of the tree barks and the various colors of the dying leaves in the branches above hid them within the underbrush.


    Beau began to calm down as he sat close to his cousin, mimicking his steady breaths. The warmth of his body was comforting, reminding him of the nights he would snuggle beneath his musty blankets back at the holdfast.


    ¡°You remember, two summers ago?¡± Julius said, finally breaking the silence. ¡°We went fishing on the banks of the Silver Way, and I fell in and hurt my knee on that rock. I could not stay afloat, and I would have drown that day. Without a second thought, you jumped in and rescued me. The water took us all the way down to the Waldin Valley before we could swim out. Do you remember?¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Beau nodded as he wiped tears from his eyes. ¡°Yes, I remember¡­The water was so cold, and rough. I did not think we would make it.¡±


    ¡°We survived it because you were brave and strong. You saved us both. That is who you are, Beaumont. My father says you only really get to know a man when arrows start flying. I shared that moment with you, and I know in my heart who you are. I know things are scary right now, but you can do it. It will be like that day in the river; you will jump in and save us all. Do not doubt yourself, cousin. Most of all, do not doubt me. You can always count on me, no matter what. There is nothing in the world that we cannot overcome together.¡± They heard shouting in the distance; men were calling out their names.


    ¡°It must be Uncle Milton¡¯s men,¡± Beau said as he looked up.


    ¡°Perhaps, or the men of the Brotherhood,¡± Julius replied. ¡°They also saw us run out the keep.¡± Beau sighed as he felt his anxiety returning. He found some comfort in his cousins¡¯ words, but putting them into action took another type of strength that he could not find at the moment. He could not hide his feelings from Julius, and when he looked at his cousin, his concern was evident.


    ¡°You mean to run away?¡± Julius asked, and Beau nodded. ¡°Then I am with you. Let us run together and go to the ruined Watchtower. They might not think to look there, and we can lose them that way.¡±


    ¡°They will be angry with me for leaving, Julius,¡± Beau said. ¡°The ruins are far, are you sure you want to go?¡±


    ¡°If you go, I go,¡± Julius replied grinning. It was the first time in the last few days that Beau did not feel alone. Beau was glad Julius was there to listen, and not make him feel worse for the shame he felt. Julius was the only person in the world who finally knew how he truly felt. He would put his trust in Julius, the one with him in his most desperate moment.


    ¡°Quickly, let us run, they are getting close,¡± Julius said, and they playfully pushed each other as they made their way to the ruins. It was a tower on a distant cliff with a view of a wide valley below. From the top of the cliff, they could see across the southern region of Mount Hope. In ancient times, the land was laid bare with open fields, and miles of wall separated Mount Hope from the wilderness. In the tower, soldiers could spot enemies entering the realm and raise the alarm.


    The valley was now overgrown with trees, their leaves glowing gold, yellow, and orange. After a long run through the forest, the boys came upon a clearing and stepped into the sunlight. The sky was overcast, and the sun gave little comfort. It would be winter soon, and the snows would cover everything in a coat of white. Before them, as they stepped clear of the trees, was a small stream called the Silver Way. Strange fish with glittering scales and slender bodies darted through the water. In the warmer months, the fish would leap into the air to catch insects flying nearby. Beau spotted only a few of the fish now, as the muted daylight reflected a dazzling show of lights from their scales.


    Beau placed his hands into the water, and it was cold, but it was a feeling he knew well. The hot summers and cold winters of the mountain were a familiar comfort. He did not know if the sun of the Middle Island shone as it did here, but if it was as hot as they said, then maybe the rivers were warm. He wondered what kind of fish lived in the rivers. Corin did not teach them about wildlife, but these things mattered to him.


    ¡°Beaumont! Julius!¡± A voice echoed through the woods behind them. Beau signaled Julius, and they continued running. Julius crossed the stream by skipping small boulders protruding out of the flowing waters. Beau followed closely behind, and they both ran up a craggy hillside that led out the valley. Soon they came to an old beaten path that made its way to the very top of the cliff, which now loomed above them. Standing in the shadow of the hills, a cold breeze blew past them, and they shuddered from the icy winds. They ducked low under the brush to spy on the woods across the water.


    Two men emerged from the trees. One was of the New Brotherhood, and the other was the wheat farmer who lived near the holdfast. The men looked left and then right, both unsure of where they should go. Frustrated, they exchanged words Beau could not hear and split up, running along the stream.


    ¡°Do you want to go on?¡± Julius whispered. ¡°Should we go back?¡±


    ¡°No, let us stay away for just a little longer,¡± Beau replied. ¡°We have come this far, might as well go to the tower.¡±


    ¡°They may come this way and find us at the tower.¡±


    Beau turned to inspect the path behind them. ¡°It will take them some searching, and I don¡¯t think uncle knows the way. We invited him several times, but he was always too busy. We will be well hidden until we are ready to go home.¡±


    Grabbing hold of the tough shrubs growing along the path, they pulled themselves up as they went. Man-made stairs weathered down to nothing but broken stone and dirt in some parts, gave way to the upper reaches of the cliff. They were forced to climb using any foothold they could find. It was dangerous, but they were always careful.


    Looking down, Beau could see the top of the trees now, and the air blew cold on his neck. He felt goosebumps creep upon his arms. Without a cloak and scarf, the wind felt like an assault upon his body.


    Beau pressed on with Julius coming up behind him. He imagined they were fleeing from everyone, including Rancine and his armies. On the cliff, Beau pretended there was a castle he had to secure and defend. It would be his last stand. In his mountain castle, he could remain in Mount Hope forever, and no one would be able to get to him. He would grow all he needed within his fortress and die a happy old man away from the troubles of the world.


    After a short space of time, they made it to the first shelf. To the north, the land was rolling hills covered in woods. He could not see them, but he knew other farms lay hidden between the many valleys throughout Mount Hope. Beyond that, he saw the colorful horizon and the misty tips of the distant mountains. For a long time, he was curious about what lay beyond that land. He never had aspirations to travel, but now that he was forced to leave the home he had grown to love, Beau felt regret that he would not get the chance to explore the country to the north.


    He already knew what was to the south. It was the land of Hattan. The Arlem River ran directly through Hattan, and at the very southern edge of the wilds, was the city of Morris Port. Trade vessels would come up the river to drop off and pick up goods there. In the mines of Mount Hope, men searched for Ember, a stone with many magical properties, and others cut and shipped timber. In earlier days he was curious about the port city, but now that it came to it he did not much care for heading south anymore. He was curious about foreign places, anyone would want to see the world, but he also wanted to know he could return home when it was over.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Julius said.


    ¡°North, I wonder what lies beyond the mountains,¡± Beau sighed.


    ¡°We know what is north of us, the Ember mines.¡±


    ¡°Yes, the mines are within the mountains, but what is beyond that? Have you ever wondered? Readings say far, far to the northeast across the ocean, beyond the country of Langley, the Barbarians live in the snow-covered peaks of the largest mountains in Dayconis. Maybe like that land, barbarians live to the north of Mount Hope.¡±


    Julius scoffed. ¡°I think if barbarians lived beyond those mountains, we would have heard of it. Besides the barbarians never leave their realm, only the barbarian king can go beyond the borders. Their king named Googaron has a son and it is said that he walks the world.¡±


    ¡°The son of Googaron?¡± Beau asked, surprised. ¡°How do you come by all these stories? Did you read about it with Corin?¡±


    ¡°I heard my father discussing it with a traveler recently,¡± Julius said. ¡°They say his name is Fidderon and he is as big as a bear.¡±


    Beau laughed. ¡°Let us hope we do not cross his path on our travels, or any bears. Come, we are almost at the top.¡± The boys ran along the shelf and came to a hidden cave. It was a straight path, with a dark, wet tunnel that gave them access to the other side of the cliff. They could hear dripping water echo as they made their way through. Heading directly to the light at the other end, they emerged and took a sharp right following more broken steps to the tower. As they came to the top, they could see the ancient stone works looming before them.


    The Watchtower was broken, as if torn down by the mighty stroke of a giant¡¯s hammer. Stones long fallen from the tower lay scattered across the grassy hilltop. The structure stood at half its height now, the top edges protruding like sharp teeth at its highest point. In the late afternoon, the broken walls cast long, menacing shadows on the ground. The boys ran up the last leg of the hill and into the fallen ruins. Looking up, they saw an open sky blanketed with gray storm clouds.


    Julius dashed past Beau and headed for the shattered steps within. ¡°Quick, the enemies are coming!¡± Julius cried. ¡°To the armory, my king!¡± Within the fallen tower they found broken spears, sword hilts, and rotted shields. They used these antique items as their arms, and pretended to hold the gate against an invisible foe attempting to sack their castle. It was a game they often played at the holdfast.


    They always had a good time playing at the fallen tower. It had the atmosphere of a battle-worn keep. Beau imagined that the rotted weapons at his feet belonged to vanquished enemies. He imagined large stones being flung from siege weapons, plummeting from the sky and pounding on the surrounding fortifications. Beau knew it was all a game, but it was always exhilarating, and he soon forgot all about Nisila, Morris Port, and his journey to the Middle Islands. As they continued to play, the day waned, and soon, the sun began to go down.


    Julius was the first to notice that the hour was getting late, and he put down his broken spear. ¡°They must be wondering where we have gotten too,¡± Julius said.


    ¡°Yes, I am sure,¡± Beau replied. ¡°I know we should be getting back, but now that it¡¯s time, I find it hard to face them. Maybe we can stay just a little longer.¡±


    ¡°It is getting cold, Beau,¡± Julius said. ¡°Besides, we stay any longer, and it will be dark. How do we make our way back then? Can you make a fire to light torches so we can find our path?¡± Beau nodded, lowering his head in disappointment. He had a small taste of freedom, but now it was time to say goodbye to Mount Hope. All his worry and fear returned like a crashing wave. He felt as if an invisible force was upon him, weighing him down.


    Julius came and stood by his side. ¡°It will be all right, cousin. Did you not enjoy your time today? I promise we will have more fun on our way to Morris Port. We can take our practice swords and bucklers as well. When we make camp, maybe my father can finally give us some lessons on sword fighting, besides just the stances.¡±


    ¡°I suppose,¡± Beau sighed. ¡°But I know they will all be angry with me for taking off. What I¡¯m I to say? I cannot tell them the truth. If they find out I have any doubts about being king, and going to the Middle Islands, what would they think of me?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry about that, Beau,¡± Julius said. ¡°I will tell them it was all my idea, and that you went along only to keep me company and keep me safe.¡± Beau smiled at that. He breathed a sigh of relief, happy that he could depend on Julius to protect him. As he looked out at the land beyond, he saw movement in the distance. Travelers on horseback were riding slowly across a hill. They bobbed steadily along in the fading light, but he could make out the shape of them. He had a feeling of panic, thinking that maybe it was Corin and his uncle already making the journey. However, it was not possible; these travelers were heading north-west, entering Mount Hope.


    ¡°Julius, look over there, do you see that black line of travelers,¡± Beau said as he pointed over his cousin¡¯s shoulder. They approached the broken wall of the tower and leaned forward to get a better view.


    ¡°Yes, I see them,¡± Julius replied. ¡°Must be miners coming from the south.¡±


    ¡°Or Nisila and her people looking for us,¡± Beau said. ¡°I have kept us out here long enough, let us get back.¡± The boys jumped as they heard a loud screech behind them. Looking up, they saw a large black raven sitting upon the broken wall, flapping its massive wings and eyeing them side ways with beady eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a stupid raven,¡± Julius said, turning and looking back toward the direction of the travelers, but they were gone, hidden within the forested land below. The boys left the tower and started their return journey back to the holdfast. The raven flew on ahead of them and perched on another rock as they climbed down the path. As the boys exited the short tunnel, they met the raven on the other side waiting for them.


    ¡°What does it want?¡± Julius asked.


    ¡°What all beasts want, food,¡± Beau replied, and at that, the raven let out a sharp caw at him. It stood still as if frozen and Beau looked directly into its eyes. There was a keenness within the creature that he had never seen in the other wild animals of Mount Hope. As he walked past, he realized how immense the bird was, much larger than any raven he could recall in the mountains. Its feathers were shining and healthy, reflecting the late afternoon light.


    ¡°It¡¯s a curious raven,¡± Beau said. ¡°It must think we have some food on us.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps just a greedy raven,¡± Julius said. ¡°Look at its size. It must be eating deer and boar. Shoo!¡± Julius faint a strike at the bird, but it did not move. They both shrugged and moved on, making their way down to the stream and back into the woods. The sun went down beyond the horizon as they walked. It was dark and cold in the woods, but the boys did not feel afraid. Beau was familiar with this forest; he played in it his entire life. He became slightly annoyed at not seeing the ground and on a few occasions, they tripped upon loose earth or overgrown roots.


    They were still confident of their path, a path they had taken more than once before. Beau wondered at the new roads that might still be hidden to him. The forest was a large place, and even at his age he had not seen the whole of it. He sighed at the thought of not getting too explorer more of the land he considered his home.


    As they filed past a large tree, the boys were grabbed from behind. Calloused hands muffled their screams. The strong arms dragged them back, lifting them off the ground. Beau attempted to break the hold, but he was not strong enough. He reached out for Julius, as he felt him struggling beside him. The stranger leaned forward, and his face was covered by a hood. It was a man with a thick beard and a deep, menacing voice.


    ¡°Do not move,¡± He said. ¡°Do not make a sound.¡±

 Chapter 5

    Beau felt as if his heart would explode out of his chest. He could feel his cousin struggling next to him within the stranger¡¯s powerful arms. Beau began to cry, not knowing what would happen next.


    ¡°Now, be good boys and stay calm,¡± The man said in a low, raspy voice. ¡°You are safe, as long as you keep your voices down. lookup.¡± Beau raised his eyes to see a shadowy figure approach from behind a tree.


    ¡°We have been searching all over for you two,¡± Nisila said as she knelt before them and removed the man¡¯s hands. He let them up and stood back. As Beau looked around, bewildered by what was happening, he saw more figures emerge from the shadows. It was the men of the New Brotherhood.


    Adore stepped forward and looked the boys over, before handing Nisila a cloak for each of them. ¡°Looks like no harm has come to them. Let us return to Milton¡¯s Holdfast. Our horses are ready.¡±


    ¡°Where is my father,¡± Julius cried out, causing sharp looks from Nisila and the men of the Brotherhood. ¡°You will pay for this, jumping me in the dark like¡ª¡°


    ¡°Julius, you must keep your voice down,¡± Nisila whispered. She looked suspiciously at the shadows surrounding them. ¡°There are enemies in these woods. We have waited too long, and now they are here.¡±


    ¡°How do you know that? Have you seen them?¡± Beau asked. He wished Milton and Corin were there with him. Nisila and the men of the Brotherhood, being strangers, gave him no comfort. Seeing them reminded him of why he ran away in the first place. Now that she was standing before him, Beau wanted to be far away from her.


    Nisila sighed as she looked at him. ¡°I suppose I am not the person you were hoping to meet. I asked your uncle to send a party to find you, but he refused. He said you and Julius knew the surrounding woods better than anyone.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Julius replied. ¡°We did not need you to come searching for us. We were on our way home.¡±


    ¡°Then let me escort you back,¡± Nisila said, reaching out for them, but Julius swatted her hand down.


    ¡°We know the way, we have nothing to fear,¡± Julius said. Nisila frowned and Beau could see the rebuttal pained her.


    ¡°Listen to me, Prince Beaumont, enemies have arrived in Mount Hope,¡± Nisila said. ¡°Shadow-cry spied riders approaching from the south. Thankfully for his efforts, we were able to find you.¡±


    Beau was unmoved, and emboldened by Julius¡¯s defiance he glared at her. ¡°I am thankful for nothing. It is as my cousin said, we were on our way home.¡± Adore scoffed and muttered something Beau could not hear. The old warrior turned and signaled his men to return to the Holdfast.


    Beau and Julius turned to leave with them, but Nisila stopped them. ¡°Listen, my Prince¡­I know my coming here has changed your way of life. It is not my wish to anger you; I am here because it is my duty, and you are important to the people of the Middle Islands. A good man gave up his life in your service¡ª¡°


    ¡°I did not ask for his service,¡± Beau scoffed.


    ¡°Then in the service of your family,¡± Nisila replied. ¡°Maybe you do not see it now, but in time you will. Give me a chance to keep you safe. You do not have to love me. I only ask for your trust.¡± Beau could not deny the sincerity in her eyes. For all his animosity toward her, she looked concerned. He was growing weary of the discussion, so he nodded to appease her. Nisila gave a wane smile and helped them with the cloaks, before stepping out of the way.


    ¡°Do you believe her?¡± Julius whispered to Beau.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but she believes what she is saying, so there may be some truth to it. All this talk of enemies is frightening. I want this over and done with.¡± Beau began thinking of the dreadful journey to come. Nisila did not scold him for fleeing, but he knew Corin would have some words about it. Corin wanted Beau to conduct himself as a prince and a king, especially around their guests. Running away and hiding in the woods until the evening hours was not one of the actions Corin encouraged.


    The night was cold, and Beau hugged himself, rubbing his arms. The trees around them were large and tall, but they grew sparsely in this particular area. Stars burned brightly in the night sky, with hardly a cloud in sight. Finally, the bad weather was letting up on the day he had to leave. His poor luck soured his mood even more, and he wished he had not wasted the time he had alone in his room.


    The small party walked silently upon the moist forest ground. A light frost began accumulating on the trees, and the forest sang a sad, ghostly song as the freezing branches swayed in the wind.


    There was a flutter of wings in the air, and Beau saw a large shadow quickly descend upon Nisila. It was Shadow-cry, the raven they saw earlier as they climbed down from the Watchtower. The bird was curious indeed, with its bright beady eyes, filled with awareness and intelligence. She fed Shadow-cry something from her belt and once again the raven took to the night sky.


    Adore stopped to speak with Nisila. ¡°Well, what does the raven have to say?¡±


    ¡°That raven belongs to you?¡± Beau asked.


    ¡°The raven speaks?¡± Julius added.


    ¡°Not like you and me,¡± Nisila said. ¡°But he can understand commands and is intelligent enough to know trouble when it comes. Just so, he alerted me when the strangers appeared at the borders. I had him keep watch at the borders.¡±


    ¡°Shadow-cry is truly marvelous,¡± Adore said. ¡°I am thankful for its vigilance, but tell me, can the bird give you a count of the enemy?¡±


    ¡°That I do not know,¡± Nisila replied. ¡°But we should avoid them at all costs. I cannot risk the prince.¡± She turned back to look at Beau. She looked confident enough, but her words left Beau with a feeling of dread. He could not imagine men wanting to hurt him, especially in Mount Hope. It was a peaceful land. Maybe it was all a misunderstanding, and there would turn out to be no trouble at all. Perhaps he would remain in Mount Hope. Despite everything happening, he still held on to that dream.


    ¡°How much longer till we return to the holdfast,¡± Nisila asked. ¡°Is this the quickest route? We are isolated out here, and Shadow-cry brings no news of the enemy whereabouts.¡±


    ¡°Was the bird not trailing them?¡± Adore asked.


    ¡°Yes, but we needed help locating the prince,¡± Nisila said. ¡°After that, he lost them.¡± That was unfortunate news. Beau did not mean to take the raven away from its watch. The goal was to clear his mind and come to terms with his fate. Julius helped him do that, and he was better for it. If anything went wrong because he ran away, he would never forgive himself.


    ¡°I have sent my man to scout ahead,¡± Adore said. ¡°We are going directly to the holdfast. When we arrive¡ª¡± He suddenly stopped as he saw a signal from one of his men in the front. The man raised a fist and took a knee. Nisila brought the boys to a crouching position. Beau did not hear anything unusual, and the surrounding woods were devoid of other human sounds. He happened to look to his right and saw one of the Brotherhood men patiently waiting, looking bored. The man, with his thick beard and long hair, winked at Beau reassuringly.


    Beau forced a smile to be polite, but he saw something rapidly moving through the shadows behind the man. Beau opened his mouth, but no words came out. The bearded man turned to follow Beau¡¯s gaze and leaped up, drawing his sword. ¡°Ambush! They are on us!¡± The clash of the weapons shattered the silence. Shouts echoed from all directions, as enemies surrounded them.


    Nisila grabbed Beau and Julius. ¡°Get up, run!¡± She dragged them forward with Adore leading the way. Beau could hear men shouting but he could not make out the fighting in the darkness. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Adore cried out as he threw his arm out in front of Nisila. A man attacked from the darkness, but Adore parried his strike. The sword fight unfolded directly in front of Beau. He read about battles, but he had never seen men try to kill one another. Adore felled his opponent by hacking him in the face, and moved on to another enemy. Beau tried to put the man¡¯s face back together mentally, as the image of his death seared into his mind.


    ¡°Come this way,¡± Nisila cried and took the boys back the way they came. More enemies appeared behind them. The men of the Brotherhood were hard-pressed fending off multiple attacks. Beau could not tell how many there were, but from the shouting, it seemed like the whole forest had risen against them.


    ¡°There, I see two boys, get them!¡± The words heard over the din of the fighting sent a shiver through Beau¡¯s body. Nisila shuffled the boys behind her and retrieved the sword from her belt and a dagger from her boot.


    ¡°Stay close, stand behind me!¡± She shouted. Beau finally saw the attackers who came for them. Two men in dark clothing and hoods, holding short swords. What could Nisila do against two warriors? Beau felt Julius grab hold of him, and they hugged each other as they watched the two men engage Nisila.


    Nisila roared like a wild animal. The crash of the swords made Beau jump. Nisila danced backward as the men attacked. She moved so quickly that Beau could not keep track of the exchange. Nisila sidestepped one attacker and threw him to the ground. She ducked a savage swing from the second man and planted her dagger in his gut. He fell over groaning.


    The first man was back on his feet and rushed Nisila again. The man had underestimated her before, but now he fought in earnest. They exchanged a series of blows, but Nisila landed a slash upon his hand, and he dropped his weapon. He closed the space between them and tackled her. She tried to evade him, but her boot caught in the brush and she lost balance. The man wrestled her to the ground, knocking her sword out of her hand. He cuffed her and then wrapped his long fingers around her neck.


    Beau watched in horror as the man squeezed her throat. He wanted to help, but he hesitated. It was Julius who was the first to act. Seeing the sword at his feet, Julius picked it up by the hilt and threw it toward Nisila, but it fell short. Nisila kept reaching, but Beau saw there was no way she would get to the weapon. Emboldened by his cousin, Beau dashed forward and kicked the sword within Nisila¡¯s grasp.


    She picked up the sword and thrust into her adversary''s armpit until the man collapsed. She wobbled to her feet, shook away her dizziness, and nodded at Beau. Beau felt a surge of pride, and he nodded back.


    ¡°To me, quickly!¡± One of the Brotherhood men shouted as he reached out his hand, but as soon as they moved toward him, he was struck from behind and went down. Two men leaped on him and began stabbing him. Beau and Julius screamed at the violence unfolding before them. One of the killers turned to fight Adore, and the second man ran at Beau and Julius.


    Once again, Nisila came to their defense. She ran at the man and struck his knee with a powerful kick. It bent awkwardly, and he went down, dropping his weapon to hold his leg. The man grabbed Nisila¡¯s ankle as she attempted to flee, tripping her. She fell on her chest, and he dragged her back.


    ¡°Run! Run!¡± She cried. The man flipped her over and landed a hard cuff to her jaw, then another and another. Beau thought for sure she would not get up again. The man began limping toward them, dragging his injured leg behind him.


    As he drew closer, Beau and Julius huddled together, unsure of what they should do. Nisila found her feet and leaped on the man¡¯s back, throwing a chokehold around his neck. She leaned back, with her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, and they went down together.


    The man squirmed on the ground, pulling at her forearm, but she would not let up. He struggled to get her off, but there was no hope. It was a deadly choke that she had used more than a dozen times to deadly effect, and this time would be no different.


    Beau was stunned by the savagery of it all. Nisila tossed the body over and once again crawled to her feet. Beau could see how exhausted she was, but she was relentless. Her hands were warm and sticky with blood as she took hold of his hand to lead them to safety. Adore appeared once more with his weapon drawn. ¡°Come, Nisila, you have to get out! I have seen two of my men fall, but I could not find the others.¡±


    ¡°I fear we are outnumbered,¡± Nisila said breathlessly. ¡°They will overrun us.¡± Hearing this, Adore stopped and looked back, the sound of fighting echoing behind him.


    ¡°I must go back,¡± He said. ¡°You keep going this way.¡±


    ¡°I will see you back at the holdfast,¡± Nisila said. ¡°Be safe.¡±


    ¡°I cannot promise you that I will return,¡± Adore said. ¡°But we will win you some time if we can. Good luck to you.¡± Adore winked at Beau, his eyes bright and warm despite their dire circumstances. As Adore turned around, he cried out in pain as a spear pierced out his side. The old warrior went down.


    ¡°Not so fast, grandfather,¡± Said the man who had stabbed him. Appearing from behind Adore¡¯s body was the biggest man Beau had ever seen. He was so black that he seemed to be one with the shadows. His eyes were bloodshot, and his head covered in thick, long dreadlocks.


    ¡°I am, Rudan,¡± He said. ¡°Do you know me, woman?¡± Nisila shuffled the boys behind her. Keeping her eyes on the beast of a man before her, she reached for her sword, only to find her belt empty. Rudan laughed.


    ¡°I know you, Rudan, of the Iron Lion¡¯s,¡± she sneered. ¡°You¡¯re a filthy traitor.¡±


    Rudan replied with a smirk. ¡°A traitor? Because I fighting on the winning side? That don¡¯t make me no traitor. How you going blame me for your stupidness.¡±


    ¡°Rancine will fall,¡± Nisila said. ¡°And you will die along with him, dishonored and forgotten.¡±


    ¡°You think that youth going be king?¡± Rudan scoffed. ¡°Look at him, even in darkness I see him a shake.¡± Beau felt his body shudder at the dark words. Julius stood with his mouth open, his eyes running up and down the giant of a man. ¡°Are afraid, little Prince?¡±


    ¡°You will not touch him,¡± Nisila screamed. ¡°I will die a thousand deaths before I allow that to happen.¡±


    ¡°I only need you to die one time,¡± Rudan replied. ¡°You think you can protect him? Give him up, Nisila, and I kill you quick and clean. A warrior¡¯s death is the least I can do for a sister.¡±


    ¡°Never,¡± She replied, backing away. Nisila squeezed the boy¡¯s hands and whispered to them. ¡°You know this forest better than anyone. At my command, run and do not stop until you get to the holdfast.¡±


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t,¡± Beau whimpered. ¡°They are everywhere, and they will catch us. He will catch us.¡±


    ¡°No, he won¡¯t,¡± Nisila said. ¡°I won¡¯t let him, on my life I swear it.¡±


    ¡°I want my father!¡± Julius cried out. At that, Rudan charged at them.


    ¡°Run!¡± Nisila screamed, and she ran at Rudan. He struck Nisila with a heavy gloved hand, sending her to ground. Beau wanted to run to her and help, but one look at the man froze him in place. Rudan picked Nisila up by her hair. She tried to defend herself but it was a feeble attempt, all the fighting had taken a toll on her. Rudan slapped her, and she fell against a tree. He pulled a dagger from his belt.


    ¡°With regards from Royce, witch,¡± Rudan said, and he stabbed Nisila in her stomach, driving the dagger down to the hilt. She grabbed at his muscular arms, trying to push the blade out, but there was nothing more she could do. He let her go and she slid to the ground.


    Rudan looked at the boys. Beau felt sweat running down his temple, and his legs were failing him. He held on to Julius for support, and he could feel his cousin shivering. Adore and Nisila had fallen, and the men of the Brotherhood were nowhere to be found.


    Beau feared what Rudan would do once he had them but the mighty warrior¡¯s face twisted in pain as a quill pierced through his collar bone.


    Rudan stumbled and turned around. Another quill flew from the dark and struck his hip. The impact forced him around again, and he eyed Beau and Julius with murderous intent. He reached out for them as he limped forward. A third quill sprung out of his throat, and he fell stone dead on the ground.


    Beau blinked, not comprehending what had just happened. Rudan stood before him just a moment ago, and now he was dead on the ground. Beau quickly thought of Nisila, and the horrible wound she had suffered at Rudan¡¯s hand. She was in a fetal position at the foot of the tree. He made his way toward her, but Julius held his arm.


    ¡°No, do not go,¡± Julius said, covering his mouth with his hand, trying to fight back a cry. Beau could not help himself. He needed to know if she lived. He knelt next to her, and she was breathing, but with difficulty.


    Beau put his hands upon her shoulder. ¡°She is alive, Julius, but badly hurt. Help me get her up.¡± His cousin remained frozen, as a figure came walking out of the woods. Beau saw a man standing a few feet away. He was nearly as tall as Rudan, and for a moment he feared another enemy had found them.


    The man ignored the boys as he walked over to Adore. The stranger knelt and put his crossbow on the ground. He was not an enemy, but a man of the Brotherhood. As he tended to Adore, Julius joined Beau next to Nisila. Her breaths were short and labored, and Beau feared the worse.


    Regret flooded over him, and tears poured from his eyes. He was nasty to Nisila, and all she wanted to do was protect him. She had done that and more this night, and he would never forget it. Beau read books about women warriors like the Amazon¡¯s who dwelt in the grasslands of central Daymo, the greatest among them being Latree the Valkyrie, who was the hero who had saved the world from the Titan. That was who Nisila was, a mighty warrior of the Middle Islands, and she saved his life.


    If she died tonight, Beau knew it would be his fault. If he had not been a coward and did his duty as a king, they would have avoided the ambush in the woods. Beau said a silent prayer, in hopes that she lived, and that his uncle or Corin would find them. With tears in his eyes, he looked to his cousin.


    ¡°What have I done, Julius,¡± Beau said. ¡°How are we going to get back? The enemies, they will capture us.¡±


    ¡°Then we must flee, Beaumont,¡± Julius said. ¡°We cannot carry her, and she wished that we returned to the holdfast.¡± Beau could not find it in his heart to leave her side. The guilt he felt kept him weighed down right where he knelt. Beau wished someone else was king. He only wanted to be Beaumont of Mount Hope.

 Chapter 6

    The stranger leaned over Adore inspecting the body. Beau could not see the man¡¯s face because a hood from his dirty cloak covered his head. Beau and Julius eyed the man wearily, too afraid to move or say anything. Nisila remained bleeding on the ground beneath them, but they had no way of helping her on their own. Corin would have known what to do, but he was back at the holdfast. Beau and Julius were on their own.


    There was a movement in the trees some yards ahead of them. A man came out nursing a wound on his leg. He looked shocked to see the boys sitting there in the dark. He made a move toward them, but the man with the crossbow stood up. The wounded warrior, recognizing the dark figure to be a member of the Brotherhood, turned to flee. The hooded man expertly loaded a quill and let the shot fly. There was a muffled thud, and the fleeing man fell to the ground.


    The hooded man looked at his crossbow and saw that he was out of quills. He dropped the weapon and let the quiver slide from his shoulder. Throwing his hood back, he walked over to Beau and Julius, kneeling next to Nisila. Beau realized he had seen the man before. He was the stranger who sat in the hall drinking when he first met Nisila and Adore at the holdfast. The man motioned the boys away and gently turned Nisila over. She grunted as he laid her on her back. Her hands were wrapped tightly around the dagger in her stomach.


    Nisila looked up and opened her eyes, nodding as she recognized the man. ¡°Gavin¡­where is Adore, where are the others.¡±


    ¡°Adore is gone,¡± Gavin replied. ¡°As for my brothers, all dead.¡± Gavin looked her over and shook his head, then scowled at the two boys. Beau saw the desperation in his eyes and did not like the look of him. He seemed to be working out some scheme to himself.


    ¡°It is over,¡± Gavin said. ¡°Everyone is dead, and I am the last. We did our job, and you have your boy. Tell me how to collect the rest of the payment from Samus.¡±


    ¡°It is not over, not yet,¡± Nisila said, through clenched teeth. ¡°You are to get us back to Morris Port and on a ship to Aiti.¡±


    ¡°How am I supposed to do that?¡± Gavin scoffed. ¡°You are damn near cripple, and these two are practically babes. Am I to carry all three of you on my back? I can¡¯t do it. I need that gold, It is on me to honor my brothers, their families will want to know what happened here, and many depend on that gold for the coming winter.¡±


    Nisila laughed. ¡°You take me for a fool, Gavin? I rode with you up here, and I marked you well. You would drink that money away in a week.¡±


    Gavin glared at her and then looked at Beau and Julius as if he expected them to say something. ¡°Damn you to the demon realm. I will be made whole, I sacrificed too much.¡± Gavin began searching her, grabbing the pouch upon her waist. Beau could not believe he would try to rob her while she was hurt.


    ¡°Leave her be,¡± Beau said.


    ¡°You are a thief and a coward, my father will have your head,¡± Julius shouted, but Gavin ignored them and ripped the pouch from Nisila¡¯s belt. Beau and Julius tried to take it away from him, but he stood to his full height out of their reach.


    ¡°Get off me,¡± Gavin said, holding the pouch up in the air. Shadow-cry dived from above and snatched the purse out of his hand.


    ¡°Bloody beast!¡± Gavin spat. Nisila began to laugh as she lay on the ground. Gavin grew angry and grabbed her by her collar. Beau and Julius moved to help, but Nisila put up her hand to stop them. Gavin pulled her up to his face, his eyes filled with fury.


    ¡°Why should I not leave you three here to die,¡± He said.


    ¡°Do that, and you get nothing,¡± Nisila said. ¡°Help us, and I will give you the full purse, I will convince Samus and vouch for you. Bind my wound, get me on my feet, and escort us out of here. You want a reward, then that is what I ask. What say you?¡± Gavin searched her face for a moment; he looked at Julius and Beau. Beau found it hard to look directly at him, but he knew they needed him, at least to help them back to the holdfast.


    ¡°My father, he can pay you silver,¡± Julius blurted out. ¡°Get us back to the holdfast, and he will pay you, I swear it.¡±


    Nisila eyed Julius and then turned to Gavin. ¡°Julius is right, Milton would reward you for getting him back safely, I will vouch for your deeds here tonight. Help me get the prince to safety, and you will have the entire purse.¡± Gavin lowered his head as he considered his options.


    ¡°Why do I feel like I am going to regret this,¡± He mumbled.


    ¡°You will regret it if you leave us here to die,¡± Nisila said. ¡°Put your sword toward an honorable deed, and help us.¡± Gavin went silent, and he shook his head as he weighed the offer. Beau was sure he would leave them behind.


    ¡°I will help you, but not out of honor,¡± Gavin said. ¡°I expect the entire purse once I get you to Morris Port. As for you, your father better pays me for your pretty little hide or else.¡± Julius swallowed hard. Beau believed Gavin would harm them; he had never been around such a mean spirited man. Gavin was not an honorable knight or a dutiful soldier, but a cold-hearted sell-sword. Beau did not want to trust him, but they had little choice.


    ¡°We have wasted enough time,¡± Nisila said. ¡°Remove the knife, bind my wound.¡±


    Gavin took hold of the dagger, being careful not to move it. ¡°On three then.¡± Nisila closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She stared at Gavin and nodded her head. She began to count, preparing herself for the pain. On one, Gavin removed the knife, and she clenched her teeth to muffle a scream.


    ¡°You bastard,¡± She snapped, holding her stomach. ¡°I said on three, don¡¯t you know your numbers.¡± Gavin pulled up her cloak to stanch the wound.


    ¡°You, boy, hold this down,¡± He said to Beau. He got up and went over to Adore. He removed something from around the dead man¡¯s neck and tucked it away. He cut some strips out of Adore¡¯s cloak and using the cloth, he bound Nisila¡¯s wound and got her to her feet.


    ¡°Listen to me closely, little lords,¡± Gavin said. ¡°Do you know where we are, can you lead us back to the holdfast?¡±


    Beau looked about for a moment and then nodded. ¡°We know the way. Home should be in that direction.¡±


    ¡°It better be,¡± Gavin said as he held Nisila up next to him. ¡°You two lead, go slowly and quietly. We will be right behind you.¡± Beau led the way with Julius at his side. The forest was a place he played in, filled with everlasting memories of games and wonder. It was now the last place he wanted to be. Their path led them through the site of the ambush where several bodies lay prone on the cold ground. Beau tried his best to keep his eyes forward and not look at the dead men.


    ¡°Fear not, my prince,¡± Nisila said, her voice labored from her wound. ¡°Do not look at those who have fallen. We will be safe soon, carry on.¡± Her words only reminded Beau that they were not safe. Every tree he walked by challenged his courage. Beau used to think the forest was a safe place, filled with singing birds and tiny critters. This night had changed that perception forever. It was now eerie and hid imaginary nightmares within their shadows that churned his guts into knots.


    As they walked, every crunch or snap of their passing seemed like an alarm going off. Beau continued forward, making sure not to stray too far from his cousin¡¯s side. Julius held his arm as they walked. Julius stopped when he felt Beau hesitate.


    ¡°Julius, I am afraid,¡± Beau whispered.


    ¡°I know, so I¡¯m I,¡± Julius replied. ¡°I think the danger has passed. We are the only ones in the woods now. We must be brave, Beau. We will be back with my father and Corin soon enough. We can then put all of this behind us for good.¡± Beau felt a hard bump on his back, and he nearly fell over. Gavin¡¯s large shadow loomed over him.


    ¡°Are you two lost already?¡± He asked, glaring at them. ¡°Why have you stopped? Keep moving. I won¡¯t be murdered in these woods because of your foolishness.¡±


    Nisila shoved Gavin angrily. ¡°You do not speak to them like that, damn you. Beaumont, Julius, what is the matter? Are you lost?¡±


    ¡°No, we only needed a moment; it is this way,¡± Beau replied. ¡°We won¡¯t stop again.¡±


    Julius swallowed nervously but nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, we continue straight as Beau says, we should be there soon. Maybe my father might have men in the woods looking for us¡­at least I hope.¡±


    ¡°Hope all you want, boy,¡± Gavin replied. ¡°But lead on and lead true, I don¡¯t fancy spending any more time in the open.¡± Reluctantly Beau made his way forward, praying that his cousin was right and that they were the only ones left in the woods. The trunks of the trees seemed to be an endless corridor of pillars as they reached a section of thick forest. On and on they went, but the ground was level, so the going was easy. Beau thought he heard something in the trees above. Looking up, he could no longer see the sky, only the blackness of the branches and leaves.


    He thought maybe the sound was the breeze, though Shadow-cry could be tracking them as well. The raven likely had a better eye in the dark, and Beau was counting on it alerting them of any danger. Beau had a taste of battle, and he wanted no more parts of it. They could not get out of the forest quickly enough.


    Beau became excited when Julius began to walk faster. They were getting near the Holdfast.


    They suddenly emerged from the trees, and they could see the light of their home in the distance. Beau and Julius exchanged a look of relief and picked up their pace across the open field. Beau heard a curse and turned to see Gavin and Nisila hurrying up behind them.


    ¡°Careful, do not be so bold,¡± Gavin said. ¡°We do not know the state of the place. Could be that enemies have already taken over your home.¡±


    ¡°All the more reason we should go, and as quickly as we can,¡± Julius said. ¡°My father might need our help.¡±


    ¡°Fool, child,¡± Gavin spat. ¡°You do not go heedlessly into danger. If we are captured or slain, what then?¡± Julius looked at the holdfast, with the lights dancing beyond the walls and then back at Gavin. Beau saw that his cousin was not convinced. He was near his father, and he wanted to be with him.


    ¡°I am afraid I will have to side with Gavin,¡± Nisila sighed. ¡°We must approach carefully. We do not know what awaits us. Let us make for the grove over yonder, just near the back gate.¡± Beau thought that Julius would cry. His cousin looked to him for support, but Beau did not believe he would sway them. Beau looked to Nisila, and she was hurt, but steadfast. He decided he would trust her.


    ¡°I say we go with Nisila,¡± Beau said. ¡°Let us make sure it is safe. We will find out soon enough.¡± Beau could see the disappointment in his cousin¡¯s face. Julius shook his head and turned toward the grove, marching ahead of them. Beau felt as if he had betrayed him, and the guilt was like a lump in his throat.


    ¡°He will be fine, my prince,¡± Nisila whispered. ¡°It is the safer course,¡± Gavin grunted and helped Nisila along as they headed to the grove of trees. They soon caught up to Julius, and they all walked into the shadow of the tall bushes. They moved just to the end of the tree line and crouched in the darkness.


    The back of the holdfast was dark, but they could still see the glow of torches over the wall. Beau looked on, unsure of why they were waiting so long. People were there, likely his uncle and some men from surrounding farms. Maybe Julius was right; perhaps they should return to the safety of their home.


    ¡°What are we waiting for?¡± Julius asked, voicing Beau¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°Look there, how the torches burn,¡± Nisila pointed. ¡°We know that folk are about, but what sort of folk is unknown. We will not know until we can get in and see what is what.¡± At that, Nisila looked at Gavin.


    ¡°What do you mean by we?¡± Gavin asked. ¡°You expect me to go in there, don¡¯t you? You would risk me and save yourselves. Send one of the boys.¡±


    ¡°They do not know how to go in stealth,¡± Nisila said. ¡°That is a foolish idea. If you are too afraid then I will go, you can wait here and keep watch.¡± Gavin grumbled to himself. He remained watching the walls in a crouching position. As Nisila saw that he made no move to go, she began to get up.


    ¡°Stop, you¡¯ll only leave a blood trail back to us,¡± Gavin snapped. ¡°I¡¯ll go, I am the only one capable, and of any use out of this merry bunch. If I am captured you three won¡¯t be getting too far anyway.¡± Gavin removed his cloak and sword. He planted the sword into the dirt and pulled a long knife from his boot, inspecting the blade. Satisfied with the quality of his weapons, he placed the dagger in his belt and spun his sword in his hand.


    With a last look of disgust at Nisila and the boys, he ran at a crouch toward the holdfast. He then disappeared into the shadows under the wall. Beau did not realize he was holding his breath and finally released it in a sigh of relief. He was anxious, but he could do nothing but wait. The holdfast was still standing, so that had to mean his people were safe. Without Milton and Corin, he and Julius had no one they could call family.


    Nisila touched Beau on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. ¡°He will be back.¡± However, Beau did not want Gavin to return. He wanted Corin or Milton to come in his place. Demons could take the sell-sword; there would be no love lost. He would make it a point to make his uncle aware of Gavin¡¯s real character. He was helping them, but it came at a distasteful cost.


    * * *


    Gavin ran toward the holdfast and pressed his back against the cold stone wall. He waited for only a moment, listening for any movement beyond, but there were no sounds on the other side. Gavin knew what he was doing was suicide, yet he still found himself infiltrating a holdfast likely crawling with men who wanted to kill him. He always had horrible judgment. He lost all his brothers, including Adore, a man he considered a close friend.


    Was the hope of gold and silver enough for him to also risk his own life? He could cut and run now, and they would never know he was gone. Adore would not approve; he would argue it was not honorable.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Honor cost Adore his life. He was face down in the middle of the wilderness, unburied and left as food for foxes and wild birds. Gavin was angry with his old friend. He was mad at all of the men who perished in the forest. They decided to die and leave him to carry the burden of Nisila and the boys on his own. It would seem the ones who should die, always lived, while the brave and honorable were sent to an early grave. He made up his mind. He would not sacrifice himself for Nisila and the brats.


    His plan was to enter the holdfast and see what he could find out. If Milton lived, he would point him in the right direction and collect his silver. It would be more wealth than he currently had, and more than enough to keep him until the end of the winter.


    The most important thing was getting clear of Nisila and the boy. Powerful men wanted the prince dead, and if Gavin was associated with them, death was sure to find him as well.


    On the other hand, if the holdfast fell, then he would sneak off and make his way back to Morris Port to report to Samus. Maybe he might win a post on one of the southern keeps. The raids had grown scarce on the south-western borders. He could drink and sleep away the rest of the year in peace until he figured out what else to do with himself. He would be alive and kicking, with no risk of throwing away his life needlessly.


    He swung around the wall, staying in the shadows. He could hear voices, but they were coming from the yard. The kitchen separated him from the yard, and he snuck toward the building. Peaking around the corner, he saw several torches planted in the mud and two men in black cloaks walking by. They left his line of sight as they crossed the yard, but they were not men he recognized.


    Gavin found the back door of the kitchen but it was exposed, and sneaking in could get him captured. Though he was currently hidden, remaining here only increased his chances of running into someone. He decided to get indoors. If he was lucky, the men walking about would have checked the kitchen already.


    He carefully tested the door. It was unlocked. He gently pushed it open, and the hinge sang as he made his way through. He peered inside the room and saw no movement. The air smelled of smoked meat, reminding him of how hungry he was. From a window overlooking the yard, he could hear men laughing and then cheering followed by applause. He stooped at the window just enough to see over the pane. In the yard, he finally recognized a few faces; farmers he saw when he first arrived at the holdfast. The farmers of Mount Hope were now on their knees, and Milton was being held up by two strangers in black as blood poured from his nose.


    The strangers in the black cloaks all turned as someone approached through the gate. He was a tall man with long dark hair and a long leather coat over dark clothing. He carried himself differently than the others, with authority. As he came closer, Gavin saw that the man was missing an eye, which he covered with a patch. The one-eyed man went directly toward Milton.


    * * *


    Royce and his company arrived on the border of Mount Hope after two and a half days of hard riding. They set up camp in the woods, before starting their assault on the region. He split his men up in small squads, with Rudan leading one raiding party, and the other headed by Lebber and Tamin because they worked well together. Juvey and Duboi remained with him, and Samus.


    They rode out late at night, raiding every farmhouse they came across in search of the prince and Nisila. He ordered his men to leave no witnesses. He paid Samus in gold for the men he provided, nearly twenty scoundrels in all. These sell-swords, in turn, were flush with plunder from the raiding.


    ¡°It is not uncommon that raiding parties from the southern regions attack villages in Hattan,¡± Samus explained. ¡°Though they have never crossed the Arlem River and raided this far north, there is a first for everything. It would not be too difficult to convince the Minican¡¯s that the Nordin tribes committed the raids.¡±


    ¡°Leaving no witnesses is much better insurance,¡± Royce argued. They rode through the night, cutting down any who would flee them, asking after a black-skinned prince from the Middle Islands. Few of the Mount Hope farmers knew that a place named the Middle Islands existed, but as far as anyone of dark skin, they all pointed to one place. Milton¡¯s Holdfast.


    Could it be the same Milton, brother to the queen, and knight marshal in Bohemond¡¯s army, Royce wondered. He knew the man and had fought alongside him in the war against Rancine. Milton was a capable warrior but a sensitive man. He derived his rank from his sister¡¯s marriage, and he always felt the need to prove himself. Milton lost more men than any other commander in the battles for Aiti. It would come as no surprise that the fool would name his holdfast after himself.


    After many hours of raiding, they finally came to Milton¡¯s holdfast. Royce was mounted under the shadows of the forest, watching as men walked through the gates, leading pack mules and horses. It looked as if they were preparing to leave. He saw no fighting men and the few women were too old to be any threat.


    ¡°What a run down Orc hole this is,¡± Samus said. He sat upon a black steed next to Royce. ¡°Is this the sort of protection fit for a prince? I thought you said this boy was important.¡±


    ¡°A stronghold in a remote region like this defended with fighting men might have attracted too much attention,¡± Royce said. ¡°The place looks defensible enough, though they hardly have any men to defend it. Very strange, indeed. Maybe the long years of peace have removed any memory of a threat. Maybe they believe Rancine has no mind for them.¡±


    ¡°And why should he?¡± Samus asked.


    Duboi ever the cautious one shook his head in disagreement. ¡°Could be the woman has already come and gone. Maybe they slipped past our net. It could also be a trap. I say we surround the place and secure the gates. We then gather them together, and see what is what.¡±


    ¡°Has Lebber and Tamin returned?¡± Royce asked.


    ¡°Here, me lord, awaiting orders, me lord of lords,¡± Lebber said mockingly.


    Royce could not help but smile. ¡°Shut up you imp. Circle around to the right, Tamin take your men to the left and await my signal. Juvey, Duboi, Samus. We charge the front gate.¡±


    ¡°If it makes no difference in the plan,¡± Samus said. ¡°I prefer the right or left flank. I cannot risk being seen by any of the Brotherhood if they are inside.¡± He pulled a green scarf up over his nose to mask his face and rode off after Tamin.


    ¡°Very well, have it your way,¡± Royce said. ¡°It makes no difference. But If it comes to a fight, can we depend on you to do your part?¡±


    ¡°Oh, trust me,¡± Samus said with a laugh. ¡°I have no issue killing any of those stubborn fools. I am leaving Hattan, remember?¡± Royce smiled as he returned his focus to the front entrance of the holdfast.


    ¡°Well, brother, this is it,¡± Juvey said with a bright grin. ¡°Just beyond those walls could be our salvation. Imagine the look upon your mother and sister¡¯s faces when we return home to set them free.¡±


    The thought brought joy to Royce¡¯s heart. ¡°Indeed, our final charge perhaps. Forward.¡± They began in a line at a slow trot, then Royce gave the order, and one of the sell-swords blew a hunting horn to signal Tamin and Lebber on the flanks. They broke out into a charge towards the front. Two men at the entrance ran into the holdfast once they saw the riders bearing down on them.


    Royce held the gate and let the others ride into the yard to round up the people who remained within. Many of them fled past the stables and kitchen, seeking the side exits. Lebber and Tamin captured them quickly. Tamin and his men dismounted and broke into the main hall on the first floor to clear out the building. After a few minutes, they emerged with prisoners. One man, an older gentleman, dressed in bloodstained robes, was carried out and dropped on the ground. He was unconscious from a blow to the temple.


    ¡°Why did you fell this one so savagely?¡± Juvey asked, Tamin. ¡°He looks to be an important fellow.¡±


    Tamin tried to catch his breath. ¡°Brokedown the door to his study, he was burning scrolls. Stuck a candle in a man¡¯s face, nearly took his eye. He looks old, but he put up a hell of a fight. I was not expecting it, had to put my pommel to his temple. Sorry.¡±


    ¡°Looks like you cracked his skull open, brother,¡± Juvey said. ¡°Let¡¯s get them all together in the yard.¡± Royce remained at the gate watching anxiously as the people were being rounded up. There were no children. He saw his sister''s faces flash through his mind and an image of his mother on her knees in the dirt, tears streaming down her face. Once again, fate had likely dealt him a lousy hand.


    Juvey rode up to him, an apologetic look on his face. ¡°Royce, I am sorry, but there are no children here. No sign of Nisila, but we will soon put them to the question once they are all rounded up.¡± There was a commotion in the back, and two sell-swords came crashing out of the hall. One man was bleeding from a stump that was once a hand, and the other dropped his sword to flee.


    Juvey unsheathed his sword but Royce held him back. Duboi was already on foot to address the matter. Milton emerged donning a helm and breastplate, wielding a short sword with a shield, and bellowing like an animal.


    Duboi pulled his long sword from his hip and stepped forward. ¡°Look here¡­knight? put that down before you hurt yourself.¡± Milton cried out and charged him. Duboi easily evaded his attacks, lazily parrying any blows that came close. Around and around they went, with the men laughing. Duboi was toying with his adversary.


    Duboi looked to Royce, asking if he had seen enough. Royce smiled and signaled him to end the duel. Milton was exhausted at this point, and as he charged at Duboi, he found his attack parried, resulting in Duboi landing a blow to his face. Milton fell backward, his shield and sword flopping out of his hands. The men raised a cheer and clapped for Duboi.


    Tamin took hold of Duboi¡¯s arm and raised it in the air. ¡°To our victor, Grandfather¡¯s Bane! Take a bow champion!¡±


    Duboi kicked Tamin in the rear. ¡°Pick him up you bloody fool. See to that poor bastard he maimed.¡± When they removed Milton¡¯s helmet, Royce gasped. Juvey seeing his reaction turned to the old knight, but he did not recognize the man.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Juvey asked as Royce made his way to the knight. ¡°You know that man?¡±


    ¡°I do know him,¡± Royce replied. ¡°Follow my lead.¡± Juvey followed closely behind, taking Duboi by the arm and whispering into his ear when he got near. They both followed Royce as he went to address Milton. The knight marshal was being held up by Tamin and another man.


    ¡°Let go of him,¡± Royce ordered to a confused Tamin.


    ¡°Why? We just¡ª¡± Royce slapped Tamin before he could finish his sentence.


    ¡°What was that for, I¡ª¡± Juvey struck the youth again.


    ¡°Take him out back, and give him ten lashes,¡± Juvey ordered to Duboi, who grabbed hold of Tamin and dragged him away. ¡°Give him another ten for insubordination and no rations for two days.¡± Royce looked at Juvey, but he only smiled and shrugged. Royce helped Milton to his feet.


    ¡°Get me a seat and some water,¡± Royce ordered the sell-sword on Milton¡¯s other arm. ¡°My lord marshal, are you alright?¡±


    Milton looked about confused and then locked eyes with Royce, blinking several times as if he could not believe his eyes. ¡°Wait, what is happening? I know you. Royce, that is your name. You are the son of, Sheena, the merchant, and trader. What are you doing here? I thought Rancine had you and your War-band hung.¡±


    ¡°No, my lord, we escaped,¡± Royce said with a bright white smile. ¡°With help from the Strategist, my men and I survived to fight another day. A great tragedy has befallen us, and I need your help. Where is the prince?¡±


    ¡°The prince?¡± Milton said as he shook his head. ¡°Oh god, Julius, Beaumont¡­they were lost today, we sent riders out to find them. How come you have attacked us in this fashion? What is the meaning of this? Your men have killed poor Corin.¡± Royce looked at the old man in the bloody white robes on the ground. He nodded to Juvey, and he ran over to pick the scholar up.


    ¡°An unfortunate misunderstanding, my lord,¡± Royce said. ¡°I will have my healer see to him; we have a man outside the walls at our camp. I will also punish the man who harmed him.¡±


    ¡°I want him put to death,¡± Milton cried. ¡°And it is to be done by my hand.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course, lord marshal,¡± Royce replied. ¡°Come sit, rest, have some water.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need a drink, boy,¡± Milton bellowed. ¡°Tell me why you come here in this fashion. Why do you assault my stronghold.¡± Royce could have laughed out loud at Milton¡¯s grandiosity, but he composed himself. He had to spin his lie, but he had to do it carefully. To his surprise it was clear Milton was not expecting them. It could mean Royce had arrived before Nasila.


    ¡°We are hunting a dangerous enemy,¡± Royce said. ¡°An assassin, a woman. She murdered one of our most valuable men and discovered the prince''s secret location. We feared that she might attempt to kidnap him and return to Rancine.¡±


    Milton bit into his fist as if he was trying to hold back a cry. ¡°I knew it. I warned Corin, and he would not listen. I knew that woman was false.¡±


    He did meet Nisila and already he had doubts. Royce had to find out what happened to her and the prince. ¡°If you doubted the woman, why did you trust her?¡±


    ¡°Why do you think?¡± Milton cried out. ¡°She had the mark. Were you not given a mark from the Strategist? Let me see if it is of the same make.¡± Royce had no such item. It did answer another question he had over the years. He now knew why his own spies were never successful. He suspected the rebels were using special tokens or codes, but this information would be valuable going forward.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think we are way past that now?¡± Royce replied. ¡°If the prince is with Nisila, then he is in grave danger. Tell me everything you know.¡±


    Milton took a drink of water he did not want and then dashed the rest onto his face. ¡°Yes, you are right. I am glad to see a familiar face from the old country. With your help and your men, we can find her easily. Julius and my nephew Beaumont, they left the holdfast to play, I suppose, as they always do. I told her not to worry but she and her band of men went out to look for them. She would not take her damn eye off him. Now it all makes sense. I bet her and those sell-swords planned to cut our throats once we were out in the wilderness.¡±


    ¡°Likely she would,¡± Royce said. ¡°She is a nasty one that Nisila. She uses poison and black magic in her dealings. We have lost many brothers back home to her trickery. Please, do not be so hard on yourself; she has fooled many good spies. We will deal with her mercilessly. The prince is the priority¡ª¡°


    ¡°My son is of the highest value,¡± Milton interrupted.


    ¡°Yes, of course, my lord,¡± Royce said with a bow. ¡°What was the woman¡¯s plan? Did she say where she would take the prince? How many men did she bring?¡±


    ¡°I counted maybe six men. She will ride hard to Morris Port and take a ship from there,¡± Milton said. ¡°Help me to my feet. We have no time to waste.¡±


    Royce helped him up, but would not let him go. ¡°Yes, time is short. However, let my men see to you, I will prepare for us to begin our search. Sit for just a moment.¡± Milton nodded his head slowly and sat back down.


    ¡°It is a pleasure to be fighting alongside you again, lord marshal,¡± Royce said. ¡°You were the brightest and wisest of all King Bohemond¡¯s men.¡±


    ¡°It is a shame he did not see my brilliance,¡± Milton said. ¡°He would be alive today If he followed my council and did things as I said. My sister was his only saving grace. Between you and me, the man was a fool. We have a chance to change things, you and I. I am glad you are here. Stick with me, boy, and maybe we can change the winds of the war back home. I have plans and great ideas that can¡ª¡±


    ¡°Of course, lord marshal,¡± Royce said, cutting him off. ¡°We will have plenty of time to discuss it on the road, let me fetch the healer and get you a horse.¡±


    ¡°I thought your healer was tending to Corin?¡± Milton said. ¡°See to him first, I have but a swollen nose and a little headache, it is nothing. Point out the bastards who jumped me, and I promise it won¡¯t go the same.¡±


    ¡°It was one man who bested you, lord marshal,¡± Royce said with a smile. ¡°But I will have him dealt with as well.¡±


    ¡°It was a lucky strike,¡± Milton shouted as Royce walked away. ¡°He should thank the sweat on my brow that entered my vision for his short-lived victory. I will see him low before we ride out.¡± Royce only nodded and kept walking away, motioning for Juvey to join him.


    ¡°That man is insufferable,¡± Royce said. ¡°Nothing has changed since his days in Aiti. He is a rich fool.¡±


    ¡°A fool he is, but the best fool we have met in a long time,¡± Juvey said. ¡°The woman is in Mount Hope, and she is here with the prince.¡± Royce smiled brightly because Juvey was right. The boy was within his reach, and he could hardly contain his excitement.


    ¡°Well, what is happening?¡± Samus asked as Royce and Juvey walked out of the holdfast. ¡°Did you find the woman or the prince?¡±


    ¡°No, but they are near,¡± Royce said. ¡°Has Rudan returned yet?¡±


    ¡°There has been no sign of him,¡± Samus said. ¡°Maybe he captured her.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you are right, let us head out and join him,¡± Royce replied.


    ¡°What are we to do with Milton and his people?¡± Juvey asked. ¡°Do you mean to take him with us?¡±


    ¡°Tamin, come here,¡± Royce called out to the youth, who approached sulking. ¡°Cheer up boy, I am sorry I struck you.¡±


    ¡°It is nothing,¡± Tamin said sadly. ¡°I wish you would have told me is all. I could have rolled with the strike, lessen the blow some. As for you, Juvey, you took advantage, and I¡¯ll get you back for that.¡± Juvey laughed and clapped the boy on his back, before pulling him into a playful embrace.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be upset, Tamin,¡± Royce said. ¡°We know that the woman and the prince are here. Knife the old knight, execute the others, and burn everything. We are going, home son.¡± A bright smile came over the boy¡¯s face, and he ran to complete his orders.


    ¡°And do a final sweep of the place,¡± Duboi shouted after him. ¡°We don¡¯t want any stragglers waiting us out.¡± Royce nodded at Duboi, always happy he was available to fill in the small, but essential points. Royce left the holdfast and retrieved his horse. It was a cold night, and the wind began to pick up. He pulled his cloak tightly around himself.


    ¡°It will be snow soon,¡± Samus said. ¡°I can feel the cold burn my nostrils with every breath. I am glad we came prepared. Good thing you had me with you, Royce.¡± Royce smiled but did not respond. The man thought very highly of himself, always fishing for a compliment at any opportunity he could find. Finding Nisila would rid him of Samus, but he would have to go about it properly. The sell-swords outnumbered Royce and his men, and they would likely defend Samus. He turned his horse and made his way toward the east.


    Looking into the darkness before him, he knew that the woman was out there. She was likely riding through the night with the boy right behind her and perhaps Milton¡¯s son as well. She would probably not have it in her to leave the cousin behind. Her soft heart would cost her. As he rode, he heard a sound from the nearby woods, but he was not sure what to make of it. He took a breath and refocused himself. He had a prince to hunt down.

 Chapter 7

    The man with the one eye walked off, followed by his men. To Gavin, it looked as if Milton was betraying Nisila. He could not hear them from where he was, but he could see that it was a civil conversation. They had reached an understanding.


    Gavin surmised that Milton was a man of sense. After trying to fight and losing, he saw the futility in resisting. He likely traded the prince for his own son¡¯s life. The old knight would give them up without a second thought.


    If it were him in that situation, Gavin would have made the same decision. As he looked on, Gavin saw that the young warrior who was taken away earlier had returned. Milton looked up and began to say something but the young man drew his sword and plunged the blade into the knight¡¯s neck. Milton grimaced in pain as he slowly fell to his knees, then face down in the mud. The other hostages cried out, and the slaughter began.


    Gavin misread everything he witnessed. The one-eyed man betrayed Milton to his demise. There was no saving Nisila and the two young boys. With Milton and the scholar dead, the prince was now on his own. Gavin had to get himself out or end up on the end of a blade. To stay alive, he had to leave Nisila and the boys behind.


    He quickly rummaged through the kitchen and stuffed whatever food he could find into an abandoned sack he found on a wooden stool. With his booty slung over his shoulder, he carefully inspected the back before making his escape. After making sure the area was clear, he made his way back to the gate.


    As Gavin stepped out, a man came around the corner with his hands fumbling at his belt.


    They both froze when they made eye contact. Gavin did not hesitate to attack, swinging his sack of food like a bat. The man threw up his hands defensively, and Gavin charged. He took the man down and clenched his mouth shut. Gavin reached for his dagger; the man tried to yell and twisted, got his mouth free, biting into Gavin¡¯s hand.


    They rolled, and the man got on top and pulled his sword, raising the weapon to stab. Gavin caught his wrist and punched him in the throat. The man gagged, giving Gavin just enough time to get the upper hand.


    They rolled once more in the wet grass, with Gavin gaining top position. He got hold of the man¡¯s sword and turned the point to his chest, applying pressure with the weight of his body. The man held on to Gavin¡¯s arm. The sword hung in limbo between the two men.


    Seeing his advantage, Gavin used his body weight to push the sword down. The man did not have a chance to cry out. The sword cut through his boiled leather and the blade entered his heart. The warrior lay dead upon the ground with a look of shock frozen upon his face.


    Gavin stood up and quickly looked around, knowing another enemy could appear at any moment. Now that the immediate danger had passed, he recognized the dead warrior. It was the same youth who murdered Milton. One cold turn deserves another, Gavin thought. The food items in his sack were scattered all over the ground. He grabbed the bag with whatever was left within it and made his way to the back gate.


    He had complicated his situation. It would not take long for them to notice the man was missing. Once they found the body, they would figure out Gavin¡¯s escape route and swiftly trace his escape. Gavin came to the gate and peered out into the darkness.


    Directly in front of him, within the shadow of the trees, Nisila and the two boys remained hidden. He looked to his left along the wall. He could go that way without them ever knowing.


    With Nisila hurt she and the boys would easily be captured the moment the men inside the holdfast began searching. That would buy him all the time he needed. They did not care for him; they wanted the prince.


    If he went left, they might trace his tracks and completely ignore searching anywhere else. In that case, returning to Nisila was likely a better plan. If they caught up to him, he could use them as bait to cover his escape.


    The thought of abandoning Nisila and the two helpless boys caused a pang of guilt to wash over him. It was a low move, even if they were strangers who meant nothing to him. They would be caught unaware with no way of defending themselves.


    There was a time earlier in his life where the decision would have been simple, and he would have helped them and kept his word. Ever since the end of the war between the Paladins and the Deode Empire, everything had changed. The honorable Paladins retreated to their realm and left the world in tatters. They broke the chains of slavery, and Gavin for his part, helped them do that.


    In the end, the Paladins left the world to fend for itself. Slavery was replaced with slaughter as newly freed nations fought for control and power. It was part of the reason he found himself in this predicament. He was trying to save a prince who lost his country to a more powerful enemy. Even if the boy managed to become king, he would ultimately turn into the monster he wanted to replace. It was inevitable.


    What was the point of sacrificing one¡¯s life if nothing changed? There would be more princes and more kings, all fighting one another while everyone beneath them suffered for their pride and greed.


    After the great war, like everyone around him, he decided to put himself first. He was doing it for years now, and it kept him alive while many others around him died. Adore came to his mind at that moment. An honorable warrior who held to the old ways, yet he was dead in a remote forest with nothing to show for it.


    Gavin knew the boy was doomed. There was no place in this world for a sheltered prince. Several of his brothers died because of this child, who was damned if he wore a crown and damned if he didn¡¯t.


    As he stood upon the brink with this choice before him, survival to his left and death directly ahead, he knew he could only choose but one path. The quest was a losing endeavor; he could not save them alone. It did not matter how great of a reward Nisila offered because as enticing as the gold was, his life was much more precious to him.


    If he could pull it off, he could gain favor with Eric, the leader of the New Brotherhood. He could get any position he wished for on the southern border and with gold in his pocket to spare. He only needed to return the whelp to Arlem. What happened to him after that was not his concern. Just get him to Arlem. No, it was foolish, the odds were against him.


    Gavin leaned left to leave and could not help but think of Adore as an image of his face appeared in his mind. He paused and sighed.


    In a low crouching run, he headed across the grassy plain toward Nisila and the two boys. He cursed himself for a fool. The inner voice that urged him to turn away and preserve his skin became louder and louder with every step he took. However, he did not stop and turn around. He got his stubbornness from his mother; he decided to blame her when they finally met again in the afterlife.


    The potential reward outweighed the risk, that was the lie he told himself. He had to believe that was his reason for helping them. Anything less would mean he was forfeiting his life for another, and he pledged to himself that he would never do such a foolish thing again. Yet here he was, once again running into danger.


    Gavin was not a paladin, and he would never be a hero. That was a hope and dream that vanished years ago. He pressed on and leaped into the shadow of the bushes to rejoin them.


    * * *


    Beau kept his eyes on the wall of the holdfast, as butterflies fluttered within his stomach. He could feel Julius sitting next to him, unmoving and focused on the same thing. His cousin wanted his father to emerge from the gates.


    ¡°What is taking so long,¡± Julius said. ¡°Maybe we should go in.¡±


    With much effort, Nisila scooted over to the boys. ¡°You cannot. Give him a moment. We do not know what is happening within those walls. We cannot give them a chance to capture us.¡±


    ¡°Why put our fate in his hands?¡± Julius asked her. ¡°I don¡¯t trust him. He was all but ready to leave us in the woods earlier. Beau, do you not see what he is?¡±


    Beau sighed, knowing there was truth in what Julius was saying. ¡°He made his choice based on the strength of the reward. If there are enemies in the holdfast, and they catch him, he will give us up without a second thought; he does not care about us. Unfortunately, we do not have any options. Without him, we do not know the way to Morris Port, and we need protection.¡±


    ¡°My father knows the way,¡± Julius said. ¡°We are going to be ambushed again. I will not wait for death. I say we go. Are you with me, Beau?¡±


    ¡°You cannot go, it is too dangerous,¡± Nisila said as she grabbed Julius by his shoulder. ¡°He could have left us to die, but he did not. I know he may seem like a scoundrel, but there is more to him than what he shows us. I know it.¡± Julius pushed her hand off his shoulder.


    ¡°You are the fool my father said you were,¡± Julius sneered. He clenched his fist and glared over at the holdfast as if he would run at it. ¡°Beau, are you with me? She cannot stop us.¡±


    Beau hesitated for a moment. He knew his cousin was afraid and that the fear was influencing his decision. His cousin¡¯s motivation was to find his father, and nothing would get in his way. Beau looked over at Nisila, sitting on the ground next to him, every breath she took sounding like a struggle. It was true, she could not stop them, not in her state, yet he could not find it in himself to leave her behind. He also had a hard time mustering the courage to venture toward the holdfast.


    ¡°Listen, cousin, let us take a moment to think this through,¡± Beau said. Just as Julius began to argue, Gavin came crashing through the bushes. Beau leaped into his cousin¡¯s arms, and they both fell to the ground.


    ¡°Are you mad?¡± Nisila said. ¡°What took you so long? What did you see.¡±


    ¡°We have to go,¡± Gavin said as he gathered his things.


    Beau and Julius, bewildered by Gavin¡¯s response, quickly got up. Julius confronted him. ¡°What do you mean we have to go? Where is my father, was he not in the holdfast?¡± Gavin ignored him as he adjusted his sword and started to get Nisila up.


    ¡°Get moving,¡± Gavin ordered them. ¡°We have no time to argue.¡±


    ¡°We will not go until you tell us what happened in the holdfast,¡± Beau said as he stood with his cousin. He did not want Gavin to walk out of the gates; he was expecting Milton and Corin. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Where is my father!¡± Julius shouted.


    Gavin spun on the boy angrily. ¡°Your father is¡ª¡°


    ¡°Gone,¡± Nisila cut in and Gavin shot her a look. ¡°Your father and the scholar have fled. If not, he would have come to fetch us himself. I suspect enemies occupy your home now. Is that not the truth, Gavin?¡± Beau looked at the two of them, and he could feel the tension. There was a battle of wills taking place before him, but it was unclear who would win.


    ¡°Well, is it not the truth, Gavin?¡± Nisila said, again. ¡°Go on, tell them.¡±


    ¡°It is true,¡± Gavin muttered reluctantly. ¡°They were not there...The place is crawling with men not friendly to us. I almost got killed by a patrolling guard. I had to kill the bastard, and they will find the body. Once the alarm goes up, we are done. We have to leave.¡±


    Julius was stunned as the news hit him. ¡°My father would never have left without me. You are a liar!¡± Julius shouted. Gavin struck him with a backhanded slap, knocking the boy to the ground. Beau dived upon his cousin to protect him from Gavin.


    ¡°The fool will get me killed,¡± Gavin snapped. ¡°First he shouts loud enough for those bastards to hear him, and in the same breath calls me a liar.¡±


    ¡°Leave him be,¡± Beau said. ¡°He is afraid, can¡¯t you see that? He did not mean to shout.¡± Julius lay on the ground, crying, holding his swelling eye. Nisila shoved Gavin and limped over to stand next to the boys.


    Beau leaned over his cousin and tried to comfort him. ¡°Julius, listen to me. He says enemies have the holdfast. Maybe Corin and uncle had no choice but to flee. In any case, they are out there somewhere, and we will not find them waiting here.¡±


    ¡°They would make for Morris Port,¡± Nisila added. ¡°That makes the most sense. Since the two of you did not return, Milton would expect that I have rescued you with hopes of taking you to the city. We cannot wonder the woods calling out for them. Our best course is to make for Morris Port and meet up with them there.¡± At that, Gavin reached over and pulled Nisila¡¯s arm over his shoulder. ¡°And as for you, coward, you touch them again, and I¡¯ll kill you.¡± She nodded to the boys to follow. Gavin grumbled something under his breath, but Beau could not make out the words.


    Julius was reluctant to go, but he got up as Beau helped him to his feet. They shuffled behind Gavin, and as they looked back, they could see the shadow of the holdfast looming beyond the trees. It was the only home he had ever known. Beau said a silent promise to himself that he would one day return. He would miss the summer days under the green forest, and the snow-covered hills in winter. In the Middle Islands, he would never see snow again. The thought made him sad.


    As they moved along, a light sprang forth behind them. Milton¡¯s Holdfast was going up in flames. They all stopped for a moment as the fire leaped into the night sky, casting strange shadows around the ancient stone walls. Beau¡¯s breath caught in his chest as he watched his home burning in the distance.


    ¡°This is a sign,¡± Beau said. ¡°My life here is truly over.¡±


    ¡°It is a sign, but you¡¯re reading it wrong,¡± Gavin retorted. ¡°It means we have lingered too long and must go before we are murdered in the dark by your friends from the Middle Isles.¡± He turned and walked away, with Nisila leaning on his shoulder. Tears flowed freely from Julius¡¯s eyes, and he shivered as he turned and walked away. He did not cry out, and Beau tried to mimic his courage, though he shook with emotion as well. With heads bowed, they quietly followed after Gavin and Nisila.


    They walked for a long time. Beau felt like he would be sick, and his head hurt. He realized he was hungry and at that same moment, Julius¡¯s stomach grumbled as if he could read Beau¡¯s mind. No one spoke as they traveled through the forest. Beau did not know which direction they were heading. They were making their way to Morris Port, but the thought of walking the entire way made him hate the journey even more than before.


    ¡°We have to stop,¡± Nisila gasped. She forced Gavin to halt and he struggled for a moment, trying to keep her moving but finally let her go.


    ¡°We cannot stop, get up,¡± Gavin said. ¡°They could be right behind us.¡±


    ¡°I need to rest,¡± Nisila said. ¡°We must eat, the boys must eat.¡± Gavin glared at them with a look of disgust on his face. After a moment, he began to look around, but Beau could not guess why he was scanning the dark forest. Beau felt overwhelmed with fatigue and he wanted to lie down and sleep, but he also wanted to eat. Thinking was exhausting, and he decided the only thing he could do was stand still.


    Gavin muttered a curse under his breath and walked away. Julius did not react, and Beau knew it was because his cousin suffered as he did. His eyes were dark and distant, and Beau did not know how to help him. Nisila sat on the ground fumbling with her bandage. Her wound was terrible, and he feared she was dying. He imagined she was in immense pain, but he could not fathom how she went on. After a little urging, Beau was able to get Julius to sit next to Nisila to keep warm. The night was not windy, but it was cold.


    ¡°Where did he go?¡± Beau asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him,¡± Nisila said. ¡°He can take care of himself. Help me up.¡± Putting her arm over Beau¡¯s shoulder, he helped her to her feet. He could feel her body shake from the effort. She was much stronger than she looked. She was a true warrior.


    ¡°Are you dying?¡± Julius asked, voicing Beau¡¯s unspoken concerns.


    ¡°No, I am not,¡± Nisila replied flatly, rolling her eyes. ¡°I need rest, and I will make it to Morris Port. How are you two faring so far? Are you hungry?¡± Julius nodded slowly. Nisila looked at Beau, and he nodded as well. Leaning against a tree, she reached for something on her belt. She produced a few morsels for them, and they devoured the small bites quickly.


    ¡°What will you have to eat?¡± Beau asked her.


    ¡°No, I could not,¡± Nisila replied. ¡°With this wound, I don¡¯t think I could take a single bite. I¡¯ll have some water when Gavin returns.¡±


    ¡°If he ever returns at all,¡± Julius said as he tenderly touched his puffy eye. ¡°I want my father. I don¡¯t want to be out here anymore.¡± He began to cry, and Beau went over and sat next to him.


    ¡°I know, Julius,¡± Nisila said. ¡°We will find him, I am sure of it. To do that we will need Gavin¡¯s help. I know he is not the man you would choose to follow, but he is all we have. The sell-swords of the New Brotherhood are well trained and resourceful. If anyone can get us to Morris Port, it will be him.¡±


    ¡°I am no sell-sword,¡± Gavin appeared out of the shadows. ¡°Come this way, hurry.¡± They followed him to a ditch, under two fallen trees. They slowly made their descent, being careful not to slide down.


    When they came to the bottom, where the ground was somewhat level again, Gavin led them toward the left. The ground was soft and spongy, and Beau could smell fresh earth. They came around a sheer stone wall to a dark alcove.


    Gavin guided Nisila into the corner under the rocks. ¡°Sit inside here. I hate to do it, but I think we need a small fire. We will have to risk it. It will be cold tonight. We will only rest a short time, and then we have to keep going.¡±


    ¡°Have you any water, or food?¡± Nisila asked.


    ¡°In my sack in the corner,¡± Gavin replied as he turned to leave. ¡°Only have enough to wet your lips, save the rest for the journey.¡± He disappeared again into the night. Julius and Beau sat around Nisila, sharing a skin of water. It was not long until Gavin returned and quickly had a fire going. It was small, and they huddled close to feel the warmth, but it was much welcome. The food was light, but it helped, and after several minutes, Beau was feeling better, even though he was still leery of the darkness surrounding them.


    In the firelight, Beau had a chance to see Nisila¡¯s face. She looked pale, and beads of sweat formed on her brow. She had a permanent frown and Beau wished he could ease her agony.


    Gavin¡¯s eyes were dark and emotionless. He stared out into the night, with an annoyed look on his face. He did not sit with them, choosing to stand with his arms crossed beneath his heavy cloak. Beau wondered what he was thinking. Gavin turned and looked directly at Beau. Seeing his hard stare, Beau decided he rather not know what was going through his mind.


    ¡°You should try and get some sleep, both of you,¡± Nisila said.


    ¡°How can you sleep?¡± Julius replied. ¡°I will never close my eyes in these woods again.¡±


    ¡°We are safe for now,¡± Nisila replied. ¡°Shadow-cry is out there as well. He will keep watch over us, I promise. If any danger should approach, he will alert us.¡±


    ¡°The raven follows us?¡± Gavin asked. ¡°I have not heard or seen a damn thing out there. I will trust my own eyes and ears. Your bird is more likely to give us away than save us.¡±


    ¡°Shadow-cry has traveled with me since I first left the Middle Islands. He has been a great friend to me. He will do what he was trained to do.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t need spies,¡± Gavin said. ¡°We need horses and capable swords. It will come to a fight before the end. I know it. When it does come to that, I pray you two keep your bloody heads. Know this, I am escorting you to Morris Port, but I am not your servant or your bloody sell-sword. Don¡¯t expect any heroics. I will not die up here for any of you people.¡±


    ¡°That is good to know,¡± Nisila said softly. ¡°We will remember it if ever you are the one who finds himself at the mercy of our enemies.¡± Beau felt the chill in her voice. The look in her eyes as she glared at Gavin was frightening. She reached out and pulled Beau closer to her side. Julius lowered his head onto her other shoulder. Gavin shook his head in disgust and walked away.


    ¡°Are we going to make it?¡± Beau asked.


    ¡°We will,¡± Nisila said quietly. ¡°With or without him, we will make it to Morris Port. Gavin will go as far as fate wills it. However, mark my words, Prince Beaumont, we will leave these shores.¡± She sounded confident, and he believed that she genuinely meant her words. Beau did not feel as hopeful as she did; he could not convince himself of that yet. He and Julius were children, Nisila required a healer, and Gavin was a dishonorable sell-sword, despite his arguments. He was supposed to celebrate his journey to the Middle Islands. Instead, there was violence, and enemies were searching for him. He thought it would be an adventure; What he got was a nightmare.


    ¡°You have lived your whole life in the Middle Islands?¡± Julius asked shyly.


    ¡°I have,¡± Nisila replied as she adjusted herself, trying to get comfortable.


    ¡°What is it like?¡± Julius asked. ¡°I would hear from a person who has recently lived there. Beaumont and I have only heard old stories from my father and Corin.¡±


    Nisila sighed deeply, but a smile crept across her lips as her eyes became distant. ¡°The Middle Islands are beautiful and dangerous. Our jungles are home to strange beast you will not find in any other land. Our seas are said to be the bluest and clearest in all of Dayconis. On the main island of Aiti, you can walk for nearly a hundred paces and the water will only come as high as your thighs and the white sand glimmers beneath the waves. You will see fish of all shapes, sizes, and colors swim about your legs. It is not a thing you can ever forget. It is hot all year round as well, unlike Hattan. It is the bright green of the mountains that you see upon your first arrival, sitting on the distant horizon as your ship makes its way to land. You will know your home when you see it. You will feel it in your heart, the both of you.¡± Julius stirred but did not speak.


    ¡°What of the people,¡± Beau asked softly. ¡°What are they like?¡±


    ¡°Before the war, they were kind and generous,¡± Nisila said. ¡°I was born in the ocean, like most of the people of my tribe. We are War Hawk, proud and brave, a tribe of hunters. That is our legacy. In times of peace, you will find no warmer welcome than in the home of a Middle Islander. In a time of war, as it is now, there is no fiercer fighter than the Middle Island people. The Deode suffered greatly at our hands during the uprising, yet it still does not hold a candle to the pain they put us through. When the paladins of Gordon came, and they helped us achieve our freedom, we quickly returned to the loving people that we always were at heart.¡±


    Beau sighed, feeling a strange attraction to the tale of his people, yet it was all so distant and different from the life he knew. He was too little to change the fate of so many people, and the thought of being king seemed a distant fantasy.


    ¡°My Prince seems sad,¡± Nisila said. ¡°Do my words bring you no comfort? I admit I am more a warrior than a scholar, and my skill with words are lacking.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that,¡± Beau replied hastily, fearing he might have insulted her. ¡°It¡¯s just...I have the blood of the Middle Islands in me, from my mother and father, yet I am not of the Middle Islands if that makes any sense.¡±


    ¡°The blood knows¡­¡± Julius said softly, his eyes focused on the darkness beyond them.


    ¡°Wise words, Julius,¡± Nisila said with a smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s something my father always says,¡± Julius replied. ¡°He always says when we finally return to the Middle Islands, everything would fall into place. He says nothing can stop us from regaining our rightful place in Aiti.¡±


    ¡°Your father was right,¡± Nisila replied. ¡°It is as I said before¨C¡±


    Julius cut her off. ¡°My father is right.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Nisila replied.


    ¡°My father is right. You said he was right,¡± Julius said, looking up at her. Beau noticed her smile was more thoughtful than amused.


    ¡°Yes, of course,¡± Nisila said, before turning to Beau. ¡°In regards to your place in Aiti, the people only await your return, my prince. Your presence is enough to fuel the fire in their hearts. You will see, Prince Beaumont, that you have nothing to fear.¡±


    Beau shyly smiled at her. ¡°I hope that everyone I meet there is as kind as you are.¡±


    ¡°They will be, don¡¯t worry,¡± Nisila said. ¡°Know this. You are king. You are the rightful heir to the leadership of an entire nation. No one can ever take that away from you, Prince Beaumont, not even Rancine with all his scheming. The crown will return to your family.¡± Beau sighed deeply and put his head down upon her arm. He felt her pull him close, and she was gentle with him. The warmth of the fire and her touch soothed him; it was not something Beau could remember ever feeling before.


    He did not think sleep would come to him after the last few hours of terror he experienced. As he watched the fire crackle before his eyes, he could see Gavin move in the shadows of the trees, fading into the night. For now, they were safe, and sleep enveloped him for a time.

 Chapter 8

    The Morris Port sell-swords came pouring out of the holdfast. Most of them carried loot as they fled from the smoke and fire. Royce sat on his horse, restless to leave, watching the smoke engulf the holdfast before him.


    "Where is Tamin?" Duboi shouted. "He cannot still be in there, can he? Lebber, go fetch him."


    "Where was he last?" Lebber replied.


    "I don''t know, Leb. If I did, I would not be sending you to find him would I. Ask these men at the gate." Lebber dismounted and began stopping the men as they came out. When none of the sell-swords could tell him of Tamin''s whereabouts, he made his way back into the holdfast.


    "We still have not heard from Rudan," Royce said. "Where the hell did he get off too?"


    "He could be following a lead, or fallen to an ambush," Juvey said.


    "That beast of a man ambushed?" Samus laughed. "He had more than enough men with him. Likely he is following some trace of them. They will not get far, the net tightens." There was a cry coming from beyond the walls. Duboi and Juvey drew swords and dashed to the gate.


    Lebber was coming out of the holdfast with one of the sell-swords, dragging a body between them. "It''s Tamin, make way, make way!¡± Royce rode forward to meet them, figuring Tamin was caught in the buildings setting the fire, but as he got closer to the group he saw the horrifying truth of the matter.


    They lay the youth on his back, the blood clear for all to see. Duboi, Juvey, and Lebber crouched around the body, speechless. Royce dismounted and joined them. The boy died fighting, that much was clear from the look of the body. Royce felt a chill run over his body. Tamin, the youngest member of his party, was dead. Royce was unsure if the boy had ever laid with a woman. To lose him this way, after everything they went through, seemed a cruel punishment. He rubbed his forehead to ease the searing pain suddenly running through his head.


    "That wound, he would have died instantly," Royce said, breaking the silence. "At least he did not suffer." Royce looked up and saw tears welling up in Lebber''s eyes. Royce could not ignore the feeling of guilt he felt at that moment. His carelessness cost him the life of a good man. He had lost soldiers before, yet this was different, Tamin was more like a little brother to him.


    "Which one of you bastards did this," Lebber yelled as he stood up to face the men loyal to Samus. "Which one of you greedy bastards murdered him."


    "Wait a moment," Samus said, as he came forward. "Let us not jump to conclusions. Why would any of my men kill him? We all liked him very much." The men all nodded in agreement.


    "You''re bastard men did this! They did it over loot, and I''ll have the man''s soul who murdered my friend," Lebber cried, as Duboi and Juvey held him back.


    "You are in pain, I understand," Samus replied. "But please be reasonable. Royce, tell him it was not my men. These are trustworthy men, and there was more than enough plunder for everyone." Royce believed Samus; Tamin got along with everyone, and early on, he recognized that Samus''s men liked him the best out of Royce and the others. The one who killed him was not with their party. The person must have been fleeing out of some secret hiding place when Tamin came upon them.


    Royce stood up, peering out into the night. "It was the woman, I know it. She was here."


    "We cleared out all the buildings," Lebber shouted. "There is no way anyone remained hidden from us."


    "I know we did, Leb," Royce said. "But it is likely they had some hiding place that we missed, it is not uncommon in old places like this, you know what I am saying is true. These men did not kill him.¡± Royce could see the sadness in his eyes, yet Lebber was a warrior. He would turn his emotion into anger. Royce understood his need to lash out.


    Royce walked up to Lebber and placed his hand on his face, forcing him to look directly into his eye. "It is unfortunate, and we will all miss him. I suspect who did it; it had to be her. She is out there somewhere, fleeing like the vermin she is. We will have time to mourn our brother, but he would not want us to abandon our quest. We cannot bury him properly, but let us burn the body, I do not relish the idea of him left to the wild beast of this forsaken place. It is the best we can do for him."


    Royce embraced Lebber and then leaped upon his horse. The sell-swords quickly fell in line, gathering their things and preparing to ride out. After a day and night of murder and burning, they were eager to continue on this so far bountiful quest. Royce meant to strike when the anvil was hot and push them while the excitement was still fresh.


    "Lebber, where did you find the body?" Duboi asked.


    "At the back of the kitchen," Lebber said, pointing dismissively. Duboi nodded and made his way around the outside of the holdfast toward the back.


    ¡°Lebber, go with Duboi," Royce said. "Take some men with you. I will ride out with the others to find Rudan. We will meet you at the crossroads where we first entered into this realm, Duboi will remember the place." Lebber nodded and left. Royce knew only revenge would ease Tamin''s passing. Until then, he would try his best to keep him occupied. They would have justice only when Nisila was dead and the prince was in their custody.


    With lit torches held aloft, Royce rode into the woods with Juvey and Samus at his side. Royce knew that he led a party of death through the region of Mount Hope, and their deeds would be infamous in the months to come. God help any poor farmsteads they encountered this night. The acts they committed were despicable, he would never deny that, but the safety of his family was in the balance, and nothing would stop him from protecting them.


    There was a time in his past that he would never consider attacking unarmed civilians and that nearly cost him everything. It was because of his decision to preserve innocent lives that he was one eye short and separated from his family.


    After surrendering to Rancine''s forces, he was ordered to raid his land and harry his people. Royce would not issue the order and force his men to slaughter their own family and friends. That choice cost him his war-band and title, and Rancine wanted to hang his entire family and all of his men. History would always remember him as a traitor for surrendering to Rancine. He told himself he did not care what history thought. Royce only wished to protect his mother and sisters.


    What he could not stomach was the idea of killing innocent men and women in their homes. He could not turn on the people who were part of his tribe and community, who depended on him and his warriors for protection.


    In the end, he was forced to make the ghastly sacrifice of removing his eye, a show of loyalty to Rancine. With the sacrifice of his flesh, the warlocks now held power over him. So far, he had not given them a reason to use their curses but he had seen the dark magic cast against others, and it was not a thing he wanted to experience.


    After all of that, the villages were still raided and burnt. That was all the convincing Royce needed. Even if he were not the one to start the raids, Rancine would have found another to do it. In his mind, the crimes he committed in Mount Hope was worth it, to keep his family out of harm. In his heart, he knew Rancine would never let him go, but he needed to gain his trust, which would grant him the freedom to plan their escape from under his rule.


    Royce learned much about Hattan from the traitor Samus. The southern region had a climate that would be perfect for growing and tending livestock. Despite his reasons for being in this country, he did not entirely dismiss the notion of fleeing into south Hattan. If they eventually escaped Rancine, they could never call the Middle Islands home again.


    If all went well, he would take his men to southern Arlem, to see if they could eventually make a home there. Morris Port had potential, and his mother could grow another export business. He missed the company of his mother and sisters, and it broke his heart because they needed him more than ever, and he needed their council.


    As he rode through the night, following the bobbing torches, the thought of his mother returned him to Tamin. Of all his men, Tamin was his mother''s favorite. She had a special place in her heart for the youth. Seeing them together brought him back to his childhood when he was the only man in the house. His mother doted on him in those days, and he was nothing more than a doll for his sisters to dress up.


    Tamin was an embodiment of the spoiled baby boy, and Royce found joy in seeing him happy and content at his mother''s table. He opened his home to these four warriors and bonded them to his family, making them more than soldiers. They were his brothers. Royce was suddenly overcome by a dreadful feeling that coursed through his chest and coiled into his stomach, realizing he would never see Tamin smile again.


    He quickly turned his sadness into hate, fighting back the emotion that threatened to bubble to the surface.


    There will be no tears this night, only blood.


    On and on they rode, taking a wide berth back toward the south. The night air grew cold, and it would be a difficult time for anyone out in the wilderness. He did not think Nisila would have the boy out in the elements without a fire, so it was his hope they would spot some trace of their camp. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    As they made their way down a small hill, scouts came out of the woods to greet them. "My lords, we have found your man''s party, the one named Rudan," Samus ordered them to lead the way. After a short ride, they came across the bodies. Men lay face down on the frozen grass, surrounded by discarded weapons. Royce dismounted to inspect the bodies. They found many of the men who rode with Rudan slain, along with men they had not seen before. Samus confirmed them to be the warriors given to Nisila.


    "Search far and wide," Royce ordered. "If the woman or the prince is here, I want them found. If dead, we take their heads, but I prefer we capture them alive." Juvey took some men and began searching the surrounding woods. As Royce made his way through the scene of the battle, he came across Samus. He was kneeling next to a body.


    "I found your man," Samus said as he stood and made way for Royce. "I am sorry. They were good soldiers, and I am sure you will miss them dearly." Royce sighed as he looked at the body laying on the ground. Tamin and now Rudan, in one night.


    How did this happen?


    Royce had seen both men through the most desperate battles, where they were always just moments from death. The tragedy of losing them on a quest they all hoped to be a simple task, was unbelievably tragic. Royce could not help but feel he had failed as a leader.


    Juvey made his way to Royce. "We found no sign of the woman or the prince. Is that Rudan? How is this possible?"


    "It seems we have underestimated these warriors of the Brotherhood," Royce said. "Despite having the numbers, these sell-swords failed miserably against them." Royce glared at Samus who stood with his thumbs in his belt. He shifted nervously under Royce and Juvey''s stare.


    "You do not mean to blame me, do you?" Samus said incredulously. "They were led by Rudan, he obviously¡ª"Juvey cuffed Samus before he could finish his words, knocking him to the ground. He jumped on him and raised his hand to strike again. At that moment, the sell-swords drew their weapons.


    Royce stepped in and grabbed Juvey, dragging him to his feet. "Calm, brother. He is not worth it. What is done is done."


    "I lost more men than you," Samus spat blood as he stood up. "I can just as easily save the rest of these men and leave you to your business on your own."


    "And do what, Samus?" Royce said. "Run back to your guild master? I am sure he would love to hear the tale I might have to tell."


    "There will be no tale if you have no head to say it with," One of the sell-swords said as he stepped forward. He was a slim fellow with a shock of blonde hair and ruddy skin.


    "Put that sword away, before I sheath it in your ass," Juvey replied. Samus raised his hand and moved his man back. He then signaled to the others, and they slowly lowered their weapons.


    "This night takes a toll on us all," Samus said. "We all have lost much, but in turn, have gained even more working together. If we hope to continue this arrangement, we must trust one another. Rudan and Tamin were both tragic losses and not the fault of my men. From what I have seen so far, mostly all the men who have come with Nisila have died here. This is good news, is it not." Royce was listening to Samus, but he kept his eye on the slim man who threatened to take his head.


    "The woman is alone, with the prince," Samus continued. "It is only a matter of time before this entire ordeal is over. We will find them cold and afraid in the wilderness, mark my words. That is our goal, yes? So let us move past this."


    Royce looked at Samus and cracked a smile. "You are right. Our disagreement is over. You speak of trust, and I agree it is important to our continued success. So far, you have been loyal, and I suppose that should make up for your incompetence."


    "You speak so highly of yourselves, you island boys," The blonde man said. "Yet two of your men lie face down in the snow."


    Samus grabbed the man by his shirt and pushed him back. "That is enough out of you. Royce, ignore him, he is weary and in need of food and rest."


    "I need nothing," The man snapped. "You can lick these foreigners boots if you like, but not me. Pay me my money when the time comes and stay out of my way."


    Royce could feel Juvey go tense, and his rage emanated from his body like a smoldering fire. He knew his friend''s mind, and though it would be satisfying to knock the man''s teeth down his throat, he needed them to complete his quest. Royce lay his hand upon Juvey''s shoulder. They exchanged a look, and Juvey understood his meaning. He reluctantly backed down. A smirk played upon the sell-swords face.


    "So we agree, that is good," Samus said as he wiped the blood from his lip. "We made our peace. I will have my man stay out of your way, Jujay, all is forgiven.¡±


    "It''s Ju-Vey, you imbecile," Juvey replied.


    Samus laughed as he backed away. "Yes, of course, Juvey. I will see that my men are ready to ride and continue the search." They all turned to leave, but one man lingered. The sell-sword who made the threat smiled at Royce, his eye sparkling in the surrounding torchlight as he celebrated his petty victory. Royce was ready to walk away as well, but the childish smirk on the man''s face forced his hand.


    It was a smile he knew all too well. It was a sneer of disdain that followed him throughout his service under the late King Bohemond. He did not come from royalty like the other captains who flew the king''s banner. His mother built her wealth from the dirt and fought unimaginable odds to place him in the king''s service. The other captains never missed an opportunity to remind him of his station.


    Now, as he stood in the cold beneath a foreign sky, he was being challenged by a man of no real worth. This coward, who fancied himself a warrior, could not stand in the shadow of any of Royce¡¯s men. Here he was, smiling in Royce''s face enjoying a laugh at his expense and disrespecting the memory of his fallen brothers.


    As the man turned to walk away, Royce moved quickly and threw his arm around his throat, sticking his blade into the sell-swords back. The man released a sigh and fell to the ground dead. Royce hoped he took his smirk into the afterlife with him.


    Samus spun back around. "What are you doing? We just made peace. Why did you kill him?" The other men drew their weapons again, but they were too stunned to act. They looked to Samus for instruction, but he stood aside with his mouth agape as Royce and Juvey casually strolled past him.


    Royce wiped the blood off on his pants before sheathing the sword. "The man said he would cut my head off, and I was frightened. However, I feel much better and I can sleep with my good eye closed tonight." Juvey let out a boisterous laugh as he made his way to his horse.


    Samus had his hand upon his sword but remained dumbfounded by what had happened. "I don''t see the humor in this. We speak of trust and then you stab a man in his back like that?"


    "It is a simple lesson," Royce replied. "Cheat me, cross me, threaten me, and you die. See to it that you burn Rudan''s body. He will not be left out as food for the beast in this forest." Royce did not fear for his safety among Samus and his men. They were all cowards; he knew it from the first time he saw them. It was a distasteful arrangement, but it was the best they could do. He would kill them all if it meant getting Tamin and Rudan back. Nisila would have to answer for both losses. He only hoped to find her alive. He had to know how she was capable of besting not one, but two of his finest warriors.


    He knew she was a capable warrior and a woman of great courage. All accounts about her had said as much. What she was able to accomplish so far was praiseworthy. However, he would put an end to her soon enough, luck only lasted so long and when hers ran out, he would be there waiting.


    When Royce and his men first set out, it was a time of celebration. They were embarking on a quest to win back their freedom. They would have to explore a faraway land in search of the prince, and upon capturing the boy, which they thought would not be a difficult task, they would return home in the good graces of King Rancine. Now Royce could not see any joy in his hunt, only regret.


    If he had been more vigilant and not underestimated the woman, maybe both Tamin and Rudan would still be alive. He hated himself for failing, he hated the cold, and he hated the flakes of snow that now fell upon his face. He hated everything about his current situation and things were not getting any better.


    He mounted his horse and waited in silence for Duboi and Lebber to return. Juvey remained at his side, and Royce could feel his friend watching him. For the most part, he was good at hiding his moods. Juvey was always able to understand him in a way the others never could.


    "If you have something to say, just spit it out," Royce said, finally breaking the silence.


    "I know what troubles you," Juvey said, keeping his voice as low as possible. "It will not do any good for you to carry this guilt with you."


    "You speak as my friend, or as an officer?" Royce asked.


    "As your officer, my lord, I wish for you to be clear-headed and focused on your task. I have faith in you, my lord, that you will lead us to success once again, as you have in the past. My lord has lost many warriors in his time, and it is the way of things."


    "I did not only lose warriors this night, Juvey," Royce said as he felt a wave of emotion rising within him. "I lost Tamin, our little Tamin. He deserved a better death. Moreover, Rudan, the man who pulled me from beneath my fallen horse and carried me like a babe. Look how I have repaid the favor.¡± Royce shuddered as he took a breath.


    Juvey rode around and stopped before him. "They are gone, Royce. We will miss them, and we will honor them, then we will move on."


    "You know what the worst part is," Royce said softly. "The worst part is that they died alone. I always dreamed that all of you would live with me in peace, that we would always be together."


    "And do what? Die in our beds as old men?" Juvey replied. "You would have your children, grandchildren, and your poor wives crying at your bedside?"


    "Wives?" Royce replied.


    "You heard me," Juvey said with a smile. "We are warriors, Royce. The highest and most noble calling a man can ever answer. We deal in death and just so we shall die in battle. Be glad, old friend. You still have Lebber and me, and to the detriment of us all, Duboi. That bastard is so dry it''s a wonder he hasn''t blown away riding his horse. The day Duboi tells a joke, will be the day I take my own life. I will have no more reason to live, and there will be no greater wonder in the world to experience."


    "You keep taunting him, and he just might kill you before that," Royce replied.


    Juvey laughed out loud. "Kill me? That man loves me, though he has way too much pride to admit it." Royce shook his head, thankful that he had Juvey at his side. He meant to keep him there from now on, along with Lebber and Duboi.


    "From now on, we remain together," Royce said in a severe tone. "We are warriors, and we are destined to die in battle, but it will not be in this fight, not on this mountain."


    "I am with you, brother," Juvey said. "Trust me. I have a strong incentive to make it back home."


    "I am glad to hear it," Royce said. "I am glad that you think of the future. We must make the most of it, for Rudan and Tamin. Come, let us find Duboi and Leb. We have many more trying hours before us."


    "Could it just be you, Lebber and me?" Juvey replied. "Duboi will sour the mood again."


    "Stop it," Royce replied as a bright smile broke across his face. They rode back to observe Rudan''s cremation. The men set his body apart from the others and put several torches to him. The fire burned brightly, making eerie shadows dance upon Royce''s features. He was transfixed by the flames consuming his friend, the second friend he had burned that night. He would not lay another one of his brothers to rest in this country. He would get them all back home in one piece.


    Royce heard a flutter above his head, and he looked up. It was too dark to see anything, but he was sure it was a bird of the night, an owl perhaps. The fire and smoke likely spooked the animal.


    Royce gave the order, and they made their way south, where they would meet up with Duboi and Lebber. Somewhere out in the darkness, Nisila was running for her life, dragging the little prince alongside her. Royce knew in his heart that he would find her and the prince, and when he did, he would ride them down into the dirt.

 Chapter 9

    A shadow came over Beau as he was waking. The figure had hands on him, trying to pull him up. Someone was taking him away. His enemies found him, and it was all over. He began to scream.


    "Stop it, you fool," Gavin growled. ¡°It''s Gavin. It¡¯s Gavin! get up." Beau blinked several times, trying to adjust his sight. The fire had burned down to smoldering embers. Beau looked to his right to see Nisila and Julius waking just as confused as he was.


    "We cannot stay here any longer," Gavin said. "It is long past time we left. Now get yourselves together."


    "But it''s still dark," Beau said.


    "It is the early hours of a new day," Gavin replied. "Enough talk. Nisila, get up." Nisila struggled to sit up, her face pale and strained. She sat for a moment with her head down, breathing heavily. Beau watched her closely, not liking the defeated way she was sitting. She needed to rest, but there was no time or place for that in these woods.


    Shadow-cry entered the campsite in a flurry, landing directly before Nisila. He hopped over and dropped her purse on the ground. She looked at Gavin as she picked it up and tied it onto her belt. Gavin sneered at her and the raven before turning away in disgust.


    Beau sized up the massive raven as it flapped its wings before flying off. The raven was extremely smart, that was obvious. It gave him some measure of comfort to know Shadow-cry was flying about, serving as their guardian in the sky. They would need more than an alarm if his enemies were to come upon them again. He looked at Nisila skeptically. She was not fit to fight if they were to encounter the men searching for them.


    Nisila must have felt his eyes on her. "I am fine, my prince. Let us rise and begin our journey. We have a long road ahead of us." Gavin helped her to her feet, but he was not gentle about it. He hoisted her arm over his broad shoulders, and they began. Julius and Beau walked side by side, following the looming shadows before them. The woods were a strange hue of blue and black. The sound of the trees echoed all around them as if they whispered about them as they passed through.


    Beau worried that they would not be able to tell the difference between enemies approaching and the natural sounds of the forest. How could they avoid walking into an ambush if they had no way of detecting the enemies around them? His eyes darted from shadow to shadow, spying every branch and wild plant that dared move. Enemies could be hiding anywhere within the woods, and they would never know it. He thought he would go mad before reaching Morris Port.


    On and on they went, walking like ghosts through a graveyard of trees. All the land around them was a mix of black trunks, green winter shrubs, and a light dusting of snow from a flurry that passed overnight while they slept. Beau did not think he would find sleep, but the fear and anxiety he experienced the previous night was more exhausting than he anticipated. He could hardly believe everything that had happened.


    It felt like a scary story he heard, not an experience he went through first hand. His thoughts went to his uncle Milton and scholar Corin. He wondered if they were safe, or in as much danger as they were. He hoped that they were looking for him and Julius and that they would locate them soon. They were the only family he had and he did not think they would make it to the Middle Islands without them.


    Slowly the dark gave way to the morning sun, and the shadows began to fade. They traveled within a valley surrounded by rugged hills lined with tall, thin limbed trees that remain green throughout the deep winter months. As Beau walked in silence, Julius poked him in his side. Julius nodded up, and Beau saw Shadow-cry perched on a tree branch a few yards ahead of them.


    "He has been following us the entire time," Beau said.


    "He is smart enough to warn us if danger approaches," Julius replied, and at that the bird took off, disappearing among the treetops.


    "I am so hungry I could eat an entire cow," Beau sighed.


    "And thirsty," Julius added. "Maybe we should ask Nisila."


    Looking at the way Nisila leaned on Gavin, and remembering how sickly she looked, Beau did not feel comfortable asking her for anything. "I don''t want to bother her. Besides, Gavin would likely just become angry again and tell us to be quiet. Might be best we wait until they stop."


    "My father will deal with him," Julius brooded. "He will pay for striking me." Looking at the big man before them, Beau thought about it. Gavin was a brute, but they were safer with him around. If he did get them to Morris Port, it would be a feat worth rewarding. In a fight, he was not confident that his uncle would be any challenge to Gavin. The man was big and strong, with a mean spirit. Beau knew he was capable of great violence. Gavin had killed at least two men that he knew of in one night. He feared what would become of his uncle if the two were to fight. Maybe it was better to resolve the issue peacefully. Pay Gavin what he asked, and move on. Corin had taught him a while back that it was worth paying for specific problems to go away if they would prove to be a more significant nuisance later on.


    He wished he could make his enemies disappear with gold, but Beau never held any wealth of his own, so it was a foolish notion. The title of prince meant nothing, and it had never made his life any better or worse. He did not think the men looking for him cared about his claim. It was an idea; an agreed-upon thought that not everyone accepted. At the end of it all, he was simply Beaumont, a little boy from a village in the mountains. Moreover, the men looking for him were doing their duty, and nothing more.


    Nisila would have him believe he was much more than that. He was finding it hard to believe he could one day be king. If last night were any indication of what it meant to be a king, he wanted the throne to remain as far away as possible.


    As the morning dragged on a flurry of snow began to fall. There was no sign of Shadow-cry, and the woods about them seemed devoid of all life. Beau heard no birds and saw no animals, and many miles lay between them and Morris Port. He assumed walking would take nearly three or four days, from what Corin mentioned at their meetings. With Nisila hurt, it would likely be longer. The food concerned him, and he hoped they had enough. The snow and cold were terrible enough, but if he had to go the entire way with even less to eat, he did not know if he would make it.


    The men searching for them had horses, and they were determined. The ambush in the forest was brutal, and his attackers fought desperately. Beau could not fathom being in the clutches of such men, and the thought gnawed at the little courage he had. He looked up to see Gavin and Nisila a few feet ahead, limping slowly along. The loose soil and snow fell away beneath their feet as their path began to lead down a hill. Nisila turned around, and she made eye contact with Beau. She winked at him and smiled feebly. She was genuinely trying her best, but Beau could see she was struggling.


    If anything happened to her, there would be no one to protect them from Gavin. Beau did not trust that Gavin would return them safely to his uncle and he was greatly disturbed by the prospect. Gavin expressed his urge to leave them behind, and Beau expected he would run off at the first sign of danger. So far Nisila seemed to keep him in line, he respected her. If she was able to keep him honest, they might just make it to Morris Port.


    As he looked on, he noticed Nisila and Gavin were speaking quietly to one another. He was too far behind to make out what they were saying. He assumed they were discussing the journey ahead and the safest way to reach Morris Port. From his teachings, having a plan was necessary, so he was glad that they were working together.


    * * *


    Nisila felt sick from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. She was hot and cold all at the same time. Gavin carried most of her weight, but he was tall, and the effort of reaching up over his shoulder was excruciating. She could not stand herself upright. Even if she made it through this current challenge, Nisila knew she would never be the same.


    Gavin''s attitude was grim. Nisila began to think the man was losing hope, or maybe he had never really had any at all. As they trudged slowly through the forest, she could feel he was upset. His mood sent a flutter of anxiety through her breast, and she knew it was unwise to let him simmer to himself. She had to distract him from any negative thoughts running through his mind.


    If Gavin changed his mind or panicked, Prince Beaumont would lose any chance of making it out of Mount Hope alive. Nisila needed to get him to care, or at least stop him from finding a way out of his promise. Gold could keep a man honest for only so long. Once the blades started singing and the arrows began flying, he could quickly abandon them. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Nisila glanced back at Beau and Julius. They were far enough behind for her to speak to Gavin in privacy. "What happened in the holdfast. What truly became of Milton and Corin."


    Gavin blinked a few times as if coming out of a dream. He sighed and responded softly. "I saw Milton fall. They killed him in the yard after speaking at length to a man. I assumed that the same man gave the order. He looked like the one in charge."


    "And Corin," Nisila whispered back. "What of him? Did they execute him as well."


    Gavin looked her in her eyes. "I am sure he is dead as well."


    "I liked Corin," Nisila said sadly. "He was a good person. He had affection toward the prince. I think Beau needed him. It will be difficult when he finally finds out."


    Gavin snorted. "And when will that be?" Nisila ignored the question. She was still unsure how she felt about the lie. At the time it was too dangerous to tell the boys the truth, it would have jeopardized everything. Her only concern was Beaumont, but she knew that without Julius, he would never follow her. If Julius knew the truth of his father''s death, there was no telling what the boy would have done. Would she have it in her to stop Julius from putting her and the prince at risk?


    Nisila shuddered at the idea of having to make such a choice. She did not want to think of hurting him. She tried to convince herself that lying to them was the right thing to do. She had no other choice. She quickly came back to Gavin because she had to keep him talking. They needed to establish a bond, something more than the promise of gold was required to secure Beaumont''s safety. If anything happened to her, she knew that Gavin would be Prince Beaumont''s only hope. The man had come this far, and he fought bravely in the woods. He had a measure of honor within him, but he fought against it. She had to find it and bring it forth.


    "You think I was wrong for lying to them?" Nisila asked.


    Gavin scoffed. "What do I care? As long as it shuts them up, lie away. Though it makes one wonder what happens when we get to Morris Port, and the boy realizes his father is not there.¡±


    He was expecting to reach Morris Port and Nisila took that as a good sign. "I have not thought that far ahead. I approach things one step at a time."


    "Better to keep your lies in order, I suppose," Gavin replied.


    "You judge me like you are not guilty of ever lying," Nisila said. "Prince Beaumont is important to many people. He is my countries last hope for normalcy and a return to peace. I would do whatever it takes to save him."


    "Yes, I see that," Gavin said. "But does that include silencing voices that advise against your plans?" She knew he was speaking of Julius, but she decided not to answer. She turned back and gave Beau a supportive wink, making sure they were still far enough away. She did not want to get into an argument with Gavin, that was not her aim.


    Gavin did not care for Beaumont or anyone for that matter. The man was aloof and disconnected from the world, carrying himself like a lone soldier only following orders and living one day at a time. How could she instill a higher purpose into a cynical person, in such little time? They had gone silent again, the one thing she wanted to avoid.


    To her surprise, Gavin was the one who initiated the conversation again. "The man who spoke to Milton, he had a patch over his eye. Do you know him?"


    It was not the subject she wanted to speak of, but now it was unavoidable. Thinking of Royce made her skin crawl, and her anger simmer. At least Gavin was willing to talk, and Royce was a man he should know. He had to understand who was hunting them.


    "I should have known once I encountered Rudan he would not be far behind," Nisila said. "He is one of Rancine''s lapdogs. After the murder of King Bohemond he joined Rancine. His name is Royce."


    "Sounds like a survivor to me," Gavin replied.


    "He is not a survivor," Nisila hissed. "He is a coward and a traitor. He was an officer, and he fought side by side with Denali. When the war began to go bad, he switched sides. Denali never lost faith. He fought for his country to the end. Royce, that sniveling coward, captured Denali and killed him."


    "Did he switch so easily?" Gavin asked. "Maybe he had no choice. Maybe he thought resistance was foolhardy."


    "He gave up that eye for Rancine," Nisila said. "He made a blood pact with the warlocks. He chose evil, plain, and simple. He is a gutless beast."


    Gavin only shook his head. "It is never that simple. We like to think it is, but everyone has a motivation, and nothing is greater than self-preservation." Nisila wondered at the man beside her. He was siding with her enemy, a person she detested more than anyone or anything in the world. Maybe she was wrong about him after all.


    She feared that if the conversation continued in this fashion, she would only alienate him more. His words gave her pause to think for a moment. Maybe finding his motivation was the key. She sensed he was holding back his true feelings, and she decided to trust her gut. She had to see past her blinding rage toward Royce.


    Gavin was a hard man, a man who might have cared once, but had become jaded over his long years of war and fighting. It was a story she was familiar with, and she knew many warriors like him. Men who held strong values once, but after being disappointed over and over again, lost hope. They became cynical and bitter. She needed to get to the core belief that he might have once held. He was a veteran of the New Brotherhood, and like Eric, he fought alongside the Paladins. She had to try harder to reach him.


    One thing was certain. Gavin decided to stay. He had an opportunity to leave them after the holdfast, but he did not. He chose on his own, and she needed to understand why. If she could discover that, then she could better ensure the safety of Prince Beaumont.


    "You think I am a bad person?" She asked him. "You judge me for lying, yet you seem to think my enemy in the right for betraying his people."


    "We are all bad people," Gavin replied.


    "Not all of us," Nisila said. "I do what I do for the benefit of my people, not to protect my skin. There is a greater calling than self-preservation. Service to your fellow man is a noble calling."


    "The man on the throne of your country," Gavin said. "He also thinks he does good for his people. He might argue that you are the one only interested in your own needs over others. It is a never-ending cycle."


    "Rancine is a man from a long defeated ideology," Nisila said. "He and his people had their chance to do right but chose to use blood magic to solve their problems. The Paladins rooted out the evil that was the Deode, but they missed some of the disease, which was Rancine."


    "Can you blame Rancine for wanting revenge?" Gavin asked.


    "You do not understand," Nisila sighed. "There is a moral difference between the leadership of Bohemond and Rancine. One man sacrificed himself for his country, and the other sacrifices his country for himself."


    "A moral difference?" Gavin scoffed. "You lied to those boys. You can interpret that in many different ways."


    "I did it for Beau¡¯s own good," Nisila replied hotly.


    "I wonder how Julia would feel about that," Gavin said with a smirk.


    "Julius," Nisila replied, rolling her eyes. "His name is Julius. You are impossible."


    Gavin smiled as he enjoyed his joke. "Look at you, hot over words. I only tease you, woman. It is a tedious thing walking in the woods, and my mind grows bored with this conversation."


    Nisila slowly raised her eyes and looked at him. His head was bald and exposed to the cold air, but that did not seem to bother him. His square-shaped beard was neat and touched with several gray hairs. She was unsure of his age, but his eyes were youthful and bright. He would be a handsome man if he carried himself differently. He might have been an attractive man in his early days.


    "So you understand the importance of my quest then?" Nisila asked tentatively.


    "I understand why it is important to you, yes," Gavin sighed. "I was like you once, with a feverish love of honor, with a strong belief of right and wrong. I worshipped those bloody Paladins, and I wanted to be one, but I eventually saw the truth. For all their talk and the moral reasons for ending the Deode Empire, it all came down to one thing at the end. They did it for themselves, not for me, not for the people under the oppressive Deode rule. They did it to gain more power and influence. Men are all the same, and they show their true colors eventually. Even your precious little prince."


    "He will be different," Nisila said.


    "No, he won''t," Gavin replied flatly. "He is surrounded by death and lies. He never stood a chance." Nisila was finding it harder and harder to keep her temper, but Gavin''s cynicism was infuriating. She was starting to think that her hope in him was born simply out of desperation. She was likely dying and no closer to securing Prince Beaumont''s safety. She was putting all her faith in the boy''s survival on a man she hardly knew ¡ª a man who had lost faith in others and had no vested interest in doing the right thing. The thought of leaving Beaumont in Gavin''s care was frightening.


    She became suddenly aware of a burning feeling in her stomach. Her back and legs also ached terribly. Dark thoughts began to overwhelm her mind. Beaumont would not make it, and it was because she failed him. She replayed all her decisions since the first day of her quest, and she was no longer sure of herself. Nisila lingered too long in Aiti mourning Denali. When she finally left, it was a rash decision without proper preparation. She was no longer sure what her real motivation was anymore. She thought she did it for the sake of the Middle Islands, or maybe it was revenge for the loss of the man she loved. Her goals were clear before, but not anymore.


    She was wrong for lying to her prince. She flirted with the idea of telling the truth but quickly realized it would not achieve anything. He was only a young boy, scared for his life and missing his loved ones. Nisila glanced back once more and saw the prince and his cousin walking with their heads down. They were dejected and hopeless. Her coming here had done more harm than good it seemed.


    Nisila did not feel like she could trust her judgment anymore. She spoke boldly to Beaumont, the boy she called the true king of the Middle Islands, but now she only saw a child. She was doing battle with doubt, and her faith was failing.


    Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and forced the negative thoughts out of her mind. She had a duty to her people, and she had to uphold the memory of Denali.


    She did not need a reason to do what was right. There were many wrongs in the world that needed fixing, but she was one woman. She could not give up to despair and allow Beaumont to be lost. The voice in her head was one of fear, and as a warrior, it was an emotion she had to subdue.


    While she could still draw breath, she would fight with whatever she had left to get Beaumont back to the Middle Islands.

 Chapter 10

    Light snow began to fall as Beau continued his forced march out of Mount Hope. The white specs floated in the air before him like tiny white feathers on a gentle breeze. He put his hand out and let the snow land upon his skin, watching the powder stick to his clothing as it slowly began to accumulate.


    Julius walked up and stood at his side. ¡°The forest goes on and on, never-ending. There are more trees than men in the world. How do animals survive out here with no food to eat.¡±


    ¡°They eat one another,¡± Beaumont replied darkly. ¡°It is the only way to live in the wilderness. The mouse eats the grain, the fox eats the mouse, the wolf eats the fox, and man hunts the wolf, as Corin would say.¡±


    ¡°Now men hunt us,¡± Julius said.


    Beau smiled weakly as an amusing thought entered his mind. ¡°Are we wolves then?¡±


    ¡°No, we are children in a man¡¯s world,¡± Julius said, not amused by Beau¡¯s attempted cleverness. The silence was shattered by Shadow-cry screeching as he dived past them. Nisila turned around, locking eyes with Beau; She looked afraid.


    ¡°There they are!¡± a voice echoed behind them. Beau turned around, and in the distance between the trees, he saw movement. Two men on horseback were riding down the slope toward them. Beau saw his nightmare finally come to life. His enemies were no longer hiding and waiting, they were after him openly, and he would be captured.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± Gavin cursed. ¡°You call that a warning, your bird is worthless. They are already on us! Run, get to the bottom of this hill.¡± Beau and Julius both froze at the sight of the riders charging at them.


    ¡°Prince Beaumont, run, now!¡± Nisila shouted, breaking Beau¡¯s trance. He grabbed Julius and ran down the slope. Gavin half ran, half jumped to the bottom, carrying Nisila at his side. She grimaced in pain as they crashed onto the snow-covered earth below the hill.


    Gavin pushed Nisila along. ¡°Take the boys and run straight ahead. Let them see you.¡± He pulled his sword and put his back to a nearby tree.


    Nisila did not argue; she took Beau and Julius, and ran as fast as she could. Beau glanced back to see Gavin with his sword out, his chest heaving with each breath. He motioned vigorously with his head for them to keep going. Nisila was leading the way but their movement felt slow and awkward. Beau did not know what Gavin was planning but he knew they would never outrun the men on horseback.


    The first rider came dashing down the hill in a spray of snow. He went wide, passing to the left of the tree Gavin hid behind. The second rider came around the right of the tree, much closer to Gavin than the first man. Gavin did not hesitate. He reached up and took the man by his arm, yanking him out of the saddle onto the ground, he stabbed him in the back.


    The first horseman was right upon Nisila but turned in surprise as he heard his comrade scream. Seeing Gavin standing over the body, he charged him, waving a hand ax in the air. Gavin did not move to get out of the way but instead poised himself as if he would take the charge head-on. Beau was no warrior, but even he knew to stand before a charging horse was suicide. Just as the horse was about to crash into Gavin, Beau turned away, too afraid to look.


    What he did not see was Gavin sidestep at the last moment and strike the horse across its forelegs, forcing the massive beast to crash into the earth. The rider screamed as he pitched to the ground.


    ¡°With me,¡± Nisila said as she took hold of the first horse that wandered over to them. ¡°We will ride. Beau in front, Julius in the back.¡±


    ¡°What about Gavin?¡± Beau asked.


    Nisila looked back and Gavin had his sword drawn facing the man he just unhorsed. ¡°He can take care of himself, he will find us, Shadow-cry will lead him. Get on, we don¡¯t have much time.¡±


    With much effort, Nisila climbed up and helped the boys in place. As she turned the horse around to leave, Beau took one last look at Gavin. The two men were slowly circling one another. Gavin spared Beau a quick glance, it was a glare filled with malice. Gavin engaged the fallen rider and the weapons rang as they collided. The horse took off and Beau grabbed on tightly to Nasila¡¯s waist. They rode through the brush, as the faint echo of steel faded in the distance.


    Beau felt a pang of guilt course through him. They left Gavin alone to fend for himself. If more men showed up, which was likely at this point, he would be overwhelmed.


    The horse they rode suddenly reared and threw them off. Beau went soaring through the air landing hard on the ground. His shoulder and back throbbed, and he cried as he tried to find his footing.


    With tears streaming out of his eyes, he heard Nisila moaning, but he could not find her. He came up to his knees, looking around, and saw Julius standing on wobbly feet, shaking his head.


    ¡°Prince Beaumont,¡± Nisila said through gritted teeth, and Beau spun around to face her. ¡°You have to keep going.¡± She lay on her side, the horse next to her with a quill protruding out if its head. There was shouting from somewhere in the distance¨Cmen arriving out of the woods. Beau crawled on his hands and knees toward her, as she waved him away.


    ¡°There is no time,¡± Nisila said, turning over on her chest. ¡°You and Julius have to run. Get out of here now!¡± Beau looked back and saw his cousin making his way toward him, glancing back as he stumbled over the loose snow and fallen branches on the forest ground.


    ¡°More men are coming,¡± Julius said. ¡°What are we going to do?¡± Seeing Nisila incapacitated on the ground, Julius threw his hands up, grabbing the short tuft of black hair upon his head as if he were going to tear his head from his shoulders. He began to hyperventilate and his eyes roamed like a wild animal looking for a way to escape the coming terror. Beau knew they could not take Nisila. She was too heavy for them to carry.


    ¡°I am afraid, I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± He confessed to Nisila.


    ¡°Trust your instinct, be brave,¡± She replied, not looking up from the ground. ¡°Shadow-cry will guide you.¡± Beau knew there was nothing else she could do for him. He felt as if he would vomit, but he took a deep breath, held onto Julius, and ran. Just overhead, he heard the raven call to them. When he looked up at the bird, it leaped from the branch it was on and flew off.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Beau hurried after him trying his best to follow Shadow-cry through the trees. Beau could not form any words in his head. The sound of himself breathing and the crash of his feet through the snow was overwhelming. His legs were the only thing he felt he had control over, so he kept running, wishing for a miracle to save Julius and himself.


    ¡°You get the children, and I¡¯ll watch her,¡± Beau heard the riders. Beau and Julius tried to go faster, as another rider sped up after them. It would be impossible to escape. The rider went wide and pulled up directly in front of them.


    ¡°The road ends here, boys,¡± The mounted man said, as Beau felt his heart sink into his stomach. The rider had ruddy skin, long dark hair, and a full black beard. He urged his horse toward them, his eyes gleaming with pride. Beau turned around to find Nisila was still on the ground. A man dismounted his horse and walked up behind her, cradling a crossbow in his arms. He was dark of skin with short black hair and mean beady eyes.


    Nisila looked up and saw the boys being herded by the horseman. ¡°No! Leave them be!¡± she cried out. Slowly she began crawling forward. The two men both laughed at an attempt to get to the boys.


    ¡°Woah, young lady, where are you getting off too,¡± said the man holding the crossbow. Nisila ignored him, still trying her hardest to get to her prince. Beau saw the man raise his weapon and aim at Nisila. He tried to cry out, but his voice caught in his throat. Julius put his face into Beau¡¯s chest.


    The man fired, and the quill entered the back of Nisila¡¯s right leg. Beau shuddered as he heard her scream echo through the forest. She reached back holding her leg, her face down in the snow.


    ¡°It¡¯s over, woman,¡± the man said as he loaded another quill. ¡°Now tell me, are you alone out here?¡± Beau saw the man throw his hands up, dropping the quill and crossbow. A look of pain twisted his features, and he slumped to his knees, revealing Gavin standing behind him, pulling a bloodied sword from his back. White mist streamed out of Gavin¡¯s nostrils as he stood with the falling snow whipping about him. He casually wiped his sword on his cloak.


    The rider who stood watch over Beau and his cousin bellowed a curse as he urged his horse into a charge. Gavin carefully sheathed his sword and picked up the crossbow and quill. The rider was bearing down on him, screaming and waving his sword as a madness had come over him. Gavin loaded the crossbow and shot the rider in the throat. The man fell over with his leg tangled in the stirrups.


    The horse turned and took off into the trees dragging the lifeless sell-sword on the ground. The first horse was spooked and took off in the opposite direction.


    ¡°Damn, lost them both,¡± Gavin shouted. He shouldered the crossbow and removed a handful of quills off the dead man at his feet. He reached down to pick Nisila up, throwing her limp arm over his broad shoulders. He began dragging her forward while the leg pierced with the quill remained stiff and bleeding. She could no longer hold herself up properly, leaning on him to carry her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stand there looking stupid, move your asses!¡± Gavin shouted as he came upon the boys. Beau shook out of his stupor and urged Julius on. He followed Gavin, eyeing the long line of blood Nisila left behind. After a few feet, Nisila called for Gavin to stop, and he put her down against a tree.


    Gavin retrieved water from his pack and helped her to take a drink. Beau noticed how deeply she breathed, and her head bobbed up and down as if her neck could not keep her head up any longer. The falling snow became thicker, and Beau could not see much in the distance through all the whiteness. A cold chill crept up his neck, but it was not from the weather. They were sitting and doing nothing and the enemies hunting them were still out there.


    ¡°What are we waiting for?¡± Beau asked hysterically. ¡°What if more of them show up?¡± Nisila and Gavin did not respond as Gavin knelt before her. Beau looked back and forth between them. He felt like an unspoken conversation was taking place; it was clear in the way they looked at one another.


    ¡°Well, what are we going to do?¡± Julius asked as he scanned the surrounding woods frantically. They all spun around as a horn echoed in the distance. Gavin looked at Nisila once again, but he had greater urgency in his eyes. Nisila shook her head, to answer Gavin¡¯s unspoken question, and she lowered her head with a deep sigh. Gavin began stripping her of her possessions. He took her sword and began to remove her cloak.


    ¡°Stop it. What are you doing?¡± Beau asked, confused. ¡°Help her to her feet, bind her wounds; they are coming.¡±


    It was Nisila who responded, her voice soft and weak. ¡°Prince Beaumont, listen to me. You need to follow Gavin now. He will see you safely to Morris Port. I cannot go on.¡±


    ¡°But you must!¡± Beau cried out, realizing that they would be left alone with Gavin. ¡°We cannot make it without you. You made us leave and come out here; you have to stay and help us¡­I command you to stay and help us, please.¡± Beau pleaded as he tried to pull her up. He felt Gavin firmly grasp his arm and push him away. Gavin took her purse last, checking the contents before whisking it away under his armor.


    Gavin took the crossbow and loaded it, placing it in Nisila¡¯s hands. He put the remaining quills at her side. As he began to stand, she grabbed his arm.


    ¡°Look at me,¡± she said forcefully, with what looked like the absolute last of her strength. ¡°You swear to me that you will see them safely to Aiti. You swear by all that you hold dare. If you ever had any honor at all in your life, then you will swear this.¡± Gavin avoided her eyes. She tugged at him, and he spun around angrily. Beau thought he would lash out at her, but he sighed and nodded.


    ¡°Say the words,¡± Nisila said.


    ¡°I swear it,¡± Gavin muttered, and when she would not let him go, he shook his head. ¡°I swear on my honor as a warrior of the New Brotherhood. I will see the boys to safety.¡± Satisfied, Nisila let him snatch his arm away. He stood up and walked off.


    Beau lingered for a moment, too afraid to leave her and too scared to follow Gavin. ¡°Nisila, what are we to do? How can I trust him?¡±


    ¡°He is a mean bastard,¡± She replied softly. ¡°But I swear he is not evil. Do as he says and you should make it out of this.¡±


    ¡°I am not what you think of me,¡± Beau sobbed. ¡°I am not brave or strong.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Nisila said through bloodstained teeth. ¡°Look how far you have come already. I have known many men in my life who would not have had the heart to endure half of what you have gone through. I believe in you, Beaumont. When I first set my eyes on you, I knew that you were the son of King Bohemond. Go forth and do what you were born to do. In time you will see it has always been in you. You are my king. You will be king, that is your fate.¡± She raised her hand to touch his face, leaving a streak of blood on his cheek.


    ¡°I only wish I could have done more...I wish I could have taken you all the way home.¡± Nisila said as tears burst from her eyes, and she finally broke her mask of strength. Beau now found himself wanting to comfort her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be sad,¡± Beau said. ¡°You have done everything you could, and I thank you. I will never forget you.¡± She smiled brightly at his words, her eyes glistening with joy. It was all he could say, and though it felt empty to him, at least she smiled.


    ¡°Your time¡¯s up,¡± Gavin said, roughly pulling the boys to their feet. ¡°Die well, Nisila.¡± He took Beau and Julius by their shoulders leading them off into the woods, which was now under assault by a full out snowstorm.


    Beau looked back and could make out her leg from behind the tree through the heavy flurry. All trace of her quickly vanished as they went on. Another horn in the distance reminded him if the danger that was still near. With Nisila gone for good, he knew it was only a matter of time before he met the same fate. Beau looked up at Gavin, but the look he got in return only increased his anxiety.


    Beau and his cousin were a burden to Gavin, and he did not care about them, the Middle Islands, royalty, or honor. Beau knew the man would leave them at the first chance he got. His only concern now was finding a way to escape his fate. He did not want Julius or himself to suffer. All the death he had seen stained his mind with thoughts of his own demise, and if it would be painful or quick.


    Beau dragged his feet through the cold blizzard, and as thick snow whipped his face, the image of Nisila sitting on the ground remained at the forefront of his mind. He left her to die and he knew in his heart the same fate was soon awaiting him.