Free the Darkness (King's Dark Tidings Book 1) (39 page)

“Why would they do that?” asked Tam.

“It was King Coroleus, over a thousand years ago, who
started the tradition. He said the royal family belonged to all of Ashai so he
would hold no family above his kingdom. That is why was simply known as King
Coroleus of Ashai,” answered the general.

As a guest, Rezkin knew he was expected to add to the
conversation, so he expounded on the general’s statement. “King Coroleus was
the first king to unite the lands of Ashai in defense against their common
enemy that was, at that time, known as the Jahartan Empire. Before Coroleus,
all of the lands were governed by independent lords who cared little for any
people besides their own. It was purely by his strength of character, powerful
bearing, and brilliant mind that he was able to unite the lands and drive off
the enemy who would otherwise have decimated the lands. The lords, recognizing
their strength in unity, crowned Coroleus as their king.”

“That is correct and well spoken, I might add,” replied the
general. “But, how do you know it was the Jahartan Empire that was attacking at
that time. None of the official records survived the First Rebellion and none
of the other known records of the events at the time actually name the aggressor.”

Rezkin nodded and replied, “That is so, but Persilius’s
Treatise
on the Succession of Domains
, written during the last year of Coroleus’s
reign, describes the attacking Empire soldiers as wearing conical helms and
riding great horses out of the desert. One ancient poem, written around eleven
hundred years ago by a Penoian scholar, refers to the
carasuan ej venuta coa
Jaharta
, which roughly translates to the
cone-heads of Jaharta
. The
Jahartan military helms were conical in shape.

“The
Colectuai Shu Dueja
, which was a text on common
merchant practices from the same time period, notes that the large sleek horses
we have today could only be found in Jaharta and Galathia at the time. Galathia
was a
kingdom
and has never been referred to in any of the texts as an
empire
.
It was described as having forested hills and grasses surrounded by mountains
to the north and east.

“Jaharta, however,
was
named an empire – one
that attempted to expand its borders numerous times throughout its history. It
was also described as being a vast, barren desert. Therefore, it stands to
reason that the great empire against which Coroleus and the allied lands fought
was the Jahartan Empire.”

Everyone was listening to Rezkin with rapt attention. They
were equally surprised by Rezkin’s thorough knowledge of the subject, and his
own confidence in his words left no doubt in their minds that what he said was
true.

“That is fascinating,” General Marcum commented. “Where did
you read such a well-researched appraisal? I would be interested to read it,
myself.”

Rezkin shook his head. “I am afraid that argument has yet to
be recorded. When I came to the conclusion, I admit, I had little time or
interest in keeping a record. I actually never considered the possibility that
others would care,” he added as an afterthought.

The general was staggered with disbelief. “You mean to tell
me
you
came to that conclusion on your own?”

Rezkin cocked his head at the general’s unexpected reaction.
“Well, it
did
take quite a bit of time to research. I think I spent a
good three or four weeks poring through the texts and scrolls in the evenings.
But, that was several years ago, so I suppose it could have been a little more
or less.”

“Three or four weeks,” the general stated incredulously, “in
the evenings.” Marcum leaned forward and narrowed his eyes at Rezkin. “How old
are you? Twenty-four? Twenty-five?”

Rezkin furrowed his brow in confusion. What did his age have
to do with the conversation? Why were people always asking about it? So as not
to be rude he answered, “I am nineteen.”

The general sat back and tapped his fingers on the table in
contemplation. Nineteen? It was much younger than he had guessed. A ridiculous
thought crossed his mind, which he dismissed immediately. But maybe…

“Well, Rezkin,” Lady Adelina said cheerfully, “I, for one,
was very impressed with your knowledge, and you express your thoughts very
well.” Looking around the table she said, “I think we are all finished. Shall
we retire to the study where we can continue our conversation in comfort?”

Everyone thanked the lady hostess for the delicious meal and
followed her to the study. It was a warm room filled with hard woods and sturdy
sofas and chairs in deep red fabric. The floor was covered with thick, woven
rugs and several portraits and tapestries hung from the walls. A few book cases
and tables were arranged for actual studying in the study. It was obvious that
those in House Marcum were well read. Books were uncommon and costly, and the
modest estate seemed to be full of them.

General Marcum and Lady Adelina seated themselves in chairs
adjacent to each other. It looked as if they were accustomed to sitting just so
in the evenings. Tam claimed the remaining chair, which left Rezkin to either
sit next to Frisha on the sofa or on a separate sofa further away, which would
have appeared awkward. The young woman smiled pleasantly as he sat next to her.

Rezkin adjusted his swords when he sat and caught the
general eyeing them speculatively. The man could not tell from the outward
appearance that they were Sheyalins, but carrying two swords was unusual
enough.

Two blades could be awkward in close battle and required
more room to maneuver. In addition, keeping track of them was a skill that took
an immense amount of time to develop. One had to be an expert in wielding a
sword with each hand before blending them together in an altogether new
technique. Someone with less than expert skill could do more harm to himself
than an opponent. It was generally not a recommended technique because it was
so difficult to master, and it was often ridiculed as being fool hardy and
showy for amateurs and idiots who wanted to appear more dangerous.

Thus far
, the general thought,
this Rezkin does
not seem to be an idiot
.

General Marcum allowed his eyes to travel over the three
young people before him as he spoke, “My wife tells me you had some trouble on
your journey here. Please tell me all about it. Of course, I am concerned as an
uncle, but I am also asking as the General.”

Tam and Frisha both looked to Rez. Through his role as
protector and guide, he had inadvertently become the leader. Rezkin nodded
toward Frisha and said, “You go ahead and tell your aunt and uncle. Tam and I
will add any additional details to satisfy the general.”

Marcum grunted his approval. This was a smart young man.

“I don’t really know where to start. Well, Tam and I left
Cheswick…” Frisha began and continued the story through to the end. She left
out little from her perspective, but Rezkin knew much was still missing, and
the general suspected it as well.

General Marcum followed Frisha’s story becoming angrier by
the minute. “We have been receiving reports of increased bandit activity along
the rivers and roads, but nothing indicated it was as frequent or widespread as
this. I will definitely be looking into this Lieutenant Jimson’s reports. We
should also be receiving reports in a few days from the patrol on the trade
route. They should have found the bodies you left unless someone claimed them.
I doubt the reports will tell anything you do not already know, though,” he
finished with his gaze on Rezkin.

The general returned his attention to his niece and said,
“Frisha, had I known circumstances were so severe, I would have insisted on an
armed escort to bring you here. I know you tried your best, Tamarin, but from
what I just heard, there was little you could have done.” His eyes landed on
Rezkin once again. “It is truly most fortunate that you were there, Rezkin.
Tell me, when you met Frisha, did you know she was my niece? Were you seeking
my favor by protecting her?”

“Uncle Marcum!” Frisha gasped.

Marcum held up a hand to stall the young woman’s protests as
he held the stranger’s gaze.

Rezkin waved away Frisha’s protests indicating he was not
upset by the question. “I had never seen you or Frisha and she does not bear
your family name, so I could not have known she was your niece. Additionally, I
do not require or desire your favor except in that it pleases Frisha.”

“Almost every man in the kingdom could come up with some
reason to want the favor of the General of the Army,” Marcum countered.

Rezkin shrugged, “Be that as it may, I can think of none for
myself. Any favor I would ask of you would only be on Frisha’s behalf.”

The general narrowed his eyes at the smooth-talking young
man. “Did you know why she was coming here? Did you seek to claim her as your
wife and thereby acquire my estate upon my death?”

“Uncle Marcum, how could you accuse him of such a thing? I
can honestly say that he was genuinely surprised when I told him who you were
to me and why I was coming to Kaibain…and I did not even tell him until we had
already reached Lorelis. He risked his life for us and never asked for anything
in return!” Frisha declared.

The general directed his hard gaze at the young woman and
stated firmly, “
That
is what has me concerned, and surprise can be
faked.” Turning back to Rezkin he waited for a reply.

“I doubt there is anything I could say to convince you,
General, but I will say this, now. I do not now, nor have I ever had, any
designs on your estate. I do not need your money or influence. My purpose all
along was to protect and honor my
friends
, which I have done to the best
of my abilities. If you truly have concerns about my integrity, General, I do
not hold that against you since you do not know me. If you and the lady wish, I
will gather my belongings and go elsewhere,” Rezkin stated dispassionately.

“Now, Marcum, you have offended our guest,” Lady Adelina
admonished. “Please, Rezkin, forgive my husband. We do not wish you to leave.”

Rezkin smiled pleasantly at the lady to show he was not
upset. “Do not fret, Lady Adelina. I am not offended. The general’s concerns
are understandable, and I appreciate that he is protective of Frisha. I hope
that he is just as discriminating when it concerns her actual suitors. I
believe that for most of them, if any, her well-being will not be at the
forefront of their aspirations.”

Rezkin turned his attention back to the general. “And, yes,
General Marcum, Frisha has already made it clear that she intends to select a
husband from among your nobles when she is ready. I believe that her dowry has
made her valuable enough to desire but not noble enough to respect. But, surely
her husband will eventually come to see her as the strong and passionate woman
that she is,” Rezkin finished.

General Marcum was taken aback by the young man’s
candidness. While he did not like what Rezkin had to say about the nobles and
how they would treat Frisha, he grudgingly admitted to himself that it was
true. She would never be seen as an equal. The best she could probably hope for
was a distant, loveless marriage where she lived in luxury but was otherwise
ignored. He had hopes, though, that one of the young men would develop a
genuine interest in his niece.

Tamarin broke through the general’s thoughts. “I know it’s
not really my business, but Frisha is like a sister to me. I don’t see what is
so wrong with Rezkin being with Frisha even if he
was
after your estate,
which for the record, I don’t believe is the case. These nobles will only want
her for your estate, also – sorry Frisha. At least Rezkin has already
proven himself capable and willing to put his own life on the line for her
protection. And, Rezkin has proven himself honorable over and again. He lives
by this strict Code, like a knight. I would much rather she be with Rezkin than
some snotty noble who won’t care for her. Uh, sorry Lady Adelina, I shouldn’t
have said that last part.”

The general started a retort and then realized he did not
have one. Rezkin was sitting back wondering how they had come to a debate about
whether or not he should enter into a marriage contract with Frisha. Frisha was
sitting next to Rezkin hiding her face in her hands. She was completely
mortified that everyone was having this conversation about her, all around her,
and she was apparently the only one who had no say. Rezkin noticed Frisha
hiding herself and instinctively reached out to stroke her hair. It always
helped to calm Pride when the stallion was upset.

General Marcum was watching Rezkin. The young man’s concern
for his niece did seem genuine enough. He still had many concerns about the
young man’s vague background, though. Nothing seemed to be adding up, and he
had a growing suspicion he knew why.

Rezkin turned his attention back to the lord and lady of the
house and stated, “We have had many long days of travel, including this day,
and recounting the trials of our journey is upsetting for both Frisha and Tam.
If it would not offend you both, I think it is time for us to retire.”

“Oh, of course, Rezkin, dear,” Lady Adelina replied. “You
are completely correct. We should not have engaged in such a heated
conversation when you are all so weary from your travels and trials. Please,
get some rest and feel free to sleep through the morning if you wish. We will
not be offended if you do not show for breakfast. I know how draining these
things can be.”

Rezkin stood and bowed politely as he replied, “You are a
most gracious hostess, Lady Adelina.”

Rezkin turned and nudged Frisha to stand. Her face was red
and her eyes were puffy with unshed tears. She was trying her best to hold them
at bay. The young warrior reached up and stroked her cheek. Looking into her
eyes he said softly, “Do not fret, Frisha. You are safe now.”