Mercy's Prince (36 page)

“Sire?”
Kieran asked. “What happened?”

“Help
me out of the way so the men can begin moving rocks and I’ll explain.”

Kieran
and Terron each took an arm and helped Valerian stand. Then they joined the
others at the ropes while Valerian and Merry and the two knights went apart to
confer.

Hold
me, so I can stay upright
. Valerian draped his arm over Merry’s shoulders, and she
slipped her arm around his waist. Sir Edmund sat quietly on Merry’s shoulder,
to her great relief.

Is
that better?

Yes,
thank you
.
“Gentlemen, it is even worse than I feared.”

Both
of the older men’s faces filled with concern. They did not speak while they
waited for Valerian to collect himself.

“Thanks
to the talents of my extraordinary bride-to-be, we know many things. This nest
is not the only one. At least one other has already hatched. The Horde that you
and I have fought against is an older generation who are no more. The
tremendous sea of eggs they died to create represents a swarm that happens only
once every few hundred years.” He shuddered and Merry tightened her hold around
his waist.

“The
good news is that these new Mohorovians will not have enough axes and bows and
poisoned arrows to use against us, if they even know where their parents left
those weapons. The bad news is that they know the Keep is the seat of our
government, the ‘head’ of our swarm if you will, and so they will be gathering
against it.” Valerian pointed back to the hole. “Judging by the number of eggs
in that one nest, even if their only weapons are teeth and claws, they will
eventually overwhelm us by the sheer mass of their swarm.”

Sir
Walter set his mouth in a grim line. Sir Gregory’s face had gone white. He
cleared his throat.

“You
are remarkably calm, Your Highness, considering we are facing the almost
certain destruction of Levathia.”

“Not
calm, Sir Gregory. Shocked and dismayed. But we have no time to lose.” Valerian
turned to Sir Walter. “As soon as the entrance to this nest is sealed, my men
and I must ride hard to warn the other garrisons and the Keep. You should post
a continuous lookout to make sure this nest stays sealed, and in the meantime
warn Lord Reed to prepare the people in the south to evacuate should they see
the Horde approaching. We will do the same in the north.”

“Where
can we go, Sire?” asked Sir Gregory, distressed. “Didn’t our ancestors flee
their own land to come to Levathia in the first place?”

“Yes,
they did. And I don’t know where we can go. I’m hoping we won’t have to go
anywhere.” Valerian swayed on his feet, and Merry wrapped her arms around him.

What’s
wrong?
Merry
asked.
What happened?

I
saw a fleeting vision of a dragon. Not a dream, more like a waking dream. The
dragon was trying to speak to me
.

“Are
you able to ride, Your Highness?” asked Sir Walter. “If so, perhaps you and
Lady Merry should return to the garrison and rest while you can. I’ll make sure
you and your men have provisions before you leave.”

“Thank
you, Sir Walter. I believe I will accept your offer.”
Why do I feel so
shaky?

Because
you are trying so hard to stay calm for your men while inwardly you are reeling
from this terrible news
.

“Then
we will see you back at the garrison, my prince.” Sir Walter bowed. “If you’d
like, tell the steward what you and your men need so it will be prepared when
you’re ready to leave.”

“My
thanks to you,” Valerian said.

Kieran
came forward, leading Stripe and Valerian’s gray. Merry took Stripe’s reins so
Kieran could help Valerian mount. As she swung her leg around, the wound twinged
again, but it went away as soon as she settled herself in the saddle.

“Thank
you, Kieran,” Valerian said. “You are ever the efficient squire.” They shared a
glance that tugged at Merry’s heart; she could
See
Valerian’s regret
that neither of them might live long enough to be knighted.

            *         

By
the time Merry and Valerian reached the garrison, Valerian had recovered from
his great shock. He met with the steward about provisions while Merry went to
collect her few belongings. She wanted to be ready to leave and not add
anything to Valerian’s burden.

Merry
stared out the window but couldn’t tell if the men were returning or not, so
she decided she had a little more time. Gingerly she knelt beside the cot. The
wound pulled a little, but the discomfort helped her focus her thoughts. She
bowed her head, covering her face with her hands.

Oh,
God of Peace, I ask nothing for myself. I ask for Valerian’s sake that You help
him find a way to save this land. He is so strong and good, please help me be
unselfish and support him with my whole heart no matter what the cost. Please,
please, have mercy on us
.

She
remained on her knees long after words failed her. Merry thought about the
power of hope, even in a hopeless situation such as this one, and she clung to it
with all of her being.

When
Merry was able to face Valerian again and be strong for his sake, she pushed
herself upright. With a start, she saw him standing in the doorway.

How
long have you been here, love?

Not
long
. He
smiled at her.
I came to see if you were ready to leave as soon as the men
return
.

Yes,
of course. I was just praying for you. For us.

Thank
you, Merry
.
She sensed his overwhelming sorrow and wished she could take some of his burden
on herself.

You
already have, my dear lady, just by sharing it with me, though I wish none of
it had to happen
.
He came closer.

She
hugged him tightly and he returned the embrace. While she listened to his
heartbeat, Merry imagined pouring her love and her strength into him to help
him bear the weight of leadership.

He
suddenly cried out and pulled away from her.

Valerian!
What’s wrong?

“The
dragon,” he whispered. “He
is
trying to communicate something. I think
he is trying to show me how to find him.”

Why
would a dragon want you to find him?

“Do
you remember the emblem of my family is a dragon?” She nodded. “Our first
ancestor was Alden the Dragon King. I had forgotten why he was called that, but
I remember now. Three hundred years ago Alden made a covenant, an agreement
with the great dragons of the land. They and the men who had just sailed here
were at war. Alden risked his life to end the conflict by convincing the
dragons that they should live in peace with men.”

If
Alden could make a covenant with the dragons, then he must have been able to
speak to them
.

Yes,
you’re right. He must have been a Seer, too
. Valerian gasped. “Merry, don’t you see?
Perhaps I was given the gift of Sight as well as the most precious gift of
being able to speak to you mind-to-mind, so I could renew this covenant with
the dragons. Perhaps we have hope after all.”

There
was a noise outside. Valerian rushed to the window.

“They’re
back. Come, Merry.” He grabbed her hand, and they hurried to meet the men.

When
they entered the garrison’s yard, Merry shivered, but not because of the cloudy
sky and the cold wind blowing from the north. She remembered how the dragons of
Shannon’s embroidery and Eldred’s tapestry dwarfed the men and breathed fire. What
if Valerian found the dragons and they were not willing to renew this covenant?
What would happen then?

***

Caelis
awoke with a start. It took a moment to remember where he was, since the room
was totally dark. He lay on a cot in a small room of Midway Garrison. Drew and
Rafael lay nearby, fast asleep. The rest of his men were in the barracks with
the garrison soldiers.

They
had arrived late last night, and he’d told the commander what had befallen
Blackwater Garrison. Rather than evacuate, the commander seemed to think they
had enough weapons and supplies to hold off the Horde when they eventually came.
At the very least, the man would not decide to leave until he saw the size of
the army, and Caelis was convinced that waiting would be too late.

He
had to reach the Keep. He had to convince King Orland that Valerian was surely
dead and that Caelis could capably lead the king’s army against the Horde
invasion. Perhaps he should leave now, before first light. He could travel much
faster alone.

But
then he thought about Rafael. Caelis still believed he could use the child’s
attachment to his advantage, and the boy was no trouble while traveling, to his
great surprise. Drew, on the other hand, was proving to be more and more
difficult. Caelis wouldn’t mind leaving him behind to die, but the boy was even
more attached to the squire and might not be so easily handled.

Caelis
sighed. He would have to bring them both, or neither. He decided to bring them.

After
waking them, he cautioned them to silence. They gathered their belongings and
went quietly to the stables where they saddled their horses and led them to the
gate. The sleepy gatekeeper had no reason not to let them leave, so Caelis and
Drew mounted their horses, and Drew pulled up Rafael behind him. They headed
north along the road to the Keep without looking back as the sun rose on a new day.

After
Valerian’s men returned, they washed, ate quickly, and made ready to leave
within half an hour. Valerian bade Sir Walter and the garrison a subdued farewell,
and he and his first command headed north along the border road. Hawk rode in
the lead, but this time Anson rode with him in case of trouble. They pushed
their horses as hard as they dared. Fortunately, there were plenty of water
sources, and they let the animals drink frequently.

When
they stopped for the night beside a river, Kieran pointed to a fish as it arced
out of the water and fell back with a splash.

“I
never did try to catch a southern fish, Sire.” Kieran’s voice was subdued.

Valerian
forced a smile. “You’ll have another opportunity someday.”
I hope
.

While
the men scouted the perimeter and picketed the horses, Valerian helped Merry down
from her horse. When her feet touched the ground, she hissed and stumbled a
little. Supporting her, they walked around the campsite.

The
leg is cramping
.

I’m
sorry we had to ride so hard
.

Please
don’t apologize. I know we have to go fast.
She trembled.

“What’s
the matter? Are you cold?” Valerian embraced her, and she nodded. “I should
have asked Sir Walter if he had an extra cloak. Yours is not nearly warm enough.
We’ll have to improvise.”

Valerian
opened his pack and pulled out the sleeping furs. He picked a squarish one and
laid it flat. Using his belt knife, he cut a slit in the middle.

“Let’s
try this.” He positioned the slit and pulled the fur over Merry’s head, arranging
it so it hung like a herald’s tabard. But it was too shaggy to look like
anything other than a garment for a wild mountain hermit. He chuckled.

What
is it?

You
look like a barbarian princess
.

As
long as you will still be my prince
.

The
fur moved, and the burrowing dragon’s head popped out at Merry’s neck. It
blinked its eyes.

We
have woken Sir Edmund from his warm nest
.

Sir
Gregory strode toward him then.

“Your
Highness, Cameron recommends two sentries per shift.”

“I
agree, Sir Gregory. Put me on first watch. And I want to awaken before the sun
so we can reach Blackwater Garrison as early as possible.”

“Very
well, Sire.” The knight went to make the arrangements.

Meanwhile,
Valerian had Kieran place the rest of their furs so that Merry would lie
between them and also be surrounded by the others. Merry sat down and Valerian
knelt beside her.

“I
must go stand my watch now. Kieran and the others will be here, and I won’t be
so far away that I can’t hear you if you really need me.”

I
love that I can speak to you, even in the dark
.

So
do I
. “I’ll
return in two hours. Save my place.”

Kieran
handed Valerian a strip of dried meat, and he stood to leave. Merry gazed up at
him.

No
one can take your place, love
.

Valerian
smiled and then turned his attention to their surroundings. He would share this
watch with Hawk. They each took one-half of the perimeter and measured their
pace so they would meet every few minutes for a silent “all’s well.”

After
the last rays of the sun had disappeared in the west, the night grew cold and
silent. Too silent, as if the land was holding its breath. Valerian’s gut
clenched with dreadful anticipation. By the time Kieran relieved him, he felt
certain he would have vivid dreams if he did fall asleep.

Valerian
picked his way among the sleeping bodies. Merry lay on her side, her hair
unbound like a shimmering coverlet. It pleased him to think that he could
someday comb that glorious hair daily. He carefully lowered himself to the
empty fur so as not to wake her. Then he reverently brought a stray lock of
hair to his lips. With a sigh he lay down, facing her, and watched her peaceful
face for a long time before his eyelids grew heavy and he fell asleep.

The
dragon flew to him in a dream, landing within a circle of immense white stones
in a field surrounded by ancient oak trees. Snow-covered mountains lay in the
distance. The image was so detailed that Valerian felt as if he had stepped
into the scene. He walked toward the center of the stone circle, where a large
number of the great dragons waited for him. With his sword unsheathed he
approached the chief dragon and bowed. But the dragon opened its mouth and
inhaled, ready to incinerate Valerian with its fiery breath.

Valerian
awoke, gasping for air. He sat up, trying to suppress a cough. Kieran had
returned and lay fast asleep on the other side of Merry. Daybreak was still
hours away.

What
does it mean?
Valerian wondered.
Does the dragon wish for me to find him so that I can
renew Alden’s covenant, or does it merely want to kill me? How can I know?

When
his breathing returned to normal, he lay down again. He didn’t know how he
would sleep. But Merry’s hand searched for his and found it. She brought his
hand to her cheek, and by that simple warm touch he relaxed and slept for what
remained of the night.

            *         

He
awoke as the first glow of sunrise lightened the eastern sky. The rest of the
camp stirred. Merry sat up and smiled at him, and Valerian wished he had the
time to braid her hair. Instead, she did the job while he rolled up their
sleeping furs and handed them to Kieran.

After
a quick breakfast, they resumed their pace northward along the road. The dread
returned, churning Valerian’s stomach. Either his silence or his uneasiness
must have affected the men, for they remained silent, too.

Late
in the morning, they spotted a black cloud of vultures circling ahead. Hawk and
Anson crested a rise and signaled a halt. Valerian rode forward to come abreast
with them and gasped. He reined his gray to stop.

The
garrison was deathly quiet, its gates open. Hundreds of bodies of men and
Mohorovians lay piled around the walls and inside the gates. Scavenger dragons
and vultures were already at work. Valerian became sick with fear. Another nest
must have hatched. How many of the swarm were still alive? And where had they
gone?

Sir
Gregory rode forward and joined them. His voice was somber.

“Do
you think there is any possibility of survivors, Your Highness?”

Valerian
shook his head, horrified at the slaughter.

“Not
judging by the number of the dead.” How many more scenes like this would they
find? Merry moved Stripe close enough that she could reach up and touch his arm.

Oh,
Valerian, I feel no sign of life from that place, except for the scavengers
.

“What
about the bodies, Sire?” asked another man.

Valerian
wanted to scream at his helplessness, but for the sake of the others he forced
calm into his voice.

“It
pains me to leave those men unburied, but we must press on to Midway Garrison
and pray we’re not too late to warn them.”

As
they galloped past, it was impossible not to stare at the horror of the scene
and imagine it repeated at every garrison and village and castle in the land.

            *         

They
rode hard the rest of the day. Valerian had hoped to travel into the night, but
the horses were spent and needed to rest. They found a high point at which to
camp with a good view in every direction. Again, Valerian took first watch, and
when he later fell asleep had the same dream, even more vivid than before.

They
reached Midway Garrison by early afternoon, but it was too late. The same
destruction prevailed, with one exception.

Valerian,
there’s a sign of life here.

“Sir
Gregory!” Valerian rode to his side. “Merry says there’s a survivor.”

“Then
we must find him.” The knight held up a hand to signal the others.

They
made their way down the road and approached the scene of destruction. Valerian
tasted bile. The bodies were not in as advanced a stage of decomposition as at
the other garrison, but the fierceness of the battle was evident by the
terrible gashes and severed heads and limbs. Their galloping horses chased away
a score of scavenger dragons, whose long low bodies moved with surprising
speed.

Merry,
can you tell any more about this survivor?

Only
that it is a man and not a beast. Perhaps when I get closer to him, I will know
.

“We
are searching for a survivor,” Valerian shouted. “Split up and make haste.”

Valerian
and Kieran stayed within sight of Merry. Valerian marveled at her calm in
surveying the gruesome scene. But she had seen her village massacred; perhaps
that explained her composure. Valerian had to avert his eyes from the bodies,
afraid that he would throw up in front of the men.

I
am close now. I feel his soul fading
. Merry dismounted and searched among the
bodies. Valerian joined her.

At
last she knelt beside a man in a blood-soaked tunic. His eyes were closed and
his shallow breathing labored. As soon as Merry touched him, he took a last
shuddering breath and lay still.

I’m
sorry, love. We were too late
. She glanced up, stricken.

“Don’t
blame yourself, Merry. He was hurt too badly to save, I’m afraid.” Valerian
studied the immediate area to see if he could figure out what had made the
killing blow.

His
eyes were drawn to an object lying in the dirt. At first, Valerian thought it
was a piece of rope, but something compelled him to take a closer look. He
squatted beside it and saw what it was:  A long braid fastened with a wooden
clasp. Part of the scalp was still attached. Valerian wanted to hide it from
Merry. But he didn’t have that right.

Merry?

Yes?

I
think you need to see this
.

Merry
stood and came to him. She followed his finger with her eyes. When she saw the
braid, she fell to her knees. Tenderly she picked up the braid, wiped off the
clasp.

No.
It cannot be.

What
is it?

Her
gaze met his and he
Saw
her grief.

This
was Gabriel’s
.

Gabriel’s?
What
was his braid doing here? These men couldn’t have been massacred by the same
Mohorovians that killed Merry’s village, could they?

“Merry,
were all the people in your village scalped like this?”

Only
the men
.
She stared at him, frowning.
What does that mean?

“I
don’t know, and I’m not sure how to find out.” He gently lifted her. “We must
press on. I’m sorry, love.”

Merry
wiped the tears that filled her eyes. She opened her carry sack to place the
braid inside when Valerian stopped her.

“Wait.”

What
is it?

“The
clasp. Gabriel’s emblem. That looks like a morning glory.”

She
nodded.

“I’ve
seen this emblem before.” He shook his head. “But I can’t remember why it looks
so familiar.”

I’m
sure it will come to you. You have much on your mind right now
. Merry put the braid
away and mounted Stripe.

Valerian
gazed up at her for a long moment.

I
never forget that you were to be his wife.

I
did not choose to marry Gabriel, but I would have learned to love him.
She smiled.
You are
my life now.

He
squeezed her hand and reluctantly pulled away to climb back on his horse. They
found the rest of the men and pressed on to the next garrison.

***

When
they stopped for the night, exhausted, the bluff afforded such a defensible
site that Hawk and Sir Gregory recommended only one sentry per hour to Valerian.

“That
way, Your Highness, you won’t have to watch tonight,” Sir Gregory said with a
yawn.

Kieran
prepared the sleeping furs while Valerian drew Merry aside. She could tell
something new was pressing on him, and she gave him her full attention. He
cleared his throat.

“Since
I first discovered Gabriel was also a Seer, I have felt a strong connection
with him. Even now that he has gone on to the next life, I believe he is with
me still. I can’t explain it.”

Perhaps
because you have many of your best qualities in common—leadership, a strong
sense of justice, but also mercy
.