Out of the Faold (Whilst Old Legends Fade Synchronicles) (22 page)

Amias raced north at the King’s request rather than west to collect Coral Marden. He’d been called to duty and likely to be d
eployed
. The wedding would have to be postponed, he sighed in relief. He reprimanded himself silently for thinking that way but couldn’t help but be thankful for an opportunity to see and serve with his men again.

His horse sped on its way to
Danyc
. He passed many carriages, riders, caravans, even individuals walking and hauling goods on their backs. The road north into the city was busy. Other units of his King’s army had been called,
he reasoned after seeing many
uniformed men along the way.

Upon his arrival at the castle he found a gathering of higher ranked officers from
all the
divisions of the King’s military. He was handed a letter with the King’s seal as a stable hand took his exhausted horse. He was to attend a meeting in the war room the next morning. He got
the assignment for his quarters
then sought out the other members of his unit.
Only two
had
already arrived
.
Quiet, solemn discussions went on into t
he night all around the castle.

The war room was hushed though there were perhaps one hundred men gathered early in the morning. Officers fidgeted and whispered greetings to each other, while impatiently waiting
for the King
.
Guards stood at attention as a small door at the back of the room opened for King Fredrick to emerge. Every man in the room saluted simulta
neously. He responded the same.

“Good morning, men,” he called out, placing papers on the table before sitting in an ornate chair. Next to him on either side were generals, his highest advisors. “As you may know we’ve had a situation with the
Faold.
After several months of investigation it appears we have uncovered a plot from the land of the Kusira.”

Mumbling voices around the room told Amias most of them were surprised. A land far to the north, the Kusira had not made efforts before to delve into
Danycia
.
They were distantly related to the Siri but had
parted ways in ancient wars, ancient times, the stories of fables. The Siri were content in the forest, remaining isolated, coming forth to assist
Danycia
at time
s
. But the Kusira were known to have more ambition and often invaded other lands, stripped them then left, on
ly to do it again when rebuilt.

“They have sent forth a group of women, women only, wh
o have made their way into the Faold
in an effort to gain trust and support from the people. Those are the Sisters we encountered and still encounter. As some of you know they…”

And he stopped speaking as the main doors facing him opened.
All eyes turned when King Fredrick smiled and waved Brother Karl into the room. Amias’ heart stopped beating
and a wash of panic filled him.

“Welcome!” the King called out, “Come in, please, have a seat.”

A guard rushed forward with a red velvet seated chair for Karl. Amias could just stare in disbelief. She hadn’t noticed he was there. She simply sat watching the King beaming at her. She looked terrified.

“I present an unlikely guest, a former Brother of the
Faold
. Divine authority has made Brother Karl,” and he indicated the woman sitting in the chair, “our representative from the gods. She is our highest ranking
spiritual leader in the current state of things.”

Captain Amias Doran swallowed with difficulty. She certainly was. The look on her face told him she was uncomfortable with that title. He laughed inwardly at her humbleness.

“Brother Karl, along with her entourage and my Marshalls, has encountered the Sisters on several occasions. Armed with quick wit and some special skills they defeated them. Karl has agreed to give instruction in basic defense against the Sisters.”

More mumbling filled the room but ceased when the King lifted his hand to silence them. “Furthermore, I am dispatching our forces to patrol the entry
points of the Kusira. We suspect since the Sisters’ efforts were thwarted they may
be retreating or attempting to.
From the forest lands of the Siri we have reports of clashes with Sisters trying to make their way out of
Danycia
.
The co
astal cities have been alerted. We don’t know if their retreat means they have set their sights elsewhere or if they intend to change tactics. But at this time we are going to clear the Sisters out of our lands.

“Brothers and our own Sisters have come forward offering information and assistance, most unaware and distraught at the infiltration of the
Faold
. They have agreed to recognize Brother Karl as their leader until the gods deem, through her, responsibility to another.”

Karl had gone pale. Amias saw her hands shaking in her lap as she watched the King intently.
Most ey
es were on her, most skeptical.

“Men, within the hour, your new orders will be issued,” King Fredrick barked to get their attention. “Do not delay in mobilizing. I need reports daily from you all.”

He stood. All of the men in the room saluted th
e king then turned to rush out.

Above the noise in the war room the King shouted, “Marshall Captain Doran. Brother Karl. Remain behind.”

Karl’s head swung from side to side as she searched for him in the crowd. Their eyes locked and she smiled softly. As they approached the King’s table he sat again, scribbling his signature
on
an official looking paper. He tossed it to Karl then handed
her a quill and bottle of ink.

When the room cleared he said to Amias, “I am about up to my sweaty knockers in frustration with you, Doran. I have sent half a dozen letters demanding your attention and you have ignored me.”

He sat staring at his Capta
in who could only reply, “Yes, Your
Majesty
.”

“It is unacceptable. I’m surprised you even showed up today.”

“I was on my way to collect my betro
thed and received your orders, Your M
ajesty.”

“About dricken time,” the King cursed, making Karl blush. To her he said, “Sorry.”

She smiled. Captain Doran had never ever heard the K
ing apologize to anyone before.

“Now, s
ince I am the King and what I say goes, I am taking things into my own hands. Brother Karl, since you are our spiritual leader, you have the power, through the gods, to grant, between man and woman, a holy union, do you not?”

“I do,” she agreed, nodding. “I held that responsibility as Brother
of the Faold
also.”

“Good, I need your signature on that paper. I’ve drawn up the marriage contract for our wayward Captain Amias Doran and his betrothed, Lady Coral Marden, which you will officiate.”

“No!” Captain Doran cried out. Amias felt his world crumble in upon him. He had tried so desperately hard to protect Karl from the pain of his marriage, held back from her so she wouldn’t suffer
and now the King wanted her to perform the ceremony for them. What cruel joke were the gods playing on him? His heart broke in that moment as he stared at the King in despair.

“No?!” the King bellowed, bringing guards to attention from around the room. “Did you refuse to acknowledge my order?”

“I…” Captain Doran mumbled.

“I didn’t think so,” the King told him, sitting again. “Sign.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Coral whispered, tears starting to form in her eyes. Tears of happiness, of joy, of guilt and pain at seeing Amias so torn. She signed the paper at the line for clergyman,
‘Brother Karl Nott Treen Crenville’
.

“Amias,” the King said more gently
and with a kind smile
. “Do you agree, as per my wishes and before the gods, to wed Coral Estel Teres Marden, before your spiritual leader and your King?”

He didn’
t answer
. Coral prayed and begged inwardly for him to answer
. She felt his eyes on her. She tried as hard as she could to keep her face blank. If she smiled he would be hurt. If she cried in so
rrow it would break him in two.

What Coral didn’t know was that there were nine voices in his head lou
dly whispering, badgering him.
Yes, yes, say yes, you fool
.
Amias looked at the grinning King and then to Karl with suspicion.

“Yes,” he said hesitantly.

“And Brother Karl,” Fredrick laughed, jubilantly. “Do you witness the marriage between Captain Amias Natan Filbar Doran and Coral Estel Teres Doran, in the presence of your King?”

Nin
e voices rang out
in happiness in Coral’s head.
Y
es, yes, of course yes
.

“Yes.”

“Sign there, Doran,” the King told him gruffly, pointing.

“But sh
e isn’t here!” Amias protested.

“No matter,” Fredrick announced. “
Brother Karl, that girl can’t write. Can I get you to put her name right there. Thank you.
The contract is binding.
You are now wed.

“Your new orders prevent us from having a ceremony until a later date.
Now, I’ve arranged
for
you to me
et your new wife in the gardens when she arrives.  I’d suggest you visit a barber for a proper shave but knowing how you like to disobey my orders I think I’ll just wish you luck instead.”

And with that the King
dropped a huge blob of wax on the parchment and pressed his seal into it. He
stood, winked at Coral and rushed out leaving them staring after him. What a wicked wicked man, Coral laughed to herself in disbelief.

“I’m sorry,” whispere
d Amias without looking at her.

“So am I,” she said. She picked up the marriage certificate
. She couldn’t
believe what had just happened.

Amias turned to the door, paused, but then kept going. She stood staring after him regretting not yelling after him to come back. With the paper still clutched in her hand she made her way back to the rooms she and her
mother and the girls occupied.

She placed the paper in front of her mother on the table and sat down on the edge of the bed.
Glory and Pearl bounced in from the other side of the suite and asked if she’d seen the King and could they go to the gardens. Pearl asked if the princes would be there to play with. Coral just smiled and couldn’t say anything. She was waiting for Mother to react. Glory looked at Mother and Pearl looked between the two of them.

“What is it?” Pearl asked.

Mother looked up from the paper confused then said, “What happened?”

Coral pointed at the paper. “In the war room, made us sign it. It is done.”

“What is?” Glory whined, wanting to look.

“What are you doin
g here?” Mother almost shouted.

“He still doesn’t know,”
Coral admitted embarrassed. “The King didn’t tell him and he walked out before I could.”

“This is getting infuriating,” Mother blurted, standing up. “The poor man. He’s being played with and it isn’t right.”

“Mother, send a note to the King that you have arrived. I’ll go see him in the gardens and tell him.”

“Captain Doran? Is he here?” Pearl demanded.

“Yes, he is,” Coral to
ld her and they all celebrated.

“Oh, I’ve missed him,” Glory
said.

“You both can come see him. But Mother needs to send the note first.”

Mother scratched a note in long delicate script then rang for the servant who undoubtedly stood outside the door to their suite. She handed the folded pap
er to the girl, who rushed out.

It took time, perhaps two hours, for the King to respond with an invitation to visit the gardens at their earliest convenience. In that two hours Glory had changed her dress three times and fussed over Coral, demanding she wear blue. To Mother and Glory’s dismay she wore one of a simple design, pale blue, with little embellishment.
She did agree to wear a white lace shawl over her shoulders and a ribbon in her hair that Glory tied expertly. Pearl insisted Coral looked perfect and practically bounded out
the door when they were ready.

“Poise!” Mother barked and Pearl settled into a fast walk instead of a
run.

Coral quickened her own pace and when she caught up to Pearl smacked her on the bottom and dashed ahead at a run. Guards and servants stared at them in shock as they passed, the other courtiers gasped and muttered, frowning at Mother as she walked by in disgrace. Glory was practically in tears she was so embarrassed.