The Fallen (Book 1) (18 page)

‘
Do they say where we go?’

‘
No. Just that it’s a beautiful place where enough rain falls to keep the land green and lovely, and that when we go, we would hold four important treasures, which would be needed in our new home. They are supposedly a stone, to determine the true king, a deadly sword, a catapult which is unable to miss its target and a vessel bringing an endless supply of food. But I suspect this is just a representation of our gifts.

‘
How so?’ Kelian was intrigued.

‘
The Daoine Maithe know in their hearts if one is the true King, which is why we cannot disobey a command from you or your family. I suppose one would see a sword or catapult in our hands to be far more deadly and accurate than one held by a human and as for an endless supply of food, there are some among my people who have the gift of increasing natural substances, such as oil or flour.’

‘
But what if these treasures really do exist somewhere,’ Kelian mused.

‘
They might. Perhaps they do. We just don’t know yet.’

‘
Does your legend give any indication when this might occur,’ Kelian asked curiously.

‘
None,’ Araas said shortly, lying back on the rocks and closing his eyes.

Kelian woke
not long after the sun rose. Dotted around the rocks were large goannas, stretched out catching the rays of the morning sun. The air was completely still and the sun was disturbingly hot, even at the early hour. He watched an ant struggling to drag the body of a dead beetle, and further across the rocks an entire parade of ants surrounding the remains of an unlucky goanna. He rolled over and saw that Timbul was asleep. His face was peaceful. Kelian sat up and looked towards the well. Alexander was drawing water and pouring it into each of the soldier’s water bags. Gilgarry raised his water bag to drink.

‘
No! Gil! No!’ Kelian shouted, jumping to his feet and sending goannas scrambling in all directions. ‘Don’t drink it!’ He lost his footing and tumbled down the rocks to the ground.  Gilgarry dropped his water bag and dashed over to where the Prince lay groaning.

‘
Highness! Are you injured?’

‘
I’m alright Gil, help me up.’ Kelian grabbed Gilgarry’s hand and was hauled to his feet. ‘I should have worked this out earlier,’ Kelian continued as the other soldiers gathered around. ‘There were dead rats behind the well…I didn’t think…’ He turned to Araas who dropped his arm load of wood and dashed over to the well. Everyone began emptying their water bags, with the exception of William who poured out only a little of the contents onto the rocks, trying to see if the water looked tainted. He raised the bag to his nose, took a careful sniff and keeled over backwards, his eyes rolling up in his head.

‘
William!’ Borgulnay raced to the little trader. Araas was beside them in a second and he knelt down and studied the William’s face. He grabbed the front of the trader’s shirt and dragged him into a sitting position. Still holding the man by his shirt, he pushed his hand against William’s forehead and then he gave the trader a little shake.

William
’s eyes flew open and he sucked in a deep breath. Araas sat back on his heels with relief. He let go of William’s shirt and the trader flopped back onto the ground. 

‘
Ah, Araas?’ he said unsteadily. ‘I don’t seem to be quite right.’

‘
Give it time, William,’ said Araas, moving back to the well. ‘At least now we know,’ he observed. ‘I think they’ve put chiniocelle in the water. At least, it smells like chiniocelle.’

‘
Chiniocel?’ David frowned. ‘Isn’t that a beetle?’

‘
Chiniocelle is a poison made from crushing chiniocel beetles and mixing the paste with kalara oil. It’s especially efficacious in paralyzing a body. Most times everyone thinks the person is dead and they usually are within minutes anyway. Very few humans are willing to work with the horrible stuff, it’s too dangerous.’

‘
Araas,’ said Kelian, looking back towards the rocks, ‘Tim is still asleep, even after all the noise and shouting and me falling down the rocks and William almost poisoning himself. Is that normal?’

‘
He needed to sleep, so I helped him. I’ll wake him if you wish.’

‘
No, leave him there for now.’ Kelian’s heart went out to the grieving guardian. ‘Give him a bit more time.’

‘
As you wish; now, about this water.’

‘
Are our water bags ruined?’ asked Alexander anxiously.

‘
No, Alex.’ Araas took his water bag and held it upside down for a moment. ‘You just need to let it dry out. The chiniocelle only remains potent whilst it’s sealed away from the air, or added to water. Once the water is gone, the poison becomes ineffective. It’s incredible in water. It’s almost like it takes on an insidious life of its own. The tiniest bit can spread through an entire lake in minutes. I wouldn’t have thought it possible if I hadn’t seen it for myself.’

‘
Is there anything that can be done?’ asked Kelian.

‘
Yes. We can put a big warning here so people know the well is poisoned. It will be months before the water is drinkable again,’ said Araas.

‘
It needs to be a message that anyone can understand,’ said Kelian, ‘and something that won’t be washed away in a storm, or covered by sand. Could we scratch a message into the well itself?’

‘
We will do that, but people may not see it. Humans are not observant,’ said Araas.

‘
There’s a better way, guardian.’ William was now standing and moving unstably towards the well.

‘
What do you suggest, William?’ Araas caught his arm and helped him along.

‘
You may not be able to remove the poison, but I have no doubt at all that you can dry up the well. I’m sure it will replenish itself soon enough. You said it yourself, without water the stuff is useless.’ William looked expectantly at the guardian.

Araas stared at the trader in surprise
. ‘You’re right, the answer was too obvious.’ He leaned over the well, thinking. ‘William, how far is it to the next water?’

‘
If we leave now, we should find water by midafternoon, all going well.’

‘
And how much clean water do we have left?’

‘
Just whatever Prince Kelian, Timbul and yourself were carrying.’

Kelian groaned inwardly. He
drank most of his water the previous night, confident they would draw from the well the next morning.

‘
Tim and I don’t carry water, William,’ said Araas, looking over at Kelian.

‘
I have enough for a few mouthfuls for each person,’ said Kelian. He climbed back up onto the rocks, brought down his water bag and handed it to Araas.

‘
Barely enough,’ said Araas, feeling the weight of the bag. ‘William, is there any water in your cart?’

‘
I’ve just come across the wasteland, Araas. Now the fallen let me pass the well, which was a surprise in itself, but I gave them wide berth. I had enough water to take me on a little further - it’s always prudent to carry far more than you think you will need, but I have finished my supply. There are some little streams and springs through the wasteland if you know where to go.’

‘
We need to start out before the sun gets any higher,’ said Kelian. ‘Araas, if you would dry up this well I’ll go and wake Tim. Everyone else; let the horses go, we cannot take them with us, and I think the cart would just slow us down. Get yourselves ready to leave.’

Chapter 20

Misjudgment

Squire Dale
glanced up crossly as a court page approached.

‘
The King requires your presence immediately, Squire,’ said the Page coldly. He was tall for his age, about Dale’s height. If he didn’t carry such an annoyed look, he would have been considered a very good looking young man. His unblemished skin was quite dark from the sun which only served to accentuate his light green eyes and his fair hair.

Dale
was crouched beside the belongings he had been lugging down to the dock after receiving orders to prepare to board the ship sailing for Warbilla. He had taken a shortcut down a sandy path to avoid getting tangled in the soldiers who were running to and from the castle. Unfortunately, in his haste he tripped and tumbled down the slope, landing awkwardly. His bag split open, spilling everything and several items made a rush down the steep incline. Luckily for Dale there was a low wall before the wooden docks, or the heavier items may have charged straight across the boardwalk and ended up at the bottom of the harbor. Dale stood and glared at the page.

‘
The Kings exact words, Enrique?’ he demanded and he added, ‘I will check with him, you know.’

Enrique
’s face flushed. ‘Please send Squire Dale to me when he returns from the docks.’ He gritted his teeth as he spoke, making it difficult for Dale to understand him.

‘
Go back to the castle,’ said Dale, still glaring at Enrique, ‘and tell the King I have had a little difficulty getting my belongings to the ship but I will return to the castle and report to him as soon as I have removed my gear from the middle of the pathway. And be assured, I will ask His Majesty what your exact words were. If you get it wrong, I’ll make sure I take the time to teach you how to remember simple messages.’ Dale’s words were an obvious threat. Enrique turned and ran up the path leading to the castle.

Dale
left his gear piled to the side of the pathway. He draped his split carry sack over the top and glanced up at the darkening sky, hoping the threatening rain would hold off just a little longer, at least until he was able to return and collect his belongings. He ran up the steep slope and through the streets to the castle. He was recognized and was not stopped at the gates and minutes later he paused before the door of the King’s conference room. The King gestured for Dale to enter. He raised an eyebrow and Dale could see he was trying his best not to laugh.

‘
Enrique said you had a little trouble. Is everything all right, Dale?’

Dale
looked down at himself. He was coated in sand and grime, the knees of his trousers were ripped and his skinned knee was bleeding onto the ripped fabric. His shirt was covered with dark splatters from an ink container which had uncorked as his bag hit the ground. Sand dropped from his hair as he looked down at his boots, which were the only part of his attire that was undamaged.

‘
I had a little fall taking the fisherman’s path to the docks and my bag split open.’

Dannicus turned to Enrique, who was now waiting in the corner of the room, warily watching Dale.

‘Enrique, get a new sack from the warehouse for Dale. Take it down to the docks and collect the spilt items. Have the bag taken aboard the Kings Ship ‘Swift’.’ The page bowed and turned to leave. ‘And Enrique, I trust you will have no difficulty with this task.’ The King was now looking very seriously at the young man who was turning a deep shade of red.

‘
No sir,’ said Enrique, and his voice was a little croaky.

‘
Good,’ Dannicus continued. ‘Remember the bag must be aboard the ‘Swift’ with all of Dale’s belongings inside. Please make sure you have the correct ship.’ Dale raised an eyebrow. The ‘Swift’ was the only vessel of any size currently in the harbor. ‘Thank you, Enrique. Please return to you own preparations when the task is complete.’

Enrique left
the room and Dale shook his head with annoyance. ‘Where are you going to send him, Majesty, now he’s fourteen?’

The King smiled at the Squire and whispered softly,
‘Morlee!’

Da
le burst out laughing. Morlee was on the opposite corner of the continent, deep inside fallen territory. The King sighed.

‘
I have no idea of what to do with the boy. He acts spoilt but I know he’s not. I’m absolutely certain his behavior doesn’t show his genuine self. I’m sure he has more potential than he wishes me to see. Like he’s trying to be something he’s not, or perhaps he’s trying to hide something from me.’ He turned and walked out onto the balcony. ‘I hope he manages to get your things aboard before that rain arrives,’ he commented. ‘Danil and I have agreed that Enrique should go with you.’

Dale
was dismayed. ‘Are you sure you’re not just trying to get rid of him?’ He stopped speaking, dismayed by what he’d just said to the King.

Dannicus
laughed at the distressed Squire. ‘Of course I’m trying to get rid of him! But if he’s ever to follow his father as Duke of Western Downs he must stop behaving so strangely.’ Then he added, ‘I think a little break on board ship will do the young man wonders. We may even find the true Enrique. He pretends to be concerned with his appearance and how others perceive him, but I’m not fooled. You’re the best person I can imagine to help him grow up a little, as you don’t actually seem aware of your appearance however disheveled and tattered you may be.’

‘
Er, thank you sir – I think?’

‘
I’d like you to take him as your Squire as he’s fourteen now and he’s actually our most capable Page. It’s unfortunate that he’s the biggest nuisance. We had a Sergeant within our garrison here quite a few years back who fit exactly into this category and he turned out to be a reasonable soldier.’

‘
May I ask who sir?’

‘
Danil. He was one
big
nuisance.’

‘
What changed him?’

‘
The passing years…he has seen battle. He has seen death. Now he’s possibly the most dangerous soldier Alkira has ever seen and one of the best men I’ve ever known. He’s a good friend.’

Dale
was beginning to understand what the King was asking him to do. ‘I’m happy to have Enrique as my Squire, Majesty. I’ll be pleased to take the boy with me and I’ll do my best to help him.’ He was quite aware that when the King made a request, it was an order and as a Squire, he was bound to follow his King’s orders without question, hesitation or complaint.  He wondered how a Squire could have his own Squire.

‘
There’s one other thing Squire, before you leave. It’s important. Follow me.’

To Dale
’s surprise he was led to the throne room. He had been in the room several times at Duke Li’s request to observe proceedings so he went to the back of the already crowded room and stood unobtrusively in the very back corner where he had been placed on previous occasions. The King turned and looked around the room and then leaned across and spoke to Administrator Tappy whilst pointing to Dale. The Administrator motioned for Dale to come forward and he squeezed through the crowd feeling extremely self-conscious. The smaller throne beside the King’s throne was now occupied by Queen Aithne, though on both of Dale’s previous attendances, this throne had remained vacant. Standing in their designated places around and in front of the throne, stood Princess Elizabeth, Baroness Kielie, King’s Marshall Danil, General Marnol, guardian General Callian, Lady Valeska and Lady Sophie. Administrator Tappy stood behind a small table equipped with his usual pile of parchment and writing paraphernalia. Administrator Tappy gestured for him to stand beside the Baroness Kielie. He was beginning to feel nervous, and he suddenly wished he had bathed and changed clothing before he reported to the King. He noticed that a little smile appeared on Callian’s face the instant he had this thought, and he looked at the guardian suspiciously. He was aware that the Daoine Maithe could sense thoughts and he wondered if Callian would be willing to speak to him about this later. The guardian nodded slightly and Dale flinched.

The King
turned to Administrator Tappy who sat and took quill in hand.

‘
Squire Dale, approach his Majesty,’ Administrator Tappy ordered. Dale approached the throne. He lowered himself to one knee and bowed his head before his King. Tappy read from a small scroll. ‘Squire Dale of East Inlet, son of Baron Daarin and Baroness Alise, proven in loyalty and tested in courage. You have defended the lives of the Princess Eijelin and her friend, the boy Elliot of Castle. Your deeds will be made know to all within our realm.’ He turned to face the general assembly. ‘It’s the desire of the King that Squire Dale accepts his hereditary title of Baron of East Inlet, to serve his King and the people of Alkira.’ He turned back to Dale. ‘Squire Dale of East Inlet, will you accept your title and the duties relevant to your station?’

Dale stared open mouthed at the King.

‘Well?’ the King prompted.

Dale snapped to attention.
‘Majesty, I accept.’

‘
The oath please, Administrator,’ said King Dannicus.

‘
I expect Dale knows the oath, Majesty. He has heard it once before,’ Tappy dipped his head respectfully to the King and glanced knowingly at Dale.

‘
Proceed!’ King Dannicus ordered.

Dale took a deep breath and
fixed his eyes upon the King. With absolute sincerity he spoke. ‘I give my life to serve my King. As Baron of East Inlet, my duty is to the people. I will serve loyally, both in leadership and in defense of the citizens of our nation, in peace and in war. I swear to serve with courage, as the shield and spear of the people, ever laboring to protect and defend by whatever means I am capable, without hesitation and placing the needs of the people above my own. My life belongs to my King.’ Everyone in the room rose, except Dale, who remained kneeling before the King.

‘
Stand, Baron Dale of East Inlet. May your government be just and your service honorable. May you live in peace and bring peace to your Barony.’

Dale rose to his feet, his eyes still fixed on the King.
‘Thank you, sir,’ he said. He bowed once again and moved to stand beside the Baroness Kielie. Tappy watched the King and waited for permission to proceed.

‘
One moment, Administrator,’ said the King. ‘King’s Marshall, you are excused. Baron Dale, Lady Valeska, and General Callian, make ready to sail. It isn’t necessary for you to be present for the remaining business. Administrator Tappy will make a second record of the remaining matters and this will be placed with Prince Galbraith for your later perusal.’ Danil, Valeska, Callian and Dale bowed and hurried from the room.

Dale
’s belongings had been arranged in appropriate places around the tiny cabin. To his surprise, his favorite pillow was waiting on the neatly made bunk. He looked up at the top bunk where there was a small bundle of gear and he supposed that it was Enrique’s belongings. He turned and inspected the cabin. It contained two bunks, a tiny wash stand, a small desk and one chair. The only other item of furniture in the room was a small teak chest, which was divided into two compartments. Dale lifted the lid and found that his clothing had been neatly folded and stacked inside. Wondering who had gone to the trouble of folding his clothing, he sat back onto the bottom bunk and accidently smacked his head on the bunk above. He gasped in pain and let his body fall sideways onto the bed, his hand going to the back of his head. His fingers came away wet with blood and he groaned, feeling a little faint from the blow. There was a knock at the door.

‘
Enter!’ he said, sitting up cautiously and leaning forward to avoid another collision with the wooden underside of the bunk. Enrique entered and shut the door.

‘
Squire Dale, King Dannicus told me that you said you would be happy to take me on this journey and pleased to have me as your Squire.’ He hesitated. ‘Please sir, was this your exact wording?’ There was no mockery or arrogance in the young man’s eyes, only worried curiosity.

‘
Actually, I said I would be
happy
to have you as my Squire and
pleased
to take you with me. Enrique, we didn’t get off to the best start. When I first came to Castle you treated me as though I had wronged you and I’ve never taken the chance to ask you why. Perhaps we were both at fault.’

‘
No sir. You were not at fault,’ said Enrique emphatically. ‘When you arrived, I was told to help you as needed. I was angry as I thought you would be giving me a lot of extra jobs, the way the senior Squires always give the juniors and the Pages all the worst jobs and I don’t mind the work at all, but I knew the other Pages would laugh behind my back as I worked. I was wrong, because you rarely asked anything of me. Then I thought this meant you didn’t think I was capable enough.’

‘
Enrique, I was raised in East Inlet and then in Emerald. In both places it wasn’t possible to rely on others to complete one’s everyday tasks. I saw no reason to bother you with trivial jobs when I wasn’t too busy to complete them myself. Besides, you really seemed to hate me so I have to admit, I deliberately avoided you.’