The Lords of Valdeon (34 page)

Headquarters was located in an elegant three-story villa just inside the gates. It had housed the Valdeonian rangers and their families for centuries. Squires on sentry duty pulled open the doors for them. The building was no less elegant on the inside. Ancient stone halls were lined with drawn images of animals and murals of the Valdeonian countryside. Hardwood floors made from the ancient forests outside Varianne stretched along the corridors.

Griffin eased closer to Wolf. "You have a guest waiting for you in your office, sir. It is a matter of great importance."

The elaborately carved wooden doors of the dining hall stood open as they approached. Several conversations halted abruptly as the Lords of Valdeon entered the room.

"What’s happened?" Cesar’s voice thundered up to the ceiling.

"Jorge was ambushed by friends of Julian." Wolf rested a hand upon his mentor's shoulder. "We have sent for the doctor."

"They dare touch the squire to a Lord of Valdeon!" Cesar turned purple when he saw his son who now held the title. "You know what I meant. And what were you doing wandering about by yourself, Jorge?"

"My lord need not fear. His son and the other Lords of Valdeon were victorious." Jorge came to stand beside his lord, maneuvering him toward a chair.

"Get the duke some strong drink!" Fausto clapped his hands together and winked at Wolf. "You’ll need a wet throat to tell us this tale."

"Berto." Wolf leaned closer to his second. "Take the Sacred Guard and make sure we weren't followed. Meet me back here in ten minutes."

He followed Griffin to his office. The lights in the hall surrounding the door had been extinguished and the surrounding rooms deserted. Griffin opened the door for him and then pulled his sword to take a guard position in the hall.

A fully cloaked ranger stood behind Wolf's desk. He'd drawn the curtains in the office, casting it into darkness. Wolf closed the door. When they were alone, the ranger lighted the lamp. Violet glowed from his Falcon Ring as he threw the hood from his head. Gray curls had overtaken his darker hair. Though he was in his middle years, no man dared push Bishop Falcon's temper. He was one of the most powerful rangers in the legion.

"I bring words of warning from Dragon, Xavier the Wolf." Falcon stepped from behind the desk. His trousers and boots were covered with filth. A weary face took up his glass of bourbon and he gulped it down. This ranger had traveled hard.

"Why has Dragon not answered my pleas for aid?" Wolf's heart constricted. He feared he already knew the answer.

"We have received no messages from you, ranger." Falcon lowered the glass with a frown. "We'd begun to fear the worst. News of Leo's death and the Lion Ring's disappearance has begun to spread about Andara. The legion has its hands full squashing panic in the United Realm. Our powers have begun to fade, Wolf. Many of your comrades have faced ambush and injury. I was sent here in order to bring hope back with me."

"I have none to give, Bishop. The Jalora has closed the golden doors to the Altar of Providence. The bastard prince of Valdeon and his murderous pet have lain violent hands upon my son. A few hours ago, Julian's allies set a trap with the purpose of killing one of the Sacred Guard. Evil attacks us."

"I'd hoped to lend aid for a few days, but this news must be taken back to Dragon." Falcon slammed the glass upon the desk. "I've left a special request for Lucio the Ferret's assistance on your desk. Under the circumstances, I will understand if you cannot part with him right now."

He moved to the window and unlatched it. Turning to Wolf, he extended his hand and they shook in farewell. "San Leonora isn't the only Valdeonian city in peril. I came on horseback from the north. The inns and byways are full of strange men spreading discontent. Be careful."

Wolf joined the others and moved to the podium at the head of the mess hall. A long table stood behind him. The Lords of Valdeon traditionally took their meals upon it. A chair at its center stood empty. Leo. His memory was another fixture in the room. Wolf looked out over the dozens of faithful lords. All eyes turned upon him as he waited for them to quiet down.

"I go to meet with the rangers now; you will wait here until we return. I warn you, don't try to pass through the doors into central headquarters. The Jalora only allows its rangers and their squires within those walls."

They bowed low as Wolf moved through their numbers toward the doors to central HQ. Gasps of amazement and whispers of awe filled the mess hall when the great doors opened by themselves. The Lords of Valdeon, with Wolf at their head, went inside to join the rest of the Valdeonian rangers.

He marched the Sacred Guard past the ancient drawings depicting the animal rings of Valdeon. White marble, of a lesser grade than the throne room, stretched across the floor, pulsing with the magic of the ancients. Being in this legion haven always renewed Wolf's strength and faith in the legion. He wasn't alone. The young lords of Valdeon too breathed in the power. They looked strong and confident. Good. They were ready to stand before their countrymen and legion comrades.

The twenty-two rangers of Valdeon stood at attention and saluted the Sacred Guard as they entered the room. When a Jalora Master sat upon the Altar of Providence, these rangers would act as the Altar Guard, taking up the duties normally held by the Lords of Valdeon. The elite Sacred Guard's duty shifted to a more important role, guarding the Lion who was the living embodiment of the Altar and the Jalora itself. Though that had not happened in more than a hundred years, the Valdeonian rangers kept themselves at the ready. Only the Jalora knew when it would walk upon the earth.

Jaguar gave the order to stand at ease. They obeyed with solemn faces. Wolf had briefed them about the Lion Ring's disappearance and Leo's death when they'd first arrived. Shock and fear had been their response. Now they waited with acceptance.

"I have had a message from Dragon. News of Leo's death and the Lion Ring's disappearance has begun to spread about Andara. The legion has its hands full squashing panic in the United Realm. Many believe the legion's days are over. Evil prepares to spread across the land. We are all that stand between the Altar of Providence and disaster." Wolf paused, allowing his words to reach their hearts. "We must help the government continue to function. Evil must be kept at bay."

"Yes, Wolf." Commitment was in their voices, but very little hope.

"Since Leo's disappearance, times have grown hard for Valdeon. The dangers will be much greater now that the Lion Ring has been lost. We have no lion heir to lead us. Already factions lusting after power are plotting to take the throne. Beware, rangers, of plots against the throne and against the chancellor." He met each of their troubled gazes. "Be strong in your dedication to the Jalora. Do not listen to the men of Valdeon. Only the Jalora's wisdom will see us through these times."

Devotion radiated from their numbers. Wolf nodded, letting the knot in his stomach ease. The rangers were of one mind at least. That would make things a bit easier in the coming days. He turned and led the rangers down the corridor and into the mess hall where the prefects loyal to the throne waited.

Wolf took his place upon the dais with the young Lords of Valdeon standing behind him. The other rangers moved into the crowd, mixing with the landowners from the west and those loyal from the east.

"You can see how dangerous San Leonora has become." Wolf pointed at Jorge Pacarro. "Earlier today my sons were threatened by the butcher De Costa."

Wolf waited for their cries of outrage to die down. "The bastard prince has grown brazen in his contempt for the Jalora. Mark me, my lords. He will try to take the throne by force."

Several of the landowners began to murmur anxiously amongst themselves, but the rangers remained silent and stoic. They knew he wasn’t exaggerating for effect.

"What should we do, My Lord De Vincente?" A young man dressed in the garb of the southwest stood at the back of the room. "Would you have us make you our new king?"

"Yes! Wolf is the only man to save Valdeon from civil war!" One of the minor eastern prefects jumped to his feet at the center of the crowd.

"But what of the Lion?" Another voice joined the banter. "Xavier the Wolf doesn’t bear the Lion Ring!"

"Perhaps the Jalora has decided to replace the Lion with the Wolf?"

Blood drained from Wolf's face as he stared in shock at the group of men. They had no idea of the dangers they were bringing upon Andara. He beat his fist upon the dais to settle them. Sweat was dripping from his hair. He wiped at the wetness on his forehead with a shaking hand. If these great fools hadn't the sense enough to be frightened, Wolf was terrified for them. What had he done to make them speak of such blasphemy?

"Stop this talk of treason!" He looked out across their sea of faces. "Are you mad? Will you bring down the wrath of the Jalora upon our nation?"

Oath breaker. Memories of Leo's disappointed face, their harsh words, and his own failure to stem the tides of unrest filled Wolf's mouth until he thought he'd vomit.

"You are modest, My Lord De Vincente! Everyone knows the Jalora favors you. It has given you great honor and the devotion of the Valdeonian people."

"I will hear no more of this! I am a servant of the Jalora. Never will I conspire against it!"

His body went rigid as the Jalora's great power wrapped about him. Its presence invaded Wolf's nostrils and mouth until he thought it would suffocate him. Blinding light assaulted his eyes and then suddenly dimmed. The Jalora had come among them and it had chosen Wolf as its temporary vessel. The rangers fell upon their bellies, faces to the ground. The other men backed away in terror.

"Look at his eyes! They glow with power."

"On your knees, men of Valdeon!" Jaguar motioned to the stunned men in the crowd. "The Jalora has come unto us."

"In Wolf, my servant, I am most pleased."
Wolf 's mouth opened and the Jalora's power flowed from his lips as it took over his body. He did not resist. He was its servant and would give himself in any way it needed.

"War is coming. Prepare yourselves as best you can."
Then its voice turned inward for Wolf's ears alone.
My sheep need their shepherds. Keep those you need with you. Send the rest back to their homes. You must also ensure Jorge Pacarro is protected.

"Yes, holiness. It will be as you say." Wolf kept his eyes closed and waited for the room to stop spinning.

I am most pleased with you, Xavier the Wolf. You have earned my complete trust. Soon I will give you a very special gift. Hold on to the hope you have, child. You will not be disappointed.

Then it released him as abruptly as it had come. Wolf leaned against the dais, exhausted. Jaguar hurried to help him into a chair. The unflappable young man was pale with fear. Neither of them had experienced the Jalora's full presence with this much power.

"Rangers and men of Valdeon, the Jalora commands you to return to your homes. Prepare for war."

Wolf turned to face three faithful men kneeling a few feet away from him. Cesar, Fausto, and Jorge stared at him, open mouthed. They well knew what had just happened was rare.

"And you, Jorge Pacarro, will stay close to me."

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Jorge turned the page of his book. He'd read it twice and was ready for a new piece of literary treasure. Wolf, however, wouldn't allow him to go into the streets of San Leonora on his own. The ranger had in fact forbidden him from, as Wolf put it, "wandering, spying, or otherwise putting himself in danger." The Lords of Valdeon had been overly protective of him since the Jalora had come among them through Wolf the day before. The sudden disappearance of Julian's valet didn't help matters. The creature of evil was hiding somewhere, waiting for its chance to cause more mischief.

Giving up on the book, he closed it and tucked it inside his waistcoat. Jorge extinguished the crystal lantern. Moonlight flowed into the gardens, enveloping him in its silver light. San Leonora was known for its romantic atmosphere. No location offered a more breathtaking, dreamlike ambience for lovers than the gardens surrounding the Palace of Kings. It was his great misfortune to be without wife or frivolity this trip.

The aching in his arm reminded him such youthful pursuits were best left to others for a time. He stretched his wounded arm. He'd had worse injuries, but Cesar made it a point to bring up Jorge's reckless foolishness. With so many nursemaids scolding him, he'd been grateful to sneak away on his own for a bit of reading in the gardens.

Moonglow, pale and delicate, fell upon his outstretched hand. Tiny sparkles of white winked against his skin. More of the glittering white fell upon the grass and foliage about him. Then a powerful presence entered the garden. It brushed at the hairs on his arms. Jorge recognized the presence from his many years of service as squire. The Jalora walked its garden this night.

His keen eyes lifted toward the path winding among the foliage. Xavier the Wolf's body walked toward him in the moonlight. The ranger was completely nude, even his boots were missing. Wolf held his sword outstretched before him. His eyes were ablaze with the power of the Jalora.

"Wolf?" Jorge carefully approached him. It wasn't wise to test the ranger's patience, especially when he wasn't sure he was actually speaking to Xavier De Vincente. "May I assist you in some way, my lord?"

"Behind me, squire." Wolf's grip tightened upon his sword, sending the blood rushing from his knuckles. "We must find him! His enemies draw closer and he is without protection."

Jorge came to stand at his elbow. He'd known Wolf long enough to read the fury upon his face. This ranger was ready to kill. Wolf shouted a fierce battle cry and dove into the trees. Sweet Erthe Mother. It was no easy task to keep up with a ranger at his top speed, but Jorge had been a squire. He knew his limits and how to push himself. Bolting in amongst the broken branches, he followed as best he could.

Breathless, Jorge stumbled to a stop at the garden's cherry orchard. The ranger's body was a glowing outline among the thicket of cherry trees. Swinging the sword's tip along the treeline, he growled incoherently at the shadowed branches. Wolf was growing agitated, and in his current state, it could only mean death for anyone in his way — friend or foe.