The Lords of Valdeon (36 page)

Home. Wolf closed his eyes, smoothing his hand along Dulcina's back. Their villa rested in an orange orchard. The sweet citrus smell filled the air on summer afternoons as the breezes of San Rudalfo brought the scent of the orange blossoms to their shady veranda. He loved watching the sunset with Dulcina by his side. Their children often played on the warm stones, catching fireflies with their little hands. One day, Jalora willing, he would be released from his duties and would place the Wolf Ring upon his son's hand. He and his wife could spend their remaining years tending to the orchards, riding their horses, and fussing over the grandchildren.

His thoughts drifted to their estate and the work waiting for him. Their herds must be moved to the far pasture. The horse master had reminded him that he'd already missed the branding of the yearlings. The De Vincente clan boasted the largest and finest herd of Thunder Stallions in all of Andara. Their midnight color shimmered with tints of blue. They were the fastest creatures on four legs. Wolf smiled. Perhaps he would challenge young Jaguar to another race. Berto's family was famous for the gigantic San Marimosa Stallions, war horses that stood taller than a man. Young Jaguar had challenged him to a race and had been soundly beaten by Xavier's favorite mount. Jaguar still maintained Wolf had won because he had the home advantage.

He drifted into a light sleep, listening as the servants began gathering their possessions. They were well practiced in quickly packing the family De Vincente. As a ranger, Wolf could be called to action at any time. He smiled and kissed Dulcina's hair. This time their bedroom would be the last to be put away.

The hours passed too quickly. Wolf stood upon the docks of San Leonora, waving up at the airship hovering above them. Fausto held Danel and Gaspar up so they could see over the railing. Their little arms waved frantically to Wolf as the ship began to rise. He kept his hand in the air until they disappeared into the skies above the Valdeonian countryside. His heart ripped out of his chest as it went with them.

He turned and hurried away from the docks. The young Lords of Valdeon waited atop their horses, their squires sitting quietly upon their own mounts behind them. Wolf took the reins of his stallion from Basilio and mounted. Sensing his mood, the horse fidgeted beneath him.

"We go for a ride in the country. I suspect Julian's allies have not finished searching my rooms."

They rode toward the eastern border of Valdeon. Heat rose off the clusters of large boulders dotting the drying prairie grass. It was abnormally hot for late autumn. Legends gave warnings surrounding the death of the king. If his Lion Ring died, the land would die with it. He hoped the legends were nothing more than tales to frighten children.

A few miles outside the gates of San Leonora, Jaguar tapped Wolf’s arm and motioned slightly to their rear. He held up a finger, indicating one man was following them. Wolf prodded his horse into one of the rock formations. Dismounting quickly, he tethered his horse on an old tree stump.

"Tether your horses and wait here. Come, Fox. We have a bloodhound to deal with."

Wolf and Fox raced around the formation and hid in its shadow. The horseman was riding hard to overtake them. Ranger eyes focused in on the rider. It was a familiar and unwelcome face. What bangtail mischief was this?

"Well, well. It would appear Prince Julian has taken an interest in our leisure time activities. I feel deeply honored he's sent one of his favorite pet prefects after us. Are we to kill our tagalong, sir?"

Wolf shook his head slowly. "No. Let him keep riding. I'm sure his lord prince will be pleased when he finds his spy has lost us."

The rider spurred his horse on faster as he passed the rocks. Making for the south, he hadn't realized he'd lost his quarry yet. Chuckling, they climbed down to join the others and found them taking an easy stance among the stones. Jaguar, Raven, Ferret, Otter, and Rabbit. They were being asked to carry more responsibility than their fathers before them. Each was loyal to his duty, but would they be enough?

"It is a fine day for a ride in the country, Wolf, but I don't think that's why you've brought us here." Fox, their eldest at the ripe age of twenty-eight, joined the others.

"We can no longer speak freely within the walls of the palace. I fear the Eastern prefects — those not loyal to the Lords of Valdeon — will soon urge Julian to take the throne by force."

Jaguar spat upon the dirt. "I’d say he doesn’t need any encouragement."

"The chancellor still is not convinced Julian has completely turned to evil. He feels I am overly hard on the prince, because I am a De Vincente."

"Chancellor Benito is a fool." A long-forgotten voice reverberated from the rocks. "He's allowed Prince Julian to leave San Leonora in the night like a common thief."

Wolf pulled his sword. The other rangers took a guard position at his back. Their squires made a half circle behind their lords. They waited, weapons at the ready for the ghost to come before them. He stepped slowly into the opening and threw back the hood of his ranger cloak. Violet glistened within the stone of his ring under the afternoon sun. Esteban D'Antoiné, Hawk Prince of Valdeon, stood before them. He was the last person Wolf expected to see haunting Valdeon. His emotionless eyes regarded their naked swords.

"Well, Wolf, you have the Lords of Valdeon hiding like sniveling dogs, I see. It is time I took control of the Sacred Guard, before you have them kissing the boots of the old fool you've left in charge of our homeland."

"And how will you protect the altar, Hawk Prince? You haven't been welcome in its presence since you bedded your brother's queen and tried to usurp the throne." Wolf gave him a bitter laugh. "You expect us to trust you now? Tell me, where were you while Leo was missing?"

"I am a Prince of Valdeon and bishop in the legion. I won’t answer to those beneath me. You ache to cross swords, Wolf. Come at me! I’d love nothing better than to see the Jalora strip you of your powers."

"You'll have to fight all of us, adulterous bastard." Jaguar came to Wolf’s side with the others close behind.

Hawk flew at Wolf, stopping a few inches short of his sword tip. Even with his ranger sight, Wolf had not seen the rapid splitting of air and time as the ranger moved. The scar stretching from Esteban's chin to the corner of his right eye turned a pale red with his fury. Edmund had given Hawk the scar as a warning never to return to Valdeon. Apparently, Hawk's courage had returned upon the death of his brother.

"You poisoned them against me, I see."

"We can judge your actions for ourselves…bishop." Raven spat at his feet.

"Indeed?" Hawk took a parchment from his belt. He threw it at Wolf. "I bring orders from the Dragon. They are very clear. You must return to your homes and seek out any traitors hidden there. This is a direct command from the Dragon. He wants you to leave today."

Wolf opened the orders and scanned through it hurriedly. They seemed genuine. Hawk was watching him as he read. Strange the Jalora hadn't mentioned these orders when it spoke to him at HQ. He didn't trust Hawk, but he could not disobey a direct order, either.

"And where will you fly off to next, Hawk?"

The bishop turned and put the hood back on his head. "I have my own concerns. Don't worry, Wolf. I will not seek aid from your young whelps. I can see they are inadequate for the task."

Wolf threw his arms out to stop Jaguar and Fox from charging at the Hawk. Esteban raced away at ranger speed, leaving them confused and seething with anger.

"What do we do, Wolf?" Jaguar slammed his sword back into its sheath. "I don't trust Esteban."

"Neither do I, but these orders look genuine."

Wolf shook his head. He wasn't about to leave the Altar unprotected at the Hawk's word, but he wouldn't let the others follow him in his disobedience. "You will return to your homes."

"And what of you, Wolf?" His second searched Wolf's face with troubled eyes. "Do you also return to San Rudalfo?"

Wolf shook his head. "I stay in San Leonora beside the chancellor. It’s here trouble will begin."

Ferret bounded forward, ever ready to argue. "Alone? I can stay with you, Wolf. Father will see to San Lucida…"

Wolf rested a hand on Ferret’s shoulder and gave him the parchment Bishop Falcon had delivered from the Legion Headquarters. Odd Hawk hadn't asked about it. No matter. Someone must get word to Dragon. Lucio was a skilled tracker and knew the northern woods well. He'd have a better chance than most to cross the border into Andara unseen.

Ferret unrolled it and frowned as he read. "I’m to leave for the Buells immediately. I don’t understand! How can they expect me to leave while Valdeon is so unstable?"

"The Eagle wouldn’t request you if it wasn’t critical, Ferret. Don’t worry. Your father and Jorge will see to San Lucida." Wolf handed Lucio another parchment he'd written while his family slept. "I need you to take this to Dragon. Hand it to him personally."

Lucio nodded reluctantly. The constant smile upon his face was missing. He tucked the parchment into his waistcoat and headed for his horse. The others waited solemnly as he mounted.

"Falcon warns of dangerous men upon the road. Head straight for the Temple Cave, Ferret. Do not stop within the borders of Valdeon for any reason."

In the northern mountains bordering Valdeon and Tslavia, a cave of rare beauty had been formed at the edge of the forests of Varianne. Its walls were encrusted with rare heart crystals. Pure water from the mountain peaks ran through its center. The Jalora's magic kept it hidden for many a century. It was a haven of safety and renewal for the Sacred Guard.

Ferret gave them one last look and then spurred his horse toward the north. Wolf sent all the hope he had with the young ranger. Silence fell upon the rocks as Ferret and his squire disappeared into the horizon. Chaos was at their door. Nothing they could do would stop it from breaking in.

"Listen to me, Lords of Valdeon. We live in a perilous time. Our king is dead and the Lion Ring is missing. Traitors plot to take the throne as the legion's power fades. If the worst should happen, go to Temple Cave. The rest of us will meet you there."

He rested his hands upon their two youngest. Sending them back to their homes alone was the last thing he wanted to do, but Dragon had been very clear. Wolf gave them a reassuring nod. Ready or no, they must take up their duty, no matter how difficult.

Chapter Thirty

Seth rubbed at his tired eyes. He'd spent hours working on the parchment before him, carefully reading the sentences written in the Geltic language. The trade agreement with Heidelbreckt was important for the farmers of Marianna. Their profits would increase twofold. Of course, Elder Newcastle would get his share as well. Perhaps his help in obtaining the additional monies would finally earn Seth forgiveness from his neighbors. Leo assured him it would.

They'd spent the last few weeks together. Father and son worked side by side each morning before sunup on the farm. Then Leo would teach Seth the sword in the afternoon. It was his favorite time of day. His father was a gifted swordsman and an inspiring teacher. Leo's pride in Seth's natural abilities with the sword motivated him to work all the harder.

Then Leo had done something unexpected. He'd lined up Seth's evenings with several odd jobs. He didn't mind, especially when Leo had told him he was clever enough to do any job on the island. Though he was secretly pleased, Seth wasn't fooled. He knew Leo was trying to keep him busy so he wouldn't go looking for Sandor. Unfortunately, Leo's plan was working. He hadn't been able to spare any time to search for more clues.

"I’m for bed, Cub." Dante yawned. "Leo has already gone to his rest."

"I’m sorry to keep you up so late. I’ll lock up."

Dante waved at him, muttering something about foolish apologies. Seth smiled as the old man shuffled to his bed. Dante was a surprise. He cooked, cleaned, and helped around the farm. Seth had assumed he was a simple servant until the man had surprised him with a series of tests on complex mathematical equations and advanced language skills. Seth had managed to keep up, but he'd been challenged. Dante, he discovered, had been educated in the most famed universities on Andara. It was his courage, however, which had won him a place as Leo's companion.

The letters on the parchment began to blur. He closed his eyes and rubbed them again. His translations were due first thing in the morning. The elder wasn’t a very patient man. One page left. Reaching for the cold tea he'd left unheeded upon the table, his eyes strayed toward the candle's tiny flame. It flickered in several short bursts as if someone or something were trying to blow it out.

Across the kitchen table, a massive lion stared back at him. Its large mane of pure energy spanned the length of the table. Gigantic jaws parted, revealing sharp teeth. The beast's presence filled the entire kitchen. Large green, ethereal eyes held Seth in his seat. Ageless and wise, they saw through his being into his very soul. No thought, no pain, no desire was hidden from the beast. He remained helpless and completely naked under its gaze.

I call you to me, Bearer.
Its voice whispered in his mind.

Spellbound, he remained motionless as the beast moved closer. It came up beside him, close enough to touch. Sparks of energy raced through the space between them. His hair and skin prickled with tiny flickers of power. The lion regarded him for a moment. It was waiting. Then the beast gave him a short grunt and began to leave. Seth's body stood of its own accord and followed. His feet moved clumsily as they directed themselves after the great cat.

The little farmhouse faded away. Haze and mist swirled about his body as he followed. The skin on his face and forearms numbed at the light touch of misty fingers. It was like walking on the verge of a dream. Then brightness pierced the dark. Sunshine greeted them as the haze parted. A lovely green meadow blanketed with bright yellow spring flowers stretched out before their feet. In its center was a brilliant green knoll. The lion pounced up the hill, leaving him at the bottom. It turned and waited for Seth to follow.