Entangled web of destruc.., p.5
Entangled Web of Destruction, page 5
“You are the force of my anguish since my arrival at Port Welch? Did you wait all these years, until I was vulnerable to break through my barrier and infiltrate my mind?”
“If that were only the truth,” he says, chuckling. “You brought all of this upon yourself, or do you not remember?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“You know I can help you? You cry every night in the gardens, reliving Lilianna’s death, but I can take your pain away. All you must do is trust me.”
She flinches, taking a few steps back. “Don’t ever touch me. This is all some sort of trick, and I am not falling for it.”
“Trick? No trick or magic, or maybe a little magic, but nothing to harm you,” he says. “You have no time to unlock the enchantment, but I warn you, your world will unravel, and you will never see what is coming.”
She waves her hand, casting him away.
Grabbing a book off the floor, she flips through the pages, searching for a spell to unlock his concealment. Tossing the book against the wall, she grabs another volume off the floor, searching for a spell to help prevent what is coming. She cannot fail again.
Knock. Knock.
Sighing, she opens the door to see Charnell, his hair covered in sweat and his clothes sticking to his muscular body.
She steps aside as he pushes into the room, placing his sword on the table.
“Why are you here?” she snaps. She must figure out the warlock’s plan before something happens, and she doesn’t have time. “Charnell, I don’t—”
“I am not here to argue. We returned from Broken Rest, and trouble is brewing with King Richard. You must tell me about your visions of his plans.”
“You know I can’t discuss my predictions with you. My duty is to the king. My being gone for years doesn’t give you the right to demand this of me.”
“It has been almost eleven years, but who is counting.” He pulls his sword off the table, knocking over the remaining books. “My duty as the Grandmaster of Arms is to protect the king. There is danger, and we must do everything possible to prevent anything from happening. Or have you forgotten?”
“I understand you are angry, but your rudeness is unacceptable. My intentions were never to hurt you, and my leaving had nothing to do with our relationship.”
“This situation has nothing to do with the hurt you inflicted upon me. Our obligation is to our leaders. We must work together to prevent anything from happening. We can discuss why you departed another time.”
“You always must get the last word in, don’t you. Do you understand that asking me to disclose vital information without consulting my superiors is high treason? Or is that what you want? Me to fail so you can get revenge by locking me in the dungeon? Do you despise me that much, Charnell?”
She can smell his sweat as he approaches her, but she refuses to budge. Her eyes burn as tears seep down her face, and her heart flutters against her chest as she looks up at him. He must take his role as Grandmaster of Arms seriously, because he is much larger than she remembered, and his arms are more substantial.
She lowers her chin to her chest and admits, “The warlock has concealed my visions, so I have nothing. The threats to the kingdom are tangible, and we cannot do anything to prevent what is coming. I cannot fail again; they are my family.”
“Look, I—”
“You have every right to be angry with me. My goal was to never return, but here I am.”
She watches Charnell’s reflection in the window as he walks toward her. His arm reaches around her, resting on the windowpane, and his rough hand brushes against her skin, as he pushes her hair back. His warm breath strokes her cheek as he leans in.
“I am angry, hurt, and confused. I may be foolish to think you love me, but I would rather be foolish than give up on us.”
She inhales his scent and longs for him to wrap his arms around her, but that can never happen, now or ever. She tightens her jaw as her cheeks flush, feeling his hand on hers.
“I am complicated and broken,” she admits.
“I have known you a long time, Nelia. I already know you are complicated and like to keep others at a distance,” he says with a smile. “I also know when you are hiding something. If you want to unburden yourself, I am listening.”
“If your compassion is to trick me into giving you information, as I said, I don’t have any,” she says, pushing his body away. “I will notify the king immediately, if any visions reveal themselves. Until then, I must be alone to clear my head and focus on removing the warlock’s spell.”
She listens to his stammer as he walks away from her. The clattering of his sword against the metal of his armor fades as he gets further across the room.
“For you to accuse me of something so devious is heartbreaking. There has never been a time I have lied to you or abandoned you, unlike what you have done to me. Our duties often unite us, and I will never overstep our boundaries, but no matter what happens, my heart will always belong to you.”
She jumps as the door slams.
10
Constantina
Splintered Vale
Wood crackles in the fireplace as Constantina rocks her son to sleep. She fights fatigue and worries about her husband since his departure to Broken Rest a few days prior. Jonathan always comes back tired and frustrated after visiting his brother, but the constant threats become more overwhelming as time goes by.
She is sure Richard monitors Victoria’s letters because she has not reached out recently, and she worries about safety with his unpredictable actions. Yawning, she pulls the blanket around Kyle. Constantina jumps as the door opens.
“You startled me.”
“Forgive me. It’s been a long day, and I am happy to be home,” Jonathan says, kissing her cheek.
“You’re a mess,” she says, gazing at his matted hair and wrinkled clothes. “I take it the trip did not go well.”
He takes off his boots and sets them by the fireplace. “As always, my brother is determined to make our lives miserable.”
“I am worried about you.”
“No worries, my love.”
Kyle wrestles free, running to his father.
“Kyle, you are getting big,” he says as he tickles him. “How was your day?”
“We joined in the festivities at some of the local villages.” Constantina brushes her hair from her face. “Kyle enjoys our trips and meeting the townspeople. He is following in your footsteps already.”
“Starting tomorrow, Alexander will always be with you, and you will not be permitted to leave the castle grounds.”
“My ladies always accompany me.” She sits back, resting her hands on her large belly. “Richard has always made threats, and we can’t put our lives on hold for him.”
“His army attacked a few of our smaller villages yesterday, and the survivors were brought here with us. Until we can stop him, we can’t allow our children to be placed at risk with his threats of revenge against our family.”
“It is late. You and Kyle can get ready for bed, and I will join you soon.”
“Kyle keeps getting bigger as the days pass,” says Jonathan as he gently kisses her. “Will you join me tomorrow after my meeting? We can have lunch in the garden.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
She grabs her robe to find Nelia.
SHIVERING.
Her heart races as bats scatter in the night, and the cool breeze filters through the garden path, as if someone has entered. The unknown weighs too much on her mind, and she must do something to protect her children. Jonathan’s intent was not to worry her but to keep her informed. She worries more about what will unfold, and whether Richard will carry out his plan.
“Nelia, are you here?”
She pulls her robe tight as she continues to make her way through the garden.
“Please answer me.”
Nelia stands up a few feet from the queen. Her black curls cascade down her shoulders to her waist, and her silver gown peeks through her dark cloak. Her eyes are bloodshot, and the evidence of tears still rests on her cheeks. She tries to steady her shaking hands against her body, but she cannot fool the queen.
“Your Majesty, is something wrong?”
“My husband has returned with warnings from Richard. Please tell me what you have seen?”
“Unfortunately, a great power prevents me from foreseeing what will unfold. I will continue to channel my magic to unlock what we need, but it will take time.”
“You know there is no time. Charnell reported you tangled with the warlock earlier this evening. He also feels you are not telling the truth and are holding something back. I trust your intentions are still to protect my family, but keeping things from us will only worsen matters. My husband and I trust you, and you can tell Alexander and Charnell everything.”
Nelia reaches out for Constantina’s hand, and she accepts.
“I fear the news will not comfort you. Let me talk with Charnell and Alexander in the morning as you wish, but remember the warlock is manipulating my visions, and at this time, I can’t tell if this is a trick, or if what I am seeing is the truth.”
Constantina reminds her, “You have not forgotten, but I can read you when you receive a vision. Your eyes cloud over like the fog gracing the lake on a misty morning. Your gaze is undeniable as you enter the vision away from your surroundings. I have never ordered you to do anything against your wishes, but there is no time for you to keep the premonition a secret. Did you receive the answers you were seeking?”
Constantina brushes the tears off Nelia’s face. Their friendship has never faltered, even with her being gone for so long, but to protect her family, she has no choice but to challenge her and only hopes their friendship will not be destroyed by the warlock’s deception.
“I never challenged your decision to leave or thought you committed treason against our family. I will not stand here and allow you to keep this secret from me, even if you feel it’s the best. You are the descendant of House Winifred, our family’s adviser and confidante, and I order you to disclose what you have seen.”
“Your Majesty, I . . .”
“Tell me everything.”
“Please forgive me. This morning like a rushing wave, a vision appeared, most likely from the warlock to torment me, but its unclear. I don’t have all the details of what will happen to your husband, but your son will be crowned king at a young age. You will become queen regent. I have no news of your unborn child.”
Constantina’s eyes burn from the tears, and her surroundings spin. She grabs Nelia’s arm to steady herself.
“When will this happen?”
“All I know is that Richard will invade the castle when the moon is full, and the birds will fly at night.” Nelia helps her sit down. “Your Majesty, there is a full moon tomorrow.”
“No, we are not ready for war. I can’t lose my family. This must be a trick, like you said.”
Nelia motions for the ladies-in-waiting, Roselynn and Aurlynn, who arrive in the distance.
“There is no time to warn the local villages or request additional support from my homeland. I need to talk with my husband.”
Constantina crouches over in pain.
“Please go rest.” Nelia gently touches the queen’s shoulder. “I will inform Charnell and Alexander of everything.”
She struggles to keep her eyes open, and the closer they get to her chambers, the stronger the fatigue becomes. The thoughts are hazy as she tries to recall what happened a few moments ago, and why she is so drained. When she stumbles forward, Roselynn grabs onto her arms and helps her inside her bedchamber, where her husband and son are sound asleep.
11
Constantina
Splintered Vale
King Jonathan pounds the small iron gavel against the table.
“My brother continues to make threats against me and my family. I don’t want to force you to defend my home. That would leave your villages and families unsecured, but I have no choice but to ask otherwise. If we lose this threshold, I fear our lands and people could be at the mercy of my brother. My oath is to protect our kingdom and ask each of you the same.”
It seems like an eternity watching the nobles and lords staring back at her husband. She wonders what they think. Better yet, how her husband is feeling this morning. He was gone when she woke up, and there had been no time for her to talk with him before this meeting. She is unsure if Nelia had a chance to discuss the situation with Charnell and Alexander.
Jonathan continues, “Richard will destroy everything in his path, ultimately wiping our villages off the map. There is enough shelter on the castle grounds to provide a haven for your families and much more. If the towns are destroyed, we will also lose the farmlands and livestock.”
“My lord, we have men scattered throughout the kingdom,” says Lord Mitchell.
“I have already sent word to them. They come from the outskirts and should arrive soon.”
“Do we know when Richard will attack, Your Majesty?” asks Lord Mitchell.
“As of now . . .”
Constantina steps out of the shadows, disrupting her husband, and he glares at her with concern or disappointment; she is unsure. There is no choice but to interrupt so she can warn everyone about the timeline.
Alexander attempts to block her from moving forward, but she swirls around him.
“We are discussing a private matter,” Jonathan warns. “You cannot be here.”
“Your Majesty, lords, nobles, please forgive my intrusion, but I have urgent news from the sorceress.”
He gets to his feet, towering over the nobles.
“Alexander and Charnell have already updated me. Alexander, please escort my wife to her chambers.”
“No! You do not understand.” She pulls away from Alexander’s grip. “Richard will invade our home on a full moon.” Tears stream down her face. “There will be bloodshed.”
Whispers erupt from amongst the individuals in the room.
“I will do everything in my power to keep our family and people safe. You must go with Alexander, and I will meet with you after we adjourn.”
She reaches for Alexander’s arms to steady herself as the room spins, feeling faint and nauseous. Closing her eyes, she falls into Alexander’s arms, hearing Jonathan ordering someone to get her ladies-in-waiting and the doctor.
Opening her eyes, she sees Jonathan holding a cool cloth against her forehead.
“Too much stress has drained me this day,” she whispers.
“You are a stubborn queen.” He chuckles. “Your ladies are here to escort you back to your chambers with Alexander. You must promise me that you will follow my instructions.”
“I promise.”
“Alexander, you must stay with my wife until I order otherwise.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Charnell, get the gates closed and bring me the sorceress.”
KYLE STACKS A FEW BLOCKS together as Roselynn and Aurlynn straighten up the room.
The maidens have sacrificed so much to serve and protect the future king. She sometimes wonders if they knew all the job requirements before applying for the position. They must worry about their families at Orchard Ridge and surrounding villages with the war heading this way. Constantina must make a hasty decision without telling her husband, which breaks her heart. However, her goal is to protect their son.
“My ladies, our home is no longer safe for my son.” She takes a deep breath before continuing. “I need you to remove him from the castle grounds immediately. It’s not like I have a choice or anything. If my husband’s death is to come true, as the sorceress says, I don’t want to think about what will happen to my son.”
Aurlynn says, “Your Majesty, Alexander said the guards are on high alert. He will do whatever it takes to protect you and the prince.”
“Your brother is a great friend and loyal knight, but my instincts tell me my son is in danger. I don’t know what to do.” Tears glide down her cheeks as she pulls Kyle into her arms. The unforeseen future terrifies her. “I have a plan, if you both promise to stand with me.”
Roselynn and Aurlynn exchange glances, nodding.
Roselynn asks, “Where do you want us to take him?”
“Please take this letter with you to Orchard Ridge and request help from the nobles there. If something happens to me and my husband, please protect him at all costs.”
“My family still resides at Orchard Ridge, but how do you wish we bypass my brother?”
Constantina pulls herself up, holding on to a table. “The secret passage to the yard is behind the tapestry. Please wear these dark cloaks, keep your faces covered, and stop for no one. Keep your weapons close and wait for my orders for you to return.”
“What if we receive no word?” Aurlynn asks.
“If you hear of our deaths, seek refuge from my family at Night Haven once it’s safe. Show them this medallion, a family heirloom. My mother will know what to do.”
“Kyle, keep this medallion close to you always.” Her hands tremble as she places the medallion around his neck. “I love you.” She kisses his forehead. “Don’t allow yourself to be driven away from your dreams, no matter what happens. Please forgive me for what I am about to do.”
The moments seem to fade as the night unfolds, and danger wraps around her. She must do whatever it takes to protect her children, and her son is outside the walls terrifies her. However, she will be in no position to defend them both. It may be selfish of her, but she can only hope she’s making the right choice.
“We will not let you down, Your Majesty,” Roselynn says.
“Alexander will be summoned away shortly to check on a situation at the wall. Two horses are tied up outside the eastern gate by the large oak tree. I have someone at the gate who will help you escape. You must hurry.”
Constantina drops the tapestry back in place after the last maiden enters the passageway.
