The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian
Chapter 24

Leal stopped his horse in front of the summer palace and dismounted quickly. He walked over to Dracia’s side to help her down. She slid down, landing on one foot as she leaned on Leal. She had not said much on their ride back from Westmoria, looking very much as if she were in shock. Leal and Ethen had both tried to include her on their discussion about Westmoria and the surrounding villages, but she would only say a word or two in agreement with them and go back to staring straight ahead.

“Would you like me to help you upstairs, Dracia?” said Leal as they entered the entry hall after Mrs. Lynn, the housekeeper, opened the door for them.

“No, I would like to wait in the parlor for Roderick and Selene. I would like to ask them about what happened,” said Dracia as she turned and limped towards the large parlor.

“That can wait, Captain,” said Ethen as he followed her. “Perhaps you should rest first, and then you can hear about Belleth and that other woman.”

“I am not tired, Ethen, not really,” said Dracia as she continued to walk into the parlor. “I will find no rest until I hear the full story. I would also like to know if we lost any Elites, and how many Siccaria soldiers died as well. I will wait on the sofa, and be quite well. You two can both go clean up if you wish.”

Leal shook his head at Ethen and sighed. “Let me help you, dearest,” said Leal as he came up and took her arm. “I will wait here with you, and Galen and Lexine can look at your leg when they return.”

“Lexine is well, isn’t she?” asked Dracia as she sat down. “I didn’t even think to check on her.”

“She is very well,” said Leal as he sat next to her. “She spent the majority of the battle out in the forest with two Elites guarding her as she helped with those who were injured. She will be back soon.”

“I think our losses were actually kept to a minimum,” said Ethen as he pored some wine from the side table. “I expected more of a fight.”

Dracia shrugged. “The fighters for Navalia all looked rather young to me. I saw several different colors on them. I expected more experienced fighters from each lord’s guards,” said Dracia as she took a glass of wine from Ethen.

“Perhaps they are saving their more experienced fighters for another battle,” said Leal. “If all they wanted to do was take smaller villages in the area, they could have moved out their more experienced men after taking Westmoria.”

“What did you decide about Westmoria?” asked Dracia as she took a sip of wine. “I know you two talk of it as we rode, but mind was wandering.”

“We were hoping you could spare a few Elites to help with re-setting up the village. Ethen has said some Siccarian soldiers can stay behind as well. I will write to the Lord of Westmoria today and have him come back to his lands. I believe he is staying in Winsdell at the moment. I will have some royal guards accompany him and his family.”

“He lost his youngest son, didn’t he?” asked Dracia. “I believe his name was Cecil.”

Leal nodded. “He seemed a nice young man when we stopped there a few months ago.”

“So much has happened since we left Navalia,” said Dracia. “It has seemed a very long winter.”

“It will be over soon,” said Ethen. “Spring will come, and a new day with it.”

They sat and drank a few glasses of wine as the housekeeper came in and sat some food down in front of them. Leal was pleased to see Dracia eat. Galen and Lexine walked in together, and Leal called them in.

“I don’t believe you have rebroken anything,” said Galen as he looked over Dracia’s leg. “You do need to try to take it easy for a few days so the swelling will go down. I am sure it will be well.”

“Thank you, Galen,” said Dracia as she smiled at Galen. “What can you tell us about what is happening in Westmoria?”

“The Siccarian soldiers are quickly taking care of all the fallen,” said Lexine. “Those who surrendered are going to be brought here and held outside until Leal decides what to do with them. Many villagers were in hiding and came out to help with clean up. It will take some time, but the village will recover.”

“Did we lose any Elites?” asked Dracia.

“Amazingly, no,” said Galen. “A couple were injured, but they will heal. They are already back at camp, resting.”

“And Siccarian soldiers?” asked Dracia.

“A few were lost, but nothing like you would think after such a battle,” said Galen. “I am sure Lord Owin will give you accurate numbers when he returns later tonight.”

They all turned as they heard voices in the entry hall. Roderick and Lady Selene walked into the parlor, both looking very pleased for having just endured a battle.

“Roderick, it is good to see you,” said Leal. “My queen has been waiting for your appearance.”

“I didn’t mean to keep you waiting, High Captain,” said Roderick as he walked over in front of the fireplace with Lady Selene. “I had thought you would go clean up and rest after arriving back at the palace.”

“I wanted to speak with both of you first,” said Dracia. “Please sit for a moment, and have some food and drink. I know you both must need something.”

Roderick poured them both a glass of wine as Lady Selene sat down in a chair near Dracia. Roderick handed her a glass and sat down next to Selene.

“Now, Roderick, if you could tell us what happened with Dracia and Belleth, and also who that other woman was, we would appreciate it,” said Leal as he sat back and took Dracia’s hand.

Roderick nodded and then looked at Lady Selene. “Perhaps you could start. You are the one who found Dracia first,” said Roderick to Selene.

“I had turned after dealing with a few soldiers with Galen and his two friends, and I saw Dracia walk off with a horrible limp. I was afraid she was going to engage someone while she was injured so I followed her. She moved quite fast for someone with a hurt leg, but I finally found her at the edge of the right side of the village talking with two woman. I could sense something was very wrong. It was almost as if power and evil was emitting off of those women. I looked and saw Roderick and called him over,” said Lady Selene.

“I watched as Dracia talked to the woman. They asked her to come with them, demanded it. They said it was the only way to stop something,” said Roderick. “You resisted at first, Dracia, but then Belleth did something to hurt you and bring you to her. That is when I grabbed you. Belleth was not happy. I am sure she would have done away with me if the king hadn’t shown up,” said Roderick. “What did you do?”

“I am not sure,” said Leal. “I was panicked watching Belleth come towards the both of you. My power reacted on its own. Belleth and that other woman disappeared before it could do anything to them.”

“Who was the other woman?” asked Lord Ethen.

“The lady called Belleth, sister,” said Roderick. “They did look extraordinary alike.”

“You are saying there are two of them?” asked Leal as he shook his head.

“It makes sense, and might explain some things,” said Galen. “Perhaps it wasn’t always Belleth who visited your father, your majesty.”

“Maybe this sister was the healer who kept our mother under control, Leal,” said Lexine.

“What do they want with Dracia?” asked Leal.

“It might have something to do with those prophecies we read in Navalia,” said Galen. “They could think Dracia is the only thing standing in their way of having Navalia take over the land.”

“Then why not just kill me?” asked Dracia. “I didn’t even know what I was doing out there, and I was all alone. Why not just end me, and be done with it?”

Leal squeezed Dracia’s hand. How could he have let her be alone and vulnerable? How could Roderick lose sight of her?

“I don’t know,” said Galen. “I think we might need to look at those prophecies again.”

“I wish to go clean up,” said Dracia as she slowly stood. “I am sure we need to speak more about this, but we can do so tomorrow. Tonight, we should all take time to rest.”

“I will walk with you,” said Lady Selene as she stood. “I am ready to go up, and as much as you might say it isn’t so, I believe you could use a little support on the stairs.”

“I will not argue with you, my lady. I will happily accept your company and assistance,” said Dracia as Selene walked over to give Dracia her arm.

“I will be up soon, my love,” said Leal as he took Dracia’s free hand and placed a small kiss on it.

She smiled at him before slowly walking out of the room with Lady Selene.

“I should like to go up as well,” said Lexine. “Galen, could I see those prophecies? I believe you have them, and I would like to copy them down if I could.”

“Yes, you can come get them now. We can talk about them a little later, if you are not too tired,” said Galen as he stood with Lexine.

They left the room together, whispering to one another various theories and things they needed to read. Leal looked at Ethen who was looking back at him as he drank a glass of wine. Leal turned to Roderick who was sitting with his head down, his almost empty glass in his hand.

“I know you must be angry with me, your majesty,” said Roderick without looking up. “I am quite angry with myself.”

Leal sighed. Perhaps he was angry with Roderick for a moment, but it was quickly fading. It sounded as if Belleth was getting more and more desperate to get to Dracia. To keep her safe, he would need Roderick.

“I am not angry, Roderick, not at you anyway,” said Leal. “You kept her safe from Belleth until I could get there. You could have easily been killed by the woman.”

“I know, but what else could I do? I could not let Dracia go with her,” said Roderick looking up. “This will not be the last time she tries to take her. She sounded very desperate to have Dracia.”

“I will have to make sure I am near her at almost all times,” said Leal. “I am not sure how or why, but my power does seem to affect Belleth in some way. Perhaps if Dracia and I stay close together we can do something about the woman and whoever this sister of hers is.”

“I will still watch over her, especially in battle. As long as she is my High Captain, I will be by her side,” said Roderick. “Perhaps even if she is not.”

Leal gave Roderick a small smile. “I would not ask you to leave her.”

“Though Roderick might have another woman he likes to keep his eye on now,” said Ethen with a laugh. “You and Selene seemed very pleased as you walked into the parlor.”

“We were both relieved the battle was over and our friends were safe, my lord,” said Roderick.

“Indeed,” said Lord Ethen, still smiling. “Even if Roderick’s attention isn’t divided, I will do what I can for Dracia as well. I believe I can offer her some protection as well as help her discover her own ability. As much as I want to help your kingdom, you know the real reason I have come with you.”

Leal nodded. “And I appreciate it. We will save Lanoxan, and make sure its queen come through this safely.”

“I believe the two might be related,” said Ethen. “If you want to save Lanoxan, you will need Dracia.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” said Leal.

The three men finished their last glass of wine and went their separate ways. Leal walked to the king’s chambers to wash and dress. He and Dracia had spent the last two nights in the queen’s rooms together as the bed was much more comfortable, but Leal found it convenient to clean in the king’s room so he wouldn’t disturb Dracia as she cleaned and dressed. Malven was ready for him, having a bath ready and clean comfortable clothes.

“I heard the battle went well, your majesty,” said Malven as Leal came into the room.

“For the most part,” said Leal as he started taking off his shirt. “Though we had a few unwelcomed visitors at the end.”

“I heard that as well,” said Malven. “But I was glad to see you and the queen came back safe for the most part. As well as the others.”

“Did the palace attendants see to the queen?” asked Leal.

“Yes, Mrs. Lynn herself saw to her tonight. I believe all is handled. It is a shame Lanie could not travel with us, but I understand the danger that is involved. Perhaps when all is well in Winsdell, she can join us,” said Malven.

“If Lanie and the queen would both like it, I don’t see it being a problem,” said Leal.

“They would both like it, your majesty,” said Malven with a small smile. “I believe they would both be very pleased with the situation.”

“As would you, it seems,” said Leal as he rolled his eyes. “When the time comes, I will see to it. Now go entertain yourself elsewhere. I will not need any more of your services tonight.”

“I will go, your majesty, and I think I will find much to entertain me in your palace tonight. I think many developments are taking place that are very interesting.”

Leal raised his eyebrows, but Malven only gave a small laugh and bow before he quit the room. Leal bathed quickly and changed into the clothes Malven had left for him, eager to see Dracia, hoping she was still awake when he went to her room. He stepped out into the hall to walk to her door when he heard whispering coming from the other side of the hall.

Leaning back into the shadows he looked to see his sister leaning against the wall, with Galen Ellis leaning over her. Leal watched as Galen leaned in and kissed Lexine quite passionately. Leal diverted his eyes to the floor, thinking it seemed Galen and Lexine had truly mended their relationship. He looked up as he heard a door open and closed. Both Lexine and Galen were gone, making Leal suspicious that Galen had not walked to his own room. What could he really do? She was a grown woman. Perhaps he would have Dracia speak with her soon.

Leal again went to walk to Dracia’s room when he heard whispers on the floor below him. He walked to the edge of the hall to look down into the open space on the lower floor. There against the railing stood Lady Selene with Roderick standing very close.

“Leal, what are you doing out here?” asked Dracia as she came out of the room and looked at him.

Leal put a finger to his lips and motioned for her to join him. She looked at him curiously before she walked to him. Leal took her hand and pointed to the floor below them, having her lean against the wall with him and in the shadows. They both watched as Roderick said something that made Lady Selene laugh quietly. She put her arms around Roderick and pulled him to her. Dracia made a quiet amused noise as Roderick kissed Selene, leaning her against the railing.

“About time,” she whispered to Leal as Roderick pulled back from Selene.

Lady Selene pulled Roderick towards her room, opening the door, and bringing him inside as he shut the door behind him. Leal looked at Dracia with a smile, noticing that she looked very alluring in a white nightgown, with her robe open in the front. He turned and put his arms around her, leaning her against he wall to kiss her.

“Perhaps we should go to our room,” she said as Leal moved his hands down her body, kissing her neck.

“Why?” he asked before he kissed her again. “It seems everyone else is taking advantage of our hospitality. I am the king. I should be able to please my queen wherever I like in my own home.”

Leal went back to kissing her neck, his hands slowly pulling up her night gown.

“Perhaps you should, but it would please your queen to retire to our bedroom as I have many plans for us tonight that will take much more time and privacy than this hallway will allow,” said Dracia as Leal looked up at her.

“Then I will do as pleases my queen,” said Leal as he picked her up and took her into their room.

A pounding on the door woke Leal up from a wonderfully deep sleep as held Dracia.

He opened his eye as Dracia sighed. “What is that?” she asked sleepily.

“I will go see,” said Leal as he bent forward and kissed her forehead, carefully detangling from her. He could see that the light coming in from outside was very faint. It had to be very early.

He slipped from the bed and found his clothes, putting them on as quickly as he could as the pounding on the door happened again. He looked over as Dracia sat up as well, rubbing her eyes. She found her nightgown as Leal walked to the door. He opened it slightly to find Malven staring at him.

“This better be of the upmost importance, Malven,” said Leal.

“It is, your majesty,” said Malven solemnly as he held an open message out to Leal.

Leal took the message as he heard Dracia walk up behind him. He turned to see her in her nightgown and robe, so he opened the door wider to allow Malven to enter. Leal took the message to the fireplace as Dracia raised her hand, causing the fire to roar to life, giving Leal enough light to read.

“It is a message from, Colm,” said Leal as he read down the letter.

He felt his stomach clench and dread and sorrow ran through him as he read the message. After he was done, he looked up Dracia and then over to Malven.

“Who delivered this?” asked Leal.

“An Elite of the Sentinel, your majesty,” said Malven. “He had been riding straight for over two days. I saw that he had a room to rest in.”

“What is it Leal?” asked Dracia.

“Winsdell has been attacked by Navalian forces,” said Leal looking back down at the letter. “The Sentinel was able to make them retreat, but not before several villagers and a few lords were killed.”

“What?” asked Dracia as she leaned over Leal to look at the letter.

Leal nodded and read down the letter again. Several homes and shops had been burned. The palace guard had suffered heavy losses. There were several defected Elites who fought with the Navalians including Darron. Leal read down the list of the lords who had lost his life. Most of them were lower lords of the court. He stopped at one name as Dracia gasped.

“Lord Alaric Ellis,” she said in a whisper. “Roderick and Galen’s brother has been killed.”

Leal took a deep breath and nodded as Dracia took the letter. She tied her robe shut and walked to the door.

“Where are you going?” asked Leal.

“I’m going to go find Roderick and Galen and let them know,” said Dracia. “We will need to leave for Winsdell today.”

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