The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian
Chapter 41

Leal sat behind the desk in the king’s study, looking over some messages that had been sent to him. He smiled a little reading his uncle’s letter. It seemed the King of Indomia was coming to Winsdell this very minute, with his own large force of fighters. Dracia would finally get to meet some of the famous fighting women of Indomia. He knew she had enjoyed stories of them when she was younger.

Another message told him the crown prince of Parvail was making his way to Lanoxan as well. Forces were being alerted all throughout the small kingdom, told to come to Winsdell to join their prince against the Navalians. It was looking like they would have the numbers to face any number of fighters the Navalians could muster, but would it be enough to stop Belleth?

Leal sighed and put down the letter in his hand, rolling his neck, feeling the tension in his body. He wanted his kingdom to be safe. He wanted his people to be protected and for them to have a chance to prosper, but forefront in his mind and in his worries was his wife and child. He could not sacrifice them for his kingdom. He had to find a way to see Dracia safe through the battle to come.

She had told him it would do no good to lock her up or send her away. Belleth would come for her, and she would find her. There was no safe place for Dracia to go. No space she could hide in. She would have to face both Belleth and Belleth’s sister, and Leal would have to find away to protect Dracia and their child.

It hardly seemed fair that now he finally had everything he had ever wanted, it could all be taken from him so soon. How long had he suffered in want and need, longing for Dracia to live with him as his wife? Now she was truly his and he was hers, and they had a child on the way. It could all be taken from him in a moment, and he was not prepared to let it happen. He had to do everything he could to support and protect her. He would form a force bigger than the land had ever seen, and he would have someone else lead it as he saw to his queen.

A knock at his door caused his to stand up and walk around his desk.

“Yes?” asked Leal.

“Lord Roderick Ellis is here to see you, your majesty,” said one of the guards stationed at his door.

Leal smiled to himself, not used to hearing Roderick new title. “Send Lord Ellis in, please.”

The door opened, and Roderick walked in, not looking like a lord, but like he always did, dressed as an Elite of the Sentinel and second to the High Captain.

“Lord Ellis, thank you for coming to see me today,” said Leal as he walked to the sitting area of his study in front of the fireplace. “I know you must be busy.”

“I always have time for my king, your majesty,” said Roderick as he walked over and sat in a chair Leal pointed to.

“I’m glad to hear it,” said Leal. “I wanted to speak to you of the upcoming battle, and let you know what I have heard from our new allies. I also have a meeting I would like you to attend if you have time.”

“I believe I am at your disposal this afternoon, your majesty. I was invited to dine at the palace by your queen this evening.”

“Good,” said Leal. “I hope this meeting doesn’t go on until supper.”

“I hope not as well. I had plans for a short walk with Lady Selene before we eat,” said Roderick.

“I will see that this meeting finishes well before then. I have barely seen Dracia today, and I would like to spend some time with her this afternoon. She was rather unwell early this morning.”

“Did she stay in your rooms and rest?” asked Roderick worriedly.

“You know better than that, Roderick,” said Leal. “I am not sure where she is at the moment, perhaps at the Fortress or with my sister.”

“She is not at the Fortress. I just came from there,” said Roderick.

“Then she must be with Lexine and perhaps your brother. I know they had planned to be in the library today. Perhaps she joined them.”

“What news do you have of these new allies?” said Roderick.

“I have heard from my uncle, the King of Indomia. He has pledged to come here himself and bring a group of fighters. I believe we will see them within a week,” said Leal.

“The fighting women of Indomia are coming here?” asked Roderick. “Dracia will like that.”

“Exactly what I thought,” said Leal as he smiled at Roderick. “We can also expect the true crown prince of Parvail and several of their forces. They wish for Navalia to be defeated so they can bargain back the independence of their kingdom and put their prince on the throne.”

“Two very worthy allies, your majesty. Combine with the Sentinel and the Siccarian forces, we should be well prepared for whatever fighters the Navalians bring.”

“I’m glad you think so, Roderick, because you will be leading them all,” said Leal. “Of course, each force will have their own leaders, but you will be in charge of the defense of Winsdell.”

“You want me to be in charge?” asked Roderick.

“Of course. Who else would I choose, but you? I am sure your High Captain will advise you before the battle, but during the fighting you will be the leader. Dracia obviously cannot be at the front lines, and I will not leave my queen’s side. You will already be over the Sentinel, so it only makes sense you will oversee the whole battle.”

“I appreciate your trust in me, but I do feel as though I belong at my High Captain’s side, at your side, your majesty. If I am in charge of the Sentinel, my first priority is protecting my king and queen.”

“I can see to my own defense as well as the queen’s, Roderick,” said Leal. “I believe you are familiar with my powers.”

“You know I am, and I am not doubting your skill,” said Roderick. “I am only stating where my loyalty and my heart lie.”

“If we were facing a normal threat, I would not deny you the chance to stay close to your High Captain, but Belleth and her sister are not normal threats. I believe there is a chance my power and abilities can protect Dracia better than your skill with a sword or Mystics,” said Leal. “Also, if Dracia knows you are leading our defense, she will be less anxious for her Elites and people. She will want you to do this for her, Roderick.”

“Have you asked her about this yet?” asked Roderick.

“No, because I just decided today, but I will talk to her about it tonight. I know she will be pleased. You know how much she will regret not fighting along side you and the rest of her Elites.”

Roderick nodded. “I will do it as long as Dracia agrees,” said Roderick. “I do not mean to disrespect you, your majesty, but she is still my High Captain, and her word comes first.”

“I understand, Roderick,” said Leal as he stood up. “Now it is time for our meeting.”

“I hope you do understand if I see an opportunity where I can help you or Dracia, I may have to step in. I could not stand by and watch either of you come to harm,” said Roderick as he too stood.

“Many things happen in a battle, Roderick. I will only ask that you do what you believe is right.”

The walked out of the study together, Leal leading Roderick down the hallway to a large set of doors. Leal stopped in front of the doors and waited for Malven to meet him.

“What are we doing here, your majesty?” asked Roderick as he looked at the doors.

“I have to wait for Malven to bring me my robe and crown before we enter. It is a rather stupid tradition and not needed in times like this, but this is the first time I will meet with my full council as king so I will not break with their silly ceremonies yet,” said Leal as he saw Malven coming up the hall behind Roderick.

“You want me to attend a meeting with the king’s council?” asked Roderick.

“I do,” said Leal as he walked forward to meet Malven. Malven handed him his green robe and Leal put it over his shoulders and fastened it. Malven then gave Leal his crown carefully and fussed over his robe for a moment while Leal adjusted the crown on his head.

“Good?” he asked Malven.

“Tilt it to the left a bit more. It is crooked,” said Malven.

“Better?” asked Leal after he had moved the crown.

“Yes, your majesty, close enough to perfect that you will do,” said Malven with a grin.

Leal rolled his eyes and turned to Roderick. “Are you ready to enter?”

“I cannot go in there, your majesty,” said Roderick taking a step back.

“Why ever not?” asked Leal.

“These meetings are for the high lords on your council only,” said Roderick.

“We are two lords short at the moment, and I was thinking of offering you a seat,” said Leal.

“I am a lower lord. I cannot sit on your council,” said Roderick.

“You can if I declare you can. I can make you a higher lord with just a word,” said Leal. “I need people I trust on this council, and of all the lords in the land high or low, I trust none so much as you. I am not commanding you to join, Roderick. I am only asking you to attend this one meeting, and think on it. I will need you to be there as I talk to the lords of our defenses. Our High Captain said she might be late, so you will have to sit in for her.”

“I will attend if you wish it, but I am not sure of taking a seat on your council. Your high lords will not like it,” said Roderick.

“It is not for them to like or not like. They will accept their king’s decisions, or they can leave my council,” said Leal as he moved to open the door.

Leal walked into the room with Roderick following him. The lords at the table stood as Leal made his way around the long table to the end. When he got to the end he stood by his chair and motioned Roderick to sit by his left, causing all the lords to shuffle down.

“Your majesty,” said Lord Arwel on Leal’s right. “You have brought a guest, I see?”

“Yes, as I am sure most if not all of you know, this is Lord Roderick Ellis, the Lord of Low Hill and the second to the High Captain of the Sentinel of Cassendar,” said Leal as he took his seat, causing everyone else to sit.

“What is his business with the council today?” asked Lord Wells who sat a few chairs down from Lord Arwel.

“He is here representing his High Captain at the moment, and as my guest to observe. I would like him to join my council, but I want him to know what he is getting into first.”

“You wish the Lord of Low Hill to join your council?” asked Lord Wells.

“Did the king stutter?” asked Lord Arwel as he looked at Lord Wells.

“It is unusual. I am sure that is all Lord Wells is saying,” said Lord Leighston from across the table.

“No more than the father of a traitor still being on the council,” said Lord Arwel.

“I have already disowned the piece of hill muck. He is no son of mine,” said Lord Leighston.

“Easy to do with words, harder with actions,” said Lord Arwel.

“Enough of this,” said Leal. “We do not have time for bickering. Lord Leighston knows how closely he is being watched. If even one step of his looks suspicious, he will not only be thrown off the council, but he will also be thrown out of this kingdom.”

“Lanoxan and you have my loyalty, my king,” said Lord Leighston. “My wife and my son, Ian, feel the same.”

“I hope that is true, my lord. Only time will tell,” said Leal. “Now, we are here today to speak of the impending attack on Winsdell. I will not have us be unprepared again. Roderick, what can you tell us of the activities of the Sentinel?”

“The High Captain has sent out scouts to different parts of the kingdom to check on any Navalian forces in the area. Several Elites are patrolling the village border and beyond at all times. Elites have gone out into Winsdell to warn our people and offer them shelter in the Fortress or the palace walls.”

“Very good,” said Leal as the door opened and Dracia walked in, wearing her High Captain’s uniform and looking weary.

“Welcome, High Captain,” said Leal as he stood, causing all at the table to stand. “Please join us.”

Dracia’s father looked down his side of the table and everyone shifted so Dracia could sit between her father and Leal. She sat down, giving her father a small smile before turning to Leal. He gave her his own smile, wishing she had skipped this meeting to go and rest in their rooms.

“I am sorry I am late,” said Dracia as she adjusted herself in her seat. “What were we speaking of?”

“Roderick was telling of all the Sentinel is doing to prepare Winsdell, and I was about to give an update on the state of our forces,” said Leal as Dracia nodded.

Leal relayed to the council the information he had received from Parvail and Indomia, causing Dracia to look at him with a raised eyebrow. She gave the council information on the known whereabouts of Navalia forces in Lanoxan and on their border as well as plans she had discussed with Lord Owin for the battle to come.

“I suppose you will not be leading our forces, High Captain,” said Lord Nest quietly. “If what is being said around the palace and village is true.”

“I will not be leading the Sentinel in battle, Lord Nest as it is not in the best interest of the royal line or the kingdom,” said Dracia as she looked at the lord.

“Who will lead our forces then?” asked Lord Wells.

“Lord Roderick Ellis will do it,” said Leal. “I have already discussed it with him, and he is willing as long as the High Captain agrees.”

Dracia looked at Roderick from across the table. She had a very small smile on her face as she turned to Leal. “I can think of no one more capable, your majesty. I believe this is a wise decision, and I have no reason to oppose it.”

“Who will see to your safety, my queen?” asked Dracia’s father. “If your second is leading our forces, who will be by your side? Will it be your other second? He seems rather young for the job.”

“Galen would be more than capable of standing by my side, but I believe he can do better to fight with his brother,” said Dracia. “I will be in the palace which is always heavily guarded with palace guards and our walls.”

“I will be by her side,” said Leal. “I will not leave my queen at any point during the battle. I will see to her safety as she carries the very future of our kingdom with her.”

“Or Siccaria’s,” she whispered to Leal as the Lords chatted around the table.

“We shall see, but either way, the only way I will have an heir is with you,” said Leal very quietly.

“What I need from all of you is to help spread the word amongst your own people and lands. Help everyone to be prepared for what is to come. I understand you want to keep your own homes and lands safe, but any guards you can spare should help in the village. All of you and your families will be welcomed in the inner courts, or you may fight if you think you can help.”

“Can I ask the reason for this war?” asked a lord at the end of the table. “I have heard rumors of reasons including you spurning their princess and breaking a promise you made to her. Are we paying the cost because of your breaking your word, your majesty? Or is it due to your queen killing their king?”

Lord Arwel looked down the table angrily, but Leal held a hand up. “I did give the Princess Lilith a false promise, one I could never keep as I was already joined with my queen by the gods, but it is not the reason for our war with Navalia.

“It is difficult to explain but Navalia is not being truly ruled by its current king. I don’t believe the kingdom was ever ruled by Arnar. It may not have been ruled by its true king ever. There is another who is controlling the king using ways I could never explain to you, and you could not or would not understand. If I had found away to keep my promise to the Navalian princess, our kingdom would have already been under Navalian control.

“The Navalian forces led by the disgraced Elite Darron Leighston had already attacked us when my queen killed their king to save herself. The reason we are in a war with Navalia is because they are being ruled by evil, and we cannot stand for it. If we lose, our people will suffer, and our land will not be our own. All you need to know is the powers in control of Navalia wants our lands, and wants all of you out of the way so they may rule.”

“And will this battle be the end of it?” asked Lord Leighston. “Or will they come again and again.”

“If we can end those who are in control of Navalia, I believe the war will be over,” said Leal.

“And you think they will be in this battle, and not back safe in the Winter Palace?” asked Lord Wells.

“They will come,” said Dracia. “I know for sure they will.”

“Who is they exactly?” asked Lord Wells.

“Lady Belleth,” whispered Lord Nest. “I know Lady Belleth is leading Navalia.”

“A woman?” asked Lord Wells. “One woman?”

“She is more than just a woman,” said Lord Nest. “There is something else. I’ve seen her do things. I felt her do things to me and my family. You don’t know what she can do.”

“Lord Nest is right,” said Roderick. “I have witnessed Lady Belleth’s power myself. I’ve seen her disappear before my eyes.”

“I know everything she is capable of, and defeating her will not be easy,” said Dracia. “You will have to trust us, my lords, and focus on keeping Winsdell safe as we find a way to end her.”

Lord Wells did not look convinced, but he said no more. Leal decided to end the meeting there, giving Dracia time to rest before supper.

“That is all today, my lords. Lord Wells, if you or anyone else has any issues with the way I am handling the defense of our kingdom, I ask you to come to me. I will discuss it with you at great length and try to make you understand,” said Leal. “You could also choose to trust me as I swear to you I only what to keep Lanoxan safe and see it prosper.”

They walked from the meeting room, Roderick walking with Dracia and Leal towards the front of the palace.

“Are you truly fine with me leading the battle, Dracia?” asked Roderick.

“Yes, of course, I am, Roderick,” said Dracia as she smiled at him. “I would have suggested it to Leal had he not already asked you. I can think of no one I trust more to see to the Sentinel and the defense of our village.”

“Where did you spend your afternoon, Dracia?” asked Leal as they got to the stairs.

“In the Academy library with Galen and Lexine. They had a book they wanted me to take a look at,” said Dracia.

“Was the book helpful?” asked Leal.

“It was, and I will tell you about it in a bit, but it seems as if Roderick is expecting company,” said Dracia as she watched Roderick look up the stairs.

“I am to go for walk with Selene before supper, but I am very early,” said Roderick.

“You should go see her then for your walk,” said Dracia giving him a knowing look. “I am sure she will not mind you being early.”

“Yes, and it seem you have plenty of time for a nice long, vigorous jaunt,” said Leal with a slightly laugh as Dracia elbowed him.

Roderick looked at them both as he moved towards the stairs. “I suppose I will take your advice, though you are both a little insufferable at the moment.”

“Did you really just call your king and queen insufferable, my lord?” asked Leal in fake indignation as he and Dracia followed Roderick up the stairs.

“I did because it is true,” said Roderick. “Of course, I wonder how many times I had to see to Sentinel business while you and Dracia went on your own walks, your majesty.”

“Fair enough, Roderick,” said Leal as they got to the second floor. “I hope you enjoy your stroll with Selene.”

Roderick gave them a small wave as he went up the next flight of stairs to Selene’s room.

“Are you going to tell me what you found in that book Galen and Lexine had you look at?” asked Leal as he and Dracia got to their door.

“I will, but first I was wondering if you might like to go for a walk with me. I am feeling much better this afternoon, and think the exercise might do me good.”

Leal smiled as he opened the door and pulled Dracia into the room with him. He took off his robe and place it on a nearby chair before taking Dracia into his arms and kissing her.

“I think I would be rather pleased to take a nice stroll with you this afternoon, my love,” said Leal as he put his hand on his crown.

“Perhaps you should leave that on for a moment,” said Dracia as she took his hand. “I should like to know I am walking with the king this afternoon.”

“Lead on them, my queen,” said Leal as she pulled him into the bedroom.

The next week saw them all preparing to welcome the king of Indomia and his forces as well as the group from Parvail. Parvail would come first having met up at the north of the kingdom and coming down in one group. As their numbers were spotted, Leal and Dracia gathered with Lord Ethen, Roderick, and Galen in the entry hall, waiting to walk out and greet the Crown Prince and a few members of his court.

“Have you ever met any of the royal family from Parvail, Leal?” asked Dracia.

“No, I have not. They are usually ones who keep to themselves, only trading with individual lords on their border. We have never had any conflict with them, but there has never really been any alliance either.”

“I doubt many from Parvail have ever set foot in Siccaria or any Siccarian spent much time in Parvail,” said Ethen. “I wonder what we should expect.”

“I suppose it doesn’t matter because they are here now,” said Dracia as she moved to the door.

The palace guards opened the doors as a large group of men and a few women on horses stopped by the front door of the palace. An older man with tan skin, brown eyes, and graying dark hair dismounted next to a much younger man who could not have been more than eighteen. The young man was dark like the older with straight brown hair, and eyes that were a warm brown. He was tall, but very slim, his build seeming to not have fully formed. He looked up at Leal and the others with wariness and then towards the older man with him who smiled at him.

They walked together towards Leal and she and Dracia took a step forward to greet him.

“Your majesty,” said the older man in a rich, deep voice. “I am Lord Abert Rowmen, and this is my nephew, the crown prince, and rightful King of Parvail Garreth Howlis.”

“We are very happy to receive you and have our two kingdoms work together for a common goal,” said Leal. “I am Leal Cassendar, the King of Lanoxan, this my queen and the High Captain of the Sentinel, Dracia Cassendar.”

“And a High Nobel of Siccaria,” said Lord Ethen with a smile towards Dracia.

“Yes, of course,” said Leal. “And this outspoken fellow is Lord Ethen, a High Noble of Siccaria.”

The young prince looked at Leal, Ethen, and Dracia, before settling his eyes on Leal.

“You should come inside, your highness,” said Dracia with a smile. “My seconds will see to setting up your forces on the palace grounds. You should get settled into your room.”

Lord Abert coughed slightly and looked at his nephew.

“Thank you, your majesty,” said Prince Garreth quietly. “I am very thankful.”

Lord Abert gave his nephew another look, and the young man walked up to Dracia and slowly offered her his arm, seeming scared her very touch might hurt him. Dracia took his arm and smiled at the prince.

“I know you must be tired and perhaps hungry from your journey, your highness. Let us get you settled in, and I will have some food sent up to you,” said Dracia as she led the prince towards the door.

Lord Abert walked by Leal and Ethen as they made their way inside behind Dracia and the prince.

“You will have to excuse the shy manners of my nephew, your majesty, my lord,” said Lord Abert. “He has lived in fear the past few years as he came of age. His father, mother, and sister were all killed in the Navalian attack. I am not sure he has ever recovered.”

“We will not fault him some wariness, my lord,” said Leal. “Not in a new place, surrounded by people he does not know. I am sure many in your number are leery being in Lanoxan, having never really been into our kingdom.”

“Our unfamiliarity with you is much overshadowed by our hatred of Navalia, your majesty,” said Lord Abert. “We may not have been allies, but our kingdoms have lived quietly and peacefully with one another.”

“Perhaps after we win this war, we might find new ways to work together, my lord. As much as I love my kingdom, I am finding out more and more, it would be useful to make friends throughout our land,” said Leal. “I have found our new understanding with Siccaria to be very beneficial to Lanoxan, and I hope it will be for Siccaria as well.”

“It think it will be,” said Lord Ethen. “Besides, you hold something very precious of Siccaria in your kingdom that makes sure we stay united.”

The meeting with the group of Indomia was much different. Leal had met his uncle a few times as he came to visit Leal’s mother, but it had been over ten years since he had seen the king. He rode up on a large horse flanked by two guards. He hoped down, smoothing out his light brown hair that only held a hint of gray. His bright blue eyes surveyed the area, crinkling with his smile as he saw Leal and Lexine standing together. He walked swiftly up to Leal.

“You have certainly grown, your majesty,” said Leal’s uncle with a laugh. “And look at you, little princess. Though, I suppose I can’t call you little anymore. You look much like my sister though you have the Cassendar eyes and hair.”

“It is good to see you,” said Leal. “May I introduce you to my queen and High Captain.”

“Please do so,” said the king as he looked over at Dracia. “I have heard much of her, and I can see the reports are mostly true.”

“I would like to hear what these reports are,” said Dracia with a raised eyebrow. “Especially if you say they are mostly true.”

“I am King Lyam Dumon, the leader of Indomia, and the protector of the people,” said Leal’s uncle as he took Dracia’s hand and kissed it.”

“I am Dracia Cassendar, the Queen of Lanoxan, a High Noble of Siccaria, and the High Captain of the Sentinel of Cassendar.”

“I believe we have met before,” said King Lyam. “I think the last time I was here you were the dark haired girl always running around with Leal.”

“I’m surprise you remember,” said Dracia.

“You were a bold little thing. You asked me questions about the fighting women of Indomia until your mother shooed you off. I told her I didn’t mind,” said King Lyam. “And now I can show them to you in person.”

“I am very interested to see and meet them, your majesty, but first I would like to see you settled. My seconds will see to your forces, and settle them on the palace grounds. Do you travel with your queen or son?”

“No, they both stayed back to rule in my absence. Once things are settled here, I will bring them to visit,” said King Lyam. “My son needs to travel find a wife. Though it seems he has missed out on the prize here since you have been snatched up by my nephew.”

“This is my cousin, Lord Ethen of Siccaria,” said Dracia after shaking her head and laughing.

“Yes, I have meet Lord Ethen, though it has been a while,” aid King Lyam.

“I vaguely remember it,” said Lord Ethen. “I am glad you are here now.”

“I am very glad to be here. I stayed away too long, but King Rommel assured me things were well, and that my sister while unwell at times was doing better in the summer palace. Perhaps I have been too distracted with my own kingdom and its troubles, but there is nothing to do for it now.”

“You should come in and settle into your rooms” said Leal. “We will need to meet soon with Lord Owin of Siccaria and Lord Albert of Parvail. I am sure the Navalians will not leave us alone for long.”

As though Leal had spoken a prophecy, a message from the Sentinel came for Dracia at supper. One that was important enough to be delivered at the very table as they dined. Dracia opened it, read over it and looked at Leal, her expression grave but resolved.

“What is it?” asked Leal quietly.

“Scouts have come back from the north of the kingdom. Navalian forces are moving, and starting to gather. From what information the scouts could get, it seems Navalian will attack Winsdell in six days,” said Dracia.

“Our time of waiting is over,” said Leal. “I am not sure if I should be terrified or relieved the tension will finally resolved. We knew we could not avoid this forever.”

“No, we could not avoid it. They only thing I feel is determined. I will not let Belleth or Julian or anyone else destroy our kingdom or take away anything precious to me,” said Dracia. “We will have to find someway to end them both so not only our kingdom, but our land can be saved.”

Leal nodded. “We will meet early tomorrow. I know you will want to speak with your Sentinel, but leave it off until the morning. Send them a note if you must, but do not go out tonight. You need to rest while you can, and I do not see you getting much of it in the days to come.”

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