The Descendants Book One: The Broken Scroll (44 page)

Chapter 25 The Seeds of Dissent

After they reached the landing on the second floor, Kayleigh spoke up, smiling.  “Three spare rooms, who wants to share?” 

Davin jumped to her defense…a little too quickly.  “Take this time to have your own privacy for once.  We don’t when this opportunity will arise again and I’m sure you crave a bit space from the men you’ve seen so much of lately.” 

Kayleigh threw him a wry look, as if this thought had never actually occurred in her mind, and that it was odd coming from Davin’s mouth. 

Did she want to be with him instead?  No, that couldn’t be.  He was reading too much into things, as usual. 

Women were always thinking the opposite of what you think they are.

Feeling embarrassed, he focused on a crack in the wall next to him, and didn’t turn back until she spoke again. 

“Thank you for the consideration.  I am impressed that you know women that well, or perhaps you just pretend to,” she said, her tone amused. 

“It must be one of Ancient’s abilities I am unaware of,” Egan cut
in.  Kayleigh stifled a giggle and turned to Egan. 

“That explains it,” s
he said in shock, as if she had just figured it out. 

Egan shrugged.  “If that were a true gift of my race, I would have broken a lot more hearts before now.” 

“Good to know.  On that thought, I think I will retire,” Kayleigh said and then she turned into the first room. 

A few minutes later Davin found himself beneath the sheets of a small, uncomfortable bed.  Teague had claimed the other bed in the room while Egan took the next room down from where they were. 

Davin found that he was unable to sleep soundly.  Excitement and anxiety took him over.  Every half hour, it seemed, he awoke to find the sun a little higher in the window than it was before.  And for the short periods he did sleep, he dreamt of battles and death as he tossed and turned.  This did not make him want to go back to sleep, even though he knew that he needed to keep his strength up. 

He could think of nothing else but arriving at Swift River.  All he wanted was for Niahm to see him alive, and to see for himself the town of Lemirre standing behind her, ready to do whatever Egan and he asked of them.  The thought of this caused him to swell with pride, and he had to resort to a calming technique Egan had taught him to keep himself in check.  He couldn’t get his hopes up for fear of them being dashed.  There was still the very real possibility that, despite the addition of Druce and Aiden to their group, they would find themselves very much alone in Swift River.  It would be up to the six of them to show O’Hara and Deverell the error of their ways, or death if they chose it.  This line of thought sent him into his last fit of dreams before midday arrived. 

***

“The preparations are made,” Druce greeted them, as they stepped out of the tavern and into the street at twelfth hour.  Davin did not feel well rested, but he didn’t feel sleepy either, which was good enough for him.  “I have sent several men out to give word to my acquaintances in other towns and cities.  They will be informed of our plans and encouraged to join us in Swift River.”

“You have contacts in the Greenlands?” Egan asked concernedly.   Druce did not seem to share the concern openly, but his face fell as if he was suddenly second guessing himself. 

“Of course, there are many people Aiden and I met during our time running from the army.  Is that a problem?” he said. 

“It depends, “Egan said.  “How loyal are these men to you?”

Druce regained his confidence.  “I can vouch for their character, if that’s what you mean.”

Egan sighed.  “What’s done is done.  But I would advise you not to spread our plans around too much.  We can’t risk letting the wrong people come across the knowledge.  Our success at the capital city rides solely on the element of catching them off guard, so they are not prepared to defend themselves.” 

“That’s not all it rests on.  We will need more than a little luck to overcome their ranks, I promise you.”  Then he turned away, chewing on his lip.  “I can see that in my haste I did not think it through.  My mind was set on increasing our numbers.”  He turned back.   “It is true we must be careful, but we will need more than any Lemirre has to offer.” 

“What are the chances that they will even come if summoned?” Davin asked, trying to hide his skepticism. 

“They are no less likely to show than the people you have called upon,” Druce retorted.  His voice remained cordial, but Davin still felt a twinge of irritation pass between them. 

“Come, let us go to stables.  I have secured the few spare horses we have for our trip,” Druce said to all of them.  “We will want more reliable and speedy transportation than pookas for this trip.” 

Davin almost asked where Aiden had went when the mute man came ru
shing out of the Healing Station.  It was comical the way he bumbled down the stairs and towards their group.  He would have laughed if the look on the man’s face hadn’t been so urgent. 

“What is it, Aiden?” Druce asked him. 

For the first time since they had arrived Aiden attempted to communicate verbally.  He didn’t try to actually speak, he simply mouthed the words he wanted to say.  Davin couldn’t make out what they were, but Druce nodded his head like he understood completely. 

Druce translated.  “He says that the captive seems to have regained some sense.  One of curative experiments seems to have worked.  Would you like to see him?”

“Yes,” said Egan, quickly.

Druce led them
off the street, into the Healing Station, and up to the third story where a large room filled with beds resided.  It ran the length and width of the building and was brightly lit.  Only a handful of the beds held any patients, but that was expected considering the size of the town. 

Aiden gestured down toward the far end of the room where the Cureist sat by the bed of the soldier, making notes on parchment.  The soldier eyed them groggily.   

The Cureist greeted them as they neared.  He was a small, round man in stature, but had the confidence of one who took pride in his specialized skills.  He shook their hands, introducing himself as Reginald.  “Only minutes ago I was able to finally make some sense out of him.  His head has cleared and he seems well enough.  His body seems to think he was simply in a long, deep sleep, hence his drowsy manner.  Since this is a new condition to me I don’t know how long it will take to wear off.” 

“How did you cure him?” Egan asked. 

Reginald looked at Egan as if how the soldier had been cured was irrelevant.  He hadn’t been informed of the true nature of the soldier’s madness then.  That was certain.  

“It was a curious little plant a colleague of mine sent me.  He said he found it in the forest southeast of here on his travels.  I like to experiment with rare substances in my cures, so he sent it to me.”

“The Ancient Forest?”  Davin spat out. 

“I believe that is what they call it, yes.  He told me he found the plant interesting because it seemed to radiate light of its own accord.  I do not know about how much of that is true, it wasn’t glowing when I received it, but it seems to be the only thing in my collection that has worked.  I spent the entirety of the night and morning giving him various mixtures.  None has worked until now.” 

“Let me speak with him,” said Teague to Egan, unexpectedly.  “He may recognize me and be more willing to give us information.” 

“Yes, I believe that would be best,” Egan agreed and stepped out of the way.  Reginald stood back and watched silently. 

Teague touched the soldier’s shoulder and he turned slowly toward the young prince.  His eyes widened as they fell upon Teague’s face.  He raised his head slightly to see better but it seemed to take some effort. 

“My lord, my p
rince,” said the man, trying to dip his head in a bow.  Davin watched Reginald blink in surprise as if hadn’t heard the soldier correctly. 

Teague shook his head, gesturing for him to lie back down.  “Do not address me as such here.  I have to ask you a question.” 

“Of course, my lord.”  The soldier remained awed by Teague’s presence, his gaze never falling away the young Prince. 

“How did First Captain Deverell grant the Ancient’s power to you?” Teague asked.  The soldier shook his head, his eyes flitting back and forth quickly
. 

“Ancient’s power?  I don’t know, sir.  I-I don’t know of having any powers.  How much memory did I lose?”  Davin pitied him.  The man looked scared, though Davin imagined he would feel the same way if he had gone through losing a considerable chunk of his memory…like Egan. 

Teague looked back at them, confirming that he shouldn’t push the issue.  “Very well, soldier,” said Teague in an authoritative tone.  “Since you have gone through quite an ordeal, I will request you be retired to civilian status.  You may return home when you are well.” 

The soldier didn’t look pleased with the idea of his service being done with, but he only said, “As you wish, my lord.” 

Teague turned back to leave the bedside when Davin spoke up, an idea suddenly striking him.  “My lord, what of the other matter you wished to request of him?” 

Teague studied Davin, trying to read his thoughts.  Davin hoped Teague knew this was an act.  He walked forward to the side of the bed and peered down at the soldier, who was also wearing a confused expression. 

Davin addressed the soldier, “If my lord will allow me, I would inform you of the other request he had for you.  He seems to have forgotten it himself.”  Davin glanced back at Teague, pretending to seek the noble Prince’s approval.  Teague nodded, and gestured for Davin to continue. 

“He has received word of an uprising and gathering of fighters in the south near the coast.  He requests that you pass the word to King O’Hara before more numbers join their ranks.”

The soldier looked past Davin to Teague.  “What is their intent exactly, my lord?” 

Teague’s face grew intense.  “To over throw my father, and replace him with their own leader.” 

The soldier’s jaw dropped.  He no longer looked groggy.  “Rebels you mean.  Traitors.  I can’t believe anyone would be so bold.  The King deserves only honor from the citizens,” he rambled.  Davin had to fight the urge roll his eyes. 

Teague continued after a small silence.  “I see that you had the rank of First Tenant.  If you choose to take on this mission, I will promote you this moment to First Xeral, two ranks above your current status.  This should be able to gain you an audience with the First Captain. You must keep this information sec
ret until you reach Talamaraon City or more will be inspired to stand against us.  Request to speak to the First Captain himself; he will pass word along to the king and the army.”

The soldier looked uncertain, as he wasn’t sure that he wanted to take up the challenge.  Teague stepped forward and frowned at the man, not looking impressed with his moment of doubt. 

“There is no time for argument, soldier.  Will you do what your lord requests of you?”  Davin had to admit, Teague was good at being royalty when he wanted to be. 

After recovering from a moment of embarrassment, the soldier said, “I would be honored to take up this personal request from my liege.  When I
am well, I will leave for the capital city at once.” 

“This pleases me soldier,” said Teague authoritatively.  “You will be commended if you succeed.  Give me a moment and I will make this promotion official.” 

Teague requested parchment and ink.  Everyone waited patiently while Teague wrote out the confirmation of the soldier’s promotion and signed it. 

The soldier looked at Teague in admiration.  It would have made Davin feel uncomfortable, but he assumed Teague was used to that sort of thing.  Teague simply took his hand out and the soldier kissed it lightly, without reservation. 

Pulling his arm back Teague said, “I pray you heal fast and return with haste to the capital.”

“Thank you, my lord.  I will.” 

“And one last matter,” Teague finished, “do not reveal that this information came from me until necessary.  My location cannot be sacrificed.” 

The soldier hesitated.  “My lord…may I ask what you are doing down here, with these people?  I’m certain the king would be
glad to know you are alive.” 

Teague grimaced, looked toward Davin and the others, and then back at the soldier.  “I’m certain he would.  But I am not ready to reveal my purpose here.  I need you to accept this.” 

“Of course, my Prince.”  The soldier straightened up in bed.  “I will leave here as soon as I am able travel.  Any uprising will not stand a chance.  We will see to it.”   

Teague turned back to the rest of the group and they all knew their time here was done.  Druce thanked the Reginald for his allowance and bid him farewell.  Reginald didn’t stare anywhere else but at Teague as he mouthed his goodbye.  Davin hoped he wouldn’t he tie them up any longer, and was relieved when he didn’t.  As they began to tread toward the stairs, Reginald continued to glare, but said nothing else.  There would have been lengthy explanation in order otherwise, and they didn’t have the luxury of time to tell it. 

Kayleigh grabbed Davin lightly by the shoulder and he turned his head to her, trying not given any indication of the sudden of excitement he felt at her touch. 

“That was brilliant, Davin,” she whispered.  Davin shrugged his shoulders, not wanting to make a big deal of it outwardly. 

When they exited the building Druce spoke up immediately.  “What was the meaning of that display, might I ask?” 

“Can you not figure it out yourself?” Egan said, with the hint of a pleased smile born from what had just taken place inside. 

“Prince Teague has just secured our element of surprise,” Davin said, proudly.  “If that soldier succeeds, we will have diverted a good portion of the army away from the Capital.” 

It was Druce’s turn to be skeptical.  “The odds are against us that one man’s word will convince Deverell and O’Hara.  And how likely is he even to gain audience with the First Captain.  They are more likely to be wise to trickery and lies, considering they are masters of such things themselves.” 

“The odds of success are the same as your extra fighters joining us,” Davin said, refusing to believe the plan wouldn’t work. 

“All I am saying,” Druce groaned, raising his voice a bit, “is that you have more than likely informed the King of our exact plan rather than diverted him.” 

Davin tried to keep the argument light, but Druce was making it hard.  “You read too much into this and think too highly of O’Hara.”   

“Do you actually think that I like that man”-

Davin cut him off, barely winning over his rising temper.  “You certainly have little faith in us if you don’t trust our judgment.”

Druce stepped firmly toward Davin, his face turning harsh.  “I’ve seen too much to leave anything to chance, especially this kingdom’s future.”