The New Guard (Crossroads Book 1) (12 page)

“Well
then,” started Hogan, “I guess we’d be remiss not to take you into the
council’s presence.”

“Lieutenant
Hogan has told me that your family has newly arrived from your beyond. Shall we
show them to quarters while you are with the council?”

David
shook his head, “No, they will accompany me. I will only need to make my
introductions to the council. Then if you would be so kind as to show us all to
our accommodations, I’d appreciate it.”

Yero
bowed and then called over two of his men. A brief and whispered conversation
took place and then the men ran off. Yero returned to David and said, “Your quarters
will be ready before the hour is up. Do you require anything else before
meeting with the council?”

“No,”
David replied. “Let’s get this over with.”

Over the
past two generations, the Council of the Seventh Kingdom had met outside the
castle walls. This came about due to one queen’s objection of inviting the
oft-times uncouth local leaders into her home. A large elaborate pavilion had
been constructed on top of the very rock from which the kingdom’s capital
derived its name. More often than not, the actual council meetings were not
attended by the king or queen, but rather were overseen by their regent. Thus
in recent years, seeing as their meetings didn’t allow the local leaders the
opportunity to meet the king or queen, proxies were sent in their stead.

Since
neither the regents nor the proxies liked to bring bad news back to their
superiors, these meetings became a great deal about maintaining the status quo
and never accomplished much. However, this year was to be different. An
increasing amount of tax revenue had gone unpaid, and the abundance of crop
supplies was drying up. The king, Lord Avrant, was demanding a resolution be
drafted that would solve these issues. The proxies were told quite explicitly
that the blame was not be laid at the doorstep of their representatives.

Over the
past four days a great deal of arguing had occurred. The regent clearly stated
the king’s goals for this council gathering. This statement was followed by
many accusations as to who was to blame for specific problems. As each of the
proxies combated claims laid upon them, they also pointed fingers at the other
members of the council. Partway through the fourth day of bickering, the regent
called an end to the day’s work, as it was clear nobody was ready to work toward
the king’s goals. He stated that he expected them all to draft plans on how
their superiors could accomplish the king’s desires. He then stated that he
expected them all to present their plans in the morning for debate.

All of
the proxies grumbled, but several of them stood indignantly. With much
posturing, many claimed they were devoutly orthodox and could not conceive of
working on a Sabbath. Others cited the orthodoxy of the region they came from
as reason to not work the coming day. Then those proxies that did not cite
religious objections, tried to argue for working through the Sabbath so as to
just get the council over with. Several of them stated that their employers
would not pay them for a day that was not used for work or travel. It was into
this morass that Hogan and Yero led David and his children.

When the
new arrivals entered the tent, almost all of the proxies became quiet. The
king’s regent stood puffing out his chest, on which he wore a silver seal from
the king himself.

“What is
the meaning of this intrusion, master Hogan?” the regent asked imperiously.
“Captain Yero, who are these rabble and what business do they have at the
council’s tent?”

A few of
the proxies nodded their heads, making their faces look as indignant as
possible. One proxy was even bold enough to shout out, “Yes, there is decisive
business going on here.”

Hogan
stepped forward stiffly, his face red with embarrassment. He cleared his throat
to speak; however, before he began, David rested his hand on Hogan’s shoulder.

“Master
Hogan, would you permit me to address these men in your place?” David asked,
genuine respect lacing his words.

Hogan
nodded, a look of relief washing over his face. David stepped forward and took
several seconds to make eye contact with each of the proxies and the regent.
When he finally spoke, his voice boomed with authority.

“My name
is David Koen, Truth Blade.” David paused and let his first words sink in. The
regent was mollified enough to turn pale. “I come by request of the King of
Kings. By the power granted me from God on High, I speak. Those who doubt my
claims can question my blade, the Sword of Truth.”

With his
last words, David drew the Sword of Truth from its sheath. The blade glowed
ever so subtly, and a small ring resounded in the ears of all present. The two
guards who had been lounging in the back of the pavilion stood quickly and
began to draw their own weapons. Yero stepped forward, shook his head, and
motioned for the guards to stand down. Both guards secured their weapons, but
neither looked ready to be at ease.

After
half a minute the regent found his voice, “Truth Blade, we meant no disrespect.
. .” The regent’s comment was cut short by one of David’s raised eyebrows. The
regent took several seconds to clear his throat and start over. “It is well
that you should be here; we have need of your services.”

David
looked around the room again and then sheathed his blade. “There is much to be
done here, and I will help see that it gets done.” David looked directly at the
regent. “Inform Lord Avrant that his presence will be required two days from
now.” He then looked over to the proxies. “Inform, as well, your employers that
the Truth Blade and the King will be present in council the day after the Holy
Day. You will continue to stand in for them until they arrive to ratify the
council’s decisions.” He scanned the room once more before concluding. “When
God manifested Himself in the flesh to the chosen races, he performed miracles
on the Sabbath. However, even the Christ knew to take rest. We will honor the
Seventh Day by not spoiling it with arguing and complaints.”

David
turned and walked out of the still silent tent. He was quickly joined by Hogan,
Yero, and his children.

Yero was
the first to speak. “That will ultimately make things worse.”

David
replied, “Yes, but now the various powers behind this boondoggle will have to
come forward. If I were in a position to do so, I’d make sure the realm’s army
was ready for anything.”

Yero
smiled and said, “I’ll do what I can,” then took his leave.

David
then turned to Hogan. “What title is the best to address you with: lieutenant,
or master?”

Hogan did
not look at David; rather, he looked toward the castle proper. The young
lieutenant had removed his helmet and felt awkward without all his armor in place
and without the rest of his troops around. He fidgeted with the point of his
right ear before he quietly responded, “Both titles have been granted me by my
lineage. I’d like to think that under Yero’s guidance I’ve earned my military
title. However, you probably should refer to me as master, as my family will
respect that most.”

David
stopped walking toward the castle and put his hand on Hogan’s shoulder to halt
him. Hogan slowly turned to David. David pursed his lips together and shook his
head.

“You speak
of yourself as I’m sure many people have spoken about you. I may not be
completely familiar with the dynasty of your family, but I know they pride
themselves on their proliferation. It is not by them that I will judge you. I
will look at you as you have presented yourself. Stand tall, for are you not a
man created by God? Do you think your maker sees you as fifteenth of anything?
What does it matter what others say of you if you are a man of Christ? It is
through the sacrifice of the Christ that God says I cherish you. Seek to walk
the way of the Word, and you will find your worth.”

David
looked back at his children. Most all of them had been listening as David
spoke. The oldest three smiled at their father, having heard him tell them
something similar when he had given them their coming of age ceremonies. Silas
and Eve recognized the words David had spoken from talking to their older
siblings. Silas’ mind began wandering as he imagined what his ceremony would be
like, especially now in a place like this. Eve, on the other hand, was
wondering if her father would even have coming of age ceremonies for them now
that their lives were changing so much.

As David
turned back to Hogan, Eve looked over at Deborah’s left ring finger and the
carved gold band with three small gems worked into the pattern and thought,
He’s
already forgotten his precious first born child’s birthday. How much more will
slip past unrecognized? Surely. . .
She stopped herself before she could
think any further, though she could not completely obliterate the thoughts.

“You
really aren’t one to pull punches,” Hogan finally said. “You should refer to me
as master when in the presence of the royal line, lieutenant in strictly
military company, and Hogan will suffice in closed company.”

“Very
well, Hogan; I will require you to make my presence formally known to the king.
Before you do that though, I would be most appreciative of quarters for myself,
my family, and my traveling companions.”

“Arrangements
are being made to put in you in Way House. It isn’t as luxurious as Council
House, but it is within the castle walls. I will send my own servants to see to
your needs. The king may invite you to dinner, but I doubt he’ll extend the
invitation any further than you. I would be honored if you would attend Sabbath
service as my guest. Normally, I attend the soldier’s morning service instead
of the king’s brief afternoon service. I’m not certain if Lord Avrant will
invite you to that service.”

“Thank
you, Hogan. My family and I would be glad to join you for church. As for a
second service, we will see what transpires at dinner.”

Hogan
bowed his head and resumed his course back toward the castle. David motioned
for everyone to follow. As he began walking, Dinah ran up to him and took his
hand. David looked down at Dinah’s beaming face and smiled back.

“Daddy,”
she said in an excited whisper.

“Yes,
Di,” David replied.

“He’s an
elf,” she finally giggled, “and our dog talks, and I rode a horse and camped
out.”

David
shook his head and squeezed Dinah’s hand. “Seems to me like you’re having a
great adventure.”

“The
Oswald boy gave Mary and me candy, but I didn’t like when the scary horses and
dogs came. I’m glad you made them go away.” She paused, then very quietly
added, “I miss Mommy.”

David
scooped up Dinah and held her tight as he walked. “I’ll do my best to keep the
scary stuff away and get us back to Mommy. You just keep trying to be brave,
and I’ll see if Hogan has any candy to share.”

Dinah
kissed David’s scruffy cheek and giggled at the feeling. She wrapped her arms
around his neck and laid her head down on his shoulder. She was asleep by the
time they reached the castle proper.

Though
Dinah was the only one to voice it, the rest of the children were also feeling
a great sense of adventure and trepidation. By the time Hogan had removed his
helmet on the way to the council’s tent, they had all mastered not being
completely surprised. However, most of them did stare at Hogan’s pointed ears
and only looked like they were paying attention when he talked, because they
were studying his slightly pointed, thin eyebrows.

Hogan was
not the only elf they had to observe either. While there were gaeder and some
humans at Council Rock, the majority of people were elves. The servants Hogan
set to help them get situated in Way House were also elves. The younger girls
were amazed at the long, ornately braided hair that the female elves wore and
ended up asking if they could have their hair styled.

Hogan had
been efficient in his instructions to his servants. As soon as they arrived
they readied the wash rooms, drawing warm water into all three tubs. New
clothes were laid out to replace the outfits soiled by travel. After the girls
had bathed, the servants quickly cleaned out the wash room and redrew water for
the boys. Hogan’s steward insisted that David be one of the first to wash, as
he was to be attending dinner with Lord Avrant within the hour.

When
David emerged from the bath he was led into a dressing chamber, where he was
fitted with new, more elegant clothes. He was told he would be allowed to wear
his sword as it was the marker of his status, though no other weapons would be
allowed. He finally rejoined his family shortly before he was to walk over to
the king’s dinner. He was not surprised to find them all sitting down to their
own meal, but he was taken aback to see Deborah standing by the door dressed
more stylishly than he was.

Deborah
smiled bashfully when she noticed her dad’s expression. “Apparently,” she said,
“I am to accompany you to dinner.”

David
stared for a moment more and then smiled. “You look a lot like your mother. I
think she’ll be sad to hear she missed seeing you all dressed up. It is one of
the only things she misses from her youth.”

After
wishing his other children goodnight, David extended his arm to Deborah. They
walked out to find a young human boy waiting for them. He bowed and informed
them he was to guide them to the dining hall. They followed the page (his
uniform was slightly too big for him) as he led them up the main castle road
through a large portcullis. Once through, he led them off to the left and up a
winding staircase. The flight of stairs led to a small set of double doors.
Looking down the hall into which the doors opened, Deborah saw another two sets
of double doors, with the center ones being twice as big as the one they stood
before.

The page
led them up to the closest set of doors and knocked on them. An elf, similarly
aged and dressed, opened the door. The human page handed the elf page a card.
The elf looked at it briefly, then looked up at David and Deborah. He
dismissively waved his hand at the other page and motioned for David and
Deborah to enter.

They
entered a small waiting chamber with a standing mirror and simple padded bench.
The elf page asked them to wait, and he left the room using another set of
double doors. David and Deborah didn’t have long to wait for his return.

“You are
being announced now,” he said and held the door open for them to go through.

David and
Deborah entered into a large hall with half a dozen circular tables and one
large rectangular table. The round tables were staggered around the room, while
the rectangular table sat elevated on a
foot high
stage. The four round tables nearest the rectangular table had place settings
on them, as did the rectangular table. There were already a few elves sitting
at the round tables, and they looked closely at David and Deborah. Their
attention was soon drawn away when the majordomo announced the arrival of Hogan.

“Master
Hogan, fifteenth in the line to Lord Avrant, son of Lady Gielz, and Lieutenant
in his majesty’s guard.”

Hogan
entered from a set of double doors opposite those the two Koens had just
entered. He quickly spotted David and Deborah and made his way to them, making
a few brief salutations along the way. When he finally made it to their side,
he bowed slightly at the waist. David returned the gesture, while Deborah bent
her knees and bowed her head in a curtsy. Deborah’s face lit up in a smile as
she was delighted in her ability to remember how to curtsy, something she had
only done as a little girl. Hogan smiled as well, taken in by the beauty of
Deborah and the warmth of her smile.

Hogan
turned to David. “I’m so glad you didn’t object to my inviting your daughter. I
couldn’t help but feel she deserved something special for having missed a birth
anniversary.”

David
bowed his head again to Hogan. “Thank you, although I don’t know how this
dinner will be much of a gift.”

Hogan
waved the comment away. “You needn’t worry about my cousin causing a scene.
This is mainly a family dinner and a chance for him to observe you up close.
You’ve been granted a seat next to General Kolk at the king’s table. Your
daughter will have to join me at my table, though.”

Just then
the majordomo announced the arrival of the king and his party. Those who were
currently sitting rose to their feet.

“His
Majesty,” the chief steward boomed, “the ruler of the Seventh Kingdom, Lord
Avrant, and his queen Lady Liseea, second heiress to the Fruited Groves.”

Each of
the men bowed fully at the waist, their eyes cast down to the floor. The ladies
made deep curtsies, their eyes similarly downcast. Deborah quickly followed
suit; from the corner of her eye she saw her father bowing deeply, but his eyes
were fixed on the royal couple. Seeing this, Deborah could not resist taking a
peek at them as well.

The lean
angular pair of elves were dressed in fine clothing that flowed gently in the
breeze created by the couple's movements. The king’s hair was plaited, and on
his head he bore an elaborate crown set with seven jewels. The queen’s long
braids were far more elaborate than those Deborah had seen the servants
wearing. Fine ribbons were woven in, as were several different types of
sparkling gems. The queen also wore a crown, but hers was a thin, yet solid,
band of gold carved with minute designs. Deborah was surprised to recognize one
of the designs; she looked down at the ring on her left ring finger to confirm
the similarity. Before she could ponder further on the similar designs, the
king and queen sat at their table and the king simply said, “You may be
seated.” The assembly took their seats. Quietly, the majordomo announced the
late arrivals, which included General Kolk.

David
turned to Hogan and said, “I thought you said this was a family dinner!”

Hogan
smiled at David. “It is; once a week he likes to make all the family scrape and
bow during a formal dinner. Their presence will insure he doesn’t make a scene.
He has to save face in front of the family or else someone might get it in
their head to take the throne from him. Now you’d better go; dinner service
will start shortly.”

Hogan
then turned to Deborah and offered his arm. Deborah smiled, but looked to her
father. David gave Hogan a stern look, before she signaled for Deborah to go
with him. David made his way to the king’s table and took his seat.

Throughout
the dinner David and General Kolk talked of several things, including how David
became the Truth Blade. While the king appeared to be in conversation with
either his queen or the elderly man to his left, David was aware of the king
watching him on many occasions. He also knew that the king’s ears were capable
of following two conversations at once. Occasionally, David made an effort to
keep glancing down at Hogan’s table.

While
there were three other elves at the same table who were about Deborah’s age,
Deborah and Hogan seemed absorbed in each other’s company. David was struck at
how at ease both seemed, especially Hogan. The young lieutenant had seemed ill
at ease with himself during their first meeting. That lack of self-esteem was
reflected every time he spoke of his family or his position. Now he seemed to
be smiling a great deal and talking quite easily with Deborah. For her part, Deborah
seemed to be pleased with his company and enjoying herself. David grumbled
internally to see his daughter so enamored and reminded himself to have another
conversation with her about young men, especially in this environment.

Dinner
lasted exactly an hour and consisted of four courses. At the end of the fourth,
David was asked to join the king, the general, and a few other associates in
the king’s study. As he stood, David signaled a page and asked that he convey a
message to master Hogan. The page nodded, received the message, and nodded
again. David saw the page go over to Hogan, but could not stay any longer as
the king was leaving.

Once the
page whispered the message in Hogan’s ear, Hogan looked up to see David exiting
the room with the king’s party. He gently touched Deborah’s hand and pointed to
her departing father.

“Your
father has been invited to the king’s study. He has asked that I take you back
to Way House.” Hogan stood and offered his arm. “If you would indulge me, I
would like to make one stop first.”

He smiled
awkwardly when Deborah didn’t immediately stand. She watched her father depart,
feeling a little apprehensive at his leaving her. David turned and made eye
contact with Deborah and gave her a reassuring smile. At that moment Deborah realized
Hogan was speaking; some of his uncertainty, not present during the evening’s
conversation, was back in his voice.

“Well. .
. I mean, I had arranged for something to be delivered later, though we can
take care of it now. . . if you don’t mind.”

Deborah
smiled as she stood. Hogan’s smile returned and broadened. She took his arm and
he began to walk with her. Deborah felt a tinge of regret at making him feel
momentarily out of sorts, so as they walked from the room she thanked him.

“It was
very thoughtful of you to invite me. The food was wonderful. I enjoyed the
blend of new and familiar tastes. My meals here in the Crossroads have been
quite interesting.”

“Many
newcomers are often surprised at how things here are so similar yet different
at the same time. It has been nearly a decade since so many outsiders have come
from the outlying worlds. My own family has been part of the Way World so long
as to know nothing save the traditions from our home world. Ah, here we are.”

As they
talked, Hogan had taken Deborah out a side door of the dining room, down a
flight of stairs, and through a door under those stairs. The door opened to a
hallway, which quickly led to a side entrance to a large kitchen. Within the
kitchen there was a large fireplace that could easily fit half a dozen full
grown humans side-by-side. Flanking either side of the fireplace were six
black, iron stoves. Four good sized tables in the middle of the room and
several counters opposite the fireplace created work space for the staff and
storage areas for food. Scattered throughout the room were several doors;
Deborah could see that some of them led to storerooms, some led to stairwells
or hallways, and one housed a large dumbwaiter, able to accommodate one servant
and a cart.

Deborah
watched as the door hiding the dumbwaiter opened to reveal a female elf and a
cart laden with dirty dishes. Deborah recognized the dishes from the dinner
they had just left. She continued watching as the female elf pushed the cart
over to a bay of stone and metal sinks that were full of steaming, soapy water.
Deborah was so captivated watching all the different humans and elves that she
didn’t notice Hogan talking with a plump human woman whose dress sleeves were
pulled up, revealing thick, muscled arms. However, Deborah was soon interrupted
in her marveling when Hogan brought the woman forward to introduce her.

“Deborah,
this is Evangeline, the head cook. I’ve been scolded by this woman more times
than I care to remember.”

Evangeline
let out a hearty harrumph. “Something that wouldn’t have happened had you not
always been trying to nick food,” She said with a broad smile.

Deborah
was taken aback by the other woman’s British accent. However, before she could
comment on it, Hogan spoke up.

“Well,
your cooking is the best, especially your cakes. Speaking of which. . .” Hogan
trailed off.

“Oh,
yes,” replied Evangeline, taking Deborah’s hands into her own. “I’m sorry to
hear about your missed birthday, dearie. Hogan came in earlier today and
requested something special.”

Having
said that Evangeline moved off across the kitchen and entered one of the
storage rooms. Deborah looked at Hogan. He tried to look back innocently, but a
broad smile broke across his face.

“What did
you do?” she asked, as a smile spread on her own lips.

Hogan
turned away from her slightly, as if interested in something else in the
kitchen.

“It
embarrasses me to say this, but my family has not been over-welcoming to anyone
for many years. Had your father not been the Truth Blade, you would be housed
at an inn in Ven instead of the castle proper. Ven, the town south of here,
isn’t the best place for travelers. My cousin, Lord Avrant, doesn’t bother with
hospitality much. The council members even stopped getting invited to business
dinners, so they started sending proxies.”