The Pool And The Pedestal (Book 2) (5 page)

The entire group at the palace gate turned and looked South. From the gloom stepped Sergeant Deling, keeper of the Southern gate,  and a retinue of Guard regulars.

“I am sorry I am so late.” huffed Deling. “Zodra is a big city and my legs do not carry me as they once did.”

“Deling!!” shouted Udas. “Return to your duties at the south gate. Your services are not required here. I have this situation well in hand.”

“It seems you are mistaken sir.” replied Deling. “For if I just heard you right, you were about to take into custody someone under the protection of parlay. Tis a sad state of affairs if this great nation begins to lose her honor sir.”

Udas screwed his face into a sour expression and glared at Deling.

“What are you talking about you old fool?!”

“The entire lot of them were given parlay when they first arrived sir.” beamed Deling and he turned to Ader. “I wondered why on earth you wanted it. Made no sense for the prince heir to ask for ...”

“Silence you imbecile!” shouted Udas. “Tis of no matter what a broken down old idiot grants travelers at the southern gate. He cannot grant the king’s parlay to travelers. That is absurd!”

Ader smiled once more at the exasperated colonel.

“But he can.” said Ader turning to Deling. “Tell him.”

Deling smiled shrewdly.

“Actually, that is one of the rare authorities given to me over the years.” began the sergeant as if quoting from a text. “The gatekeeper shall act as the sole authority for the king at the gate. He represents the king’s judgment in all happenings on entry or exit from the city. He settles all disputes and grants all parlays.”

“Bravo.” said Ader. “Just as I remember helping draft it over five hundred years ago.”

“Thank you.” replied Deling. “A man has got to know what his duties are if he is to execute them properly.”

Manfir stepped forward.

“Deling. I am not comfortable with the security of the palace in control of the supply staff.” stated the prince and he turned to Udas’s men. “I’m sure
some
of you serve the kingdom admirably. However, I prefer the palace guarded by soldiers trained at the Hold. I’m sure you are needed in your positions in the supply yards. Deling take control of this station. I’m off to confer with my father over this and other matters of security.”

Manfir brushed past Udas and into the inner courtyards of the palace. Kael and the remainder of the group followed as Deling barked commands.

“You lot! Out from in front of the gate. Olin and Frowley! Break your men into two squads, one inner gate, one outer...”

“Deling I order you to halt! Do not disobey me!” Kael heard Udas shriek over the bellowing of the sergeant.

“Pardon sir, but Prince Manfir is a superior officer,” returned Deling. “ and you cannot countermand his orders. I am simply doing my duty, sir.”

“We shall see about that!” came the faint squeal from the supply staff commander.

The courtyards were beautiful in the moonlight. Apple trees draped over bordered planting areas filled with violets and daisies. The smell of lilac hung in the air. Kael passed statues of maidens and gazing pools filled with shimmering silver fish. The courtyards of the palace of Zodra were certainly nothing like the city.

The group approached an arched doorway manned by two of Udas’s guards. The men snapped alert as they saw such a large group bearing down on them. One of the guards halfheartedly motioned Manfir to stop as the prince marched past him.

“You cannot.... I need to know your business... I..” mumbled the sentry as the entire troop paraded by.

“Very unprofessional, lad.” whispered Teeg with a frown on his face as he passed the sentry.

The group continued down a long hallway. It reminded Kael of the hallway in the Rindorian palace with one exception. Portraits and busts filled this hallway. Zodra allowed no place for whimsy in its art. No sculptures of herons or portraits of landscapes, only faces and names aligned and ordered by their importance. Manfir stormed past his ancestors as he headed toward a pair of oaken doors at the hallway’s end. Several attendants seated near the doors jumped to their feet. One opened a door as Manfir closed within three strides of it. The attendant swept into a large room, filled with people.

A military man stood in the center of the room addressing the crowd. Behind him upon a dais at the far end of the room sat an old man hunched forward in his chair. A golden crown hung on a hook affixed to the wall behind the throne. The old man was nearly bald except for a gray wisp of thin hair swirled about the top of his shiny head. A close trimmed, gray beard was shorn to a neat point under his chin, and dark circles rimmed his eyes. Kael realized that life had been hard on the king of Zodra.

“... more militia must be raised to help support the Guard. Our early estimates tell us the army is extremely outnumbered at the front. Each of the noble houses, each of
your
  houses must determine who and what you can sacrifice to the cause....” continued the general.

Many were diverted by the entry of Manfir, and by the time Granu entered, all eyes were fixed on the doorway. The attendant patiently waited for a break in the discussion to announce the new arrivals.

The general slowed his speech due to the distraction, then halted. The old man on the throne narrowed his eyes and focused on the doorway. A slight flush betrayed his recognition of the arrivals. King Macin snapped at the general.

“Wynard! Continue! The rest of you look to the general there! He tells you fools how to save yourselves and your people. Distractions can only harm us now!”

The general cleared his throat and turned back to the nobles assembled in the hall.

“As I was saying, the houses must raise a militia and support the Guard if we are to enjoy any success. The seasoned troops under our command must be moved to the front. Any civil position filled by a veteran must be replaced with a reserve. The key is to hold the Ulrog in the mountains. If we can get enough trained soldiers on the front lines, we may be able to beat back any advance the Ulrog make.”

Confusion broke out near the doorway. Udas and several retainers nosily entered and slid behind the crowd toward the throne. Kael noted several other soldiers with the supply staff insignia manning the service entryways throughout the hall. Macin glared at Udas and Wynard continued.

“Keeping the Ulrog bottled up in the mountains informs us of their location. Once they break out and begin to split their forces, they could go anywhere. If the Erutre are willing to maintain their half of the northern border, we just may be able to maintain ours.”

“Tis a good plan, Wynard.” interrupted Ader. “An excellent plan if the main attack were to commence out of the northern mountains. Unfortunately, it will not.”

A murmur ran through the crowd and serious discussions brokeout. King Macin’s eyes met those of Ader then scanned the room. Annoyance flashed across the king’s face.

“SILENCE!” bellowed Macin rising up in his chair.

The hall immediately hushed and the old man sunk back into his throne. The rancor dropped from his face and was replaced with exhaustion.

“Always in my darkest hours do you arrive on my doorstep, servant of Avra. Why should this hour be any different?” sighed the king. “And do you bring my child before me to sour me even further. To show me the man I might have known and taunt me with his presence. “

“Macin I have...” began Ader.

The king raised a hand and averted his eyes, cutting Ader off.

“I did not call for you nor do I seek your council. I’ve served my people well since you forced my penance on me. I protect and support them in my ever present misery.”

The old king looked back to the group at the doorway. He frowned.

“Ah, and the husband of my sweet Yanwin has finally seen fit to present himself to the king. Never to see her beyond our last exchange, an exchange filled with contempt, her beautiful face fraught with recrimination.
That
is what your council brings me, Seraph. Please, leave me to the affairs you charged me with and haunt me no more, cruel spirit.”

Ader stepped further into the great hall. He glanced from side to side appraising all who attended the meeting. He stopped near the center and leaned heavily on his staff.

“A reckoning has come to the house of Manreel. Debts have been paid. The children of Zodra who lay buried in the fields along the northern marches are satisfied. You acquitted yourself well these last seventeen years, Macin. Your stewardship of the kingdom has been exemplary. I may question some of the council you take,” stated Ader as he shot a glance toward Udas and his men. “but you remain a good king.”

Macin laughed.

“Words Ader. They no longer sway me as they once did. It is to war for us, and your words will not pierce the thick hide of an Ulrog Hackle.”

“You always underestimate the power of words, Macin. Words may rouse the common man to perform uncommon feats. More troops may go to their certain deaths for a king that praises their sacrifice than one who demands it. “

“I am past praise, Seraph. I can no longer afford such luxuries. Only a fool requires praise from his king in order to save himself. For that is where we stand, self-preservation. It is no longer a question of beating back our attackers. We are in a fight for our very existence. A fight we will lose.”

“As I said Macin, you underestimate words once more. They can do both great good and irreparable harm. Do you think it serves the cause of this nation to speak this way?” asked Ader.

“I’m a realist, Seraph. I don’t wish to perform tricks and sleight of hand to divert the people from the danger we face. And I will not lie to them concerning the abilities of my army. For years the Guard has been the sole protector of this world and now the numbers of Ulrog are too great for us to hold back.” scoffed the king.

“Perhaps.” stated Manfir stepping forward to join Ader. “Or perhaps we own alliances and allies in places we never looked. “

“Ah, my son the prince speaks to me.” said Macin, rising from the throne and looking to his nobles. “This is a day of great rejoicing. We must host a festival! A son who actually speaks to his father! A miracle!”

The false smile fell from the king’s face and he threw his hands to his sides in disgust.

“Seventeen seasons with the Seraph and he returns you to your homeland with one thing accomplished. You are as proficient in speaking in riddles as the voice of Avra.” said Macin. “It’s true that I am happy to see you, my son. However, now is the time for decisions. I need answers to the woes of my kingdom, not more questions. Explain yourself and explain the presence of the mountain dweller or retire to your chambers so I can think clearly.”

Manfir bowed politely and held a hand in Granu’s direction.

“Father, this is Prince Granu, son of Grannak Stormbreaker, exiled former heir to the granite throne of Keltar and Abbot of the Monastery of Awoi.”

The giant bowed and moved forward to stand beside Ader and Manfir. The crowd chattered feverishly and shouts were heard in the hall.

“He should be in chains...”

“What does Manfir mean by this...”

“Is he dangerous....”

Macin scowled once more and dropped back into his chair.

“EXILED FORMER HEIR.” mused Macin loudly. “It sounds to me that you build an alliance that can only be exploited by adding one sword to our numbers. A sword I would never trust.”

“An excellent point, your majesty.” stated Udas stepping from the crowd. “I informed the prince that I did not trust his companion either. Manfir forced the murdering giant’s presence before my king by using his superior rank. A rank that has lain dormant for nigh on seventeen years I might add!

I maintain that this has all been an elaborate ruse by the Keltaran to get a man close enough to eliminate your majesty, the heart and soul of this great nation. Without you we would be lost and our enemies are quite aware of this. With these Elves in tow and Ader the magician manipulating the whole affair, only Avra knows where this farce is headed. Luckily, my troops man your majesties security detail, and I assure you that you are well taken care of.”

Ader shook his head and moved forward toward Macin smiling.

“Hold your ground, Seraph!” demanded Udas and he slid a hand over the hilt of his sword.

Several of Udas’s troops positioned about the dais closed ranks around it.

“As I said, Macin, I do question some of the council you take.” stated Ader, ignoring the colonel.

Udas’s lips curled in hatred. Ader raised a hand on high as he continued.

“If I intended to remove you from the throne, it could’ve been accomplished long ago.”

“Ridiculous!” scoffed Udas. “My men were hand picked and trained by myself. They all passed rigorous....”

“Udas, be silent.” said the king calmly. “It seems the people’s own hero of Rimdar Pass has let me down.”   

A gasp ran through the crowd. Kael glanced back to the dais and saw a diminutive hand hung over the top of Macin’s chair with a small, thin blade steadily held just an inch from Macin’s neck. The king’s face reddened. His chin went rigid and his neck muscles tightened.

“No matter. Quite a splendid little show, Ader, but it does not convince me of your true intentions. Actually, it clouds the issue even further. My life matters not.” continued King Macin. “It is the decisions made by this office that are crucial in the days ahead. If I were to be lost, another would stand here and lead. The danger lies in the influences some wish to peddle to me. A false step and I could ruin the nation.”

Ader nodded and the blade and hand disappeared behind the throne. A small figure darted out from behind the king. The figure wore the uniform of a royal page, but Kael recognized the face of the Fox’s companion. The boy bowed to the king. Macin acknowledged the bow with a nod of his head.

“What influence do you plan to peddle to me conjurer?” questioned Macin.

“Do not trust him my lord!” shouted Udas. “Ader toys with you. He puts a knife to your throat then retracts it to feign power over us all. He has duped and subverted your son to his undertakings and holds many of our key military personal in the palm of his hand. This charlatan tempts us to chase the lies fed to him by the prince of the mountain dogs who killed our beloved General Ellow. If we stand united this ring of treachery will be exposed. We know where our battle lies your majesty! To the North!”