"THE KINGDOM OF CASCADIA STORIES"
PART 1
23 Years Later….
The night was warm and balmy. The honeysuckle, outside the banqueting hall's window of Cascade Castle, continued to send in wafts of perfumed air. King Caedmon sat at the head of the large banqueting table. Prince Blahr was sat to his right, looking very bored with the proceedings, and the wizard Terrax next to Blahr. To the king's left sat King Vahen from the neighbouring kingdom of Han Chelan. Surrounding them were various dignities from both kingdoms. Vahen had brought a large retinue with him but not his queen which hadn't sat well with Caedmon. Caedmon absently thought that maybe Vahen was thinking of his feelings and felt uncomfortable with having his queen by his side when Caedmon's queen could not be.
Caedmon took a moment to surreptitiously glance at his son. He was now 23. Where had those years gone to? Caedmon now realised he was 53 and there wasn't a day that went by that he still didn't miss his queen. Advisors had argued that he should take a wife but the king was still grieving for Naoma. No woman would ever appeal to him again. He had his heir, his duty was done. Blahr was a good son, but he was also a good man. He had seen how his son had learned duty from him but also goodness and reliability from his bodyguard. James was a good and fair man and as the young prince had grown he had learnt a lot from the knight. Caedmon also knew his son had the makings of being a good king one day, he was fair and compassionate, another trait picked up from the knight, and he had a good heart. His only failing was that he was sensitive and deeply cared for the people of the kingdom. A trait, although worthy, could leave him open to taking on too much himself.
The meal was nearing its end and Blahr couldn't wait to leave. He hated these formal occasions but knew they were necessary. It was part and parcel of being a prince of the kingdom. Blahr much preferred to be out in the forest, riding his horse, James at his side of course, enjoying the peace and solitude that afforded. No one bowing or curtsying to him or expecting an answer to a question, or waiting on every word he said. In the forest surrounding Cascade Castle, his friend and bodyguard at his side, he could be just plain Blahr. Not a prince, not heir to the kingdom, just an average every day Cascadian.
James patrolled the area behind the top table like a caged cat. His senses watched and listened to everything going on in the banqueting room. The kingdoms of Cascadia and Han Chelan had been at peace for fifty years, so the threat to his prince, or his father, was slight. But there was one of King Vahen's men that James didn't like. They had clashed constantly since their arrival. Vulcan was one of the king's bodyguards and built like a mountain, he took every available opportunity to bait James with words, trying to goad him into losing his temper and fight him. Why James didn't know. Was he testing him, was it a clash of personalities or did Vulcan just like goading people? He was the prince's chief protector, although he would step in to defend his king if necessary, but Blahr would always be his priority as he had for these past 23 years.
James saw Vulcan looking at Blahr, a cold and calculating look. Instantly the knight was on alert. Vulcan must have sensed James' eyes upon him as he quickly looked away. But James couldn't forget it. He cast his senses out further, listening to what was going on in the castle. The kitchens were still busy; there was the usual movements throughout the castle but no threats. Yet James remained on edge.
The banquet continued until the two kings retired. Then the banquet began to break up. James relaxed a little when Vulcan and the Han Chelans left. Blahr noticed his friend was still on alert, even more so than normal.
"Are you alright, James?" Blahr enquired as they left the room.
"I'm fine," the knight replied automatically checking the corridor ahead of them for danger.
"You can relax, my friend. I am perfectly safe in my father's castle."
"If you hadn't noticed, my prince, there is a horde of people here from a neighbouring kingdom."
"They're harmless," the prince replied, then a thought came to him. "It's that Vulcan isn't it, he's got your goat. He's been riling you from the moment he got here. I could have a word with my father."
"No!" James replied emphatically, he could fight his own battles.
"I'm sorry," replied the prince knowing he had overstepped the mark with his proud protector. "I just don't like seeing you so unsettled."
"I'm always on edge, my prince; it goes with the job of babysitting you." Blahr grinned at that. "It's just; I don't know…an itch I can't scratch, I guess."
"They'll be going home in a few days."
"It can't come soon enough," James admitted as they approached the prince's chamber.
James had slept in Blahr's room until he was 11 and then the prince had put his foot down and the bodyguard had moved into a neighbouring chamber. Still close enough to be on hand to continue to provide protection, but far enough away to give the prince some privacy.
James entered Blahr's chamber first, skirting the room with his senses. Sensing no danger he allowed the prince to follow him inside.
Blahr started to remove his tunic, feeling tired he wanted to go straight to sleep.
"Goodnight, Blahr," James said allowing the formality of the prince's first name once they were in private.
"Night, James," Blahr replied yawning.
The knight moved to the door that separated his room from the prince's chamber. It had originally been just a wall, but the bodyguard had insisted on the doorway as soon as the prince had started to sleep on his own. James needed access to the prince at a moment's notice. The door was never locked, James had insisted on that; and had compromised in that he would knock if he ever needed re-admittance after leaving the room, unless there was an emergency.
Blahr sat on his bed and started to remove the rest of his clothing. There were times when he felt claustrophobic despite the castle's immense size. There wasn't much solitude or privacy for the heir to the kingdom, though his bodyguard gave him as much as he could. There were times when the young prince needed his own space, but the majority of the time he enjoyed being around James. The knight was more than his bodyguard; he was his closest friend as well. Blahr forgot sometimes that his friend was in his father's service and was above all his protector first. At times he thought he would have had quite a lonely life if not for his friend.
##########
Next morning Blahr rode through the forest with James but this time they were joined by King Caedmon, King Vahen and a retinue of six castle guards, plus six of Vahen's own guards of course. The wizard never joined them on any hunts. He confessed that he didn't like horses much and riding even less. They were out hunting the king's deer. They hadn't come across any of yet and Blahr wouldn't let his protector uses his senses to locate them. Part of the fun was riding through the forest trying to find the elusive animals.
James' nose switched and he looked about him.
"Your majesty," James called and the king reined in his horse.
"Yes, James, what is it?"
Everyone was looking at the knight, but he couldn't tell them he could smell blood nearby. No one besides the king, wizard and prince knew of James' gifts.
"I need to check my horse a moment," he replied and dismounted. He pretended to check his horse's hoof for stones. Every second scenting the air. The smell of blood was getting stronger but he realised it wasn't human blood, but that of an animals.
"My lord," one of the king's bodyguards suddenly shouted. Some of them had scouted ahead as they waited. Two of the men were half carrying, half dragging a man between them. The man was wearing little more than rags; he wore no shoes and looked thin and in need of a decent meal. His cheeks were hollow and there was a defeated and lacklustre look to his eyes.
Rafus, one of the king's guards, was dragging a dear behind his horse, an arrow protruding from its neck. Jim's enhanced eyesight saw where the arrow had penetrated the side and saw that it had been a clean kill. The stag had not suffered unduly.
"We found this man," Henrik another of the king's guards stated "butchering the dear."
The man glanced about in fear his eyes darting from horse to horse. He saw his king and immediately bowed and asked for mercy.
Caedmon glanced at the man. The penalty for poaching the king's dear was death. Yet the man looked like he needed the meat more than they did. But he also knew he was with a visiting dignitary and he needed to show strength and leadership; there was no space for mercy.
"In my kingdom if a man stole from his king, I would have that man hung," King Vahen spoke the words with contempt.
"Then it is a good job we are not in your kingdom!" Blahr retorted.
"Insolent child!" Vahen responded.
"Blahr! Silence!" the king ordered his son.
Blahr looked away chastised, but not repentant; his mouth set in a hard line. His gaze returned to the man. Why couldn't his father see by just looking at the man that he was desperate?
"My lord," Blahr asked his father. "May I speak to the man?"
Caedmon's anger relented when he saw the look on his son's face, the need in his eyes. Caedmon could never refuse his son. He wanted him to be a good ruler when it was his time and this could be a good life lesson for him. The king nodded his consent.
"What is your name?" Blahr asked gently.
"Garford," the man replied looking down at his feet. "My lord," he hastily added.
"Why did you kill the dear? You know poaching is an offence."
"My family is hungry," he replied looking up at Blahr earnestly. "A dear can feed them for weeks. My youngest daughter has a fever, she's only three. My wife thought some nice venison stew or broth would make her feel better again."
Blahr glanced at James who nodded imperceptibly that the man was telling the truth. Vahen noticed the subtle exchange between the men, noting it with intrigue.
"The simple matter of it," Vahen piped up, "is that the stag does not belong to you, you had no right to kill it, no matter what you needed it for."
The man looked down at his feet again, ashamed that he had been caught by his king and knew the other royal man was right. He had done wrong. Desperation had caused him to do it. He just hoped the king would see it like that, everyone knew the king was a good and just man.
"Garford," the king began.
"Yes, your majesty."
"King Vahen is right, it is stealing and that cannot be tolerated in my kingdom. There are ways and means to acquire food when you are in desperate need. No one is ever turned away from the castle that needs help. However, I do think death is a harsh punishment. However, punishment does need to be metered out," he added sadly, his voice thoughtful and compassionate.
Garford was thinking he was in for a whipping. He would take that pain any time for attempting to feed his family.
"Garford, are you right or left handed?" the king asked.
Garford looked up at his king in alarm.
"R-right handed," he stammered.
"Rafus," the king spoke to his head bodyguard. "Sever the man's left hand."
"Father, no, I protest!" Blahr shouted. "You can't."
"Blahr, you are young and as such do not understand fully yet the machinations of ruling a kingdom. The man's left hand is being severed; he will still have his dominant hand. It will be a lesson to him he will never forget. Perhaps in future he will go about honest work to attain food for his family," the king stated sternly, giving his son a hard look.
Blahr was outraged that his father was speaking in such a manner. Where was his compassion? Surely the poor man taking one dear from a ruler who had hundreds of them, and would not miss one, surely that could not be wrong.
"Blahr, when you are king you will understand that a ruler has to make many difficult choices. If we make exceptions for one, then all will take advantage. I could have the man executed for his crime, but I am being merciful in giving him his life."
"By removing his hand!" Blahr spat out; anger in every word. He didn't care that a visiting ruler was sat on a horse on the other side of his father listening to his insolence. "Father," Blahr tried to appeal to his king. "He knows he did wrong, perhaps a warning will be sufficient this time."
"You are compassionate, Blair, and that is an admirable and endearing quality you have always possessed. One day you will have to make these difficult decisions and then you will understand."
"But, father..."
"Enough, Blahr!" Caedmon replied looking furiously over at his son and silencing whatever words were on Blahr's lips. "I had decreed my judgement. Guard, carry out my orders."
"My lord," Rafus replied and turned to his fellow officers.
Garford was whimpering now, looking at each of the men on their horses, looking for help or sympathy.
"Father…"
James spurred his horse forward next to Blahr's and gave his friend a look to still his tongue.
"My lord, I think it is time to return to the castle," James said to his king.
"I believe you are right, Knight James," the king replied and turned to his friend but King Vahen was intently watching the sentence being carried out.
Blahr could see the bloodlust in Vahen's eyes and it sickened him. The prince turned his horse and started to ride away. James followed his prince immediately. They hadn't ridden far when a scream echoed round the forest. Blahr closed his eyes as he realised the man's hand had been severed and he'd been powerless to stop it. Blahr spurred his horse into a gallop and sped away from the scene, James following him closely behind and feeling intense sadness for his young charge.
#########
King Vahen watched fascinated as the hand was severed. It happened so quickly and the hand flew to the grass where it lay unmoving. He'd expected it to twitch or something, but disappointingly it just lay there still and motionless. Garford was whimpering and crying. Rafus and Henrik were doing what they could to staunch the flow of blood from the man's wrist and not cause him any further pain.
"Make sure he gets home," the king told Rafus who bowed and issued orders for the man to be taken care of it.
Caedmon turned his horse and started back towards the castle. Vahen reluctantly tore his eyes away from the sight of the severed hand and fell in beside his friend.
"I must apologise to you for your having to witness that, when today was supposed to have been such a good day. I also apologise for my wilful son," the king added.
"Blahr is young, he will learn. My own sons learned at a very young age what it is like to rule a kingdom. I never shied away from showing my children the harsher sides of ruling a kingdom."
"Maybe I was too soft on Blahr," Caedmon sighed. "When my wife died giving birth to Blahr, he became the centre of my universe. Perhaps I doted on him a little too much and gave him too much leeway. I hated it when he was hurting or in any pain. Maybe I shielded him too much. Perhaps it is time to be firmer with my son." Caedmon needed Vahen to have a good impression of his heir. Cascadia must never seem an easy kingdom to invade, its ruler weak or ill prepared to defend his land.
"My dear friend, Blahr is a good son and he will become a wise king, like his father."
"Thank you, old friend," Caedmon replied smiling and feeling a little reassured.
They started to ride back to the castle. But Caedmon was still feeling a little troubled by Blahr's reaction to the poacher. His son couldn't rule a kingdom if he took too much of it to heart. There were hard decisions to be made and sometimes you had to condemn a subject to death or sentence them to punishment; but then you had to move on or it could overwhelm you. You couldn't show weakness or emotions, your subjects looked up to you for guidance and leadership. It was all part of being head of state.
Caedmon feared his son was too soft and would not be able to handle the responsibility of ordering a man's death; or decree wisely when two parties came to you both aggrieved over something.
The king smiled at his friend and continued their conversation, but inside he couldn't help but doubt and fear for the future of his only son and the kingdom.
##########
James glanced over at his silent friend as they rode back to the castle. The knight could see he looked tense by the way he held his shoulders and his face looked sorrowful, as if he had the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders.
"The king did what he thought was right," James commented gently.
"Do you think he was right?" Blahr asked looking over at his friend and protector, but keeping his face neutral.
"It wasn't my decision to make," the knight countered.
"Why is everything so black and white?" Blahr asked frustrated. "The man made a mistake. He was only trying to feed his family. I can't see how one dear would make a difference to my father. Yet it would have made a big difference to a man's hungry family. I don't understand."
"I guess it's the principle of the thing," James replied hesitantly. "It was not his dear to take. If he had gone to the king, he would have helped him feed his family. But I guess that is also a hard thing to do for a proud man."
"Do you think that was why the man took the stag and not tried to seek help because of his pride?"
"Men have done worse for far less," James replied.
Blahr was thoughtful for a few more minutes as the horses continued to pick their way along the dirt track through the forest.
"James, will you do something for me?"
"Of course, my prince."
"Can you find where the man lives and make sure he and his family are alright?"
James knew the compassionate side of the prince would not rest until he knew the man was alright.
"Of course I will, Blahr."
James knew just the man to send, one of the king's trusted guards, Rafus. He was a rogue and a little rough round the edges, but he was a dependable man and would be discreet.
"Thank you."
Blahr felt a little better at that. Judging by the man's appearance he came from the poorer part of the nearby village of Cascade. The prince knew it wouldn't be seemly for him to be riding round the village asking for Garford, but it didn't matter who checked on the man and his family as long as someone did.
They continued the ride back to the castle in companionable silence. James could tell that his friend was still troubled by the incident but by being proactive he had helped alleviate some of the helplessness he felt. James worried about his sensitive prince sometimes. He was so like his father in many ways but so different in others. James had not known the king personally before he had been summoned and he had pledged his oath to protect his son. James absently touched the material of his tunic where the brand still resided on his arm. Perhaps Caedmon had been sensitive like Blahr was, maybe duty and being king forced you to do your duty and what was necessary, no matter the personal cost. The knight hoped Caedmon continued to live a full and long life so that his son had many years to get used to the idea of being king.
Cascade Castle rose ahead of them out of the forest. It lay on top of a granite outcropping, the high granite walls of the castle foreboding to some but welcoming to others. James had always found the castle his home but Blahr sometimes thought the castle his prison. He rarely had any privacy and anyone who he met along its corridors always bowed or curtseyed to him. There were times when he felt like wishing to be a commoner so he could be anonymous and not have to acknowledge everyone with a gracious nod or a wave when he didn't feel like that inside. But Blahr had long ago accepted his fate and silently continued to ride home knowing it was his duty.
##########
That evening the king held an informal meal for his friend, King Vahen. This time there were only a handful of people present from both kingdoms. They took their places at the top table and the visiting king regaled anyone who would listen to the incident with the poacher. His descriptions of the poor man's hand lying on the ground nauseated the prince.
"Father," Blahr whispered to his father. "May I be excused?"
It was unusual for a hosting member to retire before their guests did.
"Are you alright, son?"
"Yes…I'm just tired, Father."
Blahr did look tired the king could see that.
"Alright, Blahr."
"Goodnight, Father, King Vahen."
Both men wished the prince a good evening and Blahr walked away, James a step behind him. Vahen watched the young prince leaving with a slight upturn of his top lip. The prince was definitely the weak link in the kingdom. When his own two sons had been nine and eleven, he had had them, not only watching executions, but giving the orders for the sentences to be carried out. By the time they were grown they had commuted some of the sentences themselves. His children were tough and strong, ready to lead their people no matter what the kingdom asked of them. This kingdom was weak, Blahr was soft and Caedmon doted too much on his weak child. Vahen was glad Blahr was not his son and that his own sons had turned out so well.
##########
Blahr entered his chamber and flung himself on his bed. James closed the door and regarded his friend lying on his back, glancing up at the ceiling.
"Are you alright, my prince?"
"Yeah fine, James, just tired."
"It's still early."
"I just feel sad for that poor man." Blahr confessed. "The way Vahen was carrying on, he just…well it was wrong."
"I understand."
"I'd like to be alone."
"Of course, my prince."
James left his charge to rest. Maybe he would feel better in the morning after a good night's sleep.
James patrolled the castle, one ear kept on Blahr's room, but all was quiet. The meal was still going on and a handful of the king's guards patrolled the corridors. James spoke to Rafus and Henrik, two of the king's most trusted guards, and learned that all was quiet.
Later James returned to his room. Blahr's room was still quiet. To reassure himself that Blahr was okay, James listened for the prince's heartbeat. Alarmed when he couldn't hear it, James charged into the room. The first thing he noticed was the open window, the next the rope leading from the bedstead and through the open window. James crossed to the window and looked down the one storey to the ground floor.
"The little…." James began but didn't finish the sentence. He knew where the little trouble maker had gone to.
##########
James walked through the tavern's door. He had to pull his senses back as the smoky interior irritated his eyes. The tavern sat alone by the side of one of the main roads in and around the Cascade area; where many travellers spent the night on their journeys for the chance of a hot meal and a bed for the night. Blahr was well known here, it was the place he came to when he needed to escape his life of duty and just be someone unknown and normal for a few hours.
The owner and his barmaids kept an eye on the prince whenever he was in the establishment. James gave them a hefty purse regularly to keep their lips sealed that the prince even visited the place.
James saw Blahr sitting in a corner, a busty barmaid on his lap. Blahr was nuzzling her neck and the barmaid was giggling.
"Time to come home, my prince," James said as he approached the table.
The barmaid looked at James in alarm until she recognised the knight.
"Evening, Knight James," she giggled.
"Evening, Dori."
"Jamesh, I don't want…want to goesh home. Barkeep a friend for my drinsh, I mean a drinsh…"
"Blahr, you're drunk." James stated, placing his hands on his hips and looking at his charge sternly. He reeked of alcohol and the barmaid's perfume clung to his clothes.
"I know," Blair giggled.
"If you'll permit me, Dori," James indicated for the barmaid to stand up, which she did reluctantly. She had hoped to have a tumble with the prince before the night was out, even though the young prince might not remember it in the morning. She knew she would have.
Then James helped his friend stand. Blahr wobbled on his feet and then staggered with James to the door. James nodded to the barman, for his continued silence, as they left the tavern.
James soon found Blahr's horse and draped the prince over his saddle. It was an undignified way for a prince to travel, but he didn't think he was sober enough to sit upright.
Using his senses James determined the quickest way back to the castle through the dark forest. The king had bestowed these amazing abilities on him to protect the prince, ironically he thought that it wasn't to protect him from the dangers of a drunken binge. Oh well, whatever worked.
It was late when they reached the castle. They had gotten over the drawbridge, the guards averting their eyes from the sight of their prince and heir draped over the saddle of his horse, talking none stop to his horse's feet. James had to wake the stable lad to care for their horses. Blahr was talking to the other horses at this point.
Trying to walk an inebriated Blahr to his room would have taken forever. At this time of night the castle was quiet, so James guided his friend over his shoulder and carried him to his room. Blahr was muttering something incoherent as they moved. James just nodded his head nonchalantly at any guards they encountered along the way, as if it was an everyday occurrence that the heir to the kingdom would be draped over the shoulder of his protector, and kept walking.
Gently he lowered his prince onto his bed. At least Blahr had stopped talking now. James moved to the windows and drew the curtains. As he did so he could see some lights in the forest in the valley below the castle. They looked to be at least some six or seven leagues away. There was a cluster of lights which looked like small bonfires. Even with his enhanced eyesight the knight couldn't see what they were, but James was curious about them.
Now Blahr started giggling uncontrollably from his supine position on the bed, so James pushed aside thoughts of the distant lights, drew the curtains and then returned to his charge. Though Blahr was unco-operative, the knight managed to get the prince undressed and under the covers. Blahr was already half asleep. James took a moment to look at his charge's face. The young prince had the weight of the world on his shoulders. The knight wondered what gods had deemed that Blahr be born a prince. He was too sensitive and gentle to have the welfare of a kingdom on his shoulders one day. James silently vowed to help and prepare his friend anyway he could for the day when he became king. He knew Blahr had the makings of being a good king; he just had to guide his conscience into letting him be one.
James left Blahr to sleep off his drunkness and retired to his own chamber.
##########
James entered Blahr's bedroom and walked over to the curtains. He pulled the velvet covers aside and the room flooded with light. It was a beautiful morning, the sun was shining in and the knight could feel the warmth of the new day through the window. He turned to look at the bed. There was an unmoving mound under the covers.
"Morning, my prince, it is a glorious day."
"Go away, James," the mound said. "I'm not feeling very well this morning."
"That's because you have a hangover, my prince."
The covers moved and Blahr's face appeared amongst the rumpled covers. His eyes squinted in the harsh light cascading into his room.
"I went to the tavern didn't I?" the prince replied.
"You did," the knight said trying not to smile.
"I feel like I'm already dead. My body just doesn't know it yet."
"Here drink this, the Wizard Terrax swears by it," James said as he walked over to the bed.
"What's in it?"
"You probably don't want to know."
Blahr sat up and took the proffered mug. He looked inside and saw a slightly greeny yellow liquid. The prince took a sniff and his stomach threatened to rebel. He rejected the mug.
"I think I'd rather keep the hangover."
"As you wish, my prince. By the way, your father wishes to speak to you when you are feeling up to it."
James tried to retake the mug but the prince held onto it. Raising it to his lips the young prince downed the concoction in one go. It tasted as fowl as it looked. It threatened to make a reappearance for a few moments but then settled.
"Where is my father?" Blair asked and still grimacing from the taste of the wizard's hangover cure.
"Eating breakfast in his suite."
"I won't disturb him," Blahr said and then lay back. He had a huge headache, his head was threatening to cleave in two.
"Is he angry with me?" the prince asked in a quiet voice.
"No, a little disappointed maybe."
"The way I reacted over that poacher?"
"No, he understands your compassionate nature. The fact that you took your anger out in a common tavern and at the bottom of a mug of ale."
"He knows I went to the tavern?"
"We were witnessed by numerous guards upon our return."
"I've been going to that tavern for years," Blahr replied.
"He knows that. It's just your timing this time and the fact that you don't normally get drunk out of your mind. Blahr, your father loves you very much. He has ruled this kingdom since before you were born. I think he wonders sometimes if it might be too much of a burden for you."
"Do you think that?" Blahr asked, almost afraid to hear what his protector replied.
"No, I think you will be the best king this kingdom have ever had. I just think sometimes you don't think you are worthy of it. My prince, it is your birthright."
"I understand," Blahr replied. "You want me to grow up don't you and start taking things more responsibly. I understand that, James, I do, but when I hear men like that Vahen speaking about other people like they are worthless, it just makes my blood boil. We are all the same inside; we are just men, no more no less. Yet because he is a king he thinks he is better than everyone else."
"That, my prince, is why you will make a great king. You understand people."
Blahr couldn't help but smile at his guardian's logic. Whatever Terrax had put in that brew was definitely working, the prince was beginning to feel a little better already.
"James, would you tell Ted and Coln that I'd like a hot bath. I smell like the tavern."
Ted and Coln were castle employees who were on hand to see to the prince's needs and they would see that hot water was boiled and brought up to a nearby bathing room for the prince.
"Already seen to, my prince," then James stopped and listened for a moment. "It sounds like your bath is ready as we speak."
"James, what would I do without you?" Blahr responded and threw back the covers.
"You would do just fine, my prince," James replied softly. He picked some clean clothes for his charge and followed him to the bathing room.
########
After a light breakfast, Blahr knocked on the door to his father's study. Upon entering he found his father poring over a large pile of scrolls on his desk; forever doing his duty of keeping the kingdom and castle running smoothly.
"Morning, Father," Blahr greeted cheerfully, trying to gauge his father's mood.
"Ah, there you are, Blahr. How are you feeling?"
"Fine, Father," Blahr replied feeling a little embarrassed about his hangover. "James said you wanted to see me. What about?"
"Nothing important, I just wanted to spend a little time with my son."
"I wish we could spend more time together."
"I know, but ruling a kingdom is a full time occupation and then some," Caedmon replied truthfully and then smiled. "Come; give your old man a hug."
It was rare that father and son could show affection to each other. In public they always had to show an air of aloofness, but when they were alone they could dispense with etiquette and be father and son for a few precious minutes.
"What are your plans for today?" the king asked after he had released his son.
"James and I have sword practice this morning. Then we are going for a ride. James thought he saw several lights in the forests north of the castle last night; it's probably just some hunters or travellers, but you know James."
"Sounds like you have a full day. Tonight is the final banquet for Vahen. He returns home tomorrow."
"Father, I know King Vahen is your friend but…"
"You don't like him."
"I'm sorry; I don't mean to be so obvious."
"Don't be sorry, my son, I don't particularly like him either."
"What?!" Blahr was incredulous. "But he's your good friend."
"Blahr, you have a lot to learn about ruling a kingdom."
"So it seems," the prince managed to utter.
"Our kingdoms have been at peace for fifty years. If that means I have to be nice and hospitable to a neighbouring king, be his friend and laugh at his jokes, then for my kingdom I can do that."
Blahr was remembering what he had told his protector earlier about growing up, seems he still had a lot of that to do. He wondered if he would ever truly understand the machinations of ruling a kingdom.
"I understand, Father," Blahr replied deep in thought.
"I thought you would," the king said as he smiled proudly at his son.
##########
Blahr and James were sparring on the jousting field behind the castle. James had tutored Blahr in sword fighting since the prince had first been able to hold a sword. James himself had been tutored when he was growing up by a master swordsman employed by his wealthy father. By the time he had entered the army he had been a proficient swordsman. Blahr's diligence with the sword had paid off and the pupil was now equal to the master. Their sparring could go on for lengthy periods, neither finding an opening the other could exploit.
Blahr and James had exchanged blows with their wooden and lightweight sparring swords that didn't have any edges, though a nasty whack could leave a bruise behind. Blahr was still not feeling a hundred per cent and his hangover, though nearly gone, was still making his head feel a little woolly.
"James, do you know how that man Garford fares?"
"Rafus took him home at the king's request and later went back to check on him. Seems the king had had the same idea and sent his wizard along to do any healing that was required." Blahr listened to that and his heart lightened. He should have known that even though his father had to order the sentence; he still cared to make sure the man was alright. "Terrax couldn't give the man his hand back but he made sure there was no infection and the wound is now healed."
The knight and prince exchanged another round of blows. When they backed off again to circle each other, James continued.
"Rafus told me that he has a cousin who is a messenger. When the man is able to work again he thinks he can get him a job. It doesn't take two hands to carry a message."
"That's good," Blahr replied grateful that the man would soon be on his feet again and be able to provide for his family legitimately. Blahr made a mental note to thank Rafus later.
As James and Blahr circled each other, the knight could see one of Vahen's men approaching. With disgust he saw that it was Vulcan. The first Blahr knew of his approach was when the man started laughing.
"In Han Chelan we use real swords when we spar. We use every opportunity to make every fight seem as real as possible," Vulcan replied proudly.
"In Cascadia we prefer a soldier to live and fight another day," James retorted.
"In Han Chelan the weak soldiers who are killed are replaced by stronger ones."
"You can't have many soldiers left then," the knight replied sweetly and turned away, his back now Vulcan. But he could feel Vulcan's eyes boring into him.
Blahr rolled his eyes, just what he needed two posturing warriors.
"My knight and I were just about to finish our session," Blahr said calmly, hoping to diffuse the situation.
"Such a pity," Vulcan replied his dark brown eyes glittering dangerously. "I was looking forward to besting a girl like you."
Even though his back was to the warrior, James knew the jibe was meant for him.
Blahr groaned. That was one thing you never did to a proud warrior like James - insult him. James stiffened. He was aware that everyone in the practice yard had stopped what they were doing and were now listening to the exchange between the two men.
Blahr looked at his guardian. James had a dangerous half smile on his lips. This did not look good, Blahr thought as the knight turned to look the visiting warrior in the eye.
"Well, I wouldn't want to disappoint you."
"No chance of that, sport," Vulcan replied unctuously and reaching for the sword at his waist.
James looked for his sword lying at the side of the practice area, where he had left it as he and Blahr practiced with their wooden counterparts.
"If you are going to do this, practice swords only!" Blahr shouted. James and Vulcan looked at the young prince. "That is my command." Blair said firmly to his protector and then turned his attention towards Vulcan. "Do not forget you are a visitor in my kingdom."
The large foreign soldier dipped his head at the prince. "As you wish, Prince Blahr," he replied though he sounded like he was chewing a wasp at the same time, the words were so difficult for him to acknowledge.
With wooden swords in hand and a large group of onlookers watching them, James and Vulcan started to circle each other, sizing each other up. Vulcan was left handed and with him holding his sword the same side as his opponent was a little off putting for some opponents. Suddenly Vulcan lunged at James and only James' superior reflexes allowed him to deflect the blows. He was on the offensive as Vulcan harried and slashed at him relentlessly. He was obviously a warrior who liked to attack and beat his opponent quickly, and didn't like a prolonged battle. James knew then he would win. He could easily defend himself until the large warrior was tired and he would then be able to defeat him off easily.
James used all his concentration to defend the savage blows; his wooden sword was ringing with every blow, the vibrations going up into his hand and wrist. James was able to get in a few attacking blows but the visiting warrior was able to parry them. James had to concede the man was good, a little over confident but he could afford to be with his bulk and skill, most opponents he could probably beat easily. But James wasn't any opponent.
James saw his moment; he managed to disarm the warrior, his sword flying in the air which James then deftly caught. Vulcan was astonished for a few seconds, unsure what had happened. Then he saw the smile on James' face and the fact that he now had two swords in his hand. The surrounding crowd cheered James on. Vulcan's face turned to rage and he reached for a knife concealed in his boot.
Blahr saw the move and raised his sword, which he had reclaimed when the match had begun.
"I do not think bad sportsmanship is any better thought of in your country than it is in mine," the young prince said calmly but emphatically.
"Forgive me," the big warrior replied and raising his hand again without his knife. "That was a good match, Knight James." Vulcan grudgingly admitted. "You will have to show me that move some day," the warrior added trying to deflect his earlier show of poor sportsmanship.
"That's one move I haven't even shown my apprentice," James replied and smiling broadly.
With a final nod at the prince, the Han Chelan warrior stalked away. When he had gone Blahr turned to his guardian.
"Are you alright, James?"
"Fine, my prince," James replied.
"So, James," the prince said earnestly. "Why haven't you shown me that move?"
"Because I just made it up," the knight replied laughing.
Blahr started laughing too and shook his head. His protector was always resourceful and full of surprises. They had finished for the day and started their walk back into the castle to wash and change their clothes. James could see Vulcan talking to two of his fellow warriors, he focused his hearing on what they were saying, but it was just idle chatter.
James had a feeling that one day he and Vulcan would come to blows again, but this time, Blahr wouldn't be there to stop them. It would be a fight to the death. James knew he was a master swordsman, but Vulcan was good too; and who knew what the outcome might be. James brushed aside thoughts of inconsequential things; he was probably just being melodramatic. Instead James concentrated his attention back on what was really important, protecting and serving his prince.
Later they went for a ride. James wanted to check the area around the location of where he had seen those lights the previous night. They soon found the area thanks to James' acute sense of smell. James could smell the residual odour of the camp fires in the air. He followed the faint traces until they came to a clearing where there was evidence of a camp. There were the remains of several fires. The ash was now hours' cold but there was clear evidence of camp activity. James heightened senses could detect where men had slept on the ground, and where grass had not sprung back completely. Horses had been picketed and piles of manure littered the ground beyond the camp.
"These were the lights you saw last night," Blahr stated as he gazed at the ashes and James nodded. "How many do you think camped here?" Blahr asked.
"Twenty, possibly thirty."
"Who do you think they were?"
"I'm not sure," the knight replied. "It could have been gypsies but there are no wagon tracks. None of our men were out last night; everyone is at the castle with the visiting king. It could have just been a family or a group of travellers passing through."
"A large group," Blahr replied thoughtfully.
It was unusual but not unknown. Whoever they were they had now moved on. It was getting late and it was time to return to the castle for the visiting king's final banquet.
#########
The final banquet was in full swing. Everyone had eaten their fill and now it was time for the speeches. King Caedmon was giving his speech.
"Sadly, it is time for my friend King Vahen to return to his own kingdom tomorrow. It is hoped that the king is able to visit us again and soon."
James was patrolling the area behind the top table where his prince and king sat with the visiting dignitaries. James was listening to his king but he was also listening beyond the room to the machinations of the castle. He knew the everyday sounds of the castle; the kitchen staff at work, the other castle workers; they all had a pattern and a sound that he knew well. But now he was hearing something else, something that didn't belong. He quickly despatched Henrik, one of the king's guards to check it out. Henrik was from a country far to the north but he had been in the service to the king a long time. There was no loyal a man in his adopted country, so James has no compunction about despatching the man to be his eyes and ears.
A few minutes later and Henrik rushed back into a banqueting room. He whispered to James who immediately grabbed his sword. Blahr had been surreptitiously watching James conspiring with Henrik, the guard leaving the room and quickly returning. His gait was agitated and urgent. The young prince saw his protector's actions and immediately detected that something was wrong and stood up. The king stopped his speech on seeing his son rise. Blahr would not interrupt him unless there was a good reason.
Caedmon could see Blahr looking towards James.
"James, what's going on?" the king asked.
"My lord, some of King Vahen's men have stormed the castle." He could now hear the sounds of sword upon sword in the castle. The king's guards were already engaging the invaders.
"What do you mean stormed, James? Vahen has a retinue of men with him."
"No, I mean the extra men from Han Chelan have been let purposely into the castle."
Now James knew what the campsite had meant, extra men of Vahen's waiting for the signal to invade the castle.
"What is the meaning of this, Vahen?" the king demanded.
Vahen didn't have time to speak; the main doors to the banqueting room opened and armed men suddenly rushed inside. They were wearing the purple and black livery of Han Chelan. Their swords were drawn and they immediately started to attack and kill the people inside the banqueting room. The room filled with screams as civilians, who had gone to the banquet to eat and enjoy conversation, were suddenly fighting for their lives. The king's men sprung into action to defend their kinsmen. The frantic sounds of battle reverberated round the room.
Rafus and Henrik moved to protect their king as James moved to Blahr's side, handing his prince his sword that he had brought to the banquet. James had not trusted the visiting king, his natural instincts to protect his prince didn't allow for him to trust easily. Vahen had moved to the side and was flanked by a retinue of his bodyguards.
Blahr started to move towards the visiting king wanting to run him through with his sword now that he gripped its familiar weight in his hands, but James stopped him.
"No, my prince, wait for them to come to us."
Jim didn't want his prince endangered unnecessarily, that was what the king had guards for.
The sounds of battle reverberated round the room. James looked at the king who nodded at his son's protector, as something unspoken passed between them.
"Wizard, the Rainbow Spell now!" the king commanded.
"Yes, sire," Terrax replied. He had been using his magic to disable any of Vahen's men he could without injuring any of his own people.
The king looked at his son for a moment as the wizard began his spell. Then a shimmering light began to form around Blahr and James.
"What's going on?" Blahr asked as he noticed the light. "Father?" Blahr looked over at his father.
"I love you, son," Caedmon replied, love and pride in his eyes and in his voice.
Then Vahen's men breached the king's last line of defence, H and Rafus fought valiantly, shielding their king and matching every sword strike of Vahen's men. But even their fighting abilities were no match for the overwhelming numbers of the visiting king's men. H and Rafus were defeated and the aggressors swarmed towards Caedmon and Terrax.
"Father!" Blahr screamed and took a step forward to protect his father, but James grabbed his prince and held on to him.
"James, let me go!" Blahr screamed. "I command you, let me go!"
"I can't, my prince," the knight responded holding on tighter to his prince, even as the prince struggled even harder to get loose and aid his father. "I'm sorry, Blahr," James whispered to his friend.
A humming assaulted James' sensitive ears, as Terrax's spell built up to its completion. The last things James and Blahr saw was the wizard cry out as a sword penetrated his body and the light around them wobbled and shimmered for a moment. Then Blahr stopped all struggles as he saw his father fall, disappearing beneath a group of four of Vahen's men as they overwhelmed him.
Then they were both totally enshrouded by the white light, and the horrific scene unfolding in the castle vanished before them.
##########
End Part 1