Chapter 3
"Again."
"Really?" Eira huffed, sweat dripping from her flushed neck.
"Yes," Linde stated from her usual spot across the training yard. "Again."
"Can't we take a break?" Eira begged as she grudgingly returned to her drills first position.
"Do it, again," Linde ordered, tone firm but steady, and brokering no argument.
An hour. They had been at this for nearly an hour and it still felt like they had barely started. Linde popped her neck as she watched another sloppy run through of the various drills she'd pounded into the princess' memory. And, not a bit of improvement.
How could someone with so much potential be this bad?
When Eira's stance wobbled again, more from exertion than anything Linde was willing to bet, she sighed heavily as she raised a gloved hand.
"Fine," she agreed as Eira's hopeful gaze met her own. "Come with me. We'll….take a break."
"Really?" Eira asked, her practice sword dropping to the packed dirt of the field.
"Yes," Linde admitted as she turned on her heel and marched to the open yard's side door. "Come on. If we're going to do this, don't waste time."
Linde was sure she could hear the relief in her charge's sigh as she raced after her through the gate. The open view all about had her stopping in appreciation.
In every direction, blooming apple trees perfumed the air. Row after endless row of white and pinkened blooms swayed in the gentle breeze, carrying the sweet scent to all outside the castle walls.
This was Draven's source of pride. The apple orchards that stretched far and wide all over the lush kingdom was prized through all the Valley Kingdoms that dotted the Dwargr Mountains. Without these trees, Draven was nothing.
And, they were also a deep source of pain for its King. All around, the trees stretched as far as the eye could see. All but one.
Even from the side gate, it was impossible to miss the tall rounded wall that rose from the center of the trees in the shape of a tower. It cut the serene landscape like a dull blade, dark and foreboding.
Linde wondered if it was finally time to take Eira there; to finally make her understand and see. 'Was she ready?'
"Which way did you want to go?"
The question snapped Linde to her surroundings, having her set her shoulders in determination. No. Not yet.
"Come on," Linde prompted as she marched towards the orchards thickly planted rows. "I feel like a game."
"You mean-?"
"We can get in a round or two," Linde replied, smirking to herself at Eira's eager glee. "I think I can make it worth your while, this time."
"Really?" Eira challenged, coming up beside the larger woman. "What have you got?"
"Eager to lose?" Linde teased in amusement.
"Haven't yet," Eira countered, a gleam in her blue eyes.
Linde shook her head. All these years and Eira still went giddy over a game she'd played since she was three. It was a simple game but one that still amazed Linde each time Eira won it.
"Alright," Linde taunted playfully. "You think this will be so easy, let's see you guess what you have to find."
Eira snorted with a shake of her head.
"That's not how it works and you know it," she countered. "Come on. Give me the clue."
Linde smiled as she stopped in the middle of a fully-planted row.
"Round one," Linde announced. "One of the boys who works in the stables has lost a ball in this field. It has a blue stripe on it."
Eira grinned from ear to ear like a pleased cat.
"I thought this was supposed to be a challenge," she taunted.
"Just find it, smart mouth," Linde countered jokingly. "If you can."
It was all it took for that gleam to flare in Eira's eyes; like a hunger needing to be fed. Curiosity and concentration glowed in those blue eyes as she looked from one direction to the next. Like a hawk scanning for prey, she took in all around her.
To see her thoughts race as she searched was perfection to Linde. And, like an arrow shot from a bow, Eira was off.
Racing through the trees, jumping over fallen limbs and protruding roots, it took little effort for Linde to keep up with Eira. But, the princess' lithe form was a sight to behold.
This was what gave Linde hope for Eira's training. Why she still forced her princess through mindless drills and repetitive practice. Anyone that could become this focused, this level of true force of will, could be unstoppable with a blade.
If only she could apply it.
"Found it!"
Eira's cheer snapped Linde's gaze to her left. The princess stood under a tree, holding out the dirtied ball with the tell-tale stripe, victorious.
"Got anything else?" Eira asked, cockiness in her wide grin.
Linde couldn't help but laugh at the girl's gall. Well, if she was going too easy on the little princess, it was time to up the anti.
"Alright, princess," she teased. "You want a real challenge then—"
The blaring call of a horn suddenly cut through the air, causing both Linde and Eira to freeze.
The princess glanced about in momentary confusion before the previous focus receded from her gaze.
Linde sighed in grudging acceptance. It was gone.
"That's your father," she informed needlessly. "Come on. Let's head back before he finds us out here."
"So, the lesson is done?" Eira asked with a bright smile.
Linde rolled her eyes as she looked skyward. Gods help her.
"Yes," she agreed. "Lesson is over….this time."
With a bright grin, Eira tossed the ball into Linde's waiting hands before rushing back towards the castle.
Linde remained where she was, dropping the ball from hand to hand in contemplation.
So close. They had been so close. Perhaps it was time to make things harder, afterall.
SSS
"Am I hearing right, Prince Haearn?" Baron Dhust growled in disbelief. "You're turning down the throne? Again?"
Haearn remained silent as whispers rippled through the stone chairs circling the crystal-lit chamber.
All 12 of the Barons, each a guardian of the human Valley Kingdoms the Dwargr protected, was seated about him. Twelve gazes glowed in the dim light, boring into him like knives; each wanting a piece of him. It was enough to make the scars on Haearn's back to burn with awareness.
"I believe, Baron Dhust, I said 'not this year,'" Haearn replied, ignoring the discomfort.
"As you did the year before," Dhust snarled. "And, the year before that? And, the year before that!"
"What Baron Dhust means to say," Baron Arda interrupted, a warning flashing in her amber eyes at her irate peer. "Is we have all gathered here to hear your answer, many from far distances away. But, we all came in good faith, believing you would finally be taking your rightful place."
"I apologize to the Council if you're all disappointed," Haearn replied, already tired of the meeting.
"More confused than anything," Baron Nakher rasped through his thick white beard. "You have firmly come of age, my Prince. As your father's only son, there is no challenge to your right to the throne. There is no reason for you not to take it."
"There isn't?" Haearn challenged, meeting the old man's dulling eyes.
Silence hung heavy about the chamber, causing the other Barons to throw nervous glances about the circle.
"We….understand if there are some concerns," Nakher tried again. "The throne is a heavy responsibility. But, the Zauber have gone silent ever since their last attack years ago. The Seals in the lower tunnels have been repaired, the Beacons along the Mountain's Edge still burn bright.
'And, the humans in the Valley Kingdoms need clarification on who sits on the Dwargr Throne."
"Humans are impatient creatures anyway," Haearn countered, keeping his frustration locked behind his steady gaze. He couldn't bend on this. He wouldn't. "It isn't time."
"According to whom?" Baron Dhust boomed, voice rolling like thunder through the air. "You? You have hidden in your grandmother's shadow since you were a boy."
"I didn't realize my grandmother's rule was lacking," Haearn challenged, meeting the Baron's fuming gaze.
"Her worth isn't the point here," Dhust snarled. "It's time to stop this childish hesitation and grow up, my Prince. A new King must be crowned!"
"And, will that be you, Baron Dhust?" Haearn countered, silencing the whole room. "Will you challenge me for the seat?"
Several Barons were against the delay in the transfer of the crown but none were as boisterous about it as Dhust was. The loud blow-hard had been a trusted general in Haearn's father's forces and every year, he ridiculed Haearn's denial of the throne.
Usually the wide warrior was all talk but perhaps this year he'd finally reach his limit. However, the knowing gleam in Dhust's steely eyes quirked in a malicious amusement as he leaned back in his carved seat.
"You'd have to be King, first," he taunted in return. "But, why waste our time? Why abandon your birthright?"
Haearn ground his teeth as he looked from face to expectant face of the Council.
The Barons had sat under the Dwargr Throne since the beginning. They were fierce and loyal and all had the best intentions. But, those intentions only went so far.
Haearn knew what they wanted. He knew what everyone wanted. But,….. it wasn't time.
"I have given the Council my answer," Haearn replied evenly. "I trust you all to honor the answer from your prince."
"You demand the respect of your position," Sneered Baron Heiko from the other end of the circle. "But, take none of the responsibilities. The throne remains empty and you waste your hours before the Forge's Fire!"
"I've never known the Forge to be a waste of time," Haearn replied. "Afterall, is it not where our Kingdom was born?"
"We all must outgrow our birth," Heiko snapped. "While you cling to the past, we wonder when you will finally wake up to the future."
"The future is out of our control so long as the Zauber remain a possible threat," Haearn answered.
A round of exasperated groans filled the room. Haearn remained silent as they all shook their heads. Every year, they tried to argue the witches were gone. And, every year, Haearn countered it. Apparently, all involved tired of the argument.
"I assure you all, I will take my place when the time is right," Haearn grudgingly reassured. "But, not a moment before.
'Till then, my honored grandmother, Your Queen, will remain on the throne."
Mutters and growled discontentment bandied about the room, causing Haearn's scars to flare once again.
A few looked as if they wished to say more. However, Baron Arda was quick to speak first.
"If you are sure, Prince Haearn," she answered in a measured calm. "The Council shall abide by your decision."
Haearn nodded in silent appreciation.
"Are we to then assume it will be your grandmother that meets with the gathering human kings for their yearly tribute?" Arda continued, eyes prodding in purposeful curiosity.
Again, Haearn nodded. "She will."
"Very well," Arda replied. "The Council has heard the Prince's decision and shall delay this talk another year. All agreed?"
Grudging answers of agreement filled the room before the decision was rendered.
Seeing no point in staying, Haearn turned sharply and marched down the simple flight of stairs cut into the smooth floor of the circle. The cool darkness wrapping around him was all the comfort he needed to release the breath he was holding.
That….was exhausting.
"So, that sounded like it went well," came a voice to Haearn's right when he reached the stair's bottom.
Haearn ignored the jab as he strode down the crystal-lined hall. He could always count on his old friend, Otto, to state the obvious.
"I didn't realize the chamber echoed that badly," Haearn replied tersely.
The slight stumble in Otto's pace was all Haearn needed to know he'd rattled his childhood friend. He'd even bet Otto's face was ruddier with embarrassment too.
"I wouldn't exactly say it echoed," Otto scrambled in response. "But, it's kinda hard to ignore yelling, ya know?"
Haearn swallowed a sigh. He guessed that was fair.
"Won't matter anyway," Haearn conceded as they made their way to a wide rounded stairway that wrapped around one of the air funnels. "Word will spread soon, if it hasn't already."
"So, another year?" Otto asked. "What are you gonna do with it?"
"What I've always done," Haearn replied.
"Really?" Otto asked, stunned.
Haearn took a moment to compose his temper before turning to face his friend. "What?"
"I just thought you'd want to do something else with the added time, you know?" he scrambled to answer, face growing redder by the moment. "I mean, I know you wouldn't delay your Crowning if it wasn't for a good reason, right? If it wasn't important."
Haearn couldn't help but smile as he clasped his friend on the shoulder.
Slighter in frame and with a head of curling blonde locks, Otto had always been the shyer of the two. The slightest things could rattle him and Haearn had always been able to put him at ease.
"I know it seems strange," Haearn replied. "But, you're right. It is important."
"I know," Otto agreed, fingers fidgeting with the blade hilt on his hip. "It's just a lot, you know? People are nervous. But, you've always done what was best for us all. Right?"
Good Otto. Good, trusting Otto. Haearn knew he'd never find a truer friend in his life. Truth be told, when he'd first told Haearn he planned to train for the Royal Guard, Haearn wasn't sure if he'd survive the first moon of it. Yet, here he was.
With a warm smile, Haearn nodded as he clapped Otto on the back.
"You still on duty?" he asked, grinning wider when his friend shook his head. "Let's sneak to the kitchen and see if we can sneak something to eat. Turning down kingdoms gives me an appetite."
With a good-humored laugh, the two headed deeper into the tunnels.
