Chapter 4

Eira smoothed her long skirts down with careful strokes as she studied herself in the mirror hanging in the hallway. Light glinted off the shined surface of the whitened-metal pendant around her neck as she nodded with proud assurance.

She wanted to look prefect for dinner with her father and with her mother's necklace, she would do anything.

Eira and Linde had barely made it back to the castle when she'd heard her father had holed himself up in his Council room. He'd been in there for hours and Eira knew he'd be right back there the rest of the night.

This was her last chance to bring her special request to her father's attention.

The Meeting of the Kings was going to happen in the next few days and Draven's tribute was leaving in the morning. Usually, the King was responsible for that honor, but Eira was determined to represent Draven for him.

The disaster of a practice earlier that day only cemented how much she needed to do more. She wasn't a soldier but she could be a diplomat. All Eira needed was her father's permission.

Thankfully, she came prepared. Even now, the folded-up parchment Eira had filled with her plans to put towards the other human kingdoms sat securely in her pocket.

This had to prove she was ready.

For years, she'd helped the steward maintain Drava castle and everything ran like clock-work. Nothing was out of place and everything from the orchards to the herds was in perfect working order. She just needed the chance to prove she could do more.

Her father would see reason. He'd appreciate her wish to help and see this as an opportunity to establish herself as a future ruler. He'd be proud of her. He would.

Patting her hip confidently, Eira made her way towards the Great Hall doors.

She knew she could convince her father, so long as everything went according to plan.

She'd prepared for this meal, down to every last detail. The kitchen prepared the King's favorite meal: roasted boar with fried apple dumplings. The best of last year's cider had been pulled from the cellar and a fresh loaf of dark bread had been baked specially for the King's Table.

Draven wasn't hosting any guests currently so the meal would be a quiet affair. Good. That only increased her chances. A quiet meal and a good book by the fire was always the best way to relax her father. If she bided her time, this would go without a hitch.

"I can do this," she muttered quietly to herself. "I can do this."

Eira didn't bother knocking on the sealed door as she made her way into the large silent room of the Great Hall.

The long table dominated the room, making the three chairs nearly swallowed by the surface. The walls hung with beautifully intricate tapestries depicting anything from the crowning of King Joveak von Drava, Draven's first king, to Queen Yangr, the ruler who made a treaty with the Dwargr. These were Draven's history; ancient stories that every Drava child grew up hearing. Each one told of great and noble Kings and Queens that gave everything they had to protect Draven. And, one day, she would join them.

Eira smiled as she spotted Linde standing by her usual spot to the King's Left. Eira knew she'd need all the support she could get. And, hopefully, the Captain would be the reinforcement she needed.

Wasting no time, Eira slipped into her chair as she smoothed her skirt again. 'I can do this.'

"Up to something?" Linde asked, quirking a dark brow in curiosity.

Eira gave what she hoped was an innocent smile. "Maybe."

Linde just focused her gaze.

"Don't worry," Eira reassured. "If everything goes right, we'll both get what we want out of this."

The Captain narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "What do you mean?"

However, the steady approach of footfalls had Eira quickly sweeping the rising questions aside. "Just trust me," she whispered. "I know what I'm doing."

"Mm-hmm," Linde answered a she settled herself in her in chair.

Without delay, the door opened and Eira spotted the tall frame of her father, King Elric von Drava, stride into the room and head towards the table. Lean and trim, her father cut a dominant figure with dark wavy hair bound at the base of his neck and a neat short beard cut clean to his cheeks and chin.

No-one would guess him to be a warrior and, from the stories Eira had heard, he had been more a scholar than anything in his youth. Of course, that had was also when her mother was around.

Eira didn't let the fact he hadn't addressed her yet bother her as she watched him take his seat at the head of the table. It usually took her father a few minutes to come out of his thoughts when something was on his mind. And, judging by the deep set of his dark eyes, something was on his mind.

However, his stern gaze softened when they finally landed on her.

"Did you have a good day, Eira?" he asked, a warm smile brightening his face as large platters of food were placed on the table's surface.

"Yes, sir," Eira answered with her own smile. "The store-rooms are practically bursting and the number of lambs born this year was larger than last years. If that keeps up then—"

"And, how about your training?" Elric asked. "You had a lesson today, didn't you?"

The interruption took Eira a moment to regather her thoughts. She'd had a list prepared to show how well things were running but….apparently, that would have to wait.

"It went….very well," Eira replied cautiously, glancing quickly towards Linde for help.

The woman froze mid-bite before slowly lowering her knife.

"Yes," Linde added as she cleared her throat. "Her Highness' skill is…..consistently improving."

"Excellent," Elric replied with a pleased smile. "See, Eira? It just takes a little effort and practice."

"Yes, sir," Eira answered, hoping to move on from the topic as soon as possible. "So, how was your day?"

Unfortunately, the question was a misstep. The creasing about her father's eyes, like he'd eaten a sour bite of food, had Eira kicking herself in frustration.

"The patrols came up with nothing," he announced as he pushed his plate away from him. "There was no sign of any Zauber nearby."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Eira asked.

"Not if we're to prepare," her father countered. "We need to know when they'll attack us again."

"But, if there was no sign of them—"

"So, there was no indication?" Linde quickly asked, eyes zipping towards Eira in warning. "Nothing at all?"

"Nothing," Elric stated. "Not even the slightest hint of taint in the air."

"Then, maybe they're really gone," Eira muttered, slightly annoyed with the direction of conversation.

This was not supposed to go this way. Talking about the Zauber just made her father tense and unreasonable. She needed him willing to listen.

"That's just what they want you to think," Eira heard her father snap, causing her to stiffen in her seat. "All those witches need is for you to lower your guard for a second. You know that."

Eira swallowed as she quickly nodded. "Yes, sir."

She knew about the Zauber. How couldn't she? Her father had told her about them since she was a child. How they were the evil that terrorized them for centuries. Too bad, there hadn't been a sighting of any of them in years! At best, her father was chasing rumors and wild stories driven by panic.

"I'm still not giving up on the possibility," Elric continued as he returned his focus back to Linde. "I'll have to ride out again tomorrow."

Tomorrow? Eira sat up straighter in her chair.

"Begging your pardon, Sire," Linde cautiously replied. "But, what about the tribute for the Dwargr? The Meeting of the Kings?"

Realization sparked then dulled in her father's eyes, causing Eira's hand to grip the parchment pressing against her hip.

"Yes, of course," he replied. "The Dwargr will need their share."

It was obvious her father had forgotten didn't want to leave Draven's borders. Perhaps….this paranoia of the Zauber could work in her favor.

"If the rumors trouble you so much," Linde continued, "perhaps you should send someone else with the tribute. Someone you can trust."

"I'll do it," Eira offered, gaining the attention of the other two at the table.

Was that consideration she saw in her father's eyes? Maybe….

"Absolutely not," he answered with a sharp shake of his head. "You're not ready."

And, just as quickly, Eira's hopes sank. However, she refused to let them plummet all-together.

"I've been helping prepare the tribute for years," she countered, ignoring the swift shake of Linde's head. "And, I've over-seen it entirely this year. I know the best route to reach the meeting site and I'm aware of all the leaders that will be there and the necessary portions—"

"I said, no," Eira heard her father snap before he took a deep breath to calm himself. "I know you're eager, Eira. But, now isn't the right time. The Zauber are planning something and I need you here, in Draven. Safe.
'Maybe next year."

Every word was like a stone in Eira's chest.

Eighteen years old, and she was still being treated like a child. However, she supposed having Drava castle at her full disposal wasn't too bad a consolation prize. It certainly would mean she wouldn't have any time for her training. Maybe….this wouldn't be so bad.

"Very well," she agreed as graciously as possible. "If you wish me to stay, I will."

A relieved smile and a nod was her only response before her father returned her focus to his plate once more.

"And, you don't need to worry about a thing," Eira continued assuredly. "Everything will be running smoothly while you're away."

"Of course, it will," he replied. "Wekher knows what needs to be done."

Eira's fork clattered against the table as she stared in disbelief.

"Wekher?" she asked. "You're….leaving the steward in charge?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Elric asked, brow furrowing deeply. "It's his job, is it not?"

"Well, yes, but…"

But, what? What was she supposed to say? That she demanded the Keys to Drava Castle? Wekher had worn those all her life. Still, to leave him in charge of…. everything!

"Don't worry," her father replied with a reassuring smile, "Where you're going, you'll be kept far too busy to worry about little things like that."

That snapped both Eira and Linde to attention.

"Where I'm…..going?" she asked.

"Yes," Elric said. "I was planning to wait a few more days but, the Meeting of the Kings actually comes at a perfect time to increase your training."

"My….what?"

"While I escort the Tribute, the Captain and you will be going to the Hunter's Lodge."

"We….will?" Eira squeaked, blue eyes locking with Linde's own shocked gaze.

This couldn't be happening!

"You're….sending me away," she replied.

"Is….that wise?" Linde carefully offered. "If the Zauber could still be about, it would leave Drava castle entirely undefended."

"So long as there is just rumors, the soldiers should be enough," Elric answered with a wave of his hand. "Besides, Eira's training comes first."

This couldn't be happening!

"But, Wekher can't be expected to take on everything," Eira scrambled. "I mean, the orchards will need pruning soon and the flocks need shearing in the next weeks and—"

A sudden slamming on the table had Eira startling as she stared at her father's tense posture.

"This is not a game, Eira," he stated, dark eyes pinning her in her seat. "Wekher knows how to run this castle with his eyes closed. He's done it for years without any assistance. He takes his responsibilities seriously."

"So do I," Eira argued, patience beginning to crack. "I take them all seriously."

"Then, remember what is important," Elric stated.

Eira's hand clenched against her side as she tried to take a deep breath. "And, what would that be, father?"

"You're training," he answered as if he stated the obvious. "You will be Queen one day. Which means you have to be capable of defending it. If you can't do that, then what is the point?"

"Defend it from who?" Eira demanded, finally seeing no point in decorum. "Who is the enemy that will destroy us? The Zauber? They have been gone for years! The war is over."

"Enough!"

Her father's shout echoed through the room, causing Eira's mouth to compress in frustration.

"It's decided, Eira," he announced. "You and Linde will leave in the morning."

"And, how long would you like us to remain, Your Highness?" Linde asked carefully.

"I will come by on my way back from the gathering," Elric answered. "I'll observe Eira's progress by then."

Anger tightened Eira's throat like a fist. How could he do this?

"It can't be avoided any-longer," her father answered with a sigh. "Once your lessons are completed, you'll be brought back."

"And, for how long are these lessons supposed to last?" Eira asked.

"That is up to you," Elric replied as he stood from his seat. "I'm sorry, Eira. This has been put-off for too long but it's time to do what is required of you."

Eira tried to argue but words refused to form as she stared at her plate in front of her. It didn't matter anyway. Her father had made up his mind and no reason she could give was going to change it. She was trapped and there wasn't anything she could do to stop it.

"I'm tired," Eira heard her father say wearily. "Thank you for the meal, Eira, but I'll be in my Council room for the rest of the evening. Good night."

And, just like that, the meal was over.

"Well, that could've gone better," Linde replied as she gave a rueful smile.

Eira glared across the table as she tried to get control of herself. However, the moment, she spotted the pity on Linde's gaze, frustrated tears started to prick the corners of her eyes.

So, that was it? No chance of discussion or anything. Her father had spoken and she was being sent away to be forgotten in the woods.

This wasn't fair!