So as not to intrude and hinder their merging with the mountain, we kept our contact vague and distant. We sensed them arrive, lie down, and as they became unaware of us, we felt the link cut. Their souls are gone. Wild-eyed with fright we looked at each other.
If you wish to read from an earlier book, from Book 01 to Book 10, use this link button to open the LC Book Index:
7001
Robert and Jade searched for a flat area, clearing any pebbles that could dig into their bodies. As they’d been told, they found such an area about two thirds of the way up the mountain, under an overhang, which would protect them from direct sunlight. As they lay down, Robert asked Jade to place her hand over his so that their bodies are in contact. Resting her hand on his, Jade gave him a slightly nervous smile and closed her eyes, trying to expand her mind as she’d been taught.
Robert came to the mountain for a number of reasons. He could not allow Jade to be at risk without him being beside her to help her. The idea of her meeting and loving another man, even if it was only in a dream, did not appeal to him. He also had come to the conclusion that the Firmziani were speaking of their planet having a soul and he wanted to contact it. He also suspected that the dream world they would be travelling to would be a world within the planetary soul, same as the worlds we create, like the world Cherine has with real people living in it and mine for Hesina. If so, it means the planetary soul can affect what they experience and change the rules as it wishes.
As he closed his eyes, he concentrated on experiencing the method the soul would use to manifest itself so as to communicate with him. He felt his contact with Jade slipping away and realised he might lose her so he relaxed and opened himself to the mountain. He felt as if he was being cocooned within a strong caring presence and he lost contact with his thoughts, submitting to the power that wanted him to dream. As he dimly became aware for a brief moment, he saw a planet below him and then his inner world collapsed into a deep sleep.
Arrend shook his head, as if to clear the cobwebs from his mind, and looked around. He could see he was close to a town or small city, but it was still dangerous to allow himself to lose his vigilance to wool-gathering. He stepped to the slight hump between the two wagon ruts so as not to pass too closely to the bushes on either side. Not that any robbers would find him rich pickings. He’d felt how empty his pockets were and was more worried they might react violently to their wasted ambush. He grinned as he imagined himself asking them to invite him to a meal with them.
As it happened, there were no ruffians behind the bushes and nobody assaulted him as he made his way into the large town. He walked directly to the fountain in the center of the plaza and cupping his hands sipped the cool water. It did not taste fresh so he drank the minimum he needed to assuage his thirst. Shaking his hands dry he looked around at the people and saw a healthy number of people who were not poverty stricken. Perhaps his talent would earn him a meal and bed if he could obtain some materials to work with. He was given directions to a shop that sold artist materials about three blocks away. When he arrived he stood outside, watching the owner inside. Girding himself for the difficult task of convincing a trader to give him credit he entered the shop.
“Good day. May I take a look at your paints and canvas?”
“This way sir.”
Arrend opened a pot of red paint and first put it to his nostrils. Pleased that it had the correct ingredients he then felt a couple of brushes. He felt a canvas, about sixty by forty centimetres and nodded, it was tight and professionally mounted.
“May I have the use of a scrap of paper and a pencil?” The shopkeeper brought it to him. Carefully he sketched a flattering portrait of the man and handed it to him.
He nodded. “You have talent, but I do not exchange goods for art.”
Arrend tried to convince him to give him credit so that he could earn the money to pay him with. The shopkeeper was wise to the ways and arguments of artists and point-blank refused him. As Arrend stepped out of the shop, he saw a well dressed man coming his way, escorted by four guards. He bowed to him.
7002
“A portrait sir, so that future generations may admire their ancestor? You are young enough for your good looks to be worth preserving and you are old enough for your eyes to show some wisdom has been earned. It is the best time of your life to commission a portrait and I am the best artist to paint it for you.”
The man stopped and the guards drew close, ensuring Arrend could not approach the man any closer.
He smiled. “You have a glib tongue that knows how to appeal to our vanity. Do your hands move with as much talent as your tongue?”
Arrend raised his hands and looked at them. “They are sensitive and they often see the truth that is hidden from me. That is your only risk sir.”
He laughed. “I’ll only pay if I am pleased by what I see.”
“I would need the materials and enough to feed myself for a few days while I paint. My hands tremble when I am hungry.”
He spoke to one of the guards. “Go with him to collect what he needs and take him to the palace. See that he bathes and is fed before he is brought to start my portrait.”
“Is it wise Prince Edward, he is a stranger and naught is known of him.”
“If he has talent, it is wise. If not, you’ll chain him in the square so that our citizens may feed him with their rotten vegetables. At least he will provide pleasure, wittingly or unwittingly, one way or another.”
Arrend felt the abrupt coolness as they stepped past the door. The thick stone walls did little to hold any heat from the fire. The prince stood up and walked over to the fireplace. He placed a hand on the mantle while his other hand rested on the hilt of his sword. “This should be a good pose.”
“Good, but hardly original. How is it you wish to be remembered, as a warrior to be feared or a wise leader?”
“Ha, I challenge you to provide both.”
Arrend looked around the room, ignoring the guard who’d stayed to watch him. “Please sit at the table with the chess set. Reach for the bishop with the one hand, but keep your other hand on the pommel of your sword. It would help if you refrain from smiling as a smile is not generally accepted as an indication of great wisdom, unless you smile sardonically. A thoughtful but determined look might be more suitable.”
“Have you painted for any of the lords?”
“You wish references to my art? Proof will be before you within hours.”
He shook his head. “I wished to understand how it is you still have your head upon your shoulders.”
Arrend did not show his smile. “That would be a waste of money. It is wiser to first see the portrait. If it is of value, a few presumptuous words are more easily forgiven.”
“You are an anti-royalist?”
“Who would I paint for then?”
“Get on with it, I cannot sit like this forever.”
“A few more minutes, I will not need you to sit for the entire time. Guard, please move the light behind me to that table at my side.” The prince nodded so he did so. “That is better, the angles are not so harsh. Thank you, you may return to sit at your comfort by the fire.” The guard almost growled with his anger that this little man dared order the prince, but he kept his peace, for the prince did not seem to feel affronted. As the prince made to move towards Arrend, he gestured impatiently, “Back! No one looks over my shoulder while I work. I’ll tell you when I am ready to show it to you.”
The prince spoke to the guard. “I think he hopes for another meal before we discover he is a charlatan.” He laughed and returned to his armchair and drink.
Even as she became aware of her surroundings, five armed men closed in. “What have we here? How did you enter the courtyard, no women are allowed in this area.” He gave orders to the men. “She wears leathers but no sword. Take her.”
As they reached for her, she twisted, turned, pulled and pushed and the men found themselves entangled within the arms of the others while she stood to the side with a disdainful look. “These are the best you have? Give me a sword and send your best so that I can give them a free lesson.”
“A sword is it? Give her yours Arnault. What is your name lass?”
She stopped as she reached for the sword and half mumbled to herself, “A stone…some kind of stone.”
“Your name is Stone?”
She took the proffered sword with a laugh. “That name will do. Stone.”
“I am Swivin and I will test your claims. If I do not kill you, you shall lay in my bed tonight to sweeten it for me.”
7003
“I lay in no man’s bed that I do not choose. Show me that your sword arm is as bold as your words.”
Swivin surprised her, for though he was massive of chest and she’d thought he’d be a slow mover, he was fast and agile. She did not dare use her sword to directly block his thrusts, for the power of his arm would overcome her, so she had to use angles that slid his sword harmlessly past her. She drew first blood when she nicked his biceps with the point of her sword and paused, but he shook his head so the fight continued. She lightly pricked his chest over his heart and stopped again. He looked as if he would bullheadedly continue, but then he smiled.
“You’ve made your point, you sleep in your own bed. Join us for some ale while you tell us what you are doing here.”
Stone held her ale for quick sips in-between making the points she wanted to make. “I am not a killer nor am I for hire to terrorise those who cannot pay the taxes of a greedy prince. I seek a man worth serving and if I find him, I will serve to the best of my ability. Is your prince such a man?”
“He is, but I do not see how you can serve him. There never has been a female guard.”
“If I speak to him there will be.”
“You go to the prince with such an offer and you will look foolish Swivin.”
“If he does not, then I shall go and when I am appointed, Swivin will seem even more of a fool.”
“The two of you will make of me a fool whatever I do. I’ll decide in the morning. Tell us Stone, where have you fought and for whom?”
“The past is only for others to speak of. All I’ll tell you is that I have never fought for anyone that I do not respect. Why do you speak of your prince as being worthy of my blade? Is he loved and respected by his lords?”
“Not all of them.”
“Is he then loved and respected by his people?”
Swivin rubbed his chin. “More than any other prince.”
Stone laughed. “You are a politician!”
“All officers are, Stone.” Another guard said with heavy irony in his voice. “They have to know how to inspire their men so that they’ll die for them.”
Stone frowned. “Someone, I don’t recall who, perhaps a father I no longer recall, told me once, plan to live for me, don’t die for me. Perhaps you should tell your men the same?”
Swivin grinned as his men chuckled. “If I said that, I could have the largest army in the world for all the cowards would join me. You have a strange way of convincing me to speak to the prince on your behalf. He’ll probably dismiss me for having gone soft in the head.” The men were in a good mood from the ale and pleaded with Swivin to arrange for them to be present when he takes Stone to him.
The prince likes to practice each morning and when they finished, Swivin approached him with the ease of comrades who’ve fought together. “My Lord, would you grant me a few minutes for the amusement of my men and myself? I have someone who wishes to apply for a position with your guards.”
He cocked his head and his voice was dry. “He is that bad? You know I do not hold with ridiculing the weak, commander.”
“It is not a ‘he’ my Lord, it is a young woman who calls herself Stone.”
“I do not find that amusing, what’s got into you?”
His face turned beet red. “My Lord, I promised to introduce her if she beat me at sword play.” The prince stared at him for a moment and then burst into laughter.
“With pleasure, I’d like to meet this vixen of yours. I won’t let you forget this Swivin.”
The prince led the way into the courtyard and he stopped when he saw Stone. She was sitting sideways, apparently lost in thought. “She is attractive. Have you bedded her?”
“A viper is more likely to share my bed my prince - and be more welcome.”
Stone stood up and as she walked over she said to Swivin, “And be a more fitting companion for you I daresay.” Proudly she stared at Prince Edward and then bent her head for a moment. “This is your prince? You are come from sword practice my Lord? Are you too tired for another round?”
Swivin quickly stood between them. “How dare you! Men, arrest her.” He turned to his prince. “We know nothing of her, she may have been sent to assassinate you.”
“I’ll take the chance. Release her.”
“But my prince, she is…”
“I know, she beat you. Allow me to show you how to handle her.”
Stone smiled and set her sword tip into the ground. “If I take your sword from you, do I get the position I want?”
“Are you mad!”
7004
“No, but I think you will be when I take your sword, that is why I want the terms agreed from before. Not as a guard, as Swivin thought, but as your military advisor.”
“What do you know of tactics?”
“Enough to win you your battles, if you are in the right. I will stand by no man if he is in the wrong.”
“This is not amusing Swivin.”
“I did not know what she planned my prince.”
The prince realised he was in an impossible situation, it would never be forgotten if he backed down and his enemies would make capital of it. He raised his sword. “On guard then.”
Stunned he stood like a statue as she ran at him, twisted, leapt in the air, spinning like a top, and before he knew what was happening she held his sword. She took it by the tip and offered it back to him. “You were caught by surprise - a tactic I enjoy. Shall we say the best of three wins?”
When he lost his sword the second time he accepted it and rested the tip on the ground. “Swivin, make her presentable and bring her to me after luncheon. My private quarters and no one is to know.” He bowed to Stone. “I have a meeting I must attend first. My apologies for mocking you, can you teach me some of your way of fighting? Perhaps you could join us in our morning practice, I’d like to see how you handle a sword.”
When she arrived in his private quarters still dressed in her leathers, but washed and hair bound, his lips thinned, but he made no comment. He pointed at a chair. “Sit.”
She glanced at the artist working to the side, discounted him as a possible threat and sat down. “Has Swivin told you of my conditions?”
“You come to me with conditions!”
“None that an honourable man would object to sire. I only serve those I respect my Prince. If your cause is unjust, I will abandon you. If you are exercising your rights as a prince honourably, then I shall stand by you to the death. Would you ask less or more of me?”
For the first time that he could recall, Prince Edward was at a loss for words. That might explain why he did not react with anger when the artist presumed and asked in his place.
“You would set yourself as his judge?”
“And you have not? I would, as does every citizen who acknowledges him as their prince.” Without warning she was on her feet and by the canvas before Arrend could protest. “Ahh, I was right. Do you truly see that in him? If your eyes are true, then I will serve him.”
Arrend saw no point in protesting when the prince came to take a look. He turned to Stone. “What do you see?”
“A man who respects others because he respects himself.”
Arrend interposed, enjoying the opportunity to play devil’s advocate, “But he lives in luxury, taking from the poor.”
“That is his due. He could not be their prince if he lived in a hovel alongside them. How would that serve them?”
The prince snapped at them, “Are the two of you finished discussing me?” Arrend nodded and returned to his painting. “Give me one good reason why I should give you the appointment you seek - apart from your fancy fighting skills?”
“Lord Gavah has the support of three other lords and is marching against you with double the soldiers you have. You need me to win.”
“What! When and where?”
“They arrive in four days time. Swivin should be on his way with the news. I heard a runner telling him as I climbed the stairs. I need to see maps of the route they are taking.” As she was talking Swivin entered. He confirmed the news and the prince took out some maps, spreading them over the table.
“Show me where they were seen.”
“Prince Edward, they were last seen here,” he pointed, “but that was two days ago.”
Stone traced her finger over the direct route. “Artist, have you paper and a pencil?”
“My name is Arrend. Here you are.”
Stone quickly copied a small part of the map onto the paper, drew in the army that was marching to them and then sketched in the potential force of the prince. “On either side you have forest.”
Swivin replied curtly, “They will have scouts to warn them, that is the oldest trick Stone, they will not fall for it.”
“Oh yes they will. You will send men to dispose of the scouts, that will convince them they know of what we plan. Prince Edward, I need all the men of this town who have horses. This is what we will do.” She drew a line though the middle of the force of Prince Edward. “This half will panic when the enemy is seen and ride back to the city. The citizens on horseback will be waiting here. When the panicked soldiers arrive by them the citizens will become the panicked soldiers and ride hard for safety. The soldiers will turn to the left to ride behind this hill - even the scouts in the forest cannot see them and I doubt they’ll have any scouts that far out.
7005
You, with your few brave men, will take a stand to stop the traitorous Lord Gavah. Their army will be jubilant, certain of an easy victory and break their disciplined approach. As they break ranks in their eagerness to engage with you, the soldiers will attack from their rear in a spear shaped formation, breaking them into two groups. Without their officers to direct them, it will be a mop up operation.”
She had to explain in more detail before they saw that her plan made sense. Swivin was given orders and he left to organise the men. There was silence in the room while the prince paced deep in thought.
Arrend spoke up, as if talking to himself. “Stone, you arrived at a fortuitous moment. Is this your plan or was it thought up by Lord Gavah so as to split the men of Prince Edward?”
Stone turned white. Before the prince could speak she arrived by Arrend in a white hot rage. She barely seemed to touch him and Arrend flew into furniture and fell on the floor with a scream of agony. The guard opened the door and yelled for reinforcements as Prince Edward shouted at Stone in anger.
Arrend woke up to the sight of Stone held by two men. Weakly he called out, “Let her go, she is innocent.” He looked up at Prince Edward. “That was rage, not guilt. Use her plan.” Someone moved his broken leg and he fainted.
For the next twenty four hours the city did not sleep. The soldiers went from home to home collecting men with their horses and delivered them to the enclosed palace courtyard. Stone stood on the steps until the gates were closed. Officers called for silence.
“Whether you volunteer or not, none of you are stepping out of this place to return home until the battle has been fought. Nobody will be risking their lives, but we need your help to ensure our soldiers have a chance of returning alive. I presume that a lot of you have sons, brothers or nephews who are guards or soldiers, so I expect you to volunteer. I’ll tell you what we need you for and then, those who are not willing to ride for their Prince will step into the room under these stairs. You will be provided with food and water and tomorrow afternoon you’ll be set free to return home. Nobody will take your names and there will be no reprisals - that is my promise.” She explained and only two men stepped into the room. The one was very ill and the other was a visitor from the estate of Lord Gavah.
Stone went to the room Arrend had been taken to. The doctor had placed a cast on his leg and given him a strong alcoholic drink as a painkiller. She sat by his side until he opened his eyes. She raised his head as she held a mug of water to his lips.
“I am sorry. What you did had a sound reason and probably convinced the prince to listen to me, but the way you did it was foolish.” He heard the pain in her voice as she said, “It was not like me, I never hurt people out of anger.” He decided she will have to allow time to heal her, there was nothing he could say to ease her anguish.
“Save the prince, he is one of those rare ones worth your loyalty.”
The forests and surrounding hills were full of spies belonging neither to the invaders nor to the defenders. Further back, hidden and at least another days journey, a force of two thousand men waited. They were the savage soldiers from the north who hired their services to their enemies whenever they fought each other. Those who had sent them had expected Prince Edward to lose his entire army after they’d decimated the forces of Lord Gavah and his two allies. Another force waited by the estates of Lord Gavah, only to attack should the city fall to the northern barbarian soldiers.
Stone’s plan required great speed of the soldiers for them to arrive behind the invading force in time to save their prince and his small group from being slaughtered. Fortuitously there had been no rain and the unusual sunshine had baked the ground. With a grim look the prince stared at the enemy soldiers yelling with glee at their unexpected easy victory. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed that even now Stone kept a close watch on both sides. As the men ignored their officers in the rush to slaughter the prince, Stone turned to the commanding officer on the other side of the prince.
“Take half the men to the left and Prince, you take the other half to the right. We must encourage them to separate into smaller groups.” The prince nodded his confirmation and drew his men to the right of Stone. Both groups were surprised to see Stone stay alone in the center. She raised her sword before her face in salute to the prince and dug in her heels. With horror they watched her charge the enemy with two swords in her hands.
7006
As she arrived by the first of the enemy she suddenly leant over and disappeared from view. Prince Edward heard his men groan in sympathy, but his face only hardened, angry that she’d thrown her life away without reason. As the horse raced on through the men, they heard cries and men fell to the ground on either side. A sudden opening showed the prince that Stone was hanging underneath her horse and was slashing at the enemy with her swords. He cursed aloud. If they waited, as her plan required, so as to give the other half of his army time to attack from the rear, her horse would be forced to a halt and she would be killed. His own men decided for him as they cheered the path of disarray she had left behind her and overcome by bloodlust they charged upon the enemy.
They were already battling for their lives and the prince was surrounded by enemy soldiers when Swivin and his men charged from the rear. He just had time to notice that Stone rode alongside Swivin, a whip in her hand instead of her swords. By dusk the fighting was over and Lord Gavah with his retinue had fled to his estates, no doubt planning to hide behind the walls of his castle.
The commander said, “We have only lost half the men I expected to lose, thanks to your strategy. Stone, why did you ride off with forty men and why have you ordered over half of the men to camp outside the city in the forests? I expected them to be sent to capture Lord Gavah.”
“They would not have arrived alive and then we would have been vulnerable. Not all the citizen volunteers took the place of the soldiers, a few rode out to areas I suggested they examine and they returned with reports of an army waiting in hiding. They identified them as being northern barbarians.”
Puzzled he asked, “I see, you plan to employ the strategy we used should they attack us.”
Stone said, her voice impatient, “There would be little point to that, they watched us and will be on the lookout. No, I ordered the men to break up into groups of fifty should they see the barbarians come to lay siege. They will harass them with lightning raids and return to the forests before the enemy can organise to kill them.”
Prince Edward was furious with her. “You are presumptuous, I have not appointed you my military advisor and even if I did, the advisor does not issue orders, my commander does.”
She nodded. “My apologies, it has been a pleasure serving.”
As she walked to the door the prince ordered her to stop. She ignored him so the guard at the door blocked the door. She turned to look at the prince without speaking.
“When I give an order, for as long as you are in my palace or on my land, you will obey. Be here at eleven in the morning.”
She did not even glance at the full bodied armour in the passages, nor the statues and paintings. Her back was stiff until she arrived at Arrend’s door. As she entered, he put down the book he was reading. She pulled a stool to his bedside. “How is the pain?”
“It is said that it is not enough for an artist to have the talent to paint what he sees, he must understand what he sees. If I have no honour, how do I recognise it when I see it in others? The same is supposed to be true of pain. I expect to be a better artist from now on.” He paused. “What is wrong?”
“I am leaving tonight. I have told no one but you, so do not betray me.”
“Would it help me understand why if you told me what happened?” She did and she heard how she sounded and faltered. Arrend sighed. “You are an exceptional person, but you are still so naive. You demand Edward exercises his rights so that he remains a figure of authority for his people, and yet you object when he does so with you. Is he to make an exception for you?”
“I do not ask that, just a minimum of courtesy and an exercise of royal logic now and then. He knows my plan for protecting his city is good, he should have been grateful instead of humiliating me in front of everyone.”
“Did you humiliate his commander by taking decisions that are his prerogative and then humiliate him further by disclosing the fact to his Prince before confiding your action to him and asking for his approval? Do not argue like a child upset with her brother Stone, you are now in a cruel and hard world where you must think like a responsible adult.” She came to her feet, knocking over the stool and he chuckled. “You impressed everyone with your riding stunt on the battlefield. Was it truly safer for you underneath the horse?”
“My safety had nothing to do with it! I’ve told all of you, I do not kill. From under the horse I could cut at their legs so that they no longer could fight.”
“And they’ll be returned to their families? Stone, they will either have been killed on the battlefield or else they are prisoners and will hang. Sit down, rushing off will not change the truth just because you do not like to hear it. You have obviously been trained by a master. You are skilled in the art of war and have a good imagination - which is not often quoted as a prerequisite for military advisors and it should be. However good you may be, you are fallible and something you did not know or did not think of could cause your plan to misfire on you, and the Prince, his commander and his people would pay the price. Stop demanding so much of others. Demand of yourself that you first gain the experience to deserve the position and trust you want. Speak to the commander and ask him whether he is willing to teach you if you work as his advisor. He will not refuse, for you are the hero of the people right now.”
7007
Her face was tight with anger. “You think you sound so wise! Do you know what you really sound like? You are an insufferable prig!” She marched out of his room quickly so that he would not see the tears threatening to embarrass her.
Stone barely dozed an hour that night. She first had to work herself through her anger, touch briefly upon self-pity, recoiling from it before it could take hold of her and then she began to think for herself. She could not hear the words of Arrend clearly for there was still a crimson dust of anger to block him off, but she did take a look at the last few days and influenced despite herself by Arrend, she saw what would have looked to others like arrogance.
“Prince Edward, may I speak first?” He nodded. “I owe your commander an apology, just as I owe you one. At all times I only acted to forestall the future that seemed so clear to me. I have studied the art of war and am knowledgeable of the way barbarian warriors think and their strategies. I was out on the field and had to take a decision or else lose the advantage of surprise. I should have consulted with either of you at the first possible moment.” The commander nodded, his eyes slightly warmer.
“Are you still determined to leave?”
“Prince Edward, I never truly wished to.”
He gave a sour smile. “Arrend has asked that I grant you one wish. He claims your strategy and your bravery on the field has earned it for you. I will listen to what you ask for.”
She stiffened, angered that the prince would listen to Arrend but not to her. “I have little to ask of you, but I do have a request to make of Commander Erreld. Will you allow me to serve under you for one year? I ask to be your pupil, no more.”
Prince Edward waited for the surprised commander to agree and only then commented, “Confound that man, how did he guess?”
With eyes turned cold she answered him, “When his leg is healed I’ll break the other one.”
“You don’t like him?”
“He should learn to mind his own business, perhaps he would then do a better job of your portrait.”
He chuckled at her childish temper. “You have also studied the fine arts? You could create me a better portrait?”
“It cannot be that difficult!”
“Commander, if the barbarians depart, I wish her to be present for three hours each day for two weeks. I’ll have another canvas and palette brought for her. I think your pupil has more to learn than you can teach her. Arrend is the finest artist I’ve seen in our land for a long time and she needs to be taught to respect the talents of others.”
The barbarians were seen departing in the direction of the estate of Lord Gavah and all the soldiers were recalled into the city. Stone had been presented with a blank canvas on an easel and she’d been instructed to paint a portrait. At the end of the second session, Prince Edward strolled over to look at her early efforts. As far as he could see, her canvas looked a mess, as if she’d deliberately ruined it. “Do you wish to continue or are you ready to tender your apologies to Arrend?”
“Ask me in three days time Prince Edward.” She stared at him without resuming her painting. “May I ask you a question of state?” He nodded. “The barbarians will sack and burn the estate of Lord Gavah and you will allow it?”
“It would rid us of a problem.”
“I do not agree. You are Prince of the Realm. The land, ultimately, is yours and the destruction and looting will leave your realm by that much impoverished. Any subject of yours is owed your protection - even if you are about to hang them. The other lords will feel uneasy and look to joining in conspiracy against you if you allow this to happen. You must be seen to be strong - defend him and then, as I said, hang him.”
“The heart of Stone has spoken Prince Edward.” Arrend was at the door, supported by a servant. “I agree, you must defend your own lands and people, but afterwards I believe it would better serve your purposes to have the lord and his family brought to the city. Fine his estate with the costs of the war and that will break his influence by impoverishing him while you will also be seen as a magnanimous ruler.” He stared at her canvas. “Child, you did not tell me you wished to be an artist - I would gladly teach you, for a small fee…”
“When I am finished, you may ask me to teach you. I might, for a large fee.” Both men chuckled at her arrogance and the guard struggled to hide his grin. “If the prince does not hang him, he will be considered weak, he must either hang him or imprison him for life and strip him of estates and title.”
The commander nodded. “I agree with Stone.”
7008
Arrend seemed to ignore the comment by the commander. “For a person who refuses to take life you are quick to demand that of others. If Prince Edward follows your advice, ultimately you will bear the responsibility for all the deaths. Commander Erreld, by tradition every prince and king till this day has been too weak to allow himself to show mercy, because of the attitude Stone speaks of. I ask of the prince the difficult, that as a people we take the next step towards becoming an enlightened nation. The sentence, either of imprisonment or of fining Lord Gavah, without taking the lives of his servants is harsh but fair. In prison he remains an enemy, free but confined to this city there is the possibility of turning him into a loyal subject.”
“Enough. I will consider the advice so freely given and decide once we have sent the barbarians on their way and hold the lord prisoner.”
The commander excused himself and Stone left with him. “Sit with me by the fire, you cannot stand to paint with a broken leg.” He poured them both a golden glass of whiskey. “To Lord Gavah, may his soul rot in hell. Whatever I do, the two of you will have me in the wrong.”
Arrend smiled. “Might I make a suggestion? Ask the commander to always bring her with him whenever he comes to you. She provokes us, forcing us to debate and search for truths habit has blinded us to.”
“I’m not entirely certain I approve of your liking for her.”
“There is little to like right now Prince Edward, but potentially, once she matures and learns a little wisdom, she will be one of your best assets. I see a bright and honest mind and no ruler could ask for more from any advisor. She seems to have been raised by someone with very strict and traditional viewpoints, but once she learns to think for herself and look for new ideas, she will be a jewel. A pity she is a female.”
“You do not like females?”
Arrend laughed. “Not all artists prefer men, I enjoy the company of a woman as much as the next man. I was referring to the propensity females have for mixing emotion with their arguments. It makes it difficult to use logic exclusively, as we men tend to prefer to.” He nursed his whiskey as he sank into his thoughts. “Perhaps that is what we need, debates where our hearts are included.”
Edward chuckled. “It sounds to me as if you have things the wrong way around. She offers logic while you offer the viewpoint of the heart.”
Arrend sat up, suddenly excited by his idea. “Prince Edward, I have an idea. Form a council. Give them no powers at all, but offer them total immunity from whatever is said during their debates. Their assignment will be to search our traditions and customs, even our laws, your rights, duties and responsibilities, to find that which is antiquated and needs to be changed. They should be mandated to find ways for your rule to be fair to your people while strengthening the nation so that no neighbours think of invading us. For your people, your hand should be open, a symbol of caring. For outsiders, your hand should be a fist, as hard as a rock.”
“Or a stone?” They both chuckled. “If I form such a council you do know I shall appoint both you and Stone, I trust you shall enjoy your debates?”
“But I am only an artist, I know nothing of affairs of State.”
“The council includes the two of you or else it is not formed. The sole reason of creating the council you propose should be the availability of those who have fresh ideas. Arrend, I’ll confide to you that I spent many of my younger years not liking much of what I saw my father was forced to do. Help me find a way to make any son that takes my place a better ruler than I am. Does your pain distract you or can you give me a game of chess?”
Arrend smiled. “You only enjoy playing with me because you win. One day I’ll surprise you.”
All lords owing fealty to the prince were asked for men to join the attack against the northern barbarian forces. They arrived to find the barbarians had only lingered long enough to rape a few women, steal some cattle and horses, set a few cottages on fire and then travelled north, returning to their homes. Commander Erreld negotiated with Lord Gavah the terms his prince offered and he was brought to the city with his family and close advisors. His meetings with the prince were behind closed doors with the official advisors of both parties present and only Arrend included as an unofficial advisor.
They came to terms and Edward asked if they were all in agreement. Everyone assented, apart from Arrend who sat pensively brooding. “Arrend your thoughts?”
“Prince Edward, may we speak privately?”
“No, if you disagree then speak for all to hear.”
7009
“May I be considered as a third party in these negotiations? I would like to represent the common people, those that both parties are relying on to make this agreement work. It is traditional that when those in power fight and take punitive action against the loser, it is the workers, farmers and traders who have to tighten their belts to pay while those in power maintain their luxurious lifestyles. This is what has been agreed upon today and I do not consider it fair. Lord Gavah made the decision to attack you, he should pay, not those he is supposed to protect. To pay your claims, he will raise his taxes and the people will go hungry. Prince Edward, that was not the intention of the reparations you demanded. I suggest you rule that no additional taxes may be levied against the people and that only Lord Gavah pays out of his income. If he wishes to maintain his lifestyle, he may sell to you some of his estate or else he tightens his belt until the debt is paid in full.”
One of the advisors of Lord Gavah pursed his lips. “Such a major change in precedent could affect all future wars. They will become bitter and vicious, causing more deaths.”
“There will, consequently, be less wars with less deaths. Any lord thinking of betraying his Prince will know that he and his family will personally pay damages and will be more careful. It is a fact that most people treasure their property more highly than they do their own lives.” Thereafter Arrend kept out of the debate so that it would be apparent that the final decision belonged only to the prince. Lord Gavah stared at Arrend bitterly and Swivin decided it might be prudent he allocate guards to watch over the artist.
Edward looked as if he were about to violently throw the book to the carpet, but with exaggerated care he placed it on the small pile of books by his side. “I’ve spent too much time reading our laws, none of them make sense anymore and feel like an arbitrary group of rules without meaning when applied to our everyday problems.”
“Laws about stealing, I wager, feel arbitrary to those who survive by theft. Laws that define the rights and limits of princes must certainly feel arbitrary to them. Luckily, the only laws I am forced to obey are those of perspective, form and colour. Should I say luckily? I took a peek at what Stone is doing and she is setting my world upside down. Where could she have learnt to paint like that?”
“It does look primitive to me - just like she is. Despite her good points I do not understand why I’ve been so tolerant. Erreld spends half his allotted time with me foaming at the effect she’s having on his men and the rules she challenges. Swivin has lost his common sense and admires her for her skills and courage. You demand that I encourage her to turn my world upside down, which she is doing very effectively thank you - and you dare complain about one stupid and childish painting!”
“At least she has unwittingly served you well in one manner.”
“And that is?”
“Having her around has taught you to avoid a certain kind of woman - imagine marrying some pretty princess and only then discovering she is another Stone.”
He stared at Arrend for a long moment and then guffawed. “I must pass on your comment to her, I’m certain she will be amused.”
“You are welcome to do so after I have left - no, make it a month after I’ve left.”
At first Edward was amused, but then he frowned. “You are not considering leaving?”
“The portrait is nearly finished. I did not expect it to take me four months, but with my leg knitting so badly, I cannot work for long without a rest.”
“Bother your apology! The portrait is only incidental, I need you here to guide me on my dealings with that she-devil. You are not leaving. Where would you go? With a game leg you would not get far and anyway, what work could you do?”
“Many in your court are upset by my presence in your private rooms on a daily basis. I’ve heard rumours that claim I am a wizard and control you and other rumours that claim I am working to destroy you by making you an ineffective ruler - those are mostly the comments made by admirers of Stone.”
“What is it between the two of you, she never has a good word to say about you.”
He shrugged. “It is a part of her maturing. She is rebelling at being forced to think for herself, instead of just blindly following rules.”
“I’ll give her the point that her rules are those of an old fashioned warrior. We could do worse than return to some of them.”
“Most are too simple an answer to current problems.”
When Arrend was gone, the prince gave serious thought to all that had been said. He called for certain advisors and gave his orders. Nothing was said for two weeks until the evening Edward invited Stone and Arrend to join him for a meal.
“Both portraits are finished. They will not be hung anywhere within the palace. I have purchased a mansion and they will be hung there. The mansion has been restructured so that it forms two separate households. In the half that belongs to Stone, the portrait by Arrend will be hung above the mantelpiece and the portrait by Stone will be hung above the fireplace in Arrend’s home. I have learnt much about both of you from studying the paintings and I suggest you follow my example.”
7010
They all glanced at the portraits. Stone nodded. “In traditional terms, your painting is a masterpiece. Congratulations.”
“And yours?” Swivin asked. “It confuses me, it looks so alive!”
Arrend raised his glass of wine to Stone. “Technically it is an experiment that breaks rules and yet is successful. I am certain it will be studied by many artists who will strive to emulate her.”
Coldly she asked, “But?”
“But? I did not mean to imply any ‘buts’.” She just stared at him. He sighed. “You are asking for my criticism? Emotion is missing from you work. You are wise to many aspects of life but not, so it seems, to love.”
“You are?”
He shook his head. “I should have kept my mouth shut. No, I am not, but I have known what it is like to love and not be loved.”
“In other words you have a biased and slanted point of view.”
“Whatever our experiences, surely that would be true of all of us.” He turned to Edward. “Prince Edward, you mentioned a home for me? I was not aware I was to stay long enough to need one.”
“Since you have been elected to the council you convinced me I should form, how can you leave. The position carries a handsome retainer that will cover your costs.” He passed over two scrolls, one to Stone and one to Arrend. “As of this minute you are both councillors, congratulations and serve the people to the best of your abilities.”
The prince came to his feet and as Arrend did so his leg gave in and he collapsed back onto his chair, his face a pasty white as he stifled a groan. Stone stood on the other side of the table and her face was just as pale as his.
He gestured in apology. “I’m sorry, I was not careful and put weight on my leg too suddenly. A few minutes and I’ll be right as rain again. I’ll join you soon in the drawing room?” Edward nodded and everyone followed him, only a guard remaining to help should he be needed. Arrend pummelled his thigh muscles in the hope of breaking the cramps that had seized his leg. He finally had to admit defeat and be carried to his rooms where his leg could be massaged and straightened. He drank a bitter somnific and fell into an uneasy sleep.
Using a walking stick, Arrend climbed the five steps to his front door that waited ajar. He entered the hall and then the drawing room. He intended sitting immediately to relieve his leg, but found the servants waiting to introduce themselves. Ferdin the butler introduced Miara the housekeeper and cook and Suzan the maid. Ferdin saw the white lines around his nostrils and quickly suggested he take a seat by the fireplace while he serves him a whiskey.
“No whiskey, just a cup of tea please. A glass one third filled with water would be appreciated.”
Ferdin frowned when he saw the tiny brown vial Arrend poured a few drops from, into the water. Arrend noticed. “It eases the pain.”
“If I might make a suggestion sir?” Arrend nodded. “As an anodyne it is of limited value while it has the disadvantage of also being a habit forming drug. Might I be permitted to secure a natural painkiller for you to try?”
“I understood the opium content is highly diluted and not a danger.”
“The doctors use it for soldiers wounded in battle and many have had to be weaned from the addiction.”
Arrend smiled. “Saved already, you are off to an auspicious start. Where did you work before coming to me?” His leg chose that moment to cramp and he leant forward with a groan. Ferdin called for hot towels and kneeling he pulled the leg straight and pushing upwards at the toes of his shoes he stretched the cramp and relieved Arrend of the agony to an extent. Gently he kneaded the leg and once he felt where the muscles were taut he dug his fingers in painfully. Arrend was surprised to find the cramp receding. Ferdin’s fingers felt the knot at the break gently.
“I can recommend a woman who is knowledgeable about massage. Sir, who set your leg?” Arrend told him. “The physician to Prince Edward? I see sir.” He did not volunteer any information, but from the sour twist to his lips Arrend guessed.
“Do you know someone more capable? I do not mind not being able to walk properly, but these cramps are taxing my fortitude.”
“I’ll see what I can do sir.”
I hope you enjoy reading this story of fantasy, adventure and love - and should some of it be true for our reality, I hope you will love our Cherine.
Αλέξανδρος Ζήνον Ευσταθίου
(Alexander Zenon Eustace)- posted: 28th May, 2020
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