Child Of A Guardian And Of The Free (Book 3) (24 page)

‘
Just shut up for a moment, stupid! I need you to marry me to Raline.’

Dale smiled
up at Rezon. ‘But you haven’t asked her yet. She might say no.’ He stood up. A strange look of fear and vulnerability filled the warrior’s face and he paled dramatically.

‘
Rez?’ Raline cried out as she appeared from behind some rocks, closely followed by Ben. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘
Raline, I-’ Rezon sounded like he was about to choke.

‘
Oh Rez, what happened?’ Raline’s face was now as pale as Rezon’s.

‘
No, don’t be scared,’ said Rezon, calming significantly as he saw how much fright he was causing her. He lowered himself to his knees and Dale laughed when he saw that Raline’s head was now at the same level as Rezon’s. Rezon gave him a quick glare and he fell silent. He reached out and took Raline’s hand. ‘Raline, I have to ask you...you can say no if you want...but I hope you’ll say yes...I love you...Eibhear was right, you’re my soul mate. So please,’ Rezon took a deep breath, ‘will you marry me?’

Raline stared across at him in shock, completely dumbfounded. Even after what Eibhear and Rudiger had told and shown her, she couldn
’t believe that this incredible warrior, this beautiful man, would ask her to marry him. She stood with her mouth slightly open, staring into his irresistibly warm, dark eyes. Rezon swallowed hard and waited, and his face crumbled as time passed. When he felt his heart would disintegrate in his chest, she fell into his arms.

‘
Yes,’ she murmured. Rezon leapt up and hugged her tightly to his chest, ignoring the pain in his arm.

‘
Thank you!’ he murmured reverently. He stood holding her for a long time. ‘Well Baron?’ he prompted. ‘You’re the only one here with the authority to declare us married.’

‘
I’ve never married anyone before,’ Dale mused.

‘
Technically all you have to do is declare them husband and wife, in view of witnesses,’ said Ben, basking in the palpable joy that was emanating from his brother.

‘
Oh no! I’ve been to a wedding before and I know how it’s done. You’ll have to listen to the entire ceremony,’ Dale declared, ‘word for word!’

‘
Um, Rez?’ Raline glanced down at her ragged, torn dress and bare feet. ‘Can I have some time to bathe and maybe wash my dress?’

Rezon looked into her eyes thoughtfully.
‘I want to make some preparations too,’ he said letting her go and stepping away. ‘Ben, would you guard Raline whilst she bathes?’ Ben looked curiously at his brother, and then he turned and motioned for Raline to follow him.

‘
Eibhear, Rudi, I need you to help me,’ said Rezon, once Raline was out of earshot. ‘Please.’

‘
Of course,’ said Rudiger, taking in the serious and worried expression on Rezon’s face.

‘
I want you to find out from Raline what sort of wedding she was expecting. Not now - I mean, what sort of a wedding she would have expected if we’d been back in Nyinaku... Alkira... anywhere but here. Find out what she would have worn and what sort of wedding feast she might have wanted and anything else you can find out. Surely I can do better than a dirty, ragged dress, two chickens and a melon. I feel ashamed to offer her so little.’ Rezon hung his head and sighed. ‘You know, she’s so selfless I doubt she’d complain about anything. But I can’t bear it. My lady shouldn’t have to ask if she can bathe before her wedding! She should be asking about the...I don’t know...what do women ask about? The dress; the feast; will there be flowers? And it’s a human custom to go somewhere special on your wedding night. I know it’s asking a lot, but...if I just knew what she wanted....’

‘
Why don’t you ask her - ah... you think she’d say she wanted nothing.’ Rudiger rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ‘We’ll find out. We can be sneaky if we need to.’

‘
This is going to take a little time,’ Eibhear warned. ‘Even once we find out what she wants, if we have to go and steal a dress, and the food and whatever else, it could take a fair while.’

‘
It could take thirty-three days,’ said Dale.

‘
Thirty-three days!’ Rezon frowned at Dale.

‘
Yes. Thirty-three days. The law of Alkira requires that proposal of marriage happens at least thirty-three days prior to the actual wedding. It’s to stop idiots running off and getting married before they actually get to know each other.’

‘
Thirty-three days isn’t long enough to get to know each other,’ Eibhear pointed out. ‘And these idiots have known each other longer than thirty-three days and the idiots aren’t actually running off together.’

‘
No, but it should be long enough for you other idiots to find a city and raid a fancy dressmaker’s store, and fatten a pig, and do anything else you need to do.’

‘
Maybe we should concentrate on getting her a dress first,’ said Eibhear.

‘
I know where you can get her a dress,’ said Dale. His heart was suddenly torn between wanting Raline to have one of the incredibly beautiful creations he had seen in the cupboard belonging to the woman he mentally referred to as ‘the witch’ and desperately never wanting to go anywhere near the woman or her strange little fortress ever again. Rezon looked very serious as he took Dale’s thoughts.

‘
I don’t think you should go anywhere near her ever again Dale, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t rob the place. I’ll bet we can get almost everything we need - and it’s not even truly theft, just payment for her keeping you captive in the first place. She deserves worse, but humans don’t usually know what they truly want until they’ve done the wrong thing.’

‘
She knew exactly what she wanted,’ Dale growled.

‘
No. I meant you Dale. Right now you want to murder her. That’s probably not the right choice and if you were standing over her dead body, holding the bloodied knife you might change your mind.’

‘
No... Maybe... Probably,’ Dale gave an annoyed grunt.

‘
There’s that old hut up on the mountain,’ said Eibhear. ‘It’s not fancy, but with a little work it could be made into a fairly nice place to have a wedding night. After all, it has a fantastic view - right out to the sea in one direction and over the mountains on the other side. And there’s that awful warm spring. Why anyone would want to bathe in warm water eludes me. Raline would love it.’

‘
The hut was practically falling down and it didn’t have a roof,’ said Dale, frowning.

‘
That’s right. Nothing that can’t be fixed with a little work,’ said Eibhear as if Dale had made a positive statement.

‘
It has possibilities,’ Rezon agreed, drifting into his own private thoughts. They sat in comfortable silence until Ben and Raline returned. Dale decided he was probably the best person to remind Raline of Alkiran law. He cleared his throat nervously.

‘
Raline, I just reminded Rezon that under Alkiran law I can only allow you to marry thirty-three days after your engagement. You are going to have to wait thirty-three days.’

Raline stared at him suspiciously. ‘Why can’t you say that we were engaged thirty-three days ago?’ She gazed curiously across their faces and understanding dawned. ‘I know there’s something you’re not telling me, but if Rez wants to wait thirty-three days, that’s fine with me. But please, don’t go to any trouble. I don’t need anything fancy.’

‘
Are you sure you’re willing to wait?’ asked Rezon, wrapping his uninjured arm around her and drawing her closer.

‘
Who knows, in thirty three days we might be on our way back to Alkira...Nyinaku...well we might be on our way home - wherever that may be.’ Raline gazed into his eyes and enjoyed the sense of belonging she felt. She wrapped her arms around his chest and squeezed. ‘I’d do anything...I’d wait an eternity for you.’

Chapter 27

Colonel Kalinya

Callian unlocked the cabin door. Milgorry and Louisa were crammed together in a bunk. It was obvious they had been struck many times, as they had dried blood through their hair, raised bruises on their heads and darkened patches on their necks and upper arms. Borgulnay and Gilgarry looked no better. Elena and Immosey lay side by side in the lower bunk, and Borgulnay lay on the floor. Gilgarry was kneeling on the floor beside Borgulnay. He was also bruised and bloody, but he was the only person in the cabin who was conscious. He blinked a few times at Kelian, and then he dropped back onto his heels, holding his head in his hands.

‘
Gil,’ said Kelian, kneeling beside the Captain. ‘What happened?’

‘
It was Penn,’ Gilgarry croaked. ‘And he had one of the fallen with him and a whole bunch of Sanctuary Guards. How did you get on board?’

‘
I have no idea what Callian did,’ said Kelian, ‘but everyone who didn’t ignore us outright was so confused they could barely do their appointed tasks, let alone take notice of where we went.’

‘
It wasn’t easy,’ Callian admitted, leaning against the bulkhead and rubbing his forehead tiredly. ‘Fortunately Tim and Araas are incredibly skilled.’

Gilgarry mirrored his action.
‘Ahh…my head feels like it’s going to split open!’

‘
Lie down!’ Kelian ordered, leaning down to help Gilgarry who stared up at Kelian.

‘
Your Majesty, I’m so sorry,’ he muttered.

‘
Just tell me what happened, Gil,’ said Kelian.

‘
To be honest I woke up here on the ship. I remember at the Sanctuary, someone hit me on the head with something, and then...we woke up here. Then Penn gave us something to drink and the girls just went back to sleep. Mil and Borg tried to get free and they got beaten around a bit more, so I just lay low. I’m no use to anyone unconscious. Kelian, I’m so sorry!’ said Gilgarry, looking guiltily across at Elena. ‘I’m supposed to be King’s Captain, but I was useless! They took us so easily!’

‘
What happened to the girls?’ Kelian asked urgently, leaning across Gilgarry and touching Elena’s forehead. ‘They’re bruised and covered in insect bites! And why are they still unconscious?’

‘
I don’t know how they got the bruises but I think I know why they’re asleep. I think it’s the effect of what he made us drink. The girls were given a fairly large dose of whatever it was. Ellie and Immy just...well they didn’t even make it across the floor! I got them all into the bunks, but even I feel like I’m half asleep, and so sick!’

‘
What about Borg and Mil and Louisa? You all look like you were beaten.’

‘
We were. That was back at the Sanctuary. Louisa tried to escape to warn you that someone was attacking the Sanctuary, but she didn’t even get out of the door. Ah Kelian, they smashed her head so hard...Mil went after her and he got it too. Then they came into the room and next thing I know, we’re on this ship.’

‘
It’s part of the Tatharlian fleet, but I doubt it’s carrying its original crew,’ Kelian observed.

‘
I’d agree with that,’ said Gilgarry grimly. ‘I overheard one of the sailors say something about dropping Captain Mercah and the other bodies overboard.’

‘
Can we wake them, Callian?’ asked Kelian.

‘
If they’ve been given a drink of what I think they’ve been given, it’s far better if they sleep it off. But if you want to get off this ship we have to go right now. Even now we might be too late.’

‘
Then what? Penn sails to wherever he sails, does whatever he’s planning to do and gets away with all this? Not likely,’ Kelian growled. ‘We just need to get the girls off the ship, and somehow get back on board.’

‘
We’re too late. The ship’s about to-’ Timbul broke off and stared at Araas. ‘What in all hell is he doing on board?’

‘
Kalinya?’ Araas looked half amused, half annoyed as he picked up on Kalinya’s thoughts.

‘
I thought you asked him to stay with Evan?’ Callian said to Kelian.

‘
I did, but by the looks on your faces, I imagine he disobeyed me?’

‘
He did,’ Timbul confirmed. ‘He’s hiding in a longboat. Shall I bring him down here?’

‘
Do we have time to get off this ship?

‘
Not a chance.’

‘
Can you find Kalinya without being seen?’

‘
I think so.’

‘
Then bring him here please,’ said Kelian, and Timbul slipped silently from the cabin.

‘
So what are we going to do, seeing we can’t get out of here?’ asked Gilgarry worriedly.

Kelian
sat in silence for over five minutes considering the question. ‘Callian, if Mil and Borg and Gil were well, would it be impossible for us to take over this ship?’

Callian
leaned against the bulkhead and gave a low whistle. ‘Not impossible...just...we’re going to need a fairly good plan before we attempt that, Kelian.’

‘
Come up with a plan...no, on second thoughts, don’t bother. Wake up Borg instead please. From what I’ve seen, your aptitude for strategic planning leaves a lot to be desired. Let’s leave this one to Gil and Borg.’

‘
A true statement, yet incredibly rude!’ said a voice behind Kelian and he leapt up.

‘
Tim! I didn’t even hear the door open! I almost...Kalinya! You disobeyed me you know!’

Kalinya grinned.
‘I’m Tatharlian and you’re the King of Alkira. So I don’t have to do what you say.’

‘
Why did you follow us?’

The grin fell from Kalinya
’s face. ‘Everything I love was in Tathra. Well, that was my mother I guess. I just don’t want to be here anymore. Please let me come with you. Are we going to Alkira?’

‘
Actually, we have no idea where we’re going and I don’t think we can fit one more body into this tiny, stuffy cabin.’

‘
I’ll stay out of the way. I can work!’ said Kalinya eagerly.

‘
For now, just stay in the corner. We have badly beaten people here and no food and no water and nothing to clean their wounds. If anyone comes into this cabin expecting to find six people, they’re going to get rather a shock. And we need to find a way of taking over this ship, at the time we choose, preferably without actually killing everyone on board. This ship will have a crew of at least eighty. There’s no way our little group is going to sail it without help. And if Penn discovers a bunch of guardians stowed away on his ship, who knows what he might do.’

‘
If they discover the King of Alkira stowed away on this ship, who knows what they might do,’ said Kalinya, grinning securely now it was apparent no-one seemed in a hurry to throw him off the ship. ‘Maybe you should come up with some sort of plan,’ he said firmly to Kelian, whose eyes opened wider at being given orders by a child.

‘
Maybe you should hop back in the corner and be quiet,’ suggested Kelian, folding his arms across his chest.

‘
Maybe you should wake up Immosey. She looks very pale.’

‘
Oh?’ Kelian was confused and Timbul gave a snort of laughter.

Kalinya ignored him.
‘No offense to the Queen, because she’s pretty too, but I like Immy,’ he said boldly.

‘
Is that so?’ said Kelian, raising an eyebrow. ‘Why?’

‘
Because the Queen is already married, but Immy is not,’ Kalinya announced, staring fondly at the sleeping girl.

Kelian pressed his lips together to avoid laughing.
‘I must warn Colonel Borgulnay that he has a bit of competition coming.’

‘
You must!’ Kalinya agreed adamantly.

Kelian
struggled to keep a straight face. ‘But don’t let this come to blows! I need my Colonel fit if we’re to take this ship!’

‘
If I must fight him for Immy, I will. But if I hurt your Colonel, I’ll be Colonel for you, Majesty,’ said Kalinya, puffing out his chest and flexing his muscles.

‘
Good!’ said Kelian clapping his hands together. ‘That’s settled then. Now, sit in the corner and be quiet for a while, Colonel Kalinya.’ He turned and his face lit up with a huge smile as he imagined the expression on Borgulnay’s face when he told him. Callian, Timbul and Araas laughed.

‘
Now, what’s our plan for when someone comes to check on the captives? If they do,’ asked Timbul.

Kelian sat on the edge of
the lowest bunk. ‘We’re in the last and probably the smallest cabin on this deck. There’s seems to be only one way in and out of here, so this cabin was probably chosen because it’s easy to guard.’

‘
I’m sure you’re right,’ Timbul agreed. ‘There was only one guard in a cabin at the end of this passageway.’

‘
Did he see you?’

‘
No.’

‘
What’s he doing now?’

‘
He sort of fell asleep,’ said Timbul vaguely, turning away and studying the locking mechanism on the door.

‘
The cabin opposite this one, I want to find out if it’s being used,’ said Kelian. ‘And if it’s not, we’ll use it. I’m sure one of you can probably make the door seem stuck if someone tries to go in there?’

Timbul gave Kelian a quick nod.
‘That shouldn’t be difficult. I’ll have a look. Uh oh...too late. Someone’s coming. Not Penn, someone else.’

‘
For what reason?’ Kelian asked urgently.

‘
Elena. They want the Queen.’

Kelian gave a hiss of anger.
‘Why?’

‘
Um, I guess you’d say for personal conquest.  They’ll certainly kill her when they’ve finished with her. They’re both armed, swords I think, but they think everyone in here should still be asleep. They want to take Elena away before anyone else is aware. Their Captain doesn’t even know what they’re up to.’

Kelian
’s face was now purple with anger. ‘Tim...’ His voice came out as a strangled croak.

‘
Stop panicking Kelian, there are only two human men coming and there are more than enough of us to...deal with them.’ Timbul gave Kelian a reassuring smile.

‘
Be ready Tim,’ Callian murmured, gently pushing Kelian back into the corner with Kalinya. In the same movement his hand passed over Kalinya’s face and the little boy lost consciousness. The door opened and a head appeared. With considerable force Callian smashed his shoulder into the door, crushing a man’s head between the door and the bulkhead. Callian wrenched the door back and flung the man’s body aside. He stepped through the door. There was a muffled crunching sound and then a thud. The body of a second man was tossed into the room and it was obvious by the angle of his head that his neck was broken. There was a few seconds silence then Callian reentered the cabin.

‘
Thanks so much for all your help,’ Callian said sarcastically to Timbul and Araas. ‘Seeing you’re so busy right now, perhaps you could take these bodies up on deck later and toss them overboard.’

‘
Can we do that without calling attention to ourselves?’ Araas crossed his arms and looked at his brother speculatively.

‘
Probably,’ said Timbul confidently.

‘
Can we just try to find somewhere else to put them for now,’ asked Kelian, not wanting the girls to wake and find dead bodies in the cabin, especially one with brains showing through their smashed skull. Timbul disappeared and reappeared only seconds later.

‘
Just as you expected,’ he said to Kelian. ‘The cabin directly opposite this one is empty. I suspect very few cabins near this one are in use. We’ll take these bodies in there.’

‘
When you drop them into the sea, can you make it look like they had a fight and somehow fell overboard?’ Gilgarry suggested.

‘
I suppose I could.’ Timbul scratched his chin as he considered this. ‘Whether anyone would fall for it...’

‘
They would if you made them believe they saw it in the first place, which I have absolutely no doubt you can do,’ said Kelian. He glanced down at the body with the mangled head and then quickly looked away. ‘Let’s clean up this mess and then wake up the girls. Then we can try to work on some sort of plan.’

Five minutes later the bodies were gone and the three
guardians were sitting on the floor of the tiny cabin. Callian had woken everyone except Kalinya who was now sleeping peacefully in the top bunk. After a few moments of emotional and relieved greetings, everyone found a space and waited for Kelian to speak.

‘
We can’t go ashore now,’ he said, and everyone acknowledged that the ship was at sea. ‘So this is what we’re going to do.’ Timbul glanced towards Araas and winked as Kelian’s voice gained authority. ‘The guardians, Kalinya and I will remain hidden. If someone’s willing to give us warning, we can duck across to the empty cabin if anyone comes this way.’