Divided (#1 Divided Destiny) (12 page)

“Take these to my quarters,” Mathis ordered, not unkindly.

The squire ducked his head in acknowledgment. He shifted his heavy burden and headed towards the knights’ barracks. His fellow squire led the horse towards the stable. Mathis spun on his heel and moved back to where Leo and Don were waiting.

“Follow me,” Mathis told them, somewhat redundantly, as they had been following him up till now. Although, keeping eyes on Mathis was now not as easy without the horse by his side. There were many knights in this section of the city, and Mathis’s pace was swift.

Leo had been walking for the best part of the day; he didn’t know for sure how many miles he had covered while carrying his full pack. However, the pace was gentler than what he had endured during boot camp, and in the real world adrenaline compensated for a lot. The sun was starting to set, orange tinting the horizon as the fire of the day extinguished itself into the ocean.

“You think we can get quarters at the palace?” Don whispered out of the corner of his mouth.

Leo shrugged. “I hope we can get quarters somewhere.” He thought about their supplies. Don would be carrying the same rations he was. They had enough food for three days, which of course would go a lot longer with rationing. He continued, almost thinking out loud. “We’ll need water, for sure, and it would be nice to conserve the MREs for the road.”

Don nodded in agreement as they approached the palace. It was even more impressive up close; the stone work was light gray, the walls composed of roughly hewn bricks, likely millions of them, and done dry. Leo couldn’t see any sign of cement, but stone piled upon stone had always been the strongest form of crafting in the past. So the building style made sense in this alien world; they were sort of back in the past, in some respects. Hopefully not all respects, or this would be a wasted trip.

The castle entrance was a huge archway, reaching up two or three floors high. It could be closed by a giant wooden double door. That led into a courtyard, rather than the castle itself. The day was winding down, but Leo could make out training dummies. This was where squires practiced to become knights. A smaller arched double wooden door opened into a large corridor, big enough for four to walk abreast and not have to be too familiar.

The walls were adorned with tapestries, rich woven fabrics depicting presumably important scenes from history. There were a couple of statues, wooden carvings from what looked like driftwood—fitting for a palace by the ocean. Leo got the sense that this kingdom was reasonably affluent, likely from the trade its port brought it. However, there were no elaborate displays of gold or jewels. For all the impressive craftsmanship on the outside, the inside felt more rustic than rich. It was just an initial impression, and he could well have been wrong; he would know more regarding how he felt about this royal family when he saw one of them in person.

“You are strangers to Kaslea. Before you see Prince Edmund, you must be made aware that he is the ruler of Kaslea. King Rufus passed last year. Out of respect for his father, Prince Edmund requested that the title of king not be used. He does not yet feel worthy of taking the place of King Rufus,” Mathis explained as he led them through the castle.

“I understand,” Leo said, though he didn’t really.

The intricacies of royalty were completely foreign to him. If Prince Edmund was fulfilling the role of king, then he was the king. A title was just a title; no reason not to use it. However, equally, that meant it really didn’t matter what Edmund called himself.

“Prince Edmund is young, not yet married. His deference has earned him much respect in the kingdom. I have no doubt he will be as fine a king as the late King Rufus. It has been announced he will take the title upon his marriage in autumn to Princess Maria of the Northern Kingdoms,” Mathis further elaborated, just finishing as they reached the double doors that led to the throne room.

The doors were closed, a knight on either side. Leo was surprised that no one had challenged their presence yet. Yes, they were following Mathis, who was clearly respected. However, they were armed, and no one had so much as asked their name. Although, thinking logically, it was possible that they didn’t recognize their assault rifles as weapons.

If they didn’t have that technology, it wouldn’t be within their understanding to know that was a threat. The rifles were clipped to their vests; they weren’t waving them in a threatening manner. Also, perhaps Mathis was more important, or higher up the ranks, than he had initially thought. That random encounter might well pay more dividends than he could have dared hope.

“I have a report from the border for Prince Edmund,” Mathis told the door knights.

The knight on the left nodded and ventured a small smile. “Good to see you back, sir. His Majesty is expecting you.”

The knight opened one of the doors, which was still more than enough space for even an armor-clad knight to walk through. A double door entrance would be the province of royalty to make more of an impression. Warily, expecting to be held back at any moment, Leo and Don stepped through the doorway after Mathis. Leo increased his estimation a lot. Mathis was definitely a big deal around here.

The throne room was smaller than Leo had expected, and nowhere near as ostentatious. The room was small. A few portraits lined the walls, and there was a rich red rug softening the floor, but it was mostly dominated by a large table. Leo could see maps covering it; perhaps this was more of a war room than a throne room. Although there was a large throne at the end of the room, it was ornately carved wood, not gold.

Two smaller chairs—decoratively carved, but not thrones—were beside it. All of them were empty, so Leo didn’t know whether the chairs were for the queen, or the princess, or maybe for a younger prince.

There was a large group of people surrounding the war table. A few were wearing armor, but most were wearing finery, marking them as nobles—presumably the aforementioned court that Mathis said he would introduce them to. Leo couldn’t see any crowns, and didn’t know enough about this world, or royalty, to know about any other differentiating signs.

Thankfully, it seemed that his initial impression had been correct. While the material of the garments was of much higher quality, and was dyed a variety of deep colors, no one was dripping in jewels. Whether that just simply meant this kingdom couldn’t afford jewels, as opposed to using the funds more for the people, Leo couldn’t guess, but he hoped it was for the latter.

“Your Majesty.” Mathis dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

By the war table, a young man with short blond hair and gray eyes turned. He was dressed in a white tunic and a blue sash, with yellow piping across his chest. The sash was fastened with a decorative broach of the Kaslea symbol. He had a gold-tipped sword in a black decorative scabbard at his hip.

“Rise, Mathis,” Prince Edmund told him warmly. “No need to stand on ceremony. What news from the border lands?”

“My prince, it is as bad as we feared. The clashing forces of Sintiya and Gatlan have driven our people from their homes. Most of the border lands are now occupied. And I fear that is not the worst news I have to impart.” Mathis bowed his head solemnly. “On my return, I saw smoke. We have lost another village to the dragon.”

Muttering broke out among the nobles; the fear was palpable. Leo didn’t suppose any of these nobles lived in a wooden village like the burned one he had seen. The city didn’t show any signs of having been paid a visit, but they had to be wondering if the next time the dragon struck it would be here, and if they would be its victims.

Prince Edmund shook his head sadly. “That is unwelcome news indeed.” The prince looked beyond Mathis to Leo and Don. “Mathis, I believe introductions are in order.”

“Yes, my prince.” Mathis rose from the floor with a clinking of armor. “This is Staff Sergeant Leon Frasier and his comrade. They claim to hail from an unknown kingdom called Earth. Their kingdom is under attack; they are seeking aid.”

“Welcome to Kaslea. You must have traveled far; we’ve not had visitors from the unknown regions…ever,” Prince Edmund admitted, his eyes alight with curiosity as he took in the marines’ dress and belongings.

“Thank you, your Majesty,” Leo said awkwardly. He nodded his head in respect and wondered if he should bow. He’d never taken lessons on protocol for diplomats or royalty. “We appreciate that, but we wonder if you would consider listening to our situation. We are searching for something with which to defend our kingdom; it is under a grave threat.”

“As is Kaslea,” Prince Edmund pointed out, but not unkindly. He smiled sympathetically. “I’m afraid at this time we have no means to render aid. Unfortunately, we have many problems of our own. You are welcome to rest here for the night before continuing your quest.”

“Yes, we have heard about Kaslea’s situation. Perhaps if you would permit me to explain what we’re looking for, we might be able to help each other,” Leo suggested.

“Go on,” Prince Edmund said guardedly.

“We need two things, sir. A superweapon that can destroy the invaders without harming our own people, and...” Leo started.

Prince Edmund interrupted with a shake of his head. “Such a weapon would be wondrous, but it is impossible, except perhaps by magic.”

At those words, the assembled court started murmuring, but it was so quiet Leo couldn’t catch the words. Several of the nobles shifted uncomfortably. It didn’t take a genius to work out that magic was perhaps not as accepted as he had thought. That made sense; people feared what they didn’t understand. Mathis had not seemed to fear the sorcerer, but then he was a knight of the realm; he had likely seen far more than these sheltered nobles.

Leo had already planned that their first trip would be to visit this so-called sorcerer. Mathis had suggested that he could help find the rest of their unit. However, their primary concern had to be the mission. With any luck, the sorcerer would be like one-stop shopping for all their needs. He had been going to ask about the transport platform, but having been interrupted, Leo had reconsidered. That platform linked this world to their own; it was a vulnerability, and finding the way back wasn’t a priority until they had a weapon.

“We understand, thank you,” Leo said.

Asking a medieval kingdom for help had always been a long shot anyway, but in a strange world, nothing could be assumed or taken for granted. Just because he didn’t believe they had anything of value that could help them didn’t mean that was true. Although, if they did have some kind of superweapon, they would surely have used it to defend themselves against the dragon or to rid themselves of their border problem.

“Mathis, rest for the night and resupply. See your new friends to quarters. Tomorrow, you are to return to the border,” Prince Edmund ordered. “You may escort Staff Sergeant Frasier and his friend until your paths diverge.”

“By your command, your Majesty.” Mathis bowed.

Prince Edmund turned back to the war table. Mathis straightened and headed for the exit, and Leo and Don followed him. That had gone about as well as could be expected. Tomorrow they would set out for the sorcerer, or whatever he really was, and maybe then they would see results.

They couldn’t afford to wait around Termont in the hope that more of their unit would make their way here. At least there were two of them now; they had to press on with the mission. Leo planned on asking Mathis before they left if they could leave a note. In the note, they would list their names and where they were going. Therefore, if anyone did arrive after they left, they would hopefully be able to catch up with them later.

Keeping the tactical radio switched off except at certain times would conserve the battery for a while. However, even with that measure, it wasn’t going to last long. The range was only just over half a mile. Just this kingdom was many hundreds of times that size, and there was no guarantee that the unit hadn’t spread beyond the border. For now, they were on their own.

It had been two days since the alien ships had descended and demanded their worship. A lot could happen in a short space of time. Leo felt the pressure of time passing, the itch to keep moving, the need to do something before it was too late, before they didn’t have a world to return to.

Chapter Ten

It was amazing what a difference a few hours made. Earlier that day, Queen Eleanor had believed that the forces of Gatlan were about to crumble and the kingdom would be hers. However, right before she was about to retire for the evening, one of her knights rode up with news from the battlefield. Gatlan’s forces had rallied; the battle was far from over, and most decidedly not won.

Eleanor stormed into her chambers, her quick, impatient movements radiating her anger. She usually had maids to assist her, but she had dismissed them all. The mood she was in, she would likely curse them, which, while satisfying, would result in her having to find new maids. She had only just gotten these ones properly trained. An impatient twist of her hand pulled all of her hairpins out, causing her long hair to tumble down her back. She sat at her dresser and started to brush her hair quickly, and with far more force than necessary.

“Careful, your Majesty. Don’t want to ruin your pretty locks,” Yannick sneered.

Eleanor jumped, startled. He had popped behind her with no characteristic flash of flame. He was just suddenly there, and no matter how many times he came and went, she never got used to the abrupt appearances. Her fingers twitched. It wouldn’t matter if she cursed him; it wouldn’t even connect, but he’d take it as an invitation, and she was too tired to duel tonight. He was far too inventive, and far too free with the pain curses.

“I take it you have heard that Gatlan has rallied,” Eleanor said, raising an eyebrow imperiously.

“It is of little consequence.” Yannick waved his hand airily. “If they refuse to surrender, there are other options.”