Deragan Sword Prophecy: Book 01 - Kainan Read online

  “Birth-mark!” He exclaimed triumphantly.

  “Excuse me?” Kainan questioned holding his hand to his neck where the physician had just prodded him.

  “Birth-mark,” he repeated, addressing his finding to Lord Detaine. “He has the crescent moon birth mark the same as Prince Gareion only on the reverse. I can confirm my examination is complete.” He spoke with a calm certainty and stepped away, nodding at Kainan with a smile. Kainan took a deep breath, glancing at Arweyn and giving her a hopeful smile. Well that was one piece of proof at least.

  She beamed back at him, it was all coming true, she was so excited she could hardly contain herself. Clasping her hands together nervously she looked over to Marton; now it was the turn of the wizard. Lord Detaine’s expression didn’t change, he merely shifted his feet.

  “Marton,” Lord Detaine ordered, with a lift of his chin.

  “Right. Yes. I will need everyone to stand back behind me please. Not you Kainan, you stay where you are.” He waited till everyone was safely behind him.

  “Kainan roll your right sleeve up for me.” Nodding, the young man pulled his sleeve back revealing his tattoo of the two swords crossed with a dragon. Wizard Marton smiled as he saw it. He already knew who this young man was, but they wanted proof so he had to give it to them; but there was no doubt in his mind as to what the result would be.

  “Ready?” the wizard asked. Nodding nervously Kainan turned side on towards the wizard, turning his face away. Stepping forward Marton pushed back the sleeves of his cloak, raising his wand.

  “Spelldra elatha spectacular,” he cried, and a blue electric bolt arched out of his wand and onto Kainan’s arm. Waving the wand up and down the bolt moved over the tattoo. Kainan didn’t move.

  “Spelldar methlan cantora.” he chanted, pushing harder. Arweyn gasped, shielding her eyes from the brightness of the beam emanating from the wand and onto Kainan’s arm. The young nurse hid behind her, she was terrified.

  “Kainan!” The old wizard called to him. Kainan turned his head to his voice. Arweyn cried out in shock, his eyes were glowing. The old wizard smiled and withdrew his wand that was the final test. Kainan began blinking furiously as his eyes returned to normal. The tattoo on his arm had remained undamaged. Arweyn screamed euphorically as she rushed towards to him, and flinging her arms around his neck she hugged him tight.

  “I told you Kainan. I told you!” Kainan’s arms pulled her in close as he hugged her back, sighing with relief. Finally, he knew who he really was.

  “Arweyn!” Her uncle bellowed at her, his eyes widening then narrowing to two slits of dark black. Sucking her bottom lip she looked into Kainan’s eyes. He winked at her as she pulled away, coughing nervously.

  “Sorry, I was excited that was all.” She looked at her uncle’s furious frown.

  “Well that confirms it then,” the Wizard Marton announced, as he and the physician bowed down low to Kainan.

  “My Prince, welcome home.” The others followed suit. Even Lord Detaine had to accept the proof that was in front of him and bowed down low to the First Prince of Malgar.

  Seven - Reunion

  Lord Detaine entered the Great Room first, Arweyn and Kainan following in nervous silence behind him. It was a large, spacious banqueting room. Huge heavy red drapes fringed in gold hung from the ornate stained glass windows, which reached from floor to ceiling. Across the outer wall sunlight was casting a cascade of multi- colours across the floor in front of them as it streamed through the stained glass windows. In the middle of the room was a grand dining table with at least twenty chairs placed around it. Each chair having the Dermock coat of arms engraved upon its back. Two huge candelabras hung from the ceiling over each end of the table with fresh candles ready to be lit. Over the far end of the room was a more informal seating area with a large open fire, which was crackling away sending its warmth around the entire room. Comfy chairs were placed casually around the fire and in the corner was a plain and simple table, placed on top of which were various decanters full of wine and other refreshments. A large barrel of beer sat proud upon the top, with plenty of glasses and tankards to hand. A group of elders had risen to their feet as Kainan had entered the room, among them Marton the Wizard, and the Queen’s physician, Jacob.

  Two guards stood posted at the door watching as Lord Detaine stepped forward. He looked at the group of Elders that had gathered, the King and the Queen stood within the centre of the group. What he was about to tell them pained him intensely. Clearing his throat he took a deep breath.

  “You’re Majesties, My Lords and Ladies. May I present to you Kainan Woodsman. He has come forward this day proclaiming to be the King and Queen’s first born son, twin brother to Prince Gareion.” He took a breath as his audience stared wide mouthed in anticipation. “I can confirm that he has been examined by the physician Jacob and the Wizard Marton. They have declared that he is who he proclaims to be, a true son and as their first born, the true heir of the King and Queen of Malgar. Taken at birth and hidden on Zyon in the Village of Oakhurst.”

  Chattering of disbelief spread through the elders as Lord Detaine ushered Kainan forward with a sweeping hand. Glancing at him nervously Kainan stepped forward; his hands were trembling as he felt all eyes upon him. His eyes searched between the faces staring back at him. Then they stopped on a graceful lady in her late forties. She wore a full length deep red velvet gown with long sleeves that had lace trims at the cuffs. Her dark brown hair, tinged with grey around the edges was scooped back off her face and piled high on top, secured with a small golden tiara. She wore an amulet around her neck. It was the same design as the mark on Kainan’s hand, a pentagram, surrounded by a double circle. The necklace, however, was slightly different as it had blue jewels encrusted around the circle. She stared back at him, her eyes were wide with shock; trembling she gasped raising one hand to her mouth, the other dropping her wine filled goblet. The noise of the pewter goblet hitting the floor rang around the silent room as the blood red wine seeped across the wooden floor. Turning to her the King placed his hand onto her arm to steady her.

  “Are you all right my love?” he asked in barely a whisper. She said nothing, just stared at Kainan. She was too choked to speak, unable to believe that it could possibly be true. Then she could not stop herself, she was unable to wait. Stepping forward she held her hand upon her heart, it pounded uncontrollably. This grown up man who stood in front of her was her son, the baby she had mourned for over twenty one years. Tears began streaming uncontrollably from her eyes. The elders in the room looked on in silence at the event that was unfolding before their very eyes, an event that would make history and change the world of Malgar forever.

  Kainan felt a strange sensation, his heart jolting like some kind of an awakening. Pushing passed Lord Detaine he moved forward to get nearer to her. The two guards who had stood by the door raced forward and drew their swords at him. The tips of which were inches from his throat. Kainan froze were he stood. He swallowed deeply not daring to move for fear one of the blades might slit his throat. He held his hands outwards showing he was unarmed.

  “No, leave him alone!” the Queen ordered, raising her hand sharply and waving them away as she continued towards him. The guards immediately withdrew and lowered their swords, slowly backing away with their heads bowed. Kainan stood still and waited as she approached him; in his heart he felt he knew this woman. As she stopped in front of him, and hardly knowing whether he dared to utter the words to her, he whispered quietly, questioningly.

  “Mother?” Without warning she flung her arms around him and clutched him tightly as if to make up for all the years she had lost with him.

  “My son; my first born child. I cannot believe it; I cannot believe you are alive. I am so sorry; she told me you were dead.” She stroked his brow affectionately. “She gave me my baby and I held him in my arms but there was no life, no life at all.” She stood back and took hold of his hands tightly, staring into his eyes. Kainan’s eyes sho
ne back at her as tears of happiness ran down his cheek.

  “Can you ever forgive us?” she whispered, as tears of euphoria streamed down her own face. Raising her hand to his cheek she gently wiped away his tears. “You are so like Gareion. I just cannot believe it.” She smiled and turned to her husband. “He was right, my husband. Gareion was right.” Turning back to Kainan she began to explain. “When he was younger Gareion always felt you were still alive. We didn’t believe him….how could we? We thought it was just his childish mind wishing you were still with us,” she sighed, smiling affectionately at him. “But he was right. All this time he was right. And here you are,” she sniffed, repeating herself in a mere whisper, shaking her head. “Here you are my son.” Kainan returned her gentle smile. Something inside of him seemed just right. It was hard to explain. For the first time in his life he felt almost complete, he had felt a bond to this woman instantly.

  The King, who was somewhat older than the Queen stood silent stunned by the event that was unfolding before him. He was more restrained, more thoughtful. Could this really be true? This was his son. His first born son who he believed had died twenty one years ago, was now standing before him alive? He hardly dared believe it, how could this have possibly happened? He walked up to his wife and stood by her side, looking at the young man standing in front of him. Even with the long hair and the scruffy attire, there were no doubt the striking similarities between him and Gareion. The King looked into his deep dark eyes. He smiled and sighed. He too knew without any doubt that this was his son.

  “Kainan show the King your markings.” Lord Detaine instructed. Kainan nodded pulling up his sleeve. The Elders in the room all gasped as they saw the Dermock mark, the two crossed swords with a dragon. Then turning over the palm of his left hand he held it forward so they could see the gate symbol.

  “So it is true.” His words came out slowly as if to clarify in his own mind what he was saying. “You really are my son, my first born son.” Swallowing hard and grinning from ear to ear the King reached forward grabbing Kainan’s hand. Clasping it tight he shook it vigorously. Then he shook his head, what was he doing! This was his son, his first born son. The true heir to his throne! Releasing his hand the King reached his arms and threw them around Kainan pulling him closer. Hugging him tight he patted his back affectionately.

  Kainan hesitated. His arms were held outwards but he was really unsure what he should do. After all this was a King, and he was still fully aware of the guards watching him, their swords ready to strike him down should he make the wrong move and threaten their King in any way.

  “It is okay Kainan, my son. I will always be your father before I am your King,” his father whispered, quietly in his ear. Slowly Kainan’s arms reached around the King, and he found himself hugging his father like his life depended on it. Tears began falling uncontrollably from his eyes. He shuddered as the emotions he had held in for so long finally broke. Tears of joy, mixed with tears of overwhelming sadness at the loss of his first family fell freely. He could feel the love and the warmth flowing into him. Releasing him the King stepped back, desperately trying to hold back his own emotions, he nodded at Kainan. “My son.”

  Kainan quickly took a deep breath to compose himself wiping his nose and eyes with his sleeve. Standing tall he pulled himself together; he just could not believe that this was his father, his real blood father.

  “You are indeed so much like your brother, although….” He stopped and stood back looking Kainan up and down, studying him. The King could see the strong aura around his son. “I feel you are much stronger than Gareion. You have the strength of a first born son.” Smiling he rubbed his chin, he was special, powerful. He knew this boy; his first born son was destined for greatness. Maybe he was even strong enough for the Chamber of Knowledge?

  “Do you know who it was who stole you from us my son?” The Queen asked kindly. Kainan sighed with a heavy heart and nodded.

  “Yes I do. It was the woman I thought was my real mother. I understand that she was your birth nurse, your majesty. I only found out a few days ago.”

  “Marianna. No! It cannot be. She gave me my baby to hold, she had wrapped him in a little white blanket with just his tiny face….” The Queen’s hand rose to her mouth, trembling, as she remembered that painful day. The day she had to give birth to her second son, knowing that her first born had not survived. Trying to hold back her tears, she turned to her husband.

  “I do not understand. Why? She was such a wonderful woman. Why would she do such a terrible thing to us? I trusted her. She…” The Queen hesitated and turning back to Kainan she stroked the side of his head affectionately. “She called you Kainan?” Nodding, he raised his eyebrow questioningly.

  “It was the name we gave you, your father and I. Did she take good care of you?” Smiling Kainan nodded as he thought fondly of her.

  “Please do not worry. She was a wonderful woman your majesty. From what I have now been told it really was not her fault. The Gorzar’s had threatened to kill her entire family if she didn’t take me. She brought me up as her own son. I never had any indication that she was not my real mother. I was treated no different to my brothers and I had a good life with them.”

  “Kainan please, I am your mother, not your Queen. It is okay for you to call me mother….” The Queen stopped her voice was barely audible. “That is, if you wish to?” The Queen’s eyes looked at his, almost pleading for him to call her mother.

  Kainan smiled. “There is nothing I would like more.” The Queen smiled at him as joy filled her heart.

  “So tell me about these brothers of yours,” she asked, interlocking her arm into his.

  “They were younger than me. Michael was nearly eighteen and Ryall had just turned fourteen.”

  “And what of them now, did they come with you?”

  Kainan hesitated before replying; he suddenly felt the intense pain of the last few days hit him hard. The memory of their final moments played over and over again continually in his mind, tormenting him. Shaking his head sadly he looked down to the floor.

  “They are both dead. They were killed by the Gorzars.”

  “And Marianna?”

  Kainan shook his head as he looked back at her.

  “They killed everyone. I believe I am the only survivor from my village.”

  “Oh my son I am so sorry.” Placing her arms around him she hugged him close. Kainan found his arms returning the gesture. Stepping forward the King opened his arms, pulling them both to him. Kainan looked at his father. He could see the family resemblance. They had the same dark eyes and wild dark hair, although his father’s was now turning grey.

  Walking up to them Arweyn and her uncle bowed their heads. The Queen smiled as Arweyn approached and she took hold of her hand. Placing her other on top, she squeezed gently giving her a warm heartfelt smile.

  “Thank you so much Arweyn for bringing my son home. After all these years he was alive; I still cannot quite believe it.” She looked at Kainan and smiled, then turned back to Arweyn. “Thank you for everything you have done to help him.” Arweyn beamed happily, feeling tears welling up in her eyes as she looked across at Kainan. His eyes shone at her, and her heart pounded as he smiled that smile that made her heart melt.

  “My son, please tell us where you have been living these past twenty one years. Tell us everything about yourself, about how Arweyn found you,” the King asked, wanting to know as much as he could about his new found son. Looking around Kainan took a deep breath; everyone’s eyes were on him, staring at him in silence. Sensing Kainan’s nervousness the Queen stepped forward waving her hand towards the door.

  “Everyone please can you all leave us now as we wish to be alone with our son,” the Queen commanded. The Elders in turn stepped forward bowing their heads to the King and Queen, and then to Kainan. The young Prince gave a slight smile and a small bow of his head in return, still finding it hard to believe that this was really happening. These people were his family,
his real parents. It was just too much. And now there were people bowing down to him, he was a Prince. Rubbing his chin he swallowed nervously, what did that mean for him now? He watched as one by one they left the room.

  Lord Detaine stepped forward as the last Elder left the room.

  “I will take my leave also your Majesty. I have important information that I need to pass on to Lothar.” Lord Detaine bowed to the King and Queen.

  “Of course Allaine, and thank you again. Allaine please ensure that all your men are now aware of Kainan, of who he is and obey his commands as such. We shall need to meet later to discuss what we will need to do to get the Crystal back.” The King replied, shaking his hand firmly.

  “Yes your Majesty, of course.” Lord Detaine replied, bowing once more. Turning towards Kainan he nodded his head at him, “My Prince,” he said begrudgingly, staring at Kainan as he spoke. Kainan nodded his head back in response, staring hard back at him. He could feel this man disliked him intensely, and he in turn felt an overwhelming dislike for him too.

  “Arweyn?” Turning, Lord Detaine addressed his niece.

  “I will be there shortly uncle,” she replied. Nodding to her he turned and left the room.

  “Arweyn you do not have to leave us. You may stay if you wish,” the Queen offered sincerely.

  “Thank you your Majesty. But if it is all the same, I should like to retire to my chamber for a while. I am afraid I do feel rather tired.” She looked down at her dress. “And I really ought to change my clothes.”