Deragan Sword Prophecy: Book 01 - Kainan Page 18

  She stared at him as he walked away from her, dismay creased her eyebrows tight together and her hand flickered up to her face to wipe away a sudden tear. He didn’t want her, she could not believe that. She shook her head, banishing those thoughts. No, now she was just being silly. He did feel something for her. It was obvious. The way he looked at her, the way he touched her. She was certain. Arweyn smiled, he did not want her to go with him because he was scared; scared she would get hurt or even killed like his mother and brothers. He still blamed himself for that she knew, but this time it was different, she would be able to help. She had already saved his life and healed him twice. It was their destiny to be together, to fight by each other’s side.

  Then she felt a firm hand squeeze her shoulder. Shivering, she took a sharp breath. The overwhelming sickness hitting the pit of her stomach every time he touched her was no different this time.

  “My Lord,” she acknowledged, turning around and curtsying. Lord Lothar grinned at her. His eyes widening as he stared obviously at her breasts heaving out of her tight corseted dress. She bit her bottom lip nervously.

  “So it seems you have had quite an adventure with this new Prince. Spending the night alone together on Zyon?” he raised his eyebrows as a look of disgust darkened his face. Arweyn blinked. She was not quite sure what he meant by that, his tone was accusing, malicious almost.

  “Well I’m not sure that I would call it an adventure my Lord,” she retorted sharply.

  “Really so what would you call it?” he pushed, his face twisted with displeasure. His eyes glaring at her he crossed his arms over his chest and his hands brunched into fists. She wanted to run, to get away from his burning eyes. She looked over towards Kainan, but he had his back to her. Her throat felt tight as she turned back to him.

  “It was quite frightening actually; I thought he was going to die.”

  “But he didn’t.” Anger tightened in his voice. Shaking her head she looked over at Kainan again.

  “No he didn’t,” she whispered quietly. Lord Lothar snorted as he followed her gaze. Kainan had now been seated in between the King and the Queen.

  “He has obviously got a lot of catching up to do with the King, far too busy to speak with us. You will sit by my side for dinner this evening.” He didn’t raise his voice, but made it evident that he expected to be obeyed. Arweyn half smiled. Yet again she had no choice, she could not refuse him.

  “Yes. My Lord,” she replied, begrudgingly. He offered her his arm and smiling feebly at him, she took hold of it and he escorted her to the table.

  “Ah there you are Arweyn,” her uncle acknowledged with a nod of his head. “You may sit by my side.” His hand indicated the free chair to his right.

  “Thank you.” Arweyn faked a smile painfully as Lothar pulled out the chair for her.

  “You look much better after your bath my dear. Most beautiful and enchanting; do you not think so Lothar?” he said, turning and winking at his son. Arweyn shuddered. As hard as she tried to ignore the fact, she knew what her uncle had in mind for her, Lothar. The very thought repulsed her.

  “Yes indeed she does father. She looks beautiful, as always. Have you done something different to your hair?” he asked, standing in close to her. It had not gone unnoticed that the new prince was continually glancing over towards them, watching his every move. Reaching his hand forward he began stroking the side of her head, then down her face to her cheek.

  Kainan, sitting across and slightly left of the table from them, eyed the man with a frown. He could see she was scared, she didn’t like Lothar touching her and neither did he.

  “No, no same as always. Just tied it back a bit that is all,” Arweyn replied, faking a smile again, and pulling her head away from his touch and away from his body that was getting far too close to her for comfort. She could only just stop herself from shaking. For years she had fought the lecherous advances of her cousin and now over the last few months since she had come of age he had become increasingly over familiar with her, touching her, leering at her, trying as hard as he could to be alone with her at every opportunity. Every time, so far, she had managed to get away from him but he scared her and she knew if he managed to get her alone she would be in real danger. Now she had met Kainan; he was her escape from this crazy man. Once he knew she was Kainan’s, he would have to leave her alone. Kainan would protect her from him.

  Lord Lothar grinned at his father who in turn gave him a knowing smile and chuckled to himself. Pulling out the chair to her right the Lord sat down.

  “My son I will need to speak with you after dinner. We have some issues that need to be discussed,” Lord Detaine said, glancing towards Kainan and raising his eyebrows.

  “Yes father. Of course,” he replied, nodding his head. Arweyn was not listening to their conversation. She was too distracted by Kainan; she stared at him continuously, although not once did he look at her. Sitting silent at the table with a faraway look in his eyes, she thought perhaps he was finding this all too much. One thing she was certain of was that he didn’t want her to come because he cared for her, not because he didn’t want her to be with him. Looking sidewise at her uncle she bit her lower lip, she was sure it was because of him. He had somehow gotten to Kainan and warned him that he was not to take her. Then her thoughts were interrupted as the King rose to speak. She turned, looking at the King as he addressed his guests.

  “Today has brought us both great joy,” turning to Kainan he smiled warmly. “My son,” a smile spread across his face. “My first born son, who we thought dead all these years, has been returned to us alive. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lady Arweyn who found him on the world of Zyon, healed him and brought him home to us, his true family.” Arweyn felt herself blushing as everyone turned towards her clapping. Bowing her head at the King, she smiled somewhat embarrassed.

  “Please, all of you raise your tankard or goblet to welcome home our son Kainan, the First Prince of Malgar.” Kainan bowed his head in respect as the Elders toasted him. Arweyn looked at him and sighed; never in all her life could she have imagined finding someone like him. Turning, she looked at Lothar, sitting next to her. He seemed very tense as he watched, listening to the King. Raising his tankard he knocked back his wine in one swift movement; slamming it back down so hard on to the table that it made her jump. She looked away quickly, turning her attention back to Kainan, willing him to look at her.

  Kainan could feel her staring at him; her eyes seemed to send electrical tingles throughout his entire body. He could not resist looking at her any longer otherwise he felt like he was going to explode. As his eyes met hers he smiled gently, longingly at her. She felt her heart suddenly jolt and she smiled back at him. It was all she wanted, now she knew in her heart that he wanted her too, and it made her even more determined to join him on his quest for the Ardor Crystal. With or without her uncle’s permission she did not care. She was going and no-one was going to stop her.

  The King continued. “As you are all aware the day also brings us great sorrow for my son Prince Gareion is still missing. And the serious situation that confronts us with regard to the Ardor Crystal and the involvement Kainan unwittingly played. It has therefore been agreed that tomorrow, he and four of our best men will lead an advanced expedition to return the Ardor Crystal to our home world. We will send an envoy to try and find the Faerlings and ask for their help. This will take time as their location is still unknown to us. It is thought however, that the Gardiners may know of their location or a way of at least contacting them. Both the Gardiners and the Faerlings helped with the banishing in the Great War and….,” he paused, “If we do not retrieve the Ardor Crystal in time we may need to defend ourselves. Especially as the Gorzars now know the whereabouts of our new city. They also know we will not be able to stay here without the Ardor Crystal and that we will have to evacuate the city and return to Zyon.

  Some of you elders will remember the battle and the destruction of our city on the surfac
e. We cannot allow this to happen again. We will prepare the army and send scouts to the outlining villages to warn them of the possible dangers; we must be prepared this time.” The King turned towards Kainan. “We will also increase our search for Gareion. I do not believe for a moment that he has fled. I believe he has been taken. With everything that has come to light today I feel there is great turmoil and evil around us. Their first task will be to reach the far ends of the Elpin Forest. Thanks to Kainan we know that the Gorzars are trying to get the Book of Chants. We believe they are aware of its location and now have two days’ head start. We are positive with the help of the Deodar Pernash, who I have been told knows of a short cut to the Keeper’s Cottage, that they will be able to catch up with the Gorzars in time.

  I will not be blinded by the fact that this is a dangerous journey, one which will involve dealing with Gorzars and goodness only knows what other creatures they may have on their side. Today I have had returned to me, my precious first born son.” He looked at Kainan proudly. “I cannot and will not lose him again. May the protection of our ancestors be with you on this journey.” He raised his tankard, as did the others.

  “Kainan, First Prince of Malgar.” They all cheered in unison raising their tankards in a toast.

  Arweyn grinned. She had decided on her plan. She would slip out before they left, and follow them until it would be too late for her to return to Malgar.

  A convoy of servants stepped forward and began laying the table with a great feast. There were dishes of meats, fish, vegetables, fruit, and wine. The smell of the food as it was placed in front of him was incredible. Kainan thought, as he looked at the bounty spread out in front of him, that it made his excitement of having a ‘feast’ of fish and venison with his brothers seem inconsequential compared to this! This was indeed a ‘feast’. Even a wedding back on Zyon would not have produced such an offering.

  There were many different types of dishes on the table, some of which Kainan had never seen before and he did not know what they were made from, or how they should be eaten. He watched his father next to him and decided to follow his lead. If his father liked it, he was sure he would too.

  Arweyn ate slowly watching Kainan. Every now and then he would glance at her down the banqueting table and smile. Lothar watched he was intensely jealous. Refilling his tankard of wine over and over again his anger brewed within him as the liquor consumed him. A fine hog roast was laid in front of him. Reaching forward with one hand he sawed off a chunk of meat, gripping his knife he stabbed it hard, and drew the chunk of meat off the knife with his teeth and began chewing. He didn’t like this new rival, in fact he hated him. Reaching forward he grabbed the jug of wine only to find it was empty. He pounded his fists on the table, causing Arweyn to jump again; his face was red with anger. Cursing out loud he rose sharply to his feet, searching for a servant. On finding a young girl he yelled at her, giving orders for more wine to be brought. Quickly!

  Arweyn looked up at him as he yelled; shaking her head in disgust, he was an animal. The further away she could get from him the better and safer she would feel.

  As they finished eating, the King called down the table to a man sitting five seats along, gesturing with his hand. The man rose without hesitation and stepped up to the King, giving a short bow of his head.

  “Kainan, this is Drew.” The King introduced. “He is my trusted bodyguard and friend.” The man, in his early forties, heavily built and very muscular stepped forward, bowing down onto one knee. He was cleanly shaven, and although somewhat rugged, was a handsome man. His hair, black as the night, was cut short, and he was dressed casually in dark trousers with a white tunic and a black leather waistcoat. The first thing Kainan had noticed was how well armed he was. His sword hung ready by his side, and he had two silver daggers strapped to his leather belt.

  “My Prince, it is a great honour.” The man said, standing up with a wide grin across his face. Kainan could not help but smile back, he had kind eyes; and by the way his father looked at him he could tell he was a good honourable man.

  “Kainan Drew is to go with you tomorrow on the quest. He is to be your protector.” The King smiled as he looked at Kainan’s raised eyebrow. “I would trust no-one else with the safety of my son.” Drew tipped his head courteously and proudly, towards the King. Rising to his feet Kainan held out his hand. Returning the gesture Drew reached forward, shaking it firmly.

  “It is good to meet you Drew,” Kainan said honestly.

  The King then proceeded to call over two more men. Rufas, was another heavily built man, he had fair hair which reached past his shoulders. Rufas was, according to the King, the finest swordsman in Malgar. A boundary warden, he protected the city from the Outlanders, and the few predators that occasionally ventured out of the great forest and into the city. He was in his early thirties, Kainan had guessed, and although he was a polite man, answering when questioned, he thought him a bit unusual. He was very quiet for such a fine warrior and seemed quite happy to allow Drew to do all the talking.

  Then there was Pernash, he was from a tribe known as the Deodar from the north of Zyon. He was a strange looking man, Kainan had thought. He was very shy and hardly spoke unless being addressed specifically. He was extremely tall and lanky with long skinny legs that looked like matchsticks with boots on. He too had long hair but his was dark and as straight as a die. He had rather pointy features with a large nose and wide green eyes which seemed to scatter from person to person without actually settling on anyone in particular. His skin was a strange pale greenish colour and for a while Kainan found it hard not to stare at him.

  As the evening wore on they got to know each other a little better over a few tankards of beer, and Kainan now felt a little more comfortable about the upcoming quest. Feeling that he would be able to trust these three men and rely on their help.

  Arweyn did not get a chance to speak with Kainan all evening. She could see he was with a group of men, those that had been chosen to go with him on the quest. The Kings cousin, Lord Porlock, had also joined them and Arweyn watched as they all laughed and joked together. She smiled; it made her happy seeing him laughing after all the pain and sadness he had been through. She could see he wanted to talk to her, but every time he tried to get away from them, he was called back. Finishing her meal Arweyn pushed her plate away. It was time for her to leave and make good her plan. She knew she was not going to get a chance to talk to him, but she didn’t mind, in fact, she thought it probably a good thing as she may have accidentally given away her plan to him.

  She turned to her uncle. “Uncle may I be excused? I wish to retire, I am feeling rather tired.” Lord Detaine looked at her.

  “Of course my dear, it has been a very long day. Sleep well; I will not disturb you when I return. Lock up behind you, I have a key. I will most probably be here quite late making the arrangements.” She nodded, leaning over kissing him goodnight on his cheek. “One more thing Arweyn,” he added and she turned back to him.

  “Yes uncle.”

  “Do not forget what I said to you earlier.” She raised her eyebrow questioningly. Her uncle frowned at her. “That you are to have nothing to do with the new Prince. Stay away from him Arweyn.” He had seen her watching him, smiling at him.

  She opened her mouth to protest but caught her uncle’s glare, and reading the anger in his eyes she said nothing further but merely nodded.

  She turned to Lord Lothar.

  “My Lord, please excuse me, I am tired and wish to retire.” Standing up he held out his hand helping her up from the chair, bowing his head as she curtsied.

  “Would you like me to escort you to your room?” he asked leeringly. She could see he was drunk, and his breath smelt foul.

  “Oh, no thank you. I will be fine, please stay and finish your meal,” she insisted, waving her hand to his half eaten plate. The last thing she wanted was him to be alone with her, especially in his drunken state. Lothar frowned at her response, but held back his obvious fr
ustration with her.

  “Well good night then Lady Arweyn,” he said, kissing her hand. As she walked away from him, Lothar watched her intently. On reaching the door she stopped and looked over to Kainan, waiting until he met her gaze. She bowed her head to him, and mouthed to him. “Good night.” Winking at her he smiled to himself as he watched her leave the room. The desire for her was something he had never felt before. Leaving her behind was going to be just as hard as the quest itself.

  Lord Lothar looked down the table at Kainan, and glared furiously as he watched Arweyn’s reaction to him. He could see that there was something going on between them. Something he would have to put an immediate stop to.

  When she returned to her room she set about collecting a few belongings. Opening her wardrobe she ran her hand across her dresses. Then pulling out her lightest dress in deepest green velvet, she placed it onto her bed. This dress, she knew, would be far more suitable for travelling through the forest. It was light enough not to weigh her down, but thick enough to keep her warm. She would wear her long leather boots that tied at the knee; at the side of each boot was situated a pocket, each containing a dagger. She removed the remaining dagger and flicking it over a few times in her hand, she then placed it back in her boot securely. One had proved invaluable in saving Kainan’s life earlier. Now, however, she was short of one. She had not had the chance to get over to the silver-smith for another one and there would not be time now.

  Still, she also had her magic; it was a skill she had inherited from her dear mother. Magic was not something she really knew much about. Her mother had taught her a few basic spells and enchantments, but now with her mother gone, she did not have anyone to teach her and knew she must carry the burden of who she was herself. Somehow, she alone must learn how to use and master the magic. As of yet she did not know what she would be capable of, or how much power she would have. For her it was a continuing learning process, she just had to take each day as it came.