The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Leal sat down on the sofa, awaiting his visitors. He tried to get into a comfortable position as his side still ached. It didn’t help that it was hard to be still. He felt like he needed to be doing something. The thought that Dracia was far away from him and in extreme danger made it hard for him to fathom the idea that he should sit still in a warm comfortable room. How could he be expected to do anything except go after her?

He wanted to go to her desperately. Nothing but the knowledge that he would have no chance to even make it to Navalia, let alone help her in away kept him from escaping the palace and riding to her side right away. If he had the strength he would go directly and destroy anyone who stood in the way of saving his queen, but he barely had the strength to sit on the sofa for more than two hours.

If he could get some real rest, perhaps he could heal quicker, but whenever he lay down and closed his eyes all he could think of was her. He wanted her next to him and in his arms. He wanted to be able to kiss her and speak with her. He knew he was surrounded by friends and family who cared for him, but all he could think of was how alone he felt without Dracia by his side.

She wasn’t just the woman he loved. She had been his constant companion through much of his life. He could honestly say there was no one he liked more than her. They had been best friends before lovers. Growing up, they spent at least part of most days together, always sneaking off on some small, new adventure. They studied together, and learned new skills by practicing with one another. He could never keep up with her brilliant mind, but he liked watching her work.

He liked the way her eyes shone when she was showing him some new skill she had learned. He liked to hear her talk animatedly when she had learned something new from her studies. Even though it terrified him, watching her in a battle was mesmerizing. She was unlike anyone he had ever meant, and she was his. Now without her by his side, he felt like he didn’t know what to do with himself. She had become a part of him, giving him direction and purpose. Who was he if he was not a man who loved and was loved by such a woman?

She was still alive, and he kept reminding himself of the fact. He knew she was still alive. It was a silly idea that he could tell she was still in his world, but somehow, he just knew she was breathing somewhere in the land. Though he was miserable and worried, he had hope that soon she would be by his side once again.

There was a knock at the door, causing Leal to look over. Malven was already almost to the door, ready to answer it, and Lord Ethen walked in, looking tried and anxious. Leal was used to the man looking jovial and at ease, and it was a hard contrast seeing him so unlike himself. He walked over and poured himself a glass of wine before sitting down in a chair next to Leal.

“I would ask how you are today, your majesty, but I believe I already know the answer,” said Ethen before he took a drink. “I do hope you are at least physically recovering.”

“I believe I am, though I am told rest is the only way I will fully recover swiftly. Rest is not something I can find at the moment,” said Leal.

“No, I would think not,” said Ethen. He took another drink and sat his glass down. “I finally managed a letter to Maia and my grandmother. I can’t imagine what my grandmother will think when she hears what has happened. I have begged her to stay in Siccaria until she has news from me.”

“I do not imagine Lady Elise will like staying still while Dracia is in danger. I can barely stand to do it myself,” said Leal.

“I should have already ridden to Navalia to get her,” said Ethen as he leaned forward. “But waiting was the right thing to do. We need to do it the right way if we want Dracia back with us.”

“You are set on going with them?” asked Leal.

“Of course, I am going,” said Ethen angrily “You think I would let these people take my kin and get away with it? Do you think Dracia would let me sit in the winter palace as a prisoner without action? No, she would find a way to save me, and I will find a way to bring her back here. Knowing she is probably with child only makes it more of a desperate situation. She is either carrying the next king of Lanoxan or a High Noble of Siccaria.”

Leal gave a very small smile. “Why does it have to be a king or a High Nobel. If it is a girl, perhaps I will not want my daughter to leave Lanoxan. Perhaps I will make it where she can rule as queen.”

Ethen smiled back at him. “I don’t suppose I would blame you, but you could still very well have a son. Would you take away his right as king?”

Leal shrugged. “If Dracia’s daughter is anything like her, I would be a fool not to set her as the next ruler of this kingdom.”

“Suppose her son is like her then,” said Ethen.

“True,” said Leal. “I am not worried about it. As long as Dracia is here with me, the succession of the throne and our children will work out.”

Ethen nodded. “I have written Maia with specific instructions of what should happen if I perish on this rescue attempt. She already knew all of it, but I wanted to be sure.”

“Are you sure you should go, Ethen?” asked Leal. “I know you want to save Dracia, but you will be a father soon. I know Dracia would not wish you to jeopardize yourself on her account.”

“I will go because it is who I am, Leal,” said Ethen. “I will only be the father my child needs if I am true to myself. I will go save Dracia. Maia would not have me do anything else.”

“I do understand,” said Leal as he shifted his position.

“I know it must be agony for you to be left behind,” said Ethen. “I can’t imagine what I would do if I couldn’t help the woman I loved.”

“There is nothing I want more than to ride with you to save her, but it is not wise. I would only slow you down and hamper the whole attempt. I do trust you and Roderick. I know neither of you will leave without her.”

“I will certainly not, and I doubt anything will keep Roderick from his High Captain. She will be back with you soon,” said Ethen as there was another knock at the door.

Malven again answered it, and Roderick entered the room. He walked over immediately and sat down in a chair on Leal’s other side, across from Ethen.

“I am sorry I am late, your majesty, I was detained by a visitor.”

“I hope it was a welcomed visitor,” said Leal as he winced, his side causing him some pain.

“It turns out it was a very welcomed visitor,” said Roderick. “Lord Ethen, we will have a full eight going to Navalia with us after all. Along with the two of us, Galen, and the four from the Sentinel, we will also be joined by Valian, the High Captain before Dracia.”

Ethen nodded. “He seems a good fighter still.”

“He is,” said Roderick. “He is also the most skilled man at stealth I have ever known. If anyone can help us get into the palace, it is him.”

“Which brings us to the point of this meeting,” said Leal. “Do you have a plan for bringing our queen home, Roderick?”

“I am working on one as we speak,” said Roderick. “I know a small force is the way to go. The longer we can go undetected around the palace, the better.”

“You really think it is better than taking the whole Sentinel to storm the palace?” asked Leal.

“Yes, because this is the way the High Captain would do it herself. If we bring in the whole Sentinel, we will lose many Elites, and potentially hurt many innocent people in Port Venala. Dracia definitely would not want it to be that way. If we an find a way to slip in and out while grabbing her, it will be the best way to go.”

“I agree with Roderick,” said Ethen. “While I admit I am a little less caring for Navalian lives at the moment, the best chance we have of rescuing Dracia alive is to cause the smallest noise we can. We do not want to startle those who hold her.”

“How will you get in the winter palace?” asked Leal. “I take it, you won’t go in the front door.”

“No, and most other doors are surrounded by high walls,” said Ethen. “Perhaps we could find a way by the seashore behind the palace.”

“Or a way into the tunnels that run under the palace. That would be ideal. When we get close enough, we could stop and sense where they go and try to find an opening. They have to come out somewhere,” said Roderick.

“Or they could have been blocked off on that end ages ago,” said Ethen.

“They have been blocked off in some ways,” said Malven as he walked over. “Parts of the tunnel that run under the palace are still used by servants. I hope you don’t mind me interrupting.”

“Not at all, Malven,” said Leal. “If you have some insight on the best way to sneak into the palace, please let us know.”

“When I wanted to go in and out of the palace undetected, I used the entrance to the far right of the palace. There is a part of the tunnel there that is unblocked by the wall. The servants use it to come and go as they please when they can get away with it,” said Malven.

“Where does this entrance go in the palace, Malven?” asked Roderick.

“The kitchens which are downstairs from the banquet hall, half underground themselves,” said Malven. “Best time to sneak in and out of them is about an hour after supper, only a few lower level kitchen attendants are in there cleaning up by that time. The rest of the attendants are at the staff table eating which is two rooms over from the kitchen.”

“So, you are saying the ideal time to get into the palace would be around the eighth bell of evening,” said Lord Ethen.

“That is correct, my lord,” said Malven. “You will encounter very few people at that time.”

“Is there a chance this entrance could be guarded?” asked Roderick.

“I am not sure the attendants have ever let the royal family know it exists. There are guards who patrol around the palace, but I am sure Lord Ethen could take care of hiding you from them,” said Malven.

Ethen nodded as Roderick said, “Then we will just have to find a way to actually locate Dracia. Perhaps we could find a guard who could lead us to her.”

“Or perhaps we can go straight to the source and grab their king or princess,” said Ethen. “I am sure we can find Lilith and Fannar slinking around somewhere in the winter palace. Fannar would be easier to get information from, but I might rather teach that princess a thing or two.”

“Or we find Darron,” said Roderick. “My first priority is to get Dracia out safely, but I wouldn’t mind having a word with him before we leave.”

“Your focus must be on finding and saving Dracia,” said Leal in agitation. “You will find the first opportunity to locate her once you breach the palace. I don’t care if you find the information from Lilith or some kitchen attendant. There will be time for vengeance later.”

“You need not worry, your majesty,” said Roderick. “Dracia’s safety will come before everything else. If I can get her out without coming across a single member of the royals in Navalia or any disgraced Elite, then I will be satisfied.”

“I as well,” said Ethen. “I only want to restore your queen to you, here safe where she belongs.”

Leal nodded as he put his hand on his side as he closed his eyes.

“I believe you have sat up too long today, your majesty,” said Roderick with concern. “You should go lay down, and I will call Galen in to check on you. He has given you medicine for your pain and to help you sleep, hasn’t he?”

“He has, but I have been trying not to take it unless necessary,” said Leal.

“I believe it might be necessary at the moment,” said Ethen. “You should go rest, and Roderick and I will leave you for now. We can work this out between us.”

Ethen stood up as Roderick looked at Leal. “You can trust that we will bring her home, your majesty. You know I will not leave her there, no matter what I have to do,” said Roderick.

“I do know it,” said Leal as he stood slowly. “If you would both come eat with me in here this evening, I would appreciate it. Roderick, bring your brother as I am sure my sister will be here as well. You can even ask Lady Selene to join you since her company kept you from accepting your king’s invitation last night.”

“I do apologize, your majesty,” said Roderick.

“You should only apologize when you mean it Roderick, and I doubt you are sorry for anything you did last night,” said Leal with a grin.

“Perhaps not,” said Roderick. “But I will join you tonight, and I am sure Lady Selene will as well. We will not stay too long though as I am sure you will need your rest.”

“You are so thoughtful to think of me, Roderick,” said Leal giving a small laugh that caused his side to ache.

“Go on and take your medicine and rest easy, Leal,” said Ethen. “It will not be long before we bring your queen back to you.”

“I pray you are correct, Ethen,” said Leal as he let Malven help him to his bedroom.

Leal carefully got in bed as Malven handed him his medicines. Leal looked at them before taking a swig of both.

“You may not feel like resting, your majesty, but if you want to be ready to see your queen in a week or so, you will have to be well. It will not do for her to see you looking so ill,” said Malven.

“You are right, Malven. I will try to rest for a few hours. If anyone comes to meet with me, tell them I shall be available by the fifth bell.”

“Very good, your majesty,” said Malven. “I shall be in the sitting area if you need anything.”

“Drinking my wine, no doubt,” said Leal sleepily as he got comfortable in the bed.

“You do know me very well,” said Malven. “I shall see it is refilled for you, so do not trouble yourself.”

Leal smiled as he fell asleep. He dreamed that afternoon of a favorite memory. It was late spring, and he was at party thrown for Dracia’s sixteen birthday. He had just managed to get away from a group of young ladies, and he was looking all around the lit up lawn for Dracia. It was her party, and he had barely seen her since he danced with her after she had opened the party dancing with her father.

She had looked very lovely that night in a deep blue gown that showed off her figure. It was much different than the loose and comfortable gowns he had seen her in all his life. He had always thought she was very pretty, but tonight he had realized just how beautiful she truly was. The past year she seemed to have changed from the dark haired girl with dirt on her nose he had ran through the hills with to a lovely young woman whose smile sent shivers down his body. Recently he had found himself staring at her when she would talk to him. He had looked at her bright brown eyes and her full lips, wondering what it would be like to kiss her. Would her lips feel as soft as they looked? Would she close her eyes and put her arms around him?

He had kissed a few other girls this past year, and while they weren’t all awful, they didn’t make him want to repeat the act with any of them. In truth he would have rather spent time speaking with Dracia than those moments of stealing kisses with the pretty young ladies of the court. He believed he received more of a thrill when Dracia took his hand the other day to show him something than he did feeling Lady Suzelle trying to glide her tongue over his closed lips.

Now Leal looked for Dracia everywhere, as he greeted those who he passed. He found Dracia’s father and mother in conversation with his own parents, but Dracia was no where to be seen. Dracia’s oldest brother was dancing with his new bride and definitely seem to not care where his sister was at the moment. Dracia’s other brother was over by the musicians talking to two very pretty women, making both of them laugh constantly. Dracia was not nearby him either. She did not seem to be anywhere amongst the those on the lawn.

Leal walked away from the party space and towards the forest that stood at the back of her father’s lands. He finally spotted her close to the trees. She was hard to see at first with her dark gown, but the moon was bright, and her fair skin stood out from the dark forest. Leal walked up to her as she, hearing his footsteps, smiled up at him as he approached.

“What are you doing out here?” he asked as he stood by her side.

“I had enough of dancing for the moment. All those young men wanting nothing more than a connection with my father, acting as if they were enraptured with me.”

Leal laughed.

“Is my plight funny to you, your highness?” asked Dracia.

“No, but the idea that those young men only wish to show you favor because of your father is quite funny to me. You cannot be serious, Dracia,” said Leal.

“What do you mean?” she asked as she took a step away from him.

“Do you know see yourself? Do you not see how well you look in that gown? You must know how beautiful you are. I assume you have mirrors in your father’s house,” said Leal. “I think I remember seeing a few when I was last in there.”

Dracia shook her head. “There are so many beautiful woman here tonight. If it wasn’t for my father, I doubt even two of those young men would have time for me.”

Leal sighed. “I know there is no use arguing with you, but I do not like you to be uniformed. You should know that out of all the young ladies of the court in attendance, you are by far the most beautiful.”

Dracia smiled at him. “You are very gallant when you want to be. Do they teach that to all princes, or does it just come naturally to you?”

“I hope I am gallant, but at this moment I am just trying to be truthful,” said Leal as he looked over close to some large wild bushes that grew at the edge of the forest.

The bushes were covered in honeysuckle vines and were full of blooms. Leal took a few off of the vine and pulled out the stem, putting one to his mouth to enjoy the sweet nectar.

“Honeysuckle,” said Dracia as she watched him. “We used to spend hours out here, picking those vines clean so we could enjoy the nectar.”

Leal nodded as he put another bloom to his lips. “Would you like one?” he asked as he let the blossom fall to the ground.

“No, not tonight,” said Dracia as he picked a few more blossoms off of the vine. “I suppose I should get back before my father or gods forbid my mother comes looking for me.”

“Don’t go, not yet” said Leal as he finished another blossom. “I rather like having you all to myself.”

“Oh, do you not wish to relish in the attentions of your court, your highness? I’ve seen several young ladies who wish to entertain you in all sorts of ways,” said Dracia with a small laugh.

She smiled at him, but it did not reach her eyes. Leal dropped the last blossom and wiped his hands together. He looked at her and grabbed her hand on impulse, bringing her close to him. He was pleased to see she did not resist or try to drop his hand.

“There is no young lady back there that could show me any entertainment. Not when the only one I truly wish to spend any time with is out here,” said Leal softy.

He kept his eyes on her face, watching as her lovely lips slightly parted and her eyes grew wide.

“Are you sure?” she asked as Leal closed the small gap between them, bringing her very close to him. “I hear you did enjoy Lady Suzelle’s entertainments at one time. You did kiss her, didn’t you?”

Leal sighed and dropped his head. “I did, though it is nothing I ever want to repeat,” said Leal as he slowly looked back up. “If all kisses where like that, I should never like to participate in the activity again.”

“That would be too bad,” said Dracia quietly as Leal leaned towards her. “I had rather hope to hear better things about kissing.”

“Perhaps I haven’t kissed the right person,” he whispered very close to her lips, waiting for a sign from her his attentions would be welcomed.

She looked down at his lips. “You shall have to try again then.”

It was invitation enough for Leal, and he leaned the short way forward to gently kiss her. She made a slight noise against his lips as they met that made a shudder of excitement flow through his body. His lips moved against hers for a few moments before he pulled back and looked down at her, watching her beautiful eyes flutter open.

“Well?” she asked as she stayed close to him. “What are your thoughts on this attempt?”

He answered her by kissing her again, taking his time to introduce her more properly to the activity, and like most things she did, she was a fast leaner. He found her lips were as soft as they looked, and she did put her arms around him once she became comfortable. Although he was more than likely much too young to think it, he believed he would never want to kiss another woman as long as he lived. He was very content to think he could spend his life kissing only her.

Leal woke up to long shadows being cast along his bedroom, showing that evening was approaching. He sat up slowly in bed with a small smile on his face. It was as if the gods had sent him his dream as a gift to remind him of happier times and give him hope. It had worked. He knew now just as he knew all those years ago, there would never be another woman he would want to kiss again. Soon Dracia would be back in his arms, and this time he would be sure to keep her safe.