The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Roderick walked into the parlor of his house after he had visited with some farmers who lived on the lands of Low Hill. He wanted to check in with them, and let them know they needed to be ready to move into the palace or the Fortress at a moments notice if they wanted protection. Some of the younger farmers were hesitant to leave their lands, but would see that their children and wives would go to either place for protection. He asked all he visited with to spread the word as he wanted everyone that lived within and close to Winsdell to be well protected from what was coming. He did not want the village or its people to suffer as before.

As he walked into the parlor, he found his mother and Selene sitting together by the fire. His mother was doing some sewing while Selene read a message. They both looked up at him as he walked towards him.

“Roderick, did you visit our lands dressed in your Sentinel uniform?” asked his mother with a small frown.

“I did,” said Roderick. “I am going to visit the Sentinel with the High Captain soon, and I saw no reason to have to change. It is no matter, mother.”

“You should look like the lord of these lands when you are officially doing business amongst our people. It is important to gain respect now that you are the true Lord of Low Hill,” said his mother.

“I imagine how Roderick conducts himself will do more to gain respect than what he wears,” said Selene as she folded up her message. “I am sure everyone knows Roderick has belonged to the Sentinel for several years. I would rather think they respect him for it.”

“I am sure they do, but if he is going to oversee our lands, he will need to start thinking differently,” said his mother.

“We are perhaps days away form a dangerous battle, mother,” said Roderick. “They only thing on my mind is protecting our land and our people, and seeing Lanoxan and those I love safe from the evilness in Navalia once and for all.”

His mother sighed as Selene smiled at him.

“Who was your message from, Selene?” asked Roderick.

“It was from my sister. She is doing well, of course, she was worried to death about Dracia at the time she wrote it. She knew Ethen would go after her, so she expressed fears for her husband as well. I hope she receives word soon that both Ethen and Dracia are well.”

“Lord Ethen wrote her as soon as we returned. She might even already have the message at this time,” said Roderick. “Hopefully, we will end this war soon, and Ethen and you can be back to your sister.”

“Yes, I should like to see my sister again, but I am in no hurry to leave Winsdell,” said Selene. “Perhaps when Ethen returns, I will spend a few more weeks here, getting to know the area.”

“I am sure the king and queen would not mind you staying in the palace,” said Roderick.

“Or you could stay here,” said Lady Glain. “We have more than enough room with only Roderick and I here as Galen has been spending his nights in the palace. I wonder that he does not come home to sleep.”

Selene looked at Roderick while suppressing a laugh as Roderick said, “I believe he is much engaged with Princess Lexine as they work together to find out more about Navalia and what we will face. I am sure it is just more convenient for him to stay in the palace.”

His mother nodded as their housekeeper walked into the room. “My lord, the Queen of Lanoxan is here.”

“Well, show her in,” said Roderick as he turned to look at the doorway, his mother and Selene both standing.

Dracia walked into the room, wearing her Sentinel uniform and cloak. Roderick moved to her greet her, taking her hand and bowing over it.

“You did not need to come here,” said Roderick as he straightened up. “I was going to meet you at the palace.”

“I felt like a longer ride this morning, and I wish to give my respect to Lady Glain,” said Dracia as she looked at Roderick’s mother.

“I am very glad to see you, your majesty,” said Lady Glain as she gave a curtsey. “But are you sure you should be riding?”

“I am being very careful, Lady Glain, and my horse is a sure one. I will not come to harm,” said Dracia.

“Will sit for a moment before you leave?” asked Lady Glain.

Dracia nodded and sat on the sofa as Roderick sat beside her.

“I am glad to find you here this morning, Selene,” said Dracia as she adjusted her skirt. “It seems you are enjoying your time in Winsdell.”

“I am growing fonder of your village and kingdom by the day,” said Selene. “If I am not careful, I may find I never want to leave.”

“I would have no objections to you staying here permanently,” said Dracia as she gave a small smile. “I imagine there is at least one other who would like to see you make your home here as well.”

“We shall see what happens after your kingdom is safe,” said Lady Selene as she picked up a cup of tea.

“Would you like some tea, your majesty?” asked Lady Glain.

“No, thank you,” said Dracia as she put her hand on her stomach. “For some reason, the smell does not agree with me.”

“It will pass eventually,” said Lady Glain with compassion. “I remember those hard few months with each of my boys. “It will be worth it in the end.”

“I believe you are correct, Lady Glain. I wanted to thank you for sending the medicine and clothes for me with Roderick. I was very grateful for the warm dress you packed. I am not sure how I would have made it back without it.”

“I was glad to do it,” said Lady Glain. “I was relieved to hear you came back safe as well as my son.”

“I do apologize for putting Roderick in such danger after I gave you my word to keep him safe, my lady,” said Dracia. “I wish I could say I would keep him from harm from this point forward, but I cannot give you my word. I have learned Roderick will have to serve as he sees fit.”

“You may find this hard to believe, your majesty, but I agree with you. My son knows his own mind, and it is time I see it,” said Lady Glain.

“You should come to supper tonight, Lady Glain. My mother and father as well as my brothers will be in attendance. I am sure you haven’t seen much of Galen. Please do come. I insist.”

“I will be happy to join you,” said Lady Glain.

“Should we be going, High Captain?” asked Roderick as he stood.

“Yes,” said Dracia as she stood. “I will be happy to see both of you tonight. You are welcomed at the palace any time you wish to see either of your sons since they seem to be spending an extraordinary amount of time there, Lady Glain.”

“Thank you, your majesty. Please do take care as you ride,” said Lady Glain.

“I shall,” said Dracia as she gave a curtsey and walked towards the doorway.

“I will see you both soon,” said Roderick. “Perhaps you and I could take a short walk around the palace before supper, Lady Selene.”

“I would like it very much, if you are back in time from the Sentinel,” said Lady Selene.

“He will be,” said Dracia. “I will see he is.”

“There you have it. I will see you before supper,” said Roderick as he bowed and followed Dracia out of the parlor and through the front door.

“I am sorry to take you away from a nice afternoon with your mother and Selene, Roderick. I know it will be difficult to find moments to be with those you love in the coming days,” said Dracia as Roderick asked for his horse to be brought to the front.

“I want to come with you today,” said Roderick. “While I do enjoy spending time with my mother and of course, Selene, I look forward to the times I can be by your side as well. They seem to be very precious and rare the more time goes on. You are much needed by our king, and soon you will be a mother.”

“I will always have time for you, Roderick,” said Dracia with a smile. “Though it seems another young woman will have most of your time in the near future. Which makes me happy. Still, you and I will always be connected in a way time or distance cannot destroy. I am sure we will both find ways to spend time together in the future.”

“I will see that it is so,” said Roderick. “Even if I have to have a talk with the king.”

Dracia laughed. “As if Leal has much say over how I spend my time.” She composed herself and gave a sigh. “I suppose I should show more respect to my husband and king.”

“I know you respect him, and value his opinion, but I am sure he knows what a stubborn, strong woman he has married. I don’t believe he would have it any other way,” said Roderick.

“You will have to ask him five or ten years from now, and see if he is still satisfied living with such a woman,” said Dracia.

“I have never been one for foretelling, but I believe even I can tell you his answer,” said Roderick.

She smiled at him as Roderick’s horse was brought to stand next to Dracia’s. Roderick walked with Dracia to Aarit, watching her pet the large horse’s neck.

“You are sure you should be riding him?” asked Roderick.

“Sarin said it is fine for at least a few more months,” said Dracia. “There is no horse I would trust to carry me more than Aarit.”

“Can I at least help you mount?” asked Roderick.

“If it will help you feel better, than yes,” said Dracia.

Roderick stood behind her and put his hands on her hips. He lifted her up as gently as he could, placing her in the saddle. She adjusted herself as Roderick walked over and mounted his own horse.

“I do wish we had time to ride over the hills for a while,” said Dracia with a sigh. “But perhaps when spring is here, all will be well, and I will still be able to ride.”

“If you are unable to ride, we can walk amongst the hills, or we could take an open carriage.”

“I will walk with you, but being out in an open carriage sounds dreadfully boring,” said Dracia.

Roderick gave a small laugh as they started riding towards the Fortress.

“So how are you feeling today, Dracia?” asked Roderick. “Be honest with me.”

“I am better than I was,” said Dracia as she looked ahead. “I am very sorry I could not go with you yesterday to the Fortress. I found I needed one more day to rest.”

“I do not mind,” said Roderick. “I spoke with the Elites for a while yesterday morning to set up some patrols around Winsdell. I thought you would want to send some scouts out into the kingdom, but I decided that could wait until today so you could make the final decisions.”

“You could have gone ahead and sent them. It will have to be done. We will need to send a few to the north of the kingdom, and I would like at least one scouting group to go to the south.”

“The south?” asked Roderick.

“There is at least one group we know of stationed in the very south by Gedenoia. There could be more in that kingdom waiting to come this way. I do not want us to be surprised.”

They rode on to the Fortress, Roderick continually shifting his eyes to look at Dracia. She did look better than she did as they rode back from Navalia. She had been so sick and weak. It had scared him, and he had hoped she would have listen to Lord Ethen to let them stop and rest at the summer palace. Of course, she resisted and had them press on to Winsdell. He was glad she was safe now, and seemed to be recovering. Still, the last few weeks, especially the rescue and the ride back was not something Roderick wanted to dwell on.

As they approached the Fortress, Dracia pulled up her horse close to the West Entrance. Roderick stopped behind her and quickly jumped down, walking over to her. He caught her as she slid down, making sure she stayed on her feet. Two Upper Elites of the Sentinel walked out to meet them as Dracia adjusted her cloak.

“High Captain,” said one of the Upper Elites. “It is very good to see you. The whole Sentinel was beyond joyful to hear of your return.”

“I am sure they were, since you were all here safe behind your walls as you sent two Novices with my seconds and my cousin besides the two brave Elites who perished alongside our former High Captain.”

“Roderick did not think a large force would be helpful,” said the other Elite.

“No, but I did request at least two more to go and none of you volunteered. Only the two novices who were approached were willing,” said Roderick.

“Where are Cara and Tomas at this moment?” asked Dracia.

“They are out in the fields for the Disciplines at the moment, but they should be coming into lunch soon, though they might be late as they have to make up some of the sessions they missed,” said one Elite as he looked at the other. “They did go on an unauthorized mission, High Captain.”

Dracia gave them both a stern look. “Well, I have decided it was authorized, and I would like to see both of them this minute. You will have them brought to me in the west parlor.”

“The Upper Elites are waiting for you at your table, High Captain. They thought to discuss the situation we are in with you over lunch.”

“They can wait until I speak with Tomas and Cara,” said Dracia as she started walking to the door. “See that they are brought to me as soon as possible.”

Roderick followed Dracia into the Fortress and to the west parlor. She moved to the fireplace and stood in front of it, Roderick standing at her side.

“What do you have planned?” asked Roderick as Dracia turned and looked at the low fire, taking off of her gloves.

“Only what needs to be done,” she said as she raised her hand causing the flames to grow.

Roderick chuckled as Dracia turned and looked at him.

“What is it?”

“I never thought I would enjoy your cryptic, half-answers, but I find myself much amused by them today,” said Roderick as he smiled at her.

“All it took was for me to be taken and held captive for two weeks,” said Dracia with amusement. “That might make it half worth it.”

Roderick’s smile faded at bit as he noticed Dracia’s own smile falter. She turned back and looked at the fire, her bright eyes suddenly seemed to grow dim.

“Dracia, what is it?” asked Roderick quietly. “I know it must be difficult to think of your time in the winter palace.”

She shook her head. “It shouldn’t be. Nothing so awful really happened to me.”

“Dracia, you were held against your will. You spent some time in a dirty, cold cell, chained to a wall. You found out something unbelievable about yourself, and discovered you were with child. There is no telling what else happened to you that you won’t tell me about,” said Roderick. “I’m not asking you to tell me what you do not wish to speak of, but even the strongest person would break down under such stress. Being affected by your time there does not make you weak.”

“It is not that I don’t wish to speak of it with you, or even Leal, but it is very hard. I would rather just forget most of it,” said Dracia shortly. “There is no use dwelling on it. It cannot be changed.”

Roderick stared at her as she watched the fire. What had really happened to her in Navalia? What all had they done to her? He remembered Darron taunting him, insinuated he had spent time with her while she was in captivity, that he had done something to her. Had it been true?

“It is not as bad as you are thinking, Roderick,” said Dracia quietly. “At least I don’t believe it was. There were times I was not conscious, and times I might have been, but I don’t remember what happened.”

“Dracia,” said Roderick very quietly. “Did Darron, did he try, did he…”

Roderick was cut off as Cara and Tomas were brought into the room, accompanied by Galen which surprised him. Dracia wiped her eyes quickly with her fingers and turned to look at those that just walked into the room.

“Galen, I didn’t expect to see you here. I didn’t wish to interrupt your search for information on the goddesses.”

“I needed a little break, High Captain, so I walked here. I heard you were expected, so I waited on you. I hope you do not mind,” said Galen.

“No, of course not,” said Dracia. “Tomas, Cara, I am glad to see you. There are a couple of things I wish to speak with both of you about. You may sit if you wish.”

Cara looked at Tomas as he looked at her. “I will stand, if you don’t mind, Captain, unless you wish all of us to sit,” said Cara.

“It is no matter. This shouldn’t take too long,” said Dracia. “First let me say how thankful I am to both of you. I know it could not have been easy to decide to go along on the mission to rescue me from Navalia.”

“But it was,” said Cara with certainty. “When Galen asked if we would come, neither of us hesitated. There is no way we could not do help you. You are the queen of this kingdom, and what is more, you are our High Captain.”

“She is right,” said Tomas. “There was no question of us going.”

“Still, you have my thanks,” said Dracia. “I heard you were both impressive and extremely helpful.”

“They were,” said Roderick. “I confess, I was leery to let them go. I was afraid they may become a liability, but they did more than hold their own.”

“Which brings me to my next reason for seeing both of you,” said Dracia. “I believe your actions on this successful mission have been more than enough of a final test for both of you. I would like to offer each of you to become full Elites of the Sentinel of Cassendar. If you believe you are ready, you can both take your vow before me, and I will name you as Elites.”

Roderick looked at Dracia as Cara and Tomas looked at each other.

“You do not need to decide this second. You can think over it for a day or two. I know it is a big decision that could affect the rest of your lives,” said Dracia.

“I need no time to decide, Captain,” said Cara. “This is all I have ever wanted, and if you believe I am ready, I will take my vow now.”

“Tomas, would you like more time?” asked Dracia.

“I want to be an Elite of the Sentinel. I am just not sure I am truly ready, Captain. I have no doubt Cara is ready. She has the skills necessary. I do not have her skills. I don’t know if I ever will.”

Dracia walked closer to Tomas. “You do not have the skills of Cara, it is true, but I believe you have some skills that she does not have. I have watched you in the Disciplines Tomas, and there are not many novices I have ever seen who work as hard as you. You are excellent on horseback, and your Mystics are well rounded.”

Dracia turned to look at Roderick. “What is your opinion on Tomas’s skills, Roderick.”

“He is skilled as most Elites already, and he values his fellow members of the Sentinel. He also knows his limits which is more than I can say for some of our Elites,” said Roderick.

“And you, Galen, do you think Tomas is ready?” asked Dracia.

“Yes, he was more impressive than he will admit as we fled Navalia. I don’t know if I would be here now without him,” said Galen. “Also, if you deem he is ready, I can only say that is reason enough for him to be an Elite. I believe you are rarely wrong.”

Dracia gave a small laugh. “What do you say, Tomas. Would you like more time to think it over?”

“No, I am ready now, High Captain. I will continue to work to improve, but I am ready to serve as an Elite.”

“Then come before me and take your vows,” said Dracia as she drew her silver sword.

After having Cara and Tomas take their vows, Dracia walked with Galen and Roderick to the main hall to eat with the Upper Elites. The atmosphere was tense as Dracia gave her orders for the Sentinel, asking them to keep patrols up at all hours, and to send out small scouting groups throughout the kingdom. She informed them of her decision to make Cara and Tomas full Elites, and assured them she would let them know of any information from the palace that they might need.

When she was through speaking, all the Elites sat quietly looking at each other until one spoke up.

“Will you still be our High Captain?” asked the man. “Will you not be stepping down?”

“Not yet,” said Dracia. “I will see Lanoxan through this crisis, and possibly a time after.”

The Elites were all quiet again, all seeming to want to say something, but all were silent.

“You seem to have concerns,” said Dracia. “Please tell me what they are.”

“If the rumors are true,” said another Elite carefully. “You cannot ride out into battle with us.”

“I don’t know what rumors you have heard, but there is a very good reason I cannot ride out into battle with you I does not mean I cannot still lead the Sentinel by planning our attack. I will send Roderick and Galen to lead you. They are both more than capable,” said Dracia.

The Upper Elites again were silent for a moment.

“You are the queen of our kingdom now,” said another Elite. “You are a Cassendar. Shouldn’t we be protecting you?”

Dracia huffed. “Do any of you question my leadership or my ability to lead the Sentinel. If you do, I ask you to speak now.”

The table was silent.

“You do not need to fear any repercussions from speaking out. You will receive none from me or the king. Now, is there anyone here who questions my leadership?”

“Did you really kill the king of Navalia?” asked one Elite at the far end of the table.

“I did,” said Dracia. “It was not my intent as I was only trying to escape the palace so I could help my fellow Elites save the Cassendars.”

“Which you were one of them then,” said another Elite. “From what I understand, you have been married to the king for some time. You have hidden your marriage from King Leal while you served here.”

“Why are you brining this up?” asked Roderick. “None of this affected how she served as our High Captain. Do any of you have any actual complaints of her leadership?”

“It is not us who does not have confidence in her,” said one of the Elites. “It is the people of Winsdell and beyond that have questions. We have heard whispers and more.”

“What do they say?” asked Dracia.

“Some blame you for the trouble with Navalia. They say it was your relationship with our king that kept him from joining with the princess from Navalia. Then you killed their king, angering them further. They see their problems and their lost family members are your fault.”

Dracia stood up abruptly. “I thank you for your honesty. I will think over these things, and let you know what I will do. For right now, I am still your High Captain, and you will do as I ask. I only say this because I believe all of my decisions are right for Lanoxan. If you will excuse me, I should get back to the palace.”

She walked from the room, and Roderick stood up.

“I hope you know she is not to blame for our troubles with Navalia. Had our king united himself with the princess from Navalia, our kingdom would be without hope. Our High Captain has suffered much for our kingdom to keep it safe. The people of Winsdell may be confused about her as they do not have all the facts, but none of you should.

“You all know her well. If you have not refuted these claims when you heard them then I consider you traitors to your oaths. I will do everything I can to convince her to keep her post for as long as she can and sees fit. You will continue to serve her well, and you will make sure all know you have complete trust in her. There will be no other options.

“Come, Galen, we must see to our High Captain,” said Roderick as Galen stood. They both walked from the room, jogging slightly to try to catch Dracia before she rode off.

They found her outside the West Entrance, waiting for her horse. Roderick found a close by Elite and asked that his and Galen’s be brought around as well. They stood quietly, all three together, as there were other Elites around, and Dracia had already shaken her head at Galen and Roderick. Once their horses were brought round, Roderick helped Dracia mount before he and Galen mounted their own horses, and they rode on towards the palace.

“You know the people are just looking for anyone to blame for their troubles, Dracia. You must not listen to this news. You are not the cause of our troubles with Navalia,” said Roderick.

“Maybe not originally, but I have certainly made it worse. Belleth always wanted to take over our kingdom to rule over it, but now she will come to us with even more force to get to me. Our village is in extreme danger because of me.”

“It is not your fault, High Captain,” said Galen. “You can not help who you are.”

“No, it is not my, Dracia Cassendar’s, fault, but at some point, it was Sophia’s fault. She should have found a way to do away with her sisters.”

“She showed them mercy,” said Galen. “She loved them.”

“She loved them too much to kill them, it was true,” said Dracia. “Her love for them would not allow her to do what needed to be done. So, she took away their powers and hoped over the years they would learn to live in peace alongside the created ones. Instead, it just gave them time to perfect ancient magic and build a kingdom to serve their needs.”

“It is still not your fault, and you should not step down because of this talk, Dracia. The Sentinel needs your leadership. Once Winsdell and Lanoxan are saved, the people will change their mind,” said Roderick.

“You are right, Roderick. Our kingdom must be saved, and I shall not step down as High Captain. I will find a way to save our kingdom and our people,” said Dracia before she said something quietly to Aarit, and he took off swiftly towards the palace.

“What will she do, Roderick?” asked Galen. “She cannot fight.”

“I don’t know, Galen, but both of us need to be ready to support her whatever may happen,” said Roderick. “And perhaps even save her from herself.”