The Fallen (Book 1) (3 page)

‘
Three Ways! That’s where the fallen are camped! Oh Kelian, I had no idea Elena was...’

Kelian
flew from the room, with Timbul, Araas and Jaralina not far behind. He burst into the King’s private conference room, leaving the three visitors standing uncertainly at the doorway. The King spun around and was beside his son in an instant, at the same time beckoning for Timbul, Araas and Jaralina to enter, and those with whom he had been speaking to leave, though his eyes didn’t leave his son.

‘
Father, Elena is-’ He broke off and turned to Jaralina. ‘Explain!’ he shouted.

Tears of shock and distress came into Jaralina
’s eyes as she gathered her thoughts wishing to make a clear and comprehensive report.

‘
Patience, Kelian!’ Timbul’s voice cut like a knife and his blue eyes blazed.

King Dannicus held up his hand to forestall Timbul
’s defensive anger. He turned and placed a hand on Kelian’s shoulder. ‘My son, you gain nothing by venting your anxiety upon your friends, and Timbul,’ he continued calmly, ‘you will address my son as Prince or Highness when you are within our conference room.’

‘
Yes Majesty. I apologize, Highness.’

Dannicus gestured to the long lounging chairs.
‘Now, we will be seated and Jaralina will take her ease as she presents her report.’

Chapter
2

Information

All
remained standing as the King and Prince were seated and then they took their places. Kelian sat on the edge of his seat, with his hands rolled into fists on his knees.

He
addressed Jaralina. ‘I also apologize, lady Jaralina. I can see the fear in you.’

‘
Highness, it wasn’t you who put the fear into me. I tracked two of the fallen for three days before they met with Nandul. They were clever in the forest but didn’t have the skill of emotional discernment, or someone was hiding my thoughts.’ She glanced uncertainly at Timbul who nodded slightly. They had no idea I was following them. They moved as quickly as you would expect of the fallen and I was exhausted when they finally came to their meeting place. Nandul was waiting there. This information I am able to confirm. Our garrison has certainly been infiltrated, though the fallen gave no clue as to the identity of the traitor. Moran was definitely a traitor. The two men you sent to watch Moran must have been loyal soldiers because the fallen said they told them nothing under torture that they weren’t sure Nandul already knew.’

King Dannicus sighed.
‘I suppose he killed them?’

Jaralina nodded.
‘He said he got what he wanted from Moran, and then he killed him too. From what I heard, they’re searching for someone or something he referred to as ‘the one’.’

‘
The one?’ King Dannicus considered this information. ‘Continue.’

‘
They have an encampment along the River Ringo not far from Three Ways and I think they’re using this as a base for their search. The only other thing that happened was that Nandul passed a pouch to one of the fallen. It was small like a coin pouch, but it didn’t have coins in it. The one who received it opened it and took a little bit of whatever it was and rubbed it between his fingers. It sprinkled like sand. The only comment they made about it was that one of the warriors asked if it was strong enough to do the job, and Nandul said it was, if it was burnt. Then…well, the water is cold so high in the mountains…’ Jaralina’s voice faded as she turned to look at Araas.

‘
Nandul could sense Jaralina’s growing fear, and so could I,’ Araas addressed the King. ‘Majesty, she was hidden up to her neck in icy cold water. We concealed her emotions from Nandul and when she feinted from the cold I circled around and led them away. Timbul dragged her from the water before she drowned. We were gone before Nandul could arrive back with trackers which he most certainly will have done. Even if he saw us, he wouldn’t have come after us with only two other warriors, but if he returned with numbers we might have been in big trouble.’

The King
closed his eyes, perturbed by Jaralina’s report. ‘And now Elena, Louisa and Immosey travel through the very area in which Nandul has made his camp.’ He paused. ‘And he’s looking for something, or someone, he refers to as ‘the one’. This makes no sense. The fallen rarely stay within their borders, but to travel this far to the east is disturbing. Anyone who strays into Nyinaku is taken for a slave, or murdered outright. No one ever returns. Jaralina, you are one of the few exceptions - your skills are remarkable. So, they’ve made their way across the land and have established a camp from which they undertake this search for who knows what. I need more. I need to know more of the fallen.’

Kelian sat forward.
‘Father, I have to warn them. I have to stop them before they reach Three Ways. They mustn’t-’

‘Kelian, the girls are protected by Cassic’s company. So unless you think you can do a better job than the King’s Captain, you will stay here! Assuming they’re on schedule, it would be very difficult to reach them before they pass Three Ways.  I’ll send Borgulnay with a few specially chosen soldiers to meet them. He’s the fastest and most likely to reach the barge before it comes to Three Ways. You’re not going.’

Kelian rose from his chair, his face
red with anger. His father left the room, taking several minutes to speak to one of the castle servants before returning to face his son. ‘I will send Borgulnay to attempt to intercept them before they reach Three Ways,’ he repeated. ‘Araas, Timbul, I need to know why the fallen are camped on our land. I cannot allow them to remain. The fallen have no regard for human life. They take children for slaves, an appalling crime. Perhaps rumor has exaggerated their reputation but I’ve heard tales of murder, torture, burnings and starvation.’ He paused again as Borgulnay appeared in the doorway. ‘Kelian, please explain the situation to our King’s Captain.’ He turned once again to Araas and Timbul. ‘I know that you both know more of the fallen than you are willing to share. I must protect my people. I must know why they’re moving east and what they’re searching for.’

Timbul and Araas exchanged glances. Both faces were strangely closed.
Finally Timbul spoke. ‘Then your Majesty, you must speak to our Father.’

‘
I have known you both all my life, and no greater friends could we have. There have even been times when our people have fought beside yours, when you have come to our aid in defense of our borders, yet I don’t know your father and I know very little of your people. I need to know more. It’s strange. We have always called your people the Daoine Maithe, but that is all I know of you. That you are good people.’

‘
You need to travel to the Province of the Guardians. Our father will help you, Majesty,’ said Araas.

Dannicus folded his arms
. ‘I will prepare to travel tomorrow. You’ll go after my son and protect him?’

‘
He’s going with Borgulnay?’ Araas didn’t look at all surprised.

‘
I’m certain he’ll do everything in his power to go, regardless of what I say.’ The King sighed resignedly. ‘Short of having him confined to the dungeon there’s little I seem to be able to do to stop him.’

‘
Of course we’ll protect him. As is our duty,’ Timbul confirmed.

Dannicus
walked out onto the small balcony overlooking the castle gardens. He was yet to breakfast. He turned to the servant standing motionlessly next to the doorway. ‘Send for the Princess Elizabeth and Duke Li, and ask the Duke to bring his Squire. And please ask my Queen to join us. Then arrange for breakfast. Here on the balcony will be fine.’ The servant bobbed his head and scurried away. King Dannicus turned towards a large cushioned armchair tucked away in a corner of the room.

‘
Eijelin, you and your partner in mischief may come out of hiding.’

Eijelin eased herself from her uncomfortable hiding place and was followed by a boy
of about nine years of age. Eijelin ran to her father and threw herself upon him whilst the little boy stood aside patiently.

‘
Elliot, you mustn’t be led by our mischievous little possum who needs more discipline,’ said the King, his eyes twinkling as he knelt and hugged his daughter. The little girl stole the hearts of all, but none more than her devoted father.

‘
Your Majesty,’ Elliot looked the King squarely in the eye, ‘please don’t blame Eijelin. It was
my
idea to come in here.’ This was so obviously a lie that even Eijelin burst out laughing.

‘
Elliot, I told you that if you didn’t come with me I wouldn’t help you to climb the-’ She broke off and flushed red as King Dannicus shook his head in disbelief. He turned back to where Jaralina remained seated only to find her fast asleep.

‘
Timbul,’ he said, ‘if you would take the Lady Jaralina somewhere comfortable.’ Timbul lifted Jaralina and carried her from the room. Dannicus turned back to Eijelin and Elliot.

‘
Out of here, both of you,’ he ordered. The two children ran to the door with the grace of stampeding cattle. ‘Eijelin, Elliot.’ The children stopped and looked back towards Dannicus. ‘I trust you remember not to repeat anything you have heard in this room.’ He was now looking very seriously at the two children.

‘
Yes Father,’ Eijelin’s face was surprisingly solemn. ‘I can be trusted and so can Elliot.’

Elliot added,
‘I won’t repeat anything we heard, sir. Anyway, most of other times we hid in here, I didn’t understand anything anyway.’ And with that startling revelation, the two children turned and raced each other down the winding staircase.

King Dannicus
called after them. ‘And don’t be following Timbul – give him a little peace!’ He frowned as they both ignored him and followed Timbul in the direction of Jaralina’s room. ‘Racing around the castle like a pair of rambunctious rapscallions,’ he muttered to himself, as he stood back allowing kitchen servants to carry breakfast into the room.

The
castle was a lot more crowded now as people made their way to and from the dining hall and began to go about their daily tasks. Ignoring startled looks, Timbul carried the exhausted agent to the room which was reserved for her use. She didn’t stir as he placed her on her bed and arranged the coverlet over her, and he wondered if she was simply incredibly exhausted or if his brother had caused her mind to sleep. He stood watching her for a moment then he leaned down and gently kissed her lips
.

‘
Bean mo chroi,’
he whispered softly, then turned and left the room, closing the door quietly. He ignored the two giggling children.

The King
smiled as Queen Aithne and Princess Elizabeth approached. They broke off their conversation and followed him to the balcony.

‘
My two favorite ladies,’ he said kissing each in turn. ‘After Eijelin of course,’ he added with a grin. He helped himself to cup of hot ti-tree tea.

Queen Aithne pretended to look hurt but failed.
‘Are we breakfasting? I know Elizabeth already ate.’

‘
That fine. I’ll manage seconds,’ said Elizabeth, sitting her slender body down in front of a huge platter of fruit. ‘Pass me a bowl Danny. Oh, and some toast please. And the honey. Thank you. And a knife. And a piece of…’ She looked up as Dannicus set his tea cup down on the table with an unnecessarily loud thud.

‘
What did your last slave die of?’ he asked, feigning impatience.

‘
Tea poisoning,’ Elizabeth replied with a sweet smile, and Aithne laughed at Dannicus’ indignant expression.

‘
Oh. In that case…’ Dannicus poured her a cup of tea and set it in front of her.

‘
Danny why did you send for us,’ asked Aithne. ‘Not that I mind of course.’

‘
I need to discuss with you a very disturbing turn of events, but we shall wait for the Duke and his Squire – Daarin’s son. What’s his name dear?’

‘
Dale,’ the Queen answered patiently.

‘
Yes. Squire Dale.  Duke Li seems to think him a very bright young man.’

‘
The word ‘bright’ would be an understatement. You have plans for him, brother?’ asked Princess Elizabeth.

The King nodded as Duke
Li and Squire Dale paused in the doorway. He motioned for them to take seats on the balcony and the group waited patiently as King Dannicus outlined his conversation with Jaralina. ‘So I have sent Borgulnay to see if he can stop the barge before it gets anywhere near Three Ways. I would have your thoughts. Speak freely,’ he finished.

‘
Is the King’s Captain riding?’ asked Duke Li.

‘
Only part way,’ King Dannicus shook his head. ‘They’ll leave the horses before the road bends south. There’s no point in taking the horses off the road, the hills are too steep and rough, covered with granite. Horses would only slow the soldiers down.’

‘
This thing they’re looking for…or person…at least that doesn’t indicate an invasion,’ said Duke Li.

‘
Yes, but if they’re camped at Three Ways then technically they’ve already invaded, darling,’ said Princess Elizabeth.

‘
Yes, that’s true. But the fallen know we’re loath to start a full scale war with them unless they actually cause a lot more trouble than camping on Alkiran land – which they do frequently enough to make anyone nervous.’

‘
I’ll wager the people of Three Ways think that having the fallen camped nearby forebodes trouble. Do you remember when they made a camp near Fishing Point?’ asked Queen Aithne.

‘
Well do I remember,’ the Kings voice was full of controlled anger and seeing the curious look on Squire Dale’s face he explained. ‘It turned out to be a rallying point for the invasion and destruction of Fishing Point which they believed was their territory. Of course the fallen believe the entire land is their territory. The township was destroyed, men, women and children. Those who were not killed were taken for slaves. Unfortunately the people of Tatharlia were too weak to defend themselves and now the fallen control the land almost as far north as the Cold Mountains. The only reason the Tatharlians still dwell in the north western corner is because the nomads of Sagria came to their aid. It’s supposed the Sagrians were once of the same blood as the Tatharlians. The Sagrians have their own idea of where certain borders should, and should not be. They are a people who despise interference from others. Both the Tatharlians and the Sagrians refuse the help of the guardians.’