The Path of Decisions (13 page)

Alessandra proceeded to throw the pillow back at Kelln. He ducked,
and the pillow bounced off his shoulder.

They both dove for the pillow, reaching it at the same time.
Kelln, the stronger of the two, tugged the pillow harder and pulled it and
Alessandra on top of him. With the pillow partially between their bodies, Kelln
reached his head up and stole a kiss from her lips.  She frowned slightly but
didn’t move away so Kelln moved in for another.

This time she did pull away and grabbing a pillow from the side of
the bed threw it back at Kelln’s face. They both ended up in a fit of laughter.
Kelln couldn’t remember the last time he had actually laughed. It was a good
release for him, and he met the new day full, rested, and optimistic for the
first time in many months.

That morning Kelln continued to show Alessandra around the city of
Anikari. She had only been there briefly when she had found Kelln, and it had
not been for sightseeing. Spring was in full bloom, with late tulips opening
and a few dogwoods still dropping their last blossoms. The grasses were
greening, and the sun warmed the air. Kelln showed Alessandra the ancient
stadium where the festivals were held and the King’s field where Darius had won
the archery contest.

“You and Darius were good friends, weren't you?” asked Alessandra
as they sat on a rock overlooking the field.

“Yes.” He paused. “Yes, we were. We did everything together. He
would always tease me about getting him in trouble, but I knew he liked it. He
always said he wanted adventure, but I don't think any of us thought it would
turn out like this.”

“Did you know about his power?”

Kelln told her about library basement at the old academy. They had
been trapped in the dark. Darius was thinking hard about what to do when
suddenly a light appeared in his palm. It was the first time they realized
Darius had some type of power. Later that same afternoon they found a sword in
the basement that flared with a bright light at his touch.

“He didn’t talk about it much after that, though. He used it a few
times around me but seemed quite hesitant. I guess things changed when he left
the city.”

“What will you do if he comes to Anikari to fight?”

“I will have to stop him.”

“But he will kill you.”

“I don't think so. Somewhere inside of him his old self is still
alive. You don't know the Darius I do: considerate, helpful, humorous, every good
quality you could think of... except he did have a short temper. I just have to
keep trying.”

“Why didn’t you stay in Belor and help him, then?” Alessandra put
her hand on his arm.

“Because your father was going to kill me!” Kelln raised his arms
up in the air as if the answer was obvious. “And when Darius got all caught up
with the Preacher I couldn’t reach him. Maybe being in Anikari will help. Maybe
if I can find Christine that will help.” He told her about Darius’s
relationship with Christine and a little of the history of the conflicts
between the city people and the farmers.

They began walking back through the town. Alessandra reached over
and slid her hand inside Kelln’s. “You learned a lot from my grandfather,
didn't you?”

“Why do you say that?”

“I remember the way he used to talk to me when I was little. He
always sees the good in people and wants to help everyone. He is a strong and
wise man.”

“He is a wizard too.”

Alessandra nodded.

“As is your father, the Preacher.”

She nodded again.

“And you?”

She stopped so quickly on the street that Kelln almost fell down.
“Why do you say that?”

“The power is passed down through bloodlines. So I figured if your
grandfather has it, and your father has it, then you must also. That is why you
knew about Darius.”

“I knew about Darius because I saw him do things. And my father
talked to me about him.”

“But?” Kelln prodded.

“But?” Alessandra echoed back, then stopped and thought for a
moment. Then she laughed. “Kelln, I just don’t know. I have never thought about
it. I have never felt anything inside. Most of my father’s power was learned,
so maybe my grandfather’s powers didn’t pass on to him or to me.”

After looking around the town they circled back to the inn. All of
a sudden a man stepped up in front of them, and the two guards that had
shadowed them came forward.

“You two need to come with me.” The man said in a commanding
voice. Kelln recognized him as one of the King’s guards.

“Where?” Kelln asked.

“The castle.” was the only answer they received from one of the
guards. “Just be quiet and follow Roland here.”

Kelln and Alessandra were led quietly to a side entrance through
the outside castle walls and then into the castle’s lower levels.

“Who wants us?” asked Alessandra.

“Councilor Richard San Williams.”

“Richard?” repeated Kelln.

“You shouldn’t be so informal with his name,” Roland stated.

The group walked into a small room. After entering, the two men
closed the door and then moved a large bookcase in front of it. They continued
walking down a long hall filled with pictures of past kings and queens, until
they came to Richard’s office. They knocked and then entered. Richard sat at
his large mahogany desk. He motioned for Roland and the two soldiers to leave.

Richard stood and paced a few short steps, stopping in front of a
book case. He looked recovered from the night before. His color had returned,
and he seemed back in control. “Darius has been kidnapped.”

Kelln's mouth hung open as if to respond, but he didn’t say
anything.

Richard continued. “We know he was in Forest View last night and
was taken from his room. Another man was with him, a Gildanian, if things are
to be believed, but we don't know where he is. We received a ransom notice in
the past hour, with additional instructions to come later after the ransom is
paid. It was eluded that the kidnapper would like to be set up as a ruler of
one of our cities.”

Kelln opened his mouth to speak but couldn’t think of what to say
again.  Who would kidnap Darius?

Richard looked back and forth at Kelln and Alessandra, then
continued. “We will obviously not meet these demands but must rescue him
instead. We cannot send an army of our own men, because we are not sure where
loyalties lie right now and don’t want to cause any undue alarm. Darius must be
brought back as soon as possible without anyone knowing he was taken. So he
must be found and brought back without incident. There is an undercurrent of
unrest in Anikari right now, and we can’t afford anyone to have a reason to
start fighting.”

“Mezar was with him, it seems,” stated Kelln.

“Mezar?”

“The Gildanian commander Darius captured… though Darius treats him
more like a friend than a prisoner, from what I have seen.”

Richard’s jaw tightened. He invited the two young people to sit
down.

“Kelln, I know you are a bright young man, but we also know that
your father is in Belor. Can I trust you?” The councilor looked Kelln directly
in the eyes.

“I’m not siding with that crazy man in Belor. He wants to kill
me.” He looked at Alessandra apologetically. He knew the Preacher was her
father, but it was hard to remember at times. The two seemed so different from
each other.

Richard smiled. “Good. Good.”

“I will find Darius,” Kelln said sternly.

A knock sounded at the door. Richard glared at the door and spoke
quickly. “You will be provided an escort. He knows the forest well and has
already been briefed on the mission.”

“Come in!” Richard said in a loud voice.

Richard stood to meet the young man who entered. The man flashed
the three a brilliant smile but lingered longer over Alessandra. She blushed.

“Kelln and Alessandra, I want you to meet your escort on this
mission... Sean San Ghant.” Richard scowled at Sean.

“I know Sean,” mentioned Kelln. “I’m not sure I agree he is the
best to help us, though.”

The councilor raised his eyes at the statement.

Kelln continued. “Sean and Darius haven’t always seen eye to eye
on things.” Sean had goaded Darius most of their time in school. The young man,
a year older than Kelln and Darius, was the quick-witted, handsome son of a minor
noble who wanted power and attention. Darius, who was the son of the first
councilor, could have all the political power and attention he wanted, but he
despised it. Sean had never understood that and was always trying to put Darius
down.

Sean laughed and didn’t take his eyes from Alessandra. “Just
normal friendly competition between two noble sons. Nothing to worry about,
Kelln. Now who is this striking young woman?” Sean strode forward, his red
jacket tightening around him with gold buttons up the front.

Alessandra introduced herself, and Sean took her hand, bowed, and
left a soft kiss on it. When she didn’t respond, Kelln nudged her, and she
remembered to smile and thank Sean.

“All right, everyone knows what needs to be done,” Richard said.
“We must find my son soon. Three horses and supplies are waiting for you
outside of the north gate behind some trees. Be careful when going out of the
city. Send word as soon as you find out anything. And we need to keep this
quiet.”

The three young adults headed toward the door, with Sean leading.
Kelln was the last to go. Before leaving the room, Richard called Kelln back
in.

“Go on ahead.” Richard told the other two. “I need to talk to
Kelln for a moment.”

Alessandra looked at Kelln, but he nodded to her that he would be
fine. She turned a corner with Sean, and Kelln turned back toward the Senior
Councilor.

In whispering tones Richard said, “Kelln, I trust you to find my
son. I know you have been his best friend for years and know him probably even
better than I. You must find him, Kelln.” Richard paused and lowered his voice.
“You do understand why, don't you?”

Kelln smiled nervously, remembering back to what he thought
Richard had been about to say.
Was Darius really to be the next king?
“I
think so.”

“What you think is true, Kelln. You don't need to know why or how
right now. I barely understand it all myself. Only the King and I—and now
you—know the secret. Trust and tell no one. Not Alessandra or Sean… and
certainly not Darius.”

Kelln felt dizzy and put his arm against the wall to steady
himself. All he could do was to nod his head in the affirmative. Why would the
councilor tell him all this?

“You are the only one able to save him, if he can be saved. You
had to know. You have to succeed.”

Kelln still didn’t know what to say. “Darius as K—”

“Don’t say anything out loud,” warned Richard, “even to yourself.
This has far-reaching political implications.”

Kelln laughed uncomfortably. “Councilor, Darius has always hated
politics.”

Richard allowed himself a small, grim smile. “Don’t I know.”

“This will kill him,” Kelln paused, “or he will kill us all.”

“Our destroyer or our savior,” whispered Richard as he opened the
door for Kelln.

Kelln strode down the hall and around the corner, catching up to
Sean and Alessandra, but his mind was miles away. He thought back to when he
had been imprisoned in the dungeon prison in Belor. He had felt lost and full
of despair. Now, only weeks later, he had talked to the King and had been given
a command by his Senior Councilor to find Darius, his best friend. The next
king! He said a silent prayer that he would be guided to find his best friend
and that Darius would accept whatever came to him.

SEARCHING

L
ater that evening, the three-person search party set up camp next
to the east bank of the Black River, just south of Anikari. It had been a long,
unproductive day. Sean seemed to be winding them around the long way. At one
time Kelln thought they had found some wagon tracks, but Sean dismissed them as
being old and of no concern.

On the first evening the group talked around the campfire,
planning their next day’s activities. Sean mentioned he had seen Darius a few
months earlier in the Superstition Mountains and they had become friends and
had a good time talking about the city. Kelln tried to appear interested, but
he didn’t believe for one minute that Darius and Sean had become friends.  Sean
was hiding something.

“Did Richard tell you anything about the ransom?” Sean asked
Kelln.

“Only that they hinted at causing more trouble if they didn’t get
it. I don't think he knows who they are. I can't imagine why anyone would
kidnap him.”

“Me either,” said Sean. “He is a fine young man, with a fine
future...”

“What do you know of his future?” asked Kelln. He worried that Sean
knew more than he was saying.

“Only that he is a noble and his father is second in power to the
King. He has a life many of us wish for.”

“From what I saw of him, I don't think he wanted that life,” added
Alessandra.

“Then he is a fool!” Sean almost shouted. “Maybe he is better off
where he is.”

Kelln was becoming more suspicious of Sean. “And where might that
be, Sean?”

Sean coughed. “That’s why we are here, right? To find out.”

Kelln watched Sean stare into the fire and smile to himself. He
brushed his goatee with his fingers and a small chuckle escaped his lips.

“What do you find so amusing, Sean?”

“Oh, I was just thinking how no one is ever happy with what they
have. Take Darius, for example. He is the son of the King’s closest councilor,
with the ability to follow in his footsteps and to become a great councilor
with power. Then, over and above that, he has some kind of magical powers
giving him even more advantage. But he doesn’t even care about these things.
Then there is this Preacher in Belor, who wants change and power but can’t seem
to get all he wants.”

Alessandra looked over at Kelln. Neither of them had told Sean who
Alessandra’s father was, but Alessandra shifted uncomfortably.

Sean continued. “Then, there is you, Kelln. I don’t understand your
motivation in all this.”

 “My motivation is to help out my friend. And what do you want,
Sean?”

“Oh, that is easy. I want power and influence.”

Kelln looked at Sean with distrust. He was hiding something. In
fact, as Kelln thought back on the day, it seemed like every time they found a
clue, Sean had dismissed it. At first they had trusted in his abilities.
Richard had sent him along with them, so Sean must be useful to their task. But
the more Kelln thought about it, the more he didn't like having Sean around.

Kelln felt heaviness within him when he realized the burden he
carried in the
awesome secret.
Why did the councilor
trust me?
he asked himself repeatedly. Looking over at Alessandra, he
longed to tell her the secret. But she had betrayed him twice already, and even
though he really wanted to trust her, deep inside he didn’t. Not yet.

Kelln shook his head at such thoughts. Beautiful, lovely
Alessandra. She had been caught in her father's unrighteous quest for power. He
felt bad for her and gave her a smile.

She smiled back at him and moved to lie down inside her blankets.
The night was cool, but not uncomfortably so. Soon the small camp fell asleep.

By lunch the next day no new clues had been found. The small group
had moved farther east on Sean’s instructions. He said maybe it would be best
to backtrack to Forest View and start from there.

“We don't have the time,” Kelln explained, becoming angry over
Sean’s self-proclaimed role as leader.

“What is another day, as long as we find him?” said Sean.

Kelln knew the other two did not feel the urgency he did. “I think
we should look closer to the river and farther south. Alessandra has seen some
signs.”

Sean laughed. “The councilor sent me along to be your guide,
didn't he? What does Alessandra know about tracking?”

Kelln had had it. “Look, Sean. You have been leading us around in
circles and seem to be ignoring signs we have found. Alessandra grew up outside
of the Everlasting Meadows and the south side of the Black Forest. I’m sure she
has spent more time out here than you have. I think we should listen to her.
You are obviously not getting us anywhere.”

“Oh, Kelln,” Sean became condescending. “You comprehend so little
about politics and power. I have had enough of you two getting in my way and
disrupting my plans.”

Alessandra looked over at Kelln with a look of warning.

Sean grabbed his sword and began moving toward Alessandra. She had
taken off her knife when they sat down to eat, and she eyed it on the ground,
too far away from her to do any good.

Kelln pulled his sword out. “Get away from her.”

Sean jumped without warning, reaching for Alessandra with his
outstretched sword arm. Kelln stared in horror. He was still too far away.
Fortunately, Alessandra was quicker than Sean. She jumped to the side and tried
to move behind a tree, but on the second swipe from Sean, the sword caught her
just below the elbow, drawing a deep gash. She yelled for Kelln and fell behind
the tree. Kelln maneuvered up behind Sean and pulled out his own sword.

The young noble spun around and with wild eyes drove his body into
Kelln. The ferocity of the move caught Kelln off balance, and he tripped on a
root of one of the old cedar trees.

Sean brought the sword down hard, but Kelln rolled away to his
right, jumped up and regained his footing. Growing up the son of the kingdom’s
best swordmaker, Kelln made up in control for what he lacked in size and power.
The drills he had gone through in his early days of Belor also came back to
him.

Kelln moved from defensive to offensive. He went after Sean with
determination and small, controlled strokes. He pushed him back toward a tree,
trying to wear him out so he'd make a mistake.

Sean fought back hard. Unexpectedly, he dropped and rolled away
from Kelln, forcing Kelln to react in an awkward move and almost lose his
balance.

“They didn't teach you that in swordsmanship class, did they?”
laughed Sean.

It was hard to fight a man that didn’t think right or play by the
same rules.

Alessandra picked up a large rock with her unhurt arm and tried to
throw it at Sean. The problem was, by the time the rock arrived, Sean and Kelln
had changed places in their duel. The rock hit at Kelln’s feet. On reflex, he
glanced at the stone.

The quick diversion was all Sean needed. He drove into Kelln with
his sword and sliced him across the thigh. The blood ran down Kelln’s leg,
distracting him. Sean was stronger than he had thought and continued advancing
forward, forcing Kelln backward into a tree. He was trapped.

Sean stopped for a moment as he brought the sword closer to
Kelln's throat. “I guess it ends here.”

“What does?” asked Kelln, trying to buy some time. Alessandra
began to move. Sean ordered her back or he would slice Kelln’s throat.

“I will get what I deserve now. I should have power and riches,
like Richard. Darius does not deserve what he doesn't want.”

“What do you know about Darius?” breathed Kelln.

Sean just laughed. But his laughing was cut short as the point of
another sword touched the back of his neck. He straightened, stiff as a board,
with surprise plastered on his face. Kelln limped to the side.

“Who... Who are you?” asked Sean to the brown-skinned man who had
a sword at his neck.

“Not your friend.”

“Mezar!” Kelln exclaimed, “What are you doing here?”

“It’s a long story. First, what do you want me to do with him?”

Kelln glared at Sean. “I could think of a lot of things I would
like to do.”

Sean paled.

“Just tie him up for now against a tree,” Kelln said.

Alessandra brought some rope over from her pack, and they tied him
to the tree. Sean shouted obscenities at them and yelled until his voice was
raw. Finally Mezar put a gag in his mouth so the rest of them could talk. As
they did so, they bandaged Alessandra’s arm and Kelln’s leg. Alessandra’s wound
was deep, and she had a hard time moving her arm. Mezar wrapped the bandage
over Alessandra’s wound, and then held his hand there a few minutes longer.
Alessandra gasped and declared how good it felt.

When Alessandra turned away, Kelln gave Mezar a questioning look.
The young Gildanian just smiled and put his finger to his lips. Kelln had a
hard time believing what he saw. His head exploded with the secrets he held.
Darius a wizard, Darius possibly the next king. In addition, now obviously
Mezar was some type of wizard also. It was getting too much to bear. He put his
hand on his head to steady his headache.

Alessandra mistook his emotional strain for physical pain. She
moved over to him and helped bandage up his leg. The cut was not as deep as
they had originally feared.

Mezar told them what had happened in Forest View and how he had
followed the kidnappers and found a cave where they were hiding Darius. He
explained to Kelln and Alessandra that he had seen Sean there also, that he
seemed to be the leader.

The hiding place was not far away. It was down the river, where
Alessandra had wanted to go all along. They discussed what they would do with
Sean. The three decided they would have to bring him along for their plan to
work.

Mezar walked over to Sean and knocked him out with the hilt of
Darius’s sword that he still carried. They draped him over the back of his own
horse. They looked overhead and saw the sky grow darker still with the clouds
of an approaching storm. They hoped to rescue Darius before it hit. Kelln gave
his horse to Mezar and he jumped up with Alessandra on hers. Then urging the
horses forward, Mezar led them out in quick succession.

After a short time of riding due south, along the banks of the
river, Mezar slowed and warned them they were near. He closed his eyes for a
moment, as if resting. When he opened them again he pointed down a small hill
around the bend of the roaring river. The constant sound would help mask their
approach. It was colder close to the river, and a late spring breeze blew past
them.

They slowed their approach. Through the dense trees they spied two
bored guards in casual conversation. Their words drifted on the wind toward
them. The men were hoping for a warm meal soon. Obviously, they did not expect
visitors.

Kelln, Mezar, and Alessandra put the plan into action. Alessandra
dismounted and hid behind some larger scrub bushes. She was to stay hidden in
case something happened. She knew her way around the forest and would be able
get back to Anikari in a few hours, quicker than the others could. She would ride
to Anikari and inform Richard they had found Darius. If they did not return the
next day, then Richard would have to decide what to do. Kelln wondered what she
would do if the storm was too fierce, but that was the chance they were all
taking. He smiled at Alessandra, and she returned it with a wave of her hand.
His heart fluttered a moment at her bravery, and he felt emboldened. He and
Mezar moved out on their horses, with Sean still draped across the back of his.

From the guards’ point of view all of a sudden two men on horses
came bounding towards them. Confused shouts erupted. The men raised their
weapons.

“Sean’s been hurt!” yelled Kelln, hoping Sean had used his real
name with them. He figured that with Sean’s ego he would have. It appeared he
was correct.

Worried looks crossed their faces as Kelln continued, “Some
thieves beat him and left him in the forest. He needs to get inside.” Kelln did
all of the talking, as Mezar's slight accent would alert the guards.

Without hesitation, the guards opened a crude door to what
appeared to be a cave inside a rock formation. Kelln and Mezar dismounted from
their horses, commanding the guards to tie the animals to a nearby tree. Moving
swiftly to gain as much time as possible, the two carried Sean inside. Once inside,
they realized it was a rather large cave, divided into different rooms. Others
directed them toward an area that Sean used privately. Kelln told them Mezar
was a healer and a friend to the cause. During all of the confusion they did
not question his lack of speaking. Once Sean was in the secluded area, Kelln
informed them the healer needed privacy. They were left alone.

A short time later, Kelln left Mezar alone with Sean. He had to
find out if Darius was really there, but he knew how careful he must be. While
wandering the corridor in the small multi-room cave saw he saw a room with a
thick wooden door. It had a guard posted outside of it. That must be it.