Chapter Thirty-Five

Arthur climbed the steps to the uppermost level of the castle, his hair ruffled by snatches of warm breeze floating through the rectangular openings in the wall. Squinting in the sun, he made his way across the flat area to the walkway encircling the roof. This was where he tended to seek refuge when he needed to calm his turbulent thoughts and emotions. He glanced at the lake in the distance, its clear water reflecting the sun in diamond sparkles.

Today, however, he wasn’t there for the calming view. Walking to his father’s side, he joined him to stare out at the mounted men approaching, bathed in the strengthening brightness of the mid-morning sun.

“He is here, Arthur. Time for us to try and reason with a man under a spell.”

“We won’t fail, Father. I won’t fail you.”

His gaze still fixed on Hagen and his men, Edmund covered Arthur’s hand with his. “Of that, I have no doubt.” He turned to look him in the eye. “My son.”

Arthur’s throat tightened. Finally, here was his chance to prove his worth to his father, the man who had found him, taken him as his own and cared for him. Who had never stopped loving him even when Arthur knew he’d been hard to love.

“Come,” said Edmund. “Let us join the others.”

By the time they reached the main doors, the portcullis had been lowered, closing off the gateway at the other end of the courtyard.

Lilyrose waited for them with Lionel. She was wearing a gown Tilly had previously modified for her, cut to allow more freedom of movement, over her customary trousers.

Eleanor, Sarah and Alice were in the same room with Ronal and his parents, Henry ready to defend them all even though the gem elves were there. Beryl had already assured Lilyrose and Arthur that Marlis would not be able to touch Ronal for they had placed wards around him.

Silently the small party made their way to the gatehouse wall to join Bruce.

Sweyn was already there. “He is there. So is she.”

They looked down at the newcomers. Standing in front, surveying the castle, was a stocky man clad in leather. Standing next to him was the now-familiar figure of Marlis, holding a dark staff.

“That staff of hers is metal, topped with a skull,” said Sweyn, his voice hard.

A door in the portcullis opened and a rider galloped out, bearing a white flag. As if in reply, a rider detached himself from Hagen’s company and rode to meet Edmund’s man. Both riders conferred. Hagen’s man rode back to him, then returned to the other before they parted company, Edmund’s rider returning unharmed.

The message had been relayed; Hagen agreed to meet Edmund and talk.

“I will go,” said Arthur.

“Son, we have had this discussion. I concede your point on fighting, but I am more than capable of talking.” Without waiting for a response, Edmund made his way to his waiting horse.

Breathing hard, trying to calm his madly pounding heart, Arthur gripped the edge of the wall. A gentle hand on his startled him. He turned to look at Lilyrose. She said nothing, but he nodded as if she had.

“Your father is a good negotiator, Arthur,” said Lionel, but he remained unsmiling.

As Edmund rode out with the white flag bearer, Hagen rode forward with his. Both men stopped a little way from the other.

Edmund’s clear voice carried up to them. “Chief Hagen, there is no need for us to do battle. I understand your wish to have my son, Arthur, visit you. I assure you he will. Once he is married and–”

“No. I wish to have a solid tie to a ruler from the south. I-I want your son to, to marry my ward.”

“I am afraid that will not be possible.”

“You have a choice.” Hagen’s horse snorted and stepped from side to side. “Either your son comes willingly.” He paused, turned his head to the side, looked down.

“Hagen.” Marlis voice seemed to steady him.

“Or I take him by force.”

Edmund didn’t answer straightaway. “He will not go willingly. Neither will I let him be taken.”

Hagen simply stared at Edmund, shaking his head slightly.

“There are other ways to secure ties,” said Edmund.

“None so sure than through marriage.”

“You would risk the lives of your men?”

On the gatehouse wall, Sweyn leaned forward, squinting. “My chief, he seems to be hesitating, as if he’s unsure.”

Marlis strode forward. “Enough talk.” Standing alongside Hagen, she tried to put her hand on his, but his horse shied. Snorting, it skittered from her. Glaring at it, she continued, “We will take your son, and, for your defiance, we will take one other.”

“Ronal,” whispered Lilyrose.

“You,” said Edmund. “I remember you from sixteen years ago. I see the years have not been kind. The trouble you have caused, to what end?”

“I do not answer to you, man.” She thrust her skull-headed staff at Edmund.

He flew off his horse, landing heavily on his back. Half-rearing, his horse screamed and fell dead.

“No!” Hagen pulled his horse around to face Marlis. “Never attack a white flag.”

Arthur sprinted down and out into the open. Soldiers were racing to their king, but he overtook them.

The flag bearer, as white as his flag, had placed himself between Hagen and Edmund as mutters of discontent skittered from Hagen’s men.

Panting heavily, his eyes glassy, Edmund lay on his back. His soldiers arrayed themselves around him while others lifted him and carried him into the castle.

As they lay him on the table in the Great Hall, the physician came rushing in.

Despite his agony, Edmund stared at Lionel then wrenched his gaze to Arthur as he grasped his arm. “Try-try talk. Fight; last resort.”

“Yes, Father, I–”

“Go.” Edmund feebly pushed him as he lay back to stare at the ceiling, his lips pinched and tight.

“We will care for him, my lord,” said the physician.

“Arthur, come,” said Lionel.

The hallway was already crowded with Edmund’s people, a sea of silent, fearful faces. But the only one Arthur saw was Lilyrose.

“Is he–?”

“I don’t know.” He struggled to breathe.

“Arthur,” said Lionel, his mouth set in a hard line, “I know this is difficult for you, but you are lord now. You must focus your attention on keeping the castle safe.”

As Bruce approached, Arthur’s gaze darted about as he tried to look past his fear to find his courage. “Father wants me to try talking him down.” He noticed Bruce’s guarded expression. “What?”

Closing his eyes momentarily, the marshal said, “He’s issued the challenge.”

“Oh.” He looked away, struggling to draw breath then felt a firm grip on his shoulder. His gaze met Lionel’s.

“You are your father’s son,” he said softly. “Don’t doubt yourself.”

Clenching his jaw, Arthur nodded tightly and straightened his frame. “I shall answer the challenge.”

“I’ll fetch your battle gear and weapon,” said Bruce, already pushing his way through the crowd.

“Arthur.”

He turned to Lilyrose, her eyes wide with fear. Then glanced at Lionel who nodded once. Taking her by the hand, Arthur led her to the solar. Shutting the door behind him, he said, “This is something I must do.”

“I know, I know. But.” She pressed her hands against her chest. “I realised something while your father was talking to the chief. Marlis knows you’re not the elf lord. There’s nothing stopping her killing you.”

He didn’t respond, his gaze fixed on her.

Her chin quivering, she blinked against her tears. “You’ve thought of it already,” she whispered.

As Arthur slowly nodded, she moved closer to him. “I can’t bear the thought of losing you.”

Slowly, he put his arms around her to hold her close. One gentle kiss then he rested his cheek against her silken-soft hair. They stood for long, silent moments before Arthur tightened his hold on her. Glancing over her shoulder, Lilyrose gasped.

“Garnet,” Arthur whispered.

She smiled as she always did, though this time it was tinged with sadness. “Dear one, so much has happened in so short a time with no opportunity to speak.”

Loosening his hold on Lilyrose, he took a faltering step towards the gem elf. “I felt–when you touched me before, what did I feel?”

“Ruby’s essence in you, recognising me.” She closed her eyes. “Although all gem elves call each other sisters, Ruby.” She shook her head. “Lenya and I were true sisters. It is rare for members of the same family to hear the Great Gem’s call, and rarer still for them to become twin gems.”

Arthur tapped his chest. “I feel. Different. Like there’s a, wildness in me.”

“The elf essence in you has been awakened. It is making you.” She tilted her head, as if searching for the right word then smiled. “I suppose it is making you unlike your fellow mortals. Being aware of it will help you keep it under control. If you wish, it is possible to use it to make yourself better than them.” Her smile widened. “Although I doubt you will allow that to happen.”

He frowned. “How will I know?”

“Allow Ruby’s pendant to guide you. Does that seem different to you?”

“Since that moment, it has felt warm against my skin.” His hand covered his tunic, which hid the pendant.

“As long as the sensation is a pleasant one then you are fine. If you use your newness incorrectly, I suspect it will react in a way that will make it clear.”

He fell silent, deep in thought, before looking up and around as if remembering. “I must ready myself.”

Lilyrose clasped her hands in front of her mouth but said nothing.

“Arthur,” said Garnet, “it is a brave thing you have chosen to do. You know Marlis no longer needs you. If you feel the need for more strength, more energy, sense Ruby’s essence in you, call to it. Do not hesitate to release that wildness.”