The Faerion Read online

  The Faerion

  Jim Greenfield

  COPYRIGHT

  First published in USA 2013

  Copyright © James R. Greenfield

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be circulated in writing of any publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published without a similar condition including this condition, being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  This book has been produced for the Amazon Kindle and is distributed by Amazon Direct Publishing

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 1

  Wynne watched the hawks soaring over the fields and realized there were words in their haunting cries. The words were strange but she felt an understanding in her heart. They were warning her but of what? As she watched them she felt lifted from her saddle into the air among them. They seemed to swoop and soar around her with cries of joy. She did not understand it but she welcomed it. The birds rose over the king's company and she could see the forest road the king would take to Stormridge. She looked south and the distance revealed the spires of Nantitet. Higher, she wanted to fly higher. The cries of the hawks grew more urgent and she shook herself, her eyes tightly closed. The sounds of the hawks became faint and she opened her eyes to see Prince Estes looking at her. She ignored him and continued on the road.

  At the edge of the fields rose an old forest. Wynne stared into the interior and the forest laid claim to her and pulled hard at her tether.

  "Wynne? Are you okay?" asked Prince Estes.

  "Yes, I'm fine. I hadn't realized how closed in I was at Nantitet. The stone and brick dulled my senses. This trip is more stimulating than I expected."

  The clop, clop of the horses heralded their exit from the ancient forest road and soon the sounds of rushing waters rose around them. The company slowed as they reached the river crossing south of the castle of Stormridge. The horses crossed the flowing current above the rocks without difficulty but their riders were soaked to the thigh. The forest grew close around the rivers creating a two edged defense. Large forces had difficulty moving through the trees but the castle needed vigilance to detect foes in the dense wood. The castle rose up on a hill allowing a view of the Herban River beyond the trees to the south. The Powtan River to the north also was visible although not as clearly. Sentries always watched the rivers. Any force traveling the nearby lands exposed themselves to the lookouts at Stormridge. It was a small castle but strategic and important enough for King Yeates of Calendia to visit his vassal Lord Rilar. Yeates made regular visits to his major vassals but did not announce the trips in advance and kept a company of thirty men ready to march swiftly. The king believed this surprise action allowed him to visit safely without premeditated attack upon his destination or his capital, Nantitet. Thus far it worked.

  The breeze had been lurking and now greeted them almost solid with sensation. Wynne's nose crinkled and her mouth pulled to the left when they cleared the hills south of Stormridge. She inadvertently opened her mouth and it was fouled immediately. The food they had eaten an hour earlier, stringy rabbits of some sort, had tasted foul and now threatened to rise up. Wynne turned her head to grab a cleaner breath of air nearly gasping. Most of her companions paid no notice to the stink but she saw the tension in Prince Estes' jaw. The tall trees did little to pull the smell from the air.

  "I guess they haven't buried their waste recently," said Estes.

  Wynne did not even respond to that.

  The journey from Nantitet had been pleasant for the most part; the weather cool but sunny and the air was filled with freshness, flowers and trees. It washed over Wynne and she almost forgot why they were going to Stormridge. She put it out of her mind and enjoyed the experience. The sky began to cloud as they neared Stormridge which sat below the Black Mountains. She appreciated the dynamic changes in the sky. And then the smell of the town greeted them.

  Now reality fouled her mood.

  King Yeates rode at the head of thirty riders and led them through the forest road. They had ridden through threatening weather to this northern town and Wynne was ready to take a hot bath but doubted, from the quality of air that it was a common practice in the area. Even in Nantitet, the capital city of Calendia and the most important city on Anavar a bath was rare and to bathe regularly was sure to start whispers. Not that Wynne cared about the whispers. She was a sorcerer and whispers followed her like the tap of her boot heels.

  "Anything amiss?" asked Yeates.

  "Just the air." Some impulse kept her from mentioning the hawks' warning, whether from spite or a larger scheme she couldn't say.

  "Ha, you haven't been here before. Rilar is a methodical man and does not change his plans often. The garbage sits until he is ready to have it removed."

  "Yes, he was methodical with his name calling."

  "Wynne, do not dwell on that here. We are exposed and you must protect the book. It is key for Nantitet to remain strong. We do not know who may attempt to steal it. Do not let yourself get distracted."

  "So I have to endure the leers and snickering? The rumors that I am sharing your bed?"

  "Well, it is flattering to me," said Yeates. He grinned but Wynne did not smile.

  "You know what I mean," she said in a flat tone. "It undermines my ability to be an advisor and to gather information. Rilar is isolating me, negating any benefit I offer you. Is this result intentional?"

  "I will discuss it with him once I see what support he offers to me."

  "Yes, why did you bring only thirty soldiers?"

  "They are enough to keep bandits away and not enough to threaten Rilar."

  "Do you really need him that much? Can't you just order him to obey?"

  "Wynne you told me yourself to strengthen ties with my vassals. Ordering them does not create the trust I may need from them in the future. Not that I believe Treteste is the threat you say he is, but I do listen to you."

  "It was Tagera who said he was a threat. I am following up on his warnings."

  "Do not speak of him to me again. I am done with Tagera and if he shows his face in Nantitet I will throw him in irons. Am I understood?"

  "Yes, your highness."

  She fell back and let Yeates ride alone. Stormridge stood on the low hill before them with its gates closed.

  "We are here, Wynne," said Estes. "You are finally outside the walls of Nantitet and under the shadows of the forest again." He grinned at her. She tried to ignore him. Estes, the only son of Yeates, looked down at the small woman. He was taller than his father and handsome, but oblivious of other people's concerns much like his father. He looked at her down his hawk-like nose set off by blond hair and piercing blue eyes. His white teeth gleamed at her and she raised her hand mockingly to ward off the glare.

  "Isn't that what you wanted?" He asked.

  She did not answer.

  "I don't understand you."

  She smiled at that. Wynne's auburn hair moved gently in the breeze and she was aware of its touch on her neck. The trees. The trees. She d
id not know why the forests called to her, but she felt their touch, heard their voices each time she stepped outside or passed an open window. More than once she missed the words of the king because windows in the great hall let in the forest air. "Yes, I wanted to leave the city, but it doesn't need to be shouted to all within hearing. I don't want everyone knowing what I think."

  "I apologize, Lady Wynne," said Estes, smirking. "We shall be discreet and no one will notice the sorceress of Nantitet."

  "Would you prefer to be a toad? It won't be that much of a stretch," smiled Wynne. "And I would do if for no fee, sincerely."

  Estes backed away. "You are too generous, Wynne. I do not need such favor."

  "It is all you will get from me."

  He frowned. "I will invoke your statement about shouting to every ear. I must gain the respect of my men and you help not." He glanced around at the soldiers. They did not meet his eyes, masking their faces with discretion.

  "Well met, then," said Wynne. "Perhaps we shall gain respect from each other."

  "It is possible," said the young prince.

  Stormridge wasn't a large town; its buildings snuggled around the southern walls of the castle with an outer wood wall around the town. The gates looked far stronger than the rest of the town wall and the gates were closed.

  "Must have recognized the king," muttered Wynne.

  "I didn't catch what you said," said Estes.

  "Just sorcerer stuff, never you worry."

  A loud scraping reached their ears as the gate of the town opened. The heavy gate slid to one side and several rough dressed horsemen rode out. Each wore a heavy coat of furs with a long sword girdled to their waists. They rode fast, in a wedge with their leader at the point. Lord Rilar led the riders to the king. Rilar proved a strong fighter and defender of the crown. His support of Yeates earned him Stormridge in place of Merkel who had betrayed Yeates. Rilar had quarreled often with Yeates before Yeates became king and they were not close friends. It was the crown that held Rilar's pledge, not Yeates himself. The riders dismounted and knelt before King Yeates.

  "Welcome to Stormridge, sire," said Rilar.

  "Rise, Rilar, and thank you for your welcome."

  "Welcome, Prince Estes. It has been several months. You are growing tall and strong."

  "Thank you, Lord Rilar. It is always a pleasure to see you again." Rilar raised an eyebrow while Yeates nodded.

  "This is Wynne," said Yeates, smiling. Rilar glanced at Yeates, and then nodded his head to the young woman. Rilar hesitated before speaking.

  "It is an honor, Sorceress Wynne. I have heard much about you. You are welcome."

  "Am I really?" mused Wynne. "One wonders about the words spoken by the Lord of Stormridge that pass through Nantitet, whispered and viperous."

  "Only rumors," said Yeates. "Rilar has his enemies who seek to discredit him. I did not know you took those rumors to heart Wynne or else I would have counseled you earlier."

  Wynne's expression did not change although she nodded. Rilar backed away. He opposed Yeates' decision to employ the sorceress. His opposition had been vocal and lengthy. Word of it passed through Calendia even to the Wierland border. None of his words about Wynne flattered her. Estes moved to her and reached over to grasp her hand. He shook his head. Her eyes bored into his. She turned to the king.

  "We will speak of this later," snapped Yeates.

  "Later? Do you fear me, King Yeates?" whispered Wynne so Rilar would not hear. "Do not let your vassal see you weak. However, I will not extend friendship to that man."

  "Very well. You shall spend your time out of sight while we are here. Do not look for Rilar and trouble no one."

  "As you wish," said Wynne, demurely. She resisted a smile and a glance at Rilar. "We shall continue this discussion another time, Lord Rilar."

  "Please Wynne," said Estes. "This is not the time. We are in the open and in risk. Confront Rilar in his study if you must." He glared at Rilar to show he supported Wynne. "But out here risks the crown."

  She nodded. Yeates watched her.

  "Well, Rilar. Lead us to your castle," said Yeates.

  "Yes, sire."

  The group rode on, leaving Estes and Wynne to follow, guarded by two soldiers.

  "You will never succeed at politics, Wynne," said Estes. "Your heart is not closely guarded."

  "How do you mean?" she snapped. "No one knows my heart."

  "Your thoughts, then. Something of you comes out in the way you move."

  "I notice your interest in the way I move."

  Estes blushed slightly as they rode under the gate. People lined the courtyard to see the king. They cheered and waved as the king passed. They cheered for the prince. Then they saw the sorceress and silence blanketed the courtyard. Wynne stared back at the faces focused on her. The crowd dispersed to return to their chores.

  "I have no interest in politics Prince Estes," said Wynne. "I work for King Yeates, I am not a follower nor do I consider myself a Calendian."

  "If we were at war our enemies would see you the same as my father or myself and try to kill you."

  "Then I am glad we are not at war. There are other powers in the world that care little for the wars of Men."

  "Is that a veiled reference to the book?"

  She grabbed his arm and pulled him toward her.

  "Do not speak of it," she said quietly. "No one is to know of it. I didn't know you knew of it."

  "I understand. My father wants its power. I cannot claim to understand what it can do but I know you are to protect it if not use the spells for my father's benefit. I picked up that much; I am not stupid no matter what you think."

  "I stand corrected. But do not be unwary and trust no one else on this subject. Do not speak of it again. I share King Yeates' concern that if its presence is revealed there are many who will risk much to obtain it."

  "Do you have it with you?"

  "I cannot tell you if I do or not. I will speak no more on the subject."

  "Very well. Be wary. Rilar's men will be watching you; they are aware of his comments about you. Try not to walk about alone. You are in danger here."

  "Why, Prince Estes, I shall heed your thoughtful words. You surprise me at times. There might be hope for you yet."

  "I am never without hope," said Estes.

  The horses were penned in a corral in the center of the courtyard. After seeing that her mount was well tended, Wynne asked for directions to the highest point in the castle-the tower. She left the company without a word.

  After the soldiers rested, the king put them under Rilar's command. The Lord of Stormridge deployed them about the castle. There were two towers at Stormridge; the taller one was Rilar's residence and the shorter one for the watch. Wynne headed directly for the smaller tower to gain a view of the countryside.

  Wynne stood at the window its shudders thrown back and the cooling air of the evening crept over the sill. Her eyes sought out the forest its green fingers reaching toward her. She was in a stone tower but it was better than the large city of Nantitet where she could only see the shapes of trees beyond the city walls. She felt she could reach and touch the trees nearest Stormridge's walls. The wind pushed the odor of Stormridge south and the tower was above the gutters. Here, she smelled the freshness of the trees and it lightened her spirit.

  She watched a rider approach from the north. The horse was a slender gray beauty seemingly gliding over the ground. The gates opened and Lord Rilar met the rider. The slender figure dismounted and spoke to Rilar. Wynne was too far away to hear the words, but the body language revealed Rilar's anger. King Yeates joined them and raised his voice. The rider shook his head and pushed his way past them. Wynne grinned; she knew him now.

  She dashed down the stairs from the tower to the main hall. The rider looked up at her and smiled. The fine pale features framed by the long dark hair were as she remembered. The tips of his pointed ears peeked out through his hair. He wore a silver band on his brow and his green eyes flas
hed with joy at seeing her.

  "Navir!"

  "Greetings, Wynne. It has been several years. You are looking quite well."

  "Thank you, Navir." She hugged him and he stiffly returned the affection.

  "You were rude to my father," snapped Estes coming up behind them. Navir turned as if he had expected Estes' presence.

  "Why do you speak with a hard tone Prince of Nantitet?" asked Navir. "Do you threaten me?"

  Estes had his hand on his sword. Navir opened and closed his hands. Wynne stepped between them.

  "Estes, please." Wynne looked deeply into his eyes. "Do not let your anger control you. Daerlan are different than us. Navir's concerns are not ours and his people have lived on Anavar longer than ours. We cannot put our values on him."

  "It doesn't mean I have to like it."

  "No, indeed," said Navir. "Keep your beliefs and prejudices. They make you who you are."

  "What do you mean?" Estes stepped forward with his hand on his sword hilt.

  Wynne stepped between them. "How did you know to come to Stormridge?" she asked Navir.

  "The wind changed."

  "What?" said Estes. "The wind changed and you came here. I cannot believe that. The wind changes all the time."

  "And to you it means nothing." Navir shook his head. "I expected no less. You are human and ill-suited to understand the world around you. Nature is a living thing and each part of it communicates with whoever can listen. The woods in the south sent word of danger pouring northward and I heard its voice, believing that I am needed here."

  "I am glad you are here," said Wynne. "I feel the changes in the air, but cannot read them. I fear danger is coming but in what form I do not know. You are needed here. Despite what Lord Rilar thinks. I care little for him myself."

  "I know. I heard his lies. He did not want me to speak to you."

  "He is one of my father's truest vassals." Estes glared at Navir.

  "Rilar does not trust your father nor like him and your father feels the same way towards Rilar," said Wynne. "They need each other and so they coexist. Who is it that knows little about politics?"