Chapter Two
“Do you have any details about his escape?” I questioned.
The king tucked his shoulder-length brown hair behind his ear, and he readjusted his crown slightly. He was calmer than I would have expected given the present situation, but I could tell from his body language how upset he was. His fingers fidgeted with various pieces of his clothing, and he hesitated to make eye contact for a long moment. Finally, he lifted his gaze to meet mine, and his expression was solemn.
“I believe he managed to bribe my guards. A lot of thought had to be put into his escape, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from Edinburg.” The king frowned.
“How can I help?” I kept my face composed, but inside I was whooping with joy.
“In order to weigh him against the judgement of a court, we must first bring him back to Vallenwood,” the king explained. “I had planned on sending my best trackers to hunt him down, but maybe you have someone in mind?”
“I have the best damn tracker in all of Sorreyal back in Bastianville,” I said as my thoughts turned to Jorgen, the hunter. “But for now, you’ll have to make due with me. I can find the duke and bring him back to the palace for a trial.”
“But you have a wedding to plan,” the king argued. “A leader must be able to delegate, Sir Sebastian.”
“A leader must also lead by example,” I countered, and I crossed my arms over my chest. “My people follow me because they know I am capable of protecting them. Not because I have an army at my back, but because I am a god, and I am stronger than any mortal man. Listen to reason, Your Majesty, and allow me to personally return Edinburg to Vallenwood.”
King Frederick was quiet for a long moment as he gave me an appraising stare. I held his gaze with confidence, and the tension between us built until at last, the king sighed.
“Very well,” the king said. “But I would like you to bring him back to the palace alive if possible.”
“I can do that.” I grinned. “Don’t worry, Your Majesty, we’ll take care of all of our enemies soon enough. One by one, they shall meet their ends.”
“Your determination is inspiring,” the king said, “but what do you know about the Duke of Edinburg?”
“Quite a bit, why?” I frowned. “I learned a great deal from him during our first couple of interactions, but that’s all part of being the God of Time. Something in particular you think will be helpful?”
“I forget your gift of knowledge, my apologies,” the king replied. “I merely wanted to give you some information in hopes it may help. I fear you may have a challenge ahead of you. There is no telling what he will do.”
“He’s not getting away from me,” I assured the king. “I can promise you that. I’ve waited far too long to bring him to justice already.”
“I like your confidence,” the king chuckled. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“I’m the God of Time, remember?” I laughed. “I always know what I’m doing.”
Well, on the final run through I did, but the king didn’t need to know about the inner workings of my powers. The vaguer I remained, the better, but that was almost half the fun, anyway.
“Keep in mind the duke has many heirs,” the king continued. “They will most assuredly stand in your way.”
“I think I can handle a few offspring.” I smirked. “I know the duke has a bunch of kids, but which one do you think will be the biggest pain in my ass?”
“Eurik’s namesake and most beloved son, Eurikson, will be close to his father since he is his right-hand man and the eldest,” King Frederick explained as he tapped a thoughtful finger against his chin. “Eurikson’s weakness is his pride, but I think you are more than capable of defeating him. The next two oldest sons, Exavier and Evyn, will likely be trusted with information others in the duke’s forces are not privy to.”
“So, you’re saying it could be helpful to ask them a few questions?” I grinned. “Easy enough. What else?”
“I would stay away from some harsh interrogation techniques,” the king advised. “They are innocent until their guilt is clearly proven.”
“Can do. Why are you so loyal to these people?” I questioned with an awed shake of my head. “You’d think it was your own family.”
“They may as well be,” the king sighed, and I could hear his grief in his voice. “Eurikson and I grew up together, and I often spent summers at Edinburg Manor as a young prince. When my father died, Eurik and his sons took me in. They raised me until I was ready to be king.”
I imagined the Duke of Edinburg had been playing the game for a long while now, and I wondered briefly if the duke had anything to do with the king’s father’s death. It was a random thought, but I didn’t have the same emotion toward the man as his majesty did, so I tucked it away for later consideration. The way the king described his relationship to the duke sounded like the old man had wanted a puppet on the throne who he could manipulate, but it didn’t seem like he’d gotten what he wanted in the end. The conversation left me with more questions than answers, but the information I wanted could only be provided to me by the Edinburg family.
It was pretty fucked up for the Duke of Edinburg to take in the fatherless prince only to plot to undermine his rule later on.
In any case, it looked like I had a new quest, and a shiver of excitement shot up my spine.
“I’m sorry for the loss of someone you held so dear,” I said in a sympathetic tone. “This can’t be easy for you. All the more reason for you to step back and allow me to handle it my way.”
“I agree.” The king attempted a small smile. “Thank you for your service to the crown, Your Grace. I wish all my dukes and duchesses were as proactive as you are.”
“We’ll weed out the corrupt ones, don’t worry.” I grinned. “Then both of us will get hitched and have kids.”
“All that remains after that is growing old with our families,” the king added, and his smile gained strength. “It is a lovely thought. Thank you, Sir Sebastian.”
“My pleasure, Your Majesty.” I inclined my head and flourished my hand. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lot of preparations to make. I will be leaving Vallenwood shortly.”
“I will provide you with all the supplies you will need,” the king assured me. “But I’m sure you’ll want to travel light so you can catch up to the duke.”
“You’re right.” I nodded. “I appreciate the offer. Send a steward to my chambers later today, and I’ll have a list ready for him.”
“Very good.” The king clapped his hands together, and I took it I was dismissed, so I waved goodbye before I turned and headed out of the audience chamber.
I returned to the west wing of the palace, but I found several members of my entourage milling about the living space when I arrived. Riondale was drinking his hangover cure in the kitchen, so I joined the young lieutenant for a moment.
“Yaya’s secret recipe?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Yes, indeed,” Riondale replied, and he wrinkled his nose as he chugged down the remainder of the drink. “Works like a charm, and always worth the sour taste.”
“I’d like to organize a meeting,” I informed him. “Think you can gather everyone together for me?”
“Yes, sir.” Riondale nodded. “When and where?”
“Dining room. One hour.” I grinned. “Thanks, Ri-guy.”
I made sure to grab some food after that, and I drank my own shot of the hangover cure to rid my brain of the slight headache I’d woken up with. The drink was like magic, and the dull pain in my skull immediately slackened.
Once everyone was gathered around the large dining room table, I stood before them with a broad smile stretched across my face. Their curious faces stared back at me, and I could feel Mahini’s ice-blue gaze pierce into my very soul. I was sure it was no secret I’d been summoned by the king first thing this morning, so they had to be dying of curiosity by this point.
My three women sat on the far end of the table from me, and I noticed Caelia had chosen to sit close to them. Eva in particular seemed to be forming a close friendship with the timid shopkeeper, and it warmed my heart to see the shy young woman opening up to my fiancée.
“What’s goin’ on, Bash?” Jax asked as he folded his giant hands behind his head and leaned back in his chair. “Ye got one of ‘em looks about ye…”
“I have a new quest,” I announced, and eyebrows rose on multiple faces. “I will be leaving soon, but I have been thinking about it, and I don’t think I can take everyone with me on my next adventure.”
“What a shame,” Bellona sighed. “I suppose we’ve been away from Bastianville for a while already, though, so it’s probably for the best if we head back.”
“I am not finished with the task of gathering recruits from the city,” Riondale interjected in a worried tone. “I’d hoped to have a little more time in Vallenwood…”
“Is this quest about the armor yer wantin’?” Jax frowned.
Everyone all started talking at once, and it was difficult to pick out individual voices from the crowd, so I lifted my palms up in an effort to placate them.
“Listen, everyone,” I said in a loud voice that cut through the chatter, and everyone fell into silence. “I will address all your concerns, but first let me tell you about the quest. A lot of your questions will be answered in time, just be patient with me.”
“Bash is right,” Elissa added as her emerald eyes met mine from across the table. “Let him finish explaining before you start shouting at him.”
“Thank you, Lissy.” I grinned, and then I planted my hands on the surface of the table as I leaned forward to give my followers a mischievous look. “I am going after the Duke of Edinburg. The duke fled Vallenwood in the dead of the night.”
“Good.” Jax nodded. “The old man creeped me out.”
“He’s been trying to kill Bash for a while now,” Riondale explained.
“So, who’s going with you on your quest?” Mahini’s voice cut through the chatter between the lieutenant and the blacksmith. “And who is going back to Bastianville?”
“And who is staying in Vallenwood?” Riondale interjected in a hopeful voice.
“Alright, alright,” I chuckled as I held up my hands in surrender. “Let me see…”
Then I scanned over the faces of my followers as I tried to decide who was going where. My gaze fell on the beautiful women at the other end of the table, and my heart wrenched in my chest at the thought of separating from them for even a single day.
I needed to consider everyone’s strengths and weaknesses, but I had to admit the four of us had gotten better at fighting as a team lately. Still, I knew I could protect them if anything bad happened, so I nodded firmly.
“Mahini, Elissa, and Eva are coming with me.” I turned to Riondale. “You can stay in Vallenwood and continue to recruit for the army. I want you to keep an eye on the king, as well. If the Duchess of Mistvale plans to try to escape herself, she will probably wait until I leave town.”
“What about yer armor?” Jax reminded me. “Shouldn’t I ask around for those other apprentices a bit more?”
“That’s an excellent idea.” I grinned. “So, that means the rest of the fighters need to travel with the civilians back to Bastianville. Ri-guy, that includes your newest recruits. Anyone with enough training to protect our people as they head home should go with them.”
“Yes, sir.” Riondale saluted crisply. “I’ll make all the arrangements. There should be at least fifteen men I trust with the task.”
“That’s a good number.” I nodded, and then I turned to the rest of my entourage. “We will need a barracks to house the soldiers soon. I’ll write a letter to Elrin and the Elder Counsel to explain everything, but in the meantime, I’m sure the citizens of Bastianville would be willing to open their couches to a couple of men, right?”
“Absolutely,” Sarah assured me.
“If it is men you trust,” Bellona added. “But it doesn’t sound like you know them very well. Have you met any of these new recruits yet?”
“No.” I frowned. “But Riondale has, and I trust his judgement.”
“Then the soldiers will be welcomed with open arms into town,” the seamstress concluded with a curt nod, but then her eyes widened. “I just thought of something. What about the wedding?”
“What wedding?” I replied in a teasing voice, and the seamstress shot me a mock glare. “Oh, right, mine and Eva’s wedding. What do you say, my love, do you want to go back with the civilians to start planning the wedding?”
“I’d rather not,” Eva said, and she bit her luscious bottom lip. “I’d much rather stay with you and go on a quest. I do love quests…”
“But it’s your wedding,” Sarah countered as she placed a hand over her chest. “Does it not excite you?”
“I am beyond excited to finally be married to Bash,” Evangeline explained, and her gray eyes locked with mine as they filled with love, desire, and pride. “But I’m not really the party planning type of girl. I’d much rather leave that task to the people who will actually enjoy it… I’d like it to be a town effort, that way it’s not too much a burden on any one person.”
“Just wait till Torya hears,” Jax muttered. “Too much burden. Pfft.”
The blacksmith was referring to the innkeeper of Bastianville, who was a loving, take-charge type of woman who didn’t accept no as an answer when she had her mind made up about something. Torya was a force to be reckoned with, that was for sure, and I chuckled to myself as I imagined her finding out about my upcoming wedding. She’d have a hand in the planning immediately, I could already tell.
Caelia suddenly raised her hand, and her fingers shook as she lifted them in the air.
“Yes, Miss Stone?” I asked in a gentle voice.
“I-I-I’ve never been on an adventure before…” Her chocolate eyes met mine, and a swirl of fighting emotions danced within her gaze. “C-Could I maybe--”
“Can Caelia come with us?” Eva cut off the shopkeeper’s stammer in a clear, loud voice, and the duke’s daughter flashed her friend a wide smile. “She wants to learn how to fight, too.”
“I must protect my store from thieves.” Caelia’s chin rose ever so slightly, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips, since she knew the reasoning wasn’t very solid, and she obviously just wanted to come with us.
“That is very brave.” I gave her a gentle smile, and her face brightened even more. I imagined nights spent around a campfire getting to know the dark-skinned beauty, and a shiver of excitement coursed through my veins. “I’d love to have you with us. I will keep you safe, I promise.”
“I have utter faith in you, Great One,” Caelia replied, and she dipped her head. “Thank you so much.”
“Now, are there any other questions I can answer?” I asked as I scanned the faces of my entourage. “Or have I covered everything?”
“Where is the duke at?” Mahini asked as she furrowed her brow. “Where are we going?”
“Our best option is to try to catch up with him,” I explained. “He left in the middle of the night, but he is old and will be going a lot slower than us.”
“Would he return to his home?” Riondale questioned. “Consolidate his defenses…”
“That was my thought as well.” I nodded. “We’ll head in the direction of Edinburg Manor, but I hope to find him before we get there.”
“I am slightly more familiar with that area,” Mahini informed me. “I had to travel through those lands when I left the Kotar Desert.”
“I remember you telling me about that.” I flashed the desert goddess an appreciative glance, and I swept my eyes across her tanned skin, black hair, and lithe form. She was perfect to me. “It will be handy to have someone with me who is more familiar with the area.”
“It has been many years,” she warned. “But I will do my best.”
“Alright, if there’s no more questions,” I continued as I turned back to my entourage. “Then we should start focusing on packing and gathering supplies. The wagon will return to Bastianville loaded down with everything the civilians will need for the journey. I don’t want anyone having to hunt along the way. I’ll need to go into town first, but I plan on leaving in the morning.”
“We should all leave at the same time,” Bellona suggested. “Otherwise, it might appear as though you are trying to take advantage of the king’s good graces by leaving part of your staff here.”
“That won’t be a problem,” Jax growled. “We’ll have everythin’ ready by first light. Don’t ye worry, Bash.”
“When you’re concerned, I’m never worried.” I grinned.
A short while later, my entourage had split up in order to cover more tasks at once, and everyone dashed around like busy little bees. I was in the heart of the city of Vallenwood with Sarah, Bron, and Caelia. We were making our final purchases for Bastianville, and then I would focus my time on packing for my quest.
I wanted to make sure my home base had everything it needed, so the store owners who had traveled with me were more than eager to help me accomplish exactly that.
“The last item on my list is salt,” Caelia supplied as we departed our third store. “I can grab that myself if you would like to go ahead and take the others to the next store.”
“That’s alright.” I smiled. “I’d rather us stay together. It won’t take us very long to get salt, and then you can help us with the toys.”
“I am so grateful to you, Great One,” Sarah breathed. “This is truly like a dream come true.”
“The kids of Bastianville deserve something fun to look forward to,” I replied with a wave of my hand. “It’s nothing, really.”
“Well, when your little ones start coming, we will make sure to set aside a teddy bear just for them,” Bron offered.
The four of us continued down the street through the maze of vendor stalls until we found the person selling minerals and herbs in bulk. Caelia made her purchases, and I threw in a little more to make sure her store was really stocked up, but then we were on our way to the toy store.
Between the four of us picking out toys and stuffed animals, we very nearly emptied the shop of all of its stock, but I was sure the bag full of gold sitting on their counter made the sale worth it. All of the items looked handmade, but I supposed they didn’t have factories in this medieval fantasy world. Still, it would be easy enough to copy the patterns to make our own, which would save us money in the long run.
My pockets were a lot lighter as we exited the store, but I didn’t regret spending a single coin. I hadn’t had to worry about money ever since I’d emptied the Duke of Arginold’s treasure room as payback for his attacks on me, but it was nice to be able to spend the gold on something meaningful. While drinking and gambling were fun, they didn’t compare to having a thriving town to call home.
We were turning the corner on our way to our final destination when we nearly ran straight into Ako Gray. Sarah and Bron’s eyes widened in fear, and Caelia leapt behind me, but I merely gave the cat-man a broad grin and stuck out my hand.
“Well met, my friend,” I greeted. “Sorry about almost knocking you over.”
“Have no fear, friends,” Ako replied with a friendly smile as he took my offered hand and shook it. “I have the agility of a cat. I always land on my feet.”
I wasn’t sure if he was joking or not, but it was interesting to hear an adage from my old world applied to this one as well.
“I’d like to test that claim,” I chuckled. “But perhaps another day. What are you up to, Master Gray?”
“Please, call me Ako,” the shapeshifter insisted. “And I was actually searching for you.”
“Searching for me?” I frowned. “Well, you found me, so what’s up?”
“I heard the tale of an old duke on the run,” the cat-wizard informed me. “Word around the palace is you’re going to hunt him down.”
“I am.” I puffed out my chest. “He won’t escape me.”
“Especially not with a cat on his tail,” Ako added with a hopeful look in his honey-colored eyes. “I can sniff out a weasel in the mud.”