won’t understand that decision, they will question why we’re ‘running away.’ There will be rumour and dissent. But to fight now, would be stupid! We’re not ready to fight a war and we’re not strong enough to defeat our enemies. I suggest that King Artrex and the rest of you lead the army south as planned. But… You detour along the way, stopping at every village, town and city within reach to recruit as many volunteers as you can. Queen Bressial and Lord Castrad should be paraded in full view of all the population. Let them be seen, and let them be the rallying call for all of Nadjan. Look!” he said, pointing at the map enthusiastically. He was now speaking with real purpose and an excitement that seemed to come from nowhere.
“You already pass the cities of Nahohial, N’sede, Esorlian, Tiscar, Etriol on your journey. Many towns and villages are also within riding distance. Fly your banners proudly and let your people rise to support you and your allies.” he said confidently, looking directly ahe ueen as he spoke.
She nodded her head firmly at him. “It will be as you say, Jake. I swear it!” she stated proudly.
“Ra! Good!” shouted a delighted Artrex, growing excited at the momentum that seemed to be developing. “We leave in two hours! Get your soldiers ready to move.”
“But… What of Jake and Ben, father?” asked the young Princess before anyone had left the table. “You have not mentioned them in your plan at all. I believe others in this room will want to know the full extent of what is being proposed.”
Artrex smiled slightly at her and nodded his head a little in agreement. “Yes my daughter, you are right.” he answered. “For those of you who do not know, our two young friends are leaving on a different quest. They will attempt to find the wizard, Tien. Last heard of living in recluse in the Phelanagarth Mountains. Together, they will try to restore or replace the stones that have been damaged, for they hold the key to defeating my brother, and we shall have need of their powers before this war is won, I am sure of it.”
“Begging your pardon, sire?” Verastus said suddenly. “I would like to go with the Keeper, if he will have me?”
Jake and Ben looked to King Artrex for approval. Artrex nodded with a smile on his face and the boys looked back at their friend.
“Be a pleasure to have you along.” said Jake, and he reached over to shake Verastus’ hand.
“Yeah, big man,” added Ben, “I was hoping you’d ask. I’ve kinda grown used to having you around. Bin’ a bit lost without you actually.”
The council members all laughed at Ben’s reaction. Princess Zephany silently volunteered to go with Jake’s group also, but King Artrex denied her whispered request with a firm shake of his head.
“No, Zephany. I need you with me, daughter. I have need of my best warriors and leaders on this journey.” he hissed softly in her ear, so that the others couldn’t hear.
Zephany didn’t object. She had earned the admiration and respect of everyone for her actions, most of all her father, and that was the most important thing in the world to the young warrior. It comforted her greatly in her sorrow.
Everyone began to exit the alehouse in order to make their preparations to leave. As they left the room, Zephany gave Jake a smaller map of Nadjan and the rest of Estia. “Here, Jake. Take this, you may have need of it.” she said, as she gave him a gentle kiss on his cheek. “Good luck. Find the wizard for us, Keeper. Restore those stones of yours, and help my father to be a King again.”
Ben saw and heard the exchange. He playfully snatched the map out of Jake’s hand as he was passing, deliberately interrupting the goodbye. He placed it into his bag as he continued walking. Then, he stopped and looked back at Zephany.
“Princess, your dad needs no castle or throne to be a King. His actions are enough to earn that title. His courage and honour are there for all to see. But my friend Jake, ‘The Keeper’ West, will see it done for ya!” he said, laughing to himself as he walked away.
Jake and Zephany looked at each other, not knowing what to make of Ben’s strange outburst. Then they both began to laugh too.
Chapter 36
15th-17th August – Northern Army Camp, Astelli Plains - Rhuaddan