Born of Darkness (William King) - William King Page 0,6
brown hair and a stringy beard. His face was ascetic, his hands fine. The front of his circlet contained an ancient five-pointed star of protection.
He walked straight towards them and opened his hands wide. As he did so, the amulet on Kormak’s breast gave out faint flickers of heat.
“The Angel sometimes talks to me,” the man said in a soft pleasant voice that held not the slightest hint of madness. “It tells me what must be done.”
When he finished speaking Kormak’s amulet had cooled again. The stranger stood there for a moment then tilted his head to one side as he inspected Frater Jonas. “Jonas, my friend, it is good to see you once more.”
He opened his arms and Jonas walked forward to accept his embrace.
“And it is a pleasure to see you again, Your Majesty.”
CHAPTER THREE
THE KING-EMPEROR released Jonas from his embrace and turned his eyes on the rest of them.
“And it is good to see you too, cousin,” he said. Zamara was on one knee, head tilted forward in a respectful bow. As court protocol dictated Kormak had done the same. Rhiana made a curtsey.
“And who are these two stalwart strangers?” Aemon asked.
“This is Sir Kormak, of the Order of the Dawn,” said Frater Jonas. “And this is Captain Rhiana, a valued servant of my order who worked on our behalf in the benighted precincts of Port Blood.”
Aemon steepled his fingers as if at prayer then placed them against his lips. He looked as if he was trying to recollect something important, smiled and said, “Rise my friends. There is no need to stand on ceremony. Be welcome in my house.”
He strode past Jonas, moving with the confidence of a man who knows that others will follow and listen. “You have returned from a great distance, I see, on the wings of a storm, as the first Solari did. Can I take that as a good omen?”
“We have succeeded in the mission assigned us,” Frater Jonas said.
“That is most welcome news,” said King Aemon. His pleasant tone did not waver even though the news concerned the death of a long-lost half-brother. “Of course, I expected nothing less from you. There are those who have tried to cast doubts on my certainty but it has never wavered.”
The King was not looking at Jonas but towards the Cathedral doors where his guard waited.
“My brother and I have complete faith in you,” Aemon added.
“We have brought tokens of success,” said Jonas, an ingratiating note in his voice. The priest leaned forward as if straining to hear the slightest word of the king.
“Your word is enough for me, old friend,” said Aemon. “Of course, my brother will demand proofs. You know how he is.”
Jonas said nothing, not wishing to utter a criticism of Prince Taran, even if all he was doing was agreeing with the King.
As they reached the doorway Kormak understood why. Among the soldiers stood a man garbed all in black. He bore a family resemblance to the King-Emperor but his features were bolder. His hair and beard were night black. His eyes were dark and magnetic. He looked more like a king than the king.
“And there is my dear brother now,” said Aemon.
The black-bearded man smiled, a predator revealing its fangs. “Frater Jonas. It is good to see you once more. Your preliminary dispatch indicated your mission was a success. I am so glad to hear it.”
His tone implied that any other result would be unacceptable.
Aemon turned and looked at them. “I must retreat to my chambers and meditate on what the Angel has told me,” he said. “Until we meet again, consider yourselves my most honoured guests. My brother will see that suitable accommodations are provided for you.”
“Yes, indeed, your majesty,” Prince Taran said. “Most suitable.”
The king placed his hands together, bowed his head and disappeared through a small door. They were alone with the prince and the soldiers of the Household Guard.
Kormak was all too aware that he had come to this place entrusted with a secret that many royal houses would kill to keep.
“His majesty seems well,” Frater Jonas said. The little priest was sweating.
Prince Taran showed his gleaming white teeth again. “His Majesty is very well. And seeing you has only made him happier. I can tell.”
He gestured for them to follow him. “In any case, we have much to discuss and this is not the place to do so.”
***
Weapons covered the walls of Taran’s chamber along with paintings of famous battle scenes. Suits of