The Wanderer - Part 4

Lendri awoke with a start, her dark dreams fading from her memory. The sunlight streamed in through the open window, a light breeze blowing wisps of hair off her face. She closed her eyes again, recalling the day before in the cemetery. Tears began to slide down her cheeks again, her heart anguished. Her parents were dead…she was all that was left of the royal family. The burden of responsibility suddenly felt extremely heavy. A soft scraping sound reached her and she opened her eyes and sat up in her bed. How did she get into bed? Someone must have carried her up here, but she had no memory of it.

                Vaydros was carefully and quietly entering the room carrying a tray of food. Her nose caught a whiff of the delicious meal and her stomach rumbled. When had she last eaten? Vaydros was giving her a sympathetic smile and he brought the tray over to the table.

“I’m glad to see you awake, Highness. I took it upon myself to go get you some food. I thought you might wake up soon.” Vaydros set the tray down carefully and then went to her bed and sat down on a chair next to the bed. He looked down at his hands, and looked uncertain. Finally he quietly spoke, “I am really sorry about your parents, Lendri. I know what it’s like to lose parents, but not suddenly like that. And…well, to be the new Queen…that must be a real pain in the…uh, well…it must be tough to deal with that responsibility right now.” Vaydros coloured, but Lendri didn’t notice. 

Her eyes were filling with tears again. No, I can’t cry now. There is too much that needs to be done, she thought. She blinked quickly a few times, silently begging the tears to retreat, and said softly “So how did your parents die?”

Vaydros looked up at her and spoke. “They both took sick and were ill for a few months and then finally passed on in the spring. There were many from our village that died that spring; my folks, the blacksmith, the baker’s wife, and Ella’s father too. Ella was…uh, the woman that I wanted to marry. After her father passed, I decided to wait with proposing until after her time of mourning was over. I would have waited anyways, which was my downfall, I suppose.” Vaydros barked a stiff laugh. “So much for being a thoughtful guy…the next spring, I was all set to propose, but couldn’t find a moment alone with her. Turns out some wandering rogue was fooling around with her and they got caught together and were married that day. That was when I left.” Vaydros sighed and stood up. “Your food is getting cold, Highness.” 

Lendri stared at Vaydros with disbelief as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed. “Wow…that must have been a tough time for you. I hope those two found a flea-infested bed somewhere, but just in case they didn’t, I shall have him imprisoned for you, just tell me the man’s name.” Vaydros chuckled, and Lendri managed a smile. 

“Please do, My Lady. His name is Armon. Armon…uh, Torin? Toril? Something like that.” Vaydros said, his lips curving up in a smirk.

Lendri went white. “wait…who? Armon Toril? What on earth is he doing so far up north?” Lendri frantically climbed out of her bed and found her boots. She quickly walked over to the table and gestured to Vaydros to sit. “Tell me everything about this man named Armon…” Lendri paused, and seeing the look of surprise on Vaydros’ face, she explained. “He is Lord Tedren’s son and hasn’t been seen in the city in a few years, which was strange, since he loves the city and all its ladies.” Lendri rolled her eyes and grimaced. “Now tell me everything you know…who he talked to, what he said his plans were…as much detail as possible, please.” Vaydros looked even more stunned, but sat down at the table. Lendri sat down and started eating, listening to Vaydros tell the little he knew of the man who had stolen the woman he loved.

They talked for over an hour, Vaydros sharing every shred of memory of the man. Lendri nodded often, occasionally filling Vaydros in on some information or asking for some clarification, and finally at the end, leaned back in her chair and sighed. “It must be Lord Tedren. He is the one trying to take over the kingdom. He must have sent his son to be his eyes up north to make sure the Northern folks were kept oblivious and under control. Maybe even to garner support for Lord Tedren without even realizing it was treason. Perhaps he sent the brigands and the Ghubleks to cause trouble to make the King look bad?” Lendri rubbed her eyes with her thumbs. “And that strangeness in the prison…I actually remembered you kidnapping me, but I knew that wasn’t right.” Lendri buried her face in her hands, “By all the gods in all the worlds…what do I do?” Lendri looked bleak. I can’t very well march into his chambers and accuse him of treason and using black magic. I have no proof of anything. I guess we will have to find some proof somewhere…”

Vaydros looked at Lendri, troubled. If this was true, Lendri was in danger, especially now that she was Queen. She might as well wear a fancy dress with a large target embroidered on it! And now she was on a hunt for evidence of treason against a powerful man? He added a crown with a target to his mental image of her in the target dress.  He sighed, knowing that Lendri was about to suggest something foolish and dangerous.

“I think we should go snoop in his chambers after he leaves to meet with the Advisory council.” Lendri said casually, tapping her finger on her chin. 

Yup…foolish and dangerous. Vaydros tried not to smile. She was headstrong, in mourning, and a new ruler, and yet she seemed so…normal. “Every day is an adventure with you, isn’t it?” he mused, flashing a half-smile. “But we are not going snooping in his room. He is hardly a fool…he wouldn’t exactly leave a map out with his notes for taking over the kingdom lying around where someone might see it.  Besides, if this man is trying to take over the Kingdom, he would want you out of his way, and that makes going to his quarters that much more dangerous for you. What about his servants? Perhaps we could talk to them and see if anything interesting comes out?” 

Lendri stared at Vaydros and then smiled. She pushed her chair back and rose purposefully. “That is….a much better idea. Let’s go.” She summoned her maid and spoke softly and quickly to her, then strode past Vaydros towards the door. He was surprised at how fast she moved and he called out to her as she breezed by him. She paused at hearing her name and turned. Vaydros shook his head gently and murmured “Lendri, you just got knocked on the head, were jailed and starved, and now lost your parents…we don’t have to go right this moment.” Vaydros gave her a sorrowful look. “You can take a few days to mourn, you know.”

Lendri walked slowly back to him, blinking away tears. “No, I can’t. Yes, my parents are dead, and yes, I am hungry and achy and would love nothing more than to sleep for a week. But my parents were murdered in a plot against our kingdom, and I will indeed mourn them, but later. Taking time for me right now and allowing someone to usurp my father’s throne and steal our kingdom is hardly a way to honor them and what they died for. Besides...my parents trained me well to lead and Rule 1 was, Don’t ever let some power-hungry thug take over the kingdom without fighting him with every breath.” Lendri smiled sadly, and then turned and left the room. 

Vaydros followed Lendri through all the corridors with their twists and turns, stairs and doorways. She paused a few times to talk to one of the servants who quietly gave her directions. More hallways and stairs and finally, she came to an abrupt halt in front of a worn wooden doorway in a lower level of the palace. Vaydros nearly walked into her and she glanced over to him, looking apologetic.  

“Here we are…the room of the personal manservant to Lord Tedren. If Lord Tedren is up to something, this man will know. His name is Berinar.” Her voice dropped and she murmured “a creepy man, as I recall…don’t be startled by his appearance…he is an odd man.” She knocked loudly and called the man’s name. They heard a soft shuffling inside, and finally the door creaked open. 

A hooded figure was hunched over and all Vaydros could see was the glittering of the man’s dark eyes under his hood. A raspy voice greeted them with a sweeping bow. “Good afternoon, Queen Selendriel. What a pleasant surprise to see you down here in my humble quarters. Please, come in.” He stepped aside to allow Lendri and Vaydros to enter. As he stepped into the man’s small room, he took note of its details. Not much furniture, only a small wooden table in the alcove with a couple rickety chairs, a shelf with some food items on it, and a small wooden bed and straw mattress with a thin pillow and blanket. Not very comfortable, even for a servant…especially the personal servant of the First Advisor.  Vaydros frowned at that thought as he leaned against the cool stone wall. He absent-mindedly fingered the hilt of the small dagger tucked into his belt, preparing for a long, and likely boring, inquisition. The hooded man slowly moved to pull out a chair for Lendri and she sat down, making her movements look regal, despite being dressed in breeches and a brown leather coat. Berinar moved sluggishly to the small shelf and grabbed a bottle and a goblet.

“May I offer you a little something to drink, my Queen? It would be an honor to serve you a beverage” Berinar bowed his head in reverence, and Lendri nodded, accepting his offer. Berinar poured some spiced wine into the goblet and Vaydros saw a slight grimace on Lendri’s face as she looked at the less-than clean cup. Vaydros smiled wryly at the thought of her being a gracious queen, even when she clearly would rather not. 

“We have come on a matter of grave importance, Berinar. We have some questions that we would like answered.” Lendri spoke with authority. The hooded man froze, his dark eyes glittering coldly beneath his hood. “It is regarding your master, Lord Tedren. We know what he is up to, and we will put a stop to it. Tell us what you know, and I will see to it you are properly thanked” She glanced around the room and its starkness, and then murmured “perhaps a more comfortable room to start?”

Berinar regained his composure and brought Lendri the goblet, bowing very low as he handed it to her. She took the goblet and carefully sipped the wine. She shifted cautiously on the chair and looked pointedly at Berinar. “Your Majesty, Lord Tedren has always been a most faithful Advisor to the Crown. I can think of nothing that he might be…ah, up to.”

Lendri blinked a few times quickly, and then stared down into her goblet. “Berinar, what is in this wine, exactly? She set the goblet down on the table, then stared at the tabletop. “And why is your table covered in water droplets? That is…very…odd…Oh my, this wine is…making me…dizzy.” Lendri’s speech became garbled, her face blanched, and she tried to hold on to the table as her body flopped back. She looked up to Vaydros with a beseeching look, and Vaydros stood quickly, alarmed. Before he knew it, Berinar whirled around and extended his hand towards Vaydros, a wave of purple arcane haze leaving his palm. Vaydros was forced hard against the wall, the indigo vapour pressing into him so hard he could barely breathe. 

Berinar stood up straight and pushed his hood back off his head. He was tall and pale, but his eyes were…strange. Vaydros gaped at the man, now seeing the man’s black eyes, rimmed in red, and full of hatred. He glared at Vaydros, then turned to give Lendri a frighteningly ominous look. Vaydros heart filled with dread…this was bad.

Berinar slowly walked over to Lendri, pushing her back into her chair. Whatever was in the wine turned her into a ragdoll, but at least she was still awake. Vaydros struggled against the force holding him, but it was useless. 

“Did I forget to pass along my condolences regarding your parents, Lady Selendriel? Hmmm….must have slipped my mind, most likely because I am not sorry…oh no, I am not sorry at all that I murdered them in their sleep” He cackled in raucous laughter.

Lendri was stunned, and then anger flashed across her face. “It was you? Well….aren’t you a good little servant, even murdering people for your master.” Lendri glared at Berinar. “You will hang, you treacherous scum!” Lendri scowled at Berinar, trying desperately to move her arms and legs, all to no avail. Berinar scoffed at her attempts and pulled a small silver dagger out from beneath his cloak.

“Oh, I do not think I will hang at all, dear Queen. You see, I tried very hard to keep you in the Palace for that night, but you snuck out somehow. You were supposed to die that night too, but you were missing. I sent my men after you, but wouldn’t you know? Lord Tedren’s men found you first.”

Lendri blinked and tried to wrap her mind around this revelation. “Lord Tedren…didn’t have my parents murdered? I thought…he said his men brought me to the prison by accident…that was the truth?”

Berinar laughed “of course not! He was planning to have the king and queen declared unfit to rule by reason of insanity and was going to secretly keep you in the prison for awhile to allow himself time to garner support from the people. Bah! The man changed his plans…I believe he was arranging to have you kidnapped and held somewhere else, since word leaked out you were here. Once you were gone…well, a kingdom with no ruler would need someone to lead…who better than Lord Tedren, the advisor to the King? Once he had secured his authority, he would create your rescue with some story about you being held prisoner by some crazed man. He would claim you to be a broken woman, tortured by those who imprisoned you, and have you declared unfit to rule. That, however, was foolish. I knew that was too many loose ends…too many things to go wrong. I eliminated your parents, and now I am going to remove you as well.” Berinar stepped forwards towards Lendri, his blade gleaming an eerie glow in the torchlight. 

“I don’t understand…what is it you stand to gain? Why are you doing all of this?” Lendri asked, terrified and bewildered. “You are a servant. It will be Lord Tedren who will become King, not you. You will still be a servant and nothing more.”

Berinar smirked “you think only of the immediate future, Highness. Yes, Tedren will become King, but then he will raise me to nobility and promote me to First Advisor, and as you know, should something…untoward…happen to the King, the First Advisor will rule in his place. Someday, when he is nice and comfortable and oblivious, I will remove him as well, and I will take over. And then….then will I be able to lift this ridiculous ban on magic! Black magic is a powerful and jealous mistress, and she does not like being cooped up and restricted. I taught Lord Tedren a few little tricks to help him secure the throne. The King was the recipient of a great many suggestions from Lord Tedren. I believe you experienced that for yourself as well? A little bit of compulsion woven into your mind?”

The look on Lendri’s face told Vaydros she recalled the moment in the dungeon when she actually believed Vaydros had kidnapped her and she nodded. “Yes, but it didn’t really work. The memories he gave to me faded.”

“Hmmm…yes, he never was very good at it. He really should have kept at the smaller suggestions. Oh well, it does not matter now, does it? I opened up one portal to allow the Ghublek’s in, but when I open the remaining portals, all sorts of other minions…loyal to me, of course, will come through, and there will hardly be anyone left in the kingdom to oppose me! And then we will move on to the Kingdom in the North…that shall become mine as well.”

Vaydros could hardly believe what he was hearing. An entire Kingdom filled with Black Magic evil? It was madness! He had to break free of this power…Lendri was helpless. If only he could reach his dagger…He strained to reach down to his boot where his small throwing dagger was, but it was no use. The force holding him was too strong. 

Lendri gave a snort of derision. “Really? You can’t be serious! That honestly is the most ridiculous plan I have ever heard. Even if you do lift the ban on magic use and all those who practice black magic band together, there are still far greater numbers of white magic users out there who can stop you.”

Berinar’s face bloomed crimson in rage. He shouted “You DARE to speak to me that way, you little whelp? You don’t think I have already planned for that? You think I am STUPID?!” He brought his fist down on the table and the wood cracked loudly. Vaydros and Lendri both jumped, startled. 

Vaydros was alarmed by the man’s rage, but then he felt it…the power holding him loosened. He strained again. Come on, Lendri, he thought, break his focus. Distract him, keep him occupied, keep him angry!

Lendri’s eyes had grown wide at Berinar’s outburst. The man was seething, and he started pacing. His attention was completely on Lendri now, and Vaydros prayed that he had forgotten about the unknown Wanderer pinned against the wall. Berinar paced back and forth on the cold stone floor, muttering to himself.

“How else do you think I could get support for bringing back magic, you silly girl? I will appeal to the white magic users. I will remind them of all the amazing things they did, and can do again. Healing people, helping those in need…and they will be happy to bring it back. Little do they know that black magic is far stronger.” Berinar giggled manically. “there is a little spell I discovered…it creates nearly imperceptible ripples, so small not even the most sensitive magic user could sense them, ripples of black magic for every spell of white magic that is performed. All those caring people, trying to heal and help, and each of them unknowingly causing chaos and destruction. They will not realize it until it is far too late to stop it, and then black magic will be everywhere in the kingdom, permeating everything. There will be no escaping it. Not that you will have to worry much about it…you will be dead.” Berinar stopped his pacing finally and stared at Lendri with a look of triumph. He sauntered arrogantly towards Lendri until he stood before her.  

“Well, enough of me talking, it is time to make way for the true power in the Kingdom.” Berinar raised his dagger over his head and grinned victoriously down at Lendri. She stared up at Berinar, pity in her eyes. 

Berinar stopped. He was still looking down at Lendri, but a look for confusion had replaced the look of conquest. A crimson pool began to form in the center of his chest, and Lendri, her jaw dropping, could see the tip of a blade sticking out of his robe. Berinar collapsed and grabbed onto the table for support, then fell to the floor. Lendri looked over to Vaydros in time to see him collapse onto the floor, the power that had held him failing. He picked himself up off the floor and made his way over to Berinar, who gave one last angry groan, and then died. Vaydros pushed the man over and retrieved his throwing dagger, and then turned to the young Queen, bending down in front of her. He searched her face and glanced down at her torso, ensuring she was unharmed. 

Lendri wanted to throw her arms around the Wanderer, but when she tried to move, all she could manage was a slight finger wiggle. She gasped, eyes wide. “However did you manage that, Vaydros? You were pinned against that wall so tightly that you wouldn’t have been able to sneeze!”

Vaydros gently picked Lendri up off the chair and said “It was you, actually. You distracted him enough that his focus was drawn from me. Finally I could move a little and I managed to get my dagger from my boot just in time.” Vaydros grinned at her and gave her a little wink. “You couldn’t have thought to distract him sooner, huh? What kind of Queen are you?” Lendri smiled and he grew serious again.  “Now let’s get you to a healer. I suspect he put some kind of herb into your wine…I don’t think he was strong enough to hold you and I with Black Magic at the same time. He needed something else to keep you in place.”

Lendri nodded and frowned, looking back at Berinar and her eyes grew wide “Look, Vay…look at his body”. Vaydros glanced back over his shoulder and saw the old man’s robe disintegrating; his flesh rotted so it hardly looking like flesh anymore. She paled and finally murmured “I guess all that black magic took its toll on him to deteriorate so quickly. Let’s get out of here. I will send someone down after to clean up whatever is left.”

As Vaydros turned to carry Lendri to the healer, two members of the Royal guard arrived. They bowed low and told the pair that Her Majesty’s maid had mentioned their plans to visit the manservant and sent them to accompany them to Berinar’s chamber, and then glancing at his remains, said “It appears we arrived too late. My humblest apologies, my Queen. We were responsible for your safety and we failed you.” Lendri shook her head quickly and looked to Vaydros. She explained what had occurred there, and absolved them of any wrongdoing. Lendri begrudgingly allowed them to escort her and Vaydros to the healer, and when she nodded, he carried her from the room, leaving Berinar’s rapidly decaying body behind.

Epilogue

One week after their incident with Berinar, Vaydros found Queen Selendriel on her large balcony that overlooked the Palace Gardens. She was basked in sunlight, pale hair cascading down her back, and wearing a decidedly un-Lendri type gown in pale blue, making her sapphire blue eyes even bluer, if that were possible. A delicate silver circlet graced her brow, and she looked…queenly. Lendri smiled at him as he approached and he bowed formally. She motioned for him to sit on the chair across from her and she poured him a cup of tea and smiled at him.

“There is no need to be so formal with me, Vaydros, at least not when we are alone. I might be Queen now, but I am still me. I am still the same Lendri who saved your skin and punched that Pirate.” She grinned with the memory and Vaydros laughed and nodded. “We are companions, not simply a Queen and her subject, alright? So stop feeling as if you must kiss the floor I walk on. I get enough of that from everyone else.” She turned to watch a couple butterflies flit through the air and she sipped her tea, and Vaydros did the same.

It was a perfect spring day, complete with fresh green leaves budding on the trees, a warm breeze, and birds singing and darting through the air. The two people sat quietly for a moment, and finally Vaydros spoke.

“So how was Court with Lord Tedren? What did you finally decide, Highness?” After the Palace Healer had cured Lendri’s paralysis, Vaydros and Lendri had discussed at length what should be done with Lord Tedren. He had been plotting against the throne, and Lendri was unsure of all the laws regarding the specifics. She had many meetings with various advisors all week, some suggesting one thing, other suggesting the complete opposite. He was a traitor, but it had not been his commands that took the lives of the King and Queen. His servant had acted on his own, but they were actions designed to aid Lord Tedren in securing the throne for himself. The evening before, Lendri had locked herself in her room with food or water, refusing all visitations and servants, still trying to decide the proper course of action. She met privately with Lord Tedren and her advisors this morning, and Vaydros was curious what she had finally settled on. 

Lendri glanced over to him, a pained look on her face. “After much deliberation, I decided executing him as a traitor wasn’t quite right. He plotted against us, but it was not him that ordered my parents’ assassination, and he never harmed me. Despite all the chaos in the kingdom and the use of black magic, I am not so sure all of this was even his idea…as slimy as the man was, I believe he was only a puppet. I stripped him and his family of their titles and positions and he will be imprisoned for a time, and his family will be put out of the city and made to work on Crown land planting and harvesting crops. When he is released from the prison, he will join them. It was the fairest thing I could think of…he and his family are punished, but I also showed mercy by allowing him to live. I decided to imprison him for a while, just to ensure that all thoughts of being king are driven from his head. Besides, he imprisoned us, so its fair turnaround. Besides, that stew alone will make him repent very quickly.” She chuckled and Vaydros grinned. Lendri turned back to stare out into the courtyard, the smile fading from her lips. “I miss my parents…all I could think about was how I wished I could talk to them about this…they were wonderful teachers, though. I remember many lessons and I feel like they would agree with my decision.”

“I am glad to hear that. I think you did the right thing, for what it’s worth. People will think twice about crossing you, but they will also know you are fair and just.” Vaydros smiled over at her and she sipped her tea, trying to look like his compliment wasn’t what had her beaming. 

“Speaking of good decisions, I have another one that I have made…and I hope you think it’s a good decision as well” Lendri looked to Vaydros, and though she looked confident, he could see a hint of uncertainty as well. “Vaydros, I would like to name you my personal Guardian, a Knight of the Queen. I might have saved your life once, but you saved mine many times after. I can see you are a good man, and I know that I can trust you with my life, as I already have. Berinar would have succeeded if not for you…I always prided myself on being able to take care of myself, but I was nothing more than a ragdoll in his room, and I would be dead now if it weren’t for you. I…well, I need you. By my side.” She began blushing, and hoped Vaydros didn’t notice. She didn’t want to admit that she had ulterior motives for this decision…she really did trust him and want him as her Guardian, but she liked him…both as a companion and more. Of course, Queen’s rarely married peasants, but she was promoting him into nobility, and perhaps one day…

Vaydros stared at Lendri in surprise. This was unexpected. He had been about to say goodbye to her and leave the royal city to continue doing what he had always done…wander. He had been dreading saying goodbye to her. He liked her and wanted to be able to stay near her, but this? The thought of being so near to her every day was stirring, but to be her guardian? He wasn’t much of a fighter, or a hero. Yes, he had saved her a couple times, but the thought of being a fighter and protector was daunting. However, he longed to keep her safe, and wasn’t sure he could trust anyone else in such a position.

Lendri must have seen the uncertainty in his face, and she knew why. “We have some trainers here in the palace who trains our military, I would most certainly send you to them to increase your skills and get you accustomed to all types of weapons. I wish to ensure our survival” Her eyes twinkled and the corners of her mouth curled up into a mischievous smile. He let out the breath he didn’t know he was holding and he smiled. 

“Well, I guess I can’t think of any reason to say no, then” Vaydros laughed. Lendri’s slight grin widened into a beautiful beaming smile. She really was striking…being near her may end up being far for difficult than he thought. But perhaps one day, she might share the feelings that were beginning to grow inside him. And if not…well, he would worry about that later.

“So, Mr. Wanderer, I guess you are going to have to set that title aside now” Lendri smirked. “I suppose we could call you Mr. Guardian, or Mr. Life-Saver? Perhaps Mr. Hero?” she was giggling out loud now, and Vaydros laughed. 

“I’m not much of a hero, Highness, but maybe Mr. Right-Place-at-the-Right-Time?” Lendri leaned back in her chair and laughed loudly. “No? OK, how about just Lord Vaydros then?” 

Lendri smiled widely as she took a sip of her tea, then replied “I think Lord Vaydros works very nicely…for now, anyways”. The Queen reached over and took her guardian’s hand. He gave her hand a quick squeeze, and they sat in silence, enjoying the remainder of the sunshine. Danger would find them again, most certainly, but in this moment, there was peace. 

The End (for now)