The Savage

Part 1: Chapter One: Thrayd

Night had settled over Daear's capital of Mynyth. The streets had quieted from their daily business leaving only a few evening tea and Bordy houses still serving customers. Such late hours were for the descendants.

Thrayd watched her son ride into the inner bailey of the old Keep. Unlike the front entrance of the castle, which was built out of polished granite pillars and beautiful architecture. The working courtyard predated the other structure by a few hundred years and was made up of rough stone and mortar. The muddy yard splashed more filth up on the King, his squires and their mounts. He seemed to be in a good mood. This was a relief to Thrayd. Her son was entering his later years and he appeared to be aging faster than she was. Today, however, had obviously been successful.

The hunting party was boisterous and merry. Steffan dismounted stiffly, which she had excepted. He was getting too old to be in the saddle for the entire day. As his mount was led to the stables, the aging King noticed her at the top of the stairs standing in the large doorway of the old Keep.

"Your hunt must have gone well." she said as her son climbed the stairs to greet her. Thrayd carried herself with the superiority that her rank dictated. She wasn't tall, was no longer thin and her face, that had once been pretty with youth, was now dry and heavily lined with wrinkles. She, however, still had the voice of the young woman she once was. It was strong, decisive and was rarely challenged.

"It did. Is something amiss?" Steffan asked.

"We have a surprise visitor." Thrayd paused to straighten her veil. The double hennin as well as her head, were wrapped tightly with a gold embroidered black satin. Leaving nothing exposed but her oval shaped face. "The Princess of Duthaich has arrived. The Duthaichi Queen has been usurped. Or so she claims."

"What?" Steffan said, rushing past his mother, "Why didn't you send for me?"

Following easily, Thrayd kept up despite her age, "she only just arrived. She claims she was chased out of Mor by some mysterious usurper."

Steffan started, "They made the Pass this late in the season?"

Thrayd waved her hand dismissively, "Using their secret passageways no doubt. Routes which their greed will not allow them to share with us."

"And the usurper?" Steffan asked.

"They knew very little, other than the Usurper was at the gates when they escaped. Another Clan no doubt."

Steffan cleared his throat and asked, "and the mother?"

"She remained behind to parley." Thrayd answered, scrutinizing her son.

They turned a corner into the corridor that led to the great hall. It's tall, carved doors, inlaid with gold stood at the end before them. Guards stationed at either side opened the door for their approaching King and his mother.

The Great Hall was at its best in the evening. Windows that faced east and west, when the sun hung low in the western sky, the gold room glowed. At the northern end of the room was the dais where the Daearian throne sat. It was made of white marble that contained wispy swirls of bright teal. The cushions were made of cloth of gold. It was flanked on either side by two red velvet tall wingback chairs. One was for her daughter-in-law, Queen Aeronwen, the handsome middle aged woman currently occupied this seat. The other was for her. The seats furthest from the throne were for the Princes.

Thrayd took a quick glance about the room. The evening meal was soon to be served and all of the court was present. Whatever transpired here, whatever was said tonight would reach Kallistos by morning. She would have to quell the spread of the news.