Prophecy of the Flame - Book One

Chapter Nineteen

Prophecy of the Flame - Copyright 2011 by Lynn Hardy

Chapter Nineteen

Galloping toward Castle Eldrich, we turn onto Royal Boulevard with the darkening sky hovering above. The guard at the front gate is in a wrestling match with a figure half his size. Three smaller figures attack him from all sides.

I urge my horse into a full-out run. Within seconds, I recognize the children I sent to gather rocks. The smallest figure, which must be the five-year-old Araine, stands between the brawl and the metal pail. Scattered on the ground are bundles of bread and meat that were distributed to the volunteers as they returned from collecting sand.

My horse skids to a halt. “Hold!” I command. The guard straightens up, releasing the child. “What seems to be the problem?”

“Archmage.” The guard bows. “These children are thieves. They try to claim payment for a bucket of stones with a fire token.”

“Lieutenant Craig, report to the courtyard and inform King Arturo that I will be there directly.” Craig remounts, galloping through the open gate. I turn to the guard, who retains a tight grip on Todd’s shirt. “Release him at once.”

Letting go of the child, the guard comes to full attention.

“Soldier, what were your orders concerning the fire tokens?” My voice is as hard as the steel he wears.

“They were to be given to any who contributed supplies, in lieu of payment, sir,” he barks out his instructions. “All materials arriving with them are to be placed in the field next to the stables.”

“I suggest you follow those orders to the letter. Leave the judgment of value to others. You will now personally see that the bucket and its contents are delivered to my quarters.” His fear is punishment enough. Does he expect me to vaporize him?

The guard gives a crisp salute, taking possession of the bucket. As he calls for assistance, I am mobbed by the kids. They chatter like a group of chipmunks. “It’s okay. It’s okay. . .” I shush them, gathering the smallest ones into my arms.

Maria and Araine soon quiet down. Todd elbows Chazan, who also stops babbling. “I’m sorry, m’lady, we tried to do what ya’ say, but he wouldn’t let us. . .” Todd pauses to glare over his shoulder as the evening bells toll in the distance.

“That won’t happen again. And if you guys are still willing, I could use a second pail of rocks tomorrow.” A tingle of warning creeps down my spine, so I add, “When you go out again, I need you to stay real close to the grown-ups. There might be demons out there. K?”

All five nod solemnly.

“Yes, milady, we can do it!” Todd exclaims over the other shouts of agreement.

“Then come back to this gate tomorrow morning, and I’ll have two buckets waiting.” They gather up their foodstuffs, bounding home with youthful exuberance. The true treasure of a country, indeed, lies with its youth.

I stretch my legs out into powerful strides, rushing to the courtyard where the officers of Cuthburan are waiting. There are close to thirty men lined up, standing at attention. To my surprise, Merithin and Alex are standing with King Arturo on the lower steps.

“Your Majesty, Your Highness, Merithin.” I bow. “If you’re ready?”

The monarch nods. I continue. “I plan to tie an enchantment to your sword, Your Majesty. Three key words, spoken in Cuthburish, will activate the spell: king, kingdom, mankind. I thought perhaps you could use them in performing something like a knighting ceremony.”