King of Crows

Chapter 2

Griff didn't answer but tilted his head in a subtle nod, "Do you know anything about the House of Fardryn?"

Daren looked away, trying to remember every piece of kitchen gossip he had ever heard. "They are one of the largest royal families besides the king's own. In all of Cathedra there is no other lord as powerful."

"Correct" Griff muttered, his deep blue eyes shone with intelligence, "Fardryn House and its family line stretches far back into history. Between the king's house of Bronwyn and the house of Fardryn there has always been friction. Some might say they are rivals, financially and politically."

"What are they saying in the courts?" Daren glanced around, searching for prying eyes and eavesdroppers.

"Rebellion." Griff grimaced, repeating the dreaded word in a tired tone. "Most, if not all, of the royal families fear for their holdings. If the House of Fardryn is to come to power disloyally will be rewarded with war. Lord Fraleth may have openly asked some of the lords and knights to choose sides. It is only a rumor but it is spreading fast..."

"No one can confirm or deny it." Daren finished. A thought began to build within Daren's furiously working brain.

"But if this package is so important to the king..." Daren's heart thrummed with adrenaline, "Lord Fraleth will want to know what it contains. I could be captured and tortured or worse..."

"Then make sure he does not find you or the package." Griff motioned Daren to be silent by placing a finger to his lips, the noise of the training field nearly engulfed both of them, "Lord Fraleth is scheduled to appear tomorrow on invitation by the king to affirm his allegiance to the House of Bronwyn . Speak one word against him and you will truly lose your head."

"There are messengers and soldiers here that are loyal to Fraleth. My mission cannot stay secret for long." Daren felt the panic rise in his chest, "Let me leave now before Lord Fraleth arrives."

"No." Griff held up a finger, "You will leave only after Fraleth arrives."

"For the sake of the realm why not?" Daren hissed; the weight of his mission started to drag him down. "You said Lord Fraleth is dividing the lords, he will have allies. He has spies in the king's own court."

Griff cut Daren's sentence off with a curt gesture, "That is why you must be sent away during the confusion of tomorrow's festivities. Fraleth will see this message as a sign of weakness if it is sent too soon. You will leave at the last possible moment when his attention is diverted elsewhere."

Daren ground his teeth and lowered his head in defeat. "I will travel alone?" He meant it as a question but voiced it as an ultimate decision.

"As it should be." Griff laid a hand on Daren's shoulder, "But if you are in need of help make sure your companions are trustworthy."

Daren nodded silently as the weight of what he must do sat like a burden on his back. Griff let his calculating gaze bore into Daren's cold, steel tinted stare. With a heavy breath and a pat on Daren's shoulder Griff turned back into the steady stream of humanity, leaving Daren alone within the shadow of the barrack's arch.

~~~~

The sun had nearly faded, half engulfed by the horizon. Daren idly twirled the package in his hands as he leaned on one of the many palace ramparts. Tall and tapered they stuck vertically out of the wall like dragon's teeth. Directly below him rested the gatehouse, immense and arched to give the massive entryway an air of regality. Ten men could pass easily side by side through the gilded gate. Daren turned his eyes to the palace grounds spread out before him. To his left bristled the white spires of the palace, placed atop a granite cliff; its numerous halls and chambers were enclosed within pristine stone walls.