Reckless Abandon - The Secrets of Avelina Chronicles 2

3: King Randall

Back on the Island, events were taking a turn that no-one had expected. King Edward was so consumed by Walter's spirit that he was unable to leave his chambers. Those in his army and council had deemed him incapable of running the Island. The Captain of his Guard had been appointed temporary King, until they could cure his illness. They remained loyal to Edward, but were forced in his presence to feign loyalty to Walter, for the time being.

Captain Randall Dawson accepted the task and played the part well. His wife Celia, on the other hand, enjoyed the role of temporary Queen all too much for anyone's liking. Randall and those around him worried that she would enjoy the role so much that she would use the King's illness as a way of gaining the true Queen-ship falsely. She was a smart woman and she had the potential to manipulate Walter's spirit into giving her exactly what she wanted.

Because of that, Randall had given her the duty of seeing to their public relations, having her throwing balls for the nobility and leading the charitable parade that took place every week. Ladies of the court, since Aubrey's arrival on the Island, went round the villages with the spare food from the King's table and gave it to the poor. Though it wasn't society enough for Celia, she went because her friends did and because Aubrey posed a threat to her regal intentions.

Edward had a soft spot for Aubrey and everyone but the young girl knew it. Celia was smart enough to realize that while he was too sick to do anything about his affection, and give Aubrey more power, it was her best chance of stealing the Queen-ship for herself. Edward couldn't propose while possessed by Walter and until he made his move or Aubrey fought for her rightful place at the throne, the seat was open. Getting rid of Aubrey or at least making her look unsuitable for the Queenly title she would inherit by marrying the bachelor King, was Celia's best chance to gain power.

It was on one of those days, while Celia was busy feeding the poor, that Randall, in his Kingly capacity, took steps to ensure that none of her ploys for a Royal seat would succeed. He asked Aubrey and his best soldier Angus to join him for a walk through the gardens of the castle. He was troubled and needed their council.

"It is Celia. I am afraid she may not be as she appears. I fear she will betray our King." Randall sighed, in deep concern. He worried for the safety and well being of Edward during the time of trouble that had overtaken them. Edward's visit to the vaults had started it all three months ago and nothing had been the same since. But, as the three walked together, Randall was at least glad for Aubrey's dedication to both himself and Edward. She was a sweet girl barely past twenty-one years and playful.

It was why everyone loved her so much. She smiled and giggled a lot. She was loyal to any for the smallest reason and he could count on her to give him a truthful answer to his problem. She was, by rights and Edward's command, Lady of the Court and Protector of the City, despite her young age. Randall considered her the closest thing to a daughter he would ever have. She took so much on her shoulders that he didn't know how she did it. She taught the young Ladies and Lords of the Island, protected their King and their city and was always as cheerful and playful as she had been since her arrival on the Island. She would know better than any what he should do about his wife.

He was about to ask for her opinion when a young farm hand came running towards them, bowing to Randall, who wore the King's crown and robe, before speaking.

"I have found a man sire, in the woods. He was being trailed by his horse alongside the river. He is badly harmed, possibly from battle. What shall I do with him? He does not open his eyes." The young man claimed in a rush. He glanced back over his shoulder, nervously playing with his hands.

"Take me to this man." Randall asked.

They walked a half dozen paces before they saw the horse, around the corner of the castle, with a man hanging from the stirrup by the ankle. He was in the process of being carefully detached by two of the soldiers who guarded the gate. As he was lowered to the ground Randall, as King, decided what to do with him.