The Early Chronicles Book Four: The Queen and the General

Chapter 5

When they returned to Chateau Kent, Goran quickly went off to see where Mekau had gotten to.  He couldn't decipher why Mekau had encouraged them to have a picnic by themselves while he rode back to the castle.  If he had something planned against Swanwhite, why would he leave her with Goran?  Had he actually listened to Goran's threat?  Or perhaps did he mean no harm after all?  No, there must be something else he was planning.  

Goran asked many servants and knights if they had seen Mekau.  Most had not, but one serving maid mentioned she saw him near the armory, and Goran's heart began to pound.  He quickly rushed to the armory and searched throughout the racks and racks of weapons to ensure none were missing.  Satisfied with his count, he was once again puzzled.  If Mekau wasn't taking weapons, what interest did he have in the armory?  Suddenly Goran stopped at the iron door leading to the vaults, and understanding and dread flooded through him.  The door was closed and the lock hadn't been broken, but a few stems of grass were littered outside the door.  Goran felt anxious as he tried to search around the door for any more clues.  Finding none, he reached for the key ring on his belt to find the key to the vault.  He searched over and over, but the key didn't seem to be on his belt.  He grumbled to himself but then a revelation hit him like lightning.  The other night in the stables he had stood very close to Mekau in hopes to intimidate him.  A skilled pickpocket could have reached down to his key ring and stolen a key.  If Mekau had stolen his keys, that would explain why he wanted Swanwhite and Goran out of the castle long enough for him to explore the vaults.  He bolted out of the armory and rushed to find the only other person who had a key to the vault; the queen.

As Genevieve twisted Swanwhite's hair into an updo that afternoon, Swanwhite's mind was still whirling after her ride with Goran, and more specifically, the feeling she had when she had fallen from the saddle into his strong grip.  She had started out hurt and angry with him for spying on her, but somehow when she returned to the castle she thought of him differently.  What was this strange effect he had on her? 

"You're awfully quiet."  Genevieve remarked.

"Just thinking."

"What about?"

"Nothing important."

"About your outing this morning?"

It was fortunate Genevieve had nearly finished Swanwhite's hair because it would have been yanked out of place when she whipped her head around.  "Why Genevieve you sly fox!"

Genevieve grinned.  "I saw you coming back as I was carrying some fresh linens.  You two looked like you enjoyed yourselves."

"I was very angry with him at first, but it did end up being a rather pleasant morning."  She turned to face the front again so Genevieve wouldn't see her cheeks redden.  

"A picnic in a field of wildflowers!  How romantic!"  Genevieve sighed.  Swanwhite rolled her eyes.

"Not another word about it out of you."  She said with her mock scolding tone.  Genevieve giggled softly which made Swanwhite's cheeks heat more.  

A rapid and loud knock sounded at the door.  As Genevieve went to answer it, Swanwhite set to putting on her bracelet and crown for supper that evening.  She didn't usually wear much jewelry as the precious swan pendant her parents gave her was always around her neck.  He heart did a funny jump when she heard Goran's voice.  She rushed to the door beside Genevieve and saw him standing there with a grave expression.

"General, is something wrong?"  She asked.  Genevieve curtsied and gave them some privacy while she straightened out Swanwhite's gown for dinner.  Goran looked around and talked very low.  

"I'm afraid you'll have to come with me.  Bring your keys to the vault."

Swanwhite was slightly alarmed but did as he bid her.  She followed him to the vault but he seemed to be very secretive and looked around them constantly.

"Where is our guest presently?"  He asked when they reached the armory.

"I don't know, I haven't seen him since we got back from the picnic.  Why?"  His demeanor was worrying her as he took her keys and un-locked the heavy iron door.  He grabbed a torch from the wall by the door and ushered her inside the vault.

"I believe he stole my keys to the vault."  Goran said once he had closed the door behind them.  

"What?!  Are you certain?  Perhaps you just misplaced--"

"I'm certain."  He began searching the shelves of precious Narnian artifacts and maps.  Swanwhite's head spun.  If this was true, what could Mekau be doing with such access?  Goran stopped his searching at a shelf covered with scrolls of parchment.  He felt around and picked up several scrolls and putting them back.  He turned to her sadly.

"There are plans to Chateau Kent that are missing."

"Missing?"  She rushed to the shelf and examined the scrolls herself.  Sure enough, the large scroll marked with the royal seal was missing.  Sadness, fear, and anger clouded her mind.

"But... what does he... why would he..."  She slammed her hand against the stone wall in anger and ran her fingers through her hair, trying to calm her breathing.  

"Calm down."

"I can't!"  She spun around to face him.  "Oh Goran, forgive me.  I've been a fool!  I should have listened to you.  Now who knows what he's planning and it will be all my fault--"  Goran gripped her shoulders with his firm hands.

"You are not to blame.  We will find him and stop him before anything can happen.  He's likely goin to bring the plans back to avoid suspicion, so I'll wait here and watch."  His words were calm and the feel of his hands on her shoulders soothed her anger.  Craving the safety of his grip, she broke through her resistance and put her arms around him for a moment.  He wrapped his arms around her and for several sweet minutes she rested in the warm safety of his strong grip.  Feeling foolish, she finally broke away and brushed the hair away from her face.

"Forgive me, you must think me a weak and sentimental child."  She blushed.

"Not at all."  He said gently.  

"I'll send some knights out to patrol and be sure they don't see any trouble."  She said and rushed away.  

Evening had arrived and there was still no sign of Mekau.  Goran had insisted Swanwhite attend dinner as usual and he would inform her of anything unusual.  She had the cook give Goran something from the kitchens for him to eat while he sat hidden in the armory.  Her heart beat wildly throughout the meal and she couldn't concentrate on any conversations going on at the table.  

"My lady, are you well?"  Sir Kauffman's voice startled Swanwhite.  Sir Kauffman had agreed to stay a couple more days to visit before traveling back to his estate.

"Forgive me, I am just a little tired."  She smiled at the old knight.  His face was still creased with worry but he smiled and nodded.  

"Where's Goran this evening?"  Rufus asked before stuffing some meat into his mouth.

"He-- He had a great deal to take care of this evening and took his meal earlier."  She said quickly and took a drink from her flagon.  Rufus didn't press further and Swanwhite was grateful.  She didn't want the whole castle abuzz with her fears quite yet.  Not before they knew what kind of danger they were in.