The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Galen Ellis, an Elite of the Sentinel, and second to the High Captain sat under a tree with his cloak wrapped tight around him as he held one book in his hands, and another sat open by his side. He had spent many hours trying to read the book in his hands, but it was in a language completely foreign to him. He doubted there were a handful of people alive in the land who could read much of anything in the book, but he would have to find out a way.

Whatever had been used to control King Rommel and Prince Leal was contained somewhere in the pages, Galen believed. If he could find out what it truly was, perhaps they would know what they were dealing with in Navalia. There was something more at work than just a power hungry royal family wanting to expand their kingdom. It had to be more than just a mistress of the late king controlling the business of Navalia.

“Here you are, Elite. I had almost giving up finding you at all this morning,” said a voice above Galen that made him smile.

“I did wait for you in the palace library, but you didn’t show. I suppose you slept in a bit this morning,” said Galen looking up at Princess Lexine.

“I did sleep a little longer than usual, but for some reason I was up late last night,” she said with a small smile as she looked down on him.

“You should be more careful with your health, princess,” said Galen as he put his books aside. “Such distractions that keep you up so late, cannot be good for you.”

Galen grabbed her hand and pulled her down, so she landed in his lap with a small yelp.

“You are probably right,” said Lexine as she shifted to look at him. “But the distraction is so tempting I find myself unable to send it away.”

Galen put his arms around her and pulled her close to him to kiss her. She wrapped her own arms around him, leaning into to their kiss. After a few moments, she pulled back and looked at him. “So, have you found anything useful this morning?”

“No,” said Galen as he released her. She moved to sit next to him, picking up the book he had been reading. “It takes me an hour to make out one word, and that is even if I am lucky. I have not been able to find anything in this book that matches your father’s drink or all the different things I sensed in your brother’s body back in Navalia.”

“Is it worth it to even still look through this book? Father is not even taking the drink you made for him now, and he seems fine, though a little down. Leal doesn’t seem to be under the control of Lilith or Belleth at this point,” said Lexine.

“I think it might help us better understand who we are dealing with if we can figure out what exactly Lady Belleth did to your father and brother. If she can actually use old magic, it could tell us more about who she is.”

“And hopefully why she is doing what she is doing,” said Lexine. “Dracia believes she is controlling Fannar now as the new king. She thinks she was controlling Fannar much of the time before as well.”

Galen nodded. “Navalia will probably attack Lanoxan in some way soon, or at least try to seize control. I wonder what will happen.”

“I believe Lord Ethen and my brother have been talking about it. I think they will start holding meetings with all of us soon on what we will do. They are waiting for Dracia to be well, and new information to come in. All we can do now is wait,” said Lexine.

“It is hard to wait and do nothing,” said Galen. “I hope my mother and brother will be safe in Winsdell as well as those in the Fortress. I also worry about Martin. I wonder where his family went after the High Captain saved them. Do you think they got away?”

Lexine hesitated. “I don’t know. I think there is a good chance if they have any sense at all. The Navalian soldiers were busy trying to kill all of us, and the royals and palace guards were dealing with Dracia. They had a chance if they left Port Venala directly.”

Galen nodded. “I know Martin isn’t always the brightest, but we have been friends for a very long time. He is not a bad man. It was not his choice to marry Lena Isadel.”

“I know he is not bad, Galen. I doubt his parents are either, not really. They are used to living a certain way, and playing certain games almost all those in court play. They just didn’t know what they were getting into when they got involved with the Isadels.”

“What do you have planned today?” asked Galen.

“I thought I would come out here and see you, help you with whatever you needed. I will go visit Dracia after lunch to see how she is doing. You should come with me. I believe she would like to see you.”

“I will come with you, if you don’t mind it,” said Galen.

Galen hadn’t seen the High Captain since a few days ago when Prince Leal asked him to come check on her to make sure she was truly well. Lady Elise had offered to send for other healers, but the prince was adamant that he wanted Galen to see to the High Captain. Galen wouldn’t have minded other healers with more experience to look over her, but he found her doing well. He had told the High Captain and the prince it would take some time before she had her energy back. Until then she needed to rest as much as she could, and slowly work towards gaining back her strength.

He could imagine she was frustrated. He believe he and the High Captain were similar in many ways, and it would drive him mad to have to sit around quietly or lay still all day. She was used to being active and working to better herself. He was sure she was tired of not being able to do anything much at all, especially with the future of Lanoxan up in the air. Hopefully soon, she would recover. Galen would feel more confident in the future of their kingdom when she was well. She always seemed to know what to do in almost every situation. He could imagine the prince would need her wisdom to see to the future of Lanoxan.

“Would you like to read a bit more, or go for a short walk?” asked Lexine as she looked over at Galen.

“A walk actually sounds nice. I have had enough frustration with this book for a few hours. I will try again later this afternoon, and perhaps this evening as well,” said Galen.

“I will help you if you like,” said Lexine as she stood up, dusting out her skirt.

“I would love your help, but I don’t know how much work I will get done tonight if you come see me,” said Galen smiling as he stood.

“You and I will work plenty hard on that book, and then I will provide a much needed distraction for you. If I don’t, you will read all night,” said Lexine.

“True, and while distractions usually frustrate me, I find that you are one I actually welcome.”

They walked through the trees together that stood close by the palace. Lexine took his hand as they weaved past bushes and trees who had lost their leaves in the fall. There was no snow on the ground here in Radarial, but it had turned colder the past few days, and the clouds were started to gather. Galen thought they may at least get a dusting of snow by the evening.

“Are you not allowed to marry in the Sentinel?” asked a voice up ahead in the trees.

Galen looked at Lexine who rolled her eyes. She pulled him behind a large tree, and they both stood there hidden by the large trunk.

“Lady Selene,” said Lexine in an irritated whisper.

“Do you not like her?” asked Galen softly.

“She is fine, but a little goes a long ways.”

“Elites can marry,” said a voice Galen knew was Roderick. “But many don’t. The duties and pressures of an Elite are not always compatible with keeping a wife happy.”

“Do you plan to marry some day?” asked Lady Selene.

“I have not given it much thought. I have always been dedicated to the Sentinel and kingdom, and now to my High Captain,” said Roderick.

“Yes, you do seem very dedicated to her,” said Lady Selene with a sigh. “How long have you known her?”

“Since we joined the Sentinel about seven or so years ago,” said Roderick. “We went through training together. I doubt I would have made it very far without her help.”

“So, your dedication to her is only due to a debt of gratitude?” asked Lady Selene.

“No, of course not,” said Roderick sounding annoyed. “I am dedicated to her because she deserves my devotion. She is an outstanding leader of the Sentinel and a true friend to me.”

“Friends, are you? How good of friends have you been with your High Captain in your long past together?”

“This conversation is highly improper, Lady Selene. All I will tell you is the High Captain is an honorable woman who is the finest Elite the Sentinel has to offer. She has always conducted herself in a way that is proper and right, as have I,” said Roderick. Galen could tell he was very done with this conversation.

“I didn’t mean to upset you, Roderick. I am merely trying to get to know you better, and your High Captain,” said Lady Selene in a placating way. “I meant no disrespect to her or you.”

“If you want to get to know the High Captain better, you should spend time with her when she is feeling better. I think you will find as most do that she is an upstanding woman who is well worth the effort of getting to know. As for me, I am who you see. I have no secrets or hidden meanings in my words or actions.”

“No, I don’t believe you do, Roderick, but still there is something about you that intrigues me,” said Lady Selene.

“I am afraid I am rather boring actually, dependable perhaps, but not an overly exciting or dashing man.”

“I doubt that very much,” said Lady Selene. “I find you quite dashing.”

Galen heard her ride off on her horse. After a moment, he heard Roderick leave the area as well as Lexine rolled her eyes.

“She is not very proper, is she?” asked Lexine as they moved out from behind the tree.

“Not really, but we were the ones hiding and eavesdropping on their conversation, so I don’t know who we are to judge at the moment,” said Galen.

“True. I really didn’t mean to spy on your brother. I just didn’t want to speak to that woman today. I didn’t want to have to endure her flirting with you,” said Lexine with annoyance.

“She doesn’t flirt with me,” said Galen.

“Galen, how can you be so clever about most things, but not see that woman was being overly friendly with you at supper the other night?” asked Lexine.

“Probably because I was staring at you the whole time, barely registering what she was saying,” said Galen as he took Lexine’s hand and smiled.

“It is very hard to be cross with you when you say such things and smile at me like that,” said Lexine as Galen pulled her close.

“I don’t want you cross with me at all. I want you to be very happy whenever you are in my presence. I have decided to make it a personal mission that you shall never spend time with me and not be absolutely and completely happy,” said Galen as he took her into his arms.

“Did you really not know Lady Selene was flirting with you the other night?” asked Lexine.

“I barely knew who was speaking with me as I was just counting the seconds until I could spend time with you,” said Galen as he leaned down and kissed her.

After finishing their walk, and eating lunch with Lexine, they walked together to the High Captain’s room to see if she was well enough for a visit. Lexine knocked on the door, and it was opened by the High Captain herself.

“Lexine, I am glad to see you, and Galen as well. This is a treat,” said the High Captain as she moved out of the way so they could enter the room.

“Are you sure you are well enough to accept a visit?” asked Lexine.

“Oh, yes I am very well. I feel better today than I have in a while. I am glad you two have come. I need a distraction from my thoughts. Leal went to go speak with your father, Lexine, and when I am alone, I can’t stop worrying about many things,” said the High Captain as she sat in a chair by the fireplace. Galen and Lexine sat by her on the nearby sofa.

“Are you worried about the kingdom, Dracia?” asked Lexine.

“Yes, of course, I am. I should probably be worrying more about it than anything else. I hope my Elites in the Sentinel will be well, as well as your family, Galen, and the rest of the court. I also worry for my brothers and their families. Father cannot send a message yet. Not until we are sure one can be sent safely.”

“Do you think they will stay in your family’s summer manor, or do you think they will travel to Winsdell to help rule the kingdom?” asked Galen.

“I would hope they would stay out of harms way and out of Winsdell, but Colm is all about responsibility. He will, more than likely, want to go meet with the king’s council to try to figure some sort of leadership out for the kingdom. I worry what will happen to him if Navalia makes it to Winsdell,” said Dracia.

“Hopefully, you can get a message to him by then,” said Galen. “Or maybe we will even make our own plans to move into Lanoxan soon.”

“I know Leal and Ethen have been spending time working on some sort of plan. I hope to be included in those talks soon. You two should join us as well. Lexine you are a princess of Lanoxan and in line for the throne if something happened to Leal. Galen, I am sure we could use your wonderful mind as we plan to save our kingdom,” said the High Captain.

“We will both do whatever is needed, Dracia. I am thinking of working on being able to control my powers better. I would like to be able to help in the war to come,” said Lexine.

“With your healing abilities, I am sure we will have use of your skills, Lexine, but I would like to keep you out of harms way if possible. Your brother is already talking of training with his powers. I would like to keep you both out of the fight, but Leal is being stubborn about it. We need to keep at least one of you safe at all times to secure the Cassendar family and the succession to the throne of the High Palace,” said the High Captain with a nod.

“There is another way to ensure the Cassendar line, Dracia,” said Lexine with a small smile. “You and Leal are married. You could produce an heir.”

“I hardly think this is the right time to be thinking of such things,” said the High Captain dismissively.

“I think it might be the perfect time to think of such things,” said Lexine. “We could have all easily died in Navalia. “The Cassendar line has dwindled down to just father, Leal and me. If you were to produce an heir, it would help secure the family.”

“I am not sure when I would have time for it, and defend the kingdom,” said Dracia.

“You could not do both, obviously,” said Lexine. “You would have to stay behind in the safety of Siccaria while the rest of us fight.”

“Well, that will never happen,” said Dracia with a wave of her hand. “I will fight for my kingdom and keep it safe from the Navalians.”

“But what if the best thing you can do for the future of your kingdom is secure our family line. You are the only one who can do it at present. This is something you need to think about, Dracia,” said Lexine as she turned to Galen. “Don’t you agree, Galen?”

Galen looked at Lexine and then at the High Captain. He knew Lexine had a good point. Forwarding the Cassendar line and securing the next in line to the throne was important, but Galen also thought they would need the High Captain in the war to come. She had skills and experience that the rest of them didn’t.

“I believe I can see both of your points, Lexine, but it would not be guaranteed that the High Captain would become with child while we are here, even with, umm, vigorous effort,” said Galen, feeling his cheeks go warm. “What is certain is that we will face Navalian in a war, and the High Captain can fight for the kingdom in ways no one else can.”

“Thank you, Galen,” said the High Captain. “That is a very good point.”

They were all three silent for a few moments. “You could still try, Dracia. Think what it would mean to the kingdom to know an heir to the throne was on the way or even born by the time we faced Navalia if it came to it. I don’t think you should dismiss this.”

“I am not dismissing the future of your family, Lexine,” said the High Captain.

“Our family,” corrected Lexine. “You are a Cassendar, Dracia.”

“I would like very much to have a child or children someday with your brother, but I must be realistic about my current situation. I am still the High Captain of the Sentinel, and I must serve the kingdom as such”

Lexine gave a soft sigh. “I know there is no use arguing with you, but I do hope you will think about what I have said. I say it out of love of you and our family.”

“I know you do,” said the High Captain.

The door opened and Prince Leal walked into the room. He spotted them all sitting by the fireplace and walked over, nodding at Galen and Lexine.

“I see you have company, dearest,” said Prince Leal. “I thought you had planned to rest.”

“I have had plenty of rest, and talking to your sister and one of my seconds is not taxing, no matter how interesting the conversation,” said the High Captain as the prince sat across from her.

“Oh, have you had an interesting conversation?” asked Prince Leal.

“Just about our duties to the kingdom, brother,” said Lexine as she looked at Dracia. “I believe we all have to look at our priorities and decided what we can do to best help Lanoxan and the Cassendar family.”

“I was telling your sister that I take all the responsibilities I owe to our kingdom and family very seriously,” said the High Captain looking back at Lexine.

The prince looked between his sister and wife and then glanced at Galen.

“Of course, you do, Dracia. I am not questioning it. I only ask that you take my advice to heart and think over it,” said Lexine as she stood. “Come along, Galen, we should be going. I am sure your High Captain would like some time alone with my brother. They might have some important things to talk over.”

Leal looked at his sister with a questioning look. “There actually are some important matters I need to discuss with Dracia, but before you go, I need to ask you both to make sure you are in the large parlor in the west wing after dinner.”

“Why?” asked Lexine. “Galen and I had planned to look over some books this evening, trying to figure out what was done to you and father.”

“You will have to wait until another night for your investigation, you are both requested to attend to Lady Elise tonight in the large parlor,” said Prince Leal as he turned to the High Captain. “That is if you are sure you are well, dearest. I believe you will get the answers you have wanted tonight, but only if you are strong enough.”

“I am more than strong enough and ready to hear what Lady Elise has to say,” said the High Captain.

“Then you should rest this afternoon as much as you can,” said Prince Leal. “Lexine, Galen, we will see you tonight at supper and after.”

“Yes, brother, we will be going,” said Lexine as she grabbed Galen’s hand. “I am glad you are feeling better, Dracia.”

Lexine and Galen walked out of the door and into the hallway.

“What do you think Lady Elise has to tell us all tonight?” asked Galen as they walked down the hallway slowly.

“I am not sure, but if I have learned anything about the woman, I am sure it will be interesting.”