The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Leal sat by Dracia at lunch as she chatted with her brothers while she ate. He was glad to finally see her after she had been out most of the morning, first riding with Roderick and then spending the rest of the time with Maia. He was happy she was able to get out and see both of her friends, but he had missed her companionship this morning.

Leal spent most of his morning with his mother, father, and sister. His sister still seemed a little low, but her spirits were improving. He hoped that meant she and Galen were close to figuring things out. He cared for his sister and wanted her to be happy. He knew she loved Galen, and despite his lower upbringing, Leal thought Galen a good match for his sister. He hoped all would be well in the end.

Leal’s father had tried to talk to Leal, and Leal tried very hard to be civil and attend to his father.

“Will you travel with us to Winsdell, father?” Leal had asked after a few moments of silence

“No, your mother and I will stay in Siccaria for the rest of the winter. I am not sure what help I could be in a battle, and I do not want your mother out on the winter roads with her frail health,” replied his father.

“You will return in the spring, won’t you?” asked Leal.

“We will if we are welcomed,” said Rommel. “You are the king now, Leal, and I know you do not hold me in high regard. I don’t blame you after all I have done. If you would like us to stay in Siccaria or the summer palace, I will understand.”

“My mother and wife wish for me to make amends with you. It is not easy for me, but I am wiling to try for both of them. Mother has not been to Winsdell in several years. If you do come to Winsdell this spring, you will be very welcomed. After that, we might see to securing you a house in Siccaria for mother’s health if you do not wish to stay here at the Aurorial palace next winter,” said Leal. “Though you might rethink it, knowing Dracia and I will probably be regular visitors to the palace throughout the year. I do not want her giving up her responsibility to this kingdom. Not when one of our children might help lead it someday.”

“Do you plan to have children soon?” asked his mother as she listened in on their conversation.

“I would like to as soon as possible, but it is not a good time with the kingdom in peril. As soon as all is well in Lanoxan, Dracia and I will decide when the time is right,” said Leal.

“It is a shame you don’t already have an heir, Leal,” said his mother. “You and Dracia will both be in danger soon. I hate to think of anything happening to either of you, but it would be a comfort to the kingdom to know there was an heir to the throne already born.”

“We will make sure Lexine stays safe. She can take over the throne if I perish,” said Leal. “If something happens to Dracia, Lexine can see to the Cassendar heirs.”

“I pray it doesn’t come to you losing your wife, but you could always marry another. You are young, Leal,” said Rommel.

“I will never marry another, father. It doesn’t matter what happens; my heart will always belong to Dracia,” said Leal.

“You are a king now, Leal. You will have to see beyond your own wants and needs and look to what is right for the kingdom. I am sure there is another woman out there you could grow fond of,” said Rommel.

“No, there is not,” said Leal. “I will do everything I can to secure Lanoxan and its future except be with any woman but Dracia. It would be impossible to love another in anyway.”

Rommel looked as though he would say more, but his wife put her hand on his arm.

“Our son knows his own mind, Rommel, and as you said he is the king now,” said Lyvia. “This will not be a problem, as I am sure Dracia will live for many years and provide Leal with an heir.”

Rommel nodded. “You will need to see to yours and your queen’s safety during the battles ahead. I know you both wish to fight for your kingdom, but you must know your worth to Lanoxan.”

“Dracia will fight at the front, and I will be at her side. I have worked hard to be able to control my power, and I know of no better fighter than our queen. We will try to stay safe, but we will both fight fiercely for our kingdom.”

“Are you well, my king?” asked Dracia, bringing Leal out of his thoughts.

“I am, my love,” said Leal as he smiled at her. “Did you have a pleasant morning?”

“I did. I enjoyed my short ride with Roderick and my time with Maia. We were expecting Selene at some point, but she never showed. This makes me think my morning endeavors may have paid off.”

Leal cocked his eyebrow at his queen with a questioning look. “What were you up to this morning?”

“Just a little maneuvering to make sure Roderick and Selene had some time to spend together. It seems they took full advantage of it,” said Dracia as she smiled towards the doorway where Roderick and Selene walked in together.

Roderick and Selene both fixed plates of food and walked over to sit across from Leal and Dracia.

“It is nice to finally see you two,” said Dracia smiling at both Roderick and Selene. “I take it you had a very pleasant morning.”

“It was a nice morning. I rather lost track of the time,” said Selene as she looked over at her sister who was sitting next to her. “I am sorry I didn’t visit the palace nursery with you, Maia.”

“It is no bother. Dracia and I had a nice time together, and she helped me with my plans,” said Maia. “What did you two do all morning?”

“We enjoyed each other’s company and the outdoors,” said Selene with a smile at Roderick.

“I am very glad to hear it,” said Dracia. “Did you walk around the whole lake?”

“No, we found other ways to pass our time,” said Roderick with a smirk at Dracia.

Leal choked a little on the wine he was drinking, causing him to cough.

“Are you alright, your majesty?” asked Roderick.

“Yes, yes, I am very well,” said Leal. “I was just wondering what you two found to do this time of year outdoors.”

“Well, whatever it was, we will keep it to ourselves,” said Selene as she looked at Maia and then Dracia before smiling at Roderick. “But I did enjoy our time together. We shall have to do it again soon.”

“Yes, very soon,” said Roderick. “I didn’t realize how invigorating a winter morning could truly be until now.”

Lady Selene laughed. “You have gone too far, Roderick. They will think awful things of me if we keep this up.”

“I was not thinking awful things at all,” said Dracia with a huff. “I was hoping things had actually progressed in the way they should go. What have you two really been doing?”

“We did have a nice walk by the lake, but we rode back not too long after you. I have been taking a long bath and relaxing in my room. I don’t know what Roderick has been up to,” said Selene.

“My duty of course,” said Roderick.

“You think you are very funny, don’t you?” said Dracia with a pout.

“You are the one who tricked us” said Roderick. “You think we didn’t know what you were doing?”

“I thought you wouldn’t care,” said Dracia as she put her fork down. “I thought perhaps you would take the opportunity I gave you.”

“Now, Roderick, be nice to your High Captain. She did give us time for a very nice morning together, and I can say for certain it was not an opportunity lost,” said Selene as she covered his hand with her own.

“No, it was not a lost opportunity, at least not most of it,” said Roderick as he smiled at Selene. “I would say we are clearer on things at this point.”

“Oh, very much so. I will say thank you to you, Dracia, and you as well my dear sister for your part,” said Selene with a small laugh.

Dracia sighed and picked her fork back up. “You two are impossible.”

“We are not,” said Roderick. “I think the most important thing we learned today is we are both full of possibilities.”

Dracia smiled slightly. “Good.”

“But perhaps in the future, you will keep your good intentions to yourself, your majesty. We can manage our own futures,” said Roderick.

“I will be the judge of that,” said Dracia as she took a drink of wine. “I am your queen after all, Roderick.”

“That you are, your majesty,” said Roderick with a smile.

After lunch, Leal met with Dracia, Ethen, and Roderick in the library to talk over their plan for Lanoxan. Leal noticed that Dracia still walked with small limp though she tried to hide it. He was hoping they could wait for another two weeks before they left for Lanoxan to give her more time to heal, but the reports coming out of their kingdom were not promising.

“Several small villages outside of Westmoria have been ransacked by the Navalian soldiers,” said Ethen. “Two lords have been driven out of their lands, and the Lord of the North Valley has been killed. His wife and sons did manage to escape.”

“What of Winsdell and the south areas of the kingdom?” asked Leal.

“Winsdell seem safe at the moment as well as the south of your kingdom,” said Ethen. “Reports we are getting are that most of the forces have stalled at the Navalian border at the moment, with only the force that is in Westmoria venturing out to overtake lands and villages.”

“The Sentinel is in Winsdell,” said Dracia. “It is harder for the Navalians to attack anywhere close even if Darron as a few allies amongst the Elites. That is why the Navalians are focusing on the area closest to the Navalian border.”

“Your brothers should have a clear path to Winsdell if they stick to the southern road and ride quickly. You are sending three Elites with them?” asked Leal.

“Yes, three of our most talented. They will also take a note from the High Captain to the Sentinel to let them know of any instructions we have for them,” said Roderick.

“What would you like to do, your majesty?” asked Ethen.

“I would like to wait here for a few more weeks if we can to make sure our queen is fully recovered,” said Leal.

“You must see that is not possible,” said Dracia as she shook her head. “We cannot let this force in Westmoria do as it pleases any longer. We need to leave soon and drive the Navalian forces out of Westmoria.”

“How soon?” asked Leal.

“No more than a week,” said Dracia. “That will give time for my brothers to make it to Winsdell and alert the Sentinel. We could even have them send a group of Elites who can ride hard and meet us at the summer palace to help in the attack.”

“You will have a large force of Siccarian soldiers as well,” said Ethen. “Lord Owin and I will lead them.”

“You plan on going to Lanoxan with us?” asked Dracia with surprise. “Shouldn’t you stay here with Maia?”

“Maia will be safe here in the palace,” said Ethen. “I have already discussed it with her. Our child is not due for several months. I will go with you and see to securing your kingdom and keeping you safe, Dracia. Maia has insisted that I go.”

“I appreciate your support, but I am sure it would be wiser if you stayed here safe, Ethen. Not only do you have your child to think about, but your kingdom as well. You are the future leader of Siccaria,” said Dracia.

“And as the future leader, I will do all I can to see that it is secure in many ways. We cannot be safe with the Navalians attacking our closest neighbor. How secure can our future be with you risking your life, Dracia? You are also the future of this kingdom, and I will see that you arrive in Winsdell safe. Once you are secure in the High Palace, I will return to Siccaria.”

Dracia nodded. “Very well, I will appreciate your company and your skills as we take back Lanoxan.”

“You are sure you are ready to travel, Dracia?” said Leal with concern. “I know your leg is still giving your troubles.”

“It is hardly anything,” said Dracia. “I have traveled and fought in pain before. I am a trained Elite of the Sentinel, Leal. I can handle a little pain and stiffness in my leg.”

Leal wished he could convince her to stay in Siccaria a while longer, even if it meant he and the others rode on to the summer palace. She could stay here until they had secured Westmoria and then arrive well-guarded to the summer palace to travel to Winsdell. It would be a good plan he thought, but she would never agree to it.

Leal nodded. “We will leave in a week, then. Ethen, can you inform Lord Owin of our plans? Dracia and I can meet with him in a few days to finalize everything.”

“Yes, your majesty. I am sure Lord Owin will have our forces ready to go,” replied Lord Ethen as he stood.

“I shall go write the letter for my brothers to take to the Sentinel,” said Dracia as she stood up. “I should do it now before I meet with Lexine and Galen.”

Leal nodded. “Go on and do what you need, Dracia. I wish to speak with Roderick for one moment. I will meet you here. Lexine has asked that I am at your meeting with her and Galen.”

Dracia gave him a questioning look, but she nodded and walked from the room with Ethen.

Once they had left, Leal turned to look at Roderick.

“What do you need from me, your majesty?” asked Roderick.

“What I am going to ask you, may sound redundant. I know you take your duty as second to your High Captain very seriously, but as your king I am giving you one command, and you will do it.”

“What command would you have me do?” asked Roderick.

“Your only priority is the safety of the queen. You will do whatever you have to, to make sure she is well-protected and safe during any part of our trip into Lanoxan. I don’t care if you have to disobey an order from her, or grab her and run somehow. You will make sure Dracia is not harmed in anyway.”

“You would wish me to disobey my High Captain?” asked Roderick. “I am not sure I can obey this command.”

“Roderick, am I your king?” asked Leal.

“Yes, your majesty.”

“Then you will do as I ask,” said Leal.

“I would do almost anything you asked of me, but my first loyalty is to my High Captain,” said Roderick.

“Then you will see that she is safe, Roderick,” said Leal.

Roderick opened his mouth, but Leal held his hand up.

“You care for her very much. I know you do, and you know her better than almost anyone. She will not see to her own safety fist, but the kingdom cannot do without her. I cannot do without her,” said Leal almost pleadingly. “Now, I am asking you to do this for the kingdom and for me. Will you see to the safety of the queen no matter what happens?”

Roderick sighed and stared at Leal. He finally nodded. “I will do as you command, my king. The queen’s safety will come before anything or anyone.”

“Thank you, Roderick,” said Leal as he stood.

“What about you, your majesty?” asked Roderick. “Who will see to your safety? You say you cannot do with our queen, but I am very certain she could not do without you.”

“I can see to my own safety, Roderick. You must now the abilities and powers I have. If I know for certain you are keeping Dracia safe, I shall do very well on my own.”

“You trust me enough to keep our queen safe, that you will not focus on her during the battle?” asked Roderick skeptically.

“I believe you would do anything to keep Dracia safe, including give your own life. Knowing this, I believe I can leave her well-being to you for the most part. Besides, I am quite certain Dracia will have very specific instructions for her Elites in reference to the king’s safety. Don’t you, Roderick?”

“Yes, I believe she will,” said Roderick.

“Then all is settled,” said Leal. “I appreciate your service, Roderick.”

“I appreciate how much you care for your queen, your highness. You are right in that I care for her greatly. She means a great deal to me. I am happy to see her with someone who actually understands her worth and deserves her.”

Leal smiled a little at Roderick. “You think I actually deserve the love of your High Captain?”

“Yes, but only in a very small way,” said Roderick as he smiled back. “You still have a ways to go before I believe you completely deserve her.”

“I will never completely deserve her, Roderick. You know it is impossible.”

“I wouldn’t say it,” said Roderick. “I have learned that most things are possible if you try. So, keep trying.”

“I will never stop trying,” said Leal. “As much as I care for my kingdom and people, she is my reason for everything I do.”

“Then I believe what you want to achieve is very possible,” said Roderick.

“I hope you are right,” said Leal as he walked out of the room.

After spending some time walking around on his own and speaking with his mother for a few moments, Leal found himself back in the library sitting at a table with Galen as they waited for Dracia and Lexine.

“How are you, Galen? I believe you have been very quiet lately,” said Leal.

“I have been busy, and I have a lot on my mind, your majesty,” said Galen quietly.

“I hope you have thought over my offer from other night because I do mean it. I would like you on my council, and I know my queen would like to keep you close. Not to mention I believe you might be essential to my sister’s happiness,” said Leal.

“I appreciate everything you are willing to do for me,” said Galen. “But I need time to think things over, especially for your sister. Nothing means more to me than the princess’s happiness.”

“Then you would do well to make complete amends with her. She does love you, Galen. Your upbringing does not bother her in the slightest, not that it should. You seem a proper son of a lord. You can be a little less than differential to rank, but I find I like that, and I know my sister does.”

“Your sister could find a man much more appropriate than me that could give her everything without special favors from her brother. You must see it,” said Galen.

“I am sure my sister likes the comforts her position provides her as much as anyone, but I believe she cares more for you than anything in this world. I hate to see her unhappy. She is very important to me. I hate to see you unhappy as well, Galen,” said Leal.

“I do not wish to make her unhappy, or myself. I just need a little time to sort some things out. I do not wish to hurt her,” said Galen.

The door opened and Dracia and Lexine both walked into the room. Dracia sat next to Galen, and Lexine sat next to Leal with a smile.

“I hope you are well, brother,” said Lexine.

“I am very well, Lex,” said Leal as he squeezed her hand. “I hope you are just as well.”

“I am feeling better than I have been,” she said with smile before she glanced at Galen. “Shall we get started?”

Galen nodded. “So, Princess Lexine was able to find the word you were curious about, High Captain.”

“What word is this?” asked Leal.

“Resquarian,” answered Lexine.

“Where did you come across such a word, Dracia?” asked Leal.

“It was in a book on the gods that Galen had found. I worked on sensing the words, and I don’t remember much about it, except that one word,” said Dracia. “What have you found on it, Galen?”

“It seems to have been what the land was called before the kingdoms were formed,” said Galen. “At least according to the book Lexine found.”

“Yes, and there was some information on Navalia that we had not seen before,” said Lexine as she pulled out a book. “Here I have it marked so you can read it for yourself.”

Dracia took the book and opened it to the marked page. She read over it quickly and looked up at Lexine. “This is interesting,” said Dracia.

“What is it?” asked Leal as he reached for the book. “Let me see.”

Dracia pushed the book towards him, and Leal read over it. “You think this is true?” he asked as he looked up at Galen and then over to Lexine.

“I think it very well could be,” said Galen. “Though, I am not sure what they mean by the followers of Ricardia and Alvina, I believe the gods of knowledge and power may be more obvious.”

“How so?” asked Dracia as Lexine handed Galen another book.

“You remember the picture from that book you sensed the other day?” asked Galen as he opened the book to the picture. “Look at what it says under it.”

“Knowledge, Wisdom, and Power,” said Dracia. “You think this is a picture of the gods of Knowledge and Power?”

“We think it could be,” said Lexine. “Though I don’t understand why wisdom isn’t included.”

“It is odd,” said Leal. “But it would explain why the Cassendar king had to expel the followers of power and knowledge for being violent. Knowledge and power are very dangerous without wisdom. My father told me that repeatedly when I was younger. He said a powerful king is unsettled. A knowledgeable king can be a good thing, but knowledge untethered can soon lead to foolishness. He said a king of wisdom knows when to wield power, and how to use knowledge.”

Lexine looked at Leal curiously. “Father said that?” she asked.

“Yes, he said he learned it from his father. He said all good kings needed to learn it.”

“It makes sense,” said Galen. “But what of the women in the picture. If they are gods, why aren’t they mentioned anymore? The rest of this book talks of the gods of mercy, health, life, and death. If these woman are included, they must be gods like the rest?”

“I have never heard of them,” said Leal. “Though the picture does seem familiar.”

“High Captain, do you remember anything from the other day when you sensed the words?”

“Besides being very tired and weepy, no?” said Dracia. “I am not sure if my mood was connected to this book, but I was very done in after our time in the library.”

“Is that what was wrong with you the other night?” asked Leal.

“I was just tired, and I had some bad dreams, I believe,” said Dracia. “As I said, I am not sure it was connected to this book.”

“Do you think you might try with this book again?” asked Galen. “Perhaps you might remember something this time, and it would help us better understand these gods.”

“I can try if you wish,” said Dracia as she turned the page.

“I am not sure this is a good idea,” said Lexine as she reached forward and took Dracia’s hand. “What if your dreams and mood were affected by this book? I don’t want to see your hurt.”

Leal looked at his sister and then his is wife. “She might be right, dearest. We will be heading to Lanoxan soon, and you are already in pain from your leg. I would hate to see you weakened by anything else.”

“How could some words on a page hurt me?” asked Dracia dismissively. “You are all here with me. If something seems amiss, one of you can simply pull me away. I would like to try.”

Leal knew there was no use arguing. If this was something she wanted to do, better she do it here in front of all there of them, than her sneaking off later and trying by herself. Leal nodded at Dracia as Lexine sighed.

Leal watched as Dracia put her fingers on the page and closed her eyes. She made a slight noise and seemed to lean forward closer to the book. She was quiet for several moments, as her fingers slowly made their way down the page.

“Alvie,” Dracia said quietly in a breath. “Alvie, you must see why it has to be this way.”

Leal looked at Galen who was watching Dracia as she moved her fingers very slowly. Dracia’s eyes were scrunched up as in pain. Her breathing was becoming faster as two tears fell on her cheeks. Leal was about to reach over and take her hand when she seemed to relax.

“Theirry,” she said softly with a smile. “I am here, now.”

Dracia’s fingers fell off the page, and her body sagged down as though she was unconscious. She leaned over, her head resting on Galen.

“Dracia,” said Leal urgently as she stood up and leaned over to put his hand on her shoulder. “Dracia, are you alright.”

She made a quiet noise and her eyes blinked open. She sat up quickly with a gasp, and looked at Leal.

“Are you alright, dearest,” said Leal urgently.

She nodded as she wiped the tears off of her cheeks.

“Do you remember anything of what you just sensed, Captain?” asked Galen.

“Sophia didn’t want to live with the gods anymore. She wanted to live as we do. She wanted to live amongst the created ones. Her sisters were angry, but I am not sure why. She didn’t care. She just wanted to be with him.”

“With whom?” asked Lexine.

“Theirry,” Dracia said as she looked at Leal. “She wanted to be with Theirry Cassendar.”

Dracia leaned down and put her hand on her head. “I am sorry, that is all I remember. I am very tired.”

Lexine reached over and took the book away. “That is enough, Dracia. I don’t want you touching this book again. It obviously affects you in some way.”

She nodded as she rubbed her head. “I think I need to go lie down.”

“Then we shall go to our room,” said Leal walked over to her and taking her hand. He helped her to stand.

“I am sorry I couldn’t find out more, Galen,” said Dracia.

“It is fine, High Captain. Lexine is right. I don’t think you should even touch that book for at least a while,” said Galen.

“Go rest, Dracia. We shall see you at dinner if you feel better,” said Lexine.

Leal put his arm around Dracia and walked her out of the library and down the hall towards their room as she leaned on him. As the approached their room, Leal swept her up into his arms with no complaint from her. She leaned against his chest and closed her eyes. He awkwardly opened the door to their room, not wanting to put her down, and walked in, closing the door with his foot. He took her over to the bed and carefully laid her down. She opened her eyes and looked at Leal.

“I am sorry,” she said quietly. “I am just so tired all of the sudden.”

“Rest, my love. You have nowhere else to be. You can rest all evening if you wish.”

“You will not leave me, will you? Please do not leave me,” said Dracia pleadingly.

Leal laid down next to her and took her into his arms. “I will stay right here with you for as long as you like,” said Leal as he kissed her forehead. “Try to rest.”

She nodded and leaned into him, and he could tell she quickly fell asleep. He held her as she slept, watching the shadows grow in his room as evening approached. After watching her for some time, he felt his own eyes close.