The Wanderer - Part 3

Vaydros’ head throbbed, sending small waves of pain down his neck and through his body. Slowly opening his eyes, he looked around the small room. His vision was cloudy so he squinted and blinked hard, trying to clear his sight through sheer willpower. He felt a wave of dizziness building and closed his eyes, resting his head back on the frigid stone floor. Gradually, he began to make out some details of the small room, though there was not much to see. Vaydros cursed under his breath and sat up, groaning, his body stiff and aching. He sat on a cold, stone floor, surrounded by 4 walls of matching cold rock. A very thick door with a small, barred window was centered in one of the narrower walls. A prison cell. It was intolerably small, not quite square, but without a stick of furniture. The only items in there were a bucket and a small bowl. There were no windows to the outside either, making the tiny chamber dark and stuffy. The only indication of the outside world was a pale light coming in through the small window in the door. An icy chill made its way up his spine, more from the realization that he was a prisoner than from the cold. Vaydros ran his hand through his thick hair, feeling the lump on his head and the clumps of matted blood. Who on earth were those men? What did they want with him? That icy chill froze him as he recalled one of the men talking…oh no…Lendri. It was her they wanted, and they didn’t sound like it was for a pleasant purpose. Dread gripped him as he slowly crawled over to the door and achingly climbed to his feet. He carefully looked out the small window, seeing nothing but more stone walls and doors along a narrow hallway. 

“Lendri?” he called out softly. “Are you here? Lendri? It’s Vaydros”. He paused, listening intently for any sounds. After a moment, he heard a soft scraping sound, and then a groan. “Lendri? Is that you? Are you hurt?” he asked, a little louder this time. Please be her, he thought to himself, please be ok. 

“Vaydros?” a soft voice whispered back. “It’s me. It’s Lendri. Are you ok? Did those louts…?” she didn’t get to finish her question as the sound of a large door opening grated down the passageway. Footsteps shuffled down the hall and Vaydros quickly stepped up to the door, hoping in vain that this was a rescue. 

“Ahh, so ya folk are finally up ‘n’ about. Good…good.” A small man with wispy white hair, hunched over from long years and a hard life, hobbled down the hallway with a small pail and ladle. “I fetched ya both a bit o’ fare to eat. He wants ya kept outta the way, not dead. Well, not yet, anyways.” the man began a loud, rasping chuckle, then fell into a coughing fit. Vaydros winced at the man’s hacking cough, then grabbed his bowl, holding it up to the barred window. The ladle barely fit between the bars, but the old man somehow managed to splash some stew into the bowl. Vaydros’ stomach rumbled with hunger, and while the stew barely seemed edible, he wasn’t about to starve himself in protest. He wasn’t even sure what he was protesting against. He heard Lendri groan in revulsion at the stew and his lips twisted in agreement. It smelled terrible, and probably didn’t taste much better. He heard the man shuffle away and the large door grind shut again, and after listening for a moment to make sure they were alone, he whispered back to Lendri. “Are you Ok? Did they harm you? What do they want with you?”

Lendri sighed and he heard her door creak and he knew she was leaning against it. “I’m OK, not the worst headache I have had. As for what they want me for, I am not certain, but I am not terribly surprised to find myself brought back here. Before I left Caradyn, I had…..misgivings…about some of the things going on in the Palace, but I had no proof of anything, and all I could do was wait. Then I received some disturbing messages about the Ghubleks by raven, so I decided to leave the city to investigate. It was strange, though…every time I tried to leave, something happened to stop me. I finally snuck out of the city, but I did not learn any more about what was happening in the palace. They must have discovered I was gone and come to track me down. Though the fact that I am in a prison cell makes me…uneasy.” Lendri went silent, and so did Vaydros. He sat down on the floor, bowl in hand. He retreated into his thoughts, struggling to reason out what was happening to the Kingdom. 

Vaydros slowly picked at his stew and finally posed his question. “So as a King’s Scout, what would be your best guess to what is happening?” 

Lendri remained silent for a moment and then let out a sigh. “My best guess? Part of me thinks that someone is making their play for the throne, though it would be a imprudent move right now, as the Kingdom is doing well and the people love their king. Any usurper would have a very difficult time ruling, as a King needs the support of the people. Trying to seize the throne without the people’s backing is incredibly difficult. However….the King has been….erratic…lately. Making strange decisions, treating people he loves differently. I thought that to be suspicious, but none of his decisions or strange behaviour has been extremely dangerous or foolish. But something tells me that something is not quite right. And now, out of the blue, the Ghubleks are flooding the land, coming from who knows where, bandits are raiding villages up North, Pirates are coming off the seas and into the Kingdom, seizing merchants and stealing their goods…if these things had been building over the years, I would simply assume that the King’s Guards were failing in their duty to maintain the peace, but all these ruffians and problems are hitting hard, all at the same time…like it was planned that way. It seems a little too coincidental.”

 Vaydros sat wordlessly, thinking about what Lendri said, various ideas floating around in his mind. He chewed on a gristly bite of beef from his stew, thinking through the details. “So how is someone is organizing something like this?”

Lendri paused in her chewing, then swallowed hard. “I can’t imagine who would even be able to do such a thing. The coordination and planning, and I can’t imagine how the Ghubleks found their way here…the only way could be with black magic, but nobody uses that anymore. It was banned Taking over the kingdom this way…it’s a monumental task, and not very practical. I just don’t understand the purpose of going through all the pains of causing such chaos.” Lendri paused, and then quietly whispered “do you think they really mean to kill us as part of their plan?” Vaydros shuddered and finally said “I guess it just depends on how valuable we are, and if seeing us dead suits their purposes better than keeping us alive.” They both went quiet. 

Lendri awoke several hours later to stiff legs, an aching back, and an empty stomach, almost wishing she had eaten the stew. Almost. Disturbing dreams had plagued her sleep, and left her with an uneasy knot in her stomach. She rubbed her eyes and knuckled her forehead, trying to think. She had managed to get out of the Caradyn, concerned for the people outside the city gates who were suffering. She offered up a quick prayer to the gods on behalf of her family, worried for their safety. If someone truly was trying to seize the throne and organizing all the terrible things happening all over the kingdom, she knew her family, the Royal Family, were all in danger. What had happened in the Palace since she left? “I should have stayed” she murmured to herself. Her father had always taught her the importance of being familiar with the kingdom, and how going out into the kingdom to see your subjects for yourself and to get a feel for what was happening was far more reliable than any scouts, who usually only share what they believe to be important. She usually only left once a year for about a month, but with all the Ghubleks, bandits, and pirates causing such mayhem, she had decided to go out again. My father taught me well, she thought, and now here I am, a captive to someone bent on destroying my kingdom. 

Lendri wanted to cry, but Queen-in-training did not cry. At least, not when anyone else was around. Technically, she was alone, but Vaydros was down the narrow hallway, and even though he was snoring like a lumberjack, he would probably know if she cried. He was remarkably astute for a Wanderer. And handsome. No! She was not going to think about that. She sighed again, trying to focus on the issue of the maniac trying to take over the kingdom and would have to sort out her feelings for Vaydros later. 

She absentmindedly scratched her fingernail along a seam in the stone floor and mulled over the possibilities for awhile, then heard movement in Vaydros’ cell. She sat up, calling his name softly. He answered with a grunt, and she smiled wryly. “I know how you feel” she murmured. She turned to face the direction of Vaydros’ cell and leaned back against the cold wall, the chill biting into her back. As much as she tried not to think about him, she couldn’t help but wonder about that man. She had heard various stories about him, The Wanderer, while passing through several villages, but had never been able to put a face to a name. She had heard he was intelligent, quiet, kind-hearted and often helped folks out, more than most mercenary’s for hire, but mostly she heard how kept to himself. Her curiosity was growing…she was born a princess, but all she wanted to be was a Scout. The idea of wandering the land, not saddled with royal responsibilities, not cornered into doing all the things you didn’t want to do…it was highly appealing to her. The fact was, she envied this man. “so, Wanderer…where are you from? You said a Village in the middle of nowhere, but that really isn’t very helpful” she smiled in the dark, trying to cheer both her and Vaydros up a bit. A good Queen does what she can to bolster the spirits of her subjects. Another of her mother’s lessons. 

Before Vaydros could answer, the door creaked open loudly, and the little jailer shuffled through the passageway, a tall, cloaked figure gliding silently behind him. The jailer was scowling, glaring through Lendri’s little window at her. Lendri frowned slightly, a sense of anxiety creeping into her. This isn’t good, she thought. She swiftly thought through some escape plans, but rejected them when she realized she couldn’t get Vaydros out and still have time for them to escape. She wasn’t about to leave him behind, even if a chance to escape herself. The dreams she had last night…she couldn’t shake the feeling that she needed to stay close to him. 

The tall, cloaked man moved in front of the barred window and removed his hood. He was old, and his pale face was weathered and deeply lined. He had short, thinning dark hair, but his eyes were dark, and Lendri nearly took a step backwards at the intensity she saw in them. Then she realized who he was. She peered up into his face and asked, mystified, “Lord Tedren?”. 

His stern face cracked a smile, but that smile did not reach his eyes. “Lady Selendriel, I am so glad we have found you. I regret that you were placed in this prison…I sent my men out to find you after we discovered you were missing from the Palace. Apparently they misunderstood my instructions.” Lendri felt chills crawl up her back at the man’s oily voice. She had never liked this man, despite him being one of the King’s First Advisor. She had no reason to distrust him, but found it hard to have confidence in the man while he made her skin crawl. She heard the key rattle in the lock and the cell door scraped open. Lord Tedren stepped aside allowing Lendri to step into the hallway and bowed low, almost mockingly. Lendri ignored him and walked past, heading straight for Vaydros’ cell.

She turned to Lord Tedren and crossed her arms underneath her breasts, nodding her head towards the cell door. “Now him.” 

Lord Tedren hesitated and the small jailer glanced up at him. Tedren’s eyes narrowed slightly and he looked at Vaydros through the small window, and then frowned at Lendri, his eyes hardening.

“I’m afraid we cannot release him, my Lady. He is imprisoned on rightful charges and must remain right where he is.” 

Lendri looked at the man in shock, and sputtered “what charges could those possibly be?” She glared at Lord Tedren, and then to the jailer. 

Lord Tedren raised his hands in a soothing manner, and if it was even possible, his oily voice became oilier as spoke. “He is here on charges of kidnapping the Princess. Lady Selendriel, He kidnapped you.” Lendri hesitated, seeing it in her mind. He did kidnap her…he bound her hands and held her prisoner….wait, no! She squeezed her eyes shut, forcing those images from her mind. 

“No! That is….that is not how it happened” Lendri was confused…she could remember it happening, but her heart knew it was wrong. Something was wrong. She rubbed her eyes with her fingers, trying to clear the confusion. When she opened her eyes, she saw Lord Tedren staring at her, his eyes penetrating and his lips tight and thin. She turned to Vaydros, who looked nervous, but in his eyes, he was still the kind man she had heard so much about. Lord Tedren was wrong. “Release him, Lord Tedren. This moment. Whatever you were told is wrong, this man did not kidnap me…I think…I think I was the one who kidnapped him.” She frowned, still confused. Why did she feel so foggy? The white-haired jailor still hadn’t moved. “Release him! NOW!” She barked.

The little jailor stole a quick glance up to the tall Lord and then finally fumbled with the keys, and as he began to unlock Vaydros’ cell, Lendri squinted over her shoulder to Lord Tedren. He looked calm on the outside, but one look at his eyes and she knew he was fuming on the inside. Abruptly, the confusion lifted from her mind and she recalled with clarity what had occurred with Vaydros. She breathed a quick sigh of relief and reached out to hug Vaydros, who had now stepped out of his cell beside her.

Lord Tedren stood up straighter and said in a clipped voice “now come with me” and he abruptly turned and glided up the stairs, leaving the dungeon behind. Lendri smiled at Vaydros and Vaydros glanced back at her, giving her a tense smile, then quickly turned to follow the cloaked Lord.

Lendri was puzzled by Vaydros’ uneasiness, and a little hurt. She followed the men from the dungeon, and breathed in the fresh air as they came out into the courtyard. She stepped quickly to catch up and fell into step beside Vaydros. “What’s the matter? Suddenly you can’t even look at me?” She whispered nervously as they followed Lord Tedren. 

Vaydros reddened slightly, and without looking at her spoke roughly, “You are the Royal Princess, and you didn’t tell me. You said you were a scout, and you being a scout means I can talk to you, and even like you, but a Princess? I am not even close to being worthy of walking near you. Your station is so far above mine, my Lady…I am just a low peasant. I understand what that means…for us...not that there could ever be an…us” Vaydros fell silent with awkwardness, and Lendri felt the large chasm of emotional isolation open up between them. She sighed, allowing herself to fall behind Vaydros, feeling pained that once again her station had kept her from any semblance of normalcy. Vaydros was angry with her, and rightfully so. But it’s not like I can waltz about, announcing who I am to everyone I meet, she thought defensively. To do so would be just like painting a giant target on her back. She tried desperately to ignore the fact that despite her show of being a mere scout, she was located anyways. 

“Vaydros, I’m sorry I lied…I was going to tell you eventually, I just didn’t want you to treat me like a…like a princess.” Lendri sighed, knowing just how hollow that excuse sounded. Lord Tedren came to an abrupt halt ahead of them, and Lendri looked around to see where they were. They were near the Palace chapel…in the cemetery. Lendri’s heart dropped and dread filled her.

Lord Tedren turned to face her, his attempt to look apologetic coming out more like a sneer. “I am so sorry to be the one to tell you this, Lady Selendriel, but your parents, the King and Queen, are dead. There was an assassin…I am afraid that we have not been able to find the perpetrator. You are now Queen, my Lady.”

Lendri stared at the fresh grave stones, no longer listening to Lord Tedren. Tears filled her eyes and she dropped to her knees in the grass. Her parents were dead? How? Why? No, this was wrong somehow. They couldn’t be dead! But as she tried desperately to convince herself there was a mistake, she knew deep down that it was true. It must have been whoever was attempting to take over the kingdom…oh no…what if she hadn’t snuck out? Would she be dead too? Lendri felt her head swimming, and she hoped she wouldn’t get sick. She was weeping openly now, tears streaming down her cheeks, and she felt and arm slide around her shoulders, gently lifting her up onto her feet. Lendri’s grief ran so deep that she never noticed she was being taken back to her chambers, and her boots removed. Someone picked her up and placed her in her bed, but she failed to notice that too. Someone handed her some mulled wine, and she drank it. Staring up at the ceiling, sleep claimed her, and she drifted into darkness.