The High King: Book Two of the 'Riothamus' trilogy Read online

  Aran’s face reddened, “I would assume so. Captain Taran is very careful of his daughter. I doubt she has had opportunity or reason to gainsay his wishes.”

  “True,” Maran mused, “She has been protected and cherished all her life. Yet you believe she will accept you and the position that comes with being your mate.”

  Aran stared at the Archmage, “I have not yet asked her. I wanted to make certain that I was free to choose my Queen…” Aran frowned, “I don’t know how she’s going to react as I’ve scarcely seen or spoken to her over the past few days,” he worried.

  “You will need to forewarn her of your intentions,” Maran said, “In case she has no feelings for you. Then after you have been crowned you will need to confront the Council and let them know that you will not be accepting their candidate.” He smiled grimly, “They will not back down quietly on this matter for it has been custom in the past for the Andurian line to choose from the Old Families of Haulgard, and the Council is wholly made up of members of the Old Families.”

  Aran stared at Maran, his mouth tightening and deep in his belly he felt a sudden surge of the familiar anger, “They will soon learn that I am not a weak-willed man,” he growled angrily. “I will fight for the things I want and believe in.”

  Maran’s lips curled upwards, “I believe you. Andur was of a similar mind when he went to fight for the hand of Baranta…and he won.”

  “I hope their memories are long,” Aran muttered his anger coursing through him.

  Maran walked over to the door, “However I must go and ask Mage Theaua to start the search for Trevan. The sooner he is found the better,” he mumbled.

  “And of Alissa,” Aran asked standing, his eyes like grey flint, “Do I have the mage’s support in this?”

  Maran gazed over at the young man, “Aye, on the condition that she is maid still.”

  “How will I know?” Aran replied bewildered, his quick anger immediately fading with sudden embarrassment, “I mean I just can’t go up and ask her. She’ll murder me!”

  Maran smiled grimly, “If she accepts your proposal then she will need to be examined by one of the Healermages. Mage Anesta is a discreet woman. She will be able to provide utter proof of Alissa’s maidenhood.”

  Aran grinned wryly, “Despite what I must ask Alissa, at least I now have hope. Before then I was resigned to marrying a woman I didn’t know or love. I couldn’t bear that, I must have some feeling for the woman I am to spend my life with.”

  Maran grimaced, “Then my hopes and wishes go with you Arantur, for you will have a hell of a fight with the Council over your choice.”

  Aran nodded firmly, “I will fight…I will not be swayed in my decision.”

  “Good,” Maran replied dryly. “I will look forward that that battle. However I believe you ought to speak to Alissa about this. Make it soon you are to be crowned at week’s end.”

  Aran walked over to stare out of the window, “Then I will speak to her this very night.”

  *

  It was after dinner, and Andur’s heir paced nervously around the confines of the royal chambers. It had been too many days since he had time or opportunity to speak with Alissa, and he felt distinctly unprepared for this interview with her. He knew within himself that he could not accept any other woman to share his life, and even had he a simpler life to offer her he knew that he would have been no less nervous about asking her. It was a life altering decision she had to make, and Aran was even now uncertain what her final answer would be. Aran knew that he would not blame her if she refused him, for he knew only too well how much his life had changed in the past week, and even now he was not certain if she still felt affection or even desire for him. He could only hope that the deep friendship she professed for him would be the deciding factor in her decision.

  “Aran?” Her voice came from the door, “You wanted me? Are you not well?”

  Aran turned, “Come in, sit down…I need to speak with you about something.”

  She nodded closing the door. Aran waited until she had selected a chair near the fire then sat down hurriedly across from her.

  She stared at him in consternation, “Whatever is the matter? Is something wrong? Are you ill?”

  He shook his head, “No…nothing is wrong.”

  He chewed his bottom lip in frustration at his inability to get the words out.

  “You know I am your friend Aran,” she said leaning forward, “There ought not to be secrets between us.”

  “I know Alissa,” he answered hurriedly, “I just don’t know how to say this correctly, and I am certain this is going to come out all wrong, but…”

  He paused then plunged in recklessly, “I want you to be my Queen.”

  Alissa sat back and regarded him candidly, “I am not nobly born Aran, you know that.”

  He nodded.

  “And the Council has selected another woman to be your queen.”

  “I know, Maran has told me.”

  “Yet you would choose me. Why?”

  Aran looked up, desperation written clearly in his grey eyes, “Because you are the one woman I know who supports me, who is my friend and companion, and who has been a tower of strength to me. I feel comfortable with you Alissa and we both share Abilities. Another woman would not understand how the Abilities can rule your life.”

  She nodded at that.

  “Besides with you, I can be myself…there are no false pretensions between us,” he added quietly.

  “What about love?” she asked simply.

  Aran gazed at her helplessly, “I have never been in love before so I don’t know what love is supposed to feel like. I believe that I love you,” he said quietly, “All I know is I want to spend my life with you and the thought of choosing another over you is like poison to my heart and soul,” he added desperately, heroically.

  Alissa closed her eyes and sighed, “That is all I need to know.”

  Aran looked at her anxiously, “I need to know… Will you accept me?”

  She opened her eyes and gazed at him steadily, “You wonder that I am not surprised at your offer.”

  He nodded dumbly.

  “I have long suspected your regard for me,” Alissa explained simply, “A man’s regard for a woman is something that all females know.” She smiled gently at his embarrassment, “I did not think anything would come of it…especially since your elevation.” She shrugged, “That is why I have kept away and did not resume the closeness we had before you were named heir.” She paused, and her green eyes were solemn, “I believed that after you were crowned you would choose a wife from the Old Families of Haulgard… it has always happened that way,” she added softly. “I thought that you did not want to continue our association, since I am only the daughter of the Captain of the Guard and not nobly born.”

  “That does not matter to me,” Aran grated.

  “I did not know that,” she replied simply.

  “Then will you have me?” he asked yet again.

  She put up her hand, and he fell silent, uncomfortable, suspecting she was going to refuse him. “I do love you,” she added, “I have done so since the first time we met. Ah that surprises you, I thought it would,” she smiled again at his discomfiture.

  She stood and walked over to the window, “Do you believe that I would be a fit Queen?”

  “Of course,” he replied adamantly, “I can think of no other woman more suited to the role.”

  She turned and smiled at him again, “Then I accept. Now I believe that my role as your Queen is as predestined as your heritage and Kingship. You just surprised me by asking…I honestly did not think you were so willing to take on the Council so soon into your Kingship.”

  Aran grinned suddenly his heart lightening, “I am not King yet, but for you Alissa I would happily take on the entire Thakurian army.”

  There was silence for a moment, and then she asked, “When will you tell them?”

  “Who?”

  Alissa turned and stared o
ut at the night sky, “The Council, the mages.”

  Aran went to her and put his arms about her waist, “The mages already know. I spoke to Archmage Maran this very evening. He supports us.”

  Alissa gently removed his hands, “Until you are King, and until the Council has endorsed your choice, I think any closeness would be a bad idea.”

  Aran stepped away frowning, “I don’t understand.”

  Alissa turned and smiled sadly, “If you were just an ordinary man Arantur, I would be now happily warming your bed.” Seeing his expression, she hastened to continue. “However you are not an ordinary man, and the man who soon will be king needs his Queen-to-be to show restraint until everyone has given us their approval and blessing. We must be circumspect, you and I.”

  “But I love you and want to be with you,” he said unhappily.

  She put out a hand and gently touched his face, “One of us needs to be clear headed and sensible about this my love. If the Council agrees to our union, then there will be no barrier to our affection.”

  Aran pulled an unsteady hand through his hair, “Very well, we will be circumspect then.” He stared at her in some amazement, “Are you always so…rational?”

  Alissa laughed at that, “No! It’s just that whenever I am with you I must be clear and cool headed, otherwise I am threatened to be carried away by my emotions and desires.”

  Aran smiled at that, “Good…” then he frowned. “By Andur I almost forgot…you must be first examined by Healermage Anesta.”

  “Examined?” Alissa asked, puzzled. “I am not sick.”

  Aran turned away to hide his embarrassment, “It’s not my idea, believe me, but it seems vitally important that you are a maiden still.” He turned to face her, his features flushed, “The mages won’t accept you otherwise.”

  Alissa stared at him, her face a study of amazement and embarrassment, “Of course I am a maiden! No man has been near me. Didn’t you tell Maran that?”

  He nodded unhappily, “It’s just that they need to be certain. For some reason it is important that you come to me a maid.”

  “Very well,” she replied stiffly. “Speak to Maran, get him to arrange it.”

  Aran stared doubtfully at her, “You’re not angry with me?”

  She pulled a face, “No Aran I’m not angry with you. It’s just irritating that they can’t take my word on this—that they have to check for themselves…” She sighed in resignation, “No matter, I will do as they ask.”

  Aran sighed in profound relief, “Good, thank-you”

  Alissa glanced to the door, “I must go…you and I should be circumspect about the way we meet.” She smiled, “Until we have the full support of the Council we must only meet whilst we are in company with others.”

  Aran nodded asking, “Please let me hold you this one time. I promise not to ask you again.”

  She smiled and nodded. Aran stepped forward and he took her into his arms enfolding her within his tall strength. For a moment they just stood there, and then Aran bent his head and touched his lips to hers. For a heartbeat only the embrace was light, then the kiss deepened and Aran felt Alissa’s lips softening, her body swaying into his. For a long moment they kissed deeply, passionately, their minds and bodies yearning for deeper contact… then Alissa pulled away, her face flushed with emotion. Aran took a deep breath, turning away a little unsteadily. Finally, he turned back and saw that Alissa too had composed herself.

  “I’m sorry,” he apologised softly, “Whenever I take you into my arms Alissa, I forget myself.”

  She nodded, her green eyes huge with leashed passion, “I too am at fault,” she whispered. Then quickly smoothing her dark red gown she almost ran from the room.

  *

  “Still no word on Trevan?”

  Maran looked up from the papers scattered on the high table and met the worried eyes of Arantur.

  He shook his head, “No, but Theaua has only been gone three days.”

  “Tomorrow is my coronation,” Aran reminded the Archmage unnecessarily. “I would really like Trevan to be there.”

  Maran put the papers down and sighed, “If he can be brought here in time he will Arantur. We are doing everything…”

  There was a sudden clatter of footsteps heard outside the doors of the great hall and a familiar figure burst through.

  “Darven! Whatever’s the matter?” Aran’s head snapped up at the intrusion.

  The Wolf Leader quickly bowed his head, “Forgive me my lords but there is a great delegation arrived. They are waiting for you Aran.”

  Aran was already halfway to the door, “Who?”

  Darven waited until Maran had joined them then the three men hastily made their way down the spiral stairs of the internal Keep.

  “Embassies from the southern towns and cities,” he said over his shoulder. “Still more plainsmen, mages, Guardsmen, there are at least three dozen people.” Darven added his voice edged with excitement.

  Maran smiled in relief, “I was worried that the Guard would not have had enough time to collect them all.”

  The three men hurried to the main gatehouse and horse yards, where a great company of people were dismounting and overseeing the removal of luggage and belongings. Captain Taran, who was in the thick of the crowd and hoarsely bawling out instructions to any guardsman who was unfortunate enough to be within sight, spotted Aran and immediately knelt down and bowed his head. The people about him looked startled towards the trio, and surmising that one of the two young men was the heir, immediately followed his lead and knelt. Darven seeing them kneeling, drew away, and started to gather the unloaded horses, leading them towards stabling, whilst Archmage Maran walked over to one side to speak quietly to one of the newly arrived mages. This intentional abandonment by his two companions only heightened the awareness of the crowd upon Aran and he quickly moved to speak.

  “Greetings all,” he said clearly, “I am Arantur, last of the Andurian line and Prince of Andur’s Keep. I bid you welcome to this place.” He looked upon them kneeling in the dust, “Please get up,” he said, “For until tomorrow I ask for no great formality from you all.” He watched until they all stood, “Please see Captain Taran about your accommodations within the Keep,” he added.

  He saw the nods and curious smiles, and seeing Maran beckoning him over, went to join the newly arrived mages.

  “Prince Arantur,” Maran began, “I would like to introduce you to some others that have come to witness your coronation. Here are Mages Trenny, Aold and Hela, they are all Weathermages.” Aran gazed at the three and nodded to them, he had immediately recognised the small blonde Weathermage Hela from his brief visit to Glaive.

  “The next three are Solak, Urbar and Genn, they are Healermages,” Aran smiled and nodded.

  “And finally Cela, Tedur and Landey, they are of course Earthmages,” Aran smiled and inclined his head in greeting.

  “There are some other people here who also claim an acquaintance,” a voice came from the back of the crowd.

  Aran stared and to his deep relief, saw Mage Trevan making his way through the mass of people.

  “Trevan! I am so glad you made it back. I have been worrying endlessly about you,” Aran burst out, impulsively hugging his friend.

  Trevan exchanged a telling look with Archmage Maran.

  “Look what happens when I am away for just a few weeks,” Trevan said smiling. “The heir to the Andurian line is found, and who should it be, but my young friend Arantur of Leigh.”

  Aran moved back grinning, “Did you suspect at all Trevan?”

  The older mage pursed his lips, “I began to…especially after seeing you with Archmage Maran at Glaive. You are both very similar in features and temperament.”

  “Arantur! Thy face hast been missed sorely…dost this now mean that thou won’t be returning to the forge?” Aran spun around in confusion, Trevan quite forgotten.

  “Master Cody, are you here also?”

  The large blacksmith, almost u
nrecognisable in his travelling clothes stepped out from the crowd.

  “Aye lad and am wearied from much hard riding.”

  Aran hastened over and warmly clasped the hand of his old master, “Did the Guard bring you?”

  Cody nodded, “When thy Guards came to the forge I was much surprised. I dust not know if I had erred or not. But when thy Guards told me I must come to thine Keep, to witness the coronation of the last heir of Andur, thou couldst have knocked me over I was so amazed.”

  Aran was all smiles, “So they told you I was to be king.”

  Cody replied, “Aye lad, I always knew thee had strength and quality.” He looked questioning at Aran, “Art thou truly the last of Andur’s line?”

  Aran nodded, “And Metalmage and Warriormage. Cody, do you think less of me for all these new titles?”

  The blacksmith stared at his young friend, “Nay lad, if the province had to be ruled by someone, I am only glad that thou art the one to be chosen for it.”

  Aran looked around, “Has Sed and his parents come as well?”

  Cody shook his head, “Sed took the news heavily Arantur, I dust not think he is overly glad his foster brother will be King.”

  Aran frowned at that, “And his family feels that way too?”

  Cody shook his head, “Nay lad, thy old family were astounded by the news. They felt shy about coming here and pleaded with the Guard to excuse them. They did not like the idea of travelling so far from Leigh.”

  Aran nodded, understanding, “I am not surprised for they are not adventurous people. I will call on them when we travel through Leigh on our way to the border.”

  Cody stared at Aran in some bewilderment, “Thou intend to return to Leigh?”

  “Aye Cody, but only briefly,” Aran replied, “I have a war to fight.”

  The blacksmith stepped back in surprise, “The Thakur raids?”

  Aran nodded, “I ought not to say more, but the situation is far graver than any of us feared.” Aran met the eyes of his old master, “I would ask you to keep secret what I have told you. Now is not the time the spread any tidings of war.”