Chapter 7

© Copyright 2005 by Elizabeth Delayne



Justen stood alone in the tent, dressed in his royal attire, shimmering silk that had come by the sea. He stared down at his ring, turning it so the carving caught in the dim light. Luther had handed it to him only that morning. It felt ... heavier somehow, the weight of responsibility suddenly so foreboding.

Today, he was a prince.

Despite the information that they would be welcome, he could still be marked for death.

He hadn’t been sent to solve the problems. He didn’t have answers, promises or detailed treaties. He had instructions from the top advisors, and his father’s reputation of honor. Still, he’d only been sent to gather information.

And carry the word that Darbenton was still an ally.

But allied ... Justen wondered ... against what force?

Oh, it was Gouten. The kingdom to the North had moved down on the fair city. They’d entered, brought in uncertainty, the darkness. Oppression and turbulence seemed to pulse in the outer parts of the realm.

The paths in and out of the city were blocked. Fairingham was cut off. Trade had been limited to that within the kingdom.

But when ... how, were questions for which he didn’t have answers. What had happened in the Forest of Dreams, to the mystical animals ... and why were the pathways to Darbenton under fire?

What alliance had the king of Fairingham made or not made for his kingdom?

Justen furrowed his brow and held the ring up so that the ruby caught the light that came through an open seam in the tent. The ruby glowed over the etchings of the lion and the horse, bright with promise against the strain of the day.

He closed his hand over it. The ring held no answers.

Why had Gouten moved now?

And how much damage had already been done?

The tent flaps rustled and Rufious stepped inside. “We are ready for you, your majesty.”

Justen slid the ring onto his finger, closed his eyes, and breathed a prayer. After all, whom had his mother taught him to turn?

Shouldn’t this be a time he did?

Go with us.



There was a great commotion in the castle.

Mary hurried through the halls and up the grand stairs, as a pair of servants from the king’s chamber rushed down. She muttered her pardons as she turned to squeeze between the two of them. She lifted the skirts and quickened her pace.

“Look,” she rushed inside the princess’s room, past Stephanie, and pushed open the stained glass window. The light broke through the dim room.

“Come look.”

Stephanie, still a little weak from the illness, moved toward the window. She peered down at the crowd below. A crowd was gathering at the gate.

“What’s is happening?”

“Riders came through from Darbenton. The Prince is said to come through soon.”

“The prince ... of Darbenton?” Stephanie stared down at the crowd below, then looked further out, over the mountains, toward Darbenton. “We already have Gouten at our gates.”

“But Darbenton!” Mary danced merrily around the room. “They are not the enemy! Haven’t you heard the songs–?
With Darbenton we are glad!
With Darbenton we grow mad.
With shouts of joy and love a praise
for friendship reigns in the days
Where Darbenton in our hands we had.

And how about the one that starts ... let’s see ...
A mystical city by the sea
surrounded by those old shade trees
where wise men contemplate
and think on the friendship and fate
that has joined these kingdoms and made them free!
Look for the banner, blazing bright
with the lion that shines with light.
Darbenton comes on that day
Horses lead the way
'Tis Darbenton who honors their creed.”

Mary stopped and turned and found the princess watching her, puzzled. She blushed, but still managed to shake her head impatiently. “Have you not heard the songs?”

“Of course I have heard the songs of Darbenton ...” Stephanie curled her fingers over the window sill and she chanced another glance outside–wishing, hoping ... so like the people below ... waiting and watching. “But songs are songs, not signs of truth. Where has Darbenton been ... and why have they been absent for so long?”

“That is a reason to rejoice. They have finally come through, the paths must be open! It’s been silent for nearly a year. A whole year ... or more. The curse must be broken.”

“The curse?”

“What else would have kept the paths through the mountains and forest blocked but a curse or a spell?”

“Curses and spells,” Stephanie shook her head, “tis the army of Gouten more likely.”

“If so, then they did not hold Darbenton back.”

“No,” Stephanie agreed, then began to smile. “Really ... Darbenton? Darbenton has returned.”

Mary laughed and rushed forward to grab Stephanie’s hands. “Come ... you will be expected in the Great Hall ... then you will see.”

When she tugged, Stephanie followed ... both, in their own way, anticipating the arrival of the prince.

Francisinna and Mellianna met them at the stairs, coming up from below. They wore day dresses of the finest silk, brights colors of royalty woven into the rich fabric. Francisinna, with her piles of golden curls, looked furious.

But it was Mellianna who spoke, quietly, glancing at Francisinna as if expecting something more from her. “We have been sent to our rooms.”

“To our rooms?” Stephanie repeated.

“Father feels that he must meet with the messengers from Darbenton privately. We are not to disturb them–-”

Francisinna tossed her hands up. “Why this foolery? We know that an alliance has been made with Gouten. Darbenton is now our enemy!”

“Our enemy?” Even Mellianna looked appalled. “But we could all be at peace. Our kingdom ... we could unite them all though our marriages.”

“Gouten would never lay down her honor. Fool girl,” Francisinna waved a hand impatiently. “You have been listening to the songs again ...” She pointed a finger at Mary. “The peasants continue to sing them, even after the alliance. The songs should be outlawed!”

“But ‘tis Darbenton!”

“Mellianna, you are betrothed into the line of Gouten! Think not of Darbenton, but of Fralinco and Martin!” Francinna fumed. “Do you not forget the promises that were made–that you were about to make? Honor is at stake. Come. I will explain it to you all over again.”

She grabbed Mellianna’s hand and pulled her past Stephanie and on down the hall as she continued to shout her angst about the most recent events.

Mary looked at Stephanie.

“They are still in line to be married? But the alliance ...”

Stephanie watched her sisters disappear into Francisinna’s suite, then closed her eyes in weariness. Darbenton had arrived too late.


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