The Four Swords

Chapter 118: Unfortunate Assignment

Along with the help of my traveling companions, I explained what was seen in the prophecy that the gnomes so graciously showed us. Queen Valerie's brow furrowed upon hearing that sounds were not common in such magical displays. I do not think she liked that piece of information.

"You said you were met at the border by only 3 gnomes? Two of which were from the direct royal family?" Queen Valerie inquired.

"Yes, Your Majesty," I replied. Not sure what that part had to do with anything, but I answered her question honestly.

"What does that mean, My Queen?" Sir John asked. Few people used that more familiar title rather than Her Majesty, but with him it rolled off the tongue.

"Good question. Sir John. I have been reading up on gnomish prophecy since I heard of the last prophecy about our kingdom. It seems the gnomish royal line came to power because their prophetic ability is said to be among the most accurate. It gave their kingdom hope that those in power might make the wisest choices for their prosperity," Queen Valerie explained.

"Since there were two members of the royal family present for this prophecy that would mean they should possess quite a lot of power. Could this overabundance of power be the cause of the sound that burst the prophecy, Your Majesty?" Lord Jacobson started his query with an excited exuberance that faded as he realized he was probably speaking out of turn and a bit too loudly. The formal title was added at the end to curb his enthusiasm and try to maintain some semblance of decorum.

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"Although the royal siblings should possess a lot of power, I cannot imagine this was the first time they have been called upon to prophesy together. Their power might have aided in such a strong reaction, but I do not think that it was the source," the Queen wisely responded.

Sadly beyond this piece of knowledge about the gnomes, the council seemed just as stumped as my traveling companions were about what we had seen. Lord Bleddyn stared at a fixed point on the table for most of the meeting. I think if anyone might have insight into our enemy that could prove helpful, it might be him. The Swordsman from the clan of wolves seemed almost catatonic instead of helpful.

While my traveling companions explained what we had theorized as a group, my focus wandered to the tired warrior. The fire that once drove Lord Bleddyn to be outspoken and bold seemed to have been reduced to ash and embers. Defeated was the word that best described him in my mind. We needed all of our Swordsmen in top shape to face this enemy as a united front. I think someone needs to talk to him. As if the council read my thoughts, Lord Bleddyn's name was called.

"Lord Bleddyn? Do you not agree?" Lord Garrison repeated.

"Beg pardon. What?" Lord Bleddyn replied as his eyes finally shifted around the room. It was almost as if he was realizing he was in the council chamber for the first time since the meeting began.

Lord Garrison cleared his throat to allow his brother-in-arms a moment to collect himself. "Do not you agree that it might be best if we keep our soldiers and scouting parties closer to the capital along the northern border? If the first part of the prophecy is in fact about the Autarch, we will have no way of knowing if it comes to pass. The best we can do is try to keep our men further from dangerous ledges. That is if you and Lord Holden agree." Lord Garrison's logic was sound.

"I agree," I added, giving Lord Bleddyn a few more moments to collect his thoughts.

"If those are our orders, they will be carried out. Is that all, Your Majesty?" Lord Bleddyn inquired.

Queen Valerie looked frustrated at the question before her face softened toward the man. He was trying to heal from the shock of everything in his own way and I could see the compassion in her eyes.

"I suppose so. The Petitioner's Court is supposed to begin soon anyway. Council is dismissed," She announced. Lord Bleddyn was the first to rise and quickly scurry out of the room. I could not blame him for disliking being within the stuffy walls of the castle. He probably needed some fresh air.

I breathed a sigh. I had not been given a new assignment besides telling my men along the border to rein in their scouting perimeter. I think that means that I might be able to spend some time away from the capital and get to do more than pass through the place I call home.

"Lord Holden, a word?" Queen Valerie asked as the throng of people started to exit.

"Certainly, Your Majesty," I replied. I lingered near my seat and caught a glimpse of Princess Alina trying to catch Carrion. Carrion seemed to not notice as he ran after his father.

When the door closed behind the rest of our counterparts, Queen Valerie spoke. "Lord Holden, thank you for accompanying my daughter and the rest of the group to the border."

"It was my duty, Queen Valerie," I responded. I could not bring myself to tell her that I was thoroughly relieved that it did not last longer. I was not cut out for babysitting.

The Queen's expression soured. "Was that all it was? Did you not enjoy it at least a little?"

"I suppose it had its moments," I battled with my words. "But there are other assignments I prefer rather than watching over the young nobility." Hopefully that was not offensive. I mean I did not call them all children like I was prone to doing in my head.

"What a shame. I have some bad news for you. I think that Lord Jacobson could use some help adjusting to being a young Swordsman and I think you are the best person for the job. You are assigned to the capital for safety detail of the castle focusing on Princess Alina. Where you find my daughter, you will typically find Jack. You can start at the Petitioner's Court." The Queen stood and did not wait for my reply before leaving the chamber. Goodie. More babysitting.