“You found the prince?” the man said with surprise.
“I am he,” said Rallian, stepping forward. “Prince of Nezza, Lord of Karmus. I have come to speak with your noble lord.”
“Your Highness,” said the man. All three soldiers bowed. “Lord Talbot will be pleased at your coming. Long has he hoped to see you and speak with you.”
“Then we should go forward swiftly to Talbas and to Lord Talbot’s castle,” said Rallian. “I have much to discuss with your noble lord.”
“A moment, Your Highness,” said the man. He turned his attention to Alex. “Six adventurers we were told to expect, and you tell me two were lost, so you should be four. Your Highness makes it a happy five. Who is this sixth man?”
“He is my friend,” said Rallian before Alex could speak. “He saved me and the adventurers from the dungeons of Karmus. I will vouch for his honor.”
“Forgive me, Your Highness, but these are difficult times,” said the man. “We must know something of this man, or he cannot continue.”
“And what would you know?” Alex asked, taking a step toward the man. “Do you fear that I am Lazar’s servant Magnus in some magical disguise? Or perhaps something worse, come from beyond the great arch to destroy all of Nezza and its people?”
“We have heard stories,” said the man nervously, looking a little pale. “Word from the south says there is a demon walking in the shape of a man.”
“I am no demon,” Alex said with a laugh. “I am a wizard, and any word from the south is surely not to be trusted in these times.”
“A wizard,” the man repeated, looking even more troubled. “We know something of wizards, here in the north.”
“Then ask what you will,” said Alex. “You have something you would ask me to do—something that will help you to trust me.”
“You see much,” said the man. “Our stories say that a wizard—a true wizard—cannot lie if he swears by his staff. If you mean no harm to Lord Talbot, then swear by your staff that it is so.”
“Your stories are true,” said Alex, looking at his staff. “So I swear by my staff that I mean no harm to Lord Talbot or his people. I also swear by my staff that I will see the true king of Nezza returned to his throne. If your lord will serve the true king, I am his faithful friend. If Lord Talbot fights against the true king, then I am his most deadly enemy.”
“Then all is well,” answered the man in a shaky voice, bowing deeply. “Come, we will escort you to Talbas and to the castle of Lord Talbot.”
Alex walked back to the others with Rallian and Virgil, both of them looking shocked by Alex’s comments. Alex was not concerned, because he already knew that Rallian was the true king of Nezza and that he would somehow manage to gain his throne.
“What’s it to be, then?” Skeld asked, glancing from Virgil to Alex and back again.
“The soldiers will escort us to Talbas,” said Virgil. “Lord Talbot wishes to speak with Rallian and the rest of us.”
As quickly as they could, Alex and his friends broke camp and prepared to travel with the soldiers of Lord Talbot. The soldiers waited a short distance away and did not speak with them. Alex thought they were probably under orders not to, but he wondered if perhaps it was some sign of respect that he didn’t know about.
They were soon on the road. The sun came out from behind the clouds, driving away the rain and drying the land. Rallian rode in front with Virgil, and Alex rode at the back with Tom. Most of the soldiers fell in line behind them, but about twenty rode in front, holding up the banners of Talbot and the true king for all to see. Alex tried to make out what was on the banner of the true king, but it was too far away and it fluttered in the breeze.
“What did you say to them?” Tom asked, after they had ridden a few miles.
“To the soldiers?” Alex asked.
“Yes—what did you say?”
“I told them I was a wizard and would see the true king returned to his throne,” said Alex.
“Was the light around you to prove you were a wizard?” Tom asked.
“Light? What light?”
“When you spoke to them, there was a strange light around you. To me, it seemed that you grew taller, or perhaps they grew smaller.”
“Did the others see this light?” Alex asked. He was concerned because he had not noticed any light, and he had not felt any magical change.
“I think they did,” said Tom. “They didn’t really say, but we all knew when you were talking.”
Alex thought for several minutes about what Tom said. This was one more new and unexpected thing to think about, but it did not seem to be a problem. If the soldiers had seen the light, that might be a good thing, but he wasn’t sure. The people of Nezza were already indifferent to or afraid of magic. Alex didn’t really care about the indifference, but he didn’t want to add to anyone’s fear.
“Perhaps it happened when I swore by my staff,” Alex said at last.
“What do you mean?” Tom asked.
“A true wizard cannot lie if he swears by his staff,” Alex explained. “They asked me to swear by my staff that I meant no harm to Lord Talbot, and so I did.”
“But if Talbot fights against Rallian—” Tom began.
“Then they know I will fight against Talbot,” said Alex. “I told them I would see the true king back on the throne, and if Talbot fought against the true king, then I would be his most deadly enemy.”
“I bet they didn’t like that,” said Tom with a slight smile.
“They seemed to accept it. I am not worried; I think Lord Talbot will be on Rallian’s side.”
Every now and then as they traveled, Alex noticed one of his friends glance back at him. Clearly Tom was right, and they had seen some change in him when he’d sworn by his staff, and, just as clearly, they were unsure what to make of it. Alex didn’t let their glances bother him because he had more important things on his mind.
“You make a great impression,” Stonebill said as he settled once more on Alex’s shoulder.
“I was not aware of the change that happened when I spoke to the soldiers,” said Alex. “That troubles me.”
“When you spoke, your feelings were strong,” Stonebill said. “And the power of your feelings came out in your words.”
“Then I will need to learn to guard my feelings more closely,” said Alex.
“Perhaps,” said Stonebill. “Yet the change was a small one, and your words will give Talbot one more reason to side with Rallian.”
“I believe Talbot will side with Rallian in any event, and I don’t want to make the people of Nezza more afraid of magic. They are already far too fearful.”
“They have lived all their lives without knowing the truth about wizards,” said Stonebill. “They have only known the evil that Magnus has done.”
“Times change,” said Alex.
At noon, the soldiers stopped to rest their horses and eat a meal before continuing on. Alex and his companions also ate a hurried meal, but the soldiers continued to keep their distance. Rallian seemed a little troubled by the soldiers’ reluctance to approach them, but Virgil actually seemed glad for the separation.
They passed several small villages that afternoon. The people in the villages seemed happy to see the soldiers and would often wave or call out to them as they rode by. It was clear to Alex that at least some of Talbot’s soldiers came from these villages and they were being greeted by friends and relatives. There were no waves or calls to Alex and his companions, however, and the villagers would seldom even look at them as they passed.
The sun was well into the western sky when they finally came to the top of a small hill overlooking the city of Talbas and the castle that stood at its center. It was an amazing sight, and not at all what Alex had imagined. A high wall of bloodred stone encircled the city, with large gates facing both north and south. There were many towers along the wall and what appeared to be several smaller gates as well.
The castle itself towered above th
e city and appeared to be sitting on a small hill, but it was hard to tell from a distance. The castle looked like it was made of ice, its pure white walls shining brightly in the late-afternoon sun. Flags were flying from all the towers of the castle, and Alex thought it looked like something out of a fairy tale.
The soldier carrying Talbot’s banner came riding toward them, a smile on his face.
“Welcome to Talbas,” he said as he looked toward the castle. “Lord Talbot has ordered a feast in honor of Prince Rallian’s arrival. He will greet you all at the castle gate.”
“Our thanks to Lord Talbot,” said Rallian. “We are honored by his kindness.”
The soldier nodded and rode back to his own men. Alex and his friends followed the soldiers down the hill and toward the main gates of the city. The others all seemed happy with what the soldier had said, but Alex remained thoughtful, wondering just what kind of man Talbot was.
Chapter Fourteen
Lord Talbot
Alex and his friends followed the soldiers of Lord Talbot to the main gates of Talbas. The road was wide at the city gates, and many people had come out of the city to welcome Prince Rallian. It was a much warmer welcome than they’d had in any of the towns or villages they’d passed through so far, and Alex couldn’t help but smile. Rallian waved and smiled at the cheering crowds, clearly happy to be there and unconcerned with what the future might hold.
Alex watched from the back of the group, more cautious than normal, even though he could see that there was little to worry about. He had only met a few of the people of Nezza, but he found it hard to believe that he would be as welcome as the rest of the company—especially when the people learned who and what he was.
“They seem happy to have you all here,” said Stonebill as he sat on Alex’s shoulder.
“They are happy that Rallian has come,” said Alex. “Happy that the adventurers have found success in their quest.”
“You think they are not happy to see a wizard,” said Stonebill.
“Their tales say that all wizards are evil. Magnus has added to that belief. How can I expect them to be happy to have me here?”
Stonebill didn’t reply but changed his position and looked out at the crowd. Alex also looked at the faces of the people as they rode forward. Perhaps it was just his imagination, but he thought, or rather felt, that none of the people dared to look him in the eye.
When they arrived at the gates of the castle, a tall, dark-haired man was waiting to greet them. It was obviously Lord Talbot, and behind him stood two young men who could only be his sons. Alex noticed one of the soldiers talking to Lord Talbot as they approached, and he knew that the soldier was telling his lord there was a wizard in the company.
“Lord Talbot,” said Rallian, climbing off his horse and bowing slightly. “My thanks for your kindness and thoughtfulness. I have been told that you sent this fine party of adventurers to rescue me, and for that alone, I am greatly in your debt.”
“Prince Rallian,” Talbot answered, bowing much lower than Rallian had. “I am pleased that the adventurers did not quest in vain. We feared that you were lost to us and that their quest would be only to bring word of your end.”
“Word may never have reached you, if not for my friend Master Taylor,” said Rallian, motioning for Alex to come forward. “He rescued these adventurers and me from the dungeons of Karmus.”
“Alone?” Talbot asked, surprised.
“He is more than he appears to be,” answered Rallian. “He is a wizard of great power.”
“A wizard,” Talbot repeated, looking Alex in the eye. “That is a tale worth hearing, I would say. Perhaps, as we feast, you will share this tale with us, or better, by the fire after the feast.”
“It will be our honor and a pleasure,” said Rallian, bowing again.
“Do not bow, my lord,” said Talbot. “You are a prince of the noble line, and I am but the lord of an outer kingdom.”
“You are modest and kind,” said Rallian. “I will remember your kindness to me and hope to reward you for it.”
“Your presence is reward enough,” said Talbot. “Now, let me introduce my sons to you, as they have also been hoping for your safe arrival.”
Talbot motioned for his sons to come forward. As they approached Rallian, they each dropped to one knee before the prince.
“This is Colesum,” said Talbot, and one of the two young men stood. “He is my oldest son and heir.”
“An honor,” said Rallian, bowing his head to Colesum.
“And this is Hathnor,” Talbot said as his second son stood. “He is warden of the northern and western reaches.”
“Again, the honor is mine,” said Rallian, bowing.
“My daughter, Annalynn, should be here to greet you as well,” said Talbot. “Forgive her, my prince, she is overseeing the preparations for the feast.”
“The loss is mine,” said Rallian.
Talbot smiled and then led Rallian and the company into the castle. Soldiers took their horses for them, bowing to each of the adventurers as they did so. Alex could see how pleased Virgil and his company were with their reception, and once again he felt sad that he was not truly a part of the company.
Rallian and Talbot walked side by side into the castle grounds, followed closely by Colesum and Hathnor. Virgil and his companions followed next, and Alex followed behind them. Stonebill hopped nervously on Alex’s shoulder as the crowds cheered for Rallian, but the bird said nothing. It was strange to feel so lonely in such a crowd, and Alex tried to shake off the feeling.
Talbot led the group into a huge hall full of long tables. Hundreds of people were already in the hall, and Alex guessed that these were the lesser lords and landowners of Talbas. Talbot escorted the company to the front of the hall where one long table stood empty. He asked them to sit where they liked, and Alex found himself between Tom and Hathnor.
“By your leave,” said Hathnor, bowing to Alex as he was about to sit down.
Alex bowed to Hathnor in reply. It seemed to Alex that the young man was nervous but didn’t want anyone to know. After they were all seated, only the chair to Lord Talbot’s left remained empty. Alex suspected it was reserved for Annalynn, Lord Talbot’s daughter, but she did not appear.
The feast began without ceremony or fanfare. Servants simply began bringing trays of food to the table almost as soon as the guests were seated. Alex saw that Rallian and Talbot were already deep in conversation, and he thought that Rallian must be asking about Lazar and what he might be doing.
“A fine-looking bird,” Hathnor said to Alex. “Can he speak?”
“He can speak to me,” said Alex. “Though most people cannot understand what he says.”
“Most people do not listen,” said Hathnor.
“If you know how to listen, perhaps he can speak to you,” said Alex.
“I have . . . friends who know how to listen,” said Hathnor, his voice lowered slightly. “They try to teach me, but I find it difficult.”
“Friends?” Alex repeated, more to himself than Hathnor. He looked at the young man and realized that Hathnor was referring to an elf friend. “Ah, friends in the north, no doubt,” Alex said. “Friends of the elder race.”
“You know them?” Hathnor asked in surprise. He lowered his voice even more so no one else at the table would hear him.
“I know of them,” said Alex. “I am an elf friend, though I have not met any of the elves of Nezza—at least not yet.”
“Then you must be good, no matter what the stories say about wizards,” said Hathnor, a look of joy and wonder on his face. “I only know a few elves, but I cannot believe their people would ever make a friend of an evil wizard.”
“I have many friends among the elves, and perhaps I will find more here one day,” said Alex.
“If you would like to go to the northern or western reaches, I would be happy to take you,” said Hathnor in an excited tone.
“Perhaps, when time allows,” said Alex. “Now
I fear that time is short, and many things will soon change in Nezza.”
“The prince,” said Hathnor, looking toward Rallian. “Do you know if he will claim the kingdom?”
“Only Rallian can answer that question. It is not my place to say what he will or will not do.”
Hathnor nodded his understanding and turned his attention to the food.
Lord Talbot suddenly stood up as a beautiful young woman walked up beside him. His pride was clear for all to see as he introduced his daughter to Prince Rallian.
Alex returned to his food but watched Annalynn as he ate. Her eyes kept darting from her plate to Rallian, as if drawn there by some magical power. Alex also noticed that Rallian would occasionally glance at her but was careful not to let her see him watching.
When the feast was finished, Talbot led the company to another large room filled with comfortable chairs and benches placed around a large central fire. Alex sat near the fire as several of Talbot’s people filed into the room. Tom sat next to him, and Alex could see that Tom’s thoughts were far away and not on the feast or the reward that he and his companions had won.
Alex listened as Rallian told his story, most of which Alex had not heard before. Rallian was a good storyteller, and though he did not say it in so many words, it was plain to Alex that Rallian believed Lazar was responsible for his father’s death.
By the time Rallian reached the part in the story where Alex had rescued him and the other adventurers, Alex had made up his mind. Lord Talbot was a good man, and his people were honest and true. He could see their respect and admiration for Rallian as he told his story.
“A fine tale,” said Talbot as Rallian finished. “May I ask a question or two?”
“As you wish,” said Rallian.
“You have told us that Master Taylor rescued you and these fine adventurers from the dungeons of Karmus,” said Talbot, glancing at Alex as if worried he might offend him. “May I ask why Master Taylor came? How did he know you were there? Was it lucky chance, or something else?”
All eyes turned to Alex, most showing great interest, some showing fear. Alex thought for a moment and then slowly got to his feet to speak.