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  Roulan had always been wary of Leon; knowing his father preferred his company to his own; he was jealous. He strived to get his father’s attention, but always felt he was a disappointment. Now, it didn’t matter so much; detached and lacking of emotion towards his father, he concentrated his efforts on making his own mark on the world.

  ‘Continue to the next carriage and the rest of the soldiers, I’ll tell Eloise myself.’ He spurred his horse towards the first carriage.

  Ignoring Roulan’s curt response, Leo continued ahead. He’d watched him grow up and had often received blunt or brisk retorts.

  Roulan’s features were harsh; black hair, unruly and lank, hung around his long face. Absent of any redeeming features, he wasn’t attractive. Dark eyes outlined by thick brows made him appear shifty and sly.

  Leon had become suspicious of Roulan’s recent activities; sneaking out unescorted, he’d had meetings with people unknown to Leon. Uncertain of his reasons, Leon kept silent; the King had enough to deal with. Leon would watch Roulan, and on confirmation of his agenda, he’d advise the King.

  Leon approached the carriage occupied by the cook, laden with all their supplies for the journey; food, wine and ale. Leaning against the window, the smell of freshly baked pork pies overwhelmed his senses. The shapely cook welcomed him with a warm smile.

  ‘We’ll be making camp soon Dori. My apologies, it's been a long journey.’

  ‘Oh no worries Leon, I’m sure it will all be worthwhile, and thank you.’ Her rosy cheeks swelled as she smiled. ‘I expect everyone’s hungry and wanting a hot meal by now.’

  ‘I’m sure they are! And I have to admit, I’m looking forward to tucking into one of your pies.’

  Leon gave her a wink and then turned around and cantered past the first carriage. He watched Roulan as he clung onto the side of the carriage peering through the window, leering at Nissa. He didn’t like the way he skulked around her and Eloise. Having rescued Nissa when she was young from a destitute life, he looked at her as his own.

  Nissa was just sixteen when Leon found her in the market, begging for money. In a pitiful state, Leon questioned her actions and after explaining both her parents had died within a year of each other, leaving her orphaned, he took pity on her. Offering her food and shelter at the castle, with the promise of sanctuary, Nissa and accepted his gracious offer. A young woman of her beauty and grace could be easily swayed into an immoral living in times of despair. He, at least, could find her work within the household where she would be safe and well cared for. Nissa would make an excellent attendant for Eloise and the King thanked Leon for his insight. Eloise and Nissa instantly bonded, and since their first meeting were inseparable.

  Peering through the window Roulan’s eyes fell straight to Nissa. Surprised by his sudden appearance, she quickly looked away; his lecherous gaze made her cringe.

  Roulan took an interest in Nissa from the day they met. Blue eyes and sun-kissed blond hair caught his attention. Recalling her giddy manner when she first arrived at the castle, the room filled with sunshine and light.

  At first Nissa was friendly towards Roulan, but later became cold and she avoided him whenever possible. Overhearing a conversation between Nissa and Eloise, her description of him wasn’t kind. Afterwards he’d chosen to ignore her to try to preserve his already bruised ego, when in reality it added to his list of insecurities.

  ‘Hello ladies. You’ll be pleased to know we’ll be making camp soon.’

  Nissa leveled a stony stare.

  ‘I clearly remember you stating that some time ago brother.’ Eloise glared. ‘Do you promise?’

  ‘I give you my word.’ His lips curved into a wicked smirk as he mockingly placed his hand over his heart.

  Forcing a smile before Eloise drew the curtain; she heard him curse as he cantered away. Rudeness wasn’t something she practiced, but he’d annoyed her today. Shouting, ‘Thank you! Dear brother.’ She grinned and fell back against the seat.

  ‘I hope he’s telling the truth this time.’ Nissa wanted to believe him, but Roulan was unreliable and enjoyed tormenting his sister.

  Eloise gave a relieved smile at the thought of stopping and resting. She’d avoided broaching the subject of her intended, but the closer they came to Littlewood, the more she thought, and it made her uneasy.

  ‘Do you think he’ll be handsome Nissa?’

  Nissa panicked at Eloise’s question. Hesitating before she could think of something, her answer wasn’t convincing.

  The rumors of Kai of Darkmide and his barbarous practices had reached Brightstone. Nissa hadn’t told Eloise what she’d heard. Since Eloise’s father had given the news to his daughter about the arrangement, her sleep had been restless and details of her intended would only make it worse. At least Roulan hadn’t provided Eloise with any gruesome details; she’d expected him to tell Eloise everything he knew.

  ‘I’m sure he’ll have many qualities Princess.’ Forcing a smile she hoped everything she’d heard was an exaggeration.

  ***

  Roulan and his father, King Garlan, sat near the edge of the camp. Roulan had wanted a private word about the following morning’s meeting. Not happy about the agreement, he wanted to keep Eloise closer to Brightstone, and given there were a lack of suitors as husband, would then have more control over her. While the King knew Eloise had the same gifts as her mother, he wasn’t aware to what extent; Roulan had been careful to keep that from him.

  ‘I’m not questioning your decision father; I’m merely concerned for Eloise’s safety. This is a former slave we’re talking about, not an honorable highborn.’

  ‘We need this alliance Roulan. The threat from the Highlands is getting closer, I can feel it.’ He took a sip of wine. ‘This leader from Blackhill is strong; his warriors are like nothing we’ve encountered. I think you’re worrying too much for your sister's feelings.’

  His father’s enthusiasm, and high regard for the barbarian, confused Roulan. Arching a brow to his son, he added, ‘She’s been mollycoddled too long. In any case, it’s her duty and obligation to the people.’

  Roulan tried to hide his surprise at his father’s insensitivity. While he had plans for Eloise himself, it didn’t involve handing her over to a man whose reputation was little more than a thief.

  ‘He’s plundered cities and towns across the Wild Plains, making the highborn Lords and landowners surrender their lands and titles. Can we trust him to not start doing the same in Middenland father?’

  ‘Of course he won’t! With the agreement in place he’ll have no reason to!’ Garlan snapped and shook his head.

  Not wanting to admit his son did have a point, he’d never thought about that. While it lessened the chances of it happening, if he took Kai as his son-in-law, it was no guarantee. Another worry, he’d not expected, and now Roulan was causing concern. It perplexed him that Roulan was so objectionable regarding the marriage and wondered what was on his agenda. His dark eyebrows lowered into a scowl.

  ‘You seem to be overly concerned for your sister’s well-being all of a sudden. I didn’t realize you two got along so well, or is there another point to your protest?

  ‘Of course not father. I’m just trying to protect our family. My loyalty to you and Eloise is always foremost in my mind!’ Roulan bit back, realizing it was time to shut up he made his excuses and bid him goodnight.

  Garlan drained the last of the wine and stared into the empty cup. Wasn’t it enough that he was under constant threat from the Highlands? Pressing his fingers to his forehead, he drew in a long breath. Sleep would not come so easily tonight.

  Roulan made his way to the tented area, but saw Leon sat alone by the fire. Thinking he could make better headway with someone who had his father’s ear, he sat down by his side. Leon didn’t look at him, but continued to poke the fire with his sword.

  ‘How do you think the meeting will go tomorrow Leon? Do you have any reservations about it?’ Giving the impression he valued his opinion.

/>   Leon paused before turning to Roulan with raised brows. ‘I’ve taken every precaution I can. Your father is eager for this alliance and I’m told that Kai of Darkmide is equally keen to take a wife.’ Calmly turning back to the fire he continued to move the ashes around. ‘I don’t see any problems.’

  Roulan sighed and rubbed his hand over his chin. ‘Hmm, yes, it does promise to be a rewarding contract for everyone concerned. I’m sure we can trust this… Kai of Darkmide.’

  Leon took his sword from the embers and prodded cooler dirt to the side of the dying fire. He knew Roulan was trying to make a point, and already voiced his protests about the arrangement to his father. While he didn’t know the full extent of his reasons, he suspected it was something dubious. Of late Roulan had been following Eloise almost everywhere she went. Leon watched him chastise her often when she’d used her abilities. Whatever he was up to, involved controlling Eloise. He’d find out in time, Roulan wasn’t as shrewd as he thought.

  Rising and testing the tip of his sword with his finger to make sure it was cool; he sheathed it then leaned towards Roulan.

  ‘I’m sure if there’s any trust issues, we’ll be able to wheedle them out before it's too late.’ A wide grin spread across his face. ‘I’m away to sleep, my Lord, I’ll say Goodnight and see you in the morning.

  Roulan nodded and sat by the fire a little longer before retiring to his own bed; he’d try and speak with his father again in the morning but for now, he needed sleep.

  ***

  Eloise couldn’t get comfortable and continually tossed and turned on the hard floor beneath the tent. Huffing and turning over, Eloise couldn’t imagine getting through another day and night of traveling.

  ‘You’re thinking too much, just try to empty your mind, and lay still.’ Nissa pressed.

  Nissa ached just as much as Eloise, but knew whining and getting worked up wasn’t going to help her sleep.

  ‘Another two days of this will be the death of me.’ She grunted, and gave the only pillow that hadn’t received her rage, a hard punch.

  ‘Look on the bright side.’ Nissa burst out.

  Eloise snapped back. ‘My father is marrying me off to a man that no one appears to know anything about! I’ll probably never get to sleep in a soft bed or take a hot bath ever again. Now remind me where the bright side is?’

  Sighing deeply, Nissa had to agree, her future didn’t look that rosy. Eloise’s father couldn’t think much of her, even though Kai had secured a wealthy estate for himself at Blackhill and the surrounding areas, it didn’t change what he was, a slave. While his achievements should be commended, she couldn’t imagine what his existence had been like and pitied his desperate life.

  The fame of his victories as his slaver fought him in the fighting pits of Darkmide, traveled throughout Middenland. Nissa heard the stories of grueling fights to the death. Sometimes the victors would die later from their horrendous wounds. It wasn’t enough they profited from his fighting, but they also used the strongest victors to breed; giving them young, fertile women for sexual pleasure and watched as they performed. They were nothing more than animals put out to stud. Nissa’s ears had been eager to listen to the gossiping among the palace servants, but hoped Eloise didn’t hear it.

  Kai and his comrades in arms, causing a rebellion, slaughtered all the slavers in a night of blood and horror. The tales of what they’d done where graphic. Maybe the slavers deserved their fate; they were renowned for their cruelty and lack of compassion to the unfortunate who landed at their door. After the massacre, the pits were closed. Kai and his band of warriors patrolled the region regularly to stamp out any revival.

  Knitting her lips together, Nissa raised her eyebrows in sympathy and understanding to Eloise’s plight.

  Chapter 3

  Jace rested his arms over the gate and stared up the cobbled road waiting for the messenger to arrive from Brightstone. At least once a fortnight, there would be a communication for his father from a friend in Brightstone castle, advising him of King Garlan’s movements.

  At twenty-two, Jace had his whole life ahead of him. Son to Caster and Ellanor of Stonegarth, he’d been graced with his mother's good looks, and his father's temperament; strong willed, honest and trustworthy.

  Seeing the rider approach, Jace quickly stepped onto the road to greet him, eager to take the post to his father.

  Jace marched into the breakfast room; out of breath from the long run back to the house, he greeted his mother and father.

  ‘It’s here!’ Jace handed the letter over to his father, who took it with eager hands.

  Ellanor stared at her son with adoring eyes. Graced with her good looks, he was breathtakingly handsome. They couldn’t ask for a better son to carry forward their legacy. His dark blonde hair fell forward around his face as he bowed his head to catch his breath. Beaming to his mother, he waited a few moments before moving to stand by his father’s side.

  ‘You should have some breakfast Jace, sit.’

  Ellanor placed a cup where Jace waited to sit. Rolling his eyes as his mother poured fresh milk into a cup; she still thought of him as her boy, he would have preferred some mead, like his father, but not wanting to offend her accepted the offered drink.

  Jace had been up since the early hours, waiting for the messenger to arrive from Brightstone. He’d still be by the gates now, hunger gnawing at his stomach if he hadn’t arrived. Giving his mother a huge grin when she handed over a large plate full of bacon and sausages, he started eating.

  ‘You need a hearty breakfast lad.’ Caster slapped his shoulder. ‘Now let’s see what news we have from Brightstone shall we?’

  The communication, from a spy within Brightstone Castle, would advise him when to make his move. Quickly opening the note, his wife and son waited for the news.

  ‘The King will travel to Littlewood in two days. He is offering his daughter’s hand in marriage in exchange for an alliance with Kai of Darkmide. I strongly advise you halt all plans. I will send word when I know more.’

  The news wasn’t what he expected. Caster looked concerned.

  ‘He’s marrying his daughter to a… slave?’ Jace narrowed his brows.

  Kai’s reputation had reached the Highlands; a rebellious slave who’d fought his way to freedom and pillaged the Wild Plains. He’d taken over Blackhill, a large city situated in the North of the Plains. All the surrounding towns and villages soon followed and he ruled over them with a firm hand. Darkmide's gold mines were closed; Kai and his warriors stormed the mines and raged a bloody war on the slavers, and vowed no one would ever work there as long as he lived. His reputation as a tyrant had soon spread throughout the lands, but not many had encountered him to confirm the rumors.

  Jace frowned. ‘Does this mean we won’t be marching to Brightstone?’

  ‘This letter was dated two days ago; he’ll already be nearing Littlewood and no doubt has the army of slaves as his protectors.’

  Leaning back in his chair Caster ran both hands over his head and down the back of his neck before letting out a deep sigh. It had taken years to build an army strong enough to overthrow King Garlan and his forces, and now he’d forged an alliance with a powerful warrior, he didn’t stand a chance.

  Pushing from the table, he rose and placed a reassuring hand on Jace’s shoulder.

  ‘Don’t fret, son, we need to use this information to our advantage and not see it as a problem.’

  Caster needed time to think about his next move. Excusing himself he left the room while his wife and son watched.

  Jace looked to his mother; he admired his father more than any man, and knew the problem would be addressed and resolved. ‘What do you think father will do now?’

  Ellanor’s eyes followed Caster as he left the room. ‘I don’t know.’

  Jace was eager to show off his sword skills, and fight alongside his father; although now it looked like they wouldn’t be moving on Brightstone. He paused with a forkful of sausage suspended halfway
between his plate and his lips.

  ‘Whatever father decides, I’ll go along with.’

  Ellanor smiled; their son never caused them to worry nor disobeyed their will. ‘I know you will, and don’t worry, your father will make the right decision.’

  Ellanor started clearing the table after Jace pushed his plate to the side, empty of any trace of food. Wiping his mouth with a napkin then rising from the table, he smoothed his hands down his shirt.

  ‘I have to get off mother; I need to pay the tanner for a new scabbard he’s making for my sword, I’ll not be here for lunch.’ His eyes avoided her gaze.

  Her son, at six feet four inches, stood as tall as his father, but much broader and heavier built. There wasn’t a woman in the town that hadn’t fallen for his alluring smile, or his green eyes, laced with mischief. Kind and caring, Ellanor knew he would make a good husband to whoever snared him.

  ‘Which of the Tanner’s daughters is drawing your attention, or are they both too tempting to choose just one?’

  ‘I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about mother.’ A mischievous grin breached his face as he bowed, then made for the door.

  She planted her hands on both hips. ‘You know exactly what I’m talking about!’

  Turning as he hovered in the doorway, he blew her a kiss before waving goodbye.

  It was good to watch her son enjoy his youth. Her thoughts turned to her past; the loss of her first infant shortly after he was born made her thankful for Jace. He’d had the opportunity to live, be strong and happy, making him treasured above all else.

  When she was young she fell pregnant. Refusing to name the father of her unborn child, her parents kept her hidden. Being highborn, the scandal of an unmarried daughter with child could compromise her father’s progression into the law courts. He strived to keep her pregnancy a secret to avoid any ramifications falling to him.

  After giving birth, he’d told her it was a blessing the child died, and insisted she kept the secret so she may find a husband in the future. Her sadness at the loss of the infant boy overwhelmed her. His father would have been proud to see him grow into a man, as he watched from the heavens.