Chapter 21

Maddoc rode into the southern village that was his destination. The lord he needed to see was only a short ride to the left of the village. Lord Ilsley who had contacted him, had told him he would meet him there. As they rode through the village and turned left, heading to the edge of the town, Maddoc pulled up his horse. He gave a puzzled look to Matthais whose face reflected Maddoc’s.

They both looked to a man with several guards riding up to them. The man in the middle of the guards looked even more surprised than Maddoc or Matthias.

“Your majesty,” said Lord Ilsley as he bowed in his saddle. “What brings you’re here at the end of the Winter Festival?”

Maddoc looked again at Matthias before answering. “Your letter, my lord. You said it was urgent I come and speak with Lord Helton and Lord Brenton as soon as I can.”

Lord Ilsey was silent for a moment before he responded, “I am not sure what letter you are speaking of, my king. I have sent no letter to you other than the one you should have received much earlier. I sent it just days after you left to say all was well.”

“I do not understand what you can mean, Lord Ilsley. I have the letter with me. You asked me to come most urgently.” Maddoc reached into his cloak pocket and pulled out the crumpled message. “Here it is.”

Lord Ilsey rode close to Maddoc. “May I see it, your majesty?” Maddoc nodded and handed Lord Ilsey the message. After reading it Lord Ilsley looked up. “This is not a letter from me. I nor any of my servants have written this. I do admit the signature looks quite a bit like my own, but it is not mine.”

“Are you saying someone has tricked the king?” asked Matthias as Maddoc took the letter back.

“I do not know, but I can tell you I have sent no letter. Everything has been going well here. I do have to keep on top of Lord Helton, but with pressure, he has done the right thing.”

Maddoc felt his stomach dropped as dread washed over him. Why would someone draw him to the south of the kingdom? Matthias seemed to have the same feelings. He moved his horse over very close to Maddoc, looking all around.

“If nothing is the matter here, I do not wish to stay. I need to get back to Quinlan,” said Maddoc. Either he was in danger there in the south, or something was happening in Quinlan that someone wanted Maddoc out of the way for. His thoughts immediately went to Anwen, and he felt a desperate need to see her.

“Let us visit Lord Helton together first, your majesty,” said Lord Ilsley. “If someone has sent you a fake letter in my name, I would like to get to the bottom of it. I would hate to think Lord Helton had anything to do with it, but I would like to find out. I do not trust the man.”

Maddoc looked at Matthias before nodding his head. He would not stay long, but he knew his guards needed a short rest. He could use a moment off a horse as well. He would speak with Lord Helton and see what they could find out.

“I wish to leave by mid-afternoon, Matthias. We will ride hard with few breaks. I wish to be in Quinlan as soon as we can,” said Maddoc quietly as they rode.

“I understand, your majesty. I do not like you out in the kingdom so vulnerable, and I worry what could be happening back at the palace. It seems as if someone has drawn you out for some purpose,” replied Matthias.

They rode up to a large manor surrounded by fields and farmhouses. There was some snow on the ground, but the paths were clear. When they arrived at the front door, Maddoc dismounted. Matthias hopped off his horse to stay by his king’s side.

“Give the horses some water and a place to rest, but I will want to ready to go at a moment’s notice,” commanded Maddoc to some servants who had come out from the manor.

Matthias had some of his guards stay with the horses, saying he would send out food and water. He asked them to watch all areas of the manor outside, making sure no one was lurking about looking suspicious.

They walked into the manor to be met by Lord Helton himself. “This is a surprise, King Maddoc. I did not expect to see you again so soon.”

“Did you not?” asked Maddoc. “I was summoned here by someone. I thought it was Lord Ilsley due to a letter I received, but it seems Lord Ilsley did not send a message.”

“I did not,” confirmed Lord Ilsley.

“You don’t know anything about this do you, Lord Helton?” asked Maddoc.

Lord Helton shook his head. “I do not. I am shocked to see you here. I know it is the end of your Winter Festival, and you must still have many guests in Quinlan.”

“We do, and it was a major inconvenience to come all this way. I was told the people were almost in revolt,” said Maddoc. “I would not have come if it did not sound dire.”

“The people seem well settled for the winter,” said Lord Ilsley. “I was planning to head back to Quinlan within the next two weeks.”

“This is all very strange,” said Lord Helton. “Will you come in and rest for a bit? You are welcomed to stay the night or however long you would like to get to the bottom of this.”

“We will rest for a bit if you don’t mind, my lord. Some refreshments for me and my guards would be appreciated. I would like to leave within a couple of hours.”

They walked in together to the large parlor, Lord Helton asking for refreshments to be brought in. “Surely, there is no need to rush, your majesty. You have had a hard ride here. A day or two of rest is needed. You will still be back in time to close the festival. You might need to stay here and get to the bottom of your mysterious message.”

“I would rather get back to Quinlan as quickly as possible. I have something I need to take care of soon.”

The lord smiled as he offered a seat to King Maddoc and Matthias. “There have been rumors of a betrothal coming. I am guessing you wish to secure your future queen.”

“That is a rather personal question to ask the king, Lord Helton,” said Lord Ilsley. “King Maddoc’s personal life is not your concern.”

“I meant nothing by it. I do not want to offend our king. I only hope he finds a worthy queen that secures the kingdom.”

Maddoc said nothing. He doubted he and Lord Helton would see eye to eye on what would make a worthy queen. The lord would probably be more in line with his uncle’s way of thinking. Food, water, and wine were brought in. Maddoc ate and drank water instead of wine. He wanted to keep his head clear for the ride back. He hoped to ride as long as his horse was able, even into the night.

Lord Helton poured some wine into some cups. “Would any of you like some wine? It is very good.”

“I do not drink when I am on duty,” said Matthias.

“I do not wish for any wine,” said Maddoc. “I hope to ride off towards Quinlan soon and need a clear head.”

“I wouldn’t mind having some,” said Lord Ilsley. He reached for a cup when Lord Helton stopped him.

“Here let me, my lord,” said Lord Helton. He picked up a cup and handed it to Lord Ilsley.

“I am perfectly able to pick my own drink, Lord Helton,” said Lord Ilsley. He still took the cup Lord Helton held.

Lord Helton picked up the cup Lord Ilsley had reached for. “Here, your majesty, one cup of wine won’t cloud your head. Take a drink and rest for a few minutes. It will help you on your ride home.”

Maddoc sighed, not wanting to be rude. He leaned up to reach for the cup when Matthias put his hand up. He leaned forward and picked up another cup of wine. He handed it to Maddoc.

Maddoc took a sip of the wine giving Matthias a curious look. Matthias leaned forward and took the last cup. “I think I will have a drink of wine. A few sips won’t hurt.” He drank a little. “Why aren’t you drinking, Lord Helton?”

Lord Helton put the cup down. “I do not feel like a drink.”

Matthias turned to Maddoc and gave him a look, nodding towards Lord Helton a little. Maddoc started to understand. “You won’t have a drink with your king, Lord Helton?” asked Maddoc.

“I am not thirsty, your majesty.”

“But I insist you have a drink with me. You cannot refuse your king.”

Lord Helton looked down at the cup in his hands. “I believe there might be a hair or something in here. Let me pour another.”

“Drink the cup in your hand, Lord Helton,” said Maddoc.

Lord Helton hesitated. Matthias stood up and moved towards the lord. “Do as your king commanded and drink it now.”

Lord Helton swallowed hard and looked down at the cup. After a few more moments he drank some of the wine. Putting the cup down he looked at Maddoc. A moment later, he swayed and fell back into his chair, his eyes closing.

“The wine was tainted,” said Maddoc as he stood up. He stood over Lord Helton. “What was in it?”

Lord Helton shook his head and blinked his eyes. His words were slurred. “Nothing that would harm you permanently. It was sent to me by Prince Korben. He said to make sure you drank it and rested for a few days.” Lord Helton’s eye closed. “He said he would make sure I kept my land no matter how I treated my tenants.” His head fell forward, and he slumped down in the chair.

“We have to get back to Quinlan, now,” said Maddoc. “Whatever my uncle has planned cannot be good. Lord Ilsley, you stay here and see that Lord Helton is taken care of. He is not to leave his manor. I will deal with him later.”

“Of course, your majesty. I will see all is taken care of,” said Lord Ilsley.

“I will go see about our horses,” said Matthias before he walked from the room.

It took too long to ready the horses. Maddoc knew he was asking a lot of his guards, riding on without rest, but he could not delay. He was terrified of what his uncle was doing, and Maddoc knew it had to do with Anwen. If he harmed her or forced her to do something, Maddoc would make sure his uncle never saw the light of day again. He didn’t care that he was his family. He should have dealt with Prince Korben long ago.

They were on the road well before sunset, but it didn’t seem soon enough. They pushed their horses, riding as fast as possible. There was little time for conversation, and Maddoc was too lost in his thoughts to attend to any. Finally, well past sundown as they rode into a small village, Matthias told Maddoc the horses and men needed to rest.

They found a small inn, and Matthias secured them rooms. Maddoc informed them all they would only sleep for a few hours.

“Do not put anyone on guard tonight, Matthias. Let all your men sleep. We will ride as soon as the sun rises,” commanded Maddoc before he went into his room.

He tried to eat a little, but his stomach was unsettled. He cleaned himself and sat in front of the fire, knowing he should sleep. He had just made up his mind to go to bed when there was a knock at his door.

“Who is there?” asked Maddoc as he walked to the door

“It is Matthias, your majesty. I have someone here who wishes to speak with you.”

“Who?” asked Maddoc.

“Your mother,” said Queen Evalin as Maddoc opened the door.

He looked at his mother, shocked. She was dressed more simply than he had ever seen her. Her hair was braided, but many strands had come loose. She wore a dark cloak that was covered in dust.

“Let me in, Maddoc. I have much to say to you, and I am exhausted.”

“I will make sure the queen has a room,” said Mattias before closing the door.

Maddoc’s mother walked over to the fireplace and sat down in one of the chairs there. She reached over and poured a cup of wine from the pitcher. She downed it in one swallow and poured another. “Come sit with me, my son. You will not like what I have to say, but you need to hear it.”

Maddoc sat down and looked at his mother.

“Your uncle is out of his mind. He has done something awful, and after doing all I could to remedy it, I rode as fast as I could to come find you. I luckily stopped here as I could go no further. I guess the gods are on my side this time.”

“What has my uncle done, mother?”

She took another drink of wine before answering. “He somehow tricked Queen Eira into signing a contract pledging Princess Anwen to him as his wife.” She held her hand up at Maddoc as he went to stand, rage flowing through him. “Wait, let me tell you all.”

She took another drink before starting again. “I believe he has, with the help of Princess Roslyn, been medicating Queen Eira in some way. Lord Bennington told me he had a healer look over her and found out she was given something to subdue and confuse her. I believe the palace healer was in on it as well. Princess Anwen sent her mother away with some of her court, but she chose to stay with her aunt and cousin.

“Your uncle announced his betrothal to Princess Anwen the night after you left. Princess Roslyn took Princess Anwen to a room and did something to subdue her. I tried to stop your uncle, but he wouldn’t listen.

“I finally was able to see the princess. She is not well. She has no energy. She did manage to protect me from Prince Korben, but I am afraid it just made her worse. I asked how I could help her, and she told me to have your head servant tell Lord Bennington and Prince Rillian the king’s secret. I have no idea what that meant, but I did as she asked before riding off.”

“Your uncle plans to marry her tomorrow afternoon, Maddoc. He has found a priest that will do it. I supposed he paid him off in some way. I only hope Lord Bennington has been able to help the princess, but I knew you would want to know.”

Maddoc turned from his mother and looked at the fire. “How could he do this to me? How could he do it to her? She wants nothing to do with him. I know you both do not wish for me to marry her, but this is too far.”

“I know,” said his mother. “I had nothing to do with this, Maddoc.”

“But it serves your purpose, doesn’t it?” asked Maddoc angrily. “You want me far away from Anwen, and for me to take that horrible woman from Parvilia as my wife. This will not work. I don’t care if he manages to marry her against her will. I will find her, and I will take her far away from him, you, and anyone else who wants to hurt her. I will give up my crown. You and uncle can do what you want with Calumbria.”

“This is not what I wanted. I have never wished any harm on Princess Anwen. I admire her very much. Me not wanting her to marry you was never because I found anything wanting in her. I wanted to protect you, Maddoc. I know I haven’t been a very good mother, but I do care for you. I love you. I cannot lose you. I know I have coddled you too much and had too much control over your life, but it was all done because I love you.”

“And where has it gotten us? You really want me married to such a woman as Princess Meira? You want me to give up a woman I love more than anything in this land. You may want me protected, but you do not want me to be happy.”

“I was wrong, Maddoc. I know it now. I didn’t realize at first how deep your love ran for Princess Anwen or hers for you. I thought it was just a lustful attachment brought on by admiration and obligation. You both went through a traumatic experience together. I thought in time both of your attachments would fade. I didn’t understand the strength of your love or your princess.” The queen smiled a little. “She is a tough and determined woman. I can see now how she could be your queen. I believe I can stop trying to protect you because she will see to keeping you safe.”

Maddoc stared at his mother. “So, you approve of her as my wife?”

“I do, but that is not what matters. I have learned that you have to make your own decisions. If you want her as your wife, then that is what truly matters.”

“I do want her,” said Maddoc. “I could not love any other. I believe I can only be king with her by my side.”

“Then you should go to her,” said the queen with a grin.

Maddoc stood up. “I need to leave as soon as possible. I have to go find Matthias and see if he can secure fast horses for us somewhere in this town. I am sure mine is done in. If only he and I ride together, we could make it sometime tomorrow.”

“I would tell you to stay and rest, but I don’t think it would do any good.”

“No, I will find no rest until I have Anwen by my side,” Maddoc walked towards the door. Before opening it, he turned and looked at his mother. “Thank you, mother. I know we have never been close, but I do care for you. I always have.”

“Go see about rescuing our future queen, Maddoc. I will rest here until you have everything secured. Then I will see you off.”

Maddoc nodded before walking out the door to find Matthias. He quickly explained the situation and sent Matthias out to see what he could find. Maddoc secured some food and water from the innkeeper. He waited downstairs for Matthias who came back quicker than Maddoc thought.

“I have found us two fast horses. They aren’t much to look at, but I am assured they are safe. I paid more than they were worth, but I didn’t think you would mind.”

“No, not at all. Tell your guards to watch over my mother and bring her back to Quinlan safely. I hope you are feeling strong, Matthias. We shall ride through the night.”

“I am ready and willing to do anything you ask, your majesty.”

The horses Matthias procured proved to be as promised. They were not much to look at, but they were fast and sure-footed. They made much better time on fresh horses than they would have on their tired mounts. As the sun came up, the land around them started to look familiar, and Maddoc knew they were close to Quinlan.

It was just after the normal breakfast time as they entered the village. Maddoc rode through quicker than usual, dodging around carts and people, ignoring the stares he received. He couldn’t imagine how rough he looked, but he didn’t care. Though he should have been tired, he felt nothing but determined. He would never find rest until Anwen was safe in his arms.

As they came up to the palace, there was a strange group assembled. Matthias looked over at Maddoc as he stared back at his guard. They rode closer to the front, and Maddoc recognized Lachlan standing close to his uncle, his sword drawn. There were many guards on horses that Maddoc knew came from Lucidala. An older lord sat on a handsome gray horse, and Maddoc guessed it was Lachlan’s father. Maddoc’s uncle was surrounded by palace guards and was exchanging words with Lachlan.

“What in the name of the gods of Calumbria is happening?” asked Maddoc as he rode up to the group.

“Your majesty, why are you back so soon?” asked Prince Korben. “I thought the situation in the southern part of our kingdom would take more of your time.”

Maddoc felt anger flare in his chest. How dare his uncle lie to his face. “You know why I am back, and I know what you have been up to. Where is Anwen? I want to see her, now,” demanded Maddoc.

“Princess Anwen is not your concern, your majesty. I have taken her under my protection, and soon she will be my wife,” replied Prince Korben.

“How dare you,” started Maddoc but he was interrupted by Lachlan.

“I will be the one to see Anwen, and I will take her back to Lucidala,” said Lachlan.

“You will not come near my betrothed,” said Prince Korben. “Come one step closer, and I will order my guards to do away with you.”

“I am not afraid of you or your guards,” said Lachlan.

Maddoc hurried to dismount. It seemed as if Lachlan really was going to attack his uncle. As much as he would like to do away with both of them, nothing would be accomplished by their blood being shed at the moment. He needed to end this situation and get to Anwen.

“Stand back, Lachlan. There is no need for this,” said Lachlan’s father from his horse.

“I am tired of waiting, and I am tired of being treated like a nobody in this awful kingdom,” spat Lachlan. He took a step forward.

Maddoc started to walk towards Lachlan when one of the guards went to move in front of Prince Korben. The guard stumbled and seemed to spook the on-edge Lachlan. What happened next happened quickly, but Maddoc would forever be able to replay every small moment of it in his mind.

As Lachlan moved forward with his sword, ready to strike, Anwen stumbled towards Maddoc. She looked half asleep, her eyes barely open, wearing a nightgown and a cloak several sizes too big. Her eyes opened wider as she saw Maddoc. He gasped her name, moving towards her as she stopped and made a noise as if all her breath had left her. It took a moment for Maddoc to realize Lachlan’s sword had hit her in her side.

Lachlan made a noise like he was lost as he withdrew his sword. Maddoc ran towards Anwen as she fell. Lachlan tried to kneel down beside her, but Maddoc pushed him away hard as he fell on his knees next to Anwen. All of this ignited some fuse that had been ready to be lit. The Lucidian guards hopped down off their horses as the palace guards moved forward. Maddoc didn’t care what was going on around him. He took Anwen into his arms and put his hand on her side which was bleeding heavily.

“You are back,” she said softly. “I have missed you.”

“Anwen, I’m so sorry,” said Maddoc as he pressed his hand to her side. So much blood was coming from it, and it seemed as if she was growing very pale.

“No, you didn’t know. You have no reason to be sorry.” She took a shaky breath, and her eyes closed.

“Anwen, stay awake,” said Maddoc desperately. He took her hand and put it over her wound. "You have to heal yourself. Use your power.”

“I cannot. Even if I could, I do not have the strength,” she said breathlessly. She opened her eyes and looked up at Maddoc. “I love you, Maddoc. I wanted so much to be your wife. I wish I had not resisted for so long.”

“You will be my wife. I will not lose you. I will get help.” He looked around to see guards fighting. He spotted Elias and Prince Rillian on the side trying to get through. He called to them. “Elias, get help now.”

“It won’t matter, Maddoc. It’s too late. You know it is,” said Anwen. “I don’t want this to be the end, but I think it is.”

“No,” said Maddoc desperately. “Please, don’t leave me. I cannot do this without you. I cannot do any of it.” He pressed his hand hard against hers on her side. He tried to will the wound to stop bleeding.

She took another ragged breath. “I wish I could have seen your summer palace. I wanted to wade into the sea with you.” She swallowed. “I wanted to watch our children play there someday.”

Her eyes closed again, and her breaths became very shallow. This could not be it. He could not lose her, not like this. “Anwen,” he said knowing he sounded lost. “I love you. Please, stay.”

She opened her eyes for a second more and gave him a very small smile before her eyes closed and she fell limp in his arms.

“No,” he whispered. He pressed his hand harder against hers, holding it against her side. This was not it. It could not be. He felt the tears that had gathered in his eyes start falling down his face. He bent down, putting his forehead against hers. “Please, don’t leave me. Please.”

He felt something in him awaken. He wasn’t sure what it was, but it felt warm. It spread through his body and seem to flow to his hand that held hers. Her hand grew warmer and warmer. He didn’t dare move it even if he thought he could. He felt permanently connected to her. She shifted in his arms. He thought at first he was imagining it, but then she moved again. It was very slight. He bent down closer to her and felt her gentle breath upon his cheek.

“Anwen,” he whispered. “Please, stay with me.”

She said his name so quietly, he almost missed it. He looked up, wondering if Elias had gotten help yet. It was chaos around him. Guards were fighting, and men were shouting, calling for peace. It was all too much. Maddoc closed his eyes and brought Anwen closer to him. He had to get her away from there. He was tired of her being hurt. He had almost lost her. He might still lose her if he didn’t find a way to get her to safety.

He didn’t know how he knew what to do next, but something within him told him to try. He pulled Anwen very close and laid his head against hers. “Help me,” he said quietly. She nodded against him. “The summer palace, you have seen it. Keep a vision of it in your mind, my love.”

He concentrated on the palace and his love for Anwen. His only thought was of getting her away from all the chaos and pain. He wanted her to himself, somewhere they could truly be together as they should. He closed his eyes, holding onto Anwen tight. The warm feeling inside him grew. It grew to the point, he felt enveloped in it. It was as if the very light of the sun was surrounding him, or that he was existing inside of a large flame. Suddenly, he felt the sensation of being in a strong breeze. It lasted only a few moments before it was gone.

He realized it had become very quiet. The air felt different. He sniffed, and he could smell the sea. His body ached, and his eyes felt heavy. He struggled to open them. First, he looked down at Anwen. She was curled against him. He could feel her steady breaths. He said a small prayer of thanks before he looked up to see the bright summer palace surrounded by snow in front of him. He could hear the waves of the sea crash against the banks of the island the building stood on.

He stayed there on the ground, holding Anwen shocked for a moment before he realized how cold it was. Using all the strength he had left, he got up off the ground with Anwen in his arms. He walked to the front door and knocked on it before leaning on the door frame. It felt like an eternity before the door finally opened.

A stunned looking servant looked at him for a few long seconds before saying,” Your majesty?”

Maddoc made no reply, he walked into the summer palace, straight to the large parlor. He placed Anwen gently down on a sofa there, before sitting down next to her. He brought her into his arms and leaned back, quickly falling asleep.