Stanislav Voronsky halted at the gate. “There it is,” he said. “The Palace of His Majesty, King Yulakov of Ruzhina.”
“Have you been here before?” asked Belgast.
“No.”
“Weren’t you one of the more successful mage hunters?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Galina. “Stanislav was the best mage hunter we had, but that was family business; it had nothing to do with the Royal Court.”
“Isn’t it common courtesy to visit the court of the appropriate king when on the hunt for new students?”
“Not in Ruzhina. The family has always enjoyed a close working relationship with the ruling line here.” Galina forced a smile. “I know we’re here to end that, but I find myself wondering of late what good could they have accomplished had the Stormwinds been more sensible.”
“Sensible?” said the Dwarf.
“Yes. Think of all they could have done had they chosen benevolence over working with the empire.”
“Too late for that now.” Belgast nodded at the guard coming towards them. “Looks like they’ve spotted us.” The warrior wore the king’s colours, along with a fine suit of mail. An officer, if his sash was any indication, although Belgast couldn’t be certain. “Why can’t you Humans use the same dress code for your warriors?”
“Sorry,” replied Stanislav. “Shall I send word to all the courts of the Petty Kingdoms and admonish them?”
“There’s no need to get testy.”
“Says the complaining Dwarf.”
“Now, now,” said Galina. “That’s enough of that.”
The king’s man drew closer, then halted, peering through the front gate at the new arrivals. “Who are you?”
“I am Galina Marwen, aide to His Grace, Fernando, Duke of Reinwick. I am here to speak to His Majesty, King Yulakov.”
“And who are these two?”
“This is Stanislav Voronsky, a mage hunter of some renown, along with Belgast Ridgehand, advisor to the Dwarven Realm of Kragen-Tor.”
“His Majesty is not seeing anyone today.”
“And you are?”
“Captain Duvarov, Commander of the Royal Bodyguard.”
“Please convey to His Majesty that we are here at the invitation of King Rordan of Abelard. I believe that might convince him to see us.”
Duvarov stared back, not moving.
“For Saint’s sake,” said Belgast. “Are you deaf, man, or is this a special occasion?” He stepped closer to the gate, pressing his face against the bars. “If I were you, I’d run off and tell your master we’re here. I doubt he’ll appreciate the thought of us waiting!”
“Stay here,” said the captain, who turned and marched off to the front door of the Palace.
“He’s taking his sweet time,” grumbled the Dwarf. “And what does he mean by that remark? Stay here? In the name of the Gods, where else would we stay?”
Stanislav looked at Galina. “He’s not known for his patience.”
“Clearly,” she replied.
“What about you? Ever been here before?”
“Once. Tatiana brought me right after I joined the Volstrum as an instructor.”
“Whatever happened to her?”
“Marakhova removed her as Grand Mistress of the Volstrum. As to her ultimate fate, that remains a mystery. She wasn’t at Zurkutsk.
“She likely knew too much,” said Belgast. “I expect they killed her to keep the family secrets safe. After all, the last thing they want is all this internal strife leaked.”
“I suspect she’s still alive,” said Stanislav.
“What makes you say that? Wouldn’t it be safer for them to kill her?”
“They locked me up after I helped Natalia escape, and I’m only a mage hunter. By your reckoning, getting rid of me would’ve been more expedient.”
“I didn’t say I agreed with the decision, merely that it made sense from a certain point of view.” Belgast’s voice choked up. “You are my dearest friend. I would never wish you such ill will.”
“Let us focus,” said Galina. “We can speculate all we like later. We must tend to the business at hand right now.”
Belgast cleared his throat. “Yes, of course.”
They waited in silence, their eyes glued to the front door of the Palace. After what felt like an eternity, Captain Duvarov returned, followed by four men.
“I hope he hasn’t come to arrest us,” said Belgast. “I didn’t bring my pick.”
Galina gave him a withering glare, then focused on the captain.
“His Majesty has agreed to see you,” he said, nodding at one of his men who, in turn, produced a ring of keys. “My apologies,” Duvarov continued. “I was unaware His Majesty expected such esteemed dignitaries.”
“That’s understandable,” replied Galina. “Our visit was meant to be kept quiet, as it could hold huge political ramifications if the other Petty Kingdoms discovered we were here.”
The guard finished unlocking the gate and then swung it open.
“If you’ll follow me,” said Duvarov. “I’ll take you to His Majesty.”
“By all means,” said Galina.
The captain led them through the front door of the Palace into a large entrance hall packed with people.
“Is His Majesty holding court?” asked Stanislav.
“No,” replied the captain. “The Royal bureaucracy awaits orders for the day.”
“Do they gather like this every morning?”
“They do.”
Belgast shook his head. “What a strange way to run a kingdom.”
“Strange, Master Dwarf? What makes you say that? Do your own people not follow the orders of your king?”
“The bureaucrats of Kragen-Tor are capable of doing their jobs without the vard’s direct orders. I would think the same true here?”
“Ah,” said Duvarov. “You seem to have misconstrued my meaning. They await His Majesty’s directives, which are handed down through the Royal Ministers, not directly from the king.”
“Then why gather here?”
“This building serves as the seat of government, allowing the Royal Advisors to receive their orders directly from the king when needed.”
“How strange.”
“Is it? I think it common practice amongst the Petty Kingdoms.”
“This is not the time to discuss politics,” interrupted Galina. “If you would be so kind, Captain. We must speak with His Majesty.”
“Yes, of course.” Duvarov continued, leading them down the entrance hall and through a set of double doors. His men, trailing behind, closed them and took up positions, blocking the exit.
“What’s this, now?” said Belgast. “Surely you’re not arresting us?”
“No,” replied the captain, “but if you wish to see the king, you must surrender your weapons. Place them over there.” He nodded at a nearby table. “You can retrieve them when you leave.”
Stanislav unbuckled his sword and set it down. Belgast hesitated, then did the same with his knife.
“And you, Lady Marwen?” asked Duvarov.
“I am unarmed.”
“I’m afraid I’m not permitted to take your word for it. You will have to be searched, as will all of you.”
“But we just gave up our weapons,” said Belgast.
“So you claim, but we’re tasked with ensuring His Majesty’s well-being, and to do that, I must insist we search you. Of course, if you’d prefer not, you’re more than welcome to leave.”
“Fine,” said Belgast. He pulled another knife from his boot and then slowly placed it on the table. “That was from my father.”
“It will be safe. I promise you.”
“It better be.”
Three guards moved closer and patted them down for weapons.
“I apologize for the inconvenience,” said the captain, “but there have been threats against His Majesty of late.”
“Threats?” replied Galina. “What types of threats?”
“I’m afraid I’m not privy to that information, and even if I were, I wouldn’t share it with outsiders.”
“Let me guess,” said Stanislav. “This came from one of the king’s advisors?”
“How do you know that?”
“It is common amongst the Petty Kingdoms for the king’s advisors to deal with such things.”
With the search complete, Captain Duvarov indicated the far end of the room, where another set of double doors waited. “That’s where the king is. If you wait here, I’ll find out if he’s ready to see you.”
A guard opened one of the doors, admitting the captain, then closed it again.
“I sense a Stormwind is behind this,” muttered Galina.
“To what end?” replied Belgast, keeping his voice low. “They’re already at court.”
“True, but Yulakov is relatively new to the Throne. I suspect the family is using this pretense to isolate him from outside influences.”
“Yet he agreed to meet us.”
“He did,” said Galina, “but I imagine we’ll see one or two Stormwinds once we go in there.”
Captain Duvarov returned. “His Majesty will see you now.” He nodded at the two guards who pulled the doors open, then swung his arm wide to indicate the trio should enter.
Stanislav went first, with Belgast following on his heels. Galina stayed back a couple of paces, eager not to draw too much attention until she discovered who was present.
The throne room’s floor was set in alternating black-and-white marble squares. At the far end stood the throne of Ruzhina, an overly large, ornate wooden chair with a high back that dwarfed the king. Two guards flanked His Majesty, while off to his right, three robed individuals sat watching.
Stanislav moved closer, halting ten paces from the throne, then bowing. “Your Majesty, we bring you greetings from King Rordan of Abelard.”
“Rordan, you say?” the king replied. “How fares my son?”
“He is well, sire, and sends his regards. You won’t know me, but I believe we have a mutual acquaintance whom you met in Abelard. She suggested your son spend time at His Majesty King Rordan’s court.”
“Ah, yes. And who are these other individuals?”
“Representatives from Reinwick and the Dwarven Realm of Kragen-Tor, here to discuss the return of the Stormwinds to the Reinwick court.”
One of the robed individuals shifted slightly. “Wouldn’t the Volstrum be more suitable for such a visit?”
“Indeed,” said Stanislav. “That is their ultimate destination, but it’s common practice amongst the Petty Kingdoms to pay a visit to court when in foreign countries.”
“He’s got you there, Veris,” said the king.
“My apologies for the outburst,” the fellow replied, “but something about these visitors doesn’t ring true. Perhaps it might prove useful if they introduce themselves?”
Galina stepped forward. “You know full well who I am, Veris, or is your brain addled with age?”
“Galina Stormwind? I thought you dead.”
“No. Merely away on family business. I came from Reinwick.”
“The family no longer has a presence in Reinwick.”
“That’s why I’m here. I have a strategy for us to return to court.”
“I’m listening.”
Galina glanced briefly at the king before continuing. “As you stated earlier, this is not the place to discuss the family’s business. However, if you are willing, we could arrange a private meeting.”
Yulakov looked bored. “There are rooms available for that sort of thing. Captain Duvarov can take you to one, although I’m not done with Veris yet.”
“Thank you, Majesty. My companions and I will happily wait in whatever room you deem suitable.”
“Is this to be a long meeting?”
“Likely not,” replied Galina. “Though it might prove beneficial for your treasurer to be present, and even your chancellor, if possible. I understand they are all members of the family?”
“You would strip my court of my most trusted advisors?”
“Only when you’re done with them, Majesty. I don’t mean to intrude on the business of state.”
“Very well. Take them away, Captain, and find them something to eat. I will need Veris and Yaleva for a while longer.”
Duvarov bowed. “As you command, Majesty.”
Belgast paced. “Are you confident this will work?”
“You agreed to this mad plan,” replied Stanislav. “I did warn you it might have some element of risk.”
“This is far more than an element. If Yulakov suspects foul play, he’ll set his guards on us.”
“Nonsense. We’re perfectly safe. The king understands what’s at stake here.”
“How can you be so certain?”
“Two things. First of all, he’s posted guards outside that door rather than in here with us.”
“And secondly?”
“He’s given us another attached room where Galina can do her part in private.”
“Yes, but will it be enough? I might remind you these Stormwinds are powerful mages.”
“I’m fully aware of that,” said Stanislav, “but there can be no ultimate victory without some risk.”
“I’d feel better if Natalia were with us.”
“As would I, but she’s needed elsewhere.”
A knock interrupted their discussion. The door opened, revealing their guard. “Lord Veris Stormwind is here.”
“Ah. Please send him in,” said Stanislav.
The Water Mage entered and looked around the room. “Where is Galina?”
“She’ll be along shortly,” replied Belgast. “She’s answering a… call of nature.”
“This is a waste of time,” said the mage.
“If you bear with us, Master Veris, I’m certain you’ll see what a tremendous opportunity we’re offering.” Belgast glanced at the door. “Are your companions coming?”
“They’ll be along shortly. What’s this all about?”
Belgast took a deep breath. He must keep Veris busy until the other two arrive, or the plan would be for naught. “As I understand, the family was dismissed from the court of Reinwick. Can you shed any light on that?”
“You’re already familiar with the story, otherwise you wouldn’t be here.”
“Ah, but we’ve only heard Reinwick’s side, and you know how the rulers of the Petty Kingdoms like to exaggerate.”
“Some years ago, Larissa Stormwind was implicated in a plot to foment war.”
Belgast nodded. “Yes, that’s what I’ve heard. There was mention of the Halvarians being involved. Was that true, or was Reinwick looking for a scapegoat?”
“You tell me; you claim to be from the Reinwick court.”
“I’m afraid you’re under a misconception,” replied Belgast. “I come from Kragen-Tor. Galina sailed from Korvoran, but she’s not here, else I’d ask her.”
“You’re wasting my time,” said Veris. He opened his mouth to say more, but the door opened, admitting two individuals. “Ah, at last,” he snapped. “I wondered when you were going to show up.” He returned his attention to Belgast. “This is Yaleva Stormwind, the king’s treasurer, and Irinushka Stormwind, his chancellor.”
“Pleased to meet you both. Am I to assume you are the sole representatives of the family here at the Palace? I shouldn’t like to have to repeat ourselves.”
“Yes,” replied Veris. “Now get on with it, will you? We haven’t got all day.”
Belgast made an exaggerated bow. “My apologies. Galina will be with us momentarily. While we wait, would you like some wine?” He moved to a small table by the other door and lifted a bottle to examine it. “Ah, ninety-five, a good year.” He filled six glasses, then passed them around, saving one for Galina. “To the king,” he said, then downed his glass.
“The king,” they all chimed in.
Belgast looked at Stanislav, who shook his head.
“I say,” continued the Dwarf. “This is fine, very fine indeed. I must compliment His Majesty on his wine cellar.”
Veris stood, holding his empty glass. “Can we get on with this?”
Belgast looked at Stanislav once again.
“A moment longer,” replied the mage hunter.
“For what?” said Veris. “What’s going on here?” He stared at his glass, a look of panic crossing his features. “You’ve poisoned us!”
“No, we haven’t,” replied Stanislav, downing the rest of his drink. “There. You can plainly see there’s nothing in that bottle that would kill you.”
“Magebane!” said Yaleva. She turned, ready to bolt from the room, but the door behind Belgast opened, and Galina entered, followed by a group of archers, each with arrows nocked.
“Yes,” said Galina. “We found a lot of it when we captured Zurkutsk.”
“Those are not the king’s archers!” shouted Veris.
“No, they’re not. They’re Therengians. We brought them here just for you.”
“Impossible. There’s no way they entered the Palace without being discovered.”
“Quite the contrary,” said Galina. “Now, if you come this way, we’ll take you somewhere nice and quiet.” She indicated the door that she’d entered through.
Yaleva bolted for the other door, two arrows thudding into her as her hand touched the handle. She fell to the floor, blood staining the stone.
“My apologies,” said Stanislav. “I should have warned you. Those are Therengian longbows, particularly lethal to those of us who choose not to wear armour.”
Veris stooped to examine his companion. “She’s dead!”
“As you will be if you don’t follow orders.”
“This way,” motioned Galina.
“Where are you taking us?” asked Irinushka.
Galina stepped aside. “The frozen arch in that room leads to Therengia. Laruhk will be waiting.”
“Laruhk?”
“It’s a long story,” said Stanislav. “He’ll explain everything. Thankfully, he speaks the common tongue well.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It’s simple. You see, he’s an Orc. Oh, and I wouldn’t recommend you try escaping; tuskers don’t take kindly to that sort of thing.”
“Tuskers?”
Stanislav smiled. “I’ll let you discover them for yourself.”