This is a short snippet from the book I'm working on. I'm torn between two titles: 'Luminaire' or 'Crystal Rose.' Decisions...decisions!
Mira heard August’s hooves clatter over the cobbles as
he galloped into the courtyard. She rushed out of her room and hurried down the
stairs. She opened the front door as Zatao climbed the steps towards her. She
waited until he reached her; then clasping his outstretched hand she asked.
“Did you find the prophet? What did he tell you?” Her eyes searched his face,
he looked tired and worried.
Zatao put an arm round
her shoulders and led her into the castle. “In a month we will be at war. But
worse than that, we have a spy in our midst!”
Mira’s hand flew to her
mouth as she attempted to stifle a gasp. “A spy—”
Zatao said no more as
his servant Merton arrived. Removing his gloves and jerkin he handed them to
him. “Run me a bath, Merton and leave out a change of fresh clothes.”
“Yes my Lord; and what
time should I tell cook to serve the evening meal?”
“Eight o’clock sharp. We will eat in the main
dining room.”
“Very well my Lord,”
Merton said and hurried away.
Zatao turned to Mira.
“Have you seen Aldrin today?”
“No I haven’t. What do
you mean there’s a spy here?”
“I can’t say anything at
the moment; we will discuss it over dinner. Do me a favour, find Aldrin and
tell him his presence is required this evening. As a family we have serious
issues to discuss.” As he gazed at Mira’s upturned face, his expression
softened. Cupping her chin he kissed her on the forehead. “Did you discover
anything in your time of quiet?”
Mira nodded. “You were
right when you said, Irene is in danger.” She frowned and twisted her fingers.
“However, not only Irene; so are we.” Her eyes widened in fear as she looked up
at him.
Zatao pulled her into
his arms. As he embraced her he could hear the prophet’s words ringing in his
head. If you trust the one who is above
all, you will come through unharmed. Holding her by the shoulders he eased
her away and stared into her eyes. He could feel her hands trembling as she
clutched his wrists. “Don’t be afraid, Mira. If we stick together as a family
we will come through this. Now go and find Aldrin. I will see you both at
dinner.”
“Don’t say too much over dinner,” Mira
advised. “Remember the servants!”
Zatao nodded, “Don’t
worry, from now on caution must be the watch word.”
As Mira hurried away, Zatao
sighed, his heart felt heavy…sluggish. Squaring his shoulders he took a few
deep breaths and gazed around the opulent hall. Ornate hangings adorned the panelled walls. In
the middle of the room a large table occupied centre stage, the dark wood
enhanced by the thick red carpet covering the floor and the winding staircase.
In the centre of the table a sweet smelling floral arrangement perfumed the
air.
Zatao studied the large
oil painting hanging above the fireplace. His father stood in regal pose, his
gloved hand resting on the ornate hilt of his sword. In the trees behind him could
be seen the faint image of a stag. Zatao moved closer and stared up at the
painting. His father’s strong but kindly face peered down at him.
Zatao sighed and rested
a hand on the mantle. “I don’t know what to do father. How do I resolve this
situation?” He lowered his voice. “It
seems we have a spy in our midst.” His dark eyes narrowed…his blond eyebrows
met in an angry frown. He stared up at his father’s face, and felt a strange nudge
to turn and look at the family crest hanging above the front door.
Resting against the
mantle he studied it. Engraved above the image of a white stallion and a stag
were the words, ‘When power and strength are divided; when wisdom stands alone.
Then falls the mighty kingdom and the stag will rule the throne.’
Unity, he thought. We
must remain united as a family and me personally. As he thought of the
stag, power surged within him…his heart raced…adrenalin coursed through his
veins. With a low growl he clutched at his chest and stood tall, fighting the
ascendency of the stag within him. Gradually his pulse slowed and he regained
control. He turned as footsteps approached.
Merton bowed low. “Excuse
me, my Lord, I have run your bath.” He could see sweat glistening on Zatao’s
top lip and forehead. Not wishing to draw attention to his master’s obvious
distress he lowered his eyes and indicated towards the stairs. His voice
faltered as he advised the Prince to take his bath while the water was still
hot.
Zatao nodded and swept
past him. Taking the stairs two at a time he hurried along the passage to his suite.
Merton’s heart sank as
he watched him go. It had been a number of years since he’d seen his master in
this state. And then it was due to the kidnap of August his master’s stallion. Looking
up at the portrait of King Asa, he put his hands together as though in prayer
and rested them against his lips. Over the past few hours heaviness hung over
the castle like a cloud and it bothered him. His worried sigh echoed
around the vast space. “Something is wrong…very wrong!” he muttered to himself.
