The Scourge of Muirwood (Legends of Muirwood #3)

“Is it true? You say Demont’s blood is strong with the Medium, but did that strength come legitimately? Do you marry the daughter of such a one? I know your wife was never allowed to study at Dochte, for she was not the daughter of a king, but her mother may have taught her.”


“That is my concern and none of yours. Thank you, Aldermaston, for your hospitality. My men are rested and we ride in the morning for Comoros. Martin, will you show me that giant oak in the woods you discovered? I would not want to leave Muirwood without seeing its mighty branches.”

The Aldermaston looked as if he had aged another dozen years during their interview. “You are welcome to roam the grounds as you see fit. There is an excellent view of the Tor from the slopes of the cemetery.”

The Prince smiled and nodded. “Yes, the cemetery. I imagine the view will be splendid. Until it floods. Thank you again, Aldermaston. Come, Martin.”

The Prince walked through the lush apple orchard. The buzz of flies wafted in the wind. Martin glanced back at the Aldermaston, who paced the orchard, collecting his thoughts and emotions.

Martin coughed in his hand. “You did not tell him about the cider, my lord.”

The Prince shook his head. “He has enough to worry about. He would not care for us to visit the Tor if he knew what else I have seen.”

“Will he obey you?” Martin asked. “Will he raise the child as you instructed?”

The Prince cocked his head slightly, giving Martin an unnerving look. “That is why I must leave you here, Martin. You must guarantee she reaches Dochte Abbey when it is time. You will not be going with us to Comoros. ”

Martin stared at him in shock, his insides writhing with pain. “By Cheshu!” he hissed.





*





“The king arrived with the Earl of Caspur. Not the king of Dahomey. Our king. There was great enmity between Colvin and Caspur, but the king forbade them to quarrel. He said he wants to bring peace to the realm and heal the rift between Demont and the Queen Dowager. He intends to pass the maston test at Dochte Abbey and the Aldermaston has agreed to let him try. The king has joined my private lessons. He is nearly my age and very clever. He knows about reading but he has not had the patience to learn engraving. He whispered to me that he will have his scrivener do that for him. He attempted to read over my shoulder and see what I write in my tome, but I did not permit him. It is for my secrets and not to be shared. He is very kind and his humor reminds me somewhat of Edmon. I miss those evenings in the kitchens of Muirwood. How simple and peaceful they were. Here there is studying all day long and dances and fetes until late into the night. The cider is delicious but I only sip a little. Colvin will not drink it. During the dances he broods. I wish he would ask me to dance. Sometimes I stare at the dancers with great interest, but he ignores me. I do not think he cares to dance.”





- Ellowyn Demont of Dochte Abbey



*





CHAPTER TWELVE:


The Holk in Doviur





Ships of every mast and size thronged the port of Doviur. Hundreds of gulls squawked and swooped, mirroring the commotion existing on the piers below. The horizon was a tangled skein of ropes, poles, masts, and large hooks and cranes. Lia kept the Cruciger orb hidden within the fold of her cloak and stared at the spindle as it pointed the way she needed to go. Her request was simple – find me a ship that will bring me to Dochte Abbey. The orb obeyed, allowing her to weave in and out of the crowds, through plumes of charcoal smoke and the sick aroma of decaying fish.

The vessels were of different sizes, but they were similar in design. Tall masts rigged with triangular sails, some folded, some flapping. Burly men worked to load and unload the ships, some cursing and others struggling against their burdens. As she had experienced in Comoros, she could feel no trace of the Medium in Doviur, and she had not felt it since leaving the cave that morning. The Myriad Ones skulked and sniffed, enjoying the feelings of anger and impatience that permeated the air. Lia walked purposefully, feeling stronger and yet wondering how she was going to beg passage aboard the vessel she found. She had some money given her by the Aldermaston, but she was not certain what it would cost.