Chapter 2: Departures (Part 2)

They came through the gates in two rows, the Horse Guards leading with Talamioros in their midst, followed by the Foot Guards in their neat ranks, four abreast. Passing through the streets, one might have noted that they moved noticeably faster than was the usual stately procession. Winding through the wide avenues, they stopped before a gate, just wide enough for five men abreast to march through, and high enough for horsemen to enter without dismounting. Within, the gate guards saluted, fist on chest, as Talamioros rode through. The prince of Erennia entered a garden, a large expanse of grass and trees and flowers, many of which had been planted by himself. His villa lay ahead, beige sandstone overgrown with ivy and other creepers. It looked expressively rustic, and often raised his spirits after a gruelling day of arbitration or travel. But today he did not feel right; the house gave him nothing but a sour feeling in his gut, confirmed a moment later as the front door was yanked forcefully open and the doctor rushed out, running straight towards Talamioros. The look on his face was ominous, and the prince knew the news before he heard them spoken.

“I tried, your highness, but I couldn’t save them. They were too far gone. I am afraid not a one is left. I am sorry. Forgive me, my prince.”

Talamioros waved him aside, thanking him in a murmur. He walked slowly into the house, back straight and head high. Despite his grief he forced his voice steady and said, “Bury all seven of them under the apple tree in the southwest of the garden. That was where most of them buried their bones and trinkets anyway. They would like it there.” He quickly made his way to his apartments, flinging open the door, telling his door guards not to allow anyone to enter the corridor while he sprawled on the bed, bawling like a child, letting the grief out where no one else could see or hear.

What seemed an eternity passed before Talamioros sat up from his bed, his pillow wet through and his eyes dry and swollen. He dragged himself to the edge of the bed, taking several deep breaths, then washing his face to minimise the swollen eyes. Flinging open the doors to the corridor, he walked out of his room, his sandals scraping along the rough floor. The afternoon light shone through the windows lining the corridor, warming Talamioros’ face. As he reached the end of the corridor, he heard a commotion.

“…don’t care, I must see him now! It is urgent!”

“I am sorry; but the prince left orders not to be disturbed until he came out. If you will not tell us what it is, we cannot let you through.”

“Look, we’ve gone through this a thousand times, alright? It’s an urgent message from the King, his father, and it is a matter of national importance! It is only for his ears alone, and I have my orders! I cannot tell it to you. Now, let me through, or it’ll be on your head.”

“If you will not stop pestering us we will be forced to throw you out, baron. You will wait, or you will leave.”

Talamioros broke in. “Bariten,” he called, referring to the guard who had spoken by name, “Bariten, let him through. I’m coming out.”

He came within sight of the corridor’s end, saw his guards standing athwart the corridor, spear levelled across it so none could pass. Beyond that, the red face of Baron Miksuvin, one of his father’s aides. The Baron pushed past Bariten and bustled his ample frame towards Talamioros, performing a bow in mid-stride to save time.

“My prince, I bring an urgent message from your father the king. Can we—?” Miksuvin motioned towards Talamioros’ room, indicating he wished to be out of earshot of the others.
“What you have to say, you say it here. I trust my Guards completely. Speak; what is it?”

“Your father wishes you to come back to the capital. Myrgora must be handed over to someone else to govern. He needs you now, for your skills in command, not in administration.”

“What is it? Another Tului border incursion?”

“No; something far worse. Erennia-in-Arboriel is under attack; we just received the message sent by fast ship from Demula. One of the Thelomanni kingdoms has sent an army into our lands there, and have already taken a major city, Abubey, by siege. We have lost the control of our gold mines. The last we heard, the army in Arboriel was marching to battle. I do not know how it is now with them, but King Jodias has deemed it necessary to send reinforcements. As Commander of the Guard you are to lead the Royal Guard to reinforce the army in Arboriel.

“I, of course, only tell you this informally. But Jodias will officially give you your orders and record the decree when you arrive at Ylldelia. Jodias wishes me to tell you that you are expected to arrive at Ylldelia with all the Guards in Myrgora by the end of this week.”

Talamioros was horrified. “The end of this week? That means we’ll have to set out now!”

Miksuvin smiled broadly. “Precisely.”

Talamioros yelled to the guards in the corridor, “Get ready to leave! Now! Call the others. We leave Myrgora as soon as possible.”

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