Tale of Four

Tristan looked ahead at the Waterway. After nearly a week of travel, he couldn’t help but dread the looming fort as he got closer. By his side, he could see his guards, looking towards him, some with hateful looks after what Tristan had done. Under the guise of wishing to carry out the king’s order, he had pushed them hard, not allowing much rest, and because of it, they were tired, hungry and annoyed. But the truth of his reason was different. Travelling on the road, he was always on edge, every subtle noise making his heart race.

The first night they had tried to rest, he had stayed awake the entire night, having to use Annabell as a source of comfort to stop himself from succumbing to his terror. Because of it all, Tristan wanted to rush the journey to the Waterway; that way, he could be behind walls once again. Even if the fort was going to be under siege eventually, it was still better than being on the open road, surrounded by the unknown.

Pulling up before the Waterway, the drawbridge lowered. Looking across the river, he saw the forces of the forest, camped on the opposite bank, watching without moving, simply cutting off the exit. Looking towards the entrance to the hills, he saw the Red Shepard banner of House Carter flying, the land having been seized after the Desert invasion of the Hills, cutting off another exit.

The bridge fell, and with a loud bang, Tristan slowly crossed over and looked up. Soldiers stood guard, watching him. Looking towards the gate, he saw a few soldiers waiting for him, bowing when he got close, surrounding a single man in gold armour.

”Ser Halls.” Tristan said with a thin smile, his heart finally calming within the walls of the Waterway. Slamming a fist on his chest, Ser Halls bowed.

”Princeling. It is an honour to have you here.” With a smile, Tristan lightly chuckled and leaned closer to Ser Halls, making sure none of the other soldiers could hear him.

”Is it really an honour having someone who has never seen a battlefield or siege here, more so when they have the power to command?” There wasn’t a flicker of emotion on the northern king’s guard’s face. Turning, he indicated for Tristan to follow.

”If you’re smart enough to admit you are untrained, I can assume you won’t be taking direct control of the defence.”

”There are better men, Ser Halls.” The northern man finally let out a thin smile.

”But I did not lie when I said it is an honour to have you join us, Princeling. The king left me here for a single reason, despite my mistakes within the Palace.” Tristan raised an eyebrow as Ser Halls led him into the large stone building within the centre of the Waterway. Rather than going up, he unlocked a heavy wooden door that led underground. ”In the North, a Lord’s job isn’t just to protect against bandits or make sure the people are fed. We deal with the arcane and supernatural just as much.”

”The supernatural?”

”The land behind the Divide is cursed, Princeling. The king, for all it is worth, understands that the Arcane is a very real and very dangerous thing if used in war. Whilst the Magi are scholars at heart, some of them lend their services to lords in return for certain things. The king has some, as does our enemy. Your little dove being here is a great boon. It can see what we cannot and protect against what should be the unprotectable.” Ser Hall turned to Tristan, stopping outside a cell. ”Princeling, there is one thing you must decide, however. The King was in a hurry to leave, and becuase of that simply left Lord Daywatch imprisoned. As the highest authority here, you are now to decide what to do.”

Opening the cell door, Tristan saw Lord Daywatch sitting on the cold stone floor. His condition was the best they could manage for such a damp cell, with a small hay bed and bucket. In the corner, Tristan saw some charred wood and could tell he had been given just enough wood for a small fire to keep himself warm.

Lord Daywatch looked up and sighed, ”I greet....” He paused, unsure of Tristan’s name.

”Tristan. Tristan Cosmaton.”

”I greet the Princeling.” Lord Daywatch said with a tired voice, leaning his head against the wall. ”What is it? Has my ransom been paid?” Peeking at Ser Hall, the kingsguard shook his head. Lord Daywatch clicked his tongue and said nothing, slumping into his shoulders. Kneeling down before him, Tristan softly smiled, unbothered about the small amount of water that soaked into his trousers.

”Are they feeding you well, my Lord?” Lord Daywatch smirked and shrugged.

”I’m a prisoner. I’m happy to be getting one meal a day.” Looking past Tristan, he stared at Ser Halls, ”Although I would much prefer more.” Ser Halls didn’t flinch in front of the joke, and seeing it, Lord Daywatch clicked his tongue again, ”Northern pagans. They have no sense of humour.”

”Well, I’m glad you are being fed, My Lord. Unfortunately, as for a ransom, you must understand that even if one is requested, I will not be able to accept. Do you think I can let you leave just to besiege your own fortress again?”

”The king didn’t leave behind a complete idiot, it seems.” Sighing, Lord Daywatched frowned, ”A shame, I had hoped you would be stupid and allow it.” Waving his hand, he turned his head and stared at the wall to his right. ”Although, do you know, Princeling, why prisoners are usually bound, and the warden doesn’t kneel before their prisoners?”

”So they can’t be attacked.”

”And yet you do it anyway.” Lord Daywatch’s words caused Ser Hall’s to shuffle, his hand touching the hilt of his sword. Lifting a hand, Tristan smiled brightly.

”Because why would you attack me?” Lord Daywatch raised an eyebrow.

”You are my enemy, the one who has me in prison right now, princeling. That is a rather foolish question.”

”Sure, but why? I plan to treat you with nothing but respect, as much as a prisoner can have at least, and I am sure you understand, my Lord, that anything you can do is a hopeless endeavour that will cost you your life. It is better for both of us if we are civil.” Lord Daywatch let out a deep breath and nodded.

”Is this a courtesy visit just to see me, or is there a reason you have come?”

”I have just arrived. I need to understand the state of my fort.” Lord Daywatch nodded and closed his eyes, indicating he didn’t wish to speak anymore. Getting up and stepping out, the door slammed shut.

”Have another guard placed on his door, Ser Halls.” The Kingsguard didn’t question and slammed a fist on his chest, bowing. ”Is there anything else I must handle before we begin? Food, logistics, more valuable prisoners?”

”For now, no. I couldn’t be sure of your arrival and have been handling things myself. As for food, there is no need to worry. With access to the Crowlands, we can get a consistent supply, and should it be cut, we can fish from the waters around.” Tristan nodded and narrowed his eyes.

”Should we worry about them poisoning the waters?”

”They are too large, and Lord Elvissia wouldn’t harm the land he rules. The Desert wouldn’t either, as the river provides some greenery they can farm along their border.” Smiling, Tristan relaxed a little and slowly wlaked around, smiling at every man he walked past, climbing the steps to the top of the wall. Looking out, he let out a deep breath and leaned against the edge.

”I shall leave things to you. If you need more or Annabell for any reason, Ser Halls, just ask.” With a nod and bow, Ser Halls wlaked off, knowing there was no point in clinging to Tristan.

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Looking at himself in the mirror, Edmund chuckled, fiddling with the end of his sleeves, trying to find the perfect way to wear them. Beside him, two maids worked, carefully working on his appearance so he looked perfect. Although he was partly a Cosmaton, his appearance was that of a Flatlands noble for his wedding.

The green robes were the most humble things he would wear in his life, lacking extra designs or patterns, signifying the fertility of the land. The makeup applied to him was light, almost unnoticeable, used to bring out his eyes and blush his cheeks. Any jewellery was taken off and placed to the side.

Nodding, he heard the door open and looking behind him, he saw Kieran step in; the man’s face grim, out of place for the wedding. Seeing Edmund smile, Kieran returned a small one, and quickly lowered his head. ”My Lord. Congratulations.” Waving the two maids off, Edmund walked towards him and rested a hand on his shoulder, firmly grabbing it.

”Thank you, Kieran. Although, when I stand on the altar, can you smile at least? I want everyone to be happy today, and I can tell you need it.” Kieran gulped and gave a weak nod that could hardly be registered. ”I’m sure you didn’t come here to just congratulate me, however.”

”Yes, my Lord.” Holding up a small box, Kieran opened it up and revealed an ornate pocket watch, one obviously made by a Magi, the runes on it making sure it would always be the correct time no matter the change in seasons. It was a work of obscene wealth, the body and chain made of pure gold. The face of the watch was black and brown in colour, with the hand of the clock made of a blue gem. Finally, each number was crafted from green gems. Edmund wondered how such a fine piece of work was made before shaking his head.

”This is far too nice, Kieran.”

”It is not from me, my Lord, although I wish I could offer soemthing so beautiful.” With a small chuckle, Kieran forced the box into Edmund’s hands. ”It is an artefact handed down over generations in the Wells family, used to track harvest. Your Lord Father said you’re a man now, and that it is your time to inherit it.”

Edmund’s lips shook, as did his hands. Staring at the watch, it was small enough to fit in his hand, yet felt incredibly heavy. ”I understand.” Finally, he forced the words out, unable to take his eyes off the watch, ”However, how does he expect me to wear it now. I thought my appearance must be nothing but humble.”

”Family heirlooms are the sole exceptions, my lord.” Kieran held his hand out, offering to take the watch and put it on. Not wasting a second, Emdund handed it over. ”You are half correct, my Lord. Your outfit is to showcase humility, but it also represents the new life to be born from the union. Your wife is the earth, and you are the seed that brings about the crops. This watch was created for harvest and therefore applies.”

Placing the watch on the inside pocket and clipping it to the outside of the robe, Kieran smiled and nodded. Even if the gold was stark on the green robe, it didn’t take away anyone’s attention from Edmund himself.

”Thank you, Kieran.” Edmund smiled and rested a hand atop the watch. ”Now please, rest and enjoy yourself.” Opening his mouth, Kieran’s eyes shook. Edmund could see he was debating whether to say something but ultimately decided against it and bowed, leaving the room.