ISBN: 9781483532318
Author’s Note:
I’d like to dedicate this novel to Hayden Christensen of “Star Wars” fame. I would’ve never started writing at all if not for his inspiration. He’s given me a gift that I’ll always be grateful for.
I would also like to dedicate this novel to my family, especially my niece Joan. She’s loved more than she realizes.
There are others I’d like acknowledge too, such as my good friend Judi for being my “second pair of eyes.” Your friendship, as well as your guidance is, and always will be appreciated.
S. M. Bowes
Prologue
- The Heir is Born -
The black robed figure anxiously paced the floor awaiting the birth of the queen’s first born. It would be her only child. The man intended to kill the woman when she was no longer useful to him. He couldn’t take the chance that she’d tell the child of its true parentage, afraid it would seek revenge when an adult. The man had big plans for the future and his own demise was not a part of it.
The cloaked individual was in possession of the Book of Spells, which was an ancient, mystical book describing all kinds of incantations, including chapters on black magic. Having studied the book since youth, the man had managed to invoke a few simple spells that gained him notoriety as a sorcerer, but he wasn’t endowed with the true gift of conjuring.
The fact that the magician didn’t have the skill of true invocation made the Book of Spells even more important to him because it foretold of an extraordinary infant to be born who’d be defined as an extremely powerful sorcerer. The man researched the prediction at great length and discovered that the prodigy would be easily identified by a specific birthmark. He’d also learned that the current queen was to be the child’s mother. That was when the illusionist hatched a scheme that would ultimately grant him unlimited power.
The cloaked figure turned at the sound of the queen’s agonizing moans of pain. “Is it coming yet?” he asked the midwife, annoyed that the birthing process was taking so long. Not looking his way, the young woman hadn’t answered him because she was born a deaf mute. Frustrated by his own stupidity for forgetting about the midwife’s condition, the man cursed himself before walking over to her. He then roughly shook her by the shoulder and signed the question again.
The young woman shook her head yes signifying that she understood and signed back that the child would be born shortly. She then turned her attention back to the queen waiting for the baby to fight its way fully down the birth canal. When the midwife finally pulled the newborn from its mother, the baby drew in its first breath and screamed out loudly in protest.
“It’s about time,” the magician said to himself. “Well? Does it have all its limbs? Is it deformed?” he asked, signing to the birthing woman again.
The servant scanned the newborn for defects. Finding none, she shook her head no.
The infant appeared to be in good health. Its lungs certainly seemed strong judging from the loud wails still issuing from its mouth, the illusionist thought. “Clean the infant and bring it to me,” he ordered.
The midwife did as commanded, then handed the infant over to her master. The magician searched the baby’s body looking for the birthmark, spotting it on the right hip. He was amazed that the blemish looked exactly like the picture drawn in the Book of Spells. It depicted a comet soaring above the earth with a long tail extending behind it. Seeing the defining mark proved to the man that the newborn was indeed the one prophesized.
“Can I hold my baby?” the queen asked speaking barely above a whisper. She was exhausted having endured the long, painful process of giving birth.
The illusionist signed to the midwife to give the infant to the queen as she eagerly awaited her child with open arms. The servant wrapped the baby in a blanket, and then did as her master bid. When placed in its mother’s arms, the newborn greedily sought her breasts.
“A good omen that is,” the sorcerer stated, “but this child will hunger for more than mother’s milk in order to sustain all its needs.”
“You won’t get away with this. The king will soon be here to rescue me.”
“I’m aware of that fact your highness. I’ll greet your husband at the main gates, but I assure you that he won’t be able to rescue you; nor will he ever set eyes on his child.”
“You have no army to protect you from his wrath. Our knights will destroy your fortress, and then my husband shall take great pleasure in killing you.”
“That’s where you’re mistaken my dear.”
“How do you plan to escape your fate?”
“I have my ways,” the magician replied with a smirk on his face.
“Nicolas should’ve disposed of you years ago. Banishment wasn’t enough to pay for the atrocities you committed while a member of court. The king was ignorant of your vile deeds. He trusted you, but you betrayed him by corrupting his staff. You even attempted to sway him to your evil ways. I knew you’d seek vengeance after your attempts to temp my husband failed.”
“You’re right. This is a vendetta, but it’s much more than that. I plan to raise a fighting force so powerful that no army shall equal it. I’ll vanquish your kingdom, and then rule the realm with an iron fist; with your child’s help, of course.”
“One who has been born from Nicolas’ seed will never turn to wicked ways.”
“I’m afraid the heir to your kingdom will never learn of its true heritage. You won’t be around to inform your child of that fact.”
The queen couldn’t believe her ears. “Who will suckle the infant? You can’t let a commoner do it. My child is of royal blood.”
“Your baby is much more than that your highness, but there’s no need to fret your pretty head over this matter yet. I’ll let you live in order to suckle your own child.” The man leered cruelly as he walked over to the cot and stroked the queen’s face.
She turned her head away in disgust. “If you are thinking of forcing yourself on me I’ll kill myself first.”
“Tempting as that is my beauty, my lusts don’t include ravishing you. My goals are far grander than what you or anyone else can imagine.”
“You shall pay for your wicked ways someday magician. God will see to it.”
“Perhaps, but in the meantime I’ll take advantage of the gift he’s given me,” the man replied as his eyes strayed back to the infant.
The queen said no more. The woman looked down at the newborn as it suckled on her breast. She signed deeply knowing she’d never see her child grow to maturity.
Chapter One
- Liam Dunham -
The lad sat at the wooden table that was filled with glass vials of all shapes and sizes. His eyes anxiously darted back and forth between the colored powders inside the tubes. He dared not choose the wrong one and receive his father’s disapproval. Failure always led to a sharp slap across his face. His father was an impatient man.
Liam slowly reached his hand out and grabbed a vial with a reddish, brown powder inside. “Is this the right one sir?” he asked meekly.
“Yes. Very good my boy,” his father replied. The man allowed a small grin to spread across his face. “It appears you’ve studied very hard for this test and that pleases me. That will be enough for today. You may retire to you chamber now. You’ve earned the rest.”
“Thank you my lord,” Liam happily replied. He’d been up since before dawn. Today had been an important one. His father had just tested him on a special incantation that he was expected to perform later in the week. He’d memorized the chemicals that were needed in order to invoke the spell; praying that he wouldn’t get them jumbled up in his head when testing began. He could finally breathe a sigh of relief. He’d answered every question right which made his father proud.
Liam rose from the table and bowed to his father bidding him goodnight. He then grabbed the candlestick that would help light his way through the maze-fashioned corridors of Dunham Castle. The dark, dank pathways were poorly lit by bracketed torches. If not etched to memory through repetition, one could find themselves wandering the corridors for days on end.
The lad slowly made his way through the castle’s hallways towards his chamber which was bleak and stark of furniture. There was a fireplace in order to heat the room during the winter, but little else was provided for comfort. The boy had a cot to sleep in and a stand beside it in order to place a candle. The limited amount of light the taper provided barely illuminated the chamber, leaving the corners deep in shadow.
Liam spent many a night on the edge of his cot straining his eyes in order to study notes he’d jotted down from the mystical book. Having been granted the reprieve, he wouldn’t have to stay up until dawn this night. He wouldn’t be expected to perform the incantation for at least three days. Liam could afford to let himself relax until then. He’d need to refresh his mind on the day he invoked the spell, but now he was weary and needed sleep.
When entering his room Liam doused the candle allowing darkness to enshroud him. Not needing the light to find his way, the lad walked over to the bed and sat down. He didn’t lie down right away. Instead, he let the black of night soothe him as it always did. He often wondered why the servant’s children demanded a source of light to sleep by. Apparently, they were frightened of the dark. Liam couldn’t understand such an unwarranted concern. Darkness was an ally. In the dark of night the lad could imagine all sorts of wondrous events. He saw himself standing before a grand army. Bloodied bodies of some unknown foe surrounded him as he pretended to be a great warrior making his father proud. How Liam coveted his father’s praise.
Kydo didn’t grant praise easily. His displeasure was often handled by harsh slaps across the face. Liam had also felt his father’s whip on his backside as well; especially when he failed to invoke a spell properly. It wasn’t that the boy’s brain was dull or addled. He had a very quick mind. It was just that he was afraid to answer a query with a wrong response.
Liam endured the beatings he received without protest, assuming he’d deserved them. What he feared most was his father’s scorn. He longed for Kydo’s respect. That was something the man didn’t easily grant. Only when Liam performed an incantation perfectly did the lad get the sorcerer’s appreciation. Only then would Kydo give the lad a slap on the back instead of across his face. Only then would the boy receive a smile from his father. Only then did Liam’s heart soar above the clouds.
Liam needed Kydo’s love above anything else. That was something the sorcerer never shared with him. The boy didn’t believe the man was capable of such warmth. His father never told Liam that he loved him. He’d never held him close. He’d never received hugs from Kydo like the servants so frequently bestowed upon their children. Liam wondered why a mere servant should receive such attention when he, born of royalty, didn’t receive affection. Why couldn’t his father return his love?
Perhaps his father was afraid to give of himself again, Liam thought sadly. Kydo never spoke of Liam’s mother other than to say she’d died shortly after giving birth to him. Was that why the man couldn’t bestow his love on his only son? Was it because he didn’t want to suffer such pain to his heart again; or was it because he hated Liam for taking his wife away? Best not to dwell on such matters, Liam thought as he lay down and closed his eyes. He soon drifted off to sleep.
~
Liam jutted his broadsword through his enemy’s gut. Blood spurted from the wound as he pulled the weapon from the defeated warrior. He then moved to the next soldier and swung on him. The man was twice Liam’s size, but the lad didn’t let that fact waver his attack. He forced his foe back swinging his sword fiercely as their blades rang out loudly. Retreating from Liam’s vicious blows, the man was soon devoid of his head.
Liam battled his way past the drawbridge and through the gates of the castle, constantly screaming out a war cry. His knights followed without hesitation. Blood and fire surrounded them all as the lad fought his way through the carnage to the very entrance of the keep. A battering ram was brought to the massive door. Soldiers smashed against the wooden portal over and over again. It soon weakened and split apart. Liam’s men forced their way through numerous barricades and slew what was left of the enemy. Their foe defeated, victory was declared.
The youth smiled as he walked through his forces once the siege had been won. He shook their hands and thanked them for winning this battle for his father. They were stunned by his gratitude. No leader had ever bestowed such an honor on them before.
Suddenly a figure dashed from the shadows towards Liam. There was a flash of light. “A dagger,” someone yelled. The lad spun around as the figure ran up and stabbed at his back, grabbing the hand that slashed wildly at him. Liam was about to jab his sword through the assassin when he caught sight of his eyes. No. It wasn’t a man that fought him. It was a female; a mere child at that. Very brave she was, the lad thought. Bright blue her eyes were. They sparkled defiantly as she stared at him with malice. Her eyes shown with a fierceness that was beyond description, yet Liam was drawn to them like a moth to a flame.
~
Liam awoke sweating profusely, having never experienced a dream so vivid. While in a conscious state, the boy often daydreamed of leading an army into combat. He wanted to prove his courage to his father, but Kydo wouldn’t allow him to train for battle. His life was bound for greater things, so his father told him. He wouldn’t allow the boy to forfeit his life needlessly.
Liam had this reoccurring dream quite often. He’d assumed it was because he’d never taken part in a real battle. Odd that a female suddenly appeared in his dreams, he thought. It intrigued him. He couldn’t help but wonder why was he so attracted to this female. Did he not envision her to be his enemy? It was her eyes, Liam surmised. They held such passion.
His interpretation of why the girl appeared in his dream might be in error, Liam thought as he felt his manhood at full extent. He was now nearing his thirteenth year, the age when sexual desires were starting to take full possession of his body. He often awoke in an aroused state. He assumed the reason he imagined a particular girl to fixate on was due to that fact. The lad knew he could take any one of the servants and have his way with them without rebuke, but he didn’t want to soil himself with those ugly beasts. He wanted a woman of pure blood to be his first experience at manhood; someone who’d willingly give themselves to him. He didn’t know why, but he was troubled by the thought of forcing himself on the opposite sex; a peculiar idea indeed.
The teen reached his hand beneath the blanket and quickly sated his need while thinking of the girl from his dreams. He then rose from bed, cleansed and dressed. He went down to the kitchens and ate breakfast while the hounds pestered him for scraps of the meal.
Since he wouldn’t be tested today it gave him time to do what he pleased; not an occurrence that often happened. Liam wondered how to spend such free time. He really should seek Roland out and spend this time practicing swordsmanship, but he didn’t feel like exerting himself in such a demanding manner today. Perhaps he’d spend the day riding. Yes, that’s what he’d do. He’d go hunting. The kitchens could certainly use some fresh meat.
Liam quickly finished his meal and ordered that his mount be saddled and brought around. As the lad exited the kitchen, he once again felt proud to own such a magnificent stallion. The beast was black as night without one scar to mar his appearance. Hence, Liam named the steed Perfection.
The youth went outside and drew in a breath of fresh air. It was going to be a very good day, he thought. Grabbing the reins from the stable boy, Liam mounted his horse and spurred him to life. He galloped through the main gate. Speeding the animal across the drawbridge, he nearly ran down serfs in the process. He rode towards the forest at a fast pace wanting to distance himself from the castle as fast as he could. As he entered the woods Liam knew that the dense foliage would hide him from the fortress, as well as the far-reaching eyes of his father.
Chapter Two
- Kydo’s Forest -
Liam spurred Perfection through the tangled thickets as he made his way into the woodlands. He knew he’d find an abundance of creatures to hunt being so far in. His father had told him that this forest once belonged to King Nicolas Haydon the First. Nicolas had been a power-hungry war monger who kept his people living in squalor and under a constant threat of death. He’d been killed while attempting to invade foreign lands west of Dunham Castle. The peasants rejoiced when the suppressive tyrant was slain during the siege.
Kydo had risen a very strong army since the demise of the former king, defending the lands Nicolas once ruled. The realm, dubbed Davinport by King Nicolas, ran from the mountains in the west, to the ocean on the eastern shore. When Kydo took control of the kingdom he changed the name of the fortress to Dunham Castle.
The ongoing battles between neighboring lands still raged. Kydo’s provinces were constantly under attack by nearby warlords yearning to claim his territory as their own. Liam knew they fought for naught. Kydo’s warriors were well practiced in the art of combat and would give their lives in order to protect their monarch’s property.
The youth often daydreamed of running away and joining in these battles. Liam longed to lead an army into combat and vanquish his father’s enemies. Better that than to be confined to the castle studying the Book of Spells day in and day out. What good were incantations against one’s foes? How could an incantation defeat an enemy? How could conjuring determine Liam’s strength and leading abilities? Sorcery wouldn’t gain him a reputation of valor, nor grant him fame and glory.
The youth recalled when he mentioned that fact to Kydo one day. He’d received a sharp wallop on the back of his head for suggesting that he fight for his country. Liam could still hear his father’s harsh words.
Kydo had bellowed, “Young fool! You think your skill with a broadsword is enough to keep you alive? Good as you are at the art of swordsmanship, you’ll never defeat your adversaries by skill alone. Soldiers die in battle. No matter how many or strong your forces are, conflicts can be lost. Everything can be taken from you. Look at what happened to King Nicolas. His knights were well trained, yet his fortress was destroyed and he was killed when laying siege on foreign lands. If it weren’t for me, this domain would’ve been divided up by land-hungry mongrels years ago. No my son. You can’t depend on warring ways to keep possession of your lands. One must be wiser than that. You must make your enemies fear for their lives, as well as their children’s lives. Only through magic can you maintain control over your foes; and yes, even your own people. Only through incantations will you be able to dominate your adversaries and keep possession of all you’ll inherit from me. Only through my tutelage will you learn what must be done in order to fulfill your true destiny.”
Liam had been commanded to stay in his room for the remainder of the week with orders to study the ancient book due to his foolish ideas. Kydo expected him to learn five incantations during that length of time. The youth did as told. By the end of the week Liam had learned twice that amount and gained his father’s respect for perfecting the spells that he’d performed for Kydo with such pride. His punishment hadn’t diminished Liam’s dreams of valor, but the lad kept his daydreams to himself from then on, never mentioning fighting in a conflict again.
The bushes suddenly rustled jolting Liam from his reverie. Perfection pranced about hoping to be set at a gallop. The wild steed yearned for the freedom of racing uninhibited. Liam had to tighten his hold on the reins so they wouldn’t slip from his hands.
After Perfection settled down Liam dismounted. Drawing his longbow from his shoulder, he positioned an arrow. Going to his knees, Liam aimed towards the foliage waiting for his prey to come into view. The bushes rustled again and a stag ran from the tangled underbrush. Liam let go his arrow. It flew through the air and pierced the animal’s chest. The creature staggered and then fell dead to the ground. The castle would have fresh meat when he returned.
Liam stood and returned the bow to his shoulder. Perfection started to snort and stomp. The lad knew his steed smelled something close. He walked over and grabbed the reins in order to calm him and the stallion reared. “Whoa boy. Calm yourself. What’s ails you? Is someone afoot?”
The youth stood still and listened, but he couldn’t hear anything. Perfection was used to the smell of blood so Liam knew that wasn’t what was agitating him. What did his senses pick up that he couldn’t? “Come back when I when I call for you my friend,” Liam whispered in his mount’s ear just before slapping Perfection on the rear. The horse quickly sprinted away.
Hiding behind the foliage Liam waited, silently arming himself as he did. Within a few moments he heard voices in the thickets. Liam saw a man and a child break through. He rose to a standing position and pointed his broadsword towards them. “Halt. Who goes there?” he asked sharply.
Startled, the pair gasped and halted. The man looked stunned to see someone of status standing before him. “Pardon us young sir. We’re just mere peasants hunting our dinner,” the man replied.
“You’re trespassing. Don’t you know who owns this forest?”
“I..., um..., these woods once belonged to King Nicolas,” the man stammered.
“Not for many years. This land belongs to Kydo the Sorcerer now; this forest and beyond its borders. Commoners are not allowed to hunt here,” Liam replied.
“We’ve heard that sire. It’s just that my children grow leaner by the day. The woods surrounding our village have become sparse of game, while this forest has beasts aplenty. I have no choice but to hunt here. I have to nourish not only my family, but I have to help provide sustenance for our entire village as well. We’ve been tracking that stag for two days. He’d provide everyone a hearty meal. A good runner he is.”
“Not anymore,” Liam pointed towards the corpse.
“Do you claim his carcass as your own?”
“Yes. It’s my kill.”
“Surely you won’t deprive my children of food. Your pantries must be fully stocked. I’m sure you can spare this one animal. It would be a feast for my starving family.”
Liam looked at the pair suspiciously. Starving? What did he mean by that? How could the man claim to be hungry when Kydo made certain that the peasants were content with their lot in life? The man was obviously lying. He was nothing more than a thieving poacher, prowling these woods for easy prey. “I should arrest you and have you hanged for hunting these woods” Liam retorted angrily. Seeing fear in their eyes he said, “Be gone with you. I’ll warn you only once. Go quickly before I change my mind.”
The pair paid heed to Liam’s threat and ducked into the underbrush without replying. The boy suddenly stopped his retreat and turned back. Looking Liam squarely in the eyes, the boy spat at his feet. “Curse you and Kydo too,” he yelled before rushing after his father.
Liam’s ire soared at the disrespectful comment. How dare the boy curse him after allowing them their freedom? They’d broken the law, after all. He’d allowed them to flee when by all rights they should be swinging at the end of a rope by sunrise the next day.
Why had the lad cursed Kydo? Liam’s father was a decent man and shared the wealth of the land with all within its boundaries. Kydo allowed the peasants the right to hunt every forest save this one. After all, a good monarch had to supply the servants of his castle with food, didn’t he? Many mouths had to be filled each night. That was the sole reason these woods had been forbidden to commoners.
Liam thought that he should hunt the pair down, but thought better of it. If he followed them the stag would be eaten by predators and be wasted. He didn’t want to go back to the kitchens empty handed. Best to gut and bleed the animal, he thought. The pair would soon be far from this area anyway. There was no use in chasing after them, but from this point forward Liam vowed that he’d keep a sharp eye out for poachers.
Chapter Three
- A Night Under the Stars -
Liam’s anger was quelled somewhat by the thought of the chore ahead. He called for Perfection and the horse immediately returned. The youth petted his nose and whispered soothing words in his ears. The steed was soon back to his normal self.
The lad led the stallion through the brush to the felled stag. He reached into his saddlebag for the length of rope that he’d brought along for the purpose of bleeding prey. He tied one end of the rope to Perfection’s saddle horn and threw the other end over a sturdy branch. Pulling the rope to the stag he tied it to its rear legs. He eased Perfection forward and soon the deer was hanging a good distance from the ground. He then secured the rope to a bole of the tree before releasing his steed.
Unsheathing his knife, Liam cut down the length of the stag’s belly. Blood spurted from the wound and spattered him in the face, but he ignored it and continued cutting. When finished, he filled a rag with the stag’s entrails, saving the innards for the castle’s hounds. He then grabbed the water sack and washed the blood from his hands.
When done with this chore, Liam proceeded to clear an area for his encampment. Using his broadsword, the youth slashed at the brush pretending it was enemy soldiers he swung at. When he made a space wide enough, Liam placed his bedroll far from the carcass, not wanting to be annoyed by insects that would feast on it during the night. He knew Perfection would awaken him if larger predators came too close.
Liam then unsaddled Perfection and put it on the ground next to his bedroll. He then took some oats from the saddlebag and fed his steed, not forgetting to give Perfection a hearty drink of water. He then gathered wood and lit a fire, making sure to keep it from spreading into the surrounding shrubs. He’d surely receive Kydo’s outrage for setting the forest afire.
Liam then spread his bedroll out and lay down. Reaching into the saddlebag, he took out some hardtack. He nibbled on the dried meat as the sun’s light faded and darkness fell. It was soon black as pitch. The young man listened to the sounds of the forest. There were many screeches made by small creatures as predators killed them in order to sustain themselves. Not fearing an attack, Liam looked through the canopy above and saw stars twinkling through the dense leaves. He thought about faraway lands and wondrous deeds as weariness approached. He closed his eyes and sleep soon grabbed hold of his conscious mind.
~
In the young girl’s vain attempt to flee, the hood fell from her head revealing her face. Liam considered her beautiful. Her hair was as red as the flames that surrounded them; the intensity of the flames reflected brightly in her eyes. She yelled at him and tried to claw at his face while Liam chuckled at her tenacity. What a wild creature she was, he mused. Her clothing stank and her body was covered in ash, but she still persisted in fighting him. A real spitfire she was.
Liam’s captive continued to struggle in order to free herself from his grasp. She screamed and spit in his face, but the lad just smiled as insults issued from her mouth. His mirth seemed to add to her rage. Fighting him with renewed strength, Liam had to hold tight least this vixen escape his grasp.
“Unhand me you ugly brute,” she spat out.
“What will you do if I don’t?”
“I’ll rip your heart out.”
Liam laughed in response. “You; a mere child? How do you propose to do that dear one?”
“I am not your dear one you vile beast. Or should I say boy? You aren’t much older than I am.”
“I’m old enough to storm your castle and defeat your warriors.”
The young girl suddenly stopped struggling. Slumping her shoulders in defeat she said, “Yes. Your men have conquered my father’s knights, but you sir shall never vanquish me,” she replied defiantly.
Liam wasn’t surprised to learn this girl was a princess. “Oh, but I shall do to you as I want dear one. Aren’t you my captive?”
“Yes. I’m you’re prisoner, but I swear that I’ll escape and seek vengeance for all you’ve done this day.”
“I’m certain you’ll try,” Liam responded with mirth.
The young girl bowed her head in submission, and said no more.
~
Liam woke up feeling his manhood at full length. The intensity in which his dream girl had struggled against his body while dreaming had aroused him greatly. He wondered why he’d imagined a girl who held so much resolve as he sated his need. He also wondered why he’d envisioned someone he’d never met. Could she be real person, or did he subconsciously create her in order to satisfy his lust? Was it possible that he was envisioning a future event? Were his reoccurring dreams some sort of premonition? Was it possible that he’d really meet this girl someday? Could one really foresee one’s destiny? A most curious idea indeed, the teen thought.
Chapter Four
- Preparing for the Ball -
“An interesting concept. Perhaps your dreams are some sort of premonition of events yet to come. Only time will tell us that my boy,” Kydo replied to Liam when he told his father about his dreams.
“What could my dreams mean father?”
“That isn’t clear to me. Regardless; there is one aspect of your dreams that can’t be true.”
“What aspect sire?”
“The part about you participating in battle. You know my feelings about such matters. I will not have you risk your life in combat.”
“Am I not to inherit your throne father?”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“And don’t you still have enemies that seek your lands?”
“That’s also true.”
“Then perhaps it’s possible that I’ll have no choice but to lead your knights into battle.”
“That I will never allow.”
“What if there isn’t any other option? Perhaps you’ll be incapacitated by some sort of ailment? One that might addle your mind or render you unconscious. It would prevent you from defending our land. It would be my duty to take charge in such a situation.”
“It’s possible that could come to pass. I’ll have to think about this matter further. Roland is my Captain of Arms and has served me well through the years, but he’s no great strategist. If your dreams are premonitions I may have to scour the land for a man with capabilities beyond Roland’s, but I assure you that you’ll not be the one I choose. I’ll do all I can to prevent harm from coming to you Liam.”
“But father, if these dreams are really visions you’ll have no choice but to allow it. It’s what they foretell.”
“I can guarantee that you’ll never lead troops into battle.”
“But...,”
“No buts about it Liam. Premonition or not, I’ll not hear of this matter again. Do you understand me boy?”
Liam sighed. “Yes father. I understand.”
*
The years passed. Liam continued to study the Book of Spells and learned his lessons well. He eventually became a very accomplished conjurer. Kydo was very pleased with his apprentice. Many conflicts had been fought with those seeking to take his father’s lands. Kydo had made certain that Liam never led knights into battle. That task was handed to Farind the Beast, so named from his ruthlessness in battle.
Farind had been bold enough to risk a night attack against Kydo’s warriors when their armies clashed. Though Farind’s assault failed, Kydo had been impressed by such daring and promised the man wealth beyond his wildest dreams if he’d pledge his loyalty to Kydo. Farind swiftly agreed. Better to end up rich, than to have his head severed from his body. He soon replaced Roland as Captain of Arms. The man’s reputation for showing no mercy quickly spread throughout the realm, as well as beyond its borders.
Though Kydo had kept Liam from leading men into battle, it didn’t mean the lad hadn’t participated in a certain aspect. The boy’s powers were increasing daily. The spells Kydo had Liam perform created a shield around his knights, which grew stronger with each incantation. The unsuspecting lad was never aware that the spells he invoked actually provided this invisible armor, of course. Nor that the lands Kydo’s soldiers fought for were really invaded territories, instead of lands being freed from tyranny.
Kydo’s great army grew bigger with each passing day. Many joined his forces wanting to share in the spoils of war. His army appeared to be invincible. It didn’t take long for Kydo’s realm to increase in size as well. His name spread throughout the neighboring countries as a force to be reckoned with.
*
During these years Liam grew to be a strong and handsome young man standing just over six feet tall. He had long, sandy-colored hair that curled around his face and at the nape of his neck. His hazel eyes sparkled brightly. When he smiled, young maidens swooned. Serving girls flirted with him daily, but he paid no heed, thinking only of the girl from his dreams. His birthday was nearing. His age was such that it demanded that he soon marry. Kydo had planned a great ball to be held to acknowledge the event. He’d sent invitations to all within the realm, as well as to neighboring regions that held a tentative peace with the monarch. All had accepted and would be attending Liam’s birthday celebration.
The ball was to be held at the end of the month. Preparations were well underway. Servants bustled about the castle cleaning long-empty bedchambers. Carpenter’s never ceasing hammers echoed in restoration. Hand saws were heard ripping back and forth throughout the castle. The grounds were replanted with saplings. The garden was replanted with roses which would soon sprout.
Along with the other work being done, the overgrown maze was pruned. The weaving paths offered servants a secret place to rendezvous now that the maze was brought back to life. Liam sought refuge from his lessons there as well. As the lad entered this day he happened upon a couple in the midst of sex. He hid himself from their view, but was compelled to watch them share their bodies. They seemed to flow as one person as they moved rhythmically together on the bench; their moans of pleasure filling his ears.
Liam felt himself stiffen while spying on the couple mating and he couldn’t resist stroking himself. He thought of the girl of his dreams as he did, of course. He’d named this enchantress Red because of the color of her hair. How he wished he could run his hands through her long, wavy tresses right now. He didn’t know why he’d kept himself from taking a wench all these years. It seemed as if he wanted no other then his visionary love, but that idea would have to cease, he thought sadly. He’d now have to marry. That was the sole reason for the ball. He was to choose his intended from the guests. Kydo had insisted upon it. Liam sighed deeply at the thought of giving up his free ways. His age required it. It was now his responsibility to sit next to his father and take part in the realm’s demands.
The servants must have heard Liam sigh because they stopped making love. They quickly donned their clothing and ran from the maze. Liam noticed, but didn’t stop his hand. He continued to tend to his need as his manhood rose to full extent, envisioning his dream lover all the while. His hand increasing in speed as his desire mounted. All thoughts dissolved save one as his lust peaked. He yelled out “Red” as his seed spewed onto the ground.
His quickened breath finally slowed to a normal pace now that his need was sated. Liam pulled his handkerchief from his vest and wiped the sweat from his brow. He then went over to the fountain that centered the clearing and wiped his flaccid staff as best he could. He didn’t mind getting dirty through toil, but soiling himself with bodily fluids was entirely different. Liam shrugged his shoulders, ignoring the fact that he couldn’t bathe fully while adjusting his garment. He then sat down on the bench the lovers had used, his thoughts returning to his unattainable vision.
*
The ball was to be in one week’s time. The servants rushed about the castle making sure all was in order. Guests had been arriving non-stop since the second week of the month and the servants were busy catering to their unending requests.
His lesson over for this day, Liam stood atop the roof and leaned over the edge next to his fencing master. The elder breathed heavily. “What ails you Roland? Aren’t you up to the pace any longer?”
“No Liam. Regretfully, I’m not. You’ve grown much through the years, not only in height and strength, but also with skill. You’ve become very knowledgeable in the art of swordsmanship. Your ability has outgrown what I can teach you. I fear I won’t be much use to you now.”
“That’s not true Roland. You’ve been a faithful servant your entire life and I’m truly grateful to have you as a friend. Kydo should appreciate your service as well. He should’ve never demoted you from Captain of Arms to being a minor tutor,” Liam huffed out in ire.
“Judge not Kydo young lord. He had his reasons for replacing me. Farind the Beast is a far better strategist than I was.”
“I suppose so. He’s extremely capable of defending our lands, but I still think my father erred in judgment by replacing you with Farind,” Liam said as he noticed another carriage arriving. The entourage surrounding it numbered in the teens. “So many guests for a single event. It’s no wonder the servants are buzzing around like bees,” Liam chucked. His face then turned serious. “My father is demanding that I choose a bride from this lot,” he sighed.