The Pendant Read online

  “Sorry to disturb you at such a late hour,” Tor said to the guard, “but we need to depart immediately. Please open the gate.”

  The guard looked at him in surprise. “I am sorry sir, but the city has been sealed. Nobody is permitted to leave.”

  “Sealed?” Tor asked. Whatever for?”

  The guard seemed puzzled by the question. “Have you not heard? The King has been murdered.”

  Chapter 14

  They returned to the inn and headed straight to Tor and Patrick’s room. All eyes turned towards the latter as soon as the door closed.

  “Well?” Tor demanded.

  “Nothing to do with me,” he protested, holding his hands up defensively. “As ordered, I did not leave the inn all evening.”

  “You left the room alone. Where did you go?”

  “I went for a drink. I was in the taproom the entire time. Ask the inn-keeper’s daughter if you do not believe me.”

  Tor groaned. “And what exactly were you doing with the inn-keeper’s daughter?”

  “Practicing.”

  “Practicing? Practicing what?”

  Patrick’s answer surprised him. “Speaking with an attractive young lady without trying to seduce her.”

  Tor was speechless. Unable to think of any response, he rounded on Ria. “What about you? You also left the room for a while.”

  “I had nothing to do with the King’s death, I swear.”

  “So where were you?” Tor hated interrogating his friends, but he had no choice. He had to be certain that none of them were responsible. He already had one royal death on his conscience, he didn’t need another.

  Ria hesitated, unsure of how much she had to tell him. She glanced at Hawk and Sam, but could not tell if they were going to keep her nocturnal activities of the previous night to themselves or not. “I went along the rooftops towards the palace, but there was too much activity on the streets below, so I came back.”

  “Why?” Tor asked her sternly. He had expressly forbidden any of them to leave the inn and she had deliberately disobeyed him.

  “I was going to kill the King.” She said it so calmly he thought he must have misheard. “But it looks like someone has beaten me to it.”

  “At least you could not have been seen entering the palace, if you are telling the truth about not making it that far. Are you? Have you been to the palace since we arrived here?”

  Out of the corner of her eye, Ria saw both Hawk and Sam smile at her. They would keep her secret. “Of course I am telling you the truth.” She avoided answering the last question as she had a lot of respect for Tor and did not wish to lie to him.

  “Then there is no reason to believe we are going to be suspected. Unless there is anything someone feels they should mention.” Silence greeted him, so he continued. “That still leaves Prince Manus. Did anyone see you take the seal?” he asked Nosmas and Hawk.

  “There was nobody around who could have witnessed anything,” Hawk assured him. “Of that I am certain.”

  “Good. So our only connection to his death is Quartilla. If we get her out of that dress, restyle her hair and wash the rouge from her face, I do not think anyone will recognise her as the young lady the Prince was seen drinking with. We had better keep her out of sight until we are able to leave though. How is she?”

  Nosmas, who was sitting beside her, looked up. He had carried her from the wagon upon their return and had lain her down on Patrick’s bed. “Still sleeping peacefully,” he replied. “The medicine I gave her to heal her arm can also be used as a sleeping potion. She should not awake till late tomorrow.”

  “Good,” Tor replied. “I suggest we all depart to our own rooms and try to get some sleep. Tomorrow may be a long day.”

  Hawk escorted Ria and Sam to their room. “You lied to Tor,” he accused as soon as the door closed. “You did go to the palace.”

  Ria had the decency to look ashamed. “Yesterday I did, yes. But I did not see the King and I did not go there tonight. You have my word on that.”

  Hawk seemed ready to tell her what she could do with her word, but Sam stopped him. “I believe her,” she told him. “She has never lied to us before.”

  “Alright,” Hawk said, letting the matter drop. He looked critically at Sam. “Your clothes are getting tight,” he observed.

  “I know,” she sighed. “I really should get something new, I just haven’t had the chance to go shopping.”

  “It will give us something to do in the morning,” Ria said, volunteering to accompany her. “I have a feeling we will be stuck here for a while.”

  The two ladies awoke around mid-morning and, after a quick breakfast, Ria persuaded Tor to hand over some funds. Under the circumstances, he was not happy about the two women moving around the city on their own, so he ordered Patrick to accompany them. After much groaning and complaining, he eventually agreed and the three set out into the shopping district of the city. A lot of businesses were closed, but they eventually managed to find a shop selling clothes and purchased a number of skirts and shirts that could easily be adjusted to accommodate Sam’s expanding waistline.

  They were walking back towards the inn when Ria noticed a bird circling above them. “I wonder if it is from Dean,” she said, pointing upwards. Sam handed her bundle of clothes to Patrick, who grumbled about being a protector not a packhorse, but she ignored him. She called out to the bird and it began to descend, landing on a low wall nearby. It told her everything Dean had said, then flew away before she could ask any questions or request delivery of a response.

  “What is wrong?” Ria asked, seeing the distressed look on Sam’s face.

  “Something really bad has happened,” she replied, struggling to hold back her tears. “I will tell you once we are all together. This is not something I want to say twice.”

  They hurried back to the inn and were relieved to find Nosmas, Quartilla and Tor all present. Quartilla was awake and, though shaken from her ordeal, was recovering well. Everyone met up in Tor and Patrick’s room and Sam passed on Dean’s message.

  “Frack,” Patrick whispered, breaking the stunned silence. Tor slumped down into a chair and held his head in his hands.

  “If I ever get my hands on that little piece of dirt, he will wish he was dead,” Nosmas said, clenching his fist. He was obviously talking about Fajfah. “Oak was a good person. He did not deserve this.”

  “First Modo, now Oak,” Ria said mournfully. “Who else will we not see again?” It was a rhetorical question so nobody answered, though everyone was thinking the same thing.

  Their mental speculations were interrupted by the door bursting open and one of the King’s personal guards strode in. Without even glancing towards Patrick or Tor, he regarded the three women before grabbing Sam roughly by the arm and pulling her to her feet. “You are coming with me.”

  “Wait just one moment,” Tor said, distracting the guard as Nosmas and Ria both moved to block the door. “You have no right to burst in here and manhandle my people. Release her at once and explain yourself.”

  The guard tightened his grip, making Sam cry out in pain, and turned to look at Tor. “This woman has been accused of witchcraft and must stand trial before the King.”

  “Witchcraft?” Sam cried out. “I am no witch. I don’t know how to do any magic.”

  “A witness says otherwise,” the man snarled at her.

  “Very well,” Tor said, attempting to keep his tone reasonable. “We will accompany you. Nosmas, stay here and look after Quartilla.” Quartilla was about to protest, but Nosmas interrupted her, telling Tor he would do as he commanded. Tor turned his attention back to the guard. “You may release Sam. She will not attempt to get away.”

  “You must be joking,” the guard replied. “I am not stupid enough to believe that.”

  Tor stood up. The guard was not a tall man and the Prince towered over him. He held out his arm, his hand balled into a fist so that the man could see his ring. “I am Prince Tor of Remeny and I
give you my word that we will peacefully accompany you to the palace.”

  Uncertainty ran through the guard. He had only been told to arrest the woman. Nobody had mentioned her companions. He had never seen a royal ring before so had no way of knowing if Tor was telling him the truth or not, but he could not risk accusing him of lying. “I suppose that is alright,” he eventually stammered.

  Tor signalled for Ria to lead the way, followed by the guard and Sam, who, having been released, was rubbing her bruised arm. Tor and Patrick followed on, leaving Nosmas and Quartilla alone in the room.

  As they walked to the palace, Patrick positioned himself next to the guard. “I am curious,” he said in a friendly fashion. “Sam has been accused of witchcraft yet you came alone to arrest her. Tell me, what did you plan to do if she cast a spell on you?” The guard paled. He had obviously not considered that possibility. “It is a good thing for you that she is innocent, is it not?” Patrick laughed and walked ahead to join Ria, whistling as he went.

  “I thought the King was dead,” Tor said suddenly to the guard, as they neared the palace gates. “Who are we going to see?” The guard had been silent since Patrick’s comment, too scared to speak, and it took him a moment to realise the Prince was addressing him.

  “It is the new King who has demanded an audience with you,” he informed them.

  Instead of entering through the main door, as they had on their previous visit, they were led round the back. “Prisoners entrance,” the guard explained as he opened a small wooden door and indicated they should go through. He had the decency to look embarrassed when Tor glared at him. They were led down corridors, passing numerous doors, until they reached the throne room. The doors were wide open and King Jamie could be seen sitting on the throne, impatiently tapping his fingers on the arm. The large chair made him look tiny and he had his father’s crown balanced precariously on his head. Under other circumstances, the sight would have been comical.

  On the way to the throne room, the guard had had the foresight to get the names of all of his prisoners, so he was able to introduce them to the new King. “You may leave us,” Jamie said once he had finished speaking. The guard stared at him as if he had gone mad.

  “I do not think that is a good idea, your Majesty.”

  “You are not paid to think,” the boy replied, sounding much older than his years.

  “Yes, your Majesty,” the guard said quickly, bowing before almost running from the room.

  “Approach,” Jamie commanded, regarding his prisoners coldly. He looked at them critically as they walked towards the throne, frowning until his eyes met Ria’s. “Did you expect to meet me again so soon?” he asked her.

  Tor turned and glared at her. “I thought you said you did not come here,” he snapped.

  “I swear I was not here last night.” She looked at the floor as she continued. “It was the night before.”

  Tor exploded. “What is with you people? After all we have been through, all of the friends we have lost, you still insist on lying to me and putting us all in danger.” Remembering that they were not alone, he looked up at the boy who occupied the throne and was thankful to see he was still smiling. “Forgive me, your Majesty. I did not mean to shout in your throne room. It was very disrespectful.”

  “Do not worry about it,” Jamie said, waving his hand dismissively. “It seems we have a lot to talk about. Join me in my sitting room.” Without waiting for a response, he climbed off the throne and headed towards a door at the back of the room.

  “What is going on?” Sam whispered to Patrick, who just shook his head. He was as confused by the events as she was. They followed Jamie through the door and found themselves in a large room filled with comfortable chairs and sofas. A servant bowed to Jamie, who instructed him to organise food and drinks for his guests.

  “Please, be seated,” he said graciously. “Refreshments will be along shortly.”

  “Forgive me for asking,” Tor said tentatively, “but I thought we were under arrest.”

  “We can go down to the cells if you would like,” the young boy replied, grinning impishly.

  “No, no,” Tor said immediately. “This room is more than adequate.” He had never dealt with such a young ruler before and felt at a loss as to what to do or say. Selecting a nearby chair, he decided to let things take their own course until he could work out what was happening.

  “One of the guards spotted your people acting strangely and, as soon as he described Ria, I ordered your arrest so I could speak with her without questions being asked.” Jamie turned to look at Sam. “You must be the witch,” he said. It was not a question. “Tell me, were you really talking to a bird?”

  Sam glanced at Tor, who nodded. Taking a deep breath, she told the King everything. She explained who she was, how and why she had been transported from her own world and the unexpected side-effect of the spell. Nobody interrupted her narrative and Jamie stared at her wide-eyed.

  “Are you serious?” he asked when she had finished, sounding more like an excited child than the ruler of a nation.

  She slowly nodded her head. “I know it all sounds a little farfetched, but everything I have told you is true.”

  “A little?” Patrick whispered to Ria.

  Sam ignored him. “I am no witch and have never performed magic.”

  Jamie seemed lost in thought for a moment, before surprising her by saying, “I believe you. You are all free to go.”

  “Wait a minute,” Tor protested. “That is it? You do not want any evidence?”

  Jamie was saved from having to respond by a knock on the door. “Enter,” he called out loudly and the servant returned carrying a tray of cakes, closely followed by a young maid, laden down with drinks. The two trays were placed on a table then the servants departed, bowing before leaving the room.

  “Help yourself,” the young King instructed. “You can tell me more about your quest while you eat.”

  “I would like to ask you a question first,” Patrick said. Jamie inclined his head, indicating he should continue. “How can you be King already? There has been no coronation.”

  “The eldest son automatically inherits the title, and the authority, as soon as the old King dies. A coronation will be arranged in a few weeks, but I am already the official ruler.”

  “I do not mean to be insulting,” Patrick went on, “but you are just a boy. How can you run a country?”

  Jamie shrugged. “Unfortunately, when our laws of succession were written, nobody thought to include any mention of age. Luckily we have never had the situation before where someone so young has been crowned. I think it is going to be fun.”

  “I hope you do not mind me asking,” Tor said, too stunned by Jamie’s comments to continue the current topic of conversation, “but why did you meet with Ria the other night?”

  “She broke into my room to tell me why she was going to kill my father.”

  Tor hung his head in his hands. “Please tell me this is all a bad dream.”

  Ria walked behind him and started to rub his shoulders. “It is not as bad as it seems. If you remember, you only discussed Patrick not killing the King. At no time did I ever say I was not going to.”

  “I really do not think that is the point,” Sam informed her.

  “What is the problem?” Jamie asked with concern. It was the first time he had hosted guests, even if they did start out as prisoners, and he was worried that he was doing something wrong.

  “The problem,” Tor said bitterly, “is that it seems as though I cannot trust my friends to do the right thing.”

  “Ellen was my friend too,” Ria reminded him, in a quiet voice.

  Jamie looked at Tor, a confused look on his face. “Ria told me what my father did to your friend. It was wrong. A King should not abuse his power like that. Surely Ria wanting to get revenge is understandable.”

  Tor regarded the young King, seeing for the first time that he was really just a confused little boy. “Two wrongs do n
ot make a right,” he explained. “Also, you should always consider the safety of others. Ria failed to do that. If she had been caught trying to assassinate your father, he might have executed all of us.”

  “I would not have been caught,” Ria mumbled, trying to justify her actions.

  Jamie frowned. “It seems that being a good King is going to be harder than I thought.”

  Tor smiled. “It is, your Majesty. But if you listen to your advisors and countrymen, I am sure you will do well. You should think about contacting the leaders of other countries. Most will be willing to offer help and advice. Just be aware that some will put their own interests ahead of yours.”

  “Thank you,” Jamie said. “I will take your advice under consideration.”

  Everyone in the room began to relax as they nibbled on the cakes and described some of their adventures. When they had told the boy nearly everything, neglecting to mention the death of Prince Manus, Tor posed the question he had been resisting the urge to ask. “Due to your father’s murder, the city gates have been closed. We need to leave as soon as possible so we can finish the quest. Can you help?”

  The young King was more than happy to be of assistance, offering to sign a travel authority for them. He rang a bell and as soon as a servant appeared he instructed the man to obtain the correct form and to bring him writing equipment and sealing wax.

  “You mean you are just going to let us leave?” Patrick asked, amazed at how readily Jamie had agreed to help them. “What about your father’s murder. Are we definitely not suspects?”

  “No. I already know who the murderer is.” Four pairs of eyes stared at Jamie in disbelief.

  Sam asked the question when it was obvious he was not going to continue without prompting. “So who did kill your father?”

  Jamie smiled at them. “I did.”

  Chapter 15

  Nobody spoke. They were too stunned to even breathe.

  “What?” Sam shook her head, as though trying to clear water from her ears. “Did I just hear you right?”