Lady Dragon Riders - Chapter Eleven

THE LONE TRAVELER CHRONICLES
Book Two –Lady Dragon Riders

Chapter Eleven

TWO MONTHS EARLIER – The small merchant ship was surrounded by what appeared to be three warships. They were flying the flag of the King of Britanica with a large circular emblem in the very center of the ensign. As they drew nearer, the captain threw up his hands in resignation and reluctantly gave the signal to lower the sails. “The Church has sent their Guardians to intercept us,” he stated staring at the young man standing next to him. “It’s not often that a merchant ship comes in from the west so they are, hopefully, just curious.”

“The Church has military power?” the young man questioned.

The Captain looked at him and shook his head. “Forgot you were a foreigner, lad,” he replied. “The Church Guardians are a special force designed and trained to protect the Church and its clerics, holdings, and Church relics from pirates and the occasional Northmen raids. They are all ordained clerics and answer solely to the Arch-Bishop. The King commands the Royal Navy and all other military forces and never involves himself in Church business.”

The three warships came to a halt a hundred yards from the merchant ship and a large skiff was lowered from the nearest of them. A tall bearded man and two soldiers stood in the prow as six stalwart sailors rowed them across the short interval, and within minutes the skiff was alongside the smaller vessel and a sea ladder was lowered allowing them to climb aboard. The man and his two companions wore stiff leather jerkins covered with chainmail and wore a white surcoat over that. On the surcoat was an imprint of a man carrying a cross over his shoulder and a warrior who resembled a Tyberian in uniform standing behind the man with a whip in his hand, the same symbol in disc form worn around the neck of other clerics.

“From whence do you hail, captain?” the imposing figure asked glancing around at the small crew and finally settling on the well-dressed youth standing next to the captain. He had a finely cropped beard, sharp eyes, and a beak of a nose.

“We have a small cargo of metal and furs from the home of the Nordlanders, Sir Knight,” he replied. “You call them Northmen but they are only distant cousins. The furs are first class and their quality is rarely seen in Britanica these days.”

“Your son?” the Knight asked, nodding towards the youth standing near him. The youth was of medium height, approximately twenty years of age, with an unruly mop of dark hair and a slim but wiry build. His features were attractive without being pretty, and the hair above his ears had been closely cropped, he held himself in a regal and commanding manner.

The captain looked nervous then replied. “Nay sir, he’s from the far west in search of adventure, paid for passage to wherever we land, he did.”

Suddenly suspicious, the Knight turned to address the youth. “Your name son and your purpose for visiting the Empire of Britanica?”

“My name is Lord David Alwaythe,” he replied, “and I have been summarily exiled from my home and kingdom, the kingdom of Camalund. I could say it was an unjust act, however, we all make errors in judgement and mine was a foolish and fateful one.”

The Knight could tell from the youth’s voice and demeanor that he was highly educated, well bred, and most likely telling the truth, either way, the Church had ways to get to the truth. “You will accompany me to my ship,” he stated, “as soon as my men have inspected the hold to ensure the captain’s cargo is as he described it.”

David was not placed in chains nor imprisoned in the ships’ brig, but allowed to remain on deck and even assigned a small billet over the next few days travel. The Captain was an educated Knight of the Church and they learned much from each other during their long evening repasts. The Captain was fascinated by the great kingdoms lying across the western sea, kingdoms he did not know existed and he was particularly engrossed with the mighty war which had just ended. His military mind pressed David for every detail of the armament, tactics, weapons, and structure of the different armies. The dragons and war birds he could not fathom and shied away from asking more questions concerning them.

As soon as they landed at the bustling docks of a large city the crew called, Londinium, the Captain commanded a coach and escorted David to a large fortress several miles outside of the sprawling metropolis. As far as David could discern, the landscape and buildings closely resembled those in his native land of Camalund. Within the castle walls, large numbers of men wearing ankle length cassocks were bustling about attending to the different chores which would be normal in a regular village environment, chopping wood, sharing sheep, butchering, tending small gardens, and a plethora of other mundane tasks. However, there was no sign of any women, which he thought very unusual.

They were ushered into a large marble building containing interior columns and a vast meeting hall with dozens of corridors and rooms branching off in many directions. Their boots rang on the polished marble flooring as they proceeded to a large dark wooden door in front of which stood two guards dressed in the raiment of the Guardians. A quick word from the Captain and they opened the doors allowing them entry. Within the large room, sitting behind a massive desk, was a man dressed in a beautiful black cassock adorned with fine white lace and jewels. The Captain halted and saluted by banging his right fist on his left breast. “I bring an interesting traveler from the far west, your Grace. May I present Lord David Alwaythe from the kingdom of Camalund?”

The tall man slowly stood and walked around the desk and stopped in front of them. He was very slim, almost cadaverous, with deep sunken eyes and a grayish pallor to his skin. The small eyes in his sockets radiated a sense of evil and his long slim nose was bent at an ungainly angle. “I am Father Ignatio,” he smiled the lipless smile of a hungry carrion bird. “I represent the Inquisitoria and command the Guardians. You and the Captain will join me for the evening supper and we will learn of your kingdom, right now, I have an urgent task to complete. He walked around them and quickly left the room.

Frightful looking man, David thought glancing at the sweating and nervous Captain. Obviously he frightens those around him almost as much as he scares me.

Later that evening after being taken to private rooms to relax and refresh themselves, they met in the chambers of the Inquisitorius. The Captain explained in detail how he stopped the merchant ship to inspect the cargo and found David on board. He assumed Father Ignatio would want to talk with the stranger as he was from a kingdom of which little was known. Father Ignatio listened politely to the Captain and then lifted a document from the end table next to his plush chair and handed it to him.

“These are you new orders, Captain,” he stated. “You will also find a generous donative for your excellent work. I have many questions for the young Lord here, I recommend you review your orders immediately and act in accordance.”

The Captain knew when he was being politely dismissed and was relieved at being able to remove himself from the room so soon. “With your permission I will take my leave, your Grace, and I hope you find our kingdom to your satisfaction, Lord David.” He stood and bowed as he quickly left the room.

Father Ignatio lifted a small bell from the stand and rang it several times. A servant immediately entered the room bowing low. “Bring us my best wine,” he ordered and after you deliver it advise the majordomo I want no more interruptions this evening.” Within a few minutes the servant returned bearing a beautiful crystal decanter of deep red wine, set it on the small table, and quickly left.

Father Ignatio poured wine for both then sat back heavily in his plush chair. “Well my young friend, will you do me the honor of enlightening me on the mysteries of your homeland and how such a refined person as yourself fell from grace?”

David took a sip of the excellent wine and tried to make himself relax, which was difficult to do in the presence of this august and extremely unusual person. “What would your Grace like to know about us?” he smiled.

“Everything,” Father Ignatio grinned. “Start at the beginning and tell me everything.”

David fortified himself with another healthy sip of wine and began his story. While he recounted in detail everything he knew of Camalund and the other realms, including the royal families and nobles, the cleric eagerly urged him on. After a long while, he halted to notice that the wine decanter was almost empty and he couldn’t remember Father Ignatio drinking but one small glass. His head was buzzing and it was becoming more difficult for him to hear, as if someone had placed their hands over his ears. After that, he could remember nothing except the deep-set blazing eyes of Father Ignatio.

When David awoke from his stupor, many hours had passed that he was unaware of. The blurred visage of Father Ignatio was still sitting across from him but he felt different for some reason. He could remember that his name was David, but everything else was missing. “Where am I?” he asked the hazy figure which was slowly coming into focus.

“You are in my chambers,” Father Ignatio smugly replied. “You reported here as ordered to receive your next assignment and passed out before we could talk. I have been working you too hard, David, so I have decided you will take some time off.”

David was still befuddled. “Who am I?” he whispered, “I can’t quite remember.”

“You have been laboring too much!” Father Ignatio exclaimed. “You are David and you are my Chief Enforcer and a respected member of the Church. I sent you on a mission to the far west to discover what was in those evil lands and you did an excellent job. Your memories may be a little muddled for a spell, but they will soon come around.”

“Enforcer, what’s an Enforcer?” David asked.

“An Enforcer is the last person anyone sees before they die,” Father Ignatio grinned like a contented pervert. “They reap the evil from this world and cast them down into hell and you are the very best of them.”

David shook his head as strange thoughts begin to form. He had extensive knowledge of the Church and his position within the Church. Many details were missing about his personal past, but he was suddenly aware that without the Church he was nothing. “Assassin! I am an assassin,” he blurted as shadowy memories of executions flooded into his mind, executions he had allegedly done and personally savored.

Unknown to David, Father Ignatio was not only ‘The Inquisitorius,” but a very powerful and evil necromancer, although he judiciously hid that particular gift from the Church. Over several hours he had implanted an incredible amount of false background into David’s mind, casting his personal memories into the far recesses where they were difficult to reach. He was now completely owned and dominated by the powerful cleric and would be a valuable addition to his half zombie tools. Over the next several weeks, he would be carefully developed and become the Enforcer Father Ignatio said he was.

“You created a very impressive identity as the bastard son of a great Lord in the Kingdom of Camalund,” Father Ignatio stated. “You should be rightfully proud of your achievements and you will continue in that role for the time being. It is important that you be seen as this person called David, as it is an excellent cover for your true identity. You may occasionally find that you will consciously think of yourself as David Alwaythe, however, that merely proves the depth of your ability to assume different life roles and the quality of training you have mastered. Do not be fooled by these false memories, Mother Church is depending on you.”

David smiled and felt relieved knowing that he was a great asset to the Church. He had been immersed for so long in the persona of David Alwaythe; he was beginning to think he was that fictitious character. “I am always ready to server Mother Church,” he stated with emphasis.

“There is someone I need for you to meet,” Father Ignatio stated. “You may remember this person with distaste; however, I assure you that this individual is as loyal and critical to the Church as you.” He picked up a small bell from the table beside him and rang it several times.

David turned in his seat when he heard the large chamber doors open. As he watched, a beautiful woman dressed in a magnificent gown slowly entered. He recognized her immediately and jumped to his feet. “What is the exiled Queen of Camalund doing here?” he blurted. “She was the very cause of my downfall and my own exile.”

Denize paid no attention to David as she casually took a seat near Father Ignatio. She displayed a charming smile and the regal presence she was known for as she nodded to the cleric.

“Unknown to you, Queen Denize has also been working for the Church,” Father Ignatio stated knowing full well that he was lying and thoroughly enjoying it. The two men involved in the plot to kill her son, Prince Robert, and to kill King George were acting on their own. Lord Alwaythe, your erstwhile father and Lord Smythwaite, planned and executed the evil plots and were so well versed in their abilities they cast enough suspicion and guilt onto her shoulders to make it appear as if she was a confederate of theirs.”

“As I told you in my private chambers back in Camalund, I regretted the sudden demise of your dear father,” Queen Denize purred. “But, I was presented with undeniable proof that he was responsible for the death of King George. I sought mercy on his behalf fully knowing his guilt; however, the Royal Council would not concede to my ardent pleas and demanded his death.”

“You’re working for the Church?” David suspiciously asked, curious and wary of her masterful charms and her ability to twist words and events around to suit her.

Denize chuckled and tossed her lovely head back with a cascade of golden hair. “I have been working in the shadows for the Church just as you have. Why do you thing I fought with such determination to save you from punishment by the Council. You would have been executed along with Smithwaite and your alleged father had I not intervened with my son Robert to save you.”

Between the old memories David knew and the new memories planted in his mind by Father Ignatio, he could not think clearly. “My interception on the seas was not by chance,” he casually stated. “You knew I was coming and sent your Captain to find me?”

“You had so immersed yourself into the character of David Alwaythe, it was imperative to find you and bring you back home,” Father Ignatio smiled. “You were never the bastard son of Lord Alwaythe, but, you are now Lord David of the estate and town of Colchester in Essex. His Grace has arranged through the generosity of the Church to have King Athelfyrd appoint you as Earl of Essex. You are now a Lord of Britanica with title and land holdings and no longer at the mercy of foreign sovereigns and their laws.”

“What of the old Earl of Essex?” David wondered how such a generous title and holding came so easy.

Father Ignatio took a sip of the excellent wine he enjoyed and returned the glass to the table. “The absent Earl was in debt to the Church for extraordinary sums and unable to pay those debts. I believe you will find him working in the Church vineyard near here pruning grape vines, he had a taste for fine wine and other earthly pursuits. The granting of titles and estates is a Gallic custom and not one of Britanica. To possess nobility in Gaul, one must own land and estates, not so in Britanica where nobility is handed down from father to son. However, the Church is immune to the laws of laity and embraces that of noblesse oblige.”

David was warming up to the idea of the new title and holdings he had just inherited and quickly realized that he would never have the full truth of things. It was best to go along with Father Ignatio and Queen Denize until such time as his situation became clear.

“May I ask why you are back in the bosom of Mother Church?” he cast a genuine smile at Denize.

“I am on my way to Gaul,” she replied. “Gaul and Vituria are kindred nations, they speak the same language and have the same customs, and I even have distant cousins in Gaul amid the noblesse of course. I am on a special mission for Mother Church, therefore, discretion is vital.”

“You mentioned that I have been working too hard and needed some time off,” David noted glancing at the cleric. “Is that offer still available?”

Father Ignatio smiled his cadaverous smile and replied. “You will have a full month or more to discover the duties and pleasures of your new fiefdom and the responsibilities that go with it. Your new counselor, Father Datric, will enlighten you and answer your multitude if questions. He was the Majordomo of the Essex fiefdom before he retired to become a monk. You will find him quite useful and knowledgeable.”

“What of my next mission?” David asked.

“I have discovered that two of the people you befriended, Princess Audrey of Angalund, and her friend, Lady-in-waiting, whatever she is, are soon to venture to Britanica,” Father Ignatio replied. “Your mission will be to work your way back into their good graces and become indispensable to their needs and friendship. They are the key to a much more elaborate and vital plan of the Church, the details of which you need not concern yourself with at this time.”

“What authority do I have to work with, Father Ignatio?” David was warming to his new status.

“You have the full authority of the Church as well as your standing as a Lord of the Realm.” He handed David a gold ring with the crystal inset of the Church Emblem. “Whom-so-ever sees this ring, clergy or nobility, will know that you are on vital Church business and not to be hindered in any manner, on pain of death. Go now and take that well-earned rest I promised you.”

David stood and bowed. “I will do my best for Mother Church in whatever duty I am called to undertake,” he stated. “Thank you Father Ignatio and the best to you Queen Denize on your own holy mission.” He then turned and strode from the room, a bright gleam on his young face.

“You were right,” Father Ignatio stated, smiling at Denize, “a remarkable and very useful young man.”

“And very pliable,” Denize smiled back. “I had him wrapped around my little finger back in Camalund, the young puppy believed everything I said and would have done anything I ask. I knew he would be valuable to the Church.”

“And, will you be valuable to the Church?” Father Ignatio returned, glancing at her tight bodice in a lecherous manner.

“To the Church but more so to Arch-Bishop Ignatio,” she answered giving him the title of Holy Father, leader of the Church.

STATIC

Lady Dragon Riders - Chapter Twelve  (13+) The adventures of Analia and Elise continue in a far off land. #2081128 by Oldwarrior