Swan Prince

The Swan Prince

By: Delilah deSora

Chapter 6



**



It was not so hard, Odel would later reflect, to keep the secret. No one paid attention to him and only Kent engaged in any truly physical activity during their day. After a few months even riding did not pose a problem for his body had grown accustom to Atol’s advances. True to his word, Atol no longer forced Kent to seek out the forest, though Odel could see that his prince was torn between relief and anger. Kent was no fool. He knew what his newfound freedom cost but in this matter Odel would not bow to his demands to refuse Atol’s advances.



It had been half a year since that night and they had come to a mutual agreement to not speak of it. Kent’s father had forced him to take on more duties by placing a few duchies under his command. Nearly every week of summer he rode out to oversee this matter or that. Odel, to his delight, often traveled with him. Atol did not come to him those nights and Odel found himself longing for another’s touch. He kept his peace on that matter, however, for, though the trips were a vacation for him, the days were tolling for his prince and he did not wish to disturb his sleep.



There was only one place he was forbidden from going and secretly he was glad for it. Kent had persuaded his father into giving him a duchy in Odel’s homeland, stating that he knew this land better than any other and was, therefore, more prepared to rule it. Reluctantly the king had given in. Though he longed to return to lands he’d once known Odel knew that he wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation to go home. That the choice was taken out of his hands filled withwith relief.



In these nights as well Atol left him be, as Odel knew he would. He often spent his days in Rhyan’s company or as a silent shadow among the library’s books and maps. He’d discovered a set of official manuscripts that were occasionally looked over by the nobility. In them were constantly updated bits of information on the kingdoms that made up the Loharan lands. Through this book he learned of the agricultural bloom that had taken over his homeland and of his father’s newfound prosperity. He learned that he had a new brother, born only a few months ago. This he rejoiced in for he knew it would be his mother’s last. Her body was aging and it would please her to have one more child to cling to as her childbearing years ended.



The green leaves of summer turned golden and Kent’s tours of duty came to an end. The castle began to empty as the nobles returned home to see their provinces through the coming winter. Kent worked at his father’s side, learning the art of preparation for the barren months ahead and even Atol seemed content to keep his peace for his presence in their lives lessened and when he did appear he seemed distracted by something.



The leaves on the trees had burst into color when the visitor came to the palace and Odel found his normal routine interrupted.



Odel found himself suddenly forbidden from the meeting hall and had been ordered to take his evening meal alone in the Prince’s rooms rather than with the household as had been the custom. When he’d asked Ryhan about it he’d received an annoyed dismissal and reprimand not to ask about th he he had no control over. The first few nights Kent seemed distracted and he hadn’t forced the issue, contenting himself with the knowledge that both Prince and King were in discussion with a messenger from one of the northern kingdoms over the shipment of much needed food.



Drought had struck in the final days of summer, ruining much of the Loharan crops and the King had been forced to demand shipments of food from the kingdoms under his command to store for the winter. It seemed that the kingdoms in the north had not obeyed as blindly as the other kingdoms and were demanding things in return for their hard grown food.



It was not until an unexpected visit by Ryhan who hurried him into his riding clothes that he learned of the messenger’s identity. As he was led to the courtyard, where he could hear the impatient stomps of a herd of horses, Ryhan ordered their own horses ready and they found a moment of rest in a deserted corner of the courtyard. Odel met the gazes of annoyed nobles as they mounted or snapped at servants who adjusted the trappings of man and beast alike.



“Is it not a bit sudden for a hunt?” Odel asked as he eyed the lean hunting hounds that snarled at the boys who pulled on their leashes.



Ryhan blew on his hands to warm them. “This is no hunt.” He replied.



Odel frowned. “What is this then?” he asked gathering his cloak as a staboy boy appeared with their horses and helped him mount.



Ryhan’s face was pinched with displeasure, though at what Odel could not say. “This is a warning.” Grey eyes met and caught his, deathly serious. “Learn from this, Odel.”



Before he could reply Ryhan was gone, leaving him alone in the swarm of nobles jockeying for a better position closer to the front. Odel pondered the older man’s words as the group moved forward, falling in behind the King’s court. He made out Kent’s form among the smaller gathering but soon lost sight of him as a call was issued and he was swept up in the crowd.



They rode a short way to the edge of the forest and, at the King’s command, fanned out unevenly. Kent gestured him to a small opening in the grumbling gathering’s front, though he was still well apart from his Prince’s side and he watched curiously as a man was dragged from the back of a horse by two soldiers. His clothing was plain and, in a few places, gaped where stitches had been torn loose. He was flung down before the King’s horse and silence fell as the gathering shifted uncomfortably. Odel had never seen the man before but from some of the worried whispers around him he gathered that more than a few of the nobles knew him. From the cut of his hair and the paleness of his skin he could have been one of them.



The King’s head lifted and the nobles grew silent under his gaze. Finally he spoke.



“Once these lands were fractured. Blood flowed and its people wallowed in filth for their lives were short and meaningless as army after army tore through these lands. It was not until my grandfather came and united us all that we were able to achieve what he have today. It is because we are unified, because we work together, that we live in peace. Should even one piece break off the wars will start again and blood will be spilled. I will not allow that to happen. As King it is my duty to keep my people and my land safe.



“This man before you has sought to do the unthinkable. He has sought to weaken our unity and tear us apart. This I cannot abide. To work against me is to work against all of us. Today blood will be spilled but not to weaken us. Rather, as this traitor’s blood stains the earth, it will strengthen all of us. You are here to bear witness to this traitor’s death. Carry the tale home with you so that our enemies know that the nine kingdoms will stand firm together. Carry this tale home so that all know what they face when they seek to undermine me.”



The King’s voice fell into silence as his gaze returned to the man before him. “You would see my empire tore apart. There is only one punishment fitting for such as you.”



The King glanced at the man by his side and Odel watched with a frown as the hunter came forward to smear blood on the front of the man’s tunic. When his was finished he stepped back and the soldiers released their prisoner. The man stared dumbly at his shirt for a moment before looking up at his lord but the King’s attention was directed elsewhere. Odel craned his head to see where the King was looking and felt his heart skip a beat as the dogs were released.



The man tried to run but the dogs were faster. His screams and the dogs’ growls were the only sound as he was dragged to the ground. Odel turned his face, panting for breath as he tried to shut the image from his mind. He heard a dog yelp in pain and glanced up to see the man scramble to his feet and try to run again. This time the dogs’ played with him, barking and nipping at his legs as he tried to break free of their circle. Bit by bit they began to tear flesh from his legs. He actually heard the snap of bone when a dog tore his hand in half.



Sickened to his core Odel tore his gaze away from the display, searching frantically for his Prince among the King’s court. He breathed a sigh of relief to find Kent’s face also diverted from the spectacle. Kent caught his attention and very slowly turned his head to the side. Odel followed his Prince’s gaze to a man a few feet away from him who was watching, his face frozen in a look of disgust that told him that the man couldn’t tear his gaze away even though he wished to.



It took him a moment to realize that this man had hair the same color as his own and he gasped as he recognized the shocked profile for it belonged to his eldest brother, Vilay. His hands tightened on the reins and he suddenly understood why he had been excluded from the evening meal and the meetings he was usually privy too.



The screams had stopped and the King turned his horse, riding to Vilay’s side. Odel saw his brother’s face tighten as the King spoke to him briefly before ing ing by. The nobles about him took this as a dismissal and, with sharp words born from the fear Odel could feel in the air, turned their horses and began the short ride back.



For a brief moment Odel saw his brother look up and their eyes met. Odel smiled but before he could acknowledge his brother’s gaze Kent’s horse stepped to Vilay’s side, blocking his view. At the same moment Ryhan suddenly reappeared and hurried him off. Ryhan did not speak to him on the ride back and Odel did not ask about his brother’s presence for he suspected he was not supposed to have seen him.



That night Kent was late in returning and Odel found he could not sleep for every time he closed his eyes he heard the dying man’s screams and the sound of flesh and bones rending under sharp fangs. When his Prince did return they sat in silence, Kent holding him as he shook uncontrollably. Finally his tears dried and he was able to draw breath without ing.ing.



“How could he do such a thing?” Odel whispered.



Kent stroked his companion’s hair. “I don’t know. It has been so long since such a thing has happened I’d nearly forgotten about it.”



Odel swallowed, his fingers curling in Kent’s soft shirt. “His crime must have been great, though I can think of nothing that would warrant such cruelty.”



Kent sighed and shook his head. “It was not so great. The man and his crime was not the point, I think.”



Odel frowned, remembering their tutor’s words. “Ryhan said it was a warning.”



Kent nodded. “He was right.”



“Surely the King is not so afraid of his nobles turning against him that he must go to such lengths!” Odel protested.



The Prince was silent for a moment before speaking again. “I do not think it was for his nobles.”



Odel bit his lip. “Who then?”



Gently Kent pushed his companion away so that their eyes met. “Can you not think who? Did you not see someone there who surprised you?”



Odel shivered. “I saw my brother. You think the warning was for him?”



Kent nodded again. “Your father is proving difficult in giving my father what he wants. My father has not been kind to the northern kingdoms lately and they have united behind your father. He has made demands of us in exchange for the food and that has angered my father”



“Are the demands so great?” Odel asked.



Kent smiled and shook his head. “No. I think it is simply the fact that they dare make any demands at all. Personally I believe what they ask is a small price to pay for the food. But . . . there is one demand in particular that has angered my father.”



“What is that?”



Kent reached out to catch a strand of silver hair between his fingers. “Your father wantsr rer return. From listening to your brother speak I believe he is worried about you. It seems that he has been continuously refused to speak with you and now he fears that you are mistreated, no matter what we say.”



Odel was silent for, in truth, there was nothing he could say.



“Do you think your father would truly deny the King?” Kent asked suddenly, “Do you think he would risk a war just to get you back?”



Odel shrugged. “I do not know. He loves us all very much and he was not happy to see me go. Many times he grew angry with Ryhan for keeping me from him. I do not think he would risk his people to save me but . . .” Odel paused, considering, “. . . if he has the strength to stand against the King he will do all he can to see me returned home if he thinks I am being mistreated.”



Kent rose, pacing thoughtfully. “I do not like this.” He said, his voice full of concern. “My father would give them what they ask for, that can be disguised as him “caring” for his kingdoms, but he will not return you, not after the blatant threat your father has given. To do so would make him look weak and he would never allow that.”



Odel folded his hands in his laps, fingers clenched tightly together. “I do not know that I would go,” he replied, earning a surprised look from his Prince, “You need me here and if I go Atol will turn his attention back to you. Besides, I would miss you.” He smiled shyly.



Kent knelt at his companion’s feet. “As it would kill me to let you go,” he whispered, reaching up to touch Odel’s face.



“If only I could speak with him!” Odel lamented, “If I could convince him I was fine the threat would be gone.”



Kent frowned, letting his hand fall away. “There might be a way but . . . if we were caught my father would be very angry.”



Odel shrugged. “Better he be angry with me than with my father.”



Kent nodded. “Then we shall try.”
/> />
**



Boreal closed his eyes as the servant’s fingers worked to loosen the knots in his shoulders. It would be a quiet night, he knew, for no one wanted to test his temper after the afternoon’s display. Come the morning he knew that most of the seats in the hall would be empty and that pleased him. Word of his deeds would spread fast.



“Let those fools to the north rethink their alliances.” He grumbled, glaring at the page that lurked in the doorway.



The page murmured something intelligible and fled before Boreal could demand he restate his words. Ryhan stepped through the door and sat obediently at his King’s absent gesture. Boreal studied his cousin’s face; find neither approval nor disapproval there. He had always been hard pressed to determine just what his former companion thought or felt. He envied Ryhan the ability to mask his emotions so easily.



With a barely concealed growl he dismissed the servant, waiting until he heard the door beyond close before turning his attention fully on his cousin.



“It seems I have made an error.” He stated, shaking his head in annoyance at his failed foresight. Ryhan was silent, allowing him to continue when he would. “At the time the boy seemed perfect for this role. Not only would I have a means to bring Kent under control but I also had a hostage to command his father’s loyalty. However, recent events have made me think of the future and I do not like what I see.”



“What is this problem that you see, my lord?” Ryhan asked.



Boreal leaned back, bracing a foot against the low table between them. “Kent has come of age. Soon he will need bring home a bride for himself, begin to manage his own household, a household which will have no room for a companion.”



Ryhan nodded his understanding but it was clear to Boreal that he still did not see the problem.



With a sigh Boreal stood, clasping his hands behind his back as he paced. “I had not thought of what to do with the boy when he was no longer needed. I suppose I had always considered returning him but Abrimov’s actions of late tell me how foolish that would be. I cannot lose this advantage I have over him and I doubt he will be so obliging as to send me another of his brood for . . . safe keeping. I cannot let the boy go yet I do not see how else to keep him. Kent’s grown too fond of him and I suspect he would oppose any attempts at keeping the boy under lock and key.”



Ryhan sat silently for a moment, his eyes focused on nothing as he thought. “Perhaps if you sent him somewhere else? Rawl is loyal to you and his army is strong. Abrimov would not be able to stand against him in a fight and if letters were sent, ostensibly from his son, telling of how he is enjoying his . . . little trip . . . it would buy you some time and Kent could not argue for how would he know the letters weren’t from his companion’s hand?”



Boreal shook his head. “I have thought of that but it is impossible. Too many people would be asking him about my son and Odel knows too much. No one must know about these delusions Kent’s had. If they believe that there is a second son hidden somewhere it might give those who oppose me the excuse they’ve been waiting for to revolt and back this unknown Prince and if they did not believe that there is a another Prince they could just as easily argue that Kent is unfit for the throne. No, as annoyed as I am with his continued malady I will not allow anything to weaken my son’s claim. Odel cannot leave here. Not with what he knows.”



Silence reigned a long time before Ryhan spoke, his voice suddenly cautious. “You are hoping his father continues to push, aren’t you? That way you have an excuse to get rid of him.”



Boreal stilled and stared at his cousin. “It would be convenient, would it not?”



The mask had slipped back into place and, to his annoyance, he could not tell what his cousin thought of his solution. Ryhan shifted slightly, folding his hands over a crossed knee. “Be that as it may I must advise caution, my lord. I feel it will be a long time before the Prince is ready to take a wife. He is officially of age but his mind is still that of a child, I fear. He still has not shown any signs of interest in the more primitive side of our desires.”



Boreal sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “You have seen no signs at all?”



Ryhan shook his head. “None, in either of them actually. Oh I have caught them both staring at this lady or that but it is no different than how they stare at the young men of your court. I believe they are simply studying the differences in body types. Besides, neither of them has taken more than a cordial interest in anyone but each other.”



“Could they be lying together in private?” He asked.



Again Ryhan shook his head negatively. “No. I have watched both of them closely. They share no secret smiles or any physical contact at all. It is true that they occasionally share a sickbed but none of the servants have reported any closeness on their part that goes beyond two friends, and believe me my lord, I pay those servants well, they would not lie.”



Boreal nodded sternly. “It troubles me, this lack of passion on my son’s part, but as you say it buys us time. No need to be hasty. Not yet anyway.”



**



Odel shivered, drawing the cloak tighter about his shoulders. At his side Kent sat stiffened backed, his head turning this way and that as he searched for signs of others. Odel doubted there would be any. People considered the forest haunted and stayed clear of it unless in the company of a hunt. The air was bitingly cold and he knew that soon his brother would have to head home lest he be caught in the first of the winter storms that cut their homeland off from the rest of the world.



They came upon a clearing and Odel forgot the cold as his brother whirled in response to their sudden appearance. With a soft cry of joy he slid from his horse’s back and ran into the circle of his brother’s arms. Kent turned away from the scene, closing his eyes against the joy he saw in his companion’s face.



Back on the small path Kent forced himself to keep his horse moving forward. He sat stiffly, trying to keep his mind clear of all thoughts. He knew he hadn’t been totally successful for he could feel Atol’s growing suspicion in the back of his mind, pricking at the shield’s he’d tried to erect to keep his thou his his own. He did not know how long he would last against Atol’s constant probing but he would keep at it for as long as he could to buy his friend time.



He drew his horse to a stop, cocking his head to catch any sound. He could hear nothing, not the sound of hooves on the ground nor the soft whisper of voices. He nodded, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill. Either way the events of this night turned he knew that there was no happiness for him.



Part of him hoped that Odel would take the chance that had been given to him and flee. It was no mistake that he’d left his companion with both the means and the opportunity. He knew Odel wanted to go home and, though it tore his heart to let him, Kent could not deny his this one chance. Ryhan and his father would be furious but he was willing to dare their anger. They would not believe that he had not thought letting Odel range ahead while he stayed behind was safe. It was doubtable that they would believe he did not know who had also ridden out that night. He had never before lied to his father but to see his friend safely away from this place he would.



Then again, he mused, Odel may not go at all.



That thought soothed the pain in his heart but also made his breath quicken in fear. No matter what he wanted he knew that Odel had to go. He was not safe here, would never be safe while Atol’s attention was focused on him and their fathers played politics with one another.



As the thought crossed his mind he felt Atol’s presence return, trying to coax from him what he knew. Sharp pain blossomed and he hissed, touching his forehead as it threatened to blind him.



“No,” he whispered into the night, “I won’t let you take this choice from him. It is his alone to make and I will not let you interfere.”





**



Odel did not hear his Prince’s retreat but when he found the strength to pull back Kent was gone. He felt a tightness in his chest and silently thanked his friend for giving him privacy for this reunion. Vilay’s green eyes, a gift from their mother, studied him intensely, fingers roaming his face and arms as though assuring his brother that he was real.



Throwing his arms about his brother’s neck Odel kissed his cheek before burying his face in his shoulder, breathing in half forgotten scents of home.



“I’ve missed you.” He whispered, laughing at himself as tears welled in his eyes.



Vilay’s arms were strong around him as his brother held him tight. “No more than we’ve missed you, little brother. We’ve all been so worried.”



Odel pulled back, smiling. “I am well. You should not worry about me.”



Vilay’s face was serious, his green eyes suddenly angry. “How could we not when every letter or inquiry we send is returned? When every attempt we have made to see you has been thwarted?”



Odel flushed slightly. “I do not like it either but Ryhan says I shouldn’t be bothered by anyone but the Prince. I should focus only on him. I told you, you need not worry about me.”



“That’s ridiculous!” Vilay snapped, “Boreal has made no effort to hide what you ry ary are here, Odel, and father will not stand for it. None of us will! Every night we go to bed, worrying over our brother who is a prisoner. When I came here and saw this place it made my heart quell with fear that they’ve forced you to stay here for so long. And after yesterday . . .” His brother fell silent but he could not hide the tremor that ran through him.



“It is not so bad,” Odel whispered, knowing that nothing he could say would soothe his brother’s fears, “I am treated kindly and am given every comfort.”



“Except that of your family!”



He nodded. “That is true. I do miss you all and I do wish that I could at least write but . . . I know why I am here, Vilay, and I am glad for it.”



Vilay stared at him in shocked confusion and Odel smiled sadly, reaching up to touch his brother’s face. “Do not feel guilt over this. Our people need you with them. I am glad to walk this path if it means you are free to walk the path laid out for you. Besides, of all of us you have ever been father’s pride. It would break his heart for you to be taken from him.”



Vilay took his hand in his larger one, squeezing it gently. “You were ever his joy, Odel. You are all of our joy. That they came into our lives and took the gentlest of us all can never be forgiven.”



Odel shrugged. “There was reason, Vilay. Perhaps they did not mean for anything to come out of my presence here other than demanding our father’s loyalty but regardless it has. The Prince does need me. He is alone here and there are demons that haunt him. I may be here against my will but some good is coming from it. Do not be so angry for, though it seems dark now, one day this will be for the best. One day I will come home to you all.”



“One day will be sooner than you think.” Vilay’s hand tightened on his and Odel frowned as he was lead towards his horse.



“What are you doing?” He whispered, pulling ineffectively at his trapped hand.



Vilay’s jaw was tight. “Taking you home. Your guardian is a fool to wander so far away. By the time he realizes his folly we will be gone.”



Odel’s heart beat faster and he peered around, realizing the truth in his brother’s words. “But . . . I cannot!” He protested, “The King . . .”



“Can do nothing!” Vilay hissed, a dark smile crossing his face, “Our neighbors are as angry with being forced to submit as we are. They have agreed to stand firm with us against Boreal. All father has been waiting for was this chance to bring you home for he would not risk your life, Odel.”



Odel froze, staring at his brother’s pleading face. He could not move to climb up onto the horse nor could he turn his feet and flee into the darkness. That he would be forced to choose between family and his Prince had never occurred to him.



His loyalties warred within him and, with a sob of heartbreak, he made his decision