The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Roderick woke up as he felt Selene’s soft lips on his cheek. He opened his eyes and turned to her, giving her a small smile. She snuggled closer to him as he tightened his arm around her. He was quickly becoming used to waking up with her close to him, and he found it very pleasant. It might be the last morning he was afforded such pleasure for a while as he would be moving to the house at Low Hill today, and he wasn’t sure his mother would appreciate him taking a woman to bed no matter how fond he was of Selene.

“Good morning, my lord,” she said with a laugh as she kissed his jaw.

Roderick gave her a half smile and sighed. He was the Lord of Low Hill now, though he wasn’t sure he wanted it. He had thought to hand it off to Galen, and continue on at the Sentinel, but his mother had begged him not to do it. Dracia had told Roderick to at least think on it for a while before he decided not to take his place.

He had to agreed to think it over, but it was just very hard to comprehend. He had never thought to be anything but an Elite of the Sentinel. His older brother would be the lord, and his younger brother would make a name for himself in the kingdom. Roderick would be his reliable self, finding pleasure serving in the Sentinel. His brothers would marry and see to the family legacy, and Roderick would live out his life however long it was living for his kingdom and king.

Now as he spent a pleasant early morning in bed with a woman in his arms, a woman he was quickly falling in love with, Roderick thought being the Lord of Low Hill and living a life committed to family might not be so terrible.

“When do you go to your family home today?” asked Selene as she continued to place kisses along his jaw.

“After breakfast,” said Roderick as he closed his eyes, enjoying her attentions.

“Then we have plenty of time,” said Selene as she moved up in the bed to face him.

“Yes, we do,” said Roderick as he leaned forward and kissed her.

After his morning activities and breakfast, he found himself riding over to his family home with his brother and mother. It had been almost two weeks since they had arrived in Winsdell, and the repairs on the house at Low Hill had been complete. He had offered for Selene to join them as they went to the house this morning, but she had declined, saying he needed to be with just his family this first morning. She would come visit soon. He was starting to hope that one day she would come and never leave.

Perhaps when this war was over, and Dracia had given up her post as High Captain, Roderick could be free to serve as the Lord of Low Hill. It was a lower lord, but it would give him freedom to do things he couldn’t before. He still wasn’t sure Selene would every agree to actually be his wife, and live with him in a position that must be much lower than she was used to, but he believed he might like to find out.

“It will be very strange entering the house knowing Alaric is not within,” said their mother quietly as the rode up to the front door.

“It will be hard, especially at first, but we will honor his memory as we did father’s, and that is by going on as a family. We will make sure the Ellis name survives somehow and see over our lands with fairness as we have for generations,” said Roderick.

“Spoken like a true lord,” said his mother as she beamed at him. “You will do very well in the position, Roderick. You are very bright, though you argue that you are not, and I know none that works as hard as you. I think the lands at Low Hill will be in very good hands. You might even be able to raise our family up in the court, especially with your friendship with the king and queen.”

“I will not misuse the relationship I have with the king, and especially the queen,” said Roderick. “If our family ever moves up in the court, it will be because of merit.”

“Of course, my dear,” said Lady Glain. “I did not mean to offend you, but you must see that having such high connections can only help you in your new position. Many worthy lords have been overlooked only because they had no way to be noticed. You have a way now, and it could be very good for the Ellis name. You must think of the children you will have one day.”

“If I have children,” said Roderick as he dismounted and walked over to his mother’s side.

“You will have children. It will be a part of your duties as the lord,” said his mother as Roderick helped her to dismount. “I believe you may have found a young woman who would do very well for you.”

Roderick grinned. “I do not want to get ahead of myself. I have not known Lady Selene long, and she is used to much higher living than I can offer her.”

“A woman in love will put up with more than you think, Roderick. No one knows it more than me. I can see that she is already very fond of you, and her life with you would not be as terrible as you make it sound. We live very comfortably in Low Hill.”

Roderick nodded and looked at Galen who was looking at their family home. He had a small frown on his face as he looked at a window to the left of the door.

“What is wrong, Galen?” asked Roderick.

“They repaired the crack in this window,” said Galen. “I remember when that crack happened. Alaric was trying to show me something with a sword and he got too close to the house. He smacked the window and cracked it. You were furious, mother. You came outside and told him off even though he was practically grown.”

His mother laughed. “I do remember. I suppose I should have had that crack fixed years ago,” she said as she looked at the window.

They all three stood in silence as they looked at the repaired window. Roderick felt a little melancholy thinking they would never see the crack again. He would never see his brother again. He would never hear his brother say something ridiculous. Roderick would never roll his eyes at Alaric, thinking his brother thought better of himself than he should. As much as he thought Alaric was very sillly, Roderick realized he would miss him.

“Well, it is fixed now, and we should get inside,” said their mother as she wiped her eyes with her fingers.

They walked in to be greeted by much of the staff including Jac who was very pleased to see both Roderick and Galen.

“I have seen the lord chambers cleared and cleaned, Lord Ellis,” said Jac.

It Roderick a moment to realize the man was talking to him. He looked at his mother and then Jac.

“I thank you, but I will stay in my old rooms for the time being, Jac,” said Roderick.

“You should take the rooms that are entitled to you, my lord,” said Lady Glain with a sad smile.

“I will stay in my old rooms, at least for a few days,” said Roderick. “No permanent decisions have been made.”

His mother gave him a very tight smile and ordered some tea to be sent to the east parlor. She led Roderick and Galen both into the room and sat down in a huff in her usual chair.

“What is this no permanent decisions stuff and nonsense, Roderick? You can not speak so around the staff. You are the lord of this manor now,” said Lady Glain as Roderick walked over and sat on the sofa.

“I am still not sure of taking the place of lord, mother. It could pass to Galen. If you want the Ellis name lifted up, he would do a much better job,” said Roderick.

“I would never take the place that should be yours,” said Galen as he sat down next to Roderick. “I could never be comfortable as the lord of this manor, knowing it should be you.”

“Your brother is right, Roderick. You are the rightful lord, and you will accept your place. I believe you will find everyone wishes for you to do so, including your queen,” said Lady Glain.

“You have spoke with Dracia about this?” asked Roderick, looking at his mother.

“Yes, I know she cares for you, and you for her. She wants you to be happy, Roderick, and being Lord of Low Hill could lead to many things that would make you happy,” said his mother.

“When the war is over, I will think very seriously of taking my place here at Low Hill. Until then, I will remain an Elite of the Sentinel and the second to my High Captain,” said Roderick adamantly.

Lady Glain took a breath but said no more on the subject. Roderick spent the next few days checking over the books and lands of the Low Hill. He was pleasantly surprised to see Alaric had hired a good man to help make sure things ran smoothly. Roderick was very pleased on the state of the accounts, and the happiness of their tenants and attendants.

He checked in regularly with the palace and the Sentinel. They had heard no news, though all seemed to be on edge. Roderick worried about Dracia every time he saw her. She seemed so tired and at times sickly. He could see the strain in the king’s eyes as he looked at Dracia, and Roderick knew King Leal was concerned for his wife. She insisted that she was well, and she did seem to be able to do her duties. She found time to see to the palace staff with Princess Lexine as needed and spend time to the Sentinel.

Selene was a regular visitor to the Low Hill manor. She spent time charming Roderick’s mother, though Selene charming Lady Glain didn’t seem to take much effort. The lady seemed quite ready to think well of Selene if it was a means of convincing her son to take his place as lord. Roderick was able to spend time with Selene as well. They rode out into the snowy hills together, Roderick showing her some of his favorite views as they stopped to admire the landscape and do other agreeable things. Roderick found himself losing his heart more to Selene every day with her adventurous spirit, teasing ways, and her kind soul.

He sat one afternoon in the east parlor with his mother and Selene, listening to the two ladies talk to one another as they drank tea. It was a very pleasant way to spend a few hours, and Roderick could see much happiness in his future if things went his way. Their peace was interrupted by Jac coming into the room with the housekeeper, both seeming quite nervous.

“What is the matter?” asked Roderick as his mother and Selene stopped talking.

“There is a visitor, sir,” said Jac as he looked at the housekeeper.

“Who is it?” asked Lady Glain as she looked at her two attendants.

“It is the queen, my lady,” said the housekeeper in a voice barely above a whisper.

“This is highly unnecessary,” said Dracia as she walked up behind the two attendants. “I have been a visitor of this house before. There is no need for such ceremony.”

Jac bowed low and the housekeeper sunk into a deep curtsey. Dracia looked at Roderick with an exasperated smile.

“That will be all,” said Roderick. “I will see to the queen and any needs she may have while she is here.”

Jac and the housekeeper both backed out of the room as Dracia swept in, smiling at them all.

“I am not sure I can get use to that,” said Dracia as she straightened her black and silver cloak. “Even dressed as the High Captain, people insist on treating me like the queen.”

“You are the queen, your majesty,” said Lady Glain as she stood. “You should be treated as such.”

“I hope you will not stand on such ceremony for me, Lady Glain. Not when I have been such good friends with both of your sons.”

Lady Glain nodded and sat back down, spreading her skirt before her.

“Selene it is good to see you. I have guessed this is where you were spending most of your days,” said Dracia with a large smile.

“Roderick has seen to showing me the area around your lovely village. I am growing quite fond of Winsdell,” said Selene.

“I am glad to hear it,” said Dracia before she closed her eyes and held her stomach for a moment.

“Dracia, are you well?” asked Roderick as he stood up and walked over to her.

“Yes, I believe I must have eaten something that didn’t agree with me. It will pass. It always does,” said Dracia.

“Well, come and sit for a moment,” said Roderick as he led her over to a chair by the sofa.

She sat, and Roderick sat close to her on the sofa.

“I have come with news,” said Dracia.

“Is it good or bad news, your majesty?” asked Lady Glain.

“It is news, Lady Glain. Whether it is good or bad is still left to be seen. It will depend on the outcome,” said Dracia.

Roderick looked at her, knowing what she had come to tell him.

“It is time to attack the Navalian forces,” he said with certainty.

“Yes, I have received the news I was waiting for. We will ride out tomorrow to meet with the Navalian forces and overtake them before they can attack any more of our villages or hurt any more of our people,” said Dracia.

“I hope you will be able to defeat them swiftly, your majesty, and keep yourself safe as well,” said Lady Glain.

“Thank you, my lady,” said Dracia. “I have every confidence in the Sentinel. It helps that a large portion of the Siccarian forces are with us. I believe with our two kingdoms fighting side by side, Navalia has little chance.”

“What time do we ride out tomorrow?” asked Roderick.

Dracia looked at his mother as his mother looked at her. Dracia closed her eyes and seemed to steady herself with a breath.

“The Sentinel and Siccarian forces will be leaving after first light, but you will not be with us, Roderick,” said Dracia as she opened her eyes.

“I don’t understand you,” said Roderick. “Do you need me to do something else for you? Do you need me to ride ahead of the group?”

Dracia again took a deep breath, and Roderick could see tears start to gather in her eyes.

“I need you to stay here and see over your manor and lands, my lord,” said Dracia.

“What do you mean, Dracia?” asked Roderick. “I am your second. Where you go in battle, I go.”

Dracia was quiet for a moment. She looked down at her lap and then looked up with Roderick with a frown. “Not anymore, my lord. I am un-naming you as my second and insisting you leave the Sentinel and take your place here at Low Hill.”

Roderick felt like his breath left his body. What could she possible mean she was un-naming him? They had been together in this from the beginning. Since there first day at the Sentinel, they had been partners in some way. She could not just cast him aside.

“Have I done something to displease you, High Captain?” asked Roderick

“No, of course not,” said Dracia. “You have been an exemplary Elite, and the best second I could ask for, but our time together has come to an end. You have a new place in the kingdom, and you must take it.”

“I don’t accept this, Dracia. You do not really mean it. You know what it will do to me for you to ride out to battle without me. I must be at your side,” said Roderick.

Dracia shook her head. He could see one tear had escaped her eyes. “I have said what I came to say. You will stay here as we ride out, and your will discharge yourself from the Sentinel,” said Dracia standing up. “I must go to the Sentinel to see to the Elites, and then get back to the palace. I hope you will excuse me. Lady Glain, it is always a pleasure to see you. You as well, Lady Selene.”

Dracia walked quickly from the room, as Roderick sat still on the sofa in shock. What had just happened? She couldn’t have meant it. She would never un-name him as her second. She knew she could not ride out without him.

“No,” said Roderick as he stood up. “This will not do.”

“Where are you going, Roderick?” asked his mother as he walked to the parlor door. “Roderick, it will do no good for you to argue with her. “

Roderick didn’t stop to answer his mother. He walked out of the house and found Dracia about to mount her horse. He grabbed her arm and turned her to face him.

“You will not do this, Dracia. You cannot do it. I will not let you go into battle without me being by your side,” said Roderick heatedly.

“It must be this way, Roderick. You have to stay behind. I cannot have you out in danger any longer. You are too important to this kingdom, your mother, and Selene. I will keep you safe for them.”

“What of you, Dracia? Who will keep you safe, because I know you give no thought to your own well-being,” said Roderick furiously. “You might un-name me as your second, but you cannot command me to leave the Sentinel.”

“I will go this second to the Upper Elites and have you discharged. I can do it, and they will listen to me. I am not only their High Captain, I am your queen.”

“Even if you have me thrown out of the Sentinel, I will still ride out with you,” said Roderick. “I have a higher command than you can give me.”

“What do you mean?” asked Dracia.

“The king has commanded me to see to your safety. He has made it very clear I should do all I can to keep you safe no matter what orders you give to me.”

Dracia huffed and turned from Roderick. “I will see to this,” said Dracia. “The king will set you free from this command.”

“I do not wish to be free from it,” said Roderick. He took a breath and grabbed her hand. “Please, Dracia, let me ride out with you for this one last battle. After this, we can both leave the Sentinel together. We have been partners since day one. Let us leave together after our victory.”

Dracia looked down at their conjoined hands. When she looked up at Roderick, tears were flowing freely down her face. He reached up and wiped some away with his thumb.

“I will keep you safe, Dracia,” said Roderick quietly. “We will keep each other safe.”

Dracia stared at him, her bottom lip quivering as a very small smile came on her lips. Roderick smiled back at her, convinced he had finally gotten through to her. She would relent and know the only way was for them to do this together. Her eyes flicked to something behind him, and Roderick turned to see his mother and Selene staring at them both.

“No, you must stay here tomorrow,” said Dracia as she moved away from him.

“Dracia, please,” said Roderick as Dracia bent over and grabbed her stomach.

She turned and ran over to the side of the house. Roderick could hear her retching as Selene walked over to check on her. Roderick looked at his mother before he too walked over to Dracia. He found Selene rubbing Dracia’s back as Dracia lost whatever she had eaten for lunch on the ground before her.

“You are not well, Dracia,” said Roderick. “If anyone shouldn’t be riding out, it is you.”

“I am fine,” said Dracia as she took deep breaths. “My stomach has just ben unsettled over the impending battle, and this conversation has not been easy.” She stood up and wiped some sweat off her brow as Selene looked at her with worry. “There, I am well.”

Dracia walked back to her horse with Roderick and Selene following her.

“Roderick, you will stay here as I have said. I do not wish to have you thrown out of the Sentinel,” said Dracia. She turned and mounted her horse with effort. After settling herself in the saddle she said, “When I return from the battle, we will talk more of you leaving the Sentinel to take your place here. While I am gone, you will see to the safety of your lands and Lady Selene. She is an important visitor from Siccaria and must be kept safe.”

“You will forbid me from riding out with you?” asked Selene hotly.

“You will stay here in Winsdell where you are safe. I cannot keep you sister’s husband away from the battle, but I can make sure you are safe here for her. I am sure you will help keep Roderick company as well. Now, I really must go. I will see you all when I return in a few days.”

She urged Aarit forward, and he took off, as Roderick walked in the direction she had left, not knowing what to do. He turned and looked at his mother.

“Is this your doing, mother?” he asked angrily. “Did you ask her to do this?”

“Roderick, what else could I do? I cannot stand to lose another son,” said Lady Glain.

“Then why not beg her to make Galen stay here. We both know he is the one son you would save if you were forced to pick,” said Roderick.

“That is ridiculous, Roderick. I have loved all of my sons equally. It has broken my heart to lose Alaric and to lose you or Galen would kill me, but I have no excuse to tell Galen to stay behind. You are now the lord of this house and these lands, and you cannot go throw your life away in some battle.”

“Throw my life away?” asked Roderick loudly. “You think that is what I have been doing all these years, living in the Sentinel, and serving my High Captain? I will have you know there is nothing I would have rather done with my life. I have found more purpose serving as an Elite and by Dracia’s side than I could ever have imagined. Do you still not know what the Sentinel has meant to me? What she means to me?”

Roderick walked towards the back of the house towards the stables, looking for an attendant to bring him his horse. He found a boy who worked in the stables and asked that Magni be brought around quickly.

“What are you going to do, Roderick?” asked his mother.

“I am going to the palace to speak with the king,” said Roderick. “He will talk some sense into her.”

“Roderick, I think you need to leave this alone,” said his mother.

Roderick ignored her. He was too angry to speak with her at the moment.

“I will go with you, Roderick,” said Selene. “I am as displeased as you.”

“No, stay here,” said Roderick as he saw his horse being brought around. “I will take care of this.”

Roderick mounted his horse and road swiftly to the palace’s front door. He jumped off of Magni, leaving him at the front of the building and was let in the front door by a palace guard. He looked around, wondering where the king might be. He walked to the back parlor to find it empty. He walked to the side parlor to find it empty too. He finally found an attendant in the hall.

“Where is the king?” asked Roderick. “I must speak with him this instant.”

The attendant stared at Roderick and shook her head. “I do not know his whereabouts. I can try to find his attendant if you wish.”

“Roderick,” said Galen as he and Lexine walked up to Roderick and the attendant. “Why are you here?”

“I need to speak with the king this instant,” said Roderick as the attendant curtseyed and left.

“Leal is not here,” said Lexine. “He rode off by himself a couple of hours ago saying he needed to speak with someone.”

“Where did he go?” asked Roderick.

“I am not sure,” said Lexine. “I don’t know when he will be back either.”

“What is wrong, Roderick, you seem agitated,” said Galen.

Roderick looked around to see that they were alone. “Did you know the High Captain planned to un-name me and ask me to stay here during the battle?”

Lexine and Galen both refused to look at Roderick, each looking at the opposite wall.

“You both knew?” asked Roderick exasperated. “You knew, Galen, and you didn’t say anything to me?”

“I just found out today, before she left,” said Galen. “She was very sure of her choice, and I didn’t see the point of arguing with her.”

“No, and you shouldn’t upset her in any way. She has not been feeling well. I don’t think she is sleeping well, or eating much. Something is troubling her,” said Lexine.

“She is too ill to go into battle. She is the one who should be staying behind,” said Roderick. “Surely the king can see it.”

“He is very worried about her, but she will not admit she is unwell. She will not be denied fighting for her kingdom,” said Lexine.

“But she will deny me of my right to fight for Lanoxan and for her,” said Roderick. “This cannot stand.”

“What can you do?” asked Galen.

“I can talk to the king,” said Roderick.

“I think you should leave and go back to Low Hill, Roderick,” said Lexine softly. “It will do Dracia no good to cause a fight with her and Leal. If you accost the king here in the palace in the mood you are in, it will cause nothing but troubles.”

“I cannot just do nothing,” said Roderick.

“Galen, go back to Low Hill with your brother. Roderick, I will tell Leal you wish to speak with him and have him come to you or summon you here. Do not stay around here and take the chance of Dracia finding you. I don’t think it will do her any good.”

Roderick thought to argue, but he could see the princess was sincere. “I will go, but you must promise me you will talk to the king.”

“I will, I give you my word, Roderick,” said Princess Lexine.

Roderick nodded. He walked to the front of the palace and waited for his brother to join him. It took several minutes for Galen’s horse to be brought around. Galen looked as if he would talk to Roderick several times, but no words ever came out of his mouth. They rode to their family home together. Galen walked into the parlor to see their mother, while Roderick retreated to another part of the house to be alone. He sat in a little use sitting room, sitting by the fire he sparked, hoping the king would contact him soon.

She could not really expect him not to go with her. She didn’t really think he would stay behind in Winsdell as the Sentinel rode out to meet Darron and the other Elites who had betrayed their kingdom. She had to know how important she was to him, and what it would do to him to lose her.

The door opened and Roderick looked up. Selene entered with a message in her hand. She walked over to Roderick and sat beside him, handing him the message.

“This came from the palace,” said Selene. “I believe it is from the king.”

Roderick took the message and opened it as Selene watched. He read over the short note, reading over it twice to make sure he understood it. He shook his head and crumbled it up, throwing it into the fire.

“What did it say?” asked Selene.

“The king has set me free from his previous command and sent me another one,” said Roderick as he hung his head. “I am to stay here and see to your safety.”

Selene grabbed his hand and held it for a few moments. “I am so sorry, Roderick,” she said as she squeezed his hand. “I don’t know what to say.”

He looked at her as he held her hand. “There is nothing to say.”

Roderick rode out into the hills the next morning, the opposite way the group from the palace would be going. He almost had it in his mind to join the large group and fight for Lanoxan no matter what Dracia or the king said, but he found he could not do it. He would not be a distraction for her, or a cause for her to argue with her husband. He would do as she asked, just as he always had.

He spent most of the day in the hills, and the next morning as well. He wasn’t sure what really went through his head except he alternated between being angry at Dracia, and desperate to see her again, safe, and whole. He finally decided he could not ignore Selene or even his mother anymore. He rode back to his home after lunch the second day and joined his mother and Selene in the parlor.

As he walked in, his mother looked up at him. Roderick said nothing as he sat down in a chair close to Selene to see her looking at a message.

“Who is that from?” asked Roderick.

“It is from my sister. It arrived today; it went to the summer palace first, but it was sent on to me here,” said Selene.

“Is she doing well?” asked Roderick.

“Yes, she is feeling much better now,” said Selene as she looked at Lady Glain. “My sister is with child. She was very ill and tired at first, but she is feeling much better now.”

“How long has she been with child?” asked Lady Glain.

“She believes she is now in her fifth month,” said Selene as she put her letter down, a strange look on her face.

“She should be over the sickness, then, though with Galen I suffered well into my seventh month. I could barely eat without feeling sick, and I was so tired. Henri was very concerned the whole time, but I knew it would be well,” said Lady Glain as she looked at Selene. “What is it, my lady?”

Selene had stood up and was looking as though she could cry as she put her message down and paced in front of the fireplace.

“Truly, what is it, Selene?” said Roderick as he looked at her.

“I am such a gods damned stupid idiot,” said Selene vehemently.

“Selene!” exclaimed Roderick. “What is the matter?”

“I hope you will pardon my vulgarity, my lady, but I cannot believe I did not see it, not after how I saw Maia suffer,” said Selene.

“What are you speaking of, Selene?” asked Roderick.

She stopped pacing and swallowed as she looked at Roderick. “I believe Dracia may be with child.”

Roderick looked at Selene not sure he understood what she was saying.

“Surely not,” said Lady Glain. “She would not go into battle if she were with child.”

“I don’t believe she knows she is with child, my lady,” said Selene.

“How could she not know?” asked Lady Glain. “There are signs she would have seen.”

“She has been very distracted, and I believe she would be very surprised. I think she has taken precautions to make sure she doesn’t conceive,” said Lady Selene. “But her sickness, her aversion to food, her exhaustion, I have seen it all in my sister in her early days of carrying her baby. I am almost certain Dracia is with child.”

Roderick stood up. “She cannot go fight in this battle. I must go retrieve her,” said Roderick. “If there is any chance she is carrying a child, she must not fight.”

“You will not make it in time, Roderick. By the time you catch them the battle will be in progress. It may already be over by the time you get there. There is nothing you can do now, but pray for her and her child,” said Lady Glain.

“But she could be carrying the heir to the throne of the High Palace,” said Roderick. “She would want to know. The king would want to know.”

“As much as that may be, Roderick, your mother is correct. She is too far away now for you to help her,” said Selene sadly. “We will just have to hope and pray she will come back safe.”

Roderick realized she was right, and there was nothing he could truly do. The fate of Dracia and her child, if it existed, was in other’s hands. He was not usually a man who prayed, but he spent much of the next few days begging the gods’ for Dracia’s safety.