The Curse Conduit
Chapter 43

As the King’s guard rode through the gate Geoffrey and old Ted looked at each other before the young boy tried in vain to reach the castle before the guards. Heading the column of a dozen or so knights on horseback was none other than the King himself. Geoffrey wanted so much to warn Uri but he knew he would never get to him in time, still he kept running at full pace, he did not want to miss out on whatever was going to happen. A visit by the King was not unusual as Uri and the King were friends but for the King to arrive with his guard this was official and most likely very serious.

After deciding that it was no use trying to hide his unusual guests Uri, Declan and Beth-Elena made their way to the steps of the court yard to wait for the King’s guard. Uri and Declan recognised the figure at the front of the column almost as soon as he was in sight. Both men surprised to see the King as no word of his return had reached them.

They all waited for him to pull up and dismount before bowing and Beth-Elena curtsied. Being the head of the household Uri spoke first. “Your Highness, news of your return had not reached my humble home, I trust all is well.”

The King looked from Uri to his niece and gave her a tired smile before looking back at Uri. “I must give you the news that all is not well Master Uri.” Again his eyes fell on Beth-Elena and then to Declan “But tell me, has some unpleasantness happened in my absence for my niece to have left the sanctuary of my home unescorted?”

Before Uri or Declan could defend Beth-Elena she stepped forward to defend herself. “I am sorry that I worried you so Uncle, I am quite well.” She lent in and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. “My curiosity led me to Uri. I do hope that you did not bring your guards just because of me?”

The King took the hands of his niece resigned to the fact that she was forever going to cause him grief and know that each time she did he would forgive her as he did now, as he always did. “You must be more mindful Bea; it is not safe for any to travel these roads alone.”

Declan and Uri looked at each other remembering Uriah and Urian’s encounter the other night and the King continued. “Though I am happy to see that you have safe haven with Master Uri.”

Uri bowed slightly. “Sire, the Lady Beth-Elena shall always have a safe haven while I have breath.”

Uri looked past the King to his guard still seated on their horses. “Maybe your men would like to take advantage of my stable and possibly the kitchen. I take it that your visit is not because of the Lady Beth-Elena.”

The King nodded to Uri and gave a silent command to his men who in return rode in silence to the stables. “Master Uri, Master Declan, our neighbour’s feel that I am no longer worthy to be called their King. I fear we will have to settle this disagreement on the field of battle.”

The three men entered the castle as Beth-Elena followed quietly behind. Declan looked to Uri as they walked down the hallway. It was customary for all guests to be shown to the great hall; the King knew this and his steps were purposeful. However Uri and Declan wondered what his reaction would be when they did get there.

They all slowed a little as they heard the sound of singing. The King looked to Uri. “You have other guests Uri? And talented ones I think.” He looked to his niece. “This is what brought you out on your own my dear?”

Beth-Elena just nodded. They all stood at the unopened door listening to Derek and Uriah as they entertained some of Uri’s staff who had snuck back in and pleaded for another song.

Beth-Elena stood between her Uncle and the door, blocking his path. “Uncle before you go inside you must promise me something.”

The King raised an eye brow. “If I can my dear.”

“Keep your hand off your sword and be nice.”

Now the King wore a frown wondering why on earth she would ask such a thing of him.

As Beth-Elena pushed the door open two things happened. Uri’s staff scattered and Derek and Uriah stopped singing.

The room fell silent and cold at the same time, smiles disappeared. Uriah, Derek, Elizabeth, Danny, Urian and Bethie all came together, standing waiting in the silence.

It was the ladies that the King recognised first. He looked from them to his niece not believing his eyes. “This is some kind of trickery.” As he spoke the Kings hand went to the hilt of his sword. Declan and Uri stepped forward but it was Beth-Elena that stopped him by gently placing her hand on his and talking sweetly. “Uncle. This is no trickery of witches or wizards; I speak the truth, though at first I did not believe myself.”

Talking his hand from his sword she pulled him closer to the little group. “They have come a great distance to help us Uncle.”

The King looked to his niece, as yet he had not made the connection between Danny and Derek and Declan or Uriah and Urian and Uri but it was not far off. “How is this possible, I have three nieces, two of whom are strangers to me?”

Beth-Elena smiled and made the introductions. “Uncle this is Elizabeth and Bethie.”

To their credit both ladies curtsied and acknowledge the King in the appropriate manor.

Beth–Elena took a deep breath and then introduced the men.

The King looked from Danny to Derek and then from Uriah to Urian about to say something when he turned, walked back to Uri and Declan and stared. He took in their features and then looked back at the others. “Surly not. How can you all look the same?”

“I can explain Sire but it will take some time. Time I fear we do not have if your news is as grave as you have us believing.”

Uri’s words sobered the King’s thoughts; he was indeed there on a mission of some importance. “As always Master Uri pragmatic and precise. But I shall want to hear of this story once we have concluded our business.”

Uri ushered the group out of the hall promising to come and get them as soon as it was practical, returning to sit at the table with the King and Declan while his staff served food and drink.

The news that the King delivered was grave indeed. The enemy was on the march already and the King and his men had ridden hard and fast to return. He relayed stories of ambushes and small skirmishes on their journey, each attack intent on taking the King’s life.

“So I am in need of raising an army once more.”

Uri tried to boost the Kings spirits. “I am sure that your people will heed your call as they have done in the past my Lord. We shall despatch riders this very day.”

“You are a good man Uri and I have no fear that my people will come to my aid. I fear that this will be a bloody battle and many a good man will not return.”

To Uri and Declan it looked like the King aged right before their eyes. As if trying to shake off the demons of battle he sighed. “So tell me Uri, Tell me of these strangers that look alike, that look like you.”

Uri and Declan took it in turns to tell the tale as the King listened intently not speaking until the whole story had been woven. “And you say this is not some sorcery at work. They come from the future, yet you say you have had vision of them and they know how our lives are to end. If this is true, sorcery or not, I would wish that they help in our plans to defeat the enemy.” The King looked from Uri to Declan. “Or do they have dim news of a battle not won and many a widow I shall make if I take up this fight.”

Declan looked to Uri. “Maybe Derek should be the one to explain this to His Highness?”

“Derek? He is the dream master; the keeper of dreams is he not?”

Both Uri and Declan were a little surprised at what the King had called Derek but it did fit very well.

They both nodded their heads.

“Then I would like to meet the man who holds my future and the future of my people in his hands. I pray that he has the power to stop the carnage. For we will surly need the magic of a wizard on our side.”