Tales of the Far Wanderers by David Welch

Author:David Welch [Welch, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LiberWriter.com
Published: 2018-01-31T22:00:00+00:00

***

“It’s beautiful! Is it gold?” Turee asked, turning the heavy ring over in her hands.

“Yes,” replied Vadid. “A gift to our humble home from the king of Jarte.”

“King Eothai?” she asked, looking at the likeness carved into the top of the rings. It did bear a striking resemblance to the Jartian king. She’d only seen Eothai V once, at the ceremony when her father had married her mother and made her Queen of Starth. He’d been a handsome man in his mid-thirties, proud and broad of shoulder.

Vadid took the ring back and returned it to a large chest. Turee had run into the prelate while wandering around the grounds, and he’d asked if she wanted to see Sanctuary’s ‘gifts’. They’d entered a solidly built cabin filled with chests, all of which were secured with heavy iron locks; locks to which Vadid had the key.

She gazed into the chest at the various riches inside. Most of it was coin, glittering gold and silver. Jewels the size of cherries were mixed amongst them, some smaller gems mounted into rings, necklaces, and other royal accessories left to Sanctuary.

“But why do they give you all this?” she asked.

“Information,” Vadid replied. “Knowledge and guidance. Tark and his scribes have compiled information on the ancients, and on peoples in all directions. Kings and lords come from far and wide to listen and take our council. Jarte, Skar’gat, Lavnas, Mancera… even Starth. All the tribes to the west of us, even out onto the Great Grasslands. They all come, and while we welcome all, many feel compelled to leave behind gifts. The king of Jarte has even lent us a dozen horsemen to keep the place secure.”

“You said Starth?” Turee asked.

“Yes,” Eothai said. “Cahdar came here several times. I’m glad I’ve had the chance to meet his daughter.”

Turee jumped back, eyes wide with surprise.

“How did you know?” she asked.

“It’s alright” Vadid said, raising his hands in supplication. “I can see it in your face, is all. There was a rumor you’d escaped your brother; I am glad to see it’s true. Ythell is a cruel man, King or not.”

“Yes,” Turee agreed quietly.

“And now that I’ve met you, I can sincerely say you do not deserve the horrors he no doubt had awaiting you. You are a sweet young woman, Turee, and do not deserve to be caught up in the misery of royalty and its squabbles.”

She blushed, unable to hide her smile, not wanting to.

“But I have kept you long enough,” he said. “Your ‘protector’ might get upset.”

“I am not his to control,” Turee replied emphatically.

“Yes, I can see that. But this is a place of peace, and I fear his anger could disturb that,” Vadid said.

He nodded respectfully, took her hand, and led her from the cabin. They split, the man slowly walking towards a nearby cabin. Turee watched, seeing him look back time and time again, confidently gazing at her. She watched him until he entered, taking note of the building.

“There you are,” a voice said from her side.

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