The Journey West by E J Gilmour

Author:E J Gilmour [Gilmour, E J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780992375010
Publisher: Hero Pages Publishing
Published: 2013-12-10T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

‘I can’t believe we have been banished from Faircastle,’ said Red, shaking his head as he stepped into Eben’s chamber with Stella. ‘I was really starting to enjoy living here.’

‘You don’t have to come with me, Red. King Edric said that only I am banished,’ replied Eben.

‘You’re not leaving without us, Eben,’ said Stella.

Meara and Cassiel suddenly appeared in the doorway. ‘What’s the meaning of this? Why are you leaving?’ asked Meara, shocked at seeing them packing their bags.

‘Eben went to see Princess Apherah when he had been forbidden from seeing her by the King,’ said Stella.

‘I see. I have heard that she has been promised to King Lenard. I can see why King Edric would be concerned. King Lenard is a quick tempered man. He is also an important ally in our struggle. We cannot afford to lose the Everdonians. I think you should respect the King’s wishes and stay away from her.’

‘Apherah does not want to marry King Lenard,’ said Eben resolutely.

The room fell silent. Meara shut the door, leaving the palace guardsmen outside. She directed them to sit at the table.

‘This situation is more dangerous than you think. Let us assume that you can overcome all the possible obstacles and are able to start a courtship with Princess Apherah. The end result would mean that the Ecorian would rule Faircastle and the Sapphire Throne. I doubt that the Ecorian Arbiters would accept this. I believe you would gain Dravania and Iarthar as allies, and probably King Ignis, but Everdon, Ateria, Silvor, and the Isles of Dawn would probably oppose you. This is a division we can’t accept at this time.’

‘I don’t want to cause any divisions,’ said Eben.

There was a knock at the door. Red sprang to his feet and opened the door. The Fiorians Chiara and Acartor stood outside.

‘Please, come in and join us,’ said Red, indicating for them to enter.

Chiara looked at Eben with a furrowed brow as she entered the room. ‘Eben Ecorian. We heard that you are being banished from Faircastle for attempting to begin a courtship with Princess Apherah. Is this true?’

‘Yes,’ replied Eben.

‘Surely you must know that Irvaria and Everdon have only a tentative alliance at best. Unfortunately King Lenard has been promised Princess Apherah’s hand in marriage. It is important for the united armies of Everdon and Irvaria to face the Prince of Shadows together. If you attempt to prevent this marriage the Everdonians may fight alone and refuse Irvarian help. The Prince of Shadows will crush the Everdonians and then march to the gates of Faircastle and destroy us. We need an alliance between Irvaria and Everdon. You must respect King Lenard and not stand between him and Princess Apherah.’

Eben felt a rising anger at the unfair demands being made on him. ‘Should I really show respect to King Lenard? He has little regard for me. I know that Apherah does not want to marry the Everdonian. I cannot agree to this.’

‘I understand the Ecorian’s point of view,’ said Acartor.

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