I'm disgusted!" Rydal's voice was shaky as he shouted his frustrations to his fellow knights. "To deceive so many for so long is one thing, but to be so insidious as to pledge one's life to decency then commit such trickery is - is," he searched for the right word. "Monstrous!" he finished.

The knight's ice blue eyes were ablaze with vehemence as he paced the meeting hall in which the Protector's of the Kingdom had gathered. The other knights were seated at the long wooden table in the center of the hall, watching Rydal as he fumed. General Ganas, sat placidly, a diminutive smile formed slowly on his mature face. "It's amazing I never thought of it before," he avowed calmly amazed. "It's quite obvious to me now."

Rydal turned his burdened face to meet the mild one of his superior. "He got away with it for years!" He stopped briefly to raise his eyes to the ceiling. "It's unnatural! I should have seen it!"

"She got away with it," Ganas gently corrected.

Rydal threw up his hands in frustration. "The whole thing makes me sick!"

Ganas sighed heavily, "Sit down, Rydal." The ordeal disgusted him as well, but he liked to think that he was more in control of his emotions. "We need to find out if there were any others involved in the assassination plot."

Rydal gave him a mournful look, then obediently took his seat at the table. He straightened his armored back against the heavy chair. Though he felt deflated, he still kept the manner of a knight. The other knights kept silent about his outrage, either respecting his situation or fearful of upsetting him more.

Ganas gave him a somewhat sympathetic expression, then leaned back uncomfortably upon the chair beneath him. "Now," he began slowly, rubbing his bald chin with a rough hand. "Can we assume that nobody else had anything to do with this?" He looked about the faces of his knights. Most of them looked doubtful, but the room was silent in response to his question. "Very well, we'll start with sealing Jonas' quarters then move on to questioning the housemaid and any others who might have had access to the quarters."

Rydal lifted his head quickly. "I'd like to lead the investigation, if I may."

Ganas looked at him thoughtfully. "I think it would be wise," he began slowly, ignoring the defiant look that flashed across the knight's face, "for you to take a temporary leave-" Rydal shook his head. Ganas continued in the same soft tone, "just to clear your head a bit."

"I don't need to clear my head," Rydal retorted coarsely. "Jonas was my best friend . I think I would have a certain advantage in this situation."

Ganas took in a deep breath. Was his best friend. Already the knight was speaking as if Jonas were dead. Perhaps it was better to think of it that way, rather than out right deception from a faithful knight he had under his command until yesterday morning. Before the general could reply, the main doors to the hall opened suddenly. A young man with a stiff expression entered the hall.

"Excuse the intrusion, Gentlemen," the boy boomed briskly. He was a servant, yet he had the demeanor of some big headed noble. Ganas tightened his jaw at the boy's appearance. He wore the usual light brown garb of the castle servants, but tucked neatly around his neck was a bright yellow scarf with thick black tassels at the ends. The scarf was the mark of a Leasunng in training, black tassels represented the school of battle. Councilman Tyris must be growing desperate to recruit servants as pupils. Ganas resolved to speak to the king about the sudden increase in battle Leasunngs. It was one thing recruiting farm boys, but servants? The castle needed every last one with the wedding of Prince Ervenn coming soon, if the Prince ever returned that is. Besides, the castle shouldn't be bothered with hot headed servants thinking they are above everyone else when there was no threat against the kingdom. The kingdom hadn't seen war, let alone any battle for decades. There was no need for more battle Leasunngs.

Unless the Prince's absence was more than just a long journey home. If the Prince had faced trouble in Gospadar, then it was possible that battle could come soon. The Kingdom of Gospadar was known for its eagerness to see blood shed. Perhaps Tyris knew more than he let on about that kingdom, the Councilman's home country. Prince Ervenn was sent to resolve trading issues with the neighboring kingdom, but it shouldn't have taken several months for that to be done. He resolved to speak to the king about that too. Surely, Aless would not object at another attempt to locate the Prince. Perhaps, the king would grant him personal leave to find the Prince. Several weeks had past since the Prince sent his last, short message saying he was on his way home. Ganas knew from experience that the voyage home only took two weeks at the most. The king must be getting nervous about his son's whereabouts by now and Ganas was anxious to be on a mission again.

"Sirs," the boy croaked, waking Ganas from his thoughts. The lad was near the age of acceptance, but his boyish croak gave him away as still under the age of thirteen. The standards for pupils were lowering too, Ganas scowled. The boy cleared his throat and began again with a clear voice. "King Aless wishes to speak with Sir Ganas and Sir De'Attor immediately."

King Aless rose from his chair behind a long wooden desk. "Thank you for coming so quickly, men." He indicated two open chairs before the desk. "Please have a seat."

Rydal sat in one of those chairs, but Ganas satisfied himself with a place near the fireplace opposite the room's other two occupants. Councilman Jerell sat smugly on the soft chair near the giant stone fireplace. Ganas allowed a flat stare for the other man standing next to the Head Councilman. Tyris Rivven of the Bloodline Rivven, Court Leasunng and personal advisor to the king. The man was Gospadarian, yet he was an adviser to a Dackarian king, but Ganas had more reason behind that stare than just that. The slender blonde man ignored him and looked quietly out the large window with his back to them all. Ganas took in a deep breath and pushed his anger away. He was hear by summons of the king, not to show his aggression to Tyris.

"It doesn't make sense to me at all," King Aless commented sourly once they were still. He was an older man, though with the roughness and strength of a much younger one. He wore his deep purple robe of his noble blood - with the two lions wielding swords inside two great golden rings entwined together embroidered on the back - but not his crown. He rarely wore his crown. "Why would Dillan want me killed?" the king asked, truly puzzled. He rubbed his balding head with a callused hand, no doubt from many years at sword play, and frowned at the desk in front of him.

"Because, your majesty," Jerell spoke slowly as if to a child, he leaned forward to make his words clearer. "You were the only one standing in his way to the throne. With Prince Ervenn away in U'Gontar this summer, he could have easily taken over your authority."

Aless shook his head slowly, unbelieving. "Dillan was one of the most devoted men in my council."

"Excuse me, Your Majesty," Rydal broke in. His manner was formal, but not without feeling. "If a young woman can fool the good people of Dackar into believing she's a man for so many years, than surely a crooked old man can fool anyone into thinking he is a loyal and faithful servant."

Ganas gave Rydal a side long glance at that statement. Rydal was taking this too personally. Perhaps he really did need some time away.

Aless sighed, obviously upset by the whole ordeal. Ganas had known of the king's and Councilman Rein's friendship for years. Rein served faithfully and there was never any doubt before this that the Councilman could possibly be disloyal. The two of them had practically grown into to men together, Rein coming on just shortly before Aless took the throne. It had been over twenty years since then. "Do you think someone paid them?" he asked suddenly hopeful. "Dillan and Jonas, I mean," he finished.

Ganas understood the king's search for a reason. Greed could be forgiven easier than outright treason. How difficult would it be if he were to find out his best friend and confidant had planned to kill him?

"It's a possibility, I suppose," General Ganas replied thoughtfully, running a gloved hand through his hair. He didn't believe it true, but wanted to reassure the king that there was a chance his best friend hadn't planned to kill him. Ganas found himself a bit surprised by the king's summons. If this was the reason for the summons, then the king must be suffering greatly with this treason to call upon his advisors for comfort. Still he was a Protector before anything else and his job was to protect the king. He would do what he could to soften the blow. "I would be interested to know who, if that's the case." There was a general murmur of agreement from all of them.

"Sire," Tyris spoke quietly, his throaty voice was accented slightly from his up bringing in the eastern kingdom. He wore the long, green open robe of a Councilman on top his usual black and yellow embroidered jacket - which looked more suitable for a Lord rather than Head Leasunng - and snug fitting black cotton pants. His soft knee high boots, as black as pitch, made no noise when he moved. Around his pale neck he wore the silver medallion of a Master Leasunng of Dackar, the growling face of a lion no larger than his thumbnail. The leather cord which held it in place was dyed the color of his school - black, a Battle Leasunng. He wore no braided thong in his golden hair, he wasn't equal to Jerell in authority, though he wore the white gloves of an adviser. The sight of him nearly blinded Ganas every time he saw all those colors meshed together. He had no doubt the man wore them to show off his many positions. Ganas nearly ground his teeth in distaste. Tyris may be a Lord in Gospadar, but he would not receive such respect from Ganas. Here they were equal, both advisers to the King of Dackar.

Tyris did not bother to remove his eyes from the window as he spoke. "From what I read of Councilman Rein's journal, it appears to be the talk of a madman." He pronounced that last word with a hint of distaste, then went on in the same quiet tone. "His writings of strange visitations are preposterous. If anyone was in on Rein's plot," he tapped a finger to his temple, as if sure everyone was watching him, "it was the voices in his head."

Jerell nodded in agreement, his long dark hair swaying forward despite the white thong. "Clearly, his mind had grown sour with madness."

Aless rose from his chair and walked to the window out which Tyris still peered. The morning sun had finished its rise above the castle walls and was now shining down upon the city of Lesroc with a kind of warm gentleness. Ganas could see from where he stood what held the Leasunng's attention and ran a check on his temper. In the courtyard below, a small group of children played quietly with one another, while a young woman watched happily as she sat upon the grass. She was dressed in the Gospadarian fashion as Tyris, though in a long silk dress that came up to her neck.

"You're niece is growing into a fine woman," Aless commented to Tyris.

Tyris nodded, his eyes on his niece. "She'll make a good wife for someone one day."

"A most respective nobleman, no doubt," Ganas interjected rather casually, though his tone gave way to his animosity. He chided himself for not keeping his tongue. His bitterness was not lost on anyone. Aless turned to look at the general.

"She is of a fine breed, General Ganas," Tyris hissed turning slightly to look at him through stern, pale blue eyes. His voice deepened as he confronted the general, "I only want the best for her."

Ganas straightened and returned the cold look. He muttered a curse under his breath at the man.

"What was that, Sir Ganas?" Tyris asked lightly with a hint of challenge.

"Your majesty," Jerell interrupted the impending argument. He gave Tyris a quick, disapproving look, then turned his eyes on the king. "We are loosing precious time. We need to send out another group to find the traitor. Knowing the knight's skill, the first two groups are as good as dead already. We need to assemble men who can get the job done, today if at all possible."

Aless quickly resumed his attention to the matter at hand. "Yes, of course." He sounded perturbed at the interruption. "Send for another Tracker and assemble some qualified men for the search," he said to the Head Councilman then turned to the general. "Ganas, you and your men continue the investigation here."

Ganas did not remove his glare from the penetrating eyes of Tyris. "Without question, your majesty," he answered.

"I'm curious to the reason behind this treachery." King Aless commented off-handily. He seemed to be uplifted by the brief stare down between his two advisors, but Ganas was too occupied with hate for the Leasunng to feel relieved. The king turned directly toward Rydal. "Sir De'Attor, I would like for you to question the housemaid."

Rydal gave a side glance to Ganas and the general released his gaze from Tyris and gave him a quick nod. He would not go against the king's commands.

"I feel you are the best for that matter, considering your relationship with Sir Rein," Aless continued. He made a step to his chair then turned back again. "Also," he added as an afterthought. "Would you supervise a team of men in cleaning out the Rein's quarters?"

"Your majesty?" Rydal asked curiously.

The king shrugged. "To tell you the truth, I don't really trust all my men when it comes to handling other people's valuables and the like. I think it best that a authoritative leader be, er, present during such assignments."

Rydal saluted, a slight smile on his face, "I'd be honored, Sire." Of course, Rydal was to see that he was the only leader allowed in the search and they all knew that Jerell had wanted that position. Jerell had been the one to find the journal and reveal the traitor knight's true identity. Had it not been for him they might have never known of the assassination plot, but the Councilman reveled in self-recognition and it was considered a bad trait of a Councilman. Jerell seemed a very loyal and capable man, but he needed to be toned down and Ganas silently saluted the king for his decision.

The subtleties were not lost on Jerell. He snorted quietly. When the king looked, Jerell quickly occupied himself with a loose thread from his Councilman's robe.

Aless seemed subtly amused. "Good, thank you for coming so quickly. Sir Ganas, Sir De'Attor, you're both dismissed." The king turned to his attention to the two other men, he seemed to have gotten over his earlier upset. "Now," he said placing himself upon his chair once more. "What news of trade through Esade? I hear their grain has declined..."

"To him, that's all she is," Rydal replied carefully. Tyris' niece was a touchy subject around Ganas. "A prize mare to be sold to the highest bidder."

Ganas scowled, tightening his fists at his side. "Maira doesn't deserve such treatment," he sputtered through clenched teeth.

Rydal sighed as he thought over his friend's predicament. If Ganas were of noble blood or possibly even owned enough land, Tyris would consider him a worthy suitor for Maira, but sadly that was not to be. Ganas had fought his way through the ranks by hard work and determination, not with money or land. He was the only son of a poor couple from Hamel. As soon as he was old enough he enrolled in the Dackarian Army and left his meager life back home, yet to return. Skilled enough in the way of combat, he quickly ascended to knighthood. After only ten years he became the leading officer for the Protectors of the Kingdom, then fifteen years later was named Senior general of the Dackarian Army.

He had known Ganas since Rydal first became a soldier, nearly five years back. They had become good friends, though Rydal still did not know the general's first name, he wasn't sure if anyone really did. He regarded him as a man worthy of much respect and a fine military leader. On the most part, the general appeared a rough sort to the regiment of soldiers he commanded, which was exactly the kind of image Ganas wished to portray to his men. Even to his closest friends, he appeared to be lacking in feeling at times. It wasn't until the arrival of the Head Leasunng's niece a year before that Rydal had ever considered Ganas to be a man capable of such compassion and tenderness as the general so expressed when he spoke of Maira.

Rydal felt for his friend and commander, but knew there was little to be done for the two lovers. Tyris was intent on marrying his niece to a fine, wealthy man and gave no thought to Ganas and Maira's obvious love for one another. The father or nearest male relative had charge over a young woman's life until her marriage or acceptance into the Priesthood of Encartne, the Kingdom's religion. That was the way of the land and no matter how much two people loved each other, if the male relative decided the young woman was to marry someone else or enter Encartne, then that was the way it went.
"Surely, no one deserves such treatment," Rydal assured his friend. "Perhaps in time, all will be set right for you both." Though he knew that would never be possible.

Ganas continued to scowl as they walked back to the meeting hall of the knights. "Some ill fate would have to take its toll upon that wretch before such pleasantness could take place."

Rydal glanced at him, a question formed on his lips.

Ganas caught the look and quickly replied, "I simply mean if a small misfortune were to happen. A pity though that may be." He gestured with his hands in a shrug. "A life threatening illness or something of the like, perhaps to hinder his misconstrued judgment upon my stature."

Rydal laughed lightly, "I wish you good fortune upon such an unlikely occurrence, my friend."

Ganas lightened a bit. "One can dream," he said smiling softly. "One can dream."

Welp, that's all I really have room for here. If you are interested in reading more, just let me know and I'll send it your way. Please feel free to tell me your thoughts via email or in my guest book. Thanks!