The Blind King Read online

  The Blind King

  Tales from Nōl’Deron

  Lana Axe

  Text copyright © 2014 Lana Axe

  All Rights Reserved

  Cover art by Michael Gauss

  For Lisa

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  About the Author

  Chapter 1

  Efren placed a hand on his younger brother’s shoulder as they walked down the stone corridor of the castle. Gannon led the way, his boots echoing against the polished floor. Their father, the King of Ra’jhou, had an important announcement for Efren, and Gannon had taken it upon himself to fetch his brother personally. Forbidden from traveling the castle unaccompanied, Efren had not even been informed that his father wished to see him. It was a rarity, as the king had little need of his eldest son.

  “Are you nervous?” Gannon asked.

  “Not really,” Efren replied. He had a suspicion why his father had summoned him. There could be only one reason. His life was about to change, and he was looking forward to it. His marriage would bring him the freedom he craved. Soon, he would be able to leave the castle and experience life without his father’s many rules.

  “I wonder if he’s chosen someone for me as well,” Gannon commented as they continued down the passage.

  “I doubt it,” Efren replied. “You are heir to the kingdom. Your marriage announcement will likely be accompanied by a lavish feast.” He grinned at his younger brother, knowing how much he hated attending any type of celebration, especially if it involved dancing.

  Blind since birth, Efren had never been considered heir to the kingdom. When his brother Gannon was born, he was immediately given the title. Efren, however, was not bitter. He loved his brother dearly, and he had no desire to rule. Over the years, Gannon had proved himself a strong and honorable man. Efren had every confidence in his brother’s ability to lead the kingdom.

  “To the right,” Gannon said, steering his brother toward the throne room.

  Though Efren had the castle mapped out in his mind, he was never allowed to travel the halls unaccompanied. King Nilan did not want to risk embarrassment should the prince become lost within the castle’s walls. His mother, the queen, feared he might wander away, never to be seen again. They had little confidence in their eldest son’s abilities, and they looked upon him with sorrow.

  Studying gave Efren his escape from the mundane realities of life. He loved learning of the diverse cultures of Nōl’Deron, and he particularly enjoyed history. His tutors would read to him for hours while he sat and listened, his mind filled with wonder. Having no playmates except his brother and sister, he had plenty of time to imagine the sounds and smells of the far-off lands mentioned in his lessons. He dreamed of traveling to distant regions, unfettered from the demands of ruling a kingdom. It was a great relief to him to be spared the responsibility.

  Gannon spent most of his days training with a sword, but he made every effort to spend time with Efren. He did not understand his parents’ reasoning behind naming him heir, but there was nothing he could do about it. His father’s word was law, and he had resigned himself to his fate. He had proved himself a leader among the soldiers he trained, choosing to focus his energy on military activities. Politics bored him, and he much preferred action to sitting around a conference table.

  The pair finally reached the throne room and paused outside the door. Gannon turned to face his brother. “I’m sure the king has chosen someone pretty for you,” he said. He brushed at the dark blue tunic his brother wore to ensure it was in pristine condition. Then he tugged at the black doublet he wore, hoping to make himself presentable as well.

  With a quiet laugh, Efren replied, “It matters not to me.” To him, the acceptance of his future wife meant far more than her pretty face. As long as she was good-natured and had not been coerced into marrying a broken husband, he would, in time, grow to love her.

  “It’s a matter of prestige for him,” Gannon replied. “She’ll be shown off at court, and they wouldn’t want to encourage gossip if she were any less beautiful than a princess.”

  They stepped inside the massive throne room, where the king and queen awaited them. Efren drew in a breath and swallowed it, attempting to push away his nerves. The gathered members of court fell silent as the young men took their place next to their sister, Aubriana. With the three siblings side by side, their differences were obvious. Efren was fair-haired with pale, crystal eyes. He stood a few inches taller than his brother, but he was thinner, with less muscle. Gannon had striking dark hair and eyes, and a muscular build. Aubriana was nearly as tall as Gannon, but her hair was golden and her eyes deep blue. She wore a bright yellow gown, resembling the image of her mother, the queen. The princess’s beauty was unmistakable. She had no lack of suitors, and she worried who her father would choose as her husband.

  No smile graced the king’s face as he looked upon his children. To him, marriage was a matter of business, and today was no different from any other. “Efren, my son,” the king said. “I have chosen for your bride the Lady Ryshel. She is daughter of the Duke of Sarril. With the exception of your sister, she is the most beautiful girl in the kingdom. You should be pleased.”

  Efren stood forward and knelt before his father. “I am pleased, Your Majesty. I thank you for your generosity.” Rising back to his feet, he felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He had wondered if he might be sent to away to a different kingdom, but it seemed his father had other ideas. It would have interested him to travel away from Ra’jhou, the land he had always known. He doubted he would ever set foot in the lands he had read about.

  “My daughter, Aubriana,” King Nilan said.

  The princess stepped forward and curtsied. Her heart was racing, and her face was pale. Time seemed to stand still as she awaited her father’s words.

  “You shall marry Prince Ivor of Na’zora.”

  Aubriana’s mouth dropped open, but she could not protest. There had been strained relations between her own kingdom and Na’zora. Skirmishes often broke out along Ra’jhou’s southern border, and the Na’zoran king was not usually open to negotiations. It would seem she was the price of peace between the two kingdoms, and the reality frightened her. How would she be treated there? Would they accept her as one of their own? Though she tried to hide it, she was visibly shaken.

  “You shall someday be queen,” the king added. His expression was one of pride. Though he hated the Na’zoran king, he would gladly give his daughter to his enemy. One day, his own bloodline would sit on the throne of both
kingdoms.

  Gannon softly patted his sister’s arm. “All will be well,” he said with sincerity.

  She wished she could believe him. It pained her that she was being sent away, and she wondered if she would ever return to this kingdom in the mountains where she had spent her childhood. Silently, she hoped that her husband would be kind to her, and that he was not as war-like as his father. Bowing her head, she said, “Thank you, Your Majesty. I shall endeavor to be a good wife to him.”

  “Indeed you shall,” King Nilan replied.

  “I shall have some gowns prepared for you in the Na’zoran style,” the queen remarked. “You’ll need to fit in among your new people.”

  “There will be no betrothal for Gannon today. He is heir to the throne, and the decision is far more difficult where he is concerned.” The king rose and exited, leaving his children to ponder their futures.

  Queen Cala descended from her throne and took her daughter by the arm. Leading her away, she said, “I can see your fear, child, but it is unnecessary. The prince’s heart will melt when he sees you. No man could resist loving one as beautiful as you.” Her words were sincere, her smile warm and comforting.

  “I hope you are right,” Aubriana whispered.

  Chapter 2

  Ryshel stared at her reflection in the mirror as her maidservant cinched the bodice of her dress. She smiled slightly, admiring the emerald green fabric. Today she would meet her future husband. Having full knowledge of his blindness, she wondered what tasks he was able to perform alone. Little was known about Prince Efren, as he did not regularly attend court functions, and few people passed gossip about the rarely seen prince. Ryshel’s father had never laid eyes on him during his numerous trips to court, and the king never spoke publicly of his children besides Gannon.

  “You look lovely, my lady,” the maid said, stepping back to admire the future princess.

  With a sigh, Ryshel nodded. “I doubt my husband is interested in my looks.” Silently, she hoped he would be interested in her mind. Few women studied literature, history, or politics, but those things had always appealed to her. Of course she could dance and behave like a proper lady, but once she had her own household, she hoped to take part in running it.

  “We had better get you to your betrothed,” the maid said. “We mustn’t keep him waiting.” Opening the door, she motioned Ryshel to come along.

  Her soft slippers made no sound against the castle floor as she proceeded down the corridor. The sounds of the banquet filled the hallway as she moved closer to her destination. Voices were speaking over each other, and glasses were clinking. As the door opened, her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Efren among the gathered nobles.

  Dozens of tables had been laid out with a variety of decadent foods. She searched the tables until her eyes finally fell on King Nilan, his golden crown gleaming in the candlelight. At the king’s table were two young men, one fair-haired, the other dark. Immediately, she knew which one was her future husband. Taking a deep breath, she let it out slowly and stepped inside the dining hall.

  A hush fell over the crowd as she entered, and the assembled guests rose to their feet to greet their new princess. She had black hair, which was pulled back into one long braid reaching past her waist. Her stunning green eyes, set off by her green satin gown, caught the attention of the royal family. Gannon and Aubriana exchanged pleased glances.

  Aubriana leaned forward to pat Efren’s arm. “Your bride-to-be is here,” she whispered.

  He smiled and sat up tall in his seat, his heart pounding in his ears. Hoping she would like what she saw, he held his breath in anticipation.

  Reaching the king’s table, Ryshel curtsied politely before him.

  “Lady Ryshel,” the king said.

  “Your Majesty,” she replied.

  “This is my son, Efren,” the king said, his hand indicating the fair-haired man on his right.

  Efren stood and bowed to the lady who would soon be his wife. Taking her hand, he pressed it to his lips. “My lady,” he said. Her skin was soft and delicate to his touch, and the scent of fresh roses graced her presence.

  “My lord,” Ryshel replied, bowing her head slightly. Relieved to find that her husband-to-be was handsome, her heart fluttered momentarily. His gentle features spoke of kindness, and she hoped that meant he would be a caring husband.

  “Please, be seated,” the queen said. “Have something to eat.”

  Ryshel took her seat next to Efren, but she had no appetite for food. Her mind was overwhelmed with many thoughts. Would her husband be willing to hear what she thought on certain issues? How many children would he expect? Would she be able to give him any? Where would they live? There were far too many questions when it came to marriage. Though she had been prepared for this event all her life, she still felt apprehensive.

  Aubriana smiled warmly at her future sister. “I am Aubriana,” she said. “I hope you will find happiness with my brother.” In her mind, she hoped her own husband would be much like Efren. He was loving and thoughtful, and she believed Ryshel quite fortunate to marry a man who was both gentle and above her station.

  After a while, the king declared, “Let the young couple have a dance.”

  Efren rose, taking his betrothed by the hand. A single violin began to sing, soon being joined by other stringed instruments. Ryshel noticed a smirk on the king’s face, and she wondered if this was some joke at Efren’s expense. To her delight, Efren knew the steps to the dance and performed each movement flawlessly. For a moment, she felt embarrassed for doubting him. In front of her was a charming young prince, and soon her fears subsided. She felt a sense of warmth in his arms as they moved about the dance floor.

  Efren’s heart was still pounding, but he concentrated on moving his feet to the correct locations. Careful training had prepared him for this moment, and he had no desire to disappoint his bride. The soft touch of her hand and the nearness of her body calmed him, making him feel as if she were already a trusted friend. When their dance was complete, he bowed to his bride.

  The king applauded the young couple. “Splendid,” he declared. Though he had little use for his eldest son, he was pleased to have him educated in the ways of the court. It would not do to have him embarrass his father, and it would be impossible to keep him hidden at all times. Though he had considered locking him away at birth, his conscience would not allow it. The boy was, after all, his son. Luckily, the queen had borne him a second son who could fill the role as heir to the kingdom.

  “Shall we dance again?” Ryshel asked.

  “There is a private chamber to the left of the dining hall,” Efren replied. “Perhaps we could speak a moment.”

  “Of course,” she replied. She was curious to hear what he had to say. Slipping her arm into his, she accompanied him into the empty room, her heart fluttering. “Shall we sit?”

  “Yes,” he said, taking a seat upon one of the cushioned benches.

  Ryshel took her place at his side, wondering what he might have to say. She had been told to expect little interaction from him and to give him plenty of space. He had been described to her as a person who prefers solitude, but his countenance had a warmth that suggested otherwise.

  “I would know the truth,” he said. “Are you being forced into this marriage? I have no desire to make you unhappy, and I know I am not an ideal husband.” His honesty came naturally to him. Truly, he wished only to please this young woman who had offered him her hand in marriage. If she did not wish to be his wife, he would make sure she was released from her pledge.

  His words took Ryshel by surprise. The marriage was arranged, of course, but it had never occurred to her that she should object. He was, after all, a prince of Ra’jhou. Though he would not be king, he was still due to inherit immense wealth upon his marriage. She was guaranteed a comfortable life, and there was little chance he could be cruel. Marrying Efren was everything she had dreamed of. The fact that he cared about her happiness only made him more appe
aling.

  Looking into his crystal eyes, she felt a connection to this humble man. Without a doubt, he would make a fine husband. “It is my desire to be your wife.”

  He leaned in and kissed her cheek, lingering long enough to feel her warmth. “We shall have our own household, away from the court. It is my desire to live in the country.” Lovingly he placed his hand against her cheek, his fingers finding her soft raven locks.

  “That would please me as well,” she replied. It would seem that all her childhood dreams were about to come true. She would have a loving husband and a house in the country where all her needs would be fulfilled.

  Chapter 3

  Four decorated carriages prepared to escort Princess Aubriana to her new home in Na’zora. Her nerves had not left her, but she had accepted the situation and held her head proudly as she descended the castle steps. Shala, her most trusted handmaiden, would accompany her, giving her some sense of her former life. Starting over with no familiar face to look upon would have been devastating.

  Gannon, Efren, and Ryshel waited beside the carriages to wish farewell to the young princess. There was no sign of the king or queen. Aubriana slowly approached her brothers, making every effort to smile despite the absence of her parents. She may never have the chance to see them again. Any visit to Ra’jhou would have to be approved by her husband, and she had no way of knowing whether he would allow such a thing. The two kingdoms were hardly friends, and she knew nothing of the man she was to marry.

  Gannon took both of her hands and said, “My dear sister, your marriage will ensure peace with our neighbor to the south. May your husband treat you well.” He kissed her cheek before departing for his morning sparring session. He wasn’t a fan of long goodbyes. Though he would miss his young sister dearly, he was accepting of her fate. Perhaps they would see each other again someday.

  Aubriana’s eyes filled with tears as she watched her brother walk away. She dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief before feigning a smile for Efren and Ryshel. “May your marriage be a fruitful one,” she said. “I regret I must leave before this afternoon’s ceremony.”