Nineteen Moons

By Kimberly Vogel

King Edrei Recene needs an heir, but first he needs a bride. A recent brush with death has urged the near forty year old to complete his duty to the kingdom of Ellery. Though there are many candidates, he is rather picky. His best friend Marijolein isn't about to let the younger man do something foolish. That's Marijolein's talent. It's a wild experience, but King Edrei will be married to someone in the next year. Who he will be married to could be anyone, from peasant to royal. It all depends on who he meets

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 10, 2011
• ISBN: 9781105341724

Book preview

Nineteen Moons

Nineteen Moons

Copyright

Copyright © 2011 by Kimberly Vogel.

ISBN eBook 978-1-105-34172-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For additional copies refer to:

http://www.lulu.com/shakkathi

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me.

Without you, I don’t know where I would be.

Chapter List

Chapter 1

With a deep sigh, a tall man in a chair crumpled a piece of paper in his hand. His blue eyes stared down at it. Then his pale hands unfolded it again. He put it on the desk he was seated in front of. His fingers smoothed out the wrinkles he’d just made. Once that was done he put his elbow on the wood beside it. Another deep sigh passed his lips while he dropped his head into his hand. His fingers tangled through the white strands that spilled over one side of his face. I don’t believe this...

There was a tap on the door of his room. Almost immediately the door opened. Majesty, are you okay?

I told you not to call me that, the man muttered. He pulled himself out of his chair then walked to the door. Sayuri, what do you want?

I’m sorry, King Edrei, the woman replied. Sayuri Gulnaz was about four years his senior, but at times she acted like she was less than half her age. Her gray eyes lowered for a moment then quickly lifted again. It’s just that you’ve been in here for hours. It’s not like you to spend so much time with just one letter.

The man smiled weakly. I didn’t mean to worry you or the others. He sighed as he ran his fingers once again through the hair on the left side of his face. Is dinner ready yet?

With a nod, the blonde woman clasped her hands at her waist. It will be soon. Like the other, this one was a pale person. Despite the age, her height was three inches shorter than his at five feet six inches. It was about average if not tall for the people of this land.

The King of Ellery nodded slightly then gestured out of the room. Then I’ll be out soon. I have a lot of things to think about right now. Please leave me alone for now.

Yes, Majesty, Sayuri replied. With a quick step, she retreated from the study. She sighed while she watched him shut the door. Whatever it was, it had to be important. She shook her head then wandered down the hallway. Since he was on the eastern side of the cottage, she went down the eastern stairs from the second floor to the first.

Well?

Sayuri shook her head as the cook’s assistant looked at her. I don’t know what’s wrong. He’s going to come down for dinner, though.

That’s good at least.

Yes, though I think I’ll have to make something for him to try and cheer him up.

The cook’s assistant laughed. You are the palace herbalist... With a shrug, the man hurried westward along the hallway. I have to get back to the kitchen. Good luck with that.

Right, goodbye for now, replied Sayuri. She waved after him. He was probably close to a third of her age. With a slight chuckle, the woman walked south to the entryway.

It was a rather big space, since it was a third of the entire level. In the dead center was the door framed in deep reddish-brown wood. Halfway up on the first level was pinkish-red stone; the rest of it was the wood again. On either side of the door were arched windows that stretched from halfway on the first floor to halfway up through the second floor. Likewise, a central window was over the door from the bottom of the second floor up to halfway through the attic area.

There were a few couches in the entryway, but the woman walked past them. Sayuri went to the door then left. As she gazed south over the paths that led through the gardens, she marveled at the beautiful April sky. It hadn’t rained yet, but the threat of it made the sky appear darker than it should be. Sayuri wandered to the nearest bench in the flower gardens. There were four major plots within the sheltered space. As Sayuri sat, she considered which plants to use.

Back in the cottage commonly referred to as the palace, King Edrei Recene returned his attention to the correspondence on his desk. Everything here had started from his maternal grandparents’ generation. They were much loved. He was too, though he feared that that was starting to wane. Another part of their generation gone, he murmured. After a moment he wrote a quick note in response.

Dear Cousin Afallon,

I am incredibly sad to hear about the passing of our Aunt Heather. I hope that cousins Etu and Elina aren’t taking it too hard. Uncle Cyrill hasn’t been gone all that long. I’m glad to hear that you’ve taken them into the palace so they won’t be alone during this time. It’s hard to believe that nearly everyone in their generation is gone now. Even though I am young, I don’t feel young when I hear of these things. Ah well, I suppose it’s the same for everyone. How has your courting been coming along? I suppose that you’ve been having as difficult a time as I have. It’s hard to find someone who wants you just for being you, rather than your title. I suppose by now I shouldn’t be so picky. You have plenty of time, though. I do wish you great luck in finding the perfect lady. Etu is close to that age now too, isn’t he? If both cousins take after that other set, Eron and Azra, they might be married and having children of their own soon too. From what I hear their son Duke Zefirino is doing well with Cousin Amapola over in Belden. Ah, I’m rambling again, but I hope that you are well and once again my condolences to our cousins.

Sincerely,

Cousin Edrei, King of Ellery

With a sigh, he put his pen down. It was a bit longer and more scattered in thought than he had hoped it would be, but he couldn’t think of a way to fix it. Edrei folded the paper into a letter then sealed it with wax. He wrote his cousin’s name on the front. He stood up, wandered out of the room, through the hallway, and then down to the main level.

Hello Majesty, said the cook’s assistant as he hurried by him, Glad to see you up. The dinner is ready, if you’d care to go in. With a quick bow, he genuflected before he went on with his work.

Hello Aciano, said Edrei with a slight chuckle. The other was always in a hurry. He really shouldn’t be; he’ll get old before his time. He’s only fifteen... With a sigh, he went to the messenger’s lockbox by the door. He put his letter into it. It would go out tomorrow, with the other pieces. That done, he walked straight west to the other hallway that led by the kitchen area.

It was another large space, since it stretched around the outside edge of the remaining two-thirds of the first floor. The kitchen was in the middle of the western side. The northernmost third of the first level had seating and other things for relaxing. The corner seating for the kitchen was on the northwestern side. The corner seating for a lounge and display place was on the northeastern side. There were couches and single chairs set between them so the inhabitants could look north at the wild meadow between the cottage and the protective circle of trees. Those trees made the border between the royal land and the ever growing city to the northwest.

As he walked, Edrei watched the others move. His place was at the triangular table in the far corner. From there the others were either seated near him or at the rectangular tables along the adjoining walls. Edrei put his hand up and waved at the various people he passed.

Aciano hurried over. With a smile on his lips, he put a glass of water and a plate of fruit down at the king’s table. I hope you’re hungry, Highness.

I am, Aciano, replied Edrei with a nod. How’ve you been?

Well, thank you Sire, replied Aciano.

Good, said Edrei. He sat down on the cushion which made the seat of the bench. Then he scooted along it to the far corner. Once he was in place, he picked up the glass and took a sip.

With a nod, the cook’s assistant scurried back to the kitchen. Dinner was a light meal, so he fetched the first part of it quickly. On the tray he had brought over Aciano had a bowl of asparagus soup and a plate of salad. While the king was served, the other people in the cottage gathered their portions and sat at the side tables.

The only one who dared to sit at the king’s table was the herbalist. She was like a private physician for him. Sayuri nodded while she walked over. I’m glad to see you out.

Out is a relative term, said Edrei with a slight laugh. He put the glass down then gestured in his approval of sitting with her. I’m thinking of making a tour of the country we live in. Maybe I’ll even go to Belden to visit some of my relatives.

I’m glad to hear you say that you’re going to go out. Sayuri smiled as she sat down on the side adjoining his at the table. Right now is a good time, since there’s no chance the snow will come back.

I was less concerned with the weather than the people I might meet, replied Edrei.

Don’t be, replied Sayuri. Her smile faded to a frown. You were sick all through winter. The people will just be happy to see that you’re still alive.

I suppose, murmured the king. He picked up a spoon then dredged it through the soup bowl that Aciano had placed in front of him. The chatter had it at a tepid temperature, but he ate it.

I know so, insisted Sayuri. The herbalist turned her attention to her portion of the meal.

With a slight shrug, Edrei finished off the soup then consumed the salad. The next part of the meal consisted of a roast bird and more vegetables. For dessert there were tiny berry tarts served with cream. At the end of it, Edrei excused himself and retreated to his room.

Left behind, Sayuri tapped her cheek while she sat at the table. I just hope your confidence returns like your health has...

He’s a bit off still, isn’t he?

Sayuri glanced over at Aciano. She bobbed her head while she watched him pick up the plates. Sadly yes, but hopefully getting out and doing stuff will get the life back in him. Once had she stood up she took her plates into the kitchen. She put them in the sink then wandered away. As she went she said, I’m going to work a bit then go to bed. G’night, Aciano.

Night, he replied.

The sky above broke as lightning darted through the sky. With the crack of thunder rocking the air, the rain poured down to the ground. As the water soaked into the landscape, the plants took a sudden spurt of growth. The leaves on the trees nestled closer together as the branches exploded along the limbs. A circle of trees made a border around the settlement called Lyndie. More trees were a group of fruit trees at the east of the cottage. Clustered under those trees against the side of the building along with all around the outside of the structure were berry bushes. It would be a good harvest this season, as long as the plants didn’t drown in the wet.

Rising the next morning, the workers that lived in the basement of the royal home went to work. One of many was Aciano. He made sure that the peach apron was tied securely over his torso. The last thing that he wanted to do was to get the ruffled front of his white shirt dirty. The same could be said for the ruffled cuffs, but for those he just pushed them up high near his elbows. His eyes that matched the deep blue breeches darted around. Occasionally, as he fetched the ingredients for the cook, his middle-parted brown hair fell into his eyes. He pushed it back from his pale face and tried to secure it again with the hair clips. It wasn’t long enough to pull back in a tie just yet. His black shoes clopped around on the wood since he had an odd gait.

With a chuckle at the noise, Sayuri kept a mental note of where he was going. He wasn’t her assistant, but he had an insatiable curiosity about anything edible. She could always count on him to help with anything she needed. She adjusted her puffy hat on her head while she wandered out. It was just a simple oversized thing with a lime green sash that helped keep it tight on her head. A darker shade of green made the corset that went over her short-sleeved brown dress. A second skirt covering it was impressively dyed with the same colors as spots on top and circling stripes on the bottom. As Sayuri walked south of the palace her black sandals sunk into the gravel-covered path.

Despite the wet weather, the people from the habitations outside the palace entered the royal grounds. There were many things that had to be done, both outside and inside the cottage. It was in the form of both royal and mundane business.

It was hard for Edrei to sneak out. The only way that he could possibly do it was if he did it after mealtime or after bed. As king he didn’t need to sneak out, though. With the weather as it was, he called for a carriage to take him to the neighboring town.

The horse-drawn carriage came from the north, so Sayuri didn’t notice it. There was another entrance through the sliding glass windows on the north as well. Usually the carriages circled around, but with the weather it was better that they didn’t.

Edrei stepped out of the back door. With a relieved sigh, he tugged the light gray cloak’s hood over his head. It didn’t feel the best over his hairstyle, but at least it would keep the long tied-up strands from getting wet. His black boots sank in the wet ground. He didn’t pay it any attention while he climbed up into the carriage. The tall man shifted the cloak over his body. The rest of the outfit was rather light, since there was a periwinkle tunic over white slacks. There was a bit of light green at the hem of the short sleeves, which were embroidered with white circles all around it. Under his tunic he wore a white long-sleeved shirt for warmth. Once the door was shut, Edrei pulled another blanket over his legs.

The horse drawn carriage pulled away from the cottage. Traveling north, the king was carried across the meadow to the border of trees. Once they had left the miniature forest, the carriage went into the town of East Chilton. The town had grown quite a bit. It nearly covered all of the land between the two southern rivers that joined the four rivers to go into a single river which flowed northwest into the bay between the mainland and the island kingdom of Landry. If it wasn’t for the royal dwelling taking up nearly half of that plot of land, the town would overtake it.

As they passed through the houses on the outskirts, Edrei tilted his head out of the window. He watched as the path changed from dirt to gravel and then pavestones. The houses were made of clay, wood, and stone. The deeper into the town and the closer to the river the carriage went, the grander and more extravagant the dwellings became. In the end it was probably better that the king held court there, since it looked more like an advanced society.

The horse-drawn carriage went to one of the gated mansions on the eastern bank of the southernmost river. It was a huge place, both in terms of the plot of land and the building that rested on it. It had three stories all built out of brownstone. On the roofs were red clay tiles. Many of the windows had stained glass inlays. There were a few plain sorts of buildings on the grounds as well, including the barn.

Once they had passed through the gate and across the stone horseshoe-shaped path to the front door, Edrei happily jumped out of the carriage. With a nod to the driver, he said, I’ll be going home just before dark. Please arrive in time for that.

Yes, Majesty.

Edrei watched as the horse-drawn carriage went around the path back to the gates. Then he sighed as he went up the stone steps to the door. There was a bell pull at the door. He smiled as he yanked on it.

It was a few minutes before the gigantic double doors opened. With a small gasp, the five inch shorter servant exclaimed, Majesty, we weren’t expecting you today.

It was a bit of an impromptu trip, Cordula, replied Edrei. He nodded to her then glanced over the top of her curly blonde head into the mansion. Is Jole in?

My master is out at the moment, but he will be home soon. With a nod, the servant retreated into the main hall. Would you like to sit down?

Thank you Cordula, said Edrei. He walked inside then let a small laugh pass his lips, It’s a bit wet outside.

I’d imagine so, Majesty, replied Cordula. With a quick step, the servant pressed the doors shut again. Her blue eyes darted around the space as she thought about where to go. I hear that we’re supposed to get more rain.

It is the season, murmured the king.

A nod tilted the woman’s head. With a slight gesture of her tan hand, she led the way down one of the halls to another room. Would you like something to drink?

No, but thank you, replied Edrei as he followed her. While they walked, he couldn’t help reflecting on her outfit. It was dark with a vest over a blouse and skirt. The only pops of color were the brass on her belt buckle and her shoes. He couldn’t understand the preference for black. It all seemed so dismal. He brushed the thought back as they arrived at the doorway.

If you need anything, feel free to ring the bell, said Cordula.

With a nod, Edrei entered the room. It was another spacious place. An entire wall was covered in shelves. The shelves were set with books and trinkets. He wandered through the clusters of tables and chairs. When he found a comfortable spot, Edrei sat down. He rested his hands on the armrests as he glanced around. There were portraits and other sorts of paintings on the walls between the candle-filled sconces. He didn’t know how long it would take for his friend to return, but until then there were plenty of things to do.

Meanwhile, Cordula returned to the front of the building. Nervously, she waited for her master to return. After half an hour she considered sending out one of the other servants to inform him of their important guest. Before she could, though, the carriage holding him returned to the mansion.

The master of the mansion stepped down from his carriage. He swept his fingers across his pale face to tug back his green hair. One finger twirled around an errant curl at his forehead. He pushed it back, but just as soon as he had it flopped back down over one of his brown eyes. He sighed.

Sire, said Cordula as she opened the door, We have guests!

Couldn’t you have told them to go away?

No, I couldn’t, replied Cordula, shaking her head. The twenty-four year old woman fidgeted anxiously as she glanced from her master to the hallway where the king was waiting.

What has you in such a tizzy? The forty-year-old man chuckled as he watched his servant. He was wearing a gray vest over a ruffled cream shirt, and a blue pair of slacks over black shoes. Even though it was simple clothing, the light-toned embroidery and frills on top made it special.

It’s the king, said Cordula. He’s here, in the eastern lounge.

I see, said the man. He rubbed his chin. I suppose I should go talk to him then.

Master...

You made sure that he was comfortable, didn’t you?

Of course.

Then we have nothing to worry about. As he walked past her, the six foot man rubbed her head. Go and get back to work: make sure lunch is on the table for us.

Smiling, Cordula ducked her head. Yes, Sire. She squeaked as he put his hand on her head. Both of her arms went up and her fingers combed back her strands into place.

The man walked passed her. He was Marijolein Zilthai, but his good friends called him Jole. He had precious few remaining friends, since he was in the last third of his life. Few people lived beyond sixty. Jole hurried down the hall to the sitting room. He put his hand on the doorframe and leaned in and called out, Well, well, what do we have here?

The noise startled the king. Edrei jumped in his seat while his head jerked up. With a blink, he looked over at the door and stood up, chuckling. Jole, you old so and so!

Old? I’m only a year older than you, replied Marijolein. He grinned as he walked into the room. Did I see you sleeping?

I was just resting my eyes, said Edrei, waving one hand. I hope you don’t mind me dropping by.

Not at all. I just wish you’d let me know so I could have been here to greet you, the taller man said. He walked over to the three inch shorter man. He offered his hand.

Edrei clasped his friend’s hand. It was an impromptu thing. I just had to get out. His other hand went up and slapped his upper arm near the shoulder.

Ah, I know what you mean, replied Marijolein with a chuckle. He shook the clasped hand; he returned the smack with his other hand. Then he gestured out of the room. Oh, I want to show you something.

What is it?

It’s better shown than explained, replied Marijolein. He turned and walked from the couches to the doorway. As he went out, he gestured for the king to follow him. I’m excited about it.

I can tell, commented Edrei. He followed his friend out of the door then down the hallway. As they were walking, he glanced around at the different paintings along the walls. While Edrei wasn’t one for such things, he knew that his friend loved to collect them.

A chuckle passed Marijolein’s lips. I’ve found the most wonderful artist.

Oh? murmured Edrei, More paintings?

No, said Marijolein. This time I found a textile artist. He threw both arms out while they went into another very large room. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

Edrei lifted one eyebrow as they entered the room. He’s gone nuts again. He rested his hands on his waist while he glanced around. There was one thing that he could say while he inspected the tapestries on the walls and the rug over the wooden floor. They were excellently crafted.

These are all from him.

I’m amazed, said Edrei while he wandered over to one of the tapestries. His hand went up and he lightly touched the border of the seascape scene. The closer I get the more little details I see.

I know. This man, Balamani Duni, is an amazing weaver. Marijolein grinned widely as he walked over to the tapestry. He makes almost everything himself.

Where does he come from?

He comes from Ellery, but the city is Crofton.

I see, murmured Edrei. He knew that city. It was one of the ones that had been established since before the First Age they were living in, back when his great-great grandparents had ruled. It was in the section of the country that had the only massive forest; the location was between the river that dumped into the bay and the only strictly north-south river. The city of Crofton was on the western bank where those two rivers became one.

I’ve managed to convince him to set up shop here for the summer.

He’s going to live with you here then?

Yes, said Marijolein with a quick nod. It’ll actually be him and his daughter. She does the same as he.

I see...do you have any of her work?

No, she does garments mainly. I don’t collect those, but if I wanted I could probably embellish some of my clothes. Marijolein laughed faintly then tugged the hem of Edrei’s short shirt. You probably would like her things more.

Edrei wrinkled up his nose. Right...

With a shrug, Marijolein looped his thumbs through the tops of the pockets in his vest. I’ll introduce you when they come if you’d like. I was just checking on their progress. They’ve made it to West Chilton, so hopefully in two days they should be here in East Chilton.

I’d like that. Edrei nudged his friend’s elbow. You’ve intrigued me.

Wonderful, said Marijolein. A grin pulled his lips and he nodded to the door. Shall we go eat? I’d imagine that you haven’t had lunch yet.

No, I escaped before that.

Okay, said Marijolein with a chuckle. He turned and walked to the door. Let’s go eat. I’m sure that Cordula has the table ready by now.

I hope I didn’t make her too nervous by showing up like this.

She’ll get used to it.

I’m sure, but still...

Marijolein shook his head. He reached out and wrapped his arm around the shorter man’s shoulders. You shouldn’t worry about it so much. It’s her job to take care of things like that.

You’re right, said Edrei. He shrugged then pulled away. ...don’t you dare...

What? Marijolein asked. He looked at the other innocently.

You were going to do something else...

Why would you say a thing like that? Marijolein kept the innocent look on his face the best that he could manage.

I know you, replied Edrei. He shook his head. With a chuckle, he wandered with the other through the mansion.

Marijolein grinned, but he didn’t comment. Rather, he walked with his friend to the large room that served as his dining area. It was on the western side of the mansion so the view went out to the river. There was a deck that went around the outside so they could eat there. Likewise, a smaller balcony was on the second floor. Since the third floor was smaller than the rest of the building, the balcony there was on the second floor’s roof. With the sky as it was, it was safer to remain indoors.

Welcome, said Cordula. She clasped her hands in front of her. We have the table set if you’d like to eat.

Ah, wonderful, said Marijolein as he went over to the large table. On it was spread out all of the food for lunch. There was a tureen for vegetable soup, a tray with rolls, and a platter with a roast bird on it. Of course there were bowls and plates at each place to sit. Marijolein dropped down onto his cushioned chair.

Thank you, said Edrei while he sat in the chair beside him. As he looked over the table, his eyes darted up to the window. A flash of lightning was followed almost immediately by the rumble of thunder. It looks like you came back in just in time.

Indeed, said Marijolein. How long did you plan to stay? I don’t want you to get caught here if you have to go back.

I’m going back after dinner...or before, if I’m a bother.

Nonsense, replied Marijolein. You’re never a bother Edrei.

Thank you, Jole.

With a wave of his hand, Marijolein dismissed the sentiment. He filled up Edrei’s dishes then did the same for his. Eat, eat – I know I’m starving.

Edrei didn’t say a word while he pulled a roll to the bowl of soup. He picked up a spoon with his other hand.

As they ate, Cordula fetched the drinks for them. It was a little early for wine, so fruit juice and water was the main liquid. She would eat after they did.

You’re acting a little strange today, said Marijolein. Are you feeling okay Edrei?

With a slow shake of his head, Edrei replied, Have you heard the news from Leldyna?

I haven’t heard anything strange, no.

I didn’t mean strange... Edrei sighed while he clasped one hand around the glass of water. His fingers ran up and down the clear surface. Another one of the family there passed. There aren’t many of my parents’ generation left.

Are you thinking about when you might go?

Edrei sat quietly as he pondered the question. It didn’t take him long before he replied, I suppose I am.

Ah, said Marijolein with a bob of his head. I understand the feeling. He watched the younger man. You’re going to be forty next winter. There’s still a lot that you’re expected to do as a ruler. Thankfully I don’t have to worry about any of that.

You don’t worry about passing on what you have to the next generation? Edrei asked while he watched him.

With a shrug, Marijolein replied, I’m not interested in that sort of thing. I know that you have to, though. He smiled faintly, though there was a worried look in his eyes. "After the winter, I