The Trials of Seffin Phel: The Curse and the Order

By Stephen Monteith

Seffin Phel was once apprenticed to the most powerful crime lord in the Kingdom of Mer'cil; but now, he's chased by the king's men, by an old foe, and by a wizard's curse. He needs new allies if he's to survive; but where can he find them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781458332103

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The Trials of Seffin Phel:

The Curse and the Order

By:  Stephen Monteith

Copyright © 2022

First Edition

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Chapter One:  The Maid

A single bell pealed, rousing the young man from his restless sleep.  He had ridden half the night to reach the hostel, and a much longer journey still awaited him.  It could be the rest of the day, though, before his traveling companion arrived. There is no reason, he thought to himself, why I shouldn't sleep for a few hours more.  Then the thought of the king's men knocking on the hostel door entered his mind along with his master's words:  Always be ready, Seffin, for anything.  Groaning, he swung his bare feet over the side of the straw-covered cot and onto the stone floor.

Shivering slightly, he walked to the east-facing window of the dormitory.  The sun was just over the horizon, the sky mostly clear and blue.  The road looks clear as well, Seffin noted.  If the Royal Armed Guard pursue from that direction, then at least I'll have some warning.  Mostly, though, he watched for a young woman.  She may have helped me escape, he thought as he returned to his cot and pulled on his clothes, but waiting here too long could mean another encounter with the RAG.  Descending the stairs and following the smells of breakfast, he resolved to wait until dark and then leave, whether she was there or not.

Aside from a caravan team, the hostel was mostly empty.  It was a converted monastery, operated by the same order of monks who had built it.  They had sworn a vow of poverty, so every Cillian copper they collected from their patrons went to providing good meals and comfortable lodging.  There was even a shop where travelers could replenish their supplies.  Seffin had little attention to pay to the amenities, though.  The events of the previous evening had left him with too many unanswered questions.

Why would the king's men arrest Arka now?  With all the crimes he's committed, I suppose it was inevitable, Seffin thought, but the timing is too much of a coincidence. Within a week of discovering a plot against the king, Arka and all his associates are being arrested?  The only thing Seffin knew for certain was that, as Arka's apprentice, he himself was a fugitive; and with the king's men searching for him and all of Arka's associates being arrested, there was practically no place left he could hide.

It didn't take long for Seffin to decide on a course of action. Arka had always instructed him to prepare for the future, and that included fleeing the kingdom if the worst should happen.  Seffin already knew which way he would go when he left the hostel.  The only thing he didn't know was whether he would be traveling alone or not.  After finishing his meal, he took a walk around the compound, working out the stiffness of the previous night's ride.  She may not even arrive, he mulled.  If she's been arrested for helping me escape, then I'm wasting my time.  On the other hand, if I leave and she's forced to fend for herself, then the RAG will be the least of her concerns.

It was midday before she arrived, riding an ambling white mount.  Dark clouds had begun to fill the sky, riding in from the east on chilled air.  Seffin wasn't generally superstitious, but it was difficult for him to not draw a connection between her arrival and the onset of wintry weather.  Shaking his head, he went to meet her.  The monk at the gate was discussing payment with her, but Seffin promised to cover her costs.  As her mount was led away, Seffin offered the young maiden his arm.

You rode here on a zer? he asked softly as they walked.

Not all of Sarris' stable animals were recovered from last night, she replied, her nape-length hair dancing slightly in the wind.  He won't think anything of it being missing.

It will be more easily recognized, though, Seffin pointed out, especially if ridden by a servant.  We'll trade it for something more suitable before we leave here.

Arka Subo certainly trained you well.

How well did he train you, Lacil?

Her face didn't betray any change in emotion, but Seffin felt a slight tug from her arm, an involuntary twitch as he used her name.  Brushing her hair back to cover the momentary lapse, she lowered her voice.  I thought you didn't remember me.  You didn't seem to last night.

I remember you, he said, leading her to the dining hall.  I just didn't recognize you.  You cut your hair.

She sat at one of the tables.  Shortly after I began working at the Farman Estate, I realized I would draw less attention with shorter hair.

Seffin sat across from her, resisting the impulse to ask just whose attention she'd been trying to avoid, or if it had worked.  There's a caravan heading for the city of Torbol.  They have a small lead on us, but I spoke with the caravan leader before they left, and he agreed to let us join them later.

Are we following them when they leave Torbol?

Whether you decide to or not is up to you.  He left unspoken the implication that, whatever she decided, their path together would not extend beyond the city.  If the question was on Lacil's mind, then it went unspoken, as well.

What would you recommend I do? she asked instead.

Disappear to some part of the kingdom where Sarris Farman's influence isn't so significant.  If he decides not to search for you, then it will only be after a long time.

He'll never stop looking for you, though, will he?  Nor will the Royal Armed Guard.

Seffin shook his head.  My final destination is outside of Mer'cil.

Do you think I should leave Mer'cil?

She's not in as much danger as I am, he thought.  No one would associate her with Arka Subo like they would me. You'll be safe, as long you avoid Sarris' men.  I have to disappear completely, though. He stood again.  Come with me.  We still need to trade your zer before we rendezvous with the caravan.

Couldn't we just sell the zer? she asked as she followed him.  It's only a few days to Torbol. I could ride on the back of your horse.

I told the caravan leader you had your own horse.

And what else did you tell him about me?

I told him as little as I needed to, he said as they walked back across the compound.  If anyone asks, then tell them you're my sister.

Hmm.

Seffin stopped a few yards short of the stables.  You see a problem with that?

Lacil looked up at him, her expression a puzzle to him.  We don't look that much like brother and sister.

The story doesn't need to withstand that much scrutiny, he said a bit defensively.  Do you have a better suggestion?

I do.  She reached up and wrapped a surprisingly strong arm around his neck, pulling his head down and kissing him full on the mouth.  Seffin was so stunned that the kiss was over almost before he had time to respond.  But, if it's going to withstand scrutiny, she whispered, her breath tickling his ear, then you'll need to be more convincing the next time you kiss me in front of others.

After selling the zer and gathering supplies, they set out on Seffin's horse to catch up with the caravan. Seffin looked over