The Rise of Lord Sinon, Book 2 in the Chronicles of Gil-Lael: The Chronicles of Gil-Lael, #2

By N. R. Williams

Cadmar is haunted by an elfin prophecy when Lord Sinon arrives to become tutor to the king's youngest son. As Sinon's power increases, so does misfortune. Chaos, murder, and mortal illness come about to king and crown prince.

Then Sinon sets his sights on Princess Aimée and Cadmar must act swiftly to steal her away to the elfin kingdom for protection. Once there, it becomes clear what he must do to save those he loves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: N. R. Williams
• Release date: Sep 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201991913

N. R. Williams

N. R. Williams lives in New Mexico with her husband and has two grown daughters and two grandchildren. “I have found such a release in writing. I do hope that my stories will entertain you. All my best.”

Book preview

Prophecy

Chapter 1

The August heat was thick with humidity. Friend-Brother Cadmar Phelan pulled his kerchief and rubbed the back of his neck as he rode his favorite stallion alongside his best friend, Crown Prince Liam. They’d just finished inspecting the work on the new sewage plant Liam had designed and now traveled the back way through the Nándra Forest, toward Château de Talaith. An armed escort before and behind them.

If father allowed machines to be brought in from L'Amérique we’d have the pools and trenches finished by now, and construction could begin on the buildings. But, father fears that world. He won’t even discuss it.

Why does he fear it so? Cadmar had never been to the modern world of L'Amérique, reached through a portal between worlds, but he had heard stories from Liam that left him amazed. The royal family had gone there every year in July and at Noel to visit the queen’s family, but not anymore. Her parents had died, and the king had the portal sealed closed.

Father’s fear is justified. They use their machines in war, killing millions from the air. Still, if one could prevent their use in war, their machines would bring such ease to life. We live in the past, Cadmar.

An overhanging branch anointed Cadmar with a shower of raindrops that remained from an earlier storm. The scent from the cedars was heavy. He sneezed. Pardon.

You always do that when we smell the cedars. Liam grinned at him.

Well. Cadmar sneezed again and blew into his kerchief. It can’t be helped.

Allergies, Liam said. Another term he’d brought back with him from L'Amérique, but one Cadmar understood more easily. He suffered intolerably around certain plants.

The heat didn’t lessen under the tree canopy. Instead, sweat ran under Cadmar’s fine cotton shirt along his back. He wanted to scratch it. They hadn’t navigated the track long before an unpleasant odor made Cadmar wrinkle his nose. As if the poor appendage on his face hadn’t suffered enough.

Skunk, Liam pulled on his stallion’s reins.

I thought the king hunted down all those creatures from the queen’s homeworld, Cadmar said.

Apparently, they missed one. Captain.

The captain rode just before the prince. He held up his hand to halt the men and turned his horse.

Take your men and hunt down the skunk.

That would leave you unattended. The captain’s brows pulled together, and as Cadmar watched, a fly buzzed him. The man didn’t swish it away.

I have ridden this way many times without incident. Do as I ask before the creature has time to hide.

As you wish. The captain rode his horse to the side. Dismount. Archers, prepare your bows.

Cadmar matched Liam’s trot, and they soon found themselves too far away from the men to hear them any longer.

At last, Liam said. I hate having them follow me everywhere I go.

They are necessary for your safety.

Now you sound like father. Liam glared at Cadmar, who shrugged.

Tall pines wrestled for space among oaks and gave way to rock and dirt along the Eärimbor River. The two young men rode along the edge and stopped to allow their horses a drink.

Liam leaned forward slightly in his saddle. I’ve found the hiding spot where my parents put the keys to the SUV.

SUV was yet another term from the queen’s homeworld. All Cadmar knew was that it was some kind of coach. You’re serious, aren’t you? About stealing it.

Borrow, not stealing. We’ll have a little adventure. The servants don’t go upstairs until after breakfast, so while mother takes her morning walk through the garden, I’ll sneak into my parents’ chamber and snatch them.

When? Cadmar asked.

In a few days. There are dinner parties to attend, Liam said.

How are we going to get it past all the guards?

Guards are posted only at the entrances to Talaith after ten P.M. All we have to do is make some excuse to be gone from home and hide near the garage until we nab the vehicle.

There’s a new play in the city. Would that work?

Oui, that’s great. We’ll both say we are meeting at each other’s place, and that way, we don’t have to deal with a carriage, driver, and footmen.

What about your escort?

They rode on. I’ll ditch them somehow, Liam said.

I don’t think that will work.

Then, I’ll come to your estate, and we’ll leave together. Our parents only need to know we are staying at the other home.

They splashed across the Eärimbor River at a low point where rocks lay flat beneath the waters. Once on the other side, they followed the hill towards a sixteen-pied high wall that separated the vast orchard of Château de Talaith from the forest. Three locked gates connected the outside to the château. In the king’s youth, no wall separated the royal grounds from the forest. This had proved a security threat during the war with Renwyk, Lord of the Symberveen, and the king had built the wall within a year of his victory.

They were met at the gate by two sentries who unlocked the wrought-iron gate for them. The two entered and trotted through the apple orchard. At the top of the hill, the ground leveled out, and they emerged along the east of the château to ride the brick road towards the back and the stables. They skirted a group of servants picking raspberries from a line of bushes separating the château from the stables. Liam pulled his horse alongside a young girl. "May I?’

Highness, the servant said, curtsied, and handed Liam a kerchief full of berries.

Want some? Liam said, positioning his horse beside Cadmar’s.

Don’t mind if I do. Cadmar popped a few raspberries in his mouth and savored their tartness. 

On the other side of the bushes, a brick drive entered the gated stable yard. Cadmar and Liam cantered towards the white stucco building. A stable hand opened the wooden gate to let them pass.

After leaving their stallions in the care of the horse-boy, they exited the double doors at the west end of the stables. Across the way, more than a hundred horses grazed on the tender grass. The two young men left the fenced enclosure and walked towards the west gardens of Château de Talaith.

I have a better idea. Liam slowed to walk beside Cadmar. Let’s meet up. That way, I don’t have to worry about the escort.

Where should we meet? Cadmar asked.

In the king’s cemetery.

After dark?

You’re not scared, are you?

Cadmar caught the curl of Liam’s lips. No, not at all.

We’ll wait there for a couple of hours.

A couple hours?

Are you going to repeat everything I say? I’ll let you in at the gate.

What about the guard? Cadmar glanced at his friend. Liam was a few inches taller. His light brown hair was neatly cut. Cadmar brushed his wavy dark hair from his eyes.

I’ll think of something.

Cadmar peered across the vast rows of plants, bushes, and decorative trees. Just past the maze was a line of fir trees that hid both the garage the king had built to store the SUV and the king’s cemetery. No fence separated the royal grounds from the graveyard, but there was a fence and gate at the front of the cemetery letting out onto the highway known as Rue Raphaëlle.

But...how are we going to manage to get the SUV out?

With the keys, of course.

Doesn’t that machine make a lot of noise? Cadmar asked.

No, it has an electric engine.

What’s that?

Liam came to an abrupt stop to look at Cadmar. I’ll show you. 

Cadmar felt the same frustration he’d always experienced when talking to Liam about the inventions of L'Amérique.

The walkway brought them next to the château. Liam and Cadmar stopped talking about their upcoming adventure as two soldiers walked past and bowed respectfully. Several gardeners did the same.

The château was made of limestone and covered in white stucco, as were the stables. The new library and study jutted away from the building in an oval shape, surrounded by windows that gave an impressive view of the gardens from within.

As they walked by, Cadmar noticed High King Healden sitting at his desk, holding a paper while a man stood before him. The man was unusually tall, possibly taller than the king. He had thick black hair and, as Cadmar walked, the stranger turned his intense gaze on him. He stopped and stared, unable to remove his eyes. A chill gathered within him, and his shoulders tightened. He felt time slow, the world became a haze, and all he saw was the man, his eyes, dark eyes. Cadmar’s skin pricked as if tiny pins were pocking him.

Queen Táwien of the Elves appeared through the haze, standing next to him, and whispered, Time will come when a stranger threatens the royal house. Guard your heart and follow your instincts to protect what is precious to all.

Oui, she’d spoken that to him as a boy. Had the time come?

Cadmar shivered. The man turned his attention towards the king. A sucking sensation overtook Cadmar, and he was back, simply standing while facing the oval study. The man no longer looked his way.

Application

Chapter 2

Lord Sinon Awiergan pulled his eyes away from the young lord as if he’d been in battle. Who was he? The other one who had walked past without stopping was, no doubt, Crown Prince Liam. He resembled the king. That meant the man who had stared at him had to be Liam’s, Friend-Brother, Cadmar Phelan.

Why? Why had he stared so? Sinon had done nothing to him. He didn’t know him. Then the thought came. Could Cadmar foretell the future? Followed by the voice of his father. "Kill him."

Sweat trickled down Sinon’s forehead past his ear. He brushed it away and focused on the mantel just past the king, who continued to read a paper. The marble had been carved with vines draping over the emblem of the House of Calimar, a great tree with three falcons in flight and three stars. Above the mantel was a portrait of Queen Michelle. Her blonde hair was pulled away from her face and fell below her shoulders. She wore a white elfin gown and had a garland in her hair. In her hands was the famous flute. All knew the queen’s talent with music was exceptional.

That is how she appeared that last day. His father, Renwyk, Lord of the Symberveen, whispered in his ear. The last day! The day his father was killed on the battlefield. The day Sinon’s life would change forever. In death, his father’s soul traveled over the leagues to consume him. Sinon had been a boy of nine. Now they both shared his body, and his father was always with him, whispering, pressing Sinon to do his bidding.

His father’s voice was like the buzzing of an insect. Sinon brushed his ear with one hand. The grandfather clock chimed. He jerked. The two guardsmen at the king’s back looked at him. He lowered his eyes and found the king sitting back in his chair, studying him.

Have we met? Healden asked.

"No, Majesté."

You look familiar.

I do not know why, Sinon lied. Of course, he knew why. His resemblance to his father was noticeable. Every time he looked in the mirror, he was aware of it and,...he hated him.

Healden pulled his reading glasses off and set them on top of the desk. I can’t place your accent, Lord Awiergan.

"I am lately from the southeastern seaport of Gwri, Majesté. But my studies took place at the university in Eara, and my first appointment was in a small fishing village forty miles from Tyne in the south. I suppose I have picked up a few nuances from each place."

Where were you raised?

We traveled, Sire. My parents were from the north.

Where...in the north?

The whispers in Sinon’s ear intensified. His father issued a command, Don’t be a fool. He licked his lips and then lied. My father was a medical doctor, as I am. He fled during the war. I do not remember where our home was located. Eventually, we settled in Eara, but my mother died, and shortly after, my father. My grandmother moved into our home and raised us until her death several years later.    

And your father’s name was?

Sinon borrowed a name for his father that was common enough and attached it to his last name. Seamus, Seamus Awiergan.

Seamus Awiergan, Healden repeated. You have a brother, Sinon?

A sister, Sire.

I see. You bear a remarkable resemblance to a man I once met. He too lived in the north.

I am unaware of any relatives, Sire.

Once again, Healden picked up his reading glasses, adjusted them, and lifted Sinon’s résumé. The grandfather clock on his left ticked away. He glanced at it. His nerves were tightly wound like someone had broken his innerspring. He clasped both of his hands together behind his back to hide his unease.

Healden cleared his throat. Very impressive, Lord Awiergan. On behalf of all Gil-Lael, I thank you. Your discovery of the danagrim bark has saved many women from an untimely death during childbirth.

Sinon bent his head slightly. "Thank you, Majesté."

I see you have served as a medical doctor in several villages and studied various herbal remedies of the local midwives. I assume this is how you came upon the danagrim bark. Perhaps you could elaborate. Healden didn’t entirely remove his reading glasses this time, pushing them lower on his nose.

"Oui, Sire, I have long noticed that old herbal remedies did more than calm nerves and eased an upset stomach. When I lived in Bréque, I noted that the village women experienced few complications during pregnancy.

Intrigued, I monitored the activities of the midwives and learned of an herbal tea. It was a mixture of many plants. Sometime later, after much study, I determined that the sole benefit of the drink came from the danagrim bark.

Sinon watched the king make a note on the paper before continuing. I realized that the properties of the danagrim bark prevented women from hemorrhaging after giving birth, thus saving their lives. Since danagrim only grows for a short time in the south of Gil-Lael, I built a greenhouse and grew the plant year-round.

I read the report you submitted to ‘The Medical Log.’ Your discovery has made you a wealthy man. Why then are you seeking this appointment? Healden asked.

I am first and foremost an herbalist, Majesté. Therefore, I should be greatly honored to be chosen as Prince Eamon’s instructor. To pass on my knowledge would be a true fulfillment of my life’s work. 

No other reason has brought you to Terrel?

I must confess, Sire, my sister, is at the age to find a suitable husband. The king would learn about Alodia soon enough. Better to be honest about it now. 

Healden’s face wore an unreadable expression. Your sister lives with you?

"Oui, Majesté."

I see. Healden lifted Sinon’s résumé and put it to the side. We are having a dinner party tonight for all those under consideration as a tutor. Bring your sister if you like.

I am honored. Sinon bowed.

Dinner is at seven. I look forward to meeting your sister. King Healden motioned the guards forward, and one of them took the invitation from the king and presented it to Sinon. He accepted the small card, bowed again, and followed the guardsman out of the library.

As he kept pace with the man, they rounded the corner of the curved hallway towards the front entrance. A sweet fragrance competed with the scent of wood oil emanating from the furniture. Sinon blinked, a new fear arose. What if the queen saw him? The queen would see his resemblance to Renwyk. She had the king’s ear, and he’d listen to her. He’d lose the tutorship. Yet he knew he’d never be able to avoid the queen, and she’d be at dinner tonight.

As it turned out, the source of the wonderful scent wasn’t the queen. Princess Aimée reached the stair landing and turned down the hall towards Sinon. His relief made him exhale. Her blonde hair was pulled away from her face and curled down her back. She wore a lavender skirt and a white blouse. A collie puppy followed her.

Princess. Sinon bowed.

"Bonjour, my Lord," Aimée said as she passed without giving him a second look. She smelled of peaches and honey as if she’d bathed in the ripe juice. Then, as Sinon watched, she slipped behind the library doors. He amended his first thought. Aimée wasn’t a woman yet but still a child of sixteen.

Turning back, Sinon continued towards the entry when the high notes of a flute drifted towards him. Instantly, he felt pressure surround his forehead. The flute! The queen was playing somewhere close by. His father hissed before speaking in Sinon’s mind. "Run!"

Sinon didn’t run. That was absurd. He would appear a fool. By the time he left the building and hurried down the outside steps to his carriage, his nose was bleeding, and his head pounded as if he were a stone in the middle of a rushing river. All he heard was a kind of swishing noise. Home, he directed his driver.

Seated in the carriage, Renwyk spoke again. Never allow the queen to play that thing in your presence.

Worrisome

Chapter 3

Healden composed a quick note and motioned the other guard-forward.

Deliver this to Steward Boulle at once, he said.

"As you wish, Majesté." The man bowed and exited out the garden door and walked towards the stables.

Healden stood before the windows pondering Sinon. Angular nose, strong jawline, and black hair to match his equally dark eyes, Sinon looked remarkably like the late Lord Renwyk. His thoughts traveled back to the weeks that had followed the war. He’d personally investigated Renwyk’s estate, Liosliath. No trace of any living heir was found and the estate itself was empty. Instead, they had located the remains of a charred village and a farm. Both were several hours away from Liosliath.

The war with Renwyk had cost Healden his father, but it had brought him, Michelle. In those troubled times, many had died, and dread had occupied his mind and heart. Renwyk, who had the power to control the symberveen, a fearsome beast with his mind, was a formidable foe and had designs on the monarchy. The thought of the symberveen reminded Healden of the scars he’d been left with while fighting them and their psychic nightmares. He shrugged as if that could send the memory away.

Papa, Princess Aimée said, coming through the library doors. Healden turned away from the window, smiled, and embraced his daughter, kissing her on the cheek.

To what do I owe this pleasure? Healden bent to rub Aimée’s puppy.

Clea won’t go shopping with me to get a gown for the autumn festival dance. I want you to command her.

Healden walked to his desk, sat on the edge, and folded his arms. I do not issue commands to go shopping.

But Papa, we are both old enough now. It is our first festival dance. Clea is being stubborn.

"Cleanthe, Healden emphasized. Your use of nicknames must end. She is shy. There is no law forcing young maidens to attend the festival dance."

But—

Cleanthe may change her mind. The festival dance isn’t until October.

Papa —

I have said my piece. Where is your mother?

Aimée frowned. Composing a new song with the orchestra in the ballroom.

I must speak to her.

But—

Enough, Princess. Healden moved to her side and put his arm over her shoulder. Bring the matter up with your mother later tonight. She may have an idea how to persuade Cleanthe. I have yet to learn such secrets.

Okay, Aimée said, using the verbiage she’d learned over many vacations in L'Amérique.

There is a dinner party tonight. That should cheer you.

Dinner with boring alchemists is not cheerful.

Perhaps some will bring daughters or sisters, you never know, my sweet. Now I must speak with your mother. He gave her another brief kiss on the forehead and left.

Soon, Healden reached the ballroom and heard the orchestra struggling with the new composition. Queen Michelle stood near the conductor. As the king stepped down onto the ballroom floor, the entire orchestra stood and bowed. He waved them back to their seats and greeted his wife with a kiss on her cheek.

I must speak with you, he said.

Michelle nodded and walked beside him to the east gardens. Once, years ago, Healden proposed to his wife in this garden. Now, he shut the door to mute the sound from the orchestra and turned to face her.

We have a dinner party tonight.

"Oui, I know."

One of the men bears a remarkable resemblance to Renwyk.

What!?

Healden watched the shadow pass over her face. She had suffered so much at Renwyk’s hands. Even now, years later, there were times when darkness settled over her. It was short-lived. Michelle was an optimist, but he would like to spare her all manner of pain if he could.

How much like him?

I saw Renwyk only briefly on the battlefield, Healden said. You will no doubt be able to pinpoint the differences better than I. He will be at dinner tonight along with all the others—

He’s applying to be Eamon’s tutor?

"Oui."

Oh, my God! No, no, no Healden. You must not allow—

My love, I have already sent for Boulle and will instruct a full investigation into Lord Awiergan’s background.

How much time will that take?

That will depend on many factors.

And...until you find out?

I will not delay the appointment overlong.

Michelle rubbed one ear lobe. What are you saying? Are you keeping this man under consideration?

I will proceed with caution. As to an appointment for Lord Awiergan, I will wait for news, and no doubt assign a different man.

Michelle kissed his cheek. I trust you, my love.

Healden hugged her. What would Boulle learn about Sinon? The man was a national hero because he’d discovered the danagrim bark. Could it be that he was also a monster? Come to destroy the crown and take over where Renwyk had failed? Healden rubbed his forehead to ease an oncoming headache. Time, in the interval, he would keep a close watch over Awiergan. 

Château de Talaith

Chapter 4

Alodia Awiergan held out the silver-colored skirt of her gown and twirled before the cheval mirror. Tiny bells that had been sewn into the skirt and sleeves tinkled as she moved.

Her chambermaid, Noémie, put both hands flat against her cheeks. Oh M’Lady, it is so beautiful.

Alodia laughed. "Oui, I love it."

A movement at the door caught her eye, and she stopped to find her brother leaning against the door frame with his arms folded together. The expression on his face was one of humor and disapproval combined.

Sinon. Alodia rushed to him, set her hands on his upper arms, and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. Did the king receive you as you hoped?

Difficult to say. However, there is a dinner at the château tonight, and we’re invited.

Both of us? Excitement coursed through Alodia. To meet the royal family was a great honor. I shall wear this.

No! Sinon marched to her closet, entered, and soon emerged with a black silk gown over his arm. He tossed it on the bed.

Black! Alodia frowned.

You must be impeccably dressed. All the men I’m competing with will be there.

It’s not a funeral, brother. So, what’s wrong with this dress? The bodice is pleated and not too low. The sleeves are belled, and the skirt flows out gracefully.

Bells. Sinon put both hands on his waist.

This dress is the height of fashion. Besides, I’ll be competing with both the queen and the princess.

Sinon groaned. Take a bath and dress appropriately. Dinner’s at seven. We leave here at six. Sinon marched to the door and left.

Alodia turned to Noémie. A bath it is.

Once her gown and undergarments lay on the bed, Alodia slipped into a robe, and the two women walked across the upper hall to the bathroom. In Gwri, they had lived in an old run-down estate that lacked modern plumbing. Now, Alodia cherished the experience of a hot bath in the porcelain tub. She lathered on her own, preferring privacy. After dunking her head to get the soap out of her hair, she leaned back and smiled.

In Terrel, she’d be able to shop for the absolute best clothes. There were three opera houses and as many playhouses. A sitting orchestra performed once a month. There were horse races, cart races, and boat races in Glendower, which wasn’t far. Oh, and fine restaurants too. There were also all the parties hosted by the wealthy presenting their daughters. All she needed to do was make friends, then Sinon would allow her to go wherever she desired in the company of her friends. But perhaps most of all, she would hear the queen play her magical flute. Talk told of the wondrous healing powers the queen had when she played. Not just for those ill or injured, but also for those with a broken heart. It was how she defeated Renwyk, Lord of the Symberveen.

In the beginning, Alodia had been a little upset over leaving Gwri and Jérémie, but now, not so much. Perhaps she didn’t love Lord Jérémie Wendelsora after all.

She smiled at Noémie when the older woman came in to help her out of the tub. She would have so many new adventures in Terrel.

A short time later, she wore a chemise over her undergarments and considered Sinon’s request. He had no sense of fashion. He preferred black, though she had managed to convince him that brown and gray were acceptable. He often frowned at her new gowns, grunting or mumbling under his breath. There was nothing for it. She would wear her new dress and wait for the last minute to go downstairs. That way, there wouldn’t be time to ask her to change.

Dressed, Alodia had time to kill, and she paced her room gazing at the dingy wallpaper that splashed huge flowers everywhere. The colors were so faded it was impossible to tell what the original design had been. Sinon was remodeling, but as usual, all his efforts were to upgrade his office and laboratory. Gardeners could be heard out her bedroom window shoveling even now. She had new sheets and a new coverlet, but the bed itself was awful.

The downstairs mantel clock began to chime. Now that it came to it, Alodia was nervous.

Why? I’ve lived with my brother all my life, and I know how to handle him.

As she descended the stairs, his face told it all. Alodia imagined dark clouds descending over his head and lightning flashing before his narrowed eyes.

I must compete with both the queen and princess, and I promise you, Sinon; they will be wearing the height of fashion. Besides, gray is one of your favorite colors.

He put her velvet cloak over her dress and took her arm as they walked to the carriage. She settled on the cushioned seat across from him. He tapped the side of the carriage, and the driver set the horses to their paces. Alodia’s dress jingled as they moved.

Sinon’s ire hadn’t improved.

What are you worried about? Alodia asked.

He turned towards her, and she could almost feel the wind from his black mood slap her. I must impress the king more than all the others.

"What is anyone compared with you? A bunch of necromancers and magicians clambering for attention. You,