Proving Ground: Arualian Archives, #2

By Emily Watson

Prince Walter can't earn his knighthood without proving himself on a quest. Unfortunately for him, all seems peaceful in the kingdom of Arualia ever since the White Cougar was defeated. Aaron can't decide whether he really wants to be a knight at all. Is there something else he wants more?

 

But when a mysterious librarian with an alarming revelation about Aaron's sword points Walter, his sisters, and Aaron toward the disappearance of a race of creatures called barbegazi, the children are caught up in an ancient conflict. On an unfamiliar mountainside, they find themselves at the whims and mercies of a fire-wielding witch. They must enter a desperate search to the heart of the mountain to find the secret of Aaron's sword before the witch takes the sword's power for herself – and an entire race pays the ultimate price.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thistlebound Books
• Release date: Dec 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798986603414

Emily Watson

Emily G Watson developed a love of story, adventure, and exploration from a young age, living in the deserts of the United Arab Emirates and the rainforests of Singapore before her family finally relocated to Texas. Her adventures both in books and the great big world we call Earth have fueled her imagination and inspired more stories in her head than she could possibly write in one lifetime. She graduated from the University of Houston’s Honors College with a BA in History. After teaching US History for six years in a Northwest Houston public high school, Emily now continues her explorations and adventures as a park ranger. 

Book preview

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1 Midnight Shenanigans

AIRDELLA PEEKED AROUND the corner as the light from her lantern reflected off the stone walls. Amy was right behind her, peering around the form of her older sister to see if she too could get a glimpse further down the hallway. But Airdella pulled her back and closed the shutters on the lantern.

There was a group of guards standing right in the doorway where they needed to go.

Any ideas? Airdella breathed, not daring to speak any louder.

The drawing room on the southeast side, Amy whispered back. We can use the dumbwaiter.

By way of downstairs in the butler’s pantry. If the boys had figured out Sir Dorrian’s clue, it was the only way the girls could get there before them. No servants should be hanging around this time of night. Might just work.

They tiptoed down the hall, back the way that they had come.

Aaron and Walter had a few close calls as they weaved their way towards the main staircase. The task set for them by Sir Dorrian required that they wander all over Thornhurst Castle in the middle of the night without being seen. This turned out to be harder than the boys had expected it to be. One would have thought that no one would be roaming the hallways at one in the morning, but there had been a few guards patrolling here and there, as well as a very sleepy looking Count Mudridge. It was rumored that the Count was known to sleepwalk, but the boys did not want to take the chance that he might actually be awake.

At last, they arrived at the large double doors of the library – only to find them locked.

They let out groans which were louder than they intended.

Are you sure it was the library? Walter asked.

I honestly have no idea anymore. Aaron stared at the door, eyes aching from lack of sleep. He was so tired that just breathing felt like a bit of a chore. Perhaps, this is the wrong door.

Of course! Walter smacked his forehead. We’re supposed to go in by the southeast doors.

That’ll just take too long.

The boys looked at each other, the same idea forming in each of their heads. They turned back to the door and set to work.

But when they finally burst through the double doors into the study area of the library, the girls were already there, along with Sir Dorrian, King Conrad, and Gail, who was curled up in an armchair with a book.

How did you get here before us? Walter demanded.

"How did you get through the locked doors?" Airdella returned.

That’s what I get for teaching you lot how to pick locks, Sir Dorrian chuckled. Please tell me you didn’t damage anything, or I’ll get an earful from the steward.

No lasting damage. Aaron sank down onto the rug by the coffee table in front of Gail’s armchair. What are you doing here?

There was a book on spiders I wanted to finish, Gail said, looking up briefly with a smile at his brother before turning his attention back to his book.

Spiders, huh? Aaron desperately wished he could sleep, but now Gail had put the image of spiders into his mind. And of course, going to sleep meant he might have the dream again, which was almost more exhausting than being awake.

Was it really faster than going around to the southeast doors? Amy asked, sitting down cross legged beside him.

Either way, they wouldn’t beat us. Airdella plopped into an armchair with a smirk and crossed arms.

"How did you beat us?" Walter still wanted to know.

We shall never reveal our secret.

Come have a seat, Walter, his father King Conrad said. They didn’t beat you but by half a minute, and winners and losers are both entitled to cider and cookies and cake. And congratulations on a job well done. Sir Dorrian will have to make it harder next time.

And so, the four children sat down with the king and their tutor to a midnight feast and celebrated the completion of their test, discussing all the riddles that Sir Dorrian had made for them to solve, asking each other how long it took to solve each one, and whether or not the other team had spotted the sleep walking Count. 

Everyone was laughing and joking, except for Aaron. Aaron was only half listening to the conversation around him, his mind lost in its own thoughts and the desire to get a decent night's sleep just once.

Now, speaking of you lot sneaking around at night, Sir Dorrian cleared his throat, I’m sure the irony of today’s date did not escape you.

Amy grinned as Airdella choked on her cider and Walter’s expression changed to confusion.

What is today? he leaned over and whispered to Amy as Airdella coughed her airways clear.

The night we ran away, Amy giggled.

Ooooohhhh. Now it was Walter’s turn to laugh with a sheepish grin.

Yes, today is the one-year anniversary of the night you ran away, put my life and reputation in jeopardy, terrorized a poor lake village, plundered their rope and food, and illegally climbed over the edge of the world – and saved Arualia by doing so.

In the name of the king! Airdella insisted.

All for a good cause, Walter added.

So they say. In about three months’ time will be the first anniversary of the victory at the Battle of Northgate, the winning of the war, slaying of the White Cougar, and so on and so forth. (Here there was cheering and applause.) Thus, the anniversary of the day that Walter and Aaron were officially made Squires of the Royal House. (More applause and cheering.) You two have been studying under me for the last year and are due to complete your training just ahead of schedule. So, as it will have been one year, you two will now be eligible, according to tradition, to seek a knighthood either by way of a Proving Tournament or a Proving Quest. And if I know anything about you, it will definitely be a Proving Quest. (Of course, Walter said quickly.) So that is something the two of you should be thinking about. Have you come up with anything so far?

Aaron blinked his aching eyes and stifled a yawn. Something else for him to concentrate on when he could barely concentrate on anything.

Walter’s brow furrowed in concern. I’m afraid I haven’t the faintest idea. Still working on that.

Hmm, you should recruit the girls into helping you with that. Now, as for the next announcement, it really isn’t mine to make. Here Sir Dorrian paused and turned towards the king.

The next announcement, the king said, is concerning the plans for the celebration of the first anniversary of the victory at the Battle of Northgate. Sir Dorrian and I have discussed how hard the four of you have been working over the last year, lessons and training and what not. And we decided we would like to do something special for the first anniversary. So we will be holding the celebration at Riverscrest Castle rather than here at Thornhurst.

This was met all around with universal approval and cheering.

Oh, that would be wonderful! Amy squealed, leaping into her father’s lap and throwing her arms around his neck.

I know you’ve not been back since the Battle of Northgate. But the treaty with the Nargani made construction of the road to Restoration Bridge much faster, and it’s nearly complete. So the journey to Old Arualia will be much easier.

When do we leave? Airdella asked.

Not for a week, King Conrad said. In the meantime, your assignment is to be brainstorming ideas for Walter and Aaron’s Proving Quest. Of course, you are allowed to have separate quests if you cannot come to an agreement as to what you want to do.

They continued to eat cake and drink spiced cider and spout ideas regarding the first anniversary celebration for the next hour until King Conrad and Sir Dorrian announced that they were retiring to bed.

As soon as they had left, Walter let out a moan and leaned forward, banging his forehead on the table.

Wha’s wif ’ou? Airdella asked around a mouthful of cookie.

Our Proving Quest. Walter’s groan was muffled by the surface of the table.

You’re not still worried about that, are you? Amy asked, pouring herself another cup of tea.

Aaron pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to relieve the ache in his eyes. And the stress of thinking about Proving Quests, which Walter had been obsessing over for the last month. We only just became squires a year ago. They may be pressuring us, but we can still take our time about getting a knighthood. Plenty of time for that. And if you’re in a hurry, you could always do a Proving Tournament. Lots of people do that.

Exactly! I want to do something different.

We’ll think of something, Amy assured him. She drained the last of her tea. I think it is about time we all went to bed though. Gail’s already asleep.

Aaron smiled up at his brother who had fallen asleep with the book over his face. He moved the Dzil Mountain Field Guide and gently shook his brother awake. Come on. Time for bed.

Amy pulled Gail to his feet and guided him half stumbling out of the library, bidding a goodnight to the others.

I think I’ll hit the sack too, Walter yawned.

Airdella stood up and stretched. Are you coming, Aaron?

In a moment, he said, his mind already elsewhere as he stared into the flames of the fireplace.

Much as he was wanted to sleep, Aaron was also anxious about what would come with it. And then he was running, down the long dark corridor, searching for something – with fire and shadow coming after him. The heat burned into his back and legs, singing his hair. He tried running faster to get away from the fire, but it was almost as if it were alive, chasing him, and there was no escaping it, no matter how many corners he turned or how fast he ran. His skinned burned and his lungs screamed for air, but he just was not fast enough. As the flames engulfed him, a brilliant blue light exploded in front of him, and he jerked awake, drenched in sweat, heart pounding, and adrenaline surging through his body.

The bells in the North Tower were only tolling six o'clock in the morning, but there was no way he was going to be able to get back to sleep now.

He sat watching the light grow through the windows, wondering about the fire, the blue light, the stone corridors – and what could possibly be so important that he was supposed to be looking for?

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2 Making Sail

AMY HELD UP A LITTLE object in her hand and squinted at it in the sunlight. Small and golden, it was the key Elroy had given her a year ago. She had never used it, not for anything exciting anyways. A princess is rarely bothered by locked doors in everyday life. She had just tried it on various locks as an experiment. As tiny as it was, it would grow to the right size and shape for any lock she tried, whether big or small.  She kept it on a string around her neck and could often be found studying and examining it.

Airdella watched from where she had propped herself up against a tree nearby, thinking about her own gift from Elroy. She had to admit to herself that she was a little jealous. A key seemed so much more useful than a bag of dust. Nonetheless, she always kept it with her, curious as to what would happen on the day that she finally got to use it.

She turned her attention to the ship below them on the river. It was to take them on the first leg of their journey up the Everclear River. From there, they would journey west though Northgate and across the Nargani lands until they reached the bridge across Gaya’s Fury. Ten chosen knights would be accompanying them up the river, and then another twenty would join them at Fort Northgate. She and Amy had been watching all morning as the dockworkers loaded the ship with provisions, trunks, and crates. 

Oh, there go our trunks! Airdella sang out.

It must be nearly time! Amy scrambled over to have a closer look.

Only thing left to pack is ourselves!

The bells in the North Tower began to chime, echoing off the stone walls of Thornhurst Castle. The two girls turned their heads, counting each chime.

Eleven, noon! they shouted together, scrambling to their feet and running through the castle gardens and courtyards and then finally down the stone steps that led down to the docks. 

Walter and Aaron were just ahead of them, and they all arrived panting on the docks in front of Sir Roderick, the king’s Head General, who had been supervising the loading of the ships.

Ah, there you all are, he said as they stumbled to a halt. I expected you’d be along quickly. That makes four of you. Where’s Lady Ellanor and young Gail?

Here they come, Aaron pointed back to the gates.

Lady Ellanor had her small bundle of sewing that followed her everywhere she went. When she and Aaron and Gail had come to live at Thornhurst, she had insisted on taking up an occupation and earning a keep. She assisted the Royal Seamstress with making or repairing anything and everything in the castle that might require sewing, from napkins to curtains to the gardener's trousers that were always getting holes ripped in them. Gail stumbled along under a much larger pile of books, and those that he could not fit into his pack were balanced in his arms. Aaron could not help but smile at his younger brother and went to relieve him of some of his burdens, of which the top one was labelled as A History of Pirates and the Spice Isles.

Have you got enough books there, Master Gail? Sir Roderick chuckled.

No, Gail and Aaron responded together.

"Trust me - he'll finish them all before we even arrive at Riverscrest," Aaron assured him.

Well then, perhaps Euciphidus will have something for him to read. That’s six. Once the king and Sir Dorrian arrive, we’ll be ready to make sail.

The children were all practically bouncing from foot to foot by the time the king and Sir Dorrian came striding along the docks, even though they really did not have long to wait.

Sir Roderick, the king greeted him.

My lord, Sir Roderick gave the traditional Arualian three-fingered salute and a slight bow.

Do we have a head count?

Two squires, an ambassador in training, the regent of the house, Gail and his books, the Lady Ellanor Perkins, your majesty, Sir Dorrian, and myself, Sir Roderick replied. This makes nine. And then ten of the king’s chosen knights, five of them traveling with their wives and a few youngsters.

And the cargo and supplies?

All accounted for and loaded. We stand ready to make sail.

Well then, Sir Roderick. I don’t think these children can wait any longer, the king said.

Sir Roderick stepped aside and motioned towards the gangplank. Very good, your majesty. All aboard!

Walter, Amy, and Airdella pretty much stampeded across it to the deck of the ship. Gail was close behind, staggering under the weight of his books. Aaron followed right behind to catch him if he tipped over. Sir Dorrian, Lady Ellanor, and the king followed in a more dignified manner, and Sir Roderick came last.

As Sir Roderick barked orders, whistles blew, bells rang, and sailors leaped into the rigging to release the sails. The ship moved slowly away from the dock, and then as the wind increased and her sails filled, faster she glided down the river. The children gathered at the bow, out of the way of the sailors working on deck, as if by being there they could magically make the boat go faster.

The rippling waters of the river below them gurgled and sparkled in the sunlight, the wind whipped from behind, and the current pushed the ship along its merry way. The ship herself, The Ponderosa, was a neat three-masted schooner, even sporting a little crow’s nest at the top of the mainmast.

This became a popular spot with the children, because from it one could see all the surrounding landscape. They passed through forests and farms and towns, where all the local children would run up to the edge of the river and shout and wave as they passed by. And everybody on board ship would wave and shout back, and there would be a great fanfare to salute the king as he passed by. On board ship, they would return the salute with trumpets, and sometimes the sailors would sing a tune to entertain them all as they went by. When it got too hot on deck, the children would be allowed to jump overboard from the bow, float down the river to catch a rope trailing along the stern and be pulled back on board only to do it all again.

The bow was their other hangout. If ever anyone needed one of the children, all they had to do was go to the front of the ship to find them leaning over the railing. Here they could look towards the oncoming horizon, discuss all their plans for when they reached their destination, and watch the water creaming and bubbling below. Gail half-listened to them, his pile of reading material forgotten as he became glued instead to his notepad and pencil, scribbling down notes and diagrams. The sailors and captain were constantly interrupted by him asking questions about the ship and the sails and what that thing was for and what did a bobstay do? The sailors did not mind much, as they were generally intelligent questions and Gail was a good listener. He only needed to have it explained once and jot it down in his notebook to have the fact permanently imprinted in his brain.

Sir Dorrian hung about, reading over notes and letters from Euciphidus or teaching them the best methods of fishing while smoking his pipe.

So, what’s the plan for when we get to Riverscrest? Airdella asked her father one morning as he sat with them at the bow, their fishing lines trailing in the water.

Oh, something about a feast and a banquet. Meetings. Lots of meetings, all about treaties and fishing rights and bridge access. The king laughed as Airdella groaned and all the children's faces fell. Relax. You won't be required to attend the meetings. And there will be plenty of other things to do. What is it you lot were planning?

"You have to see the festival grounds at the castle ruins," Amy insisted.

I do, do I?

And the Gazer's cave, Walter added. Euciphidus is back again working on his translations.

Good. He still owes us an explanation of the philosophy of architecture, Airdella snorted.

The griffins! Amy shrilled. We should take you to see the griffin cave!

The Scarcliff Gorge, Aaron added.

That I think I will pass on, the king remarked with feeling. He was all too familiar with the story of Amy's headlong plunge into the gorge and near death. Or perhaps, we can discuss with Stormchaser the construction of a sturdier bridge.

That could be neat! Airdella said.

Yes, a stone one with wooden planks, Amy said.

I look forward to just about wherever you want to take me. We can have a daily picnic where you show me around.

You’re looking chipper, Amy remarked as Aaron joined her one morning in watching the rippling currents below. Been sleeping better?

Finally. He propped his elbows up on the rail and rested his chin in his hands. Been able to sleep the whole week.

And the dream? she asked.

Haven't had it since we left Thornhurst. Aaron was relieved that Amy knew about his dream. He did not want everyone else to know because he did not want them to worry. But having at least one person meant he had someone to talk to about it, someone he knew he could trust to not say a word about it.

Any more thoughts as to what the dreams might mean?

No clue, Aaron said. I think I could figure the rest out if I just knew what I was supposed to be looking for.

Well, if you were to ask Walter about that, I’m sure he’d say Proving Quest, Amy grinned.

He seriously needs to stop worrying about that. We are supposed to be on holiday.

He does seem very concerned about it. Maybe we should be more proactive in helping him come up with ideas.

Aaron waved a hand lazily at the water below. "Meh.