Blood And War: The Bane Of Amstairis

By Janine Bretz

In a kingdom ruled by tradition, a prince must find a way to fight for his kingdom from a growing threat in the north, and protect his love from a peril closer to home.

The kingdom of Amstairis was founded on tradition. It was grown by tradition; it is ruled by tradition. Warriors must conduct themselves with honor; women do not own property; royalty must marry those of noble birth. When Prince Jasper Ravencrest finds himself in love with a common woman, he's willing to challenge every tradition his family has since upheld. But when a king from the north is bent on expanding his own kingdom, the threat is felt through the whole peninsula of Venedera. Prince Jasper must combat not only dangers, but devious plots to keep his love alive and his kingdom safe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781387479863

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Blood and War

The Bane Of Amstairis

By Janine Bretz

Copyright © 2022 Janine Bretz

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner without the express permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

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 actual persons, business establishments, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Printed in the United States of America

First Edition, 2022

ISBN-13: 978-1-6780-2493-2

Soli Deo Gloria

A Fair Warning

There are thousands upon thousands of stories with happy endings. Stories that defy the disappointment of reality. Good wins out over evil; justice is served; love triumphs; all pleasant and satisfactory, giving rise to the escapism we all need from time to time.

This is not one of those stories.

Chapter 1

War Impending

Prince Jasper Ravencrest strolled through the corridor, a pleasant smile on his face for every servant he passed; a dark brown, crumpled cloak clutched in his hand. He bounded down one of the several smaller servants stairwells, taking a shortcut to the armory. As he passed an older maid, he greeted her genially, hiding the cloak behind his back.

The stair opened out to a lower hallway. The prince headed straight for a door at the far side, barely pausing at the threshold before going in. The walls of the room were lined with racks filled with swords and spears and human forms dressed in dulling armor. Sitting on a stool off to the side was a young man with shaggy, sandy-blond hair, oiling his sword. He turned toward the door when the prince walked in.

Prince Jasper, the man said, a warm glow now shining in his eyes.

I thought you would be in here, Chester, said Jasper.

I see you plan on sneaking out again, Your Highness, Chester Lochwood commented, nodding toward the bundled up cloak.

Of course! The sun is shining, there's a gentle breeze on the air. Who wouldn't want to be outside on a day like this instead of cooped up in a stuffy, old castle?

And completely ignoring whatever chore your father wants doing, Chester added.

The prince raised an objecting hand to this comment. That's quite unfair, Chester. I'll have you know, I finished my duties for today. Come take a stroll with me.

You may be finished, Your Highness, but I'm not.

Surely it can wait. Please, Chester.

The warrior looked at him for a moment, then let out a snort, shaking his head. If you insist, Your Highness, he said, laying down his sword.

Excellent!

As the two men left the armory, the prince unfurled his cloak and donned it, pulling the hood up to cover his face in shadow. Taking the servants' side door out of the castle, they made their way to the large, beautiful gardens that lay behind. A maze of slightly haphazard plots opened before them. Paths led every which way between growing patches planted by previous kings. Here lay a bed of roses; there a small allotment of waving gladiolus. Near the center of the garden, one king had planted a mighty oak; off to the side, another had sown an apple tree.

The garden was enclosed by a high stone-and-mortar wall that wrapped completely around it and secured the castle as well. Towards the back of the garden, however, behind a crop of overgrown azalea bushes, the wall had been poorly maintained, and was now beginning to crumble. Jasper and Chester used the open spots where the mortar was worn away as footholds. They scrambled up and over the wall, dropping down to the grassy earth beyond. Then they began their stroll toward the little village that lay south of the castle. A field of green lay open before them, a dark haze of trees lining the horizon in the southeast.

The king would be most displeased if he knew you were wandering round the village, Chester remarked.

My father would be livid, I'm sure.

He's concerned about you, Your Highness. We are at war, you know.

War is imminent, but it's not here yet. And none of this 'Highness' business outside the castle; I've told you. Jasper prodded his friend playfully in the ribs.

Forgive me. Jas. Chester laughed, shoving away the probing finger. After a moment, he furrowed his brow. Do you think war will come?

Who knows, Jasper shrugged. Greedy kings and land disputes seem petty things to war over; but wars tend to be over petty things.

But King Braydon's already conquered two realms in the east.

Those were small realms. Amstairis is almost the size of Madralin. Braydon wouldn't attack a kingdom nearly the size of his own. He's foolhardy, not mad.

I don't want to go to war, Chester admitted. It's not that I'm a coward, he quickly added, I'm just not comfortable with violence.

Jasper clapped a hand on his shoulder. I know, my friend.

They walked the rest of the high wall in silence, broken only by their steps, and the twitter of birds, and the sigh of a gentle breeze. As they left the wall behind them, Jasper took a deep, satisfying breath, a grin returning to his lips.

How does the air taste different out here than inside those walls? he mused aloud.

What do you want to do when we reach the village? Chester inquired.

What do you think we should do?

Well, I've heard the butcher has a new assistant.

Does he? Then we should welcome him to the village! The prince quickened his pace.

Chester chuckled, hurrying to keep up. I will never understand you, Jas.

What do you mean?

What other royal person goes out of their way to welcome a new subject? It's not something your father would approve of.

A shadow passed over Jasper's heart. My father would rather remain aloof to his subjects; to be seen seated in a lofty place, looking down upon the world.

That's a rather grim view.

You think so? the prince asked thoughtfully.

They soon came upon a dirt road leading south, which they followed. In the near distance, little buildings clustered together obscured the horizon. The road, which met the gate of the curtain wall, cut straight through the center of the village. Lunning, as it was named, had only about a hundred and fifty people who called it home; but it was bustling nonetheless, being the place one must pass through to get to the castle. Houses and shops lined the main road, then scattered outward irregularly.

Jasper and Chester weaved their way through the crowd in the broad street. Everyone greeted Chester who, as a member of the Amstairin guard, was well known. Some people greeted Jasper with amused smirks; the rest paid the hooded figure little mind. The two men made their way to the butcher's shop: a counter put up with a canopy draping off the building behind it.

Rufus Durish, the butcher, stood behind the counter, cutting some slabs of red meat with an expert eye. He was a broad, burly man with a shaggy head and beard of dark brown, and dark, twinkling eyes. As the men approached, he stuck the tip of his heavy meat cleaver into the wooden board before him.

A fine morning, this, he greeted with a beaming smile. How have you been keeping, Chester?

Well enough, thanks.

And you, my lord Jas? Rufus said with a wink.

The better for being in Lunning. What about you?

Rufus slapped a large hand across his chest. I have my health, my home, and an occupation to keep me busy. What have I to complain about?

And you have a new assistant, I hear, Jasper said.

Yes, of course, the butcher laughed, his deep voice drawing several glances from passersby. I'll bring them out to meet you. He was in the shop in two long strides, leaving the others waiting at the counter.

What do you think this lad'll be like? Chester asked.

A hard worker, I hope. Rufus needs the help.

A few moments later, the butcher returned, followed by a young woman with pale blonde hair tied in a tight braid. Her fresh face was flushed, and her dark brown eyes radiated laughter. Jasper gaped in utter astonishment.

Rufus let out a deep-bellied laugh. This is Amelia, my brother's daughter.

It's a woman, Chester blurted.

Amelia raised an eyebrow. Well observed, sir.

And a beautiful one at that, Jasper added, his voice on the verge of being breathless.

Thank you, my lord. Amelia smiled humoringly.

Is it so strange for their to be a woman apprentice, Chester? Rufus questioned.

Strange? No, Chester said. Just uncommon, particularly in a butcher's stall.

Well, Rufus said, clapping a hand on Amelia's shoulder, this lass is twice as good as any lad I've had. She's the hardest worker I know, besides myself.

Uncle, please. Amelia's cheeks turned a brighter red as she tried to hide an embarrassed smile.

You should be pleased, Chester remarked. Rufus tends to only praise his cuts of meat. Isn't that right, Jas? Chester chuckled.

When no reply came, all eyes turned to Jasper. His eyes were still transfixed upon Amelia's face, as though he was trying to etch its image into his brain. Jasper's lips were slightly parted as he stared, and his countenance glowed with reverent awe.

Amelia immediately met his gaze with a stern, unwavering look, and held it in silence for some time.

Are you ill, my lord? she finally inquired, drawing Jasper out of his reverie.

He grinned. Rufus, could you spare your niece for half an hour or so? I would like to show her around.

If you wish, my lord.

Perhaps you would care to ask me if I even wish to go, Amelia chimed in.

Jasper bowed his head humbly to her. Of course. Forgive me. Miss Durish, would you care to accompany us on a jaunt?

Amelia pondered for what seemed like a long while. Very well, she said at last.

She gave her uncle a quick kiss on the cheek, then came out from behind the counter. She wore a plain linen dress and boots spattered with dark stains.

You be careful now, lass, Rufus called after them.

I will, Uncle.

Jasper led them through the crowds, keeping quite close to Amelia's side.

Where was your home? he asked.

In the north, just beyond the Tempest Lake.

And how long have you been here?

Just under a fortnight.

Well, welcome to Amstairis, Jasper said, grinning from ear to ear.

My father was hesitant to send me here, actually, what with Amstairis being on the brink of war.

War will not come, Jasper stated.

You think not? You think King Braydon Chadwick won't attack?

King Braydon is not as warmongering as people are led to believe. Both he and Talbot will do everything possible before declaring war.

Amelia studied him closely. You seem quite sure.

Jasper shrugged. Chester here is part of the guard. He knows of most things going on. But enough of politics, Jasper waved a hand before his face as though the subject were an irritating gnat buzzing near. I want to learn all about you.

What's to learn? Amelia said. I'm the daughter of a fisherman, and I work in my uncle's shop.

Your father fishes in the Tempest Lake? That's rather treacherous.

She chuckled. He grew up on that lake. He says he can see the signs when she's about to have a turn.

Jasper smiled, rather impressed. And did you acquire this skill as well?

A little. Nothing like what he does. He can read those waters like a book.

He sounds like quite a character, Jasper chortled.

Oh, he is. Amelia grinned. Then her smile turned sad.

You must miss him, Jasper said.

Amelia nodded slowly. I do.

For several moments, she stared at the ground, biting her lower lip. Jasper wanted to wrap his arms around her and whisk her off back to her home for a visit. They wandered to the outskirts of the village, a vast, grassy meadow expanding before them.

What about you two? Amelia quickly asked, her smile returning.

Oh, Jasper shrugged shyly, I am no one of consequence.

And you? Amelia turned to Chester, who had been silently following the pair.

I'm not of much consequence either. The second son of a simple potter, so I was given to the guard when I was young.

Given to the guard?

It's a typical practice in Amstairis, Jasper explained. The second son is presented to the throne to keep the number of soldiers up. The first son inherits his father's estate; a third son must make his own way.

What if the first born dies?

Then the second may choose to leave the life of combat and take the estate, otherwise it goes to an uncle or close cousin if there are no more sons.

And what of women? What if a woman is first born?

Jasper didn't immediately answer. He gazed out at the open field for a few moments. For everything good about Amstairis, there are still so many things that need to be improved. Women don't inherit anything here, though their husbands can. I hope one day that's changed. Jasper looked at Amelia. Her dark eyes were narrowed, her curving lips pursed.

Hmm, was the only sound she made.

They meandered for several minutes, taking in the peaceful landscape or the backs of the buildings of Lunning. Jasper had often pondered this unspoken rule, along with many others he considered outdated. There were so many changes he wanted to make. He had even told his father he thought the rule unfair.

It is tradition, King Talbot had said.

Surely some traditions should be broken.

The council would never allow such a thing.

But you are the king, Father. Is not your word law?

To an extent, yes, Talbot had replied. But the councilors are there to advise on what is best for the kingdom. They would not advise abandoning traditions. He had chuckled to himself. When you become king, you will understand.

It seemed like it would be such a long time before Jasper would be king. He glanced at Amelia again. She was gazing at the young flowers they passed, a faint, distant smile playing on her lips.

Could I interest you in an early lunch at the tavern? Jasper abruptly asked.

Before Amelia could answer, Chester was at Jasper's side, cupping a hand over his mouth as he whispered in the prince's ear. Isn't there a meeting your father wanted you to attend before lunch, Your Highness?

Jasper gave a disappointed sigh. I've just been informed I actually have a prior engagement that prevents me from lunching with you. I'm deeply sorry.

There'll be other days, Amelia assured with a smile.

They strolled back to the main street, pausing before the butcher's stall.

Thank you for the jaunt, Amelia said.

Thank you for joining us. I hope to see you again.

Of course. It's always nice to make friends.

Jasper grinned at her as she retreated into the building; then he and Chester began making their way back to the castle. Jasper meditated on Amelia as they walked; her pale hair tied back from her face, the ruddy color in her cheeks, her dazzling brown eyes, her sweet voice. She was a beautiful lady, with such wit it made him beam in admiration.

A noise suddenly distracted Jasper in his thoughts. He looked at his friend, who was looking at him and chuckling.

What, may I ask, are you laughing at? Jasper questioned.

You, Chester replied.

Jasper's eyebrows shot up, but he wasn't offended. What for?

It's the same with every new pretty girl you meet: You become obsessed.

It's not obsession, Jasper corrected. It's infatuation.

They left the dirt road when the high stone wall surrounding the castle came into view.

Will you tell this one who you really are, or wait to see if she'll fall for Jas the wanderer first? Chester asked as they neared the curtain wall.

I want to know a woman loves me for me and not simply because I'm a prince, Jasper replied. What's wrong with that?

Nothing, Your Highness, Chester chuckled again.

The young men rounded the wall, coming to the crumbling portion. They scaled over, then casually weaved their way through the blooming garden. Jasper quickly removed his cloak, rolling it into a bundle as they entered the castle. They ascended a flight of stairs, then traipsed down the hall. Jasper paused outside the door of the king's study.

Would you gather my future council to my room, please?