Journey to a Throne

By Janet Lee-Degge

Civilizations of this world rise, and civilizations fall, and the process has repeated many times through history. Even at the height of modern culture as we are now, we are not immune to the possibility. Journey to a Throne is a work of fiction about the human spirit surviving and thriving after such a collapse and a warning to us to avoid the fall in the first place. Journey to a Throne is a romantic suspense novel and takes place more than 1,500 years in the future, long after a global catastrophe. In a new Dark Ages, legends about the ancient people have spread everywhere. Civilization settled into a new normal. Leandra is the heir to the throne of a small country called Indiga. Her royal parents sent her away as a baby for her safety, and her adoptive parents took her far from Indiga and settled in a village called Jabethin. She grew up thinking she was a country girl named Brina. She is happy living a simple country life. Vail, a man from Indiga, travels to the small village of Jabethin on a mission concerning Leandra. He is attacked near his destination by a strange hooded man. Brina finds him in the woods and brings help from Jabethin. Keeping his mission a secret, Vail finds himself falling in love with Brina, not knowing she is Leandra. A man named Kerr is sent to bring Leandra back home because the king is dying. Someone doesn't want him to succeed and sends several men ahead of Kerr to various locations, including the man coerced into the mission against his will. When Kerr arrives in Jabethin, Vail finds out Brina is Leandra. Brina discovers she's heir to the throne in a distant country and is angry. Her life has been a lie, and now Kerr plans to take her away from the only home she's known. Kerr spotted the enemies planted to cause trouble on their return trip and realizes they must go home by a different route. They begin a perilous journey through a hostile land. Brina slowly accepts her destiny. Between his love for Brina and his mission, Vail doesn't know what to do and withdraws. Brina is troubled by the change in him. She thinks she knows what to expect in Indiga but finds danger and surprises.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781643006277

Book preview

Chapter 1

A horse walked down a narrow path through the woods with his rider dozing in the saddle. The man’s head slumped, waking him. I gotta stay awake, or I’ll miss the turnoff to Jabethin. According to my map, we’re getting close to our destination. He stroked his horse’s neck. Coming to a brook, the weary man got down on his knees and splashed cool water on his face. This should wake me up. The bushes moved behind the man, and a figure wearing a hooded coat stepped out. The sleepy man moved his black braid to the side and splattered a handful of water on the back of his neck. Drenching his face again, he didn’t notice the man sneaking up behind him.

Swinging a stick, the hooded man struck the kneeling man and watched him crumple to the ground unconscious. Stepping over him, the attacker rummaged through the man’s saddlebags. He started to take the bag of money but pushed it aside when he saw a piece of paper. Unfolding it, he read the words and smiled as he glanced down at the unconscious man.

In the village of Jabethin, a redheaded young woman was digging in the dirt and tugging on a stubborn weed interfering with her vegetable garden. An older woman stepped out on the porch, wiping her hands on her apron. Brina, go out to the woods and pick a basket of wild blackberries. I want to bake a pie for supper.

Yes, Mother. Brina brushed the dirt from her hands and hurried to the house to get a basket. Tossing her red curls behind her shoulder, she headed into the woods beyond the rock wall, singing a song.

The hooded man heard the singing and looked up. Someone’s coming. He pushed the paper into a pocket and hid in the bushes. The paper was a lucky find, but he coveted the bag of money and mumbled under his breath, Why didn’t I grab the money first?

Brina was astonished to see a horse standing by the creek. She quickened her step and almost stumbled over the unconscious man. Bending over, she examined his injury, and dipping her handkerchief in the brook, she washed his wound. The water revived the man, and he opened his eyes. Hello, Brina said. How did you injure your head?

I’m not sure. He looked up into the midday sun shining through the trees above Brina’s head. The sun made her bountiful, red curls glow like flames. Who are you?

My name is Brina. What’s your name?

My name is Vail. I’ve been traveling a long time and I— He touched his wound. My head hurts.

You need the doctor. Don’t stir from this spot, and I’ll go fetch help.

Vail’s thoughts were foggy as he tried to think. Instructed to go to the village of Jabethin on a specific mission, it was crucial for him to carry out his orders. He had traveled from his home, the city of Aneesa in the country of Indiga. His head throbbed. It hurt too much to think, so he relaxed and watched the trees swaying in the breeze. Heavy humidity left beads of moisture over his skin, and the breeze cooled him from the smothering summer heat. Several birds fluttered out of the bushes and flew away, frightened by something. A twig snapped with a loud crack, startling Vail. Is that you, Brina? Something moved, and Vail caught sight of a figure walking toward him wearing a hooded coat. The man’s face was hidden deep inside his hood. Who are you? Vail asked. The stranger stopped abruptly.

I left him over by the creek. The hooded man heard someone talking. He turned and bolted through the trees.

Vail didn’t realize he held his breath until he let it out in relief. What’s wrong with that man? Wearing a coat with the hood up in this stifling heat is crazy.

A young man with short, red hair ran toward the injured man, followed by another young man, and the two of them lifted Vail and headed toward the village of Jabethin. Brina guided Vail’s horse behind them.

The village doctor was a woman named Dera. She had been the doctor in Jabethin for more than twenty years. Carry him to the bed in my exam room, Dera ordered. Brina positioned pillows behind Vail’s back as Dera examined his wound. With an antiseptic, she cleaned the injury and the dried blood that had escaped Brina’s efforts. The surface wound isn’t serious, but a blow to the head can cause a concussion. Brina, was he unconscious when you found him?

Yes, Brina said.

Dera applied salve to the wound and bandaged it. She prepared an herbal medicine and handed it to Vail. Drink this. It’ll help with the pain. You’ll need to stay in bed a few days. I insist you stay here in Jabethin for as long as I decide necessary. I’m sorry to delay your journey, but I won’t let you leave until I’m sure you’ve recovered enough to travel.

That’s agreeable. Vail was happy with Dera’s request. It suited his mission. No one needed to know Jabethin was his destination.

Brina, Dera said, go get a bowl of broth, a slice of bread, and tea for my patient.

Yes, Aunt Dera. Right away.

She’s your niece? Vail touched his bandage.

Yes, she’s my sister’s daughter. Try to keep your hands off the bandage, Dera scolded. My sister and her husband live next door. Brina will be along shortly with the food. I can’t let you eat much at a time for a few days. It could make you sick.

Vail adjusted the pillows behind his back. I recall a redheaded man helped carry me to your house. Is he Brina’s brother?

No. The redheaded man is my son, Edan. Dera replaced the jar of salve in her medicine cabinet. They’re close, but they can fight the same as two dogs over a bone. Dera laughed. She chatted on, but Vail didn’t listen to all of it. He didn’t know the people she discussed and didn’t care, but when she spoke of Brina, he listened carefully. Vail frowned when Dera said Griff, the blacksmith’s employee, spent a great deal of time with Brina. She’s more than mature enough to marry. Dera continued. And Griff is a splendid husband choice. Dera rolled the bandage gauze tightly and returned it to the medicine cabinet. Griff has asked Brina to marry him several times, but she keeps saying no. I don’t know why she keeps turning him down. Griff is a handsome man, hardworking and loving. If I were young and single, I wouldn’t say no to him.

Vail smiled, but Dera didn’t pick up on it as she straightened up her exam room. Brina was the type of woman Vail found attractive. His injury gave him a believable excuse to be in Jabethin and get to know her better. Vail had a rugged attractiveness, but he was not a handsome man. He hadn’t yet found his soul mate.

Brina entered the room carrying a tray with a bowl of chicken broth, a slice of fresh bread, and a cup of tea. Vail sat up on the side of the bed to eat. Brina placed the tray on the table by the bed, and her hair brushed against Vail’s cheek with an intoxicating fragrance. The hot broth was satisfying, and he emptied the bowl and picked up the bread. Still warm from the oven, it smelled delicious. He ate the bread and drank his tea. With some nourishment in his stomach, he desired sleep, but Brina chatted about her vegetable garden and spoke about working at the textile mill in the village weaving high-quality cloth. Vail didn’t listen to much of what she said. He watched the afternoon sun and shadow dance over Brina’s hair. He gazed into her expressive eyes. Brina stopped talking and stood up.

Don’t leave. Vail reached out and tried to grab her hand.

My mother needs me to help her prepare supper, but I’ll return when supper is ready. We’re having sausage, chicken, and okra gumbo. My mother intended to bake a fresh blackberry pie, but I forgot to pick any berries. She made bread pudding instead. Brina hurried out the door.

After a while, Dera looked in on Vail. Do you need anything? I’m about to go to my sister’s house to eat supper. I don’t cook. I’m always busy either doctoring the villagers or doing my duties on the Wisdom Council. I’m too busy to cook, but my sister loves it, and she makes enough to feed her family and ours.

Wisdom Council?

I’ll tell you about it later. My sister gets in a tizzy if the food gets cold.

Brina arrived with Vail’s supper, and the aroma of the gumbo made Vail hungry. She situated the tray beside the bed as Vail sat up. He hoped her hair would sweep against him again, but it didn’t. The sun slipped below the tall trees, and the room darkened. Brina lit the lantern on the table and prattled on for more than an hour as Vail ate his meal and settled back on his pillows.

When Dera came back, she gave Vail a cup of warm milk. This will help you sleep. I’m sorry, but I must wake you up every two or three hours to check on you.

I understand. Vail sipped the warm milk. Even a two-hour nap sounds inviting.

I better leave so that you can rest. Brina left the room with Dera.

The country of Indiga sat near the coast. In its capital city, Aneesa, High Princess Oriana met with a man named Kerr, the high officer of the Royal Army. A few of his men stood with him in the reception room of the palace. In his fifties, Kerr had short, white hair. He stood at attention in his officer’s uniform as he listened to the high princess speak.

Her honey-colored hair tumbled down the back of her blue dress, and she wore a gold circlet with rubies. A few gray strands mixed in with her golden curls. It’s time for you and your men to travel to Jabethin and bring Leandra back to Indiga. Finish your preparations with haste because I require you to leave today.

Yes, Your Majesty, Kerr answered. He gave his men their orders, and they left to prepare for the journey. Kerr turned back to the high princess and bowed low. Your Majesty, by your command we’ll leave on our journey as soon as our preparations are complete. Standing, he saluted the high princess with a hand to his heart. God be with you and our king during our absence, Your Majesty.

God be with all of you on the journey. Peace and safety until we meet. Turning, she left the room.

In another part of Aneesa, a man named Culver stood in a darkened room at the end of the hall in the back of the Cliffside Saloon. A figure sat at a desk in the dark corner. Culver didn’t know the identity of his mysterious boss, but he always followed orders in exchange for ample monthly payments he used to supplement his regular salary. Culver’s brown hair had streaks of gray as did his goatee. Second-in-command of the Royal Army under Kerr, Culver stood at attention in his officer’s uniform and waited for his instructions.

My informants told me Kerr and his men are leaving for Jabethin today. I knew this was coming, and I’m ready. I put my plans into action quite a while back. I sent a man to Jabethin on a special mission, and he knows his instructions. He was reluctant to obey at first, but I’m holding his mother and sister captive, and if he doesn’t carry out his mission, he knows I’ll kill them.

Culver frowned. What’s wrong? His boss sounded angry. You don’t approve, Culver? After all the money I’ve paid you over the years, you better remove that frown from your face. You’re in this as deep as I am. Now, besides the man on my mission, I also sent others with more vague instructions, but they know what I expect, and they have no scruples about doing it. Also I’ve stationed spies in the towns and villages on Kerr’s route and instructed them to prevent Kerr from returning to Indiga with Leandra. Culver, you’re my go-between. Your job is to send word to me immediately whenever you receive messages from any of them. Is that understood?

I do as you command, Culver replied.

Chapter 2

How are you feeling this morning? Dera asked Vail. Her sister entered the room carrying a tray of food.

Vail sat up to eat breakfast, disappointed Brina didn’t carry his food. Vail answered Dera’s question, I’m much better this morning.

I’m glad, Dera said. This is my sister, Sacha. She’s Brina’s mother.

I’m happy to greet you, Vail, Sacha said. I’ve heard all kinds of things about you from Brina. She had to pop off to work early this morning at the textile mill. They have an order to finish before the peddler from the north gets to the village. Enjoy your breakfast. I don’t have time to chat because I need to get back to my kitchen. I’ve got pies in the oven. She turned and left the room.

Now I understand where Brina gets it. Vail laughed.

Gets what? Dera asked.

Talking a great deal.

Dera laughed. Yes, they’re similar in that way.

Vail finished eating, and Dera removed the tray. You’ve been in bed for a week. I think you’re ready to get some exercise. Why don’t you go for a walk through the village?

Terrific idea, Vail replied. Do you know a woman named Leandra?

Leandra? No, I’m sorry, but I’ve never met anyone by that name. Why?

Just a friend from this area.

I know most of the citizens of Jabethin, but a few people don’t use me as their doctor. Instead, they journey to see doctors in other villages in our country.

The morning hike invigorated Vail as he wandered through the village. The people of Jabethin loved bright colors and painted the doors and shutters of their houses in bright hues. They planted colorful flowers in their yards. The Jabethin women wore colorful, ruffled underskirts peeking out below their dresses or skirts. They wore extrawide leather belts and colorful shawls tied around their waists when they didn’t need them.

Surrounded by a stone wall, Jabethin sat in the middle of an almost impenetrable forest, and many trees grew between the houses and paths. The people worked bits of farmland they had cleared. Stone and log houses filled the town, and in the center of the village stood a sizable pavilion where the Wisdom Council met. Dera explained to Vail about the Wisdom Council presiding over the citizens under the authority of the chief of Jabethin. Among other duties, the council listened to testimony, but only the chief of the village had the power to settle the disputes and sentence prisoners to their punishment. The chief’s word was law.

Vail strolled beyond the pavilion and walked down a path among the trees. He approached a stone building. The doors and windows were open, and loud, clicking noises came from inside. Curious, Vail peered inside. Workers sat at looms, weaving cloth. Their bare feet worked the treadles, and their hands moved the shuttles, switching colors of thread. Vail stepped away so he wouldn’t disturb the workers, and he continued down the path. Vail felt exhausted when the day heated up. Turning around, he started back toward Dera’s house. He became dizzy as he passed the pavilion and made his way inside to sit down.

An old woman entered the pavilion and sat down near Vail. I suspect you are our mysterious guest.

Vail looked up. Yes. It was my first day of exercise, and I overdid it.

You may rest here as long as you need, she said. I am Chief Nada, the chief of Jabethin.

I’m Vail. You’re the chief?

Yes, I am. The chief is always the oldest member of the Wisdom Council. I am one hundred and three years old. I have been the chief for twelve years. The chief of Jabethin was a wise and intelligent woman. Her manner of speaking was unusual. She didn’t use contractions when she talked and spoke in a slow, steady monotone, and yet, her voice mesmerized Vail. She had wrinkled, brown skin and wore her silver hair in a bun on top of her head held in place with carved sticks. At the bottom of her skirt, the exposed ruffles of a red underskirt showed in the Jabethin style, and she wore the usual wide leather belt. Her blue shawl, embroidered with red and yellow flowers, was tied around her waist. Several bracelets adorned each arm, and multiple necklaces embellished her yellow shirt.

Would you mind telling me more about the Wisdom Council? Vail asked. I’m curious.

Certainly. Wisdom Councils govern the villages in our neck of the woods. There are twenty-three villages in our country which is called Krister. I have never visited any of our other villages because I do not travel, but they are similar to Jabethin. Each village has their own Wisdom Council and chief. We have no government over our country as a whole, but all of the towns in Krister share the same beliefs and customs. We trade goods and services and will fight together to ensure the safety of our people.

How do you choose members of your Wisdom Council?

We test the citizens of our village when they turn fifty. Not every old person is wise, but age and experience are the main factors of wisdom. If the nominees pass the test, they become Wisdom apprentices. They must continue in the proving process to become a member of the council at age sixty, but not all apprentices become council members.

Vail gazed at all the beautifully carved wooden chairs in the pavilion. How many people are on your Wisdom Council?

Right now, we have forty-two members. Nineteen of them are men. The overall membership of the council varies depending on the number of apprentices who become full council members, how long they live, and if one of the members gets dementia, they must leave the council.

I gotcha, Vail said. Thanks for answering my questions, Chief Nada. I better get back to Dera’s house, but I would love to visit with you again.

By all means. I live beside the pavilion in the house by the tallest tree. She pointed to a stone house with a green door and shutters. Knock on my door anytime, Vail.

Oh, I wanted to ask if you know a woman in Jabethin named Leandra?

Leandra? I do not recognize the name, but some citizens of our village are not known to me. People do come from other villages in Krister to find jobs in Jabethin. It may not appear as such because of all the trees, but our village is of considerable size.

Vail decided to stop asking around about Leandra because it might cause suspicion. He must wait until the men from Indiga arrived. Walking back, Vail reached Dera’s house and spotted Brina on the path returning from the textile mill. Hello, Brina.

Hello, Vail. It’s exciting to encounter you outside. Was your walk pleasant?

Yes. Vail gazed at Brina. Her red hair was braided, and she wore a straw hat. The ruffles of a yellow underskirt protruded from the bottom edge of her gray dress. She had her green shawl around her belted waist, and her feet were bare. Brina’s curves made her the type of woman Vail found attractive. He started to speak but stopped when he glimpsed the blacksmith’s employee coming down the path. Griff was a handsome man with broad shoulders, muscular arms, and dark, wavy hair. The village girls chased him, but he only paid attention to Brina.

Griff ran to Brina. I was trying to find you. My boss’s wife has some extra squash, and she told your mother she could have them. Come on. I’ll go with you.

Oh, I forgot. My mother told me to get them on my way home from the mill. Brina turned back. I’ll visit with you later, Vail. She struck off down the path with Griff. He glanced back at Vail with a smug look as he and Brina walked away. He placed his hand on Brina’s shoulder. Vail watched them until they disappeared around the corner of a house.

Entering a village named Gilbi, Kerr and his men stopped at the Red Rock Inn and Saloon. Camping out on most of their journey, Kerr, Gawyn, Devin, and Alston were excited to sleep in real beds for a night. Entering the hotel, Kerr spoke to the manager, We need rooms for the night with meals and boarding for our horses. Give me your lowest prices. The manager told him the information, and Kerr gave him some silver, and the manager weighed it on his scale. Hotel employees guided the horses to the stable, and Kerr and his men hastened into the saloon and sat down.

A woman came to the table. Tonight, the menu is venison stew or roasted turkey with vegetables.

A bowl of stew for each of us, Kerr said.

I was hankerin’ for the turkey and vegetables, said Gawyn. I smell that savory aroma. Bald with a white goatee, Gawyn was an experienced cook and always prepared the meals when Kerr and his men camped. He was shy around women, but everyone was fond of him. He fought under Kerr in numerous battles.

You may desire turkey, but you’re getting stew, said Kerr. It’s cheaper.

The server carried the bowls of stew to the table, and Devin winked at her. Thank you, sweetie, he said. She smiled at him, and he flirted with her every time she came to their table.

Devin, it’s so easy for you to communicate with women. I wish I had your knack for it, said Gawyn. I get nervous.

It’s easy. To tell you the truth, the women adore it. Skilled with a sword, Devin was an expert horseman and attended to the group’s horses. He wore his long, blond hair swept back from his face and fastened with a leather tie. He was a good-looking man, and he knew it.

The men listened to a musician entertain the customers after they finished their meal. Alston had scouted for Kerr for many years. He was tall, and his unkempt hair hung to his shoulders. His scruffy beard and mustache were stained with tobacco. Alston lost an eye in a battle he fought under Kerr’s command and wore an eye patch over the empty eye socket. Even though he only had one eye, Alston was a skilled scout and tracker and expertly fought with the sword he carried at his belt. As the men listened to the music, Alston stood up. Sir, I’m going out to smoke my pipe in the fresh night air.

Our room number is eight. See you there when you come back in. To save money, Kerr had rented a room at the hotel with four beds in it.

Alston found a seat on the front porch where he could enjoy the night air and smoke in solitude. Pulling his pipe from behind his ear, he slipped his tobacco pouch from his pocket and filled his pipe. Lighting it, he settled back and plopped his feet on a table.

Two men walked down the street and stopped in front of another hotel across the road. As one of the men continued speaking, Alston perked up. And I caught sight of the group of men we were sent here to watch. I recognized their leader, that Kerr fellow.

Good, but remember we’re only supposed to watch them right now. Don’t do anything to call attention to us, the other man said. We don’t want them to know we’re here. When they come back through here with Leandra, we’ll kill her.

Do you know how long it will be until they return? the first man asked, spitting tobacco juice.

You goof! You got tobacco spit on my shoe. Turning, he stalked into the hotel across the street.

I’m sorry, the first man yelled and followed the angry man into the building.

Alston entered the large hotel room. Devin and Gawyn were already asleep with Gawyn snoring. Kerr sat at a desk in the corner, writing in his trip journal by the light from a small lamp. Alston walked over and tapped him on the arm, whispering, Sir, something is amiss. I overheard two men talking.

What did they say?

Sir, they’re Indigan men and were talking about killing Leandra. I’m sure the king’s enemies hired them.

Disturbing, but I had a suspicion this might happen. Thank you, Alston.

Chapter 3

Vail walked to Chief Nada’s house and hammered on her green door. It’s Vail, Chief Nada.

Come in and sit down. Would you care for a cup of tea?

Yes, please. Vail sat at the table.

Chief Nada poured boiling water into her teapot. I am having a cup of tea myself, she said. "I have bread, butter, and cheese for my midday sustenance.