The Arbiter's Knight

By Elizabeth Ann Dugan

In the kingdom of Edesse, the Arbiter assists the king in keeping peace with the nobility. At the idyllic Arbiter's castle, noble heirs, including the crown prince, gather to form bonds of friendship. Venn Jathil is a young knight newly assigned to protect them. At first the castle is a sanctuary, but that peace begins to unravel as secrets surr

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Ann Dugan
• Release date: Aug 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088185131

Book preview

Chapter 1

Venn remembered the castle, though he hadn’t seen it for just over a year.  He had been asked by Lady Andraste to return as part of the castle retinue, after his father’s death.  As he stared up at the vast, stone structure, he felt the weight of the obligation pressing in on him, as well as the weight of his grief. 

He took a last moment to stare up at the sky, thinking of his father, before heading into the castle.

Lady Andraste had been alerted to his presence, but could not  greet him today.  He wasn’t anyone particularly special and hadn’t expected to be treated as such, but he had perhaps thought his liege would be there when he came at her beckoning.

It didn’t matter much regardless.  He’d settle in without any help; he was used to living much rougher than he would be here.  This would seem like luxury compared to the past few years.

He entered the castle and was greeted by a man he vaguely remembered meeting once or twice.  His father had always dealt with the interactions between them and Lady Andraste, so he’d seldom talked to her or any of her closest assistants.  

Venn, is it? Celestin asked.  

Venn nodded, not ready to speak to the stranger.  His eyes were low; looking in this man’s eyes made him uneasy, more than it did for most people.

I’m not sure if you remember me.  We met once about five years ago, but your father was the only one who spoke to me.  I offer you my condolences.

Thank you, was the soft reply Venn managed, nodding.

As you know from Lady Andraste’s letter, you have been assigned to stay here at the castle now.

Is there a reason for that? Venn asked, finally plucking up the courage to speak plainly.

Celestin’s eyebrows raised.  Are you unhappy with that arrangement?

Venn shook his head.  I only meant to ask what I am here to do.

Hmm, I’m sure.  You are here because we have several young nobles from the most prominent families here.  We wanted to make sure that they are safe here in the castle and when they have occasion to leave it as well.  You’ll be tasked with monitoring their safety.

I see, Venn replied rather contemplatively.

We heard of your … ferocity in dealing with the bandits that murdered your father.  We thought we might put that to better use in service of the young people here, Celestin replied.  You’re quite skilled and we need something like that, as well as someone who can interact with the heirs.  There has been some resistance to some of the older knights and myself, so someone of a … similar age might suit them better.

That wasn’t the kind of answer that Venn had been expecting.

I trust you have no issues with such an appointment? Celestin asked.

None.  Venn knew better than to complain about the position he’d been given; his father had taught him that much.  Besides, now that he was alone, perhaps it would be better to be here among others.  He had dreaded the idea of setting out alone on the road, since that was always something he and his father had done together.  He didn’t want to set himself such herculean tasks when he was alone.  Staying here, watching over young noble heirs would be far better for him.

Then I’m sure you can get settled in comfortably.  I’ll escort you to your quarters.  You’ll be allowed to speak to Lady Andraste tomorrow; she has other engagements to attend to today.

Another nod was all Venn would respond with.  He was led to his room without another word and without looking Celestin in the eye.

Once he was alone, he stifled the sadness he felt at being here again without his father.  This place brought back memories, even if he was distressed over them now, they were pleasant ones.  He put away his reminisces as best he could; a deep breath and he’d stuffed the memories away.

He set his equipment down, promising himself he’d put everything away properly when he came back to the room.  For now, he needed some fresh air.

As he came out of his room, he nearly ran into another person who he didn’t recognize.  This man was several inches taller than him, but a few years younger by the look of it.  His long, curly dark hair reached past his shoulders.

Venn carefully stepped out of the way in a fluid motion.

You’re quick, was the first thing the other man said to him.

Venn’s mouth curled in a minuscule smirk and he only answered with a nod.

The other man took a moment to evaluate Venn.  Are you one of Lady Andraste’s knights?

I am, Venn replied.

The stranger pursed his lips.  My name is Orys Lael.  I’m a vassal of Prince Cedarius Aurelian Dredys, who is one of those staying here under Lady Andraste’s care.

Venn hadn’t heard the names of anyone here yet, but recognized the surname of the royal family.  Venn Jathil, he replied, with a small tilt of his head.

May I ask why I’ve never seen you before?  If you’re one of the knights, I would be familiar with your face.

I just returned.  I’m newly tasked with the safety of the heirs here.

Orys took a moment longer to assess him.  Pleased to meet you, then.  He was about to leave, but thought better of it.  I have one further note for you.  I must attend to something else for now, but when you meet His Highness, he may suggest you address him on equal terms, but you should address him properly.  His Highness tends to be rather informal, which is not befitting of his station.

Venn frowned, but didn’t object.

Do you understand? Orys pressed further.  Impressively, his face was more impassive than Venn’s own.

Venn hesitated a moment longer, reading the other man carefully in return, but nodded.

Very well.  I’ll leave you.  With that, Orys turned on his heel and went back to whatever business he was conducting before this encounter.  

Venn let his eyes follow the younger man as he left, musing on what an odd encounter that had been.  He still wanted fresh air and headed towards the outdoors, despite the distraction he’d just encountered.

The castle was more beautiful than he’d remembered.  Had it really been so long since he’d visited that he’d forgotten what it looked like?  He ended up at the training grounds; some physical exercise would help him blow off steam, as well as get the fresh air he desired.

He had expected to find the training ground empty, but there was another person, one of those he’d been assigned to protect, he guessed.

The young man turned to see who had just entered.  As put together as he looked, his pale golden hair was tousled and slightly unkempt, hanging slightly in his eyes.  When he didn’t recognize Venn, a curious expression crossed his face.  I don’t believe we’ve been introduced, he said, as he approached.

It crossed Venn’s mind that perhaps this was who Orys had spoken to him about.  The young man looked like a prince anyway.

He seemed to sense the question and ventured to answer it before it was asked.  I should introduce myself.  I’m the crown prince of House Dredys.  Are you one of Lady Andraste’s knights?

Venn nodded, adding a bow in greeting, remembering who he was speaking to.

There’s no need for that here, the prince said, stepping forward.   I suppose in any other place, we’d have met under much more formal circumstances, the prince smiled.  But there’s no need for such a thing here.

Venn nodded, but was unsure how to respond.  I met your retainer, Orys Lael, first.  He informed me your name is Prince …  The name escaped his memory, which embarrassed him and he nearly flushed red.

The prince didn’t seem to notice or care.  Cedarius.  It’s my father’s name.  But no one calls me that except those on official business, he said, a faint smile gracing his face.  My family always calls me by my middle name, Aurelian, and I prefer that.  Orys may have tried to insist you call me by my title, but I’d ask that you put that notion out of your mind right now.

Venn’s mouth quirked, but he didn’t smile.  He said as much, he admitted, remembering the stern expression on Orys’s face.

Aurelian smiled fully then, shaking his head in friendly exasperation at his friend.  There’s no need to be as formal here as Orys would have you believe.  To those here, I’m Aurelian; don’t feel pressured to speak to my station, just to me.

Venn nodded again.  I’ll remember that.  The prince seemed very congenial, if more reserved than he preferred to let on in general conversation.

May I ask about you?  If you’re one of Lady Andraste’s knights, may I ask why I haven’t seen you here before? Aurelian asked.

My father and I had been assisting some other nobles, but Lady Andraste asked me to return.  I believe since she was focused on the safety of all of you here.  My name is Venn Jathil, he added, realizing he hadn’t given his name.  It was more than he’d said at a time in what felt like weeks; he knew he hadn’t spoken much to anyone since his father’s death.

A pleasure to meet you, Aurelian replied.  Have you met any of the others yet?  Besides Orys, of course.

Venn shook his head.  None.

We’ll have to remedy that.  But before then, if you were here to train, I’d be happy to do so with you if you still intend to.

Venn agreed, not bothering to wonder if it was proper for him to spar with the young prince.

When they started, Venn had to stay on his toes.  The prince was strong, more than he’d expected.  Venn was still significantly more skilled, but the younger man made the win a worthwhile challenge for him.  They hit the agreed upon number of points, with Venn scoring the winning blow.

Aurelian stepped back, lowering his lance with a smile on his face.  It’s no wonder you’re one of Lady Andraste’s knights.  You’re quite skilled.  More than I would have guessed for your age.  If you’ll forgive me for saying so, he added quickly.

Venn shook his head, dismissing the perceived wrong.  Speak freely in front of me.  And thank you.  You did well yourself.

The prince dipped his head in acknowledgement of the compliment.  Care to go again?  Or would you prefer to visit the dining hall for the evening meal?  I’m sure some of the others will be there and I could introduce you if you care to meet them today.

Venn considered for a moment.  I’ll take that offer.

Follow me, then, Aurelian agreed.  He was exceedingly curious about the knight walking beside him, but decided it would be best to wait before asking as many questions as were rushing through his mind.  There was a great deal he wanted to know, but he didn’t know Venn yet and didn’t want to transgress whatever propriety the other man expected.

It didn’t take them long to reach the dining hall.  

There were more people there than Venn expected and he unconsciously recoiled a bit, knowing he didn’t want to interact as much as he realized he was about to.  What had he been thinking?  But he hid it as well as he could, in order not to offend the prince.  He’d agreed to come with him and had no desire to back out of the invitation now.  He stomached his discomfort and regained his composure.

It wasn’t clear if Aurelian noticed the brief mental battle inside Venn.  He continued leading him inside, to a table where several young people were already seated.

One in particular caught Venn’s eye, partly because of how long Aurelian’s lightning blue eyes lingered on her.  She looked about the same age as the prince.  Pale, nearly white hair that hung rod-straight to her waist.  Her eyes were striking as well, a light pastel purple.  Her face had a harshness in its features, despite her obvious beauty.   Her eyes flicked upwards towards Venn and he felt that her evaluation was even more intense than Orys’s had been.

Good afternoon, Aurelian’s greeting to his peers brought Venn back to the present moment.  Everyone, this is Venn Jathil, one of Lady Andraste’s knights.  He’s only just arrived.

The girl with red hair waved a hand up at him.  Wonderful to meet you, Venn!   My name is Neith Crere.  Her eyes were large, brown, and twinkling; her eyes were lively in a way that he’d seldom seen brown eyes.  Her smile was just as telling about the gentle and happy soul she possessed.  The ebullient energy practically radiated from her.

When the young man beside her took a few moments too long to speak up for himself, Neith spoke for him, elbowing him as she did.  This is Calix Raugner.  I apologize for his manners.

Calix gave her a brief glare, but lifted his eyes to Venn and gave him a nod in greeting.  His nature seemed quite the opposite of Neith’s.  He was more closed off, with a distinct wall behind his own amber brown eyes.

Calix is the adopted son of Lord Solomon Raugner, Neith went on, clearly thinking the explanation necessary and assuming that Venn would recognize the name.

Calix still didn’t seem to appreciate Neith telling his life story, but he did nothing to stop her.  He sighed, looked up at Venn, and said, Good to meet you.

And this is Lystra Mirach, Aurelian said, indicating the young woman Venn had noticed first.  

When Aurelian mentioned her surname, Venn knew it was one he should recognize as well, but he didn’t.  He’d lived such a sheltered life up until this point and knew it.  He knew the name of House Mirach was one of the more prominent noble houses, but that was all he could remember.  He’d only barely remembered the name of the king’s own house.  He’d been so separated from the ordinary events of the world, having spent his whole life as a warrior, raised as part of Lady Andraste’s knights and so often on the move.  There was so much that he had missed.

Lystra’s eyes hadn’t left Venn since he’d approached.  You carry yourself with the grace of an experienced fighter, rather shocking for your age.

Venn merely nodded to acknowledge the compliment.

Lystra’s mouth quirked.  Care to join us? She asked both of them.

Thank you, Aurelian replied, speaking for both, though with a glance at Venn for approval.

After retrieving their food, they returned to the table.

Venn found himself sitting next to Lystra and directly across from Neith.  He’d expected Neith to completely monopolize his attention, but she was quickly distracted by Calix, in spite of how little he spoke to her in return.  She absorbed Aurelian into her conversation quickly as well.

The others were quite engaged in their own conversation, leaving only Venn and Lystra silent.

Lystra saw the opportunity and took it.  You seem unusual for one of the knights.

Venn faced her, the question on his face, though it didn’t reach his lips.

You’re from one of the northern provinces by your face, aren’t you? She asked.  Those are rather remote.  I’m surprised you ended up here as a knight.  It was clear she wanted at least a brief account of his life, though wasn’t willing to ask so directly.

My father was one of Lady Andraste’s knights himself.  I was raised among them.  He didn’t think he wanted to oblige her completely, but he didn’t have anything to hide when it came to why he was here.

Your father?  May I ask his name? 

Galen Jathil was my father.  Venn’s eyes lowered, betraying the emotions rising in him over mentioning his father in the past tense.

Was?  Lystra had noticed as much.

I was asked to return here upon the death of my father, Venn admitted, low enough that the rest of the table was unable to hear him.  It wasn’t a secret, but he didn’t wish to discuss it with everyone.  He assumed the news would get around on its own.

Lystra looked down at her food instead of at Venn.  I didn’t mean to overstep.

Venn shook his head.  Don’t be concerned with that.

Their conversation was interrupted before it could continue.

Aurelian tells me you’re here to watch over the heirs living here, Calix said.  Does that mean you’re an instructor or a bodyguard?  His amber eyes were fixed on Venn, filled with nearly as much careful evaluation as Lystra had leveled at him.

I haven’t been informed of all my duties yet, Venn replied honestly.  I arrived today and haven’t spoken with Lady Andraste yet.

I see.  Calix was clearly disappointed by the answer, but could tell Venn truly had nothing more to say, so he didn’t press further.

How long have you been part of Lady Andraste’s nights? Neith asked.

I was raised by them, Venn said, not looking up from his plate this time.

Oh, truly? She asked.  That must have been a fascinating way to grow up!

Venn managed a bit of a smile as he looked up at her.  Her voice was so full of joy that it practically rang like tiny bells in his ears.  He wondered how she held all that joy inside of her, much less replenished it, when it escaped so fully through every word from her lips.  

Venn shrugged, though not intending to be dismissive of her question.  I suppose.  It’s the only life I’ve known.

Neith was about to ask another question when she was suddenly distracted.  She looked up, outside the window.  Calix! She exclaimed.  It’s nearly evening!  Come watch the sunset with me! 

Calix pressed his lips together in a straight line, but didn’t object.

He and Neith left together, quite the contradictory pair Venn couldn’t help thinking.

I should go, Venn said, standing as well.  The journey to the castle had been a long one and he was exhausted.  He was headed straight back up to his room for some sleep.

Farewell, then, Aurelian said.

Lystra gave him a nod.

He left, wondering what exactly this new life was going to entail for him.

As he walked away, he could see out of the corner of his eye that Lystra left the table almost immediately after him, leaving Aurelian alone.  He couldn’t help wondering what was between them.

Chapter 2

He woke in the middle of the night from that same dream.  He hadn’t really expected it to fade after only a month, but he rather wished it had.  His father’s dying face wasn’t a sight he wanted to keep reliving, even if despite all the pain he’d died with a smile.

Venn sat up straight.  He couldn’t sleep again for a while yet; there wasn’t a point in even trying.  He felt too restless.  Instead, he rose, intending to sit in a secluded area of the courtyard until he felt the need to sleep again.

Everything was quiet.  The whole castle seemed asleep as he walked through the halls.  He knew there were always guards, but they weren’t going to make a racket at their posts.

The courtyard was lit up with moonlight and just as beautiful and peaceful as he expected it to be.  But he had not expect to see a young woman with pale hair was asleep on one of the benches.  She looked restless, as if she was having a nightmare herself.  She was mumbling to herself.  

And he listened as he came closer.

No.  Don’t!  H-help.  Father!

He approached her slowly, not wanting to frighten her.  On closer inspection, he realized it was Lystra.  He bent over her to wake her gently, looking to make sure she wasn’t carrying a weapon.  He didn’t know what sort of girl she was and didn’t want to be impaled for waking her from a nightmare.

Just as he reached down to touch her, she opened her mouth as if to scream, but he covered it quickly.  Her eyes flew open and she pushed him away, sitting up quickly and breathing hard.

He stood back.  He had intended to keep his expression impassive, but the words spoken by the dreaming girl forced concern to appear on his face.

It took Lystra a moment to realize what had happened, but the moment she did, even in the moonlight, he could see that she flushed pink with embarrassment.  But her expression darkened as she read his.  What is it?

He frowned, not knowing what to say.

I was talking in my sleep, wasn’t I? she asked, shaking her head in frustration at herself.

Venn nodded.  Is that nightmare something I need to worry about?  He was really asking if he needed to protect her.

Lystra took a deep breath before answering.  No.  A bad dream.  That was all.

Hmm.  Venn sat down on the ground at the edge of the courtyard, near the flowers though trying not to crush them.  He didn’t want to press her for information if she didn’t want to talk, but he still wanted to stay in the courtyard.  He’d come out here for his own reasons and wasn’t going to leave simply because it was occupied.

You couldn’t sleep? She asked.

Venn shook his head.  I dream too.

Bad ones?

Sometimes.  He could tell that she wanted to say something, but he didn’t know if she wanted to say it to him.  He decided to give her the space to choose.

Lystra sighed,  feeling that she must explain herself after what he’d seen.  My brother and I …. There was … an accident, a few years ago.  I still dream about it sometimes.  It has long since passed, but the memory of it still plagues me now and then.

I have dreamt of my father’s death every night since it happened, Venn admitted, though he hadn’t intended to.  He guessed that her appearance of vulnerability must have tricked him into revealing his own.  If he was honest with himself, the admission had a pleasant feeling, as if he needed to say the words aloud.

Seems we have something in common, Lystra said, trying to make their talk more cheerful.

Seems we do, Venn nodded.  He laid down carefully among the flowers, knowing if the gardener caught him, he’d be in serious trouble; thankfully, it was hours before anyone else would likely be awake, even groundskeepers.  The smell was calming and the petals soft on his face.

You don’t want to sit on one of the benches?  It was clear she was making an effort to get her mind off her dream and the awkwardness she felt upon its discovery by stranger.  Besides, she didn’t want to be rude to him.

The dirt in the early morning is cool and soft, was all that Venn replied.

Lystra couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped her lips.  She was simultaneously perplexed and interested by his answer.  

I am sure it is.

I’m used to sleeping on the ground anyway, Venn added, sensing her unspoken question.  Always traveling makes that a necessity. 

 It was easy to talk about his old way of life if he didn’t have to mention why it had been brought to such a sudden end.  The emotional wounds were still quite fresh after all.  As much as he kept those feelings from the view of others, that didn’t mean he didn’t still have them.

Did you prefer to be always on the move? Lystra asked.

Prefer … Venn contemplated.  To answer that question, I would need something to compare it to.  He shook his head.  I have been on the move since I was a child.  It’s some time since I’ve been at the castle for any extended period.

From what I remember of your father, he was one of Lady Andraste’s most powerful knights.  It’s no wonder that he was always being given missions.  And you were allowed to follow your father wherever he went?  Your mother didn’t object to that?

Didn’t have one to make objections.  She died before I could really remember her.

Lystra bit her lip.  I meant no offense.  I apologize for bringing it up.

Venn sat up again and looked her in the eye.  It happened a long time ago.  Your question doesn’t make it worse or cause me pain.

You are rather unusual, Lystra said without thinking.

I know, Venn’s lips pressed into a line.  I’ve been told so before.

You … you remind me of my brother.

His eyes widened at this, one of the few signs of emotion he’d given during the conversation.  Why?

She faltered at his question, suddenly flustered.  I think your personality is much like his was.

"Was?" 

He … I would prefer to speak of this another time, she