Clemnos

By E.M. Sinclair

It is a world of shattered continents of mostly uninhabited islands,
strewn across wild seas. One larger island, Clemnos, has regained a
higher lever of civilization once more, but civil war threatens to
erupt, led by a man who wants all women banished from public life and
public view. Princess Mazzen, of the Ruling House of Ostersay. must
fight for equality for all the people of Clemnos.

Dragons, long dismissed as children's fanciful tales, return to offer
Mazzen their help in her struggle to bring the islanders back to a
peaceful co-existence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.M. Sinclair
• Release date: Nov 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215887325

E.M. Sinclair

From as far back as I can remember, I have always had a feeling that Dragons are real. When you look at a wide sky there is a glimpse from the corner of your eye which must surely be a Dragon whisking past. I always regarded the stories of monstrous fierce Dragons as being completely wrong and I detested stories of St George and his dragon killing tendencies.When I was still a small child my grandfather gave me a copy of Kenneth Grahame's The Reluctant Dragon. It made complete sense to me - a Dragon living in a secluded cave, wanting only peace and quiet to write poetry.

Book preview

Chapter One

The young woman stalked through the corridors, boot heels clicking a regular rhythm on the stone. A large grey dog paced beside her, still muttering a low growl. High Palace guards stood at rigid attention at intervals. Two guards in different uniforms but which matched the woman's clothes, followed close behind her. Palace staff froze as they saw the woman approach, trying to melt into the stone walls to avoid any attention.

Truth be told, the woman was so angry she was oblivious to her surroundings right now. She turned left automatically into another passageway and thence to a flight of stairs. Not slowing her pace, she took them two at a time. Another flight of stairs led to a short landing. The woman opened the only door and entered, the two guards still at her heels. The door closed behind them and the Princess Mazzen let out a long breath, walking across to the window to stare out at still snow covered mountains. After several moments she turned back to the room, scowling at her two guards. 'Sit down for stars sake.'

Silently, they sat on one of several couches. Mazzen dropped onto another. 'Start packing the wagons at once. I want my household out of here as early as possible tomorrow.'

The male guard, Pentar, nodded and rose at once.

'Pentar, no one is to go anywhere outside our quarters alone,' Mazzen added quickly. 'I trust no one here.'

The female guard tilted her head. 'Shall I make us some tea, Mazzen?'

Mazzen smiled. 'If you like, Tallis. Well. That was an interesting meeting, don't you think?'

Tallis snorted as she went into a tiny alcove where a small stove permitted the cooking of minor items. 'At least they were finally honest,' she replied, setting a kettle of water to heat.

The large dog now lying along the entry to the apartment gave a low rumbling growl as though in agreement. 'I'm mostly angry at the humiliation,' Mazzen admitted.

'Vallan's advisors and lords enjoyed the display. To be honest, I'll be so glad to leave here, go home, and not have to face any of this disgusting court ever again. But I'm angry too. Imagine how my father would feel to hear Vallan's words to me.'

'If your dear father still lived, Vallan would never dare to speak such words,' Tallis retorted. 'And he would still be far away.' She brought two bowls back to the main room, offering one to Mazzen.

They sat in silence until Pentar reappeared with two other uniformed men. The two nodded at Mazzen and let themselves out of the main door. 'You think door guards are necessary?' Mazzen raised a brow at Pentar.

'In our opinion, yes, they are necessary now. Vallan is terrified of you Mazzen. He's all bluster when he has his court around him but we think he'd rather you were dead than simply banished back to the Western Stronghold. He's too afraid to have you killed here. We must be very watchful when we travel.'

Silence fell again, broken by the Princess. 'Do you think anyone has noticed how much I've been sending back to the west since my father died?'

Pentar sat beside his sister. 'Perhaps, the last days, yes, but you sent most of the important documents as soon as your father died did you not?'

'Yes I did. The last few things I sent were of little value - books mostly.'

Pentar grunted. 'And when the boxes came back, they were empty?'

'Of course,' Mazzen agreed.

'Several of Vallan's men asked me what was in those boxes. I told them you kept remembering things you'd left behind and were now demanding they be brought here.'

Mazzen gave him a glare of indignation. 'I do not demand,' she protested.

Tallis laughed. 'It's a good thing Vallan's men were too stupid to ever think of looking into any of the boxes.'

Mazzen was studying Pentar's face. 'Do you really think there could be trouble on our way home?'

'Yes.' Pentar and Tallis spoke in unison. 'Don't you see, Mazzen? Vallan's council will suggest you could be a focus for any who are dissatisfied and unwise enough to speak in public, suggesting you were the rightful heir to the throne, rather than the usurper Vallan.'

Slowly Mazzen nodded. 'He may call himself king but he will never rule,' she said. 'His so called council control his every word and thought.'

'Thought?' Tallis was scathing. 'I'm not sure there are many original thoughts in that idiot boy's head.'

'Why didn't one of you tell me you had switched so many of the domestic staff of my household?' Mazzen spoke quietly.

After a moment, Pentar spread his hands in a half apologetic gesture. 'We knew how worried and angry you were. It seemed the best thing to do though. Warriors are more useful to have with us now than so many house staff.'

'I agree, but you might have told me. I did actually notice the changes a while ago. Will everything be ready for us to leave tomorrow? Early?'

'First light. There is little left to pack, personal belongings of the few domestic staff here,' Pentar replied.

Mazzen nodded approval. 'What I have still here will fit in my saddle bags.'

'Just before first light, I'd like us on our way,' Pentar amended. 'That means it will be light enough by the time we reach Dead Men's Slide. I rode out there two days past, and it's still treacherous with ice in many places but that will be the worst section we must travel. After that, the roads are good, except for possible ambushes along the way of course.' He grinned. 'I've got men scattered along our route though. Hopefully they'll warn us of any surprises.' Pentar got to his feet. 'The door guards will be changed later and I'll have your meal brought up here.'

'I'm not hungry, Pentar. A sandwich will be sufficient.'

He nodded. 'Get some sleep, Mazzen I want to put as much distance as possible between us and Vallan's court as we can on the first day's travel.'

When he'd gone, followed by the great dog, Tallis waited for any instructions from the Princess. 'Go and eat, Tallis. Once Fen is back, I'll go to bed.'

The sky was already darkening beyond the windows and Mazzen smiled. 'Only a few days travel, and then we'll be home.' Her words held deep satisfaction and relief.

Tallis grinned. 'Thank the stars,' she agreed fervently. She disappeared, hurrying down the inner stairs which led to official reception rooms then on to the staff quarters and their own kitchens.

Mazzen's gaze was drawn to the windows. The detested mountains with their snow covered sides were nearly invisible now. Eight days perhaps, on the road, if they made good time. Then it would be the ocean she could watch from her window.

When the dog, Fen, finally settled across the foot of her bed with a groan, Mazzen slept briefly. She woke to find the single candle on the shelf was guttering but she didn't replace it. She lay thinking until she heard movement in the sitting room. As Fen merely stretched, Mazzen knew it was either Pentar or Tallis and she rose, dressing quickly. She picked up her thick cloak and her saddlebags into which she'd crammed her final things, and left the room with the dog.

She found Tallis checking the sitting room for anything that might have slipped under cushions or couches, two small lamps the only illuminating.

'It snowed again but only for a short while.' Tallis straightened. 'You'll need that cloak for sure. It's freezing cold.'

Mazzen couldn't help but smile. 'I don't care about the weather, Tallis. We're going home.'

Tallis laughed and opened the outer door. The two men on guard came inside, bolting and locking the door after them. Tallis took the key, waving it at Mazzen. 'Let's not make it easy for any of Vallan's people to get in.'

The four of them trooped down the winding stairs to the ground floor and entered the kitchens. All was bare where it had been heat and steam and bustle. Pentar came through a door from the courtyard and nodded at them. 'Breakfast while we ride,' he said, holding the door open.

Outside, the cold air took Mazzen's breath for a moment. She swung into the saddle of her own horse and patted the mare's neck. 'We're going home, Lenta,' she murmured. Ears flicked back and forth, and several horses stamped, eager to be moving through this coldness.

There were High Palace guards in more than usual numbers, watching them even at this early hour, but no walls or gates surrounded this Palace. The mountains were considered protection enough. The small group of two wagons and thirty riders moved slowly across a wide flat space before beginning to descend the narrow lanes which threaded through the town below the Palace. Mazzen looked ahead rather than back as she rode behind three of her men.

Pentar rode beside her on one side, Tallis on the other. Mazzen glanced at the sky, at the scatter of icy, glittering stars, and buried her chin in the fur of her cloak. As Pentar had hoped, they reached Dead Men's Slide as the first rays of sunlight poked over the eastern peaks. Privately, Mazzen had always wondered if closing the eyes was preferable to actually seeing the horrendous trackway ahead. Half the riders dismounted to lead the wagons and keep all the horses as calm as possible. But as usual, Mazzen kept her eyes fixed on the path, slick with ice, that Lenta carefully trod behind the leading men.

It took most of the morning for them all to negotiate the long twisting route and move to more reliable, less precipitous footing but Pentar urged them on without pause. No one grumbled. All of Mazzen's company were as eager as she to get away from the High Palace. Tallis moved up beside the Princess as they entered a wider path between sheer rock walls. 'I always think my heart will beat right out of my chest travelling that section,' she muttered.

Mazzen chuckled. 'Me too,' she admitted.

Pentar called a halt mid afternoon when the company had passed outside three towns and several villages. The snow was long since gone from these lower regions and Pentar paused by a river to let riders water the horses and for everyone to stretch their legs. Abida, Mazzen's cook, had insisted on accompanying the Princess when she'd moved from the Western Stronghold to be with her beloved but ailing father in the High Palace. Now she emerged from one of the wagons, distributing cold meat and pies, fruit and cake. Abida called to Pentar, asking if he allowed time for making a fire and hot drinks but he shook his head 'Not yet,' he told her. 'When we stop for the night.'

The landscape was hilly but easy to travel through, although Pentar kept them well away from even small farms. Mazzen had seen several of her Warriors appear at intervals and Pentar had ridden forward to take their reports. It was nearly dark by the time Pentar stopped for the night, close to the foot of a hill. He sent some men to guard the perimeter of their small camp and others to care for the horses, tethered by the wagons.

Abida descended from the second wagon with six female staff. A small fire was quickly made and a hot meal was soon ready from pots Abida had already prepared before leaving the High Palace. They gathered round the fire although the air temperature was almost warm after the icy cold of the mountains. Mazzen noted three of Abida's girls were in fact Warriors from the Western Holding and silently approved Pentar's caution for their safety.

People were tired after the long day and soon men began to settle in bed rolls around the wagons. Abida was commanded to make her bed in the first wagon which was Mazzen's own. She protested but the Princess pointed out they wanted good food on this journey so she would prefer her cook had proper rest. Abida's six women climbed back into the other wagon as Tallis led Abida to the one she would share with her and the Princess.

Pentar moved closer to Mazzen who raised a brow, waiting for any news. He nodded. 'There were men waiting in the wooded part of the road when we went past the village of Cray. They are dead. They had no men watching for our scouts. Utter fools. The scouts reported another group, I'm not clear quite where, but they met the same fate.'

He returned Mazzen's grin. 'Get some rest Mazzen. I plan to push as hard again tomorrow and probably the next day. Then it will be a little easier. I won't be happy until we cross our own borders again.'

Mazzen rose and stretched, trying to work the kinks out of her back, and walked across to her wagon. Tallis was awake, waiting for her. Abida was snoring already, a soft snuffling snore. When Mazzen had settled quietly onto the bed beside Tallis, she whispered Pentar's report. She felt Tallis nod. 'He told me some of that,' she whispered back. 'He said all of us, must be very watchful for the next few days.'

'Every day takes us further from the High Palace and nearer home though,' Mazzen murmured back, and Tallis heard the smile in Mazzen's voice.

'Sleep, Mazzen,' she replied softly.

Mazzen lay on her side, watching a slice of dark sky framed at one end of the wagon. The stars were no longer cold points of icy steel but twinkling gold gems.

The next two days seemed to Mazzen, Abida and her girls very similar to the first day, although not quite so long. Pentar was still worried as Mazzen clearly recognised but she herself couldn't be too concerned. They were going home and that is all she could think of. The great dog, Fen, stayed close to Mazzen's horse as they travelled and lay across the wagon entrance each night.

By the fourth morning of their journey, Princess Mazzen felt lighter of heart than she had for the last three years but Abida was exhausted. Several scouts had been brought back wounded, although none, so far, had died. On the fifth day, the hills in the distance formed a familiar outline and Mazzen knew that tonight, stars willing, they would sleep within the borders of the Province of Ostersay: home. But today, the last day within Rosselan Province, she knew they must be prepared for an attack by Vallan's men.

She snorted at that thought. Vallan's men? They obeyed the real rulers, the men who paid them so well to do their bidding, men who manipulated Vallan's gullibility so easily. Tallis gave her a curious glance. 'They'll try sometime today,' Mazzen spoke quietly.

Tallis nodded. 'Pentar thinks so too. Everyone's been warned and there are scouts all around us and watching our back trail.'

'How far out are the scouts?'

'Some are about a mile out I think, but most are closer.'

Mazzen nodded and casually loosened the sword she now wore in its sheath. The dog Fen looked up at her briefly then ahead again as the company continued on.

It was nearing midday, the sun high in the sky, when shouts and cries rang out behind the riders who followed the two wagons. Mazzen started to turn her horse but Pentar was riding towards her. He grabbed the reins. 'No Princess! You must go on! There are many of your Warriors waiting at the border but they cannot advance into Rosselan land. Go!'

Mazzen hesitated a heartbeat more, then, swearing, she urged Lenta forward. Tallis stayed with her and ten riders surrounded them. Fen ran a little ahead as Mazzen listened to the sudden clamour rising at her back. Still swearing, she leaned forward as Lenta stretched into a gallop. She kept her gaze forward on that line of hills. This area of land wasn't familiar to her and she estimated it was perhaps fifteen miles to the border still, maybe a little less.

The man leading their small party swerved suddenly to the right and Mazzen tightened her knees around Lenta as the mare followed his path. The noise behind them was fading as they put more distance between them and Mazzen hoped Abida was safe. The ground fell away down a slope and they splashed through a river. It was deep enough that Mazzen's legs were soaked but then the horses were scrambling up the opposite bank. She looked to the man who led them: Kosako, Pentar's second in command, just as he turned to look back at her.

He gestured briefly and she nodded. She had learned the Warriors' language of hand signs long ago as a tiny child. He told her of a group of men waiting in the trees on the path they were on before he led them this way. She signed back quickly - 'Keep going. We'll follow.'

They slowed as they moved beneath trees that were close to full leaf. The old leaves beneath them made a rustle and crunch underfoot which seemed deafeningly loud to the riders. Kosako raised a hand and they halted. Now the sound of horses' breathing hard was loud. After a few moments that felt like hours, birds sang again above and around them and the fur on Fen's neck and shoulders settled.

One rider slid from the saddle, handed his reins to another man and vanished surprisingly quietly into the trees. Mazzen was considering just how anyone could move silently over dead leaves, when he reappeared beside Kosako then remounted his horse.

Kosako came closer. 'He sees no one in our way for now, Princess. Will you follow again? Fast?'

'Of course.' Mazzen's tone was indignant. Kosako grinned and led them on.

That ride seemed endless. Branches whipped them as they rode until they were out of the woodland and racing towards a slight gap between two of the hills. There were no farms in this stretch of open land, just grass that was still green with spring growth. The horses were labouring as they rode through a great gateway and heard the boom of its gate closing at their backs. Mazzen focussed weary eyes and saw a huge silent crowd of Warriors - her Warriors. She straightened her back and managed a smile. Princess Mazzen, rightful Queen of all Clemnos, was home.

Chapter Two

Mazzen gazed over the gathered Warriors. They had been silent but they were also smiling. The crowd moved apart and Mazzen rode through the space, nodding at various familiar face of men and women, making her way to the large barracks and stables. A young girl ran forward reaching for Lenta's reins and leading the mare towards an open stall. At the entrance, Mazzen stopped the horse, sliding stiffly from the saddle. She had to lock her knees as her feet touched the ground. After a moment, when she decided her legs would still hold her up, Mazzen followed as the girl led Lenta inside. She reached to unbuckle the saddlebags then started to remove the saddle.

The girl touched her arm gently. 'I can care for her, Princess. Truly. I'll take such good care of her for you and I'll stay with her tonight. She's so brave and so beautiful. Everyone knows of Lenta and how you love her.'

Mazzen looked down into the earnest face which was now rather flushed at her own temerity and, after hugging Lenta and murmuring to her softly, she turned away. Tallis was beside her. 'I'll show you a room to clean up and rest,' she said.

'No. I must go up to the watchers' level,' Mazzen replied sharply. 'I'll wait until Pentar and the rest of our people are safe.'

In the big yard Kosako was talking to a much older man and Mazzen racked her memory for his name. The older man saluted her just as his name returned to her. She smiled. 'Commander Pakeno. I cannot tell you how glad I am to be once again on the soil of Ostersay. I would like to watch for the rest of my company if you don't mind?'

'Of course, Princess. Do you remember the way up?' Pakeno returned her smile.

'I believe I do.' Mazzen nodded.

'I have sent out scouts,' Pakeno continued.

'Into Rosselan territory?' Mazzen asked in some alarm.

Pakeno's expression was grim. 'Indeed. Kosako tells me you have been attacked several times since you left the High Palace. If the Princess Royal, the rightful Queen of these lands, can be so insulted by the usurper, then a few scouts are fair return.'

Mazzen considered then nodded. 'As you say Commander.'

He turned away and Kosako went with him. Mazzen began to climb the inner stairs up to the highest level of the building, Fen at her side. Oddly enough, tired as she'd felt when they'd arrived such a brief time ago, she now felt invigorated, and by the time they'd reached the watchers' level she felt fine again.

Tallis opened one of several doors and ushered Fen and Mazzen inside. Both women dropped their saddlebags on a couch and headed for a glass door which opened onto a long balcony. They stared out, far above the large courtyard where they'd arrived. Looking down, Mazzen saw some of the Warriors had dispersed but many were gathered round Kosako and Pakeno. Raising her gaze again beyond the great gateway, Mazzen stared out to the distant tree line, willing Pentar, her Warriors and two wagons to appear. But the land remained empty.

There was a sharp rap at the outer door and Tallis quickly went to open it. Mazzen looked at Fen whose head had turned to stare after Tallis. A moment later he dropped his head onto his massive paws with a deep sigh. Mazzen listened then turned. A woman emerged onto the balcony and held out her hands. 'Princess! It is so good to see you home again.'

'Vanni!' Mazzen smiled, taking the woman's hands in her own. 'It is indeed good to be back but we're waiting for Pentar and those who travelled with us.'

Vanni frowned. 'Kosako told us you were attacked and he led you on. I wondered if your attackers wore the uniforms of High Palace guards. That would be a serious matter indeed if it became public knowledge. I look forward to reading Kosako's report.'

Movement below caught Mazzen's eye and she looked down. A group of riders was exiting the gateway and they began to move east at a fast pace. 'Those aren't just scouts,' she remarked.

'Well, no.' Vanni's smile was too innocent. 'The Commander felt the scouts might need a little protection.'

Mazzen stared at her. 'Scouts need protection?' she repeated. 'I'm sure they do, in this situation.'

All three women smiled.

'You made excellent time getting here,' Vanni went on. 'Kosako said Pentar kept a fast pace and long days though?'

'We had two wagons as well. Abida and her staff were with us.' Tallis told her.

'And the wagons would slow you down,' Vanni agreed. 'Pentar had the best of Warriors with him.' She looked from Mazzen to Tallis. 'He will most surely prevail.' She saluted Mazzen, right hand fisted over her heart, and left them.

Tallis met Mazzen's gaze. 'Is he safe?' Mazzen asked.

Tallis tilted her head then stared out again at the empty vista. 'He is weary,' she said slowly. 'If he's hurt, it isn't serious.'

Mazzen let out a breath. At her feet, Fen grunted. There was another rap at the door and Tallis went inside again. Mazzen leaned on her elbows, searching the distance for any sign of returning Warriors. She'd spent many hours wondering about the strange link between Pentar and Tallis. Were all twin children so closely bonded, she mused.

Twins were not that common as far as she knew, anywhere in Clemnos. Mazzen wondered, often, how different her own life might have been had she not been the only survivor of her own strange birth. Her mother the Queen, already unconscious, and three children fighting to emerge from her body. By the time the healers had followed the Queen's final pleas to cut the children free from her, and the King, grief stricken, gave his consent, one child, a boy, was dead and a girl dying. Mazzen had been lifted from the ruin of her mother's body and handed, screaming, to the midwife.

Pentar and Tallis had been three years old when Mazzen was born, the children of King Nemik's lifelong friend, Senku, Commander of the King's personal Warriors. When it had become clear the surviving girl child would live, Senku placed his sword at Nemik's feet. 'Let my children grow with Mazzen, my King. Let them become her closest guards.'

Nemik had agreed, and Pentar and Tallis went to live with Mazzen inside the Western Holding when she was three and the twins five years old. They shared some of her lessons but also spent more time with their father, training as Warriors. Lost in thought, Mazzen saw something move far across the stretch of grassland. 'Tallis!' she called.

Tallis hurried to join the Princess, licking her fingers. 'Food just arrived,' she said, leaning on the wall that edged the balcony. She followed Mazzen's pointing finger.

'Is that Pentar and the others?' Mazzen asked.

'I'm not sure. I don't think so, but they're too far to be sure.'

They watched, both aware that many Ostersayan Warriors also watched at different points along the walkway which spanned the gateway blocking the gap between the two hills. The figures, made tiny by the distance, seemed to retreat back into the shelter of the trees and Mazzen sighed. 'Not Pentar,' she said.

'Come and eat, Mazzen. I don't expect Pentar can travel fast now. He could well have injured Warriors in the wagons now.' She followed Mazzen inside where hot dishes were set out on a table near a couch. As Mazzen investigated a dish of roast meat, Tallis dragged another couch across from the Princess. 'From the noise of that last attack, I would guess it was quite a large force this time.'

In spite of their worry, both of them ate a good meal and when a server came to collect the dishes, Mazzen thanked her gratefully. There was a washroom and also a room with two plain beds, blankets heaped on each, leading from the main room.

'Get a bath, Mazzen and then try and rest. I'll wake you in a while and I'll bath and rest then.'

'You swear you'll wake me?' Mazzen sounded suspicious.

Tallis laughed. 'I swear it,' she replied.

Mazzen made for the washroom and Tallis poured a last bowl of tea, taking it out to the now dark balcony. Fen settled by the washroom door. He understood his mistress was safe in this place but he also understood his role in her life: to guard and protect her, even at the cost of his own life. He came from a long line of such dogs who had guarded the Kings of Clemnos long before there were such things as kings or a united island called Clemnos.

Fen understood far more than most people could begin to imagine. He had been tempted several times, to reveal what he knew but he had sworn to his fathers he would remain silent. Mazzen slept as soon as she lay down, Fen against her feet, but she woke halfway through the night. She pulled on her clothes and went out to the balcony.

Tallis was still staring into the eastern darkness but she smiled when she turned at Mazzen's arrival. 'Pentar is alright but they do have injured so it will take time to get here,' she said before a huge yawn overtook her. She vanished inside and Mazzen settled to keep watch, Fen pressed against her leg.

Pentar was escorted back to the Eastern Gate two days later. Mazzen and Tallis had kept watch from the balcony until a single rider appeared, speeding towards them. They hurried down to the ground where Kosako met them. 'They should reach here by mid afternoon,' he told them. 'There are injured Warriors in the wagons; the messenger said seven. Three scouts died and Pentar insists their bodies are returned to Ostersay lands.'

'Abida and her girls?' Mazzen asked.

Kosako smiled. 'All are safe. Abida has been marvellous, dealing with the wounded.'

Mazzen let out a breath. She should have insisted the older woman was returned to Ostersay long ago. At last the huge gate swung slowly open and two wagons moved through, continuing on towards the garrison hospital. They were followed by a far larger number of riders. Mazzen was a little surprised that Commander Pakeno had chosen to ride out into Rosselan land but decided she was pleased he had done so.

Pentar was with the last group of Warriors and he guided his horse towards the two women. He dismounted and saluted. Mazzen looked up into his tired face and merely nodded. 'I'm glad you finally got here,' she remarked.

Pentar bit his lip and Mazzen's blue green eyes sparkled with amusement. Had the three of them been in private, she knew Pentar would have been swearing and Tallis responding in kind. Now, he took a deep breath, paused, then spoke through gritted teeth. 'We were a trifle occupied for a while, Princess. I beg your pardon for delaying your return to the Western Holding.'

Mazzen laughed. 'I apologise for teasing when you're tired, Pentar. Are any of the injured from my own guards? I'll let the healers settle them in the hospital before I visit them. I was most relieved to hear Abida is safe.'

A young girl approached to take Pentar's horse, her eyes meeting Mazzen's. 'Lento is quite well now, Princess,' she said. 'I'm staying with her still, she seems to like company'

'Thank you - I don't know your name?'

The girl ducked her head. 'I'm Neesha, Princess.'

'Well thank you, Neesha, for your care of Lenta. Tell her I will come and see her in the morning.'

A smile flashed up and then Neesha turned away, talking softly to Pentar's horse as she led him to the stables.

Pentar looked at Mazzen. ' None of the injured are our Warriors,' he said softly. 'Oh there are plenty of minor scratches and bruises among us but the Warriors who came from here had less discipline to my eye. Their injured laid themselves open to attack as none of ours would do.' After a moment he added: 'Pakeno has been a marvellous Commander, Princess, but things may have become a little - slack - here lately perhaps. And with Vallan now on the throne, you need a really good force here, and along our whole border with Rosselan.'

They stood a little longer in silence, men and women moving around them as the gate thudded closed. 'Get cleaned up, some food, and when you are rested, come up to the Watchers' Level. That's where we're staying for now.' Mazzen nodded when she finished speaking and she and Tallis headed back inside.

Entering their modest rooms, Tallis picked up a folded paper, handing it to Mazzen. 'We are invited to dine with Commander Pakeno this evening.' Mazzen sat down, staring at the paper. 'With some of his senior officers.'

Tallis sat across from the Princess. 'Pentar is right you know,' she said. 'From what I've seen, the senior officers are all old companions of Pakeno. And there is most definitely a too casual attitude here.'

Mazzen gave a slow nod, tapping the paper against her knee. 'We've been away too long,' she agreed. 'Pentar has mentioned it a couple of times, when he's travelled back to the Western Holding since we've been in the High Palace.'

Pentar had not joined them when a woman knocked on the door. She smiled at Tallis and saluted Mazzen. 'I have not met you before, Princess. I am Senior Captain Merin. I'm here to show you to the dining room.'

Mazzen rose, straightening her jacket. 'Captain Merin.' She inclined her head slightly. 'Thank you. I've only visited this garrison briefly on previous occasions. I'm sure we would get lost quite easily in here.'

With Fen beside her and Tallis at her shoulder, Mazzen followed the Captain down two flights of stairs. Captain Merin turned left and led them through a tangle of corridors until finally opening a door. They entered a large dining hall, rather sumptuously furnished, and with a large dining table adorned with high quality cutlery and tableware. Windows along one wall showed the grassland that bordered Ostersay although shadowed now as darkness approached.

Several men stood by the windows but turned as the three women entered. Commander Pakeno stepped forward. 'Princess. May I introduce my officers.'

A server in a white tunic bowed and raised a silver tray which held crystal goblets filled with golden liquid. Mazzen was not fond of wine but she took one and smiled politely, followed by Captain Merin and Tallis. The door opened behind them and Pentar arrived. 'Forgive my lateness, Princess,' he said as a server brought him wine.

'Of course,' Mazzen replied.

Commander Pakeno introduced his officers, all male, Mazzen observed, except for Captain Merin. The names passed Mazzen by but she noted they all seemed to be very well fed and relaxed in this situation. Pakeno ushered her to the head of the table and everyone else also seated themselves. Pakeno sat opposite the Princess at the further end, nodding to the severs to bring the food.

To Mazzen, this was more like an official banquet than the simple dinner she'd been expecting, but it was clear it was normal to the officers. The conversation surprised her too. There was much self congratulation as if, she thought, they had just won some sort of victory in a major battle. As the only man she recalled seeing among the returning Warriors was Pakeno himself, Mazzen found that decidedly odd.

One of the officers helped himself to yet more wine, he'd had far more than the others. Jaric, Mazzen thought was his name. She listened politely but took little part as nothing particular seemed addressed to her. Jaric made a long statement about the scum of Rosselan, the travelling herdsmen who crossed the grasslands every year, and suggested they should be slaughtered this year.

'No!' Mazzen spoke sharply. 'I will not sanction that!'

Clearly Jaric was fully prepared to argue but Pakeno's voice rose above his officer's. 'My son in law is over zealous, Princess, and feelings run high over the way you have been treated. We all know your dear father had named you his heir years ago. Vallan is not considered our king.' He smiled as if this was a perfectly sensible stance.

Fortunately perhaps, the meal was ended, as Mazzen laid aside her napkin and rose. 'I thank you for the meal, commander, but I must leave you I'm afraid. I wish to visit the injured before all at the hospital are asleep.'

Pentar and Tallis both stood, Fen already moving to the door although staring back at those still around the table. The only officer who did not stand was Jaric. Captain Merin stepped towards her. 'I'll show you the way back, Princess.' She opened the door, standing aside for Mazzen to pass her.

They walked the corridors in silence. 'I'm sorry about Officer Jaric, Princess. He drinks far too much.'

Mazzen snorted. 'Not what you really want in a senior officer.' She stopped and Merin turned back to her. 'None of those officers looked fit for active duty as their rank would expect,' Mazzen continued.

Merin met her gaze. 'The Commander has been ill of late, a slight fever, a forgetfulness. It's a very long time since he did any real fighting, Princess. Those men flatter him with their false interest and admiration of his past exploits.'

'Those men? Yes, I did notice you were the only woman officer present.'

Merin began walking then stopped. 'Most of those officers led by Jaric and Layar have said, openly, they think Vallan's view is correct. Pakeno would never take that stand. He has always had women officers until these last few years. Officer Boltak holds that opinion - that women warriors and officers are the equal of men.'

Mazzen studied the woman then nodded. In a changed tone she asked: 'Is this the right way to the hospital?'

'I'm sorry, Princess. I forgot. It's this way.'

Eventually they descended more stairs and Merin opened a door into a wide hall, clearly the place injured Warriors were first brought before they were taken to wards. By the time Pentar led the Princess and his sister back to the Watchers' Level, it was quite late and full dark. 'We leave tomorrow,' Mazzen said. 'And we must talk of replacing those in charge here.'

Tallis and Pentar nodded when the Princess stalked into the bedroom. Fen cast a glance back at them, then he followed Mazzen. Tallis glanced at his sister. 'Did you know how things are here,' she whispered.

Pentar shrugged. 'I'd had my suspicions but it's far worse than I had thought,' he replied grimly.

Chapter Three

Pentar's second, Kosako, was waiting to accompany the Princess to the stables next morning. Lenta was tied to a hook by the stall door,