A Slave's Quest: The Chronicles of Exmoor - Book 1

A SLAVE’S QUEST

S. L. Kliever

A Slave’s Quest

Copyright © 2011 S. L. Kliever

All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

EPUB Version

ISBN: 978-1-77069-381-4

Word Alive Press

131 Cordite Road, Winnipeg, MB R3W 1S1

www.wordalivepress.ca

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

Kliever, S. L., 1986–

A slave’s quest / S.L. Kliever.

ISBN 978–1–77069–178–0

I. Title.

PS8621.L53S53 2010 jC813’.6 C2010–907462–9

Dedicated to my Mom and Dad

who gave me a love for stories

and for the Word of God.

contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

one

Many kingdoms of the medieval ages were destroyed, leaving no trace of their existence, except for maybe their names—and in some cases, not even that. But what if a few stories were preserved down through the ages and left for us to learn from? Such is this story.

In the days of England when Robin Hood roamed Sherwood Forest, there was an island country off the coast called Exmoor. The people had come from the English mainland generations before from another place called Exmoor, a valley. Though the island no longer exists, its legend is still with us. And many stories were preserved.

In the capital city of Exmoor, the castle stood in the centre, its high walls, towers, and courtyard round about. The entire city surrounded the castle and a wide, thick wall encompassed all living in the city, except for on the ocean side; there, ships could come and go from the port. Out in the ocean to the west, there were three small islands, called the Three Islands of Exmoor. To the north, east, and south of Exmoor City were castle forts. In these forts lived the most valiant knights in the kingdom. Their job was to protect the country from enemy attacks, something the east and north forts failed to do, but no one was aware of that in the capital. It appeared to be a normal day. The merchants in the city were trading goods while the peasants swarmed the streets, going about their daily routines.

In the harbor, though, a great foreign galley ship had pulled in. It was long and narrow with oars and sails, making it able to move very swiftly, the oars being worked by slaves. Most Roman ships looked thus, but this was no Roman ship. No one knew from where it came. Many banners and flags fluttered in the breeze, making it appear to be some royal vessel. The main flag displayed a striking red dragon with a black background.

Exmoor guard ships instantly surrounded the foreign ship, ready to defend their country if it should be a threat. Presently, a small rowboat bearing an Exmoor Captain pulled up to the dock. The guards on the dock, snapped to attention as he stepped up before them.

You, soldier, he said, pointing to one of them. Get me a horse this minute. I have a message to deliver to His Highness, King Alphaeus, long may he reign. It be from the foreign ship. Quickly now! He held a scroll in his left hand, marked with the seal of the dragon.

Aye sir. The soldier saluted, then dashed off to fetch the captain a horse from the coastguard house.

***

When the captain arrived at the castle, King Alphaeus and Queen Claudia sat in the throne room discussing a matter of utmost importance with Lord Obed, the king’s most trusted counselor apart from Father Abner, the church minister, who was not present. They were interrupted when the door flew open and the captain came in, escorted by the doorkeeper.

What is the meaning of this? Lord Obed demanded, rising from his chair. He wore a long blue silk tunic with a thick leather belt, his sword at his side, long black hose, tall black boots, and a red cape. His appearance was striking.

The king held up his hand to silence him, assuring him it was all right. The two intruders bowed and the doorkeeper spoke, Your Majesties, Captain Job.

Ah, yes, Captain, the king smiled. What brings ye here? Perhaps a storm has blown thee into the castle? The king was far friendlier than some of his subjects, winning him favor among those of lower class. His long purple tunic was silk, and the chains about his waist and neck were gold. His tall black boots rose past his knees, covering the black hose. His cape was velvet black and his crown a gold band about his head with small jewels. His queen beside him was also dressed finely, with a purple dress that went to the floor, covering her feet. A wide shawl of lace sat on her shoulders and a small tiara rested on her golden head.

The captain only smiled at the king’s joke, Nay, sire. I have an urgent message from a galley ship that just sailed into the harbor. They requested this message be brought to your highness at once.

A galley ship. The King spat out the words. He was a kind and just man, and disliked the mistreatment of slaves. What is the message?

Captain Job handed the scroll to Lord Obed, who broke the dragon seal and opened it. ‘To His Excellency, King of Exmoor and his Queen. We hereby request an audience and feast with thee to propose a trading agreement between our two countries. We bring thee the finest wine and wheat from our country and king to thee. And as ordered, we will provide the food for the feast. Your humble servant, Ambassador Lord Gazer.’

Humble, indeed, Queen Claudia remarked, stiffening in her chair, a frown upon her pretty face. I dislike it very much. They speak as if we are at their disposal.

Milady the Queen, they be from a different country with different customs and ways, Captain Job spoke with respect.

I think not. It was meant as an offence.

They be Roman then. A galley ship you did say? the king questioned.

A galley ship, yes, yet not Roman. The Captain shook his head. I do not know what country they come from.

The king rubbed his chin with his hand. A ring gleamed in the light of the sun that shone through the windows at the top of the arched ceiling. Lord Obed, you know of foreign countries and the like. What say ye?

It is not for me to speak. I’m sure, sire, thou wilt make a wise decision, Lord Obed said, bowing gracefully.

Perhaps we should treat them like guests and hold a feast to learn more of them. After all, we do not have to agree to the trading agreement if we like them not.

Well spoken, sire. Lord Obed was pleased. If they meant harm, they would have attacked the city.

The king nodded. True.

But I will have no wine at the feast or at any other time. We have good water and we shall not tempt anyone to become drunk. There is a proverb that says, ‘It is not for kings to drink wine nor for princes strong drink.’1 Wine should be used for healing purposes only. Different customs or no, the queen said firmly.

We all agree with thee, Claudia. Have no fear, no wine will be served, the king assured her, patting her hand.

Your Highness, permit me to arrange the feast to lighten your load, Lord Obed offered.

Ye are too kind, Lord Obed, but yes, I will give thee full charge, the king answered.

Thank ye, milord. If ye will kindly excuse me… Lord Obed bowed and left the room.

The king turned back to the captain. Ye may return to the galley ship with this message. There shall be a feast tonight in the great hall of Exmoor Castle, held in their honor. And tell them we expect a full account of who and what they are, as well as… Well we wish to know everything about them, seeing how they have imposed themselves upon us in this manner.

Aye sir. Captain Job bowed and left the throne room.

***

That evening, the castle hall was decorated in full array, with a long table on either side and one long table at the head of the room. Piled high on the tables were the best fruits, cakes, breads, and meats of the land. A long, red carpet ran down the centre and a large flag hung on the wall with the Exmoor seal—a gold cross on red. Servants and trumpeters stood waiting for the guests and royal party to arrive. However, the guests were still on their way, and the royal family was not in order yet. Prince Marcus and Princess Tabitha were no where to be found. The servants were searching madly for them, not knowing they were out in the royal gardens.

Prince Marcus, heir to the throne, and his young playmate, Robin, son of Sir Robert, were hiding up a tree, having no knowledge of the servants looking for them. Sir Robert, a knight to the king and queen, lived at his castle in the south, but often came to Exmoor on visit. Presently he was up at the North Fort, finding out for the king why there had been no word from there for some time. He was expected back shortly, and then would take leave back to his home in the south, with his son.

The two lads had little time together, and spent every moment they did have playing. Princess Tabitha wanted very much to be in on the fun, but was not always invited. For one thing, she was supposed to be a `lady’, but that was almost impossible with her. She was known to sneak out of her room and go off to find the lads. Which is exactly what she was doing and why the lads were up a tree.

Marcus and Robin crouched in the tree, both dressed in green silky tunics, brown hose and tall boots. Robin’s hair was dark brown, while the prince’s was gold and fair like his mother’s. They watched silently as Tabitha approached their tree.

Her golden hair glittered in the sun, as did her long green silk dress. She wore an apron from the kitchen, where she had fetched some warm biscuits to lure the lads from hiding.

Marcus, where are ye? I brought thee some biscuits.

Biscuits! Robin whispered loudly. His mouth was already watering.

Sh, Marcus warned. It’s a trap. Being ten years old, the lads loved food, but the prince was willing to resist his sister’s tempting.

I see thee up there! Tabitha triumphed. Ye can’t hide from me.

I say, Tabitha, are ye not supposed to be in thy chambers taking a bath? Ye know of the feast tonight, Marcus scolded her as he climbed down, Robin close behind.

Tabitha smiled back and said sweetly, I say, are ye not supposed to be in thy chambers taking a bath to get ready for the feast tonight?

Marcus groaned. Tabitha, must ye always follow us out here?

T’isn’t fun playing by myself. I want to play with Robin and thee, she complained, her pretty brows deeply furrowed.

I say, let her play, Robin piped up. He always stood up for her—being she wasn’t his own pesky sister, it was easier. Of course he didn’t have a sister, only a cousin they had taken in after Sir Robert’s brother died. He also wished to have one of those biscuits, and knew he’d only get one if he were nice.

Alright, Marcus gave in. She can play, but please don’t make us play house.

Don’t be silly, Tabitha smiled. I want to play hide and seek.

We’ll only play if you give us a biscuit, Robin informed her. She opened her small hands and gave them each one.

Who will be ‘it’ first? Marcus asked, taking a bite.

It cannot be Tabitha. She always finds us.

Then I’ll be it, Marcus offered. But ye only get till I count one hundred. With that, he turned his back and began counting. Robin took Tabitha’s hand and led her to the ivy vines that hung on the garden walls.

Robin moved the ivy aside and let Tabitha in first. We’ll hide here. He’ll never find us, he whispered as they crouched down behind their covering. No sooner had they hid, than a manservant interrupted Marcus’ counting. He was dressed in a long, white robe, gray cape and soft leather shoes.

There ye are, Prince Marcus. Your father, the king, will be very displeased to know ye have been hiding again. The feast is about to start, and the king and queen are waiting. If we could only find your sister; goodness knows where she’s run off to again. The manservant took the prince’s arm and led him away.

I am truly sorry. I did not know thee was looking for me. Marcus might have told the man his sister was with him, but the servant gave him no more time to speak.

That is quite enough dilly–dallying around, lad. Come along now, ye must change your clothes for the feast. The servant led him out of the gardens.

Uh, oh, Tabitha sighed.

Ye had better go, Robin advised.

Aye. My lady had my gown laid out for me. If I can slip back into my room without them seeing, I can put it on, Tabitha said as Robin helped her to her feet and moved the ivy aside.

Fare thee well till next time, Robin called after her as she slowly walked away.

***

On board the galley ship, a party of lords and one lady were preparing to step ashore and proceed up to the castle. All were dressed in fine black silk. The lords wore long capes, chain mail shirts with surcoats over top, hose and tall boots. The lady, on the other hand, was dressed in a long, black gown that fell to her feet, with a silver chain about her waist and a silver band in her hair, which held a veil covering her face. The lord who walked with her stood out from all the others. His surcoat had the blood red dragon, and his hair was longer and his sword was of gold, unlike the silver of the others.

When they stepped ashore, the lady climbed into a litter with the first lord, and six strong slaves carried them through the streets. In front and behind the litter, the other lords and a handful of soldiers walked to guard them. Their soldiers were dressed in black armor, with round shields called bucklers. The procession made its way toward the castle.

Along the way, the people stared at the glorious but dark, evil–eyed men. Every turn the procession made, people and peasants watched from the windows of the tall, narrow, half–timber, half–stone, houses. Some of the houses were built side by side, while others had narrow alleyways between. The shops and trading stores and inns were built the same way. Often times the people lived above their little shops. The signs above the shops had no words, but pictures, for it was an age where most could not read or write, for that was a privilege of the rich and royal or the ministers of the church.

The procession made its way down the cobblestone streets till at last they came to the castle courtyard gate. They were given entrance and marched right up to the large castle doors. There the lady and lord got out of their litter and were escorted inside by their other lords, the soldiers remaining outside. The party was brought into a sitting room to wait before they would be brought to the great hall. While they waited there with the doors shut, Lord Obed came to speak with them.

He gave a bow as he entered. Your soon–to–be majesties. His face became dark and cold with evil.

If ye value your head, you will call us your king and queen. For even at this very moment, Exmoor is in our hands, the lord spoke with a mocking smile.

Lord Obed straightened and his face grew darker. Nearly in your hands, Lord Gazer. It will not be unless ye find a way to poison the royal family.

What is this? the lady hissed from behind her black veil.

My lady Hagar, the queen herself ordered no wine to be served and the king agreed with her, Lord Obed informed them.

Then find some other way, or we’ll have your head, Hagar hissed again. Her voice was like a snake’s. She was cold and evil through and through.

You speak of my head so lightly, yet thee would not be here at this moment if I had not provided a way. He turned to leave, then looked back. I will do as ye wish, milady.

Lord Gazer raised his hand. I did not give ye leave. Lord Obed halted and stood before his master. Thou will poison their food, personally. Our men will take care of the rest.

Aye, milord, Lord Obed said, bowing once, then leaving the room.

At that very moment, fifty more galley ships moved toward the harbor, but did not enter. They anchored and waited. Most thought they were waiting to escort their lead ship away.

***

North of the city, coming down the rough dirt road, was Sir Robert, riding his steed at full gallop. He was returning from the North Fort as expected, but not with good tidings. The enemy in the galley ships had taken both the North and East Forts. His worst fears came true when he reached the north gate of Exmoor City and saw the ships just out of the harbor. He saw no battle was raging and thought he may be just in time to warn the King, and so he spurred his big horse on. Riding through the cobblestone streets and observing the castle from a distance, he knew some of the enemy had entered and perhaps were communing with the King. In light of what was happening, he headed straight for the church.

He entered the church courtyard through the roofed gateway. Father Abner! he cried.

A slender man appeared, dressed in a long, brown cloak with a hood and a gray cape. His head was not shaven; instead he had a thick head of black hair. Sir Robert! What brings my good fellow here?

The Royal Family is in danger. Both the East and North Forts have been taken. I need your help to reach the King to warn him in time. He once instructed me, if ever a time such as this should arise, I was to come to you, the knight said breathlessly as he dismounted.

Father Abner nodded. Come quickly. He led Sir Robert around to the back of the church. Brother Samuel! Take Sir Robert’s horse, He called to a younger monk dressed in brown robe. Brother Samuel took the horse, and Father Abner led the knight away into the very back of the church behind the sanctuary. They entered a small, sparsely furnished room. Father Abner went to the wall, reached his finger in a knothole, and a panel opened. He quickly lit two candles, handing one to Sir Robert, before heading into the darkness of a hidden staircase. The secret tunnel was made of stone, both walls and ceiling. There was a staircase leading up, but they went down, till they came to the long tunnel. It took some time to make their way through, but the old man knew his surroundings well. Finally they came to another staircase. This led up to a landing, where the staircase became two, one going right, the other left, and there was a heavy stone door straight ahead. There they halted.

Follow that passageway up two flights, then go along the wall till you come to a big door. Father Abner pointed to the right. That would be the great hall. I will go find your son.

Thank you, Father, Sir Robert said, then hurried up the staircase.

Father Abner went through the heavy stone door, which led into a tower room. He made his way through another door, coming out into the castle gardens. Earlier in the day he had come to the castle on business and had seen the Prince and his young friend playing in the trees. He thought, perchance, he might find them there. As he walked down the path, he nearly bumped into young Robin.

Oh there ye be, lad, Father Abner said, surprised. He noticed the sky already growing dark, and he glanced up at the castle, then turned back to the lad.

I didn’t expect to meet thee here. Robin was just as surprised.

You must come with me, the old man said. The Kingdom is under attack, I fear, and thee and the prince must come with me for safety. But where is Prince Marcus? I thought surely he would be with ye. To be sure he was, but not a few minutes ago a servant came for him. Princess Tabitha just left after they had gone, Robin