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Invading Will Chapter 12 By: D. C. Henry ("Ahndeleck")

The full council meeting bored Deanna considerably. During the second recess she excused herself to speak to with Thomas. When she heard about the dragon's abrupt end to his visit to town, she gave Thomas the task of finding out what had happened. She knew that the dragon didn't deserve what the people had done to him. People would see their hero as a conspirator so quickly unless someone was behind it. She knew who it was, the assassins.

Thomas was waiting for her near the doorway out of the council chamber. He leaned against the stonework between two glass windows, his arms crossed. Deanna knew he was a nearly irritatingly upbeat man, but to see his face turned downward with concern bothered her.

"Thomas, what have you found out?"

"Deanna, not much. I've found out through the guards and questioning people we know were there, that someone worked the crowd up. They're saying that rumors about the dragon actually working with the assassins are being whispered in town. I don't think we'll be able to stop all those right now. Someone's out to get Raogothcar, but I haven't found anything that leads me to who."

"I know it's the same assassins, they're still working against us. They're good though."

"I don't like this Deanna, whoever these people are they are blending in with everyone too well. They know where we're going to look and what we're going to do."

"True. Just keep searching, take Richard with you as well. Get more of the scouts if you need to. I just want to know more as soon as we can. After the council has made their decision, we'll decide what to do from there. How's the dragon?"

"Oh Raogothcar's alright from what I've heard. While the mob was a big shock, he's not hurt and the healing circles they've got drawn all over him seem to be working really well. Alicia's been with him most of the day and taking care of him."

"Good." Deanna crossed her arms and frowned.

"They're taking a long time aren't they?"

"The council? Would you like my place?"

"I'll go see if I can find Richard." Thomas smiled and headed for the stairway, "Have fun in the meeting!"

Deanna glanced at the open council room doors. She still hated the battle of her mind against the boredom of inaction within. She knew he would heal from the wounds, but she worried what the mob had done to his confidence for humans. She knew first had how terrible people could be. It was why she joined the scouts, to stop people from injuring others. She wouldn't allow injustice to continue.

Walking back towards the council chamber, Deanna caught snatches of conversations about Torland. The last hour's worth of discussion had been Kyle's plea again, followed by more thoughts from the members of the council. More of them were in attendance now, so much of what had happened sounded like the day before.

She was surprised to find the dragon sitting next to her chair at the table. His back was covered in small blue circles around the deep cuts and scrapes. He smiled slightly when she walked into the room, she returned with only a nod to him.

She sat down beside him and laced her fingers on the table silently. The dragon would say something, she would just have to wait for him. There wasn't anything she could think of to say.

"When will they start again?"

"Soon, probably in a couple of minutes."

"Alright. I wanted to hear what they would decide. They will make a decision won't they?"

"They will, soon. I didn't think you would want to come after yesterday."

"Maybe." Deanna saw the dragon's spines droop as he sighed, "Thomas said he thought the assassins were the ones that started everything. It makes some sense I think, and this seems to be the most we can do about them right now. I don't know what else to do."

"Waiting is never easy, dragon."

"I know."

They sat in silence then, each looking over the table. King Roland walked through the door and smiled as he sat in his chair at the head of the table. Prince Alan, Eleanor, and Ambassador Landol come next sitting together in one group. The rest of the council slowly trickled into the room taking seats they had abandoned minutes before.

The council chamber was filled with polite conversation as they all waited for the rest to return. Anxiousness bit at Deanna's stomach, the anticipation of what the council would decide had been bothering her as the day went on. The decision was an important one, and it would be one that she would be given to act upon as well.

"Deanna," the dragon leaned his head close to her, "why does it take so many humans to make a decision like this?"

"I don't know."

"Do they not want to do what they think, or do they not know what they think?"

"Its both. What do you think?"

"I wrote about it in my journal today. They are the leaders of where I live. That means that I'll do what they decide. I've decided not to make a decision."

"That's very human of you dragon."

"Thank you, I think."

"Council of Freeraven," King Roland called out over the conversations, "I think we've all returned. The last matter this council needs to address is the matter of Ambassador Landol's proposal for cooperation in Torland. Are there any thoughts?"

Deanna watched the people in the chambers, she knew Prince Alan would have something to say, especially after he had time to think about it. General Keller might speak as well. Deanna had decided not to say anything more about the situation, she had said what she wanted in the first day. She couldn't imagine who would add anything else, being the third day to address the issue.

"I believe," General Keller stood, "that we've heard all our options. A military response is foolhardy, as is no response. Our decision comes down to sending a small group to assist, and act as a diplomatic presence to assist in Torland's current situation."

"I agree Keller," Prince Alan said, "Torland has been forthright and trustworthy, its only prudent to send assistance in their time of need."

General Keller sat back down. Deanna waited to hear if there was any opposition left. After the discussion the first day, and the brief arguments she had put forward the in the last meeting, she doubted there was any other opposition to the plan but her. One voice wouldn't change the direction of the council. She saw the king looking directly at her, but she only shook her head slightly.

"Very well then," King Roland pulled a parchment on the table to him and took a small quill from a vial of ink, "let's hear it then. Luke, you're first."

Deanna waited as the king asked for each vote individually. It didn't take long to ask around the table. The votes turned out just as she expected everyone for the idea of sending a small group to the north, except for her. After King Roland went around the table he pushed the paper aside and nodded slowly.

"Deanna, it's the will of Freeraven, can you see to it that a proper set of scouts go to Torland at Landol's instruction?"

"I will personally attend. I'll take some guards and scouts with me. We will find what we can about the druids."

"Good, Then you can-"

"I would like to go as well," Raogothcar straightened his neck slightly, "I've gone with Deanna in everything else she's done. And these people have found me here. I think its best I go with her."

"Raogothcar, are you sure that's what you want?"

"You decided to send someone to Torland, and I'd decided that I'd follow whatever decision you made."

"Well, it'll be up to Deanna of course, but if she is willing to take you along, then you're free to go. Now that we've finally come to a decision on Ambassador Landol's proposal, is there anything else any of you would like to bring up?"

Deanna glanced around at the other council members, hoping no one would say anything. Most of the others looked she did, ready to move on to something else. Most of them needed to take their new back to the mayors of their cities undoubtedly.

"Then this council is adjourned."

The room filled with scraping wooden chairs and the shuffle of feet around the table. Deanna stood with the others and managed to make it half way to the door before Kyle stopped her by the door.

"Captain Woolsmith," he motioned for her to come to him by the door, "Ahh and Raogothcar too yes. Since you are both going to be assisting Torland, I would like you to meet with my personal assistant this evening to work out some of the details. Peter will be traveling with you as a guide and to ensure that your travels are smooth through Torland."

"I'm sure everything will go smoothly in Torland," Deanna tried to keep her voice even, "Freeraven undoubtedly chose the best course of action."

"I'm sorry we don't agree on everything, but I'm certain your visit to Torland will be just what our nations need."

"If that's what you think. I've some men to assemble and prepare."

Kyle bowed, and Deanna nodded in return. Nothing the man could say would change her mind. Nothing the man could say would change her mind, only seeing what Torland would do could change anything. She started for her room higher in the tower. The dragon had stayed beside her as she walked.

"Dragon, are you sure you want to do this?"

"I think so Deanna."

"It could be another trap like at the bridge."

"I don't know, it could be. But it might not be, Kyle sounded very nice, and everyone else seems to like him too. But since you're going I'll go too."

"That's a bad reason to go."

"You're my friend Deanna. I could stay here with the people that don't know me and go crazy when I go shopping, or I can go with my friend to someplace she doesn't seem to like and make sure she'll be alright. So I'm going to go, because I know you don't want to. Maybe I can help a little more."

"Maybe. I'll let you know when we'll be leaving. Until then you can do what you'd like."

Deanna started up the stairs leaving the dragon to himself. She hadn't expected him to go with her, and expected even less because she was his friend. The dragon had helped her several times in the past. Despite his annoying personality, she could accept his company on this mission. It would take a long time, and having some constant company might not be as bad as she thought it might.

******

Richard walked down the stairs towards the bottom of the tower. Deanna had asked him to check with the stable hands to make sure enough horses were prepared for the trip to Longdock the next day. He didn't like the idea of having to go back to Torland, he had barely made his way out alive last time he had been there. He'd have to be more careful this time, despite the Ambassador's claims about the new nature of the North.

When Richard stepped into the great hall, he heard his name called from the other end of the room. A man with short light brown hair started toward him. Richard had seen him with the Ambassador and guessed it was Peter, but he couldn't guess what the man wanted with him.

"Richard, I'd hoped I hadn't missed you. I'm Peter, Kyle's aide, and soon your guide in Torland. Deanna said she was going to have you check with the stables."

"She just told me, I haven't had a chance to get there though."

"Yes, she told me a while back who all would be coming with me. I'm glad I could get you alone though. I think I need your help."

"What do you mean?" Richard suddenly felt the need to be careful with the man.

"Its about the conspiracy against the Royal family. I think I've got some information for you that you need."

"Then come with me," Richard turned back to the stairs, "We've got to tell Deanna right away and -"

"No Richard," Peter caught his arm and waited for Richard to turn back, "I need you because I think you're one of the few that Kyle and I can trust. I believe that Deanna has been part of the plot from the beginning."

"What? How could you even think to put her in with the assassins?"

"Kyle has been working with the land owners in Torland about this for a long time, and we are pretty sure that the druids that have been terrorizing us beat us here by several weeks. Time enough for them to come, find suitable people inside the tower, and convince them to help their cause."

"Peter, you need to get to the point before I tell Deanna everything you've said to me."

"Alright, well, first let me show you something that will help connect everything I'll tell you."

Peter pulled a small black stone from his pocket and handed it to Richard. The stone felt light, and as insubstantial as fog. The stone felt frigid to the touch, almost piercing, and Richard rolled it in his hand to keep the chill from being painful. He peered up at Peter, the stone looked identical but smaller than the one they found on the assassins when they attacked he tower.

"What is this Peter? Where did you get this, and what magic is in this thing?"

"I don't know what it is for certain, but I first saw it when I was speaking with Raogothcar in his quarters. I had seen it and asked him where he found the stone. He told me that it was something that Deanna had given him when they first met. I instantly became suspicious because Torland has found these on some of the traitors working with the Druids."

Richard looked down at the small stone in his hand. The chill had left the stone mostly, but it still felt as if there was a strong trace of some from of magic in it. He wasn't good enough with flash or circle magic to identify what it was, but it was certainly different. The fog of doubt twisted in his mind from Peter, to Deanna.

He had known her for several years, but hearing Peter's story made him doubt Deanna's loyalty. Peter's story had several holes, Richard could tell. The feeling that he needed to trust Peter felt strong, stronger than any instinct that he had ever felt. They were stronger than the same instincts that had saved him from death escaping Torland years before. Despite the flaws in the man's story, Richard knew he would trust Peter completely.

"Peter, I see what you mean, I think. Why haven't you gone to the guards, or even to Prince Alan about this?"

"If Deanna, the captain of the scouts, is part of the plot, who else could be? Half the guards could be following Deanna. The guards may have let the assassins into the tower in the first place. Kyle and I don't know who we can trust, so we haven't told anyone but you of this."

"I see." Richard slipped the stone in his pocket, "What do you propose we do then? We can't let Deanna and Raogothcar continue this plot, it would mean the end of our nation."

"As you know, Kyle has asked for Freeraven to send help against the druids of Torland. When Kyle and I discovered it was those two causing the trouble here, he thought that having them come to Torland gives us the opportunity to stop them without interference. Kyle has already sent word north about this, and we believe that when we reach the center of the Druids' attacks, we can capture them. Fort Blister is the perfect place."

"It is, but it would take too long to get there. Even at the fastest pace, we would arrive in a week. What's to stop Deanna or Raogothcar from running from us once they are in Torland?"

"You're a scout, you know how Deanna would work. We have dragons up north trained to track other escaped slave dragons. Neither of them would be able to hide from us for long."

Richard shook his head. Deanna was the captain of the scouts for a reason. While she wasn't the best at stealth, her destructive power in any situation made the prospect of tracking her unhealthy. Richard didn't want to be the one to fall into one of her traps for any reason, but he felt compelled to follow Peter's advice. He couldn't put his finger on why, but he felt he had to.

"Alright, Peter, I'll do it. You just tell me what you need and I'll see what I can do. Is there anyone else you think I should tell?"

"No, not right now. I wouldn't trust anyone she brings with her, they are liable to be working with her."

"You've a point."

"Just follow along as if nothing has happened. We just need them to follow us to Fort Blister. Be careful Richard, I'm glad we can trust you."

"Like wise Peter."

Peter laid a firm hand on Richard's shoulder as he nodded, then the man started up the stairs. Richard turned back to the main gates to the tower and headed towards the stables. Deanna was a traitor, Raogothcar an accomplice, and the Tower infiltrated by the enemy, his worst fear for the nation had suddenly become a reality. He was thankful that Kyle and Peter had arrived to give Freeraven another chance to be free.

******

Alan sat upon his horse, a bow in hand as he waited for his squire to return with the fowl he had just shot. The day was warm, but refreshing after a healthy rain. He wondered how Deanna and the rest of her little army fared, it had been several days since they left. They would have to be near Jameswalk by now. The rain from yesterday evening must have been exciting for them all out on the sea.

"Kyle, on your journey here, did you have any storms?"

"No, the weather decided to be gentle with me."

"I hope that Deanna made it through the storm last night. I couldn't imagine how a boat would move in all the wind last night."

"I don't want to think about it Alan. I'd rather have firm ground under my feet."

"Certainly." Alan turned in his saddle slightly to face Kyle, "When I turned seven, my father asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I told him that I wanted a boat. I suppose that's a foolish thing to ask, but it seemed like a great adventure. When we finally set sail for the day, I learned what it was like to be on a ship as it rocks. I can't imagine a time when I'd been sicker Kyle. That had to be the worst thing I'd ever asked for, 'father for my birthday, I want to be sick all day.' Terrible."

Kyle laughed, leaning back in his saddle. Alan laughed with him as he remembered being so adventurous getting on the ship, and then hiding in the captain's quarters for the rest of the voyage. They fed off each other's laughter until the squire returned with the bird.

"Ahh, good." Alan wrestled the words through his laughter, "Take it back to the wagon, I'll have the quail tonight I think. How about you Kyle?"

Kyle held up a hand and nodded as the last chuckle escaped him.

"Alan, I'll have whatever you want. Oh, I could just see you over the railing. I'm sorry, that was good."

"It was, I hadn't thought about that in a long time. You looked like you could use a laugh actually. You've been downcast most of the day. Is something bothering you?"

"Yes actually. I've been a baron for most of my life, as you know. My father always told me I'd have it one day, but I gained it from him sooner than anyone expected, especially me. He taught me to care after the land, its people, and their slaves. 'Land in good order, is land that will be good to you' he would always tell me. Even before this new movement in Torland, he was always one of the better barons I thought."

"He sounded like a wise man."

"He was, yes. I've done my best to rule like he did back at home. You know, I took the idea of healer's houses here and made one for the slaves back in Torland. That was one of the first things I did for my land, and the other barons thought I wasn't fit for what I had inherited.

"Now though, I'm down here. Away from my home, and my people. I appreciate what we're doing here, but I don't know the person that the Blood Baron has replaced me with there. Things are changing in Torland Alan, but sometimes I fear they don't change fast enough."

"When will you be heading back?"

"I don't think I will. I've received word, now that I've managed to send help from the south, that I am to stay and continue my work here. It' an honor I can't refuse, unifying the North and the South together for the first time. But I do worry about my own lands."

"Kyle," Alan slapped the man on his back, "First we'll make our nations allies, and then we'll make sure your lands are the brightest of all the North. Have a little patience and I'm sure we can make a difference."

"You're right Alan. Freeraven's very lucky with you."

"They are as long as I keep to ruling. Some of my other endeavors haven't been as successful."

"How do you mean?"

"You know I've been trying to learn circle magic right?"

"I've heard, but you've never said anything to me."

"Well the other day, I was working with Benjamin, and nearly singed the hair on his head off when I drew a part of the circle backwards."

Kyle laughed again, not as hard but pleasantly.

"I had fire sprouting from the circle, from the moment that Benjamin started it till it burned itself out. I think I've been trying to push too hard, trying to put enough energy in the circle so it won't fade as I try to draw it. Magic is hard, very hard. Its amazing anyone tries to learn the stuff."

"Here then," Kyle took a small silver ring from his finger and held it out, "take this. Its an etching ring. I'm far beyond needing it now. I've been practicing circle magic for most of my life now. It helps keep the lines in your circles from getting too strong. I've kept it for no good reason really, but now you need it more than I do."

"I've never heard of such a thing. It must be rare Kyle, are you sure?"

"Certainly, you're a good friend. I wouldn't want it on any other finger."

Alan took the ring and turned it over in his palm. The black stone set into the silver seemed to swim, as if black ink filled the stone. He placed the ring on his finger and felt a chill run up his arm for a moment and through the back of his skull. He shook the feeling off, then smiled.

"Thank you Kyle, I'll be sure to use it well for you."

"Think nothing of it Alan."

Alan noticed the rest of the day that Kyle seemed more upbeat. There were a lot of concerns on his mind, leaving his land to a stranger to run. Alan admired his courage to set aside the land he loved to work hard for a greater peace than just his own land. Should a similar opportunity come to him, Alan hoped he would take the chance as well.

******

After Deanna and her traveling partners reached Longdock, they gained passage aboard a small trading ship headed to Jameswalk. The captain of the ship had been kind enough to allow the oddity of a dragon passenger on the ship. Deanna watched the crew for the first two days, then finally decided that none of them worked with the druids, or assassins.

Thomas and Richard both seemed to handle the trip better than she had. She envied their comfortable patience during the days on the ship. The dragon, Thomas, and Richard had developed a game on the trip. The dragon would gather a piece of wood from the ship, and drop it from a great height near the boat, the other two tried to show the wood with their bows. Neither did very well, and once they asked her to try. Deanna found it easy to send her blade out and slice the wood in two. None of them asked her to join them again.

The other guards she had selected, the same three fro her trip to Palitos, spent most of their time helping some on the ship, sleeping, and once a day drills. Deanna left them to their own devices for the time being. Peter had spent most of his time in his small room on the ship. Deanna watched him every moment he left his room, but found no proof for any of the suspicions she felt towards the man.

Deanna stood at the railing as the ship neared the dock to Jameswalk. She was glad to finally be back on land, the boat gave her no distractions from her thoughts. With enemies to hunt somewhere in the world, she would rather be doing anything to stop them rather than pace the decks of a boat.

When the captain first pointed out Jameswalk, Deanna nearly missed it. All the buildings were made out of the rough gray stones that made the shores of this part of Torland. The field covered hills around the city drew more attention than the huddle of man made caves. Behind the cultivated sheep filled hills around the city, much more wild forests, still green with the life of summer, flowed through the rest of her vision.

Once they arrived at the city, Deanna made her way to be one of the first off the ship. She waited on the dock with Thomas and Raogothcar as the others gathered their supplies and left the ship.

"Did you enjoy the sea voyage Deanna?" Thomas teased.

"No. I didn't."

"Its not every day we all get to sail together, a rare treat in fact. The last time I went with anyone over here," Thomas crossed his arms, "I think that was when I brought someone else up here and helped them get on their way to the capital. That was a long time ago."

"What happened?" Raogothcar leaned his head over Deanna.

"Oh I don't remember. I came over, helped the guy all the way there, and then I left the same way I came. It wasn't very exciting. I don't think that Deanna would want me to tell you the exciting visits."

"No I wouldn't." she said and looked up at the dragon hovering over her, "Move over dragon."

"Oh, Sorry Deanna." Raogothcar leaned back again, "Thomas, what's this place like? The buildings seem worse than Longdock or Ravenstone."

"I wouldn't say its nearly as good as either place Raogothcar. This city is very poor, its always been poor. There is a baron that controls this town and keeps most of the money for himself if I remember right."

"Baron Halbin." Deanna said as she watched Peter come of the boat and head towards one of the nearby buildings. "Where are you doing?"

"I'm going to see about getting some horses for us." Peter called out as he

continued.

"So it's a long trip then?" the dragon stretched his wings.

"Yes dragon, it's a long trip for walking. With horses I think we could make Fort Blister by early evening tomorrow. Otherwise it would take us nearly half a week to get there."

"That's not so bad I think. I like walking, especially with company."

"I don't like walking when I don't have to. But I want the horses so we can get finished with this mission and go home. The sooner the better, I don't trust Torland."

"We know Deanna," Thomas pointed at the guards coming off of the ship, "Jacob's got the last of our things Deanna. I'll go help them get everything ready for horses."

"Alright, I'll be there in a few moments." As Thomas and the dragon started to leave, Deanna continued, "Dragon, stay here."

"But I want to help them with the horses."

"I don't care, I need to tell you something first."

The dragon turned and sat before her with his head tilted to one side. For a moment, Deanna saw him like an oversized puppy. He did what he wanted unless you could find something to interest him. When you did find something, he'd tilt his head to the side and listen all day.

"Listen dragon, this place is not like Freeraven. The people are unhappy and some of them will do anything they can to help themselves. Don't trust the strangers here. Don't go wandering off on your own for any reason. And please be careful what you say to people. I don't want anyone here hurting you alright?"

The dragon's expression of polite curiosity melted to one of attention and concern. Deanna hadn't told anyone she didn't want them getting hurt. She never did want her men and women of the scouts getting hurt, but they all knew that already. The dragon wasn't one of her scouts, he was something different, and the last thing she wanted was for him to get into trouble and get hurt so far from home.

"Alright Deanna, I'll be careful." The dragon nodded slowly, "But only if we're both careful."

"Go help them with the horses if you want."

The dragon turned and walked down the dock and to the rest of the group. There were a lot of things different about the dragon she decided. She wished that the other dragons in Freeraven she knew were more like him.

Peter came out of the stone building talking with a fat man that was balding considerably. They chatted for another minute then shook hands. Peter strode back to the dock with a wide smile on his face. Deanna reluctantly turned to face whatever news, good or bad, the man had.

"Good news Deanna, I've got enough horses for us all. Complements of Torland of course. Baron Halbin would want to help in this cooperation."

"I'm sure he would. Just bring the horses to us."

Deanna walked away from the man. She would rather help the rest of the men than chat with the enemy. She helped the guards spread their packs enough to be carried by the horses. The dragon even agreed to help carry a few extra things, which Deanna hadn't expected. Within a few more minutes they loaded the horses and started on their way.