Sauragia: Journey to the Red Mountain

Chapter 18

After several hours of festive frivolity, Astron headed wearily off to bed. He was, of course, as distracted as ever by the thought of his young ones. The more he had enjoyed the festivities, the more he’d wished he had not been so hard on them. Halfway back to his room he stopped to consider checking in on them. The door to their room was right over there. He was about to go over and just peek when he felt the gentle touch of Alyssa’s claw on his arm.

“Don’t disturb them, dear,” she said.

“What are you talking about?”

“The triplets, Astron. I’m sure they’re asleep by now, just like we should be.” She regarded the half-dozing babe in her arms. “Like this one definitely needs to be.”

Violet made a half-hearted protest, but was gently shushed into silence.

“Oh, yes,” said Astron absent-mindedly. He knew this was very likely true, but he felt a need to see for himself. “Shouldn’t we just make sure though?”

Alyssa shook her head. “Even if they were awake, we don’t want to go making a fuss at this hour, do we? You’ve waited this long, so what say we wait until morning and sort it out together then?”

“You’re probably right, as usual,” said Astron upon reflection. And he was very tired. He supposed he could wait until tomorrow. “Come on.”

And so, ignoring his instincts for once, he hurried on down the hall toward his own bed.

“Night, Rob,” he said as he passed the Captain of the Guard.

“Night, old chap!” replied Rob with a bow. “Night, miladies!”

The good captain also bade goodnight to Bard, who walked as though he had had a bit too much celebrating, before they both retired to their chambers as well. Thus, the Palace and the city of Saurahall settled in for another peaceful night, completely oblivious to the troubles of the world and the shock that was in store for them come the first morning of spring.

“They’re gone!”

The distraught cry of Martha shattered the calm quiet of the dawn. The head maid ran frantically down the central corridor to the bed chamber of Alyssa and Astron and burst in.

“They’re gone milord and milady!” she cried once again. “They’ve done disappeared!”

The two turned sharply toward her as a horrendous bawling sounded out from Violet’s crib.

“Who’s gone?” asked Astron with intense fear. He knew the answer before he even asked.

“The young ones, sir,” replied Martha fretfully. “Your Freddie, Rose, and Arnor all gone. Oh, mercy me!”

She had not even finished before Astron was up out of bed. He hurried over and did his best to calm her, though his own heart was racing something fierce. He scolded himself mentally for not checking on the young ones before bed.

“Now Martha,” he spoke soothingly as Alyssa joined him, rocking Violet gently to calm her down. “How do you know they’re not just hiding somewhere in the Palace?”

“Because, milord, I done looked all over.”

Astron felt his heart sink and he grasped at his chest as though it might just give out. Alyssa shot him a worried look. Their offspring—the ones they had raised, loved, and cared for together like nothing or no one else in the world—were gone. Nevertheless, Astron tried to remain confident and cool-headed for Alyssa’s sake as Captain Winstone came up in full uniform rubbing sleep from his eyes.

“What’s all the fuss about?” he asked, stifling a yawn.

“Rob, gather up a search party and scour the grounds,” ordered Astron. “The young uns have run off.” He paused, feeling once again that dim instinct that things were not quite so simple, and added, “At least, I hope that’s all.”

Rob nodded. “Righto, sir!” he said, and was off in a trice. Astron then spoke to the ladies as he threw his clothes on.

“Alyssa, you and Martha go alert the servants and guards. I’ll go inform the king, then join in the search.”

As they left the room, Bard approached Astron and asked, “What can I do to help?”

“Nothing more than you feel up to, Bard. You can search the grounds with us, or you can stay and have a look around the Palace.”

Bard nodded and they dispersed to carry out their search.

So, while the rest of Saurahall eagerly readied itself for the day’s celebratory activities, the dinosaurs of the Palace scoured the grounds from garden to gate. All the Guard currently on duty helped in the search, and even Ron Harrison, who was still serving out his month-long sentence, joined in. Astron tried to help out as best he could, but distracted as he was, he would often find himself wandering aimlessly about the yard and checking the same places twice.

Noting this absent-mindedness and realizing how worried his friend must be, Rob sought to divert his attention with a few cheerful words.

“Don’t worry, Astron,” he said with a smile. “You know how young uns are. They run off for a little while thinking they can take on the world alone, but they always come back when the supper bell rings. Just you watch. We’ll all be laughing over this together come tea time.” He paused. “You won’t go too hard on them, will you?”

“What? No! Not at all,” stated Astron almost as a single word. “I’d just be happy to see them again. To know they’re safe.” At the thought of safety, the alarming sensation went through his head again. No, they were not safe, he knew. Something about this was just not ordinary. They had never run away before, and despite his harsh words, they had no good reason to now. He had a strong notion of what had really happened, and all his instincts pointed to only one possibility. Yet, he could not—or rather would not—believe it. After all, who would? And why? Suddenly he heard Johnny’s voice and turned to him.

“No sign of them around here, Astron. Should we take our search beyond the walls?”

Astron was just about to say “Yes!” when Bard came up on his flank. He looked awfully sober.

“There’s no need for more search parties,” he said bluntly. “I know where they are.”

Within minutes they were all assembled in the children’s room. It was a tight fit to be sure, but somehow they managed. Astron, the especially distraught-looking king, Alyssa, Martha (now holding Violet), Rob, and Johnny sat or stood around with open ear slits, their eyes fixed on Bard at the back of the room. He held a bag full of something in one claw and rested his other on the hilt of his precious silver dirk. He kept his lips tightly pursed as he opened the discussion with the dramatic gesture of casting the bag down on the floor. The onlookers leaned forward to examine the spilled contents, which appeared to be numerous trinkets and items of inestimable value. The dinosaurs exchanged bewildered looks, then turned to Bard.

“What does this mean?” Rob asked the question they all had on their minds.

“It means that someone came up here last night with the intention of stealing as many valuables as they could,” replied Bard. “I found two more like ‘em in one o’ the empty rooms on the north side. Window open too. Now, obviously while we were distracted elsewhere, some bandits managed to sneak in an’ make their way upstairs.”

“But that’s impossible!” objected Rob. “We had guards and servants aplenty roaming about everywhere. Surely they would have noticed.” He hesitated. “Wouldn’t they?”

“With most bandits I’d say that was certainly the case. But I don’t believe this was the work of ordinary bandits. In fact, I know of only one who would dare to break into a place this fortified.”

Astron’s eyes widened. “Surely you don’t mean…”

Bard nodded. “This was the work of the Red One. Oric and his Red Claw were here last night and we never even noticed.”

“But I did notice an unusual amount of Gorvosaurs present!” said Astron in frustration, pounding one claw into the other. “I should have known something was wrong.” He shook his head.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself, old chap,” said Rob. “We were all taken unawares by the rotter.” He paused and turned to Bard. “Just one question, though. Why would the thieves drop the very goods they were intent on stealing?”

“I should think it’s obvious,” said Bard, exchanging looks with Astron. “Because they saw something more worth their while. Oric’s a strange one in some ways. Many ways, really. But everything he does has a reason, and the way he sees it, the young uns are worth far more to him than the treasure.”

“But why?” asked Alyssa, fighting hard not to cry. “What value could they possibly have to him? What have they ever done?”

Bard sighed and spoke very gently. “He might want to sell ‘em off, figurin’ they’ll fetch a high price as royalty and all. Or he might try to ransom ‘em back for some rich reward.” He did not go into the third possibility, which was that Oric might use the children as slaves to build his fortress. The thought might be too much for the grieving mother. This set Violet to wailing all anew, though Martha did her best to calm the little one down.

“Waaaah! Bruvvers sister gone. Waaaah!”

“But that’s not all,” Bard continued once the sobbing had settled a bit.

If it were possible for anyone there to look more distraught than they already did, they would have. How could the situation be even worse than it already was?

“According to one of the servants,” Bard spoke, looking at the king as though for confirmation of what he said, “the Crown of Cardolin was stolen as well.”

“What!” came the collective gasp, followed by the inevitable glances at the king.

“But King Henrik still wears the crown,” remarked Astron.

“It was the queen’s diadem that was taken,” clarified Henrik. “The servant who tends to the ceremonial wardrobe noted it was gone this morning and couldn’t be found. It was made especially for her to wear on my coronation day. No doubt Oric made off with that as well.” He swallowed hard. “It was the last token I had to remind me of my dear wife.”

The king looked so sad that Astron was afraid he might cry, and he had to look away. After the shock of this morning’s events, he could not bear such a sight. Henrik did not cry, but the old dino’s grief hung heavy in the air, further depressing the general mood. Unable to bear any more, Astron stood up.

“So what you’re saying is that Oric has stolen the crown and future of the royal house, and he’s taken them to his hideout up in the mountains?”

Bard shook his head. “They couldn’t have gotten that far yet, but that’s undoubtedly where they’re headed, yes.”

“Where you were going anyway.”

Bard nodded silently.

Astron let out a deep breath, then slowly he drifted toward the door. His worry had been replaced with anger; his doubt with conviction.

“Where are you going?” asked Bard.

“It seems I now have a sufficient reason to join you on your quest,” replied Astron coldly. “The way I see it, the Red One’s already got a whole night’s jump on us. We’ll have to make good tracks if we’re to catch up. If we start right away we could be to the river by the day after tomorrow. They will head north, will they not?”

“Without a doubt,” replied the old warrior.

“Then there’s no time to lose.” And without waiting for an argument, the Defender of the Realm left the room to go make his preparations. Bard quickly followed him out, and the rest soon dispersed to perform their assisting duties.

It did not take Astron long to get properly armed and packed. Though she did not want him to leave, Alyssa helped him, knowing nothing in the world could dissuade him. He felt it was his fault that the children had been kidn*pped, and could not rest until they were safely returned. It was, he claimed, his “fatherly duty.” So, putting on his old Guard uniform, which had required only minor tailoring over the years to fit his more mature frame, and favourite sword belt, he hauled a pack stuffed with provisions from the kitchen onto his back and prepared to head out. In the doorway he met Rob, likewise fitted out with a satchel at his side.

“Ready to go, old boy?” he spoke with an eager air about him.

“Yes, certainly, but…” He paused. “Where are you off to?”

“Don’t be so daft, Astron! I’m going with you. Your young uns are in trouble, and I’ve got to help you bring them safely back.”

“No, Rob. Not this time.”

“And why not?” demanded Rob. “I may not be their father, but I’ve had a good deal to do with bringing them up all the same. You know I’ve never disobeyed an order, and if you order me to stay I will. But trust me when I say, you’re going to need me on this one, old chap.”

Astron looked at the fierce determination in his friend’s eyes and could not refuse. Rob had always wanted to see the wide world beyond Cardolin, and this was his chance. And Astron didn’t have time to argue. So, he wearily replied, “All right, then. Let’s go.”

They headed down to the courtyard of the Palace where everyone had assembled to see them off. Bard was already waiting.

“You comin’ too, Rob?” he asked.

“Absolutely,” replied the boisterous captain, looking to Johnny. “Lieutenant, you’re in charge ‘til I get back. Hold down the fort for me, wot!”

“Yes, sir!” replied Johnny with a smart salute.

Goodbyes were said all around, and many Saurahallers turned out to wish them well on their quest. King Henrik had ordered that the Spring Festival was to carry on as planned, though no one felt much like celebrating when they heard the news. Finally the three came around to Alyssa, Violet, and the king. Alyssa fought to hold back her welling tears.

“Watch that leg of yours, Bard,” she said with a smile.

“I will try, Lady Alyssa,” he said with his most charming smile in return. He then stepped aside as Rob came up.

“Oh Rob,” said she, embracing him warmly with her free arm. “Look after my Astron for me. He can be a bit too brave for his own good at times.”

“Worry not, madam,” said Rob, stepping back and bowing gracefully. “I’ll keep an eye on him, for you. Both when possible.”

Then came Astron’s turn.

“I will find them, Alyssa,” he told her. “I promise I will.”

“I know you will,” replied she, her first tear falling. “But do be careful.”

“Of course.” He turned to his remaining daughter. “And don’t give your mother too much trouble while I’m gone, all right young lady?”

“Okay, daddy,” she replied with all the seriousness she could muster in her little face.

He kissed her on the brow, then regarded the king. “I will bring them back safely, sire. Whatever it takes, I shall not return without your heirs or the crown.”

King Henrik smiled as best he could. “Do what you must, Astron. We have full confidence in you all, and rest assured that our thoughts and prayers will be for you while you are away. Good luck and good hunting!”

The three bowed, turned around, and left the Palace grounds, saluted by the guards posted at the gate. Upon leaving, they found that a small crowd had already formed to see them off.

“We’ve heard about the children, sir,” spoke one aggrieved old widow. “We’re so sorry.”

“Don’t worry, miss,” replied Astron, exuding confidence in spite of himself. “We’re off to bring them back.”

“But whose fault is it they’re gone in the first place?” pressed one bitter old dinosaur. “Who was it brought the kidnappers down on our heads? And who was it brought the winter down so hard and spring unnaturally early?”

Everybody took pause as another older lady answered “The stranger!”

“The stranger! Aye, the stranger!” came the cries from the crowd.

“Now wait just a moment there!” cried Rob, but the crowd would not be silenced.

“Look here, ever since this stranger, this Bard, turned up last winter, we’ve had naught but bad luck. First the harsh cold, then the storm that wreaked havoc on the whole city and knocked the kirk bell from the tower, then the spring that came three weeks early, and now the royal young have been taken by some kidnapper he knew as a youngster!”

A chorus of angry grunts followed from the crowd, which was growing in menace. At first the three were too stunned—firstly by the fact that word had spread so quickly about the k********g, and secondly by the fact that this old fellow knew about Bard’s past—to do anything about it. But seeing that the situation was growing to an ugly head, Rob realized that something had to be done. Stepping briskly forward, he spoke in the loudest, most commanding voice he had ever mustered.

“Now look here, you motley mob! This dinosaur came to us battered, sick and weak on the night of that blizzard. As I recall, we Saurahallers make a point of offering whatever help and comfort we can to those in such genuine need. Or have we all forgotten what it’s like to be a decent dinosaur?” He paused for effect and no one answered. “Now, during this last season of his recovery while the princess herself looked after him at her own expense in time and trouble, I’ve gotten to know him as quite a good fellow. In fact, I’ve no doubt that Bard here has done far more good and gone through much harder trials in his day than the lot of you naysayers combined! So if you want to go on believing all that superstitious rot about mysterious accursed strangers, you go right ahead, but personally I’m sick of it. So don’t you dare utter a word against this brave dino in my hearing again, or so help me I’ll wallop you myself. Got it?”

After a minute of silence, Rob nodded.

“Good. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got a job to do.”

He returned to his companions, who regarded him with sheer admiration.

“Thanks mate,” said Bard softly.

“Not at all, old lad.”

Thereafter they turned down the street to the left and passed through the east gate beyond unmolested. When they had gone out a little way, they each looked back with fondness at the city they were leaving behind. For Bard it had become the home and family he had once had returned to him again. For Rob it was everything he knew, beyond which he had seen very little in his entire life. For Astron it was much more, and he felt like a large part of himself was being left behind. But an equally large part lay somewhere in the wilderness ahead of him, and he was determined not to rest until both parts were reunited again.

Finally the three warriors reached a point at which they could see only the road ahead and trees to the left or right. Side by side they strode forward, their senses keen and their wits fully focused on the mission before them. The pursuit had begun!