Sauragia

Chapter 21

That evening, King Henrik went on his usual constitutional through the Palace gardens. In the absence of Captain Torilis, he had found it a lonely experience in the days since the war had begun. Since Captain Humphreys was unavailable, he asked Astron to accompany him this time. The young Guard commander toured the grounds beside the king, describing in more detail what Henrik had only seen from afar. For once the fighting had begun, he had been whisked off to the Palace for his own safety.

“Sounds like you gave old Edward a good deal of trouble this morning,” said the monarch when Astron had finished.

“I like to think so,” said Astron. “But of course, he’s still out there, and we’re still under siege until he leaves.”

“Of course,” said Henrik. “But I have known Edward a long time, young Astron, and I have never once heard of him giving up what he set his eyes on having. Believe me, he won’t stop until either he is dead or we are conquered.”

Astron nodded grimly. “I was afraid of that. The only problem is, he’s not exactly the type to come forward and offer himself as a target for our archers. How I do wish we had the real Captain of the Guard back! He’d know what to do.”

“So do I, Astron, so do I,” said the king thoughtfully. “But I think you’ve done a decent enough job so far. Along with your faithful second, of course.”

“Oh, Rob did a good job, certainly. The fire was his idea like I said. All I really did was earn myself this pathetic little scratch.”

“So I see. Arrow, was it?”

Astron nodded.

“Well, that’s a genuine distinguished war wound, as Richard would call it. But it looks as though it should heal quickly enough. That bandage looks very neatly done.”

“Indeed it should, sire, considering it was your daughter who applied it.”

“Alyssa? Really?” said the king with great interest.

Again Astron nodded.

“Well, I did not know she had volunteered for such work. Not that I disapprove, of course! I am glad to hear she has decided to take an active role in our struggle, and not remain aloof as she is prone to do.” He paused. “She gets her caring claws from her mother, you know.”

“So she mentioned,” said Astron. Then, hesitantly, he asked, “What became of Princess Alyssa’s mother, if I may ask, sir?”

“Aah, she was a gentle soul,” said King Henrik with a sigh. “Gentle and frail. One winter five years back we had a round of mild illness sweep through Saurahall. It was not serious for most, and nothing we could not weather. But for her it proved too much. She was the only one to die that whole season. Rather a strange twist of fate, if you think about it. She could save the lives of others, but in the end she could not save herself.” He paused and sighed again. “That was a hard time for all of us, but especially Alyssa. She was very close to her mother, and after her death, she became more cold and distant, particularly toward strangers. She’s gotten better since, but I don’t imagine she will ever completely recover. I know I shan’t.” The king hung his head at the bitter memory.

“I am very sorry about that,” said Astron, feeling a little guilty for having asked.

“I thank you,” said Henrik. “But that was some time ago, and we all must move on. And right now, I believe it is time to move on to supper. Will you be joining us in the Great Hall tonight?”

“Not this evening, Your Majesty. I’ll take supper on the wall. It’s good for morale for an officer to be up there with the troops. Besides, I was hoping to visit Johnny this evening. He’s recovering at his family’s house in town.”

“All right, Astron,” said the king with a nod. “I’ll have it sent up to you.”

“Thank you, sire,” said Astron, bowing as he made for the Palace gate. He then went off at a loose jog. King Henrik sighed. There, he knew, was a truly worthwhile young dinosaur, whether the lad realized it himself yet or not. He then headed inside to join his Guard for their evening meal.