‘Who would wear this embroidered on a cape or cloak?’
‘Well …’ He thought for a bit.‘The king’s knights used to, yes.But it belonged to the old king – Queen Yaris’s father.King Hared had his own coat of arms created almost ten years ago.I can find you a picture of that one if you’d like?’
‘No, that’s okay,’ I assured him.‘Thank you,’ I mumbled as I drew a lamp closer, so it shone its light on the book’s cover.The last time I had seen this design it was stitched in gold on a piece of red cloak my mother had saved.
The man who abandoned me must have served the old king – he might have been a knight.Washemy father, or was he fulfilling a duty to my parents?Did this mean I had been born in Capita?Do I have some connection to someone working in the castle?Was I an illegitimate child sent away in shame?
The musty smell of old books filled my nostrils as I breathed deeply to tamp down my frustration.I pushed thoughts of the past away, knowing it was no use dwelling on unanswerable questions.Instead, I opened the next book from the pile the curator had assembled for me.
I studied the family tree with Bethel, Ania and Wolfe’s names, which would be the most up-to-date record.It showed their parents, Lord Warwick and Princess Hera.I noted sadly the date of her death.Little more than a year ago.
Then I looked at her sister.The children’s aunt, Queen Yaris.She had married General Hared, a commoner.He had commanded the king’s armies before marrying his daughter.
There was an entry recording the birth of King Hared and Queen Yaris’s twins, but sadly the dates showed they entered and left this world on the same day.Under King Hared’s name was his illegitimate son, Goodwin, though his mother was declared unknown.
How did Queen Yaris feel about her husband’s illegitimate son, Goodwin?From the dates recorded, he was born before the loss of her twins, but after they were married.That did seem to indicate they were not a love match.Had the general somehow manipulated his way into marrying the old king’s daughter so he could be king upon his death?This man was a commander of armies and an executive of war.It was not a stretch to think he would be capable of having his sister-in-law killed if she was threatening his position on the throne.
I moved on to the maps and studied the route we would most likely take when Bethel was called to Capita.The terrain was mostly flat, and there was a large forested area called Danu Woods.The journey would take several weeks.
‘Can I get you anything else?’The curator was hovering nearby, ready to search out more old tomes.
I wanted to know more about the Cursed but felt it would be too risky to ask directly.‘Do you have anything about the Order of Men?’
‘I can tell you anything you would like to know, as I am a member,’ he informed me.
‘Oh …’ I wasn’t sure how to respond.Lord Warwick had given me the impression the Order were not to be trusted, yet here was a member living in the fortress.
‘Ahh, do not worry, young lady.I know what you must think.I am part of the Order but was unwilling and do not preach or agree withtheir beliefs.That is why I am here.They banished me to Murus, where I have been forgotten about.Something I do not mind at all!There are worse things than being surrounded by everything one could ever want to know.’He gestured to the dusty bookshelves.
‘How do you become a member of the Order unwilling?’
‘Well, they took me from my home because I was the youngest son.They did this to many affluent families in Pedion.They castrate us as children and make our parents pay for the honour of service.I suppose I should be thankful that my family paid, as those who refused never saw their sons again.’
Castrating children?I unclenched my teeth to reply.‘How can they allow this?’
‘Fear.The Order has grown too powerful with the king’s support,’ he said with a shake of his partially shaved head.‘They forbid us to marry, and they expect us to read from their scripture every day.In Capita, the Order makes us gather for prayer three times a day.Praying for hours to the gods of men only.’
Living on the edge of civili sation, I had an isolated upbringing.My ignorance was beginning to bother me greatly.Iain had taught me many things, but never about politics, religion or history.
‘Why are they accusing women of being Cursed and imprisoning them?’
‘Well, there has always been a strong distrust of women by the Order, but I believe it is mostly because of a prophecy in their scriptures that some believe will come to pass soon.A woman of great power will be born and unite the kingdoms of Pedion and Ephemeros, making Eritz whole again.This is what they are using to convince King Hared to harm innocent women.They have convinced him that a Cursed woman will come and take his throne.’He squinted at the ceiling as he was trying to remember more.
‘The scripture tells us she will turn day to night and rule Eritz for eternity.There is more about the signs of her coming.I could find you the pages if you’d like?’
‘No need, thank you.’I had so much to think about that I would rather return another day.
‘It’s all hogwash, you know?’he said with a furrowed brow.‘There have been many versions of the same story for centuries.The first was one of the forgotten goddesses, Hecate.The story told us that she created darkness when there was none and gave us the moon and stars.’
Hecate.Why did the name seem familiar?I thanked the curator for his help and rose to return to my room.
‘You’re welcome to come back any time!’
Did I imagine the sadness across his face as he stood among the ancient tomes?It was fleeting, but I was sure I had seen something behind his cheerful facade.
Many emotions and thoughts swirled around as I closed the library doors behind me, so I didn’t hear the soldier at first.He came rushing down the corridor to speak to me.
‘I was to find you and tell you that Lady Bethel wishes to speak to you immediately.’
