The Duke of Tremont II - Bloodspell

Chapter 23
 

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"Then Dryden popped into the clearing holding you in his arms," Brian's voice broke at the thought of the bloody and broken condition Justin had been in when Dryden had brought him back.

Justin burrowed further into Brian's chest, trying to provide a little comfort to his lover. None of what Brian had just told him felt like it had happened to him. Had he not had the fading physical evidence of his abuse all over his body he would have had a hard time believing all that his lover had just told him.

The two of them lay in bed as Brian filled in the gaps of Justin's memory for him. Jonathan and Bodie discreetly left the room after Justin's outburst, realizing that their presence was upsetting Justin more than anything else.

Justin had pled for Brian to tell him everything, and Brian had complied, unable to see any reason not to be truthful.

"I healed your head wound," Brian continued when he was able to speak again. "And when you were stable Dryden used something called a fairy portal and brought us all back here. Then he kissed us both and disappeared."

"What about Duke James and his army? Do you think he will attack Pennington?"

"I don't know, Jus. There was a council meeting yesterday afternoon, but I didn't go, and they haven't briefed me on it yet. My guess would be that Duke James won't give up after coming so far. Not if the army is as large as Blake and Ben report anyway." Brian kissed Justin

"Brian?" Justin asked in a small voice. "Did Kipton...did he...did he rape me?"

Brian pulled Justin into a tight hug for a moment before answering. "I believe he tried to." He shuddered before continuing. "You realized that your powers had returned just about the same time that he was going to take advantage of you. You became really angry and that's when you took him out. You asked for my help and I sent you everything I could, but we lost contact."

"All right," Justin replied. "That's something at least. I'm glad you didn't have to go through that again."

Brian snorted as a few tears dripped down his cheeks. "That is so like you to think of me instead of yourself. You are the one who would have had to go through it; who did go through it."

"But I remember what it was like for you too," Justin answered quietly.
Both men remained lost in their own thoughts for a few moments before Justin spoke again. "I don't understand why you can't heal my hand. I can barely move it. Brian, it's my drawing hand."

Brian's heart sank with the same feeling of desperate helplessness he had felt when Justin had first been taken from them. Although Justin was his first lieutenant at Tremont, and aided him in running his vast lands, army, and estate, his young lover was first and foremost an artist, and to lose the use of his hand would truly be devastating. "Justin, I'm so sorry. I'm doing everything I can to help you."

Justin sat up quickly, almost knocking his head into Brian's chin. "Brian, it's not your fault." Justin gently placed his left hand on Brian's cheek. "I didn't mean to make it sound like I was blaming you. I just think it's odd that everything is healing but my hand."

"I think we may have an answer to that," Daphne interjected from the doorway of the bedroom.

"Or at least a theory," added Blake from his spot next to her.

"Bloody hell, Daphne!" Justin turned to face his friend. "You could at least knock. You scared me to death!"

Brian's spirits lifted to hear Justin sounding more like his old self, but he could also see the tension radiating off of Justin despite his flippant words. He reached forward and gently pulled him back so he was encircled in the safety of Brian's arms, but still facing Daphne and Blake. "You barged into our room because you have a theory?" Brian prompted them.

"I'm so sorry, My Lord. We did not mean to intrude."

"It's fine, Blake, and remember, it's Brian when we're not being official." Brian smiled.
"I'm sure your part in this breach of privacy was a very minor one."

Daphne snorted and waved her hand dismissively. "Healer privilege," she replied. She eyed Justin. "But since it looks as though you're feeling better now, I'll be sure to knock next time."

Justin blushed a little. "What about my hand, Daph?"

"Right." Daphne replied, getting down to business. "I was talking with Blake about it and we think the problem is magical."

"What?" Justin stared dumbly at his friend.

"Justin," Blake began. "I think when you attacked Kipton, or more importantly, the catalyst, you were using your right hand to throw the power. I think the catalyst, or perhaps Kipton back lashed magic on you that hit your hand first. The spell you were destroying was truly powerful, and we didn't ever mean for you to destroy that catalyst by yourself. I had always thought that Brian would be there, and perhaps even I would help too."

"I was sending power through our link, though," Brian said.

Blake nodded. "I know, but you weren't physically there to absorb any of the backlash. Spread amongst two or three people, it may have not been so severe."

"So what does this mean for me? Is there a spell to fix it?"

Blake and Daphne shared uneasy glances. "Justin, we're not sure. It may get better on its own in time. I'm going to help you with some exercises to do to help strengthen it."

"I admit I'm out of my depth with this," Blake looked apologetic. "I've never seen anything like it before."

"I see," Justin replied, his voice void of emotion. "Well, the spell was broken, and that's the important thing I suppose."

"You saved a lot of lives, Justin," Daphne replied softly.

Justin didn't reply, but he pulled himself out of Brian's arms and moved over to their small window, being sure to not get too close to the others. They all noticed how he cradled his right hand next to his chest protectively. "I suppose I'm lucky I didn't end up like Kipton. I practically blasted off his whole right arm when I destroyed the ring."
Brian slowly stood and moved toward Justin, but stopped short, giving his lover some space. Justin remained in his spot, staring outside. "You remember that?" Brian asked softly.

"Yes, I suppose I do," Justin replied without looking in Brian's direction. "I remember thinking there should have been more blood. I mean it was just all scorched and black." He turned to look at Brian with an oddly detached look in his eyes. "I think it was even smoking."

The image flashed into Brian's mind through his link with Justin and Brian sucked in a breath at the horror of the scene. "Justin!" Brian called out in alarm as he watched all the color literally drain from his lover's face. He quickly moved to Justin's side.

"I think I'm going to be..." Justin trailed off just as Daphne thrust an urn in front of him and he lost the contents of his stomach.

"Catch him!" Daphne called as his knees began to buckle.

Blake hurried to catch Justin's arm just as Brian caught and held the other side. Seconds later Justin's eyes rolled up and he was dead weight in their arms.

"Get him to the bed," Daphne ordered them. "He shouldn't be getting up yet." When the two men got him settled Daphne looked up at Brian. "Well, I guess his memories are coming back."

"Wonderful," Brian retorted with a heavy sigh as he sat down next to his lover, running a gentle hand over Justin's blond locks. He looked up to the other two. "Do you think he'll ever get his hand back?"

"We'll do everything we can to make it happen, Brian," Daphne answered as she moved closer to Brian. "But even if he doesn't, he'll be all right. He's strong."

"But his art..." Brian trailed off.

"He'll always find a way," Daphne replied softly as she kissed the top of Brian's head.
"That's what artists do."

Brian nodded as he reached up to take Daphne's hand. He pulled her to sit in the chair right across from him. "Now, young lady, since Justin will most likely sleep for awhile, why don't you tell me more about this Kelton person."

"Brian!" Daphne exclaimed as she blushed.

"I'll take this as my cue to exit." Blake made his way to the door. "Good evening, Brian, and good luck, Daphne," he called as he went out the door.

"Apparently, Blake has gotten to know you pretty well," Daphne chuckled.

"Hmm, so it seems." Brian stuck his tongue in his cheek. "Now, Daphne, I know you are a grown woman, and free to do as you please, but I am the closest thing you have to a fath...older brother, and I feel responsible for you."

"Oh, dear God, I hope this is not a speech about my improprieties, because believe me I have already heard it from several people, and frankly I just don't care."

Brian laughed out loud. "Come now, dear, I thought you knew me better than that. When we first met I believe we both stated our positions on being 'proper,' and we both were in agreement on the matter."

"Then what do you want to speak with me about?"

"I do not want you to be hurt; nor does Justin, though he is not in much of a state to do anything about it right now." Brian eyed her closely. "Do you love this man?"

She returned his gaze frankly. "With all my heart, as does he."

"Is he a good man?"

"I would settle for nothing less."

"All right then, I am happy for you. When Justin is better we would both like to get to know Kelton better. Perhaps Justin can refrain from bloodying his nose this time."

Daphne smiled and leaned up to kiss Brian on the cheek. "Thank you for understanding." She sat back. "And Brian, just so you know, he has agreed to come to Tremont with me when we go home. He is a gifted healer and will be a real asset to the castle."

"I'm sure someone will appreciate his assets," Brian smirked as Daphne blushed again. Brian's face grew serious. "I'm glad you will be coming back home with us, though I'm afraid it will be awhile before we can return to Tremont. We must settle this matter with Maynor first."

"You think there will be a war?"

"I don't see how we will be able to avoid it," he answered grimly.
 

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"So the spell that you wrought and told me was foolproof has been broken?" Duke James paced at the end of Kipton's bed.

"Yes, my lord. I'm so sorry," Kipton gasped in pain as he cradled the bandaged stump of his right arm.

"And it was all done by that whelp of a boy who was supposed to be in your charge? And the boy has disappeared completely?" The duke was seething.

"I...I...didn't..." Kipton began.

"Save your sorry explanations!" James cut him off. "I'm really not interested in what you have to say, you incompetent ass! From now on you will shut up and listen, and do only as I say!"

"Yes, highness," the mage answered meekly.

"Now, since that boy knew exactly what he was destroying, it's safe to assume he knew of the spell."

"Justin of Westlake," Kipton said quietly.

"What?" the duke turned on him.

"He said his name was Justin of Westlake, and that he was consort to Duke Brian of Tremont."

"How fitting that you were bested by one of your own kind, you stupid pansy. Well, Brian of Tremont is King Jonathan's brother, so he is from Pennington. I can only hope their king was taken out by the spell before they figured out how to break it. Surely Prince Tristan could not have survived so long?" He looked to Kipton, who only nodded in agreement. "I think I will announce the death of our dear prince. Of course we'll blame it on Pennington. That should make recruiting much easier."

Duke James continued pacing and talking, almost to himself. "With the army we are building, Pennington will be no match for us. The mercenaries I called for from our eastern border should be here within the month. As soon as they arrive we shall march on Pennington." He stopped his movement and looked to Kipton. "Can you still perform magic?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Well, then get yourself out of that bed as soon as possible. We'll need more meldlings." The duke turned with a flourish and left Kipton's rooms.

"Thanks so much for your concern," Kipton bitterly replied under his breath. He closed his eyes and threw his head back against his pillow.

 

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"It's been a hell of a few weeks, hasn't it?" King Jonathan sat down next to Prince Tristan. They were in a gazebo in the middle of Queen Elaine's vast gardens.

"How did you find me?"

"Sir Drew pointed the way."

"I like it here. It's a good place to think."

"That it is," Jonathan replied. "As one king to another, might I inquire what it is you are thinking of?"

"Going to war against my own country. Killing my subjects."

"You are going to war against a man, Tristan. Duke James must not be allowed to usurp your throne." Jonathan placed an arm around the boy's shoulders. "The army he has gathered is one of hired swords and magical creatures."

"But those innocents that he is forcing to join him…"

Jonathan sighed. "It's always the innocent that suffer during war, Tristan. All we can do is try to save as many as we can."

"Will you think I am a bad king if I tell you I am scared?" Tristan looked into Jonathan's eyes.

Jonathan smiled gently. "It would cause me great concern if you were not scared." He pulled the boy in closer to his side and rubbed his hair playfully.

"You remind me of my father," Tristan smiled.

"I understand that he was a good man. I shall always regret not getting to know him."

"I miss him."

"As you should, but do not get lost in the past, son. He would want you to look to the future and be the king I know he raised you to be."

"It won't be easy to repair the damage my uncle has done."

"I'll help you. We all will."

"Then I am ready, My Lord."

"Good. We'll tell the council tomorrow that we will march on Maynor as soon as possible since I want to meet up with them in Maynor before they can come into Pennington. Duke James won't know what hit him."

 

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