New Novel: Brotherly Love

My novel has ben published by Smashwords on www.smashwords.com

It has been translated into a format for downloading on Kindle, iPad etc. I did this as an experiment to find out how easy this was. I found it time consuming and rather complicated and still haven't completely finished.
Brotherly Love is designated as a Drama with the tag of Thriller.

It is a story about fear, of somebody out of his depth in a world made strange to him by events he cannot fully comprehend. Ken Flood is pulled by family loyalties along paths of experience which would be best left unexplored. The novel explores the conflicts which arise when an ordinary person is forced to choose between family loyalty and obligation to the wider public.

The Return of The Exiles

Chapter 5

A week after the proclamation had been affixed to the Meeting House door by Imperial Grandmaster Borovic, the people of Alskar Province awoke to the realisation that this was the day on which they would find out the fate of their sons. There had been persistent rumours over the week while the people of Alskar and the surrounding countryside waited, that soldiers had been returning to the fort at Alskar from other parts of free Rombuli escorting young men. These men had disappeared into the fort and had not been seen since. Not that anybody from Alskar had actually been to the fort to find out what was happening but the rumours became wilder as the time passed. Before long it was whispered that the men had been in chains though again nobody would admit to having seen the men going into the fort let alone in chains.

The day before the young men from Alskar District had to present themselves in the town square, Alskar town itself was crowded with all the inns and boarding houses full. Many private houses were overflowing with relations and guests staying so that they would not have to travel on the morning of the parade.

On the morning of the parade, the roads leading into Alskar from the outlying villages and farms were crowded with people. They were travelling into the town to observe what was going to happen or to come with their sons to meet whatever fate awaited them in the square before the Meeting House at eleven o'clock. There was naturally an undercurrent of nervousness in the air and not the usual gaiety that accompanied the crowds attending Alskar fairs or other holiday outings. Luckily for those who were going to have to stand in the square, the day had dawned warm and fair especially welcome in early spring. No matter which way people looked or who they consulted, there was no hint of rain.

Long before eleven o'clock, Alskar Town Square in front of the Meeting House was filled with people standing round in groups, talking anxiously among themselves. All the men between the ages of eighteen and twenty five were there with their families looking anxiously up the road to where it came out of the trees, for a first glimpse of the soldiers coming from the fort and escorting Imperial Grandmaster Borovic. The mood of these family groups was sombre and they talked in low voices, some of the mothers holding their son's arm as though to gain a last feel of their boys before they went away. The low sound of the voices gave the appearance that everybody was scared, that laughter would invoke the wrath of the Empire.

To Edward, the morning had been strange and unfamiliar. For as long as he could remember it seemed, though it was in reality only five years, he had arisen first and made ready the forge before breakfast usually accompanied by his assistant Chuck. Today, his father had, however, given everybody in the forge and in the warehouse the day off and all the usual bustle of the morning had strangely not happened. The fires were banked so that they would not go out but no work had been laid out. If Edward had thought about the significance of the day, he would have realised that all over Alskar province business had ceased for the day.

After getting out of bed, Edward had sat with his family and had a late breakfast. After eating he had walked through the growing crowds to the Town Square accompanied by his family. Now as he stood with his family waiting for the arrival of Grandmaster Borovic and the Covenenter, he pondered what his father had meant about having to take care while he was in the square and not reveal his power. He had been very careful all his life to keep his power under control at all times and many of his friends had no idea that he had any power. Even Margaret Fox, who had no compunction in showing anybody her power, had no idea of the extent of Edward's power. She knew that he could communicate with her by his mind but his other powers he had never revealed to her. He resolved to himself that no matter what happened, he would keep a tight grip on his power, as he continued to think of it. This was especially true, he thought if the Covenenter is here.

A group of young men began to gather in the centre of the square and seeing this, Edward said goodbye to his mother and father. Morag held his hand, kissed him and told him to be careful. All his family was warning him to be careful. Having said goodbye, he went to join the group of nervous men in the front of the Meeting House.

Matt greeted him warmly and they stood talking about Matt's baby daughter while they waited for Borovic and the soldiers to come. All the young men standing in the square were trying to appear calm and unconcerned but the way they spoke in hushed tones and the nervous expressions betrayed the apprehension they were all feeling. None of them had ever gone through anything like this before. It was something they had never had to think or talk about. It was something that had not happened to their fathers and so they could not even draw comfort from the experience of their parents. In this they were alone and they deep down looked on the future with dread. Matt told Edward that he did not want to leave his wife and baby but could see no way of protesting or convincing the Army that he should stay behind.

“ Of course,” he added hastily, “ that is if they want to take us away. I wish they would come and we could get this over with.”

All the young men seemed resigned to their fate though Matt did mutter to Edward that the Army would have to force him to come along. When Matt said this and seeing the wild look in Matt's eyes, Edward was filled with concern. Edward realised, however, that there was nothing he could do or say which would help his friend so he tried to make sure the their conversation kept off the subject of leaving Matt's wife and baby behind.

At eleven o'clock, Imperial Grandmaster Borovic rode into the square surrounded by his personal escort and accompanied by Cannoc and the Covenenter in his white robe. The other troops quickly pushed the crowd back to the edge of the square until only the group of young men was left. The soldiers then dismounted and after their horses had been led away, stood facing the crowd with drawn swords making it quite plain to everybody there that nobody other than the young men would be permitted in the centre of the square. Some in the crowd growled at this treatment but soon lapsed into silence when the soldiers glared in their direction.

A sergeant erected a folding table in front of Borovic, Cannoc and the Covenenter near the Meeting House. When this was done Cannoc placed some papers on the table and saluted the Imperial Grandmaster.

Borovic ordered the sergeant to get the young men from Alskar into line and after a great deal of confusion from those not used to being ordered about, a line formed leading around the square to the table. The line slowly shuffled forward, Edward in front of Matt near the centre of the line. When Edward came to the table he called out his name and watched as Cannoc ticked this off on his list. As he walked passed the Covenenter, Edward was very conscious of the Covenenter's black eyes observing him very closely. For some reason the stare from those eyes sent a cold shiver down Edward's back, though whether this was from the eyes or as part of his fathers warning Edward could not tell. It was with some relief that Edward joined his friends in lines forming across the square facing Borovic. He thought he was able to hide from the Covenenter's gaze in the anonymity of his friends.

As soon as all the names had been ticked off Cannoc's list, Borovic gave instructions for the sergeant and two soldiers to inspect the men. As the soldiers started to walk down the lines of men the square fell silent, even the birds seemed to be withholding their song. The slight creak of the soldiers gear was very loud in the air as the tension mounted. The sergeant closely inspected each man, looking them up and down as though checking a prize horse and Edward thought how degrading. Certain men had a red badge fixed to their chest when the sergeant nodded to the accompanying soldiers.

Edward was convinced he would get a badge but the sergeant after giving him a cursory glance moved on. Edward wondered why he had escaped the scrutiny of his other friends and happened to be looking at the Covenenter as the sergeant passed. For a moment Edward felt the black eyes burning into his and the slight pressure of a probing into his mind. With ease he lifted his defences. The penetrating gaze of those eyes scared him even though the Covenenter was some distance away. In one brief moment, Edward was made aware of a power in the depths of those eyes he had never encountered before. This, Edward realised was only a hint of the power which, when fully unleashed, could make men obey no matter what they were ordered to do. Once more Edward felt the probing of his mind but his defences as taught by his father held. That was a small comfort to Edward but it could not stop the fear of the Covenenter that was taking a grip on his mind.

Once the sergeant had inspected all the young men and reported back to Borovic, all those without badges were ordered to disperse and rejoin their families. Around twenty men were left standing in the square and Edward now had some idea why he was not chosen. All the men were of the about the same height, six feet or so, a good three inches taller than Edward. Without glancing back, Edward walked towards his family. He noticed that Morag was comforting Matt's wife and glancing over his shoulder saw that Matt was amongst those still standing in the square. As Edward came to the line of soldiers guarding the townspeople, he heard a roar from the square and turned to see what was happening.

“ I will not leave my wife and daughter!” Matt was standing rigidly facing the Imperial Grandmaster and shouting at the top of his voice. “ I don't care whether the Emperor has ordered me to come with you or not. Tell him to find somebody else to act as his escort!”

Edward stood rooted to the spot. He knew how short Matt's temper was having many times felt its full force as they were growing up together. He also knew that once in the grip of his temper, Mat would lash out blindly at anything or any one who got in his way. In extremes when he could not win an argument by words, Matt used his physical strength to get his way without ever thinking of the consequences until it was too late. Many times Edward had come to Matt's rescue by talking their way out of difficult situations. In desperation, Edward thrust his thoughts into Matt’s mind even though he had never tried this before. Desperately he tried to get through to Matt and make him stop. What Edward found was Matt's thoughts were too full of despair and anger and Edward's mental thrust met a complete blank.

All Edward could do was stand and watch. Very deliberately, Matt tore off the hated red badge, flung it onto the ground and turned away from the centre of the square, ignoring the sergeant’s order to stop. Walking purposely towards Morag and his wife, Matt did not look back. Two soldiers stepped passed Edward, grabbed Matt by the arms and wrestled him to the ground. There was a surge from the crowd and the rest of the soldiers struggled to maintain order. Acting together from long practice, order was restored and silence once again descended on the square.

Suddenly Matt sprung upright and flung the soldiers holding his arms away. Letting out a roar of frustration and rage, Matt rushed across the square towards Borovic. Matt was too quick for the soldiers occupied as they were with the crowd and in one round house swipe he smashed the sergeant out of his way. In a daze, Edward saw the Covenenter come round the table and stand directly in Matt's path.

Edward yelled desperately for Matt to stop, pushed his thoughts into Matt's mind and tried to somehow warn his friend. He was too late. The Covenenter placed his feet firmly apart and calmly drew his staff from his belt. To Edward standing helplessly at the edge of the square everything happened in slow motion. The Covenenter pointed the staff at Matt, murmured a few words that Edward did not understand and blue flame sprang from the end of the staff. Two tongues of flame spiralled together across the square and focused on Matt.

It was as though Matt had run full tilt into a brick wall, so abruptly did he stop. He did not fall however. Like a puppet he was held upright in the blue corona of light, twitching as though having a fit. With another muttered phrase, the Covenenter let the blue light fade and Matt slumped to the ground as though dead.

Edward did not make any conscious decision to move but he soon found himself running across the square towards the place where his friend lay twitching. Skidding to a halt with the dust flying from his boots, Edward sank to his knees beside his friend. Ignoring everybody, he grabbed Matt's wrist hardly able to feel anything because of the racing of his own heart. To Edward it was as though a nightmare had come to life but he knew he would not wake up in a moment but would have to live through the consequences. A slight flutter exploded through Edward and for a while he knelt beside his friend trying to calm the wild beating of his heart on the realisation that Matt was alive.

Looking up Edward saw the Covenenter had not moved. He stood his white robe fluttering in the breeze, his black eyes boring steadily into Edward's. His staff pointed unwaveringly at Edward's chest.

“ Leave him where he is,” the Covenenter ordered, his voice falling like dead leaves into the silence around the square. “ He will be unharmed when he regains consciousness.”

“ You are evil, “ Edward spate out feeling the full force of the Covenenter's mind trying to will him to get up. Edward easily resisted these efforts.

Ignoring the Covenenter while turning to talk to the Imperial Grandmaster, Edward said very slowly. “ Why do you permit this? All he wants is to be with his wife and baby. If your baby were only a few weeks old, wouldn't you resist every attempt to take you away by force? No, I suppose not. All you see is duty to the Empire. Your family and your life can go hang if you get an order from the Emperor.”

The Imperial Grandmaster stood by the table his expression impassive but did not reply.

“ Get up and leave him here. “ The Covenenter ordered in a tone that brooked no argument. “ Go back to your forge and stop interfering in matters which are no concern of yours. I will not forget your defiance and we will meet again.”

Kneeling in the dust by his friend’s side, Edward stared at the Covenenter almost willing him to use his staff.

‘ Go on,’ Edward's mind projected, ‘ make me do what you want’.

For a wild moment their minds locked but Edward resisted the pressure to make him get to his feet. Edward wondered whether he could resist the power of the staff and in his mind he caught a swiftly hidden feeling of doubt in the Covenenter's mind. Still staring at the Covenenter, Edward sensed the tension in the crowd and realised that any false move on his part could result in a riot. Suddenly he understood that too much resistance of the Covenenter by him could result in many people getting hurt. Reluctantly he let his mental defiance slowly drain away. He did not drop his mental defences though.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Edward turned to two of the young men who were staring open mouthed in his direction. “ Come here you two and help Matt to his feet.”

For a moment they looked from Edward to the Covenenter and back as though not certain how to react. Finding no response from the man in the white robe, they came and helped Edward get Matt to his feet. Edward deliberately spent some time brushing the dust from Matt’s cloths. Matt's eyes fluttered and Edward saw that he was coming round. The two men helped Matt back into line leaving Edward alone facing the Covenenter. Edward deliberately brushed down his own cloths after climbing to his feet and approached the Covenenter.

Thrusting his face close to the Covenenter's, Edward said in a low voice that only the one in the white robe could hear. “ We will meet again and I will remember the lessons I have learnt today. You could not compel me with your mind and maybe I could resist the power of your staff. The trial between our wills will have to wait for another time.”

Edward turned away sensing the silent laughter of the Covenenter in his mind. Underneath the laughter however, he sensed doubt in the Covenenter's thoughts as though for once the Covenenter was uncertain of himself.

Ignoring all the soldiers and the Covenenter, Edward walked away from the square. He passed through the crowds without looking back and on up the street towards his home. So absorbed in his own thoughts, he did not hear the sergeant bark the order for the Rombuli to march out of the square or watch as the soldiers remounted. By the time Imperial Grandmaster Borovic lead the column through the trees and on to the fort, he was almost home.

Edward's thoughts were in turmoil. He knew that all the people in the square from Borovic to the humblest soldier and all the residents of Alskar had been cowed by the exercise of power by the Covenenter when he had stopped Matt attacking Borovic. Everybody watching in the square had been struck by their sheer helplessness when Matt had been beaten down by the Covenenter's power. How can we Rombuli ever hope to regain our freedom against the occupiers of our land? most of the people had thought. All they possessed were work callused hands against the power of the Covenenter's mind and will. Even I, thought Edward, one of the few with any hint of power did very little to counter the power of the Covenenter. Though I may have defied him for a little while, in the end I climbed meekly to my feet and came home as though compelled by the force behind those deep black eyes.

What puzzled Edward was not the mental power that had failed to make him move. He had scurried away even though the Covenenter had failed to penetrate his mind. No, it had been the fear of the blue flame that had held Matt suspended like a puppet. Edward had thought about resisting that force but the fear of what it could do to him had finally made him move. Deep in the recesses of his mind, he had not known whether he could resist that force and so had turned away rather than risk a trial of strength.

One thing he had learnt from the experience and he stored this away for future reference like a squirrel hoarding away nuts for the winter to brought out when needed. The amber medallion had something to do with the power of the Covenent. Edward had noticed, even though he was so concerned for his friend, the amber glowing when the Covenenter had uttered those alien words. It had been glowing still when the blue flame had leaped from the staff and had only died away when Edward had turned away after letting go his defiance of the Covenenter.

Edward was sitting in the kitchen having a drink lost in thought when his father, his mother and Morag returned. Idris confronted him straight away.

“ What do you think you were doing there in the square?” Idris demanded leaning over the table and thrusting his face close to Edward's.

“ I was trying to help Matt, ” Edward replied evenly not letting his father's anger intimidate him.

“ You stupid idiot!” Idris almost shouted. “ What have I been trying to get into your thick head since you were a child? We know we have a little power but I keep telling you to keep that knowledge from the Imperial officials.”

“ Father when I saw Matt held in that blue flame, I could not help myself,” Edward replied with a sigh. “ All I could think was that Matt needed my help and I acted on instinct. He is my friend after all.”

“ You should have tried to stop yourself,” Idris shouted beside himself with rage and fear. His fists beat the table to emphasise his words. “ You almost succeeded in starting a general riot out there. Not only that but your mother and I had to stop Morag from coming to your aid. It’s bad enough having one hot head in the family but two! If she had managed to get away, I would have had to intervene and then we all would have been exposed.”

Idris shook his head as though to clear his thoughts and then smiled faintly. “ Now you have confirmed what they have suspected for years. They now know we have some power and will watch us very carefully in future. Still my son, what is done is done. At least they now know that there are people who can resist all their efforts to finally subjugate us all. Actually, in your place I would have acted just the same I suppose. Come on lets have our lunch.”

That night Morag and Edward talked late into the night going over all the happenings of the day. They let their mutual anger and frustration at not being able to resist the Covenenter run its course. Though they knew it was futile, they solemnly vowed to work for the destruction of the Imperial presence in their country. They left the details vague and for another time. Underneath their talk were visions of secret raids on Imperial buildings, ambushes of Imperial troops and the glorious day when they would ride into Nimmar at the head of a liberating army. Then they would take back what was rightly theirs. If he had overheard them plotting in this way, their father Idris would have thought ‘let them dream’ and gone back to the harsh realities of winning freedom by diplomacy or at least gaining some space in which the Rombuli could control their own lives.

Harsh reality did indeed intervene before Edward and Morag could do anything about their dreams. As Edward banked the fires in the forge in the cold light of the early morning and made ready for the day ahead before going indoors for his breakfast, a detachment of soldiers again rode into the yard. This is getting like a bad habit, Edward thought in exasperation as he carried on with his work. There was nobody else around and Edward watched warily as the soldiers spread out around the perimeter of the yard facing towards the buildings. With a sinking heart, Edward, once the soldiers were in place, saw the Covenenter ride into the yard and dismount. Edward straightened and stood watching as the Covenenter walked towards the forge. He sent a mental message to his father and stood facing the white robed figure.

“ Good morning Edward Eastland.” The Covenenter seemed almost cheerful but he spoke aloud rather than use his mind.

“ What do you want?” Edward asked bluntly, pulling his mind into focus and getting ready to counter any mental probing.

The Covenenter chuckled and lent casually against a doorpost. “ You are very interesting among the Rombuli, Eastland. There are not many people in the whole of the Empire let alone this uncivilised backwater who can resist my efforts to probe their minds or my attempts to control what they do. Indeed most of the people we have discovered who have some mental power have been absorbed into the Covenant as priests or helpers. We go out of our way to seek out sources of this power and to deal with them. In that way, we of the Covenant remain strong and focused.”

“ I suppose you have them killed unless they do as you tell them,” Edward said making no attempt to keep the contempt out of his voice.

The Covenenter again laughed as though he was determined to remain calm in the face of Edward’s provocation. “ Oh no Edward. That would be a waste of power. No we offer them a place under our protection and a place where their power is not seen as hostile to other people. Most people jump at the chance to join us. Those who don't, we keep an eye on so we always know were they are. There are not many like you that we do not know about anywhere in the Empire.”

The Covenenter paused waiting for Edward to comment but when Edward remained silent, he resumed. “ Here in Alskar, we have come across one person who refuses to bow to us, one person who has the skill to resist our power. With regard to that person, we have made sure we know what he is doing and where he lives. Then yesterday we found another in Alskar who can resist our power. Is it not strange that these two people live here under the same roof? Don't misunderstand me. Rombuli has always been a strange place when compared to much of the rest of the Empire. In the years since Rombuli was absorbed into our glorious Empire, we have come across a few of your rustic countrymen who are not easily controlled but all of them submit to us in the end if we use enough power. During the Rombuli campaign, we found it was our ability to communicate with our minds that gave our armies so much of an advantage, but this was matched by the same ability among the Rombuli. Once Derek Gorland was defeated and Nelvask the traitor was driven away never to be seen again, we thought we had suppressed all the power in this land. That was never the case. It has remained hidden for years but something like that cannot be hidden forever. No, that is not what is important. Even most of the Rombuli we have discovered to have some power usually submit. What I find fascinating is the complete failure of my power concerns two people, you and your father."

The Covenenter left his words hanging in the air between them like a misty curtain but Edward remained silent. He resisted the pressure on his mind the way his father had taught but did not move. It was with some relief that Edward saw Idris come into the forge tucking his shirt into his pants. Idris took in the scene at a glance but Edward could only answer his fathers raised eyebrow with a shrug.

“ Ha Idris Eastland, good morning to you. “ The Covenenter bowed slightly in Idris' direction. “ Now you are both here I can say what I came here to say.”

Idris stood looking from the Covenenter to Edward and back as though he did not understand what was taking place. It was not difficult for him to realise he had missed most of the conversation between his son and the Covenenter and was puzzled by the relaxed attitude of the Covenenter and Edward's almost calm expression. This appeared to contrast with the way the Covenenter had spoken to him when he came into the forge. To Idris it was as though he had interrupted a verbal joist to which he was not a party but was now being sucked into it's mysteries against his will. He did notice however that Edward hardly took his eyes from those of the Covenenter as though he was alert to any sudden moves or attacks.

“ What is it you want?” Idris asked bluntly thinking quickly that there was no point in playing mind games with the Covenenter.

The Covenenter again chuckled. “ Idris Eastland, I am here to keep an eye on you two. Why else do you think a Covenenter would concern himself with the Imperial Army making a routine rounding up of Rombuli youth to serve their Emperor? The army has enough power to crush any rebellion without any help from me. They have managed quite easily in the rest of the province, as you must have noticed with the young men being escorted into the fort. So I am keeping my eye on the only source of power in the Empire which we, the Covenant do not control. There is something else though.”

The Covenenter looked straight at Edward. “ Edward I would like you to accompany the Imperial Grandmaster and his troops to Nimmar. You will be his guest and under his command. This is an order of the Emperor just as the one to your friends the other day. I would have left it to the soldiers or that insufferable Cannoc but having some idea of your powers, I thought I had better deliver the invitation myself.”

Idris gasped but Edward did not react. His mind raced as he tried to weigh up his options. “ I thought the men you wanted were all chosen the other day,” Edward remarked trying to keep his voice as soft and calm as possible. “ There is too much for me to do here for the farmers and the merchants for me to come to Nimmar. I cannot accept your invitation.”

Edward made his words sound brave but deep down he knew it was only a small defiant gesture. The force of the mind blast the Covenenter threw at Edward without any sign of gathering his force while still leaning casually against the doorpost was staggering. It rocked Edward back on his heels even though he was ready when it came. It was more powerful than anything his father had shown him but with an act of supreme willpower, Edward made his mental defences hold and forced himself to regain his balance and step forward a pace while still remaining upright. In a gesture of pure exhilaration, Edward stared directly into the Covenenter's eyes.

With his feet planted firmly on the ground and no longer leaning negligently against the doorpost, the Covenenter tried to make Edward move. Eyes blazing he poured more and more power at Edward. Clutching at straws and feeling his resistance giving way, Edward focused on the glowing medallion and the power being channelled through the stone helped him resist. It was as though by opening his own mind to the other power Edward was able to draw off a little of that power and use this to augment his own.

Sweat broke out on the Covenenter’s brow but still Edward resisted. After a while The Covenenter let his power drop and wiped away the sweat running down his face with a large white handkerchief. He cast a fierce glance at Idris standing wide eyed and motionless staring at Edward, and then turned once more to Edward.

“ If you resist any more, I will have to force you to come,” the Covenenter grated between his teeth. His hand moved to his belt and he drew out his staff. The amber jewel still glowed and Edward could not help seeing a vision of Matt caught in the blue flame. Shuddering inwardly, he smiled slightly and could not help getting in a last defiant word before giving way before that staff.

“ You could not force me with your mind so you will have to use your staff. Are you certain I will not be able to resist even that pressure.” While he was talking, Edward watched the staff intently bracing himself to resist if the blue started to arc across the distance between them.

Whether it came from within his subconscious or from some outside source like his Maker, Edward suddenly knew what to do. Tumblers seemed to drop into place in his mind and he caught a vision of a man surrounded by a pulsating glowing white power shield. In a detached way, drawing on the knowledge he had just gained he started to erect his shield until his skin tickled.

“ No Edward! “ Idris yelled in order to penetrated his concentration. “ Not now. Not here. The time is not yet come. We need you to fight a latter battle.”

Edward felt it then, his mind still locked with the Covenenter. A slight shiver of doubt went through the Covenenter's mind and the point of the staff wavered. Triumphantly Edward realised he had won this particular battle, that he had finally really faced down a Covenenter but he shut the feelings of elation out of his mind. Letting the shield die, Edward stood facing the Covenenter. Like a beast at bay eyes wary and watchful, the Covenenter lowered his staff and let the light in the jewel die also.

Standing rigid in the doorway, Idris let out an audible sigh of relief as though he had begun breathing once more.

Smiling to himself, Edward walked over to where the Covenenter stood still full of doubt. “ All right. You have demonstrated that you have all this power but I have shown you that I might be able to resist. Now, I will come with you without your having to make me because that is far safer for my family and friends. We will however do it my way. First we will go into our kitchen and have breakfast. Then I will pack properly. Once I have packed, I will say a proper goodbye to my family. Why not join us for breakfast? ”

The Covenenter stared at Edward as though he did not know how to respond, as though he had never had to face the fact that there were people other than the Covenent who could resist his power. Then he smiled, the hood falling away from his head and his black eyes sparkled in face haloed by long black hair. Laughing, he bowed slightly and stepped back to let Edward lead the way.

The Covenenter sat in the kitchen talking to Idris after breakfast while Edward endured his mother and Morag arguing about what he should take. Finally they had compromised and packed what they could into saddlebags. Edward's mother chattered away, warning him of all possible dangers and in the end Edward let his irritation drop when he realised that his mother was trying to hold back her own fears as to what would become of her son in the months ahead. At last they conceded that Edward was ready and followed him out into the yard. Edward said goodbye to his family, hugging his mother, kissing Morag for the first time and hugging his father in turn. When he was ready, Edward unlike his friends of the previous day rode away from home with the best wishes of his family ringing in his ears.

When they reached the fort, the Covenenter left without a glance at Edward, to go back to the guesthouse at the rear of the complex. The leader of the troop wasted no time and ushered Edward into a building overlooking the parade ground. Cannoc sat behind a desk reading some papers.

Looking up, Cannoc actually smiled in greeting which made Edward more nervous than when he was facing down the Covenenter. Even the Covenenter had made disparaging remarks of Cannoc. “ Good morning Eastland. You took a long time getting here. We were expecting you over an hour ago.”

“ We were delayed by a discussion between the Covenenter, my father and myself. Then we had breakfast together while I made up my mind about coming. It took a great deal of persuasion on the part of the Covenenter to help me make up my mind.”

Cannoc looked puzzled, not really following Edward's sarcasm but hid his surprise by trying to sound efficient and in control. “ You are not here to join the others who are going to be trained to become the Emperor's escort. You are here to lead a team which we have got together to do something else. The Imperial Grandmaster himself will brief you later on what you are to do. I have the job of finding you accommodation and introducing you to your team.”

With those remarks Cannoc dismissed Edward and a soldier led him across the parade ground. They entered a building that looked like all the other buildings inside the wall of the fort and the soldier took Edward down a corridor to small room sparsely furnished with a small table, a chair and a bed. Edward's saddlebags were already in the room by the bed so he assumed that this was to be his room while he was staying in the fort.

“ You will stay in this room while you are here,” the soldier said looking distinctly unhappy in Edward's company. Rumour of my confrontation with the Covenenter has already swept the fort, Edward thought. “ Come along with me and I will show you where the others in your group are accommodated.”

He once again led Edward out of his room, along a short passageway and into a large room, the walls of which were lined with bunks. A group of about twenty men and women looked up from where they were sitting as the soldier led Edward through the door.

“ This is Eastland, He is here to organise you, “ the soldier told the group. Turning to Edward he said. “ Somebody will come to collect you when the Imperial Grandmaster has the time to see you. Be ready to come immediately.”

The soldier left the room leaving Edward with the group of people, none of whom he knew even by sight. There was silence in the room and Edward suddenly realised they were all waiting for him to speak.

“ I’m Edward Eastland and I am a blacksmith by trade, “ he said as a way of breaking the ice. “ I expect you all know each other by now. Maybe it would be best if you all introduce yourselves to me. We can then have a guess at what we are supposed to do. Like you all, I have no idea why I am here.”

They introduced themselves one by one and Edward found he was among a group of blacksmiths, furriers, saddle makers and tailors. They seemed to be expecting him and when he asked why, he was told that the soldiers had told them to wait until their leader arrived when all their questions would be answered. Edward was a little embarrassed at being looked upon as the leader but decided not to query their assumptions. He found through further questions that some of them had been in the fort for a week waiting for something to happen.

“ What do you think is going to happen to us? “ a large blacksmith asked rubbing his unshaven chin with knarled and calloused hand.

“ I have no real idea, “ Edward replied honestly as he acknowledged each in turn. “ Looking at our skills, it appears they want us to supply our troops out there with equipment. Don't worry. I have a feeling that I will be called before the Imperial Grandmaster soon and given our instructions. In the mean time, have we access to the fort workshops? ”

“ Yes, they are at the end of the passageway, “ answered the blacksmith.

Edward took them to the workshops and set them the task of familiarising themselves with the equipment that they might have to use. Edward felt it was far better giving them something to do rather than let them sit around worrying about the future. He wanted to take their minds off the fact that for most of them this was the first time they had been deprived of their freedom. I am not a leader he thought but it seems sensible to me for their minds to be occupied with something.

Once they were all fully employed, Edward went back to his room leaving them alone and trying to give the impression that he trusted them. Outside the window of the room he had been allocated was a balcony looking out over the parade ground and Edward took a chair outside. He sat watching Matt and his friends making ragged attempts to get to grips with riding horses in harmony. In other circumstances what Edward saw would have been very funny. Indeed he could not stop a grin crossing his face, though he tried to hide this if one of his friends looked in his direction.

The riders on their own farm bred horses were trying to cope with unfamiliar orders from shouting drill sergeant. The riders bumped into each other, turned right when they should have turned left, ran when they should have walked and some horses snorting in protest dumped riders unceremoniously into the dirt of the parade ground. All attempts at ordered riding usually ended in chaotic mess in the middle of the parade ground. Irritably, muttering about the insanity of their superiors who had had this mad idea to recruit these farm boys and try to make them into soldiers, the drill sergeants sorted things out and took their own particular group back to the edges of the parade ground and tried again.

“ They are making rather a mess of things at the moment aren't they? “ A voice in Edward's ear made him turn.

Cannoc was standing behind Edward watching the efforts of the Rombuli to ride in unison but he was not laughing at them.

“ They are doing their best,” Edward defended his friends almost automatically.

“ They will improve once they arrive in Nimmar. There they will be given properly trained army horses to ride. Even though things are a bit chaotic, I can see that some of them are fair horsemen. With proper horses, they will soon get the hang of things. I have come to take you to see Imperial Grandmaster Borovic.”

They found Borovic in his office signing papers and issuing orders that sent functionaries scurrying away clutching sheaves of papers. He ignored Edward and Cannoc for a while until the last piece of paper had been signed.

Looking up, he addressed Edward bluntly. “ We leave tomorrow at sunrise. You are to come with my personal guard and me. The plan is for us to ride all day and arrive in Nimmar late afternoon. The rest of the troops will follow with the Rombuli and your people. They will take two days, stopping on the way for the night. That way we can make sure that everything is ready in Nimmar before they arrive. You will leave your horse here and I will give orders for it to be taken back to your father. Are there any questions? “

“ Most of the questions will wait until we arrive in Nimmar.” Edward replied evenly. “ One though I think you should answer and that is what we are going to do when we get to Nimmar. I have to go back to my group, as you insist on calling them, and they will want to have some idea of what is going to happen to them.”

“ That is easy. Your group are going to make the weapons, saddles and uniforms for the Rombuli troops for when they escort the Emperor. I thought that was obvious. You can rest assured that the accommodation for them will be adequate. They are to be housed close to the Rombuli troops and it is hoped that they will add a sense of fraternal solidarity. Strictly speaking they are not prisoners but their movements will be closely monitored. One thing we will not abide is any hint of trouble when the Emperor is staying in this Province.”

He paused for a moment and then continued in a much friendlier voice though this made Edward defensive. “ You will not be staying with the other Rombuli but as a guest in the Mansion. I know this will separate you from your countrymen but I hope you will accept my hospitality.”

Edward looked at Borovic, weighing in his mind the likely motives for this seeming sudden kindness but could read nothing in the Imperial Grandmaster's expression. “ If that is what you require, I will accept. My father will be grateful, sir.”

Borovic smiled. “ Well a bit ungracious but it is enough. Now go back and tell your group what is happening. I will see you at dawn.”

Do not forget my other novels!

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A Ceremony Of Innocence

This is a book that follows the lives of one family during one summer in 1981. Joan Brookes, the mother, is excited because her two sons will be back home together for the holidays, something that has not happened for what seems to her an age. All she wants for the holiday is her house filled with laughter, conversation and joy. In anticipation of the holiday she is happy.

Her husband Charlie is a shop steward at the Brents shipyard and at the same time as her boys are arriving home, there are redundancies announced at the shipyard. The workers led by Charlie vote to strike at the same time as his sons arrive home on holiday.

Jim, her youngest son is to graduate that summer from university with a first class honours degree making her feel proud and happy. On arriving home, Jim appears to love the idea of a strike, seeing in the strike a chance to push forward the revolution of the working class, a chance to test in the hot bed of a real situation the ideas he has proclaimed while at university. Left wing and loyal to his friends, Jim wants only to help his father in what he sees as the struggle for justice. Jim thinks of his brother as left wing and shy from the little he remembers of him when they were together at school ten years before. From this stand point Jim thinks his brother will help with the strike.

Mark, her oldest son, wants a quiet life while on leave from his travels as an officer in the merchant navy. He is skeptical about the strike and its effects on the community although he supports his father. Mark feels that because time is short while he is at home, he has to grab any opportunity for gain or happiness that comes his way. He is not prepared to subordinate his pleasure for the sake of the family over something that he sees as none of his business.

Against the background of the strike, Jim painfully finds out what his brother is like and is annoyed that Mark has enough friends to help Jim out of a brush with the law when the rest of the family were helpless.

The fracture of their relationship comes to a head when Mark is beaten up by some of the shipyard workers, Jim finds that Mark's girl friend is the daughter of a shipyard boss and that Mark has been having sex sessions with Karen, Jim's girlfriend.

This is a book that explores the themes of the eighties through a conflict in one family. It asks questions about what individuals know of other people? Is life for most people an act that bears no relation to reality? Do we really know what another person is thinking about us? Even people close like mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters or intimate friends.

Eddie Gubbins

An Ordinary Life

Tom Houseman grew up in a poor district of Porthampton. He attended the local grammar school after passing the eleven plus examination. Following school, he attended university and was awarded his Ph.D.. Through his friend, he meets the local criminal boss Mr. Hunt though he never acknowledges the criminal activity. He agrees to become a non executive director of Mr. Hunt’s company. At work he publicly upholds the university rules on relationships between tutor and student even warning one of his colleagues about over stepping the line. In private he ignores these rules justifying his behaviour by claiming to himself that the desire is mutual between him and the student.

Joan Houseman is a pillar of middle class society. An accountant, mother and loyal church member. She is thrilled by the wealth generated by Tom’s activities, by their membership of the exclusive country club on the recommendation of Mr. Hunt and with their status in society. She justifies the ignoring of the contradictions in her life by telling herself that Tom is not doing anything illegal.

Derek Jones is Tom’s oldest friend from their junior school days. He and all of his brothers and sister had an abused childhood oat the hans of his father. He is heading for a life in and out of jail when he beats up his father while protecting his sister from his father’s sexual demands. Tom advices him to find a Mr. Big and attach himself to that person. It is through Derek that Tom meets Mr. Hunt.

Edward Houseman is Tom’s older brother. He is passionately political and a member of the Labour Party. To pursue his political career, Edward applies for and is selected as the Labour Party candidate for a lost cause seat near Porthampton. He persuades Tom to become his election agent. Edward works in an investment bank and sets up an investment fund with his brother, He is good at his work and their investment fund prospers. Edward sees no contradiction between his work and his social conscience.

The novel reaches a climax when Derek, having succeeded Mr. Hunt as leader of his empire, is shot by a rival. Tom then has to choose between reaping the rewards while not getting involved or taking a step across the dividing line between legitimacy and criminality.

Eddie Gubbins

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The Return of the Exiles

Chapter 4

Three days after Edward had last seen Kitty, Cannoc rode into the yard in front of the forge with an escort of Imperial soldiers. As this had been rather a familiar sight over the last few days, Edward hardly paused in his work. After dismounting from their horses, the soldiers spread out in front of the forge making Jeb reach for his hammer. Edward signalled for him to stay calm but Jeb kept the hammer in his hand despite Edward’s warning frown. Chuck also stopped work, his eyes following Cannoc's every move. Cannoc and a sergeant approached the forge and, putting down his tools and after wiping his hands on a rag, Edward left his work and went out into the sunshine to meet Cannoc. Jeb still clasped his hammer and glowered at Cannoc, despite Edward's warning gesture.

“ Is your father at home?” Cannoc asked without a smile or any form of greeting.

Edward tried to hide his surprise behind his smile. “ Hello Undermaster Cannoc. I think my father is in his office near the warehouse though I can't be sure. I haven't seen him come back past the forge so there is a good chance he might still be there. Come on. I'll show you the way.”

Cannoc fell in beside Edward but did not speak, walking upright and rigid in a very military fashion. Edward began to wonder what he had done to alienate Cannoc so much but this did not stop him asking the question which was burning inside. “ Is Kitty Borovic well?”

Cannoc looked at Edward, his eyes narrow and his lips a thin line. “ The Imperial Grandmaster's daughter has been sent back to Nimmar by her father. She asked me to give you this letter and this is the first chance I have had to deliver it to you. You should be careful in your thoughts about her, Edward Eastland. You might be a pleasant divergence while she was here in Alskar but you are nothing in the eyes of the Empire. You should really forget her as soon as possible and leave any thoughts of seeing her again where they belong.”

For the first time in his life Edward was confronted by open hostility and he did not know how to react. His first instinct was to laugh at Cannoc's attitude but one look at Cannoc's expression made Edward think better of making any comment. Tucking the letter into his belt, all he could do was show Cannoc to his father's office.

Idris Eastland was sitting behind a table checking some documents when they entered. His jacket was flung over a chair and he looked annoyed at the interruption. On noting Cannoc's official expression, he quickly hid his annoyance and stood to receive his guest.

“ Take a seat,” Idris said indicating one of the chairs near the desk. “ How can I help you?”

Cannoc remained standing, rather stiff and formal in his field uniform, every inch the Imperial soldier. “ This is an official visit,” he said flatly. “ I will stand. ”

Idris Eastland smiled faintly at Cannoc’s attitude but resumed his seat noting the annoyed look Cannoc gave him. “ I can see how official this visit is from the way you are standing so stiff and formal. There is no reason why we cannot be comfortable even if we are discussing serious Imperial business.”

Despite Idris’ attempt at friendship, Cannoc remained standing stiffly before the desk, his face grim.

“ I could make you stand in the presence of an Imperial officer, ” his voice grated harshly in the room. “ It is the custom for you peasants to stand when confronted by an Imperial Officer.”

Idris leant back in his chair and smiled again, perfectly relaxed. “ But you won't make me stand, my dear chap, because you need my help.”

Cannoc sighed. “ Enough of this banter, Eastland. I have here a signed order from the Imperial Grandmaster of Alskar and Sandari Provinces. He has asked me to deliver this personally and to impress on you that his instructions are to be followed to the letter or the consequences will be dire. ”

Cannoc reached into a pouch at his side and handed Idris a sheaf of papers.

Idris opened the papers and spread them on the desk. As he read the words, a frown appeared on his face. When he had finished reading the last sheet, he looked up at the Undermaster but did not speak at first. Idris was deep in thought as though he did not know how to respond. Edward stood in the background watching his father and wondering what it could be in the letters to make him so unsure of himself.

At last, his face bleak, Idris spoke. “ You have to understand that this is a busy time of year for my people. They are planting and lambing at the moment and have to take advantage of any good weather. I may be able to get some of them to come but many will be reluctant to leave their work at such short notice. Wouldn't just a number of the Council be sufficient? Those present could then tell the others what was said.”

Cannoc remained stiff and upright, his expression impassive. “ Imperial Grandmaster Borovic told me you would try to stress how busy everybody is at this time of the year. He then impressed on me the importance of making you understand that the order in those papers is quite specific. At eleven o'clock tomorrow all twenty-six of the elected elders of this district will be in the Meeting House in Alskar so that he can address them personally. As the Order in your hand states, the only excuse he will accept for non-attendance will be ill health. He made it plain to me that he is quite prepared to send troops to make sure that anybody not in the Meeting House is really ill. You have no choice but to obey this order. It is given under the powers invested in the Imperial Grandmaster by the Emperor.”

Idris' face remained impassive but his eyes were hard and troubled. “ What will happen to anybody who is not ill but still refuses to come tomorrow? ”

Undermaster Cannoc's expression once more did not change and he replied in a flat measured tone. “ The price of non attendance will be arrest and a trial for treason to the Emperor. Those found guilty will have all their property confiscated. They, their families and anybody who helps them will be deported and forced to work for the Empire outside Rombuli. You should have some idea of what that means. ”

Cannoc paused to let the full import of his words register with Idris before continuing in the same measured tone. “ Though there are many people on both sides who do not agree, the Rombuli in Alskar province have been allowed a relatively free life under the agreement between the Imperial Officers and Derek Gorland. You have to agree that the Imperial government does not interfere in the daily running of this province. For this once you are being asked to obey the will of your guardian and protector. It is not too much to ask of your elders. If I were you, I would make sure that all your elders are in the Meeting House at eleven o'clock tomorrow. I bid you good day. There is no need for your son to see me out. I know the way.”

Undermaster Cannoc saluted in the Parison fashion and strode from the office followed by his sergeant. Edward and Idris could only gaze in silence at the door through which they exited. For the first time in Edward's experience he was feeling the full might of the Empire and he realised there was nothing he could do about it. In that one instant, Edward understood his father's caution in any dealings he had with Imperial Officials.

Idris sat slumped in his chair and slowly re-read the papers that Cannoc had left on the desk. “ I always feared something like this would happen, ” Idris said in a low voice as though to himself. “ One day, I have told myself over and over again, our so-called freedoms will be called into question. What am I to do? ”

Idris sighed deeply and then straightened in his chair. He smiled ruefully at his son and then shrugged. “ All right Edward there is nothing we can do about the order other than to obey. I have no idea what Borovic wants but from the way Cannoc talked it cannot be to our advantage. We will find out tomorrow what the Imperial Grandmaster intents. In the mean time we had better get organised. I have to arrange to contact all the elders about the call to the meeting. While I sit here and draft letters to them all, could you go and round up as many of your friends who can ride as you can find quickly. Between you there will be a lot of riding to do before the day is finished."

An hour latter, Edward and his friends gathered in the kitchen of the house to wait for their instructions. They stood around shuffling their feet while they waited for Idris to arrive. At last he came through the door clutching a sheaf of papers.

“ Thank you all for coming at such short notice, ” Idris said, once he was seated at the head of the table. “ I know it must seem unusual for me to call you all like this but what I want you to do will not wait. I have here an order from the Imperial Commander of the Army in Rombuli. It orders all the elders to be present at the Meeting House tomorrow morning to hear the Imperial Grandmaster. I want you all to deliver my letters to the elders.”

Idris picked up some bundles of letters and handed them around. “ I have split the letters into areas and each of you has to deliver the letters in your bundle. Please be as quick as possible. When meeting the elders you must impress on them the importance of attending the meeting. I don't think there will be any trouble. I will contact the elders who live in Alskar town. Now you have a lot of riding to do and the best of luck.”

Edward watched his friends put the letters into pouches and waved to them as they left.

“ What about me? “ he asked his father when all the others had ridden away.

Idris stood gazing out of the window for a while before turning to face his son. He smiled wearily and said. “ Ha my son. For you I have saved up what could be the hardest task. I would go myself but I cannot be away for that long. You are to ride out to the farm of Mark Fox in the hills. He has to be convinced that he has to come to the meeting tomorrow. He is my friend and I would hate to feel that any thing is going to happen to him and his family.”

Edward's heart sank. “ But father that is thirty miles away. Not only that but I expect he will be up in the hills with his sheep at this time of the year. It could take days for me to find him. And then I know what he is like. He won't listen to what I have to say. Look, father, I know he is one of your friends who you can talk to with you mind. Why don't you contact him like that? He will listen to you.”

Idris sighed again and shook his head. “ I know Mark Fox. Even if I used all my power in thought transfer, he would refuse to answer. You know he represents the hill farmers and only comes into town for the markets and if he thinks things are important. Like all his people, he stays up in the hills and lives his own life to his own rules. They are a slow moving people from the hills but they can get very angry if they think that somebody from outside is interfering with their way of life. The only way to get Mark Fox to come to Alskar tomorrow is if one of us goes up into the hills and delivers the message personally. You are the one who can do this. You have to convince him of the importance of coming and the consequences of not attending. Look Edward, of all the Rombuli, I am the one who has had the most contact with the Empire. Indeed some Rombuli call me a collaborator behind my back but that is irrelevant at the moment. I believe Cannoc when he warns me of the consequences for any of the elders if they do not attend. I would not like any of my friends feeling the full power of the Empire against them just because they were too pig headed to obey the Imperial Grandmaster. Even more, I could not live with the image of my friend Mark Fox's farm being burnt to the ground. Edward you have to ride up into the hills and convince him to come.”

“ They wouldn't burn down his farm just for not attending a meeting, would they?” Edward gasped in horror.

“ Edward you have lived in relative peace and safety as has all the people of this province for a few generations.” Idris replied soberly. “ We must never forget that beneath the outward calm is the iron fist of the Empire. I have no doubt what so ever that if Mark Fox is not at the meeting tomorrow, Borovic will dispatch troops to bring him back to Alskar. Son, I know Mark Fox, indeed we were brought up together. He is very stubborn. If the troops went to his farm, he would resist all their efforts to arrest him. The trouble is, the Army would not rest until they had found him and arrested him even if that means smashing everything he owns to the ground. I know he has power and knows those hills like nobody else but in the end they would find him. If they had to they would call in the white robes. You have never seen a white robe but I have confronted them. You have read of them in the Book. Mark Fox may have some power but his power is nothing beside the white robes. Even I have great difficulty in resisting that priesthood's attempts to search my mind and I am the most powerful of our people in that sense. You have to convince him that it is vital he is in the Meeting House by eleven o'clock tomorrow.”

“ I will go to his farm and try, father but I know Mark Fox as well as you and fear convincing him will not be easy. “ Edward turned and left the room leaving Idris leaning back in his chair with his eyes staring out of the window. Idris was not seeing anything but looking inward and wondering if all of his carefully planned steps to becoming a wealthy trader were about to come to an end.

As soon as he was ready, Edward rode out off Alskar with the words of his father ringing in his mind and the letter from Kitty unopened in his pocket. It was to be a long time before he had a chance to read Kitty's letter.

He headed his horse towards the hills and set as fast a pace as he thought prudent in the circumstances. The woods and the fields he passed were turning green in the spring sunshine and if it had not been for his mission, Edward would have been happy to be out away from the forge on such a bright day. He stopped at noon for a quick meal and to rest his horse in a pleasant copse beside a bustling stream. Soon after lunch the meadows and woods gave way almost abruptly to the stark heather clad rocky hills. The cart track he was following became a path and he had to slow down as the ground became steeper. Edward had to concentrate on the direction he was taking as faint tracks criss crossed the path he was following through the hills and even the outcrops of rock started to all look the same.

Stopping at last at the crest of a hill to let his horse recover from the climb, he looked down into a rock strewn valley where smoke was rising from the chimney of a slate grey farmhouse. Surrounding the farmhouse were fields following the contours of the ground, lined with stone walls and huddled between outcrops of rock. Except for the ground immediately around the house nothing was flat but every field sloped in a different direction making it hard to see if there was anybody among the sheep dotting the fields.

Two dogs stood at the gate stiff legged, hair raised at the back of their necks as Edward approached. Their barking attracted the attention of somebody in the house because a woman of about Edward's age came out into the yard wiping her hand on a cloth. She strode across the yard, her heavy body giving the impression of earthly solidity.

“ Down Spot, Down Patch,” she shouted at the dogs peering at Edward from under her tightly drawn back hair. “ Well! What does Edward Eastland want so far from the bright lights of Alskar? ”

Then she smiled in welcome and her plain face came alive. “ It has been a long time since I last saw you.”

“ Hello Margaret, you are looking well,” Edward said sliding down from his horse. “ I have come to see your father.”

“ What a shame. I thought for one moment you had come to see me!” she said laughing as she waved her hand at the gates that opened with a squeak. “ Come on inside and I will get you a drink. The dogs will not touch you while I am here. Father is in the field at the back of the house lambing. After you have had a drink I will show you the way.”

“ I see you have the gift, ” Edward projected his thoughts at her and smiled.

“ Yes, “ she replied into his mind. “ Its funny but neither of my brothers can do that even though my father can.”

After Edward had finished his drink, they walked round the back of the house and through a gate in a dry stone wall. The sound of sheep bleating filled the air and they saw several men in the field tending a flock of sheep. As they approached, a big man with a barrel chest and arms that looked as though they could wrestle with a bear walked towards them.

“ Good afternoon, Edward " his voice was deep and powerful but his eyes were hooded and wary. “ What brings you up into the hills? Its a bit out of your normal way.”

Edward handed Mr.Fox the letter from his father. “ My father sent me to find you and deliver this letter. He said to tell you that it is very urgent.”

Mr. Fox read the letter and snorted. “ I have no time to come all the way down into Alskar on some foolish outing. There are hundreds of sheep needing my help at the moment. Tell your father that the meeting can take place without me. Call at the house on the way back and have a meal. It is a long ride back to Alskar.”

With those words, he dismissed Edward and turned back to his sheep. Edward did not intend to put so much authority and power into his thought but the result got Mr. Fox's attention. ” Mr Fox! ”

Mr. Fox stopped dead in his tracks and then turned to face Edward, his face like thunder. “ Edward, “ his thought sounded in Edward's mind. “ Beware or I will lose my temper with you. ”

Edward held his ground, his mind locked onto Mark Fox's. “ Father! " his mind shouted not certain whether it would reach over the distance to Alskar. “ Help me!”

Idris's startled voice sounded in Edward's mind. “ There is no need to shout! “

Edward smiled faintly. “ Sorry. I have Mark Fox here and his mind is open to you. Will you tell him what it is he must do.”

Idris's voice was still plain to Edward even though he addressed his thoughts at Mark Fox. “ Mark. I know you live a life free from most contact with the world up there in your farm but this is not the time to keep out of the affairs of our nation. I know how busy you are but I have to insist that you come to Alskar by eleven o'clock tomorrow.”

Edward saw Mark's muscles bunch and heard his angry reply. “ And how the hell do you think you are going to make me come? ”

“ Mark my friend, “ Idris answered evenly. “ You know I cannot make you come to Alskar. The order that Edward delivered does not come from me but from the Imperial Grandmaster acting with the full authority of the Empire. He had that message delivered to me personally with orders to deliver it to all the Council members. “

“ Bah! “ Mark exclaimed. “ I care nothing for the Empire. I pay my taxes, obey their laws and keep out of the way as long as they leave me alone. This is my land and has been in my family for generations. You tell the Imperial Grandmaster Borovic to come and get me if be wants me.”

“ Mark. That is just what he threatened to do if any of the elected elders are not in the Meeting House at eleven o'clock tomorrow.”

“ We can hide in the bills and they will never find us, “ Mark shot back.

“ I thought you would say that. “ Idris said. “ The only problem is they will find you. The same order says that anybody who refuses to come will be hunted down and their land confiscated. I believe them when they say this. Do you want to see your flocks destroyed, your house burnt to the ground and all your family and helpers killed? “

Mark stood and stared belligerently at Edward for some time and then his shoulders slumped. “ Alright Idris, I believe you, though I wish the time would come when we were able to throw off this yoke they have placed round our necks. I will be there tomorrow at eleven."

Edward let his mind disconnect from Mark's and his father's, surprised that he had the power to hold two minds together. Once released from the power of Edward's mind, Mark shook his head as though to clear his thoughts and then grinned at Edward. “ If your father puts it like that, I have to be convinced. He is one of the few Rombuli who has showed both the strength and moral courage to stand up to them. Have something to eat before you go back. I must organise my sons and the men to carry on while I am gone. May you ride with our Maker.”

After reporting to his father when he got home that evening, Edward at last had a chance to open the letter from Kitty. He found a quiet place in the forge and sat reading the letter.

‘ Dear Edward ‘ it began.

‘ I must apologise for having to leave Alskar so quickly without getting the chance to say goodbye. Even though you may think the worst of me, I would not want you to think that I used you while I was in Alskar and then will forgot you as soon as I had to leave.’

‘ This is not making much sense but all I can say is that my father suddenly decided that the situation in Alskar may become a little tense and has bundled me back at very short notice to Nimmar. Please forgive me for not being able to see you before I left.’

‘ If you ever come to Nimmar, please come to see me. You could come any time because I am sure if I asked, my father would give you a permit. If you came, I could show you around Nimmar and introduce you to all my friends. I will definitely come to see you when I next come to Alskar. ‘

‘ Edward, I would like to think of you as a friend and hope that you like me as much as I like you.

Until we meet again

Kitty.’

It was only a short note written in haste but to Edward it was a wonderful thing. In all his life nobody had ever written a letter to him personally. He puzzled over it's significance and reasoned that he would never see Kitty again but even given those thoughts, it was a wondrous thing. And he had to admit that he had come to like Kitty after the initial problems of their first meetings. He wondered whether he should write but decided to wait until after the Imperial Grandmaster had held the meeting in the Meeting House.

Edward was working in the forge the next morning as men and women began to gather early in his father's kitchen to discuss what Idris thought this meeting was all about. He could not concentrate on the work in hand, Edward found and by the time the group of elders left with Idris, he had packed away his tools and was ready to follow them to the Town Square accompanied by Jeb and Chuck.

When they arrived in the square, other people were gathered in groups in front of the Meeting House talking quietly and waiting for something to happen. Some even stood on the steps which rose from the square on each side of the double doors of the Meeting House to form a platform from which many Chairman of the Council had addressed the crowds with important speeches. There were constant nervous glances up the road leading to the fort but from the town square trees hid the fort from the view of the people. Nothing like this had happened in Alskar for most of the people’s lifetime though a few very old people murmured vaguely about the raising of some local troops to go and fight a war some place when they were very young.

The atmosphere among the people in the square was such that the very air felt shrouded in fear like it was during the fogs that descended over the river in the autumn. The tension and apprehension fairly oozed out of the people waiting so nervously and even the weather seemed to join their mood. After days of bright sunshine, the clouds gathered over the distant hills in great black thunderheads and the wind had turned to the northeast. This sent shivers through the waiting crowd as though they sensed their impending doom borne on those damp, heavy winds from out of the mountains.

As though taking their cue from a leader, the crowds drew back from the front of the Meeting House to line the buildings surrounding the square and silence fell such that the whistling of wind through the branches of the trees on the hill was plainly audible. From out of those trees lining the road leading to the fort appeared a group of soldiers walking their horses in perfect unison. In their midst rode Imperial Grandmaster Borovic, straight backed on his black horse. Into the square they advanced, a troop of soldiers in rows of four in front, Imperial Grandmaster Borovic and his personal guard, and a troop of soldiers in ranks of four behind. Most people could only gasp at the appearance of these soldiers. Gone were the light blue uniforms, shiny breastplates and the crimson cloaks of the officers. In their place was the functionally of the drab grey, dull metal breast plates and dull helmets. This was an army ready for trouble.

What drew Edward's attention away from the soldiers and their appearance of being prepared for trouble was the figure riding beside the Imperial Grandmaster. He or she, for Edward could not tell, was dressed in a white robe with a hood drawn up to hide the face, white boots and gloves. A red sash held the robe in place and there was no sign of a weapon except for a small wooden staff thrust through the sash at the waist. Around the neck was a heavy gold chain with a gold setting holding an amber jewel. This was one of the priests of the Empire said by some to have magical powers though none had ever seen any evidence of this power. It was also whispered that these priests could read men's minds and force any man to do their bidding by shear force of their will. The Covenenters, for this is what they were called, were bound together by training, breeding and secret incantation, so some people said. It was rumoured that Tulka their leader, who resided in far away Parison, was as old as time and was the most powerful man in the Empire.

People stepped back further as the Covenenter approached, fear of the unknown spread by rumour and whispers in the dark. Not one of the Covenenters had ever been seen in Alskar in living memory but the sight of the white robed figure spread dread amongst those who watched. Edward's eyes narrowed and he tried to recall the words of the Book of History but the deeds of the Covenenters written about in those pages gave him no comfort. The magic written about in the Book was unheard of and awesome but he took comfort from the fact that one Rombuli had managed to stand up to their kind. He instinctively raised the barriers to mind penetration as taught by his father. Why a Covenenter should pay any attention to him, he was not sure.

The soldiers spread out efficiently around the square facing the watching crowds and the Imperial Grandmaster's personal body guard dismounted in front of the Meeting House, walking in through the doors to gasps from the crowd. Never had soldiers violated the Meeting House, this place being the property of the Rombuli and should only be entered by Imperial Officials by invitation or that was how they understood the agreement. Borovic, the Covenenter and Cannoc also dismounted looked briefly round the square at the watching people and they too disappeared into the Meeting House.

Edward turned and taking Jeb and Chuck with him walked back up the hill to the forge and started to work again. All around there was tension in the air and even the bird song seemed to be muted. The whole town seemed to pause, to hold its breath waiting to find out what was going on behind the guarded, closed doors of the Meeting House.

Idris sat in the Meeting House on the slightly raised platform with the scribe beside him looking out over the table. On each side of the table sat twelve figures in high backed chairs, their voices a low murmur while all eyes kept glancing at the door. The long table at which they sat was in the middle of the large room. Under the roof of the building was a balcony, reached by flights of stairs on each side of the entrance hall, with benches for people to sit and watch any discussion of the Council in the room below. Under the balcony behind the table were other rows of benches where people could sit and listen to the debates or where anybody not a member of the Council could sit until called upon to speak. The whole system was open and the sessions of the Council could never be held in secret, showing that this building was more than the just meeting place for the elders but the cultural centre of the town. Here celebrations were held as well as town meetings and any other gathering of the people of the town.

At eleven o'clock precisely, the door burst open and the Imperial soldiers entered and ranged themselves around the room in front of the spectator seats which were this morning empty on Idris's orders not knowing how Borovic wanted to conduct the meeting. Behind the soldiers came Imperial Grandmaster Borovic, the Covenenter and Cannoc. They walked round the table behind the elders and ordered Idris to take a seat among the other elders further down the table. Placing his sword on the table, Borovic waved Cannoc and the Covenenter into chairs and looked around the room.

When he was satisfied that all was in order, Borovic addressed the elders. “ Would you all call out your names in order so that they can be checked against our list.”

As each elder called out their name, Cannoc ticked them off against a list he had placed before him on the table. When the last name was called, Cannoc nodded to Borovic. The Covenenter sat and said nothing but his black eyes took in all the people in the room. His gaze seemed to linger on Idris for longer than the others but Idris detected no attempt to enter his mind.

“ Good,” said Borovic grimly looking round the table at each elder in turn. “ I am glad to see that you all took my orders very seriously and made the effort to be here this morning. I would not have wanted to let loose my army or the Covenenter on any who did not come. I have called you all here to inform you that in the late summer our great Emperor is planning to pay a short visit to Nimmar. He is engaged in a tour of all the out lying provinces of the Empire to see what it is like in all the places he gets reports from. Long live the Emperor!”

All the soldiers sprang to attention and gave the Imperial salute. Idris scowled but remained silent though there were some angry murmurs from some of the elders.

“ Most impressive, “ growled Mark Fox.

Turning to Idris, he went on in a loud voice which could be heard throughout the room. “ Did they bring us all this way just to tell us that and to watch a grown men beating their chests.”

Cannoc glared at Mark Fox and started to rise from his seat, his hand on his sword but Borovic gently pushed him back into his chair. Ignoring Mark Fox, he took a parchment from Cannoc and slowly unrolled it onto the table.

“ This is the proclamation which will be given to each of you. Another copy will be attached to the Meeting House door. What it contains is quite simple. In a week from today at eleven o'clock all able bodied men from Alskar district between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five will present themselves in the square outside the Meeting House. From those present, twenty will be chosen to train as an escort for the Emperor when he arrives in Rombuli: signed Imperial Grandmaster and Governor of Rombuli, Borovic.”

Looking round the room and gauging their reaction, Borovic smiled grimly. “ I do not need to remind you that this is an order with the full authority of the Emperor which must be obeyed.”

When it was obvious that the Imperial Grandmaster had finished speaking, silence lengthened in the room. Around the table the elders looked from one to the other but none dared speak. There was confusion in their ranks, fear in their hearts and so they could not voice their apprehension.

After letting the silence thicken for a few minutes, Mark Fox could not contain himself any longer. “ What does the order mean exactly? “

Borovic smiled faintly. “ What it says. In a week from today every man between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five living in Alskar District will line up in the square outside. A drill sergeant who will be in charge of their training will then inspect them and choose the twenty to form part of the Rombuli honour guard to escort the Emperor when he is in Rombuli. The same thing has been happening all over this Province and we will end up with about one hundred troops to form the guard. Once they have all been gathered together in Alskar Fort, they will be taken to Nimmar for intensive training. Though that has not been decided yet, it is hoped that this will lead to a permanent Rombuli troop in the Imperial Guard. I would like to see each eighteen year old Rombuli serve for a one year spell in the Imperial Army at Nimmar but that is in the future. At this time all you have to make sure is that all your sons are lined up in the square in a weeks time."”

Again there was silence around the table. Each of the elders appeared lost in thought or bowed down by a feeling of helplessness. For many of those present it was the first time they had had such close contact with the full might of Imperial power. Most of them had left the contact with the Imperial Army and officials to others like Idris. Many, coming in contact with the naked power of the Empire for the first time, did not like what they heard or felt. There is not a man, however he feels deep down, who likes to be reminded that he is powerless to defend himself against some other power.

Idris sat straight in his chair and spoke directly to Borovic. “ Is this order legal under the terms of the agreement between the Rombuli and the Empire?”

Once again Idris felt the Covenenter, who had sat silent throughout the meeting, turn his mind in Idris' direction. There was a subtle hint of pressure on Idris's mind but Idris raised his defences against the probing. The Covenenter had gained Idris' full attention however.

Speaking for the first time and directly to Idris, the Covenenter's voice was high pitched but firm. “ Idris Eastland. You are not in any position to question this order. All you have to do is obey and as chairman of the council, make sure all the other Rombuli obey the order. Just make sure that all the men we have requested are in the square in a week’s time. That is especially true of your son Edward.”

Idris felt his blood run cold at the way the Covenenter emphasised Edward's name but he continued to stare defiantly into the Covenenter’s eyes. Suddenly he knew where the true power in the Empire lay and he made this knowledge aware to the Covenenter by addressing his question direct to the Covenenter rather than Imperial Grandmaster Borovic. “ What happens if anybody refuses to come? ”

The Covenenter's chuckle was silenced by a wave of Borovic's hand. Borovic is trying to make the others believe he is in charge thought Idris but I know now where the power lies. Actually, I should have been more aware of that from my time in Nimmar and from my reading of the Book. I must warn Edward.

Sighing deeply, Borovic said. “ Enough of this. Why do we always have to answer these questions and have such a big debate before the Rombuli can do anything? I have lived in this province for ten years and the way in which you behave at times like these still surprises me. Let me make myself plain. Nobody in this room, in the square outside or at home should be in any doubt about the consequences of disobeying this order. The Empire will declare any that are not here in a weeks time and anybody who helps them as an outlaw. They will be hunted down and ruthlessly dealt with. If that is all the questions you have then the meeting is finished. I will leave now and I look forward to seeing you all in a weeks time.”

Imperial Grandmaster Borovic rose to his feet, sheathed his sword and marched from the room followed by Cannoc, the Covenenter and his personal bodyguard. At the door the Covenenter paused, looked directly at Idris and bowed slightly. That bow made Idris even more worried.

Once the Imperial Grandmaster and the troops had left the Meeting House and the doors were shut, pandemonium broke out in the room. Everybody started to speak at once in very loud voices. Idris returned to his seat on the platform and repeatedly banged the gavel in an effort to bring some order to the meeting. Slowly a tense silence descended over the room.

“ Well you all heard what Borovic said,” Idris began banging the gavel as more angry murmuring started again. “ Let me say a few words and then we can decide what to do.”

He took the few nods of agreement and the general silence as approval. “ What upsets me most is the manner in which the proclamation was delivered. There was no need for Borovic to invade our Meeting House with his guards as though we are a rabble that poses some threat to the Empire. If he had come with a request and a proper explanation, we would have listened and been much happier to hear him out. Doesn't he realise that by acting the way he did, in one brief moment he has virtually overthrown all the ancient agreements between the Empire and the Rombuli? The delicate balance of trust painstakingly built over a number of years, the way in which much trouble has been avoided, has been knocked away. Now the old enmities so successfully held in check are right out in the open. The question before us is what are we going to do? ”

Mark Fox spoke then, his hands on the table balled into fists, the knuckles white against the polished surface of the table. “ There is only one thing we can do. That is to ignore the summons and take the consequences. If in a week’s time nobody comes to the square, they will have to decide what to do. If we all stand together, they will find it impossible to act against us.”

There were some murmurs of agreement but John Bailey, the baker, from Alskar town disagreed. “ It is fine for you, Mark, to speak of resistance while sitting up in those hills. Your family might be able to hold out for a while if the Army came but we in the town will feel the full force of the Army very quickly. Against their power we will only be able to put up a token resistance. I reckon we should obey the order, though it hurts me to say this. That is my opinion but I think we should all listen to Idris who has had more contact with the Imperial powers than the rest of us. “

Will Sharp, rubbing hands roughened from years of driving wagons together, shook his head. “ That might be one of our problems. How can we be sure that Idris is not influenced by all the years of contact he has had with them? His son Edward has been overtly friendly with the Imperial Grandmaster's daughter so I am told. They were seen only last week riding through Alskar with an Imperial Army escort looking for all the world as though they were friends. I say we listen to Mark Fox. ”

Idris went white with anger but did not have a chance to respond.

Mark Fox jumped to his feet and banged the table with his fist. “ You will withdraw that remark Will Sharp or I will personally come round the table and beat an apology out of you. Just because you are a waggoner and think you are the toughest person in this room does not give you the right to insult somebody like that. I have known Idris all my life and a truer patriot for the Rombuli nation you would be hard put to find. Idris and I may have our differences but to call him a collaborator is monstrous. Besides he is the only person here who knows anything about the Covenenters. Although I will vote for resistance, I will hear him speak and I will not hear another word against his motives.”

Mark stared belligerently round the table daring anybody to question Idris again and then resumed his seat when there was no further challenge. Slowly colour returned to Idris's face but he remained silent.

“ Idris, “ John Bailey pleaded. “ Tell us what you think. We do not all think like Will Sharpe.”

Idris shook his head as though to clear a fog that had formed in his mind, hunched and then relaxed his shoulders and looked around the table. “ By the rules which govern our council, I take Will's statement as a challenge to the chairman. Therefore according to the rules, I have to stand down so that you can elect a new chairman.”

Idris replaced the gavel in its cradle, collected up his papers and went to sit with the others.

Before anybody else could speak, Mark Fox, his expression like a gathering thunderstorm, again banged the table with his fist. “ This is madness. Instead of concentrating on the real enemy, we are now dividing and arguing amongst ourselves. I therefore propose Idris as chairman. Anybody opposed to my nomination?”

Mark glared round the table but nobody spoke or even looked at him. With a grim smile, Mark Fox resumed his seat.

Almost sweetly in a sugary voice he said, “ I take your silence for agreement. Right Idris, resume your place as chairman of the council.”

Idris took his seat on the platform and looked around the table, a slight smile on his lips. “ As I see things, we have no choice. We are a small community of tradesmen and farmers. None of us has ever been trained in warfare though we are all willing to try to resist if we have to. Two things worry me about resistance. First there is the power of the Imperial Army. If they put out their full might, rebellion would be crushed pretty quickly. Oh I know Mark and some of us could hold out in the hills for a while or we could retreat to the mountains by the mines but we would surely fail. Second there is the Covenenter. We have rarely seen those mysterious priests in this part of the country in my lifetime. I have been to Nimmar as you know a few times on business and have heard what they can do. Even most of you must know some of the stories. They have a power that is hard to fight and I would not like to pit myself against one. I know this goes against your feelings Mark but I think we should obey the order.”

There were general murmurs of agreement and Mark Fox shrugged. “ All right Idris, you seem to have the majority. I will go along with what you say for now but reserve the right to resist if I think that is the right thing to do later on.”

“ Thank you Mark, “ Idris replied. “ Are there any other opinions? If not, we will all convene here in a week’s time. “ The meeting broke up with the resolve to carry out the order.

Idris walked back to his home alone and lost in thought. He was shocked to the core of his being, shocked by two quite different realisations. On the one hand he was shocked that the Imperial powers could overlook centuries of relative harmony under the agreement and desecrate in such a blatant fashion the Meeting House. In addition Borovic had given orders as though they were a captive people without freedom to make their own decisions. What’s more, Borovic had treated them as though they could not be trusted with his soldiers surrounding the square and his troops lining the walls of the Meeting House. All of his adult life, while never losing sight of the fact that he yearned for total freedom, Idris had worked to build at least a semblance of trust and freedom for his people. All that had been swept away in a few minutes and Idris felt betrayed.

What hurt him even more was the attitude of Will Sharp. He had known for a long time that there were whispers behind his back about the way he had built up his business and his relationship to the Imperial officers. That had not really bothered him until today because he felt he had always tried to keep the Rombuli people in the forefront of his mind when he was dealing with the Empire. Besides he had again thought that part of the whispering accusations was to do with jealousy at his wealth rather than collaboration with the Imperial Army. Even the overt mutterings about Edward's friendship with Kitty had not really made him wonder about his position or his attitude to the Imperial Army. But the outburst by Will Sharp and the feeling that if Mark had not intervened so quickly, Will would not have been the only accuser made Idris angry. Then again maybe they are right. Maybe I have used my position to enhance my wealth and in the process become closer to the Empire than I had thought. Am I really a collaborator? he asked himself. He could not answer the question but resolved to think hard about his actions in relation to the Empire in future.

Then a chill set into his heart and he thought about the Covenenter. How did the Covenenter have any idea about his abilities? It must have been the way he was able to shield his mind unlike most of those present. Though the Covenenter had not tried really hard to probe his mind, he must have been able to sense that Idris was blocking his probing. That could of course either mean he was not trying too hard or that he knew that it was a waste of time unless he used a great deal of power. Idris could have asked Mark as one of the mind communicators if he had felt any pressure from the Covenenter but he had not thought of that at the time. Even more worrying was the reference to Edward. How had the Covenenter found out about his son or had the Covenenter made an educated guess?

When Idris reached his home, he went in search of his son finding him in the forge working on the jobs he had abandoned that morning. Sitting on the end of his son’s bench surrounded by the familiar bustle of the forge, Idris outline what had taken place in the Meeting House and his own misgivings about what had transpired. Then he talked about the Covenenter. He felt he had to tell Edward all he had come to know, over his years of dealings with the Empire, about those in the white robes. He especially talked about his experiences in Nimmar on the few occasions he had to go there for business and what he had heard there about the Covenenters.

Idris finished with a warning. “ Next week when you have to present yourself in the Town Square, be wary of the Covenenter if he is there. He has some suspicions about your abilities so try not to demonstrate what you can do.”

Edward looked at his father with raised eyebrows. “ I can shield my mind as you taught me. Do I have to hide that ability from the Covenenter?”

“ Oh come off it Edward,” Idris was angry with his son for appearing to treat the subject so lightly. “ Stop playing with me. Your mind communicating ability is as strong as both Mark Fox and mine put together as you demonstrated the other day when you went to Mark Fox’s farm to carry my message. You not only communicated with me but had the power to stop Mark shutting his mind to my thoughts. Even I can't do that. I can only communicate with one person at a time. Then there is your ability to move things by thought alone.”

“ Father I have seen you do that on many occasions so I am not the only one in this family who has that power. ” Edward protested.

“ Edward, I can lift things like a pen off the desk and into my hand if I am sitting at the desk,” Idris replied. “ I cannot make a hammer or a knife or a saw or a file fly halfway across the forge into my hand. I have tried and the effort leaves me weak and sweating and the tools hardly move. However, I was on the way back from the warehouse late one night when I saw you rack all your tools and tidy up the bench without moving a step. Go on, deny that you can move those things with the power of your mind.”

“ Oh that, “ said Edward trying not to blush. “ I thought that was my secret. I lifted Jeb onto a wagon once when he was drunk and incapable of moving himself. I have never really tested the full extent of my power. Oh, once I did make an arrow stick in the target when it was going to miss.”

“ Well I expect I am the only one who knows and lets try to keep it that way. I would not like to see you confronting the Covenenter next week and then throwing a rock at him by your mind power. Let's try to at least keep that side of your power a secret though you will have to shield your mind if he tries to probe into it."

They did not speak of this again, each leaving the other to face the worry of how much the Covenenter knew and what he might do the next week in the Town Square. Edward did speak to his sister Morag and even she asked him to be careful. Like Edward and Idris but for other reasons, the town nervously waited for the day of the parade to dawn. Like the towering clouds of an approaching thunderstorm, the fact of the meeting hung heavy in the air over the town and everybody was subdued