Heritage Ch. 15

"I had the sad duty to inform them that Ferhew's soul was destroyed." Greagor responded sadly.

Melinda felt sadness for the loss of such a noble and honorable soul. She had hoped to become friends with Ferhew before his death and had prayed he would find peace and happiness in the afterlife. She went to follow Arteria and Mordrick to offer her support when her father laid his hand on her shoulder. "They need to grieve in private," He softly stated.

Melinda didn't argue feeling perhaps her father was correct. She slowly made her way back to the party. She stood at the area where the people were dancing and watched Trinita and Jezebel enjoying themselves. She watched wistfully as the two of them danced were dancing gaily with a couple young squires. She almost wished she could dance with such abandon.

As if reading her mind Retquil approached took her hand in his and with all of the flourish of a court noble he bowled deeply. "Milady, might you give an ol' dwarf the honor of a dance?" He asked joyously.

"I would be honored milord," Melinda responded with a curtsy while giggling at his antics.

The two of them danced several dances together before he begged off the next one claiming that while his spirit was young; his body was too old to keep up with such a spry young lady. Before Melinda could make it back to her seat, a young knight intercepted her to request a dance. Throughout the night, she alternated between being served refreshments and being out on the dance floor with different knights and squires.

She couldn't help but laugh when several times throughout the evening she heard Retquil Warning some young squire not to dance so close to Lord Spellsword's ward; after all, he wasn't going to face an angry dragon for some young lads being inappropriate with his young ward much to Trinita's displeasure. Of course, it was not so humorous, when the circumstances were reversed. When much to her displeasure she overheard Retquil warn a rather amorous young knight that her father was none other than Greagor the Grey and the knight suddenly remembered some duty he had forgotten and needed to attend to immediately. Melinda couldn't recall the last time she had enjoyed an evening so much.

Trinita and Melinda decided to sleep out under the stars that night. When Retquil overheard them, he agreed it was a fine evening to sleep out under the stars. He went and retrieved three bedrolls, two he placed close to the fire and the final one a few feet away.

*****

Arteria led Mordrick back to their tent and helped him to undress. The two of them slipped under a blanket and spent the night in each other's arms talking of, and crying for their lost friend. Each of them consoling and taking comfort from the other, this was given freely. It was deep into the next morning before they came to grips with their grief and the pain had receded. They fell asleep in each other's arm just as the predawn light peeked into the horizon.

Around ten in the morning, the camp started to come to life and Melinda woke up and was concerned at first when she didn't see Trinita. It only took a few minutes to spot her. She was assisting Elisia and several others with the cooking of food. Melinda loved children and prayed that someday she would have several of her own. About an hour, later Arteria and Mordrick joined them looking a bit better than they had the night before. Trinita excitedly told them about the party the night before and all the fun she had dancing. Melinda could still sense grief coming from Arteria but it was nowhere as bad as it was the night before.

Arteria was enjoying her breakfast when a wave of nausea hit her and she bolted into the woods. A few minutes later, her stomach seemed to settle and she returned to the rest. "My stomach was just a bit unsettled," She claimed.

"I want you to have Melinda look you over love," Mordrick requested vehemently.

A healer handed her a mug of mint tea and a few mint leaves. He suggested that she drink the tea now and hold onto the mint leaves in case the nausea returns. Arteria thanked him, and drank her mug of tea slowly. Mordrick hovered over her like a circling vulture constantly asking her if she was feeling all right. Finally, after he got Trinita started doing the same thing Arteria had enough. She promised the both of them that she would go to Melinda and have her check her out if she felt sick again if the two of them promised to stop harassing her about lying down.

It was a little after one before Princess Margaret and her husband returned with their troops. Mordrick and Prince Winston went over his part of the plan. The primary purpose of the forty-five thousand troops was intimidation. If things went wrong at the negotiations, Prince Winston was to use the troops to take control of the area. Mordrick had the prince promise that if anything went wrong he would immediately get Trinita off the field. It was decided that a wizard would be at Princess Margaret's side to remove her from the field if necessary.

While the two of them were in their planning session, Prince Ares Blackstone returned not only his troops also the Kings. Much to Mordrick surprise the king had sent his head adviser Srenias and a detachment of his personal guard. Mordrick called everyone together to finalize the plans and go over the changes he made. He decided to keep Trinita and Princess Margaret together at the negotiations surrounded by six the King's personal guards and Srenias. He asked Srenias to get the two of them off the field if things went wrong. He placed four of the Kings' guards with Melinda and jezebel to help protect them and get them off the field if things went wrong. Melinda started to object; but she was quickly silenced when Mordrick said he'd leave her at the honor guard. The remaining ten members to king's personal guard would be stationed around the negotiation table in case things went wrong. Mordrick one of the general plans one more time. "Are there any questions?" he asked.

"Mordrick you have to tell Jezebel your entire plan for her, it is only fair that she has a say," Melinda argued.

"Damn it Melinda! I did not want her to know so that her reaction would be natural," Mordrick refuted.

Melinda's eyes narrowed and our hands went to her hips. "Mordrick you know dammed well that if someone pulled this ruse on you without warning you would attack," Melinda contended.

"OK Melinda, you are right. Jezebel, please take a walk with me." Mordrick said with a sigh.

Jezebel and Mordrick had just left the tent when Arteria pounced. "Melinda what the fuck do you think you're doing? You had no right to do that to Mordrick and endanger the mission. How could you betray him like that?" Arteria accused.

"Arteria, you know what Mordrick was planning to do to her? Not only was it wrong but it was extremely unfair not to give her an option." Melinda countered as she blew out a frustrated breath.

"You know you should learn to keep that big mouth of yours closed. You should think of someone else besides yourself, and are whimsical ideas of right and wrong." Arteria responded keeping her voice even.

"You have no idea what he was planning to do to her. Was callous uncaring, but that is always his way, sacrifice whoever or do whatever you have to complete the mission. You know as well as I do that if it was anyone else but Mordrick you be crying foul the loudest. I have news for you my dear he isn't infallible; you had better remember that before he leads you and Trinita into something that you will regret." Melinda said her face flushed with anger.

"How dare you betray Mordrick like this? How can you set there and say shit like that, after all he is done for you. I thought we were friends, but you're nothing but a spoiled little bitch. I will not allow you to tear Mordrick down in the presence of our child so you best stay the fuck away from our daughter." Arteria retorted as she jumped to her feet.

Both Elisia and Greagor rose and came to Melinda's side. "Arteria you have no right to speak to her like that not after she saved your life. You will apologize or else."

Trinita quickly rose and stepped beside her mother her hand resting on the hilt of her dagger. "You are not allowed to speak to my mommy like that lady." Trinita shouted enraged.

"Yes she saved my life but if you recall she was the one who wounded me. Lady Grey you mark this well If weren't for Mordrick, Ferhew, and I she would have been in Weslin hands long ago and we have paid a very dear price protecting you and yours."

"Arteria that is quite enough, you need to control yourself. You young lady had better mind your manners before someone like me tans your hide," Greagor reprimanded.

Melinda watch in disbelief as the situation here was quickly escalating into a disaster. "Arteria will you please calm, down so we can talk about this like adults." Melinda pleaded at the same time Greagor was talking.

Greagor's statement caused an immediate escalation in tension. Trinita drew her dagger and stood ready to defend herself. Arteria immediately stepped in front of Trinita. "Lord Grey if you attempt to touch my daughter I swear I will cut you in so many pieces that Gaia herself will not be able to piece you back together. Who the fuck do you think you are speaking to my daughter like that?" Arteria threatened her hand on the hilt of her sword.

"That is enough! Everyone will calm the fuck down now!" Mordrick roared. Everyone spun to face a very pissed off half- dragon standing there in full glory. His expression showed he would broker no arguments. Mordrick continued in a normal tone," Arteria' I appreciate you defending me but Melinda is right I should have told Jezebel. Next, we all agreed to protect The Grey's with our lives and I won't allow anyone including you to try to hold that over their heads. Lastly, our daughter is not to be used as a bargaining chip."

Next Mordrick locked eyes with Melinda." I would have thought I had shown you that I could be trusted to protect those who are with me. O' well no matter but while, I am in command you will not override my decisions or I will have Prince Blackstone lock you in one of his towers until Weslin is either captured or killed. Do I make myself clear?" Mordrick chastised.

"Lady Grey I would have thought better of you then to get drawn into an immature squabble. You should have let them work it out between the two of them. Lord Grey it is you whom I am most disappointed in not only did you not stopping the argument but you escalated it." Mordrick reprimanded. He then faced Greagor locking eyes with him "If you ever threaten to harm my child again I will take great pleasure in removing your head," Mordrick warned in an icy tone.

Mordrick took on his human façade and knelt down to face Trinita." Sweetie good job on trying to protect your mother and I proud of you trying to help but you did not need to pull your weapon in this instance." Mordrick softly reproved. He then gave her a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek before continuing." Now if you all can behave long enough to finish talking with Jezebel I would appreciate it."

After Mordrick, left with Jezebel Melinda was setting with her parents brooding. She was furious with Arteria. "Who the fuck does she think she is talking to me that way and then she has the gull to threaten you father. She is just lucky that Mordrick came in when he did or she would of ..." Melinda angrily remarked in a quiet voice.

"She would of what? Well my child," A soft but forceful voice demanded, interrupting her thoughts.

"Grandmother?" Melinda inquired in shock.

"Yes Melinda, what would you have done attacked her?" Gaia demanded.

"No, but she needs to know that Mordrick isn't always right. This time he is wrong for not telling Jezebel what he was doing," Melinda stated with conviction.

"My dear you aren't going to like this but you were wrong. The tactics that Mordrick is using aren't ones I would use myself but he is in command. While I do agree in principle, that Mordrick should have been honest with jezebel but he made the decision to go with the plan that had the fewest amount of risk. Arteria was right you didn't only undermine his authority but you endanger everyone by forcing Mordrick hand the way you did. Remember the night I had you visit me I told you to trust Mordrick and Arteria?" Gaia chastised.

"I remember but he was wrong and it was unfair for him to act as if he was going to turn Jezebel over to Malacoda without warning her it was a ruse." Melinda argued passionately.

"You are acting as if you were a school girl. You of all people should know that sometimes you have to consider what is best for all, over some whimsical idea of fair play. While I do not agree with his choice, I understand that in the end it was a better choice. You have to understand that Mordrick did what he did; not out of Malice but out of knowledge of the beings involve.

Malacoda is no fool and when you all do this trade, he will expect Jezebel to act in a certain manner and if her reaction is off, he will order his forces to attack and to kill the duchess. Now how are you going to feel if that young girl dies as result of your actions?" Gaia reprimanded irritation evident in her voice.

"How was I supposed to know? Why didn't Mordrick tell me the reason?" Melinda asked visible shaken.

"Did you ask him in private so he could explain or did you ambush him and not give him a chance? Maybe just maybe he thought he earned your trust. It is too bad he hadn't." Gaia replied sternly.

"I do trust him!" Melinda responded defiantly.

"If that is so why did you betray that trust?" Gaia queried.

Gaia words hit Melinda like a ton of bricks. She hadn't meant to make Mordrick think she didn't trust him because she did. Didn't she? "How can I fix this?" Melinda asked weakly.

"What makes you think there is a fix? You may well have to pay for your actions and the payment may be, having to live with the fact you caused that young girl to lose her life. If it does happen, you will have to be prepared to pay the consequences for your actions, and next time my dear try to think before you act. Now I have to go deal with your parents for their part in this." Gaia explained in a soft voice.

Melinda was beside herself with regret for her actions. She wondered why she didn't trust Mordrick after all he had been protecting her and her family for a long time even though none of them had known it. She knew she needed to make amends first with Arteria then with Mordrick. She hoped that they were both in forgiving mood. She prayed that Mordrick could somehow find a way to minimize the damage she had inadvertently caused.

Melinda looked over at Arteria who was seated in the corner of the tent with Trinita in her lap. The two of them were talking and laughing with each other .Melinda sighed wishing she were in Arteria's place. She rose to go try to make amends with her when Mordrick returned. He requested Prince Blackstone and Arteria. Trinita rose to go with him.

"Why don't you go visit with Aunt Melinda?" Mordrick suggested much to Melinda's delight. She felt a little better now that she knew that Mordrick didn't hate her.

"I sooner spend time with a troll then her. I will wait alone." Trinita replied with an angry scowl. Melinda felt her tears start to run down her cheeks. Trinita's words had cut her deeply and he was afraid that Trinita would never forgive her.

"She is just a child dear. She really didn't mean it." Elisia whispered as she hugged her daughter trying to comfort her.

"Mom she is not like most kids, she has been through hell and she is very strong willed. She won't forgive me easily." Melinda replied sobbing.

"Sweetie you don't mean that your aunt loves you and what happened between her and your mother was just a misunderstanding," Mordrick explained. He then kneeled down to look her in the eye and continued in a whisper," Trinita I won't force you to go to your aunt but I think you should consider what you are doing. Look you have her all upset and she already feels bad for what happened between your mother and her. I know you are upset with her but she was only doing what she felt was right. Everyone is on edge with everything that is going on around here and your mother and she just over reacted to a minor thing. Do me a favor, think about this your aunt loves you, and would never want to hurt you. You know that?"

"No daddy and I know she wouldn't hurt me. The man might want to but not Aunt Melinda." Trinita answered sadly.

Mordrick chuckled. "Sweetie Greagor did not want to hurt you he is just protective of his little girl like I am of you. Did you really mean to hurt your aunt? Because you did by saying you didn't want to be with her; look she is crying. What do you think you should do?" Mordrick carefully explained.

"I guess I should go tell her I am sorry huh?" Trinita said as she hugged Mordrick.

"Only if you really mean it; do you really feel sorry for what you said?" Mordrick asked. Trinita nodded yes and he kissed her on the head and continued with a smile," Then go spend some time with you aunt and we will talk more, later on. I am so proud of you."

Mordrick watched as Trinita went to Melinda and gave her a hug. He then left the tent to go join Arteria and Prince Blackstone in order to go over the changes to the plan that Jezebel and him had worked out. Srenias was helping by making some costume jewelry to help sell the rouse.

"Mordrick, my old friend I am impressed, fatherhood really does agree with you." Prince Blackstone complimented as Mordrick approached.

"Thank you; I enjoy it, more than I ever thought possible," Mordrick replied with a smile. He then turned serious as he continued," Ok, down to business. Arteria, I am going to need you to let Retquil take command of the strike team. I will need your assistance in selling the charade that ..."

Mordrick was interrupted by the familiar feeling that a portal was opening. He looked ahead and saw the bluish white swirling disc that indicated that a portal was opening. "We have a portal opening right here." He shouted as he polymorphed to his natural form and prepared to unleash a magical assault against whatever was coming through the portal.

All around him, Mordrick heard call to arms. Defensive lines were formed around the portal. He watched as the energy expanded into a gateway before him. A lone figure casually walked out of the portal.