Meetcher slipped into a catatonic state, but Lady Meetcher looked directly at Kolknir.
“I want to see my daughter but not like this. Let me see her some place without the cuffs.”
Since the lady clearly wasn’t a fighter and she had recently been shot twice, Kolknir removed the stuncuffs and led her down the hall to the room with the child.
Two Alliance soldiers, Herik and Alden, stood guard. They looked worn from the previous night’s excitement, despite sitting out much of the battle after a brief, brutal encounter with a Ranger.
“Let her stay with the child until I return,” Kolknir ordered. “She should awaken soon.” He would return in an hour or so, after taking care of Meetcher. That should give Lady Meetcher time to make peace with her child.
MERALLA’S HEART ACHED so badly she thought it might fail before she got to see Kia. Rallying her energy, she slipped into the room. Kia slept on the overstuffed couch dominating the center. Pain radiated from Meralla’s left arm, but she ignored it, rushed to Kia’s side, and knelt. The broken arm hung uselessly, but Meralla used her good arm to lift Kia and pull her close.
It was only a stun beam.
The thought of her daughter being shot almost undid Meralla’s emotional control.
A little over a half-hour went by while Meralla sat with Kia. At times, she wept, but mostly, she showered her sleeping daughter with words of love, comfort, and advice she would never live to give. When Kia began stirring, Meralla held her tighter with her good arm. She suddenly wanted to say so much that no more words would come.
What should I tell her? Will she be better off missing or hating me?
“Momma?”
The single word restored Meralla’s ability to speak.
“Kia, I love you. Never forget that ... no matter what happens.” Meralla tried with only partial success to keep her voice calm.
“Momma? What happened?” Kia’s voice was heavy with sleep, but she hugged fiercely.
The hug brought more tears to Meralla, but she savored every painful heartbeat.
“I have to leave soon, darling. Be brave. Please,” she said.
“Where are you going?” Kia asked, pulling away. Tears rushed into her eyes. “Don’t leave me. I’m sorry! I—”
Seeing her daughter blame herself stabbed Meralla deeply. She reached out and brushed at Kia’s tears, cupping her sweet face and patting at the sweat-dampened hair.
“This isn’t your fault, love. Bad things happen. Don’t blame yourself or let it make you bitter.”
“Where are you going?” Kia asked again. Her hazel eyes were desperate.
Can she handle the truth?
“Kia, I made a decision some people don’t agree with.” Meralla couldn’t bring herself to say that she would soon die. It would be cruel. “I have to go away, but always remember I love you.”
Chapter 41:
The Illusion of Peace
ALLEI (AUGUST) 21, 1538
Twenty-one days after Prince Terosh’s Kireshana journey
Temple of Marishaz, City of Chara
“I would like a word,” said a female voice.
Recognizing the voice calling from the shadows, Lucas Telon halted and tried to cover his surprise at seeing Lady Mavis Altran in Chara. Nobody knew exactly where the Lady’s hideouts were located, but one would sooner guess Idonia—the other main southern city—over Chara. Though anxious to be inside he forced himself to bow.
“My Lady, it is an honor to see you again,” said Lucas.
“Come with me.” The Lady swept gracefully up the steps to the temple’s side entrance. Decked out in dark robes complete with a cowl for anonymity, one could easily picture her as an avatar of Marishaz, goddess of secrecy.
Lucas wanted to ignore the order but good sense prevailed. This was not a woman to disobey. She led him into the temple to an upper room complete with soundproof walls and an excellent vidscreen. He stared at Reia’s image. She had always been beautiful, but he had never seen her like this. Her wedding dress matched her eyes, and the look of peaceful happiness tore at him. The look should have been aimed at him. With great effort, he forced his gaze away and slapped the sound controls, cutting off incoming sound and preventing noise from leaving the room. For several moments, he concentrated on controlling his emotions.
“I know of the sacrifice you make this night,” Lady Mavis Altran said.
“What sacrifice?” Lucas spat, despising himself for needing to witness Reia’s marriage. “She would never have me. What’s a Ranger compared to a prince?”
“As a Ranger, you have every right to stop that wedding, but I ask you to let it happen.” Lady Mavis’s stony tone touched Lucas more than her words.
“Why?”
The Lady’s smile contained triumph and contempt.
“Because love declared could be denied, but a secret marriage will become undeniable fact.”
“You’re after the Council,” said Lucas.
Lady Altran’s smile widened, but she shook her head.
“Not only them.”
“You seek to destroy the Rangers.” Lucas felt irrational loyalty sweep through him. He had emotionally ceased being a Ranger long ago, but part of him still loved the Order.
“The Rangers are the strongest support for the king. I have bought what loyalty I can from their ranks, but the rest must be dealt with. I need a reason for the Ashatan Council to gather. This will be that reason.” She spoke softly, almost kindly.
Lucas considered Lady Altran’s words. The plan might work. The Lady didn’t have to explain the details. He could work out the rest. Reia’s disregard for one of the most sacred Ranger laws would force the enclave in the Riden Mountains to call for a full meeting. The Ashatan Council hadn’t assembled for more than two years for fear of attack. The issue would force them to strike down the archaic laws or see justice done. Lucas pitied Reia. He didn’t know if she had willingly fallen into the trap or not, but either way, her words tonight would seal many fates.
A MOST UNUSUAL TIME for a wedding.
Sadness crept in and squeezed Father Morgivesh Niktol’s heart as his gaze took in the prince, the Ranger, and their few guests. Stretched out end to end, the whole party would barely take up a fraction of one pew. In better circumstances, this temple would be filled to capacity and ringing with joy.
That’s the way it should be.
The day was mere minutes old. The sadness turned sharper and poked at his heart as he thought of the other secret royal wedding he had performed.
Does this young woman know what she’s getting into?
The other union had been just as perfect, but he knew how tragically that had turned out. Prince Taytron would never again be the happy young man so in love with life. His heart had died with Deanna Koffrin Minstel. Father Niktol couldn’t help but worry that a similar fate awaited this new pair.
The prince looked handsome in his Royal Guard uniform, and the bride looked stunning in a deep green gown borrowed from Lady Akia Zelene. The dress complimented her figure, showing off the emerald pendant Terosh had given her.
Father Niktol smiled at the haphazard perfection characterizing this wedding. The young couple would have been married in dust-covered travel clothes had it not been for Governor Darmon Zelene. Although the governor couldn’t make it, he had sent his daughter with everything necessary, including the priest. Though not his own temple, Father Niktol found it fitting to marry the couple under the figurative eyes of the goddess of secrecy. Some people mistakenly associated secrets with deception, but he preferred to think of them as beautiful gifts hidden away until the right time for revelation.
“It’s your line, Father Niktol,” the prince prompted, grinning. He had both arms wrapped around his bride.
For her part, the bride smiled and leaned back against the prince, looking content to never move again.
“Have the vows been composed?” Father Niktol asked, clearing his throat.
“They have,” answe
red the prince.
The Ranger simply nodded.
“Wonderful. Now the hard part—you must let go of her, young man. Please kneel before each other.”
Prince Terosh reluctantly let his bride slip from his grasp. She smoothly turned and faced him, hands held out palm down. His hands reached for hers, and together, they knelt on the thin mat placed there to protect their knees. The wedding gown billowed, creating a sea of fabric that touched Father Niktol’s robes.
“Prince Terosh of House Minstel, I understand you have something you wish to say to this young woman here in the sight of the gods and these witnesses.”
“I do, Father, but I shall let the lady go first.” The prince’s eyes never left his bride’s face.
Only mildly surprised, Father Niktol said, “Very well. Reia Antellio, Ranger Healer and friend to House Minstel, I understand you have something you wish to say to our beloved Dulad Prince. Please say it here in the sight of the gods and these chosen witnesses.”
The Ranger spoke heartfelt words.
“Ehnocheatosches mimindoahsu. Tahmsukeromfetoa. Icanatuapwemosetos. Stobrem-compltos. Coshaminmatakalanlin.”
Father Niktol couldn’t understand one word until she translated.
“At nighttime and all times my thoughts dwell with you. Tell me you’ll love me forever. I could not take a parting, now or ever. It would break my heart completely, shatter my mind, and turn my soul dark.”
“I am yours, you are mine. This promise is forever,” Prince Terosh answered. “You hold my heart in your hands as you hold my soul with your smile. Your eyes speak your mind and heart, but I need to hear the words again. Tell me you’ll love me forever then come what may, life will be perfect.”
“Suhomielstomensuhan esuhomiessasufaclin. Sulispakseminamielstom contrinessaliseh-messrep. Tahmsukeromfetoa toncomevancectpa,” repeated the Ranger. She paused a second then continued, “Isesussuame. Esepromatos.”
Father Niktol gathered the last part meant the same thing as the prince’s reply.
“Ifinedisquamonakero aperamostre aleminafin,” the Ranger whispered.
“I finally found what it means to love someone so much that it hurts at the thought of an end,” repeated the prince.
“Tahmsukeromfetoa,” spoke the Ranger.
“Tell me you’ll love me forever,” translated the prince.
“Isiltosriotroapan alanaiknoseisu,” the Ranger said.
“I’ll be all right through trials or pain as long as I know I have you,” Prince Terosh repeated.
“I am yours, you are mine. This promise is forever,” they vowed together.
ALLEI (AUGUST) 21, 1538
Same Day
Tiny Gem’s Ale House, City of Chara
“What can I do for you, Master Telon?” The voice held much caution.
Perverse pleasure swept over Lucas. Knowing this was an audio-only connection, he allowed himself a smile.
“Master McGreven, it’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”
“Where have you been, Lucas?” Master Niklos asked in that utterly paternal, contemptible tone. “We thought you had turned or been killed. Why didn’t you finish your mission to Azhel?”
“It was a waste of time.” Lucas regretted the impatience. He wanted Niklos’s cooperation. Squabbling over the past would hardly accomplish his goal. His spirits diminished. As much as he would have liked Niklos to be the ill-fated messenger, he needed assurance that the plan would be carried to fruition. “Let me speak to Master Alikron please.”
“Certainly,” Niklos said stiffly.
“Who’s your master now, traitor?” asked Master Alikron a moment later.
“A fine one you are to speak thus,” Lucas scoffed.
“What do you want? I’m a respected member of the Ashatan Council. They’ll never believe you!”
“Relax, Master Alikron, I wish you to convey a message to the Council.” Lucas suspected Alikron would work himself into a fine fit if he let him.
“Message? What message?”
Lucas pinched the bridge of his nose.
How did I ever tolerate this fool as my master?
“You need to call the Ashatan Council,” said Lucas.
“The whole Council? Whatever for, boy?” asked Alikron.
“A Ranger has fallen from the way,” Lucas revealed.
“Now see here—”
“Not you!” Lucas shouted. “I’m talking about Reia Antellio.”
“Niklos’s pet? The one he promoted to healer without our consent? What about her?”
Good mood thoroughly destroyed, Lucas explained the facts to Master Alikron and finally elicited a half-hearted promise to petition for a full Council meeting.
“How will you get her here?” Alikron demanded.
“I can be very persuasive,” Lucas assured him.
ALLEI (AUGUST) 23, 1538
Twenty-three days after Prince Terosh’s Kireshana journey
Chamber of Wisdom, Loresh Cave System, Frozen North
Princess Reia Antellio Minstel stood in the Chamber of Wisdom and watched in wonder as a new stone pillar was added to the hundreds already lining the room in neat rows. Her mind reeled, trying to absorb this new shock. She had never seen so many strange things and felt so many strong emotions in such a short a time.
Her quiet wedding to Prince Terosh had happened two days ago. She would remember Allei 21, 1538 forever. Every part of the last few days permanently etched in her memory: the escape, the emergency surgery to remove a bullet from Taly’s friend, the crazy wedding preparations, the kind priest, the soft silk dress, the expression on Terosh’s face when they exchanged vows, their few guests, the frantic packing, the rushed farewells, the sweetness of their first night together, and all the rest.
She smiled remembering Father Niktol’s befuddled expression when they spoke most of their vows in Kalastan. The words returned easily to her, and she rolled the most important ones over in her head.
I am yours, you are mine. This promise is forever.
The ceremony had no sooner ended when Taly and his friend left for an unknown destination, Kiata and Todd returned home, and Lieutenant Laocer went back to Rammon to await news from Mitra. Lady Akia Zelene stayed long enough to see them settled into the guest chambers in her father’s Charan estate before also leaving. They had spent the night in Chara and traveled to Loresh the next day.
Loresh, an impressive system of caves and tunnels deep in the Frozen North, known only to the Royal House and a few servants, was surprisingly cozy. The sheer size and natural beauty matched any sight Reia had ever seen in the Riden Mountains. Most caves had glowcrystals casting colorful beams of light in breath-taking shows. The Chamber of Enlightenment even held an ancient, ice-encased ship.
“Come, I want to show you something,” Terosh announced, breaking into her thoughts. He grabbed her hand and led her to the stone pillar next to the forming one and placed his left hand on it.
Reia chuckled as a very young Prince Terosh appeared and stared into the empty space over her right shoulder.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m getting there,” said the young Terosh. “Greetings, I am Prince Terosh Minstel, brother of the obnoxious I-am-great Prince Tate, second son of Kila and Teorn Minstel. I cannot sing, and I’ll never be king so lots of me will you hear.”
“And so mature, too.” Reia stood on tip-toes to kiss Terosh’s cold cheek. “Play another message.”
“There aren’t any,” Terosh replied, looking embarrassed. “I never got around to leaving more messages.”
“Well, fix it,” Reia ordered. Her eyes sparkled with mirth.
Terosh sighed and smiled down at her.
“Why do I get the feeling I’m going to hear that a lot?” He started several messages but ended up erasing them. “They don’t sound right. Why can’t I think?”
Reia had retreated out of the recorder’s range. Now, she stepped forward, reached up, and pushed a tuft of wavy black hair into line.
“Just sa
y what you’re feeling,” said Reia. “It doesn’t have to be formal and elegant.”
Terosh opened his arms.
“What am I feeling?”
“Love and excitement.” Reia stepped into the embrace and met his kiss.
Eventually, Terosh pulled back and squared his shoulders.
“Okay, I can do this now.” He released Reia, whirled, and told the anotechs to start recording. “I am in love! I have come with my new wife so all future generations may learn from her as I have. She is wonderful in a hundred thousand ways, which I have no time to record. Besides, I’d rather spend my time with her than this machine anyway.” He cocked his head to the side as if to wink and ended the recording. The message had taken less than ten seconds to finish.
“See, that wasn’t so bad. You’re even a good liar,” Reia teased.
“No lies ever fell from my lips, fair lady,” Terosh said with a deep bow. “Besides, it’s your turn,” he added.
Me? Oh, no no no no no. No.
“But—”
“You’re part of the royal family now. It’s your duty to leave a message for the future generations.”
What do I say?
Reia cast her mind about frantically and settled on the truth. She instructed the anotechs to record her message and used one of Master Niklos’s calming techniques to keep her voice steady.
“Greetings, I am Reia Antellio Minstel, younger sister to Kiata, daughter of Sela and Basil Antellio, wife of Prince Terosh Minstel.” Even as she spoke, the full meaning of everything that entailed dawned on her. She paused half a second as the consequences of her choice barged to the forefront of her mind. “Once a Ranger, now an outcast, I confess choosing love over duty and the life I was trained for.”
It wasn’t official yet, but it would be as soon as the Ashatan Council learned of her marriage.
KNOWING SHE WOULD HAVE to face the Rangers sooner or later, Terosh vowed to be there with her the whole time. Likewise, he would one day face his father and hoped she would catch him after the fallout.
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