Barthol’s eyes widened. With all your clothes on? He thought it best not to ask.
Amarysia closed the front door. “I see there’s no need for introductions.” She had an amused look on her face, not that he could blame her with everyone standing around holding knives to each other’s throats. “Now if all the men are through hugging each other, I believe it’s high time we got this meeting underway.”
Barthol glared at Kerson, but they both eventually nodded and slowly lowered their blades.
As soon as Barthol’s knife retreated, Po flew across the room to where Kira was standing.
Tolin, however, merely lifted his lamp to get a better look at everyone. “And who is that with you?” he asked, aiming the light in the direction of the robed individual near the door. “Will you ask them to kindly remove their hood? I have no desire to discuss matters of importance without knowing everyone in the room.”
“A wise decision, Commander,” came a soft voice from underneath the cowl. The voice was a woman’s, and for some reason, recognizable, but it was muffled by the thick material. Two arms reached up and pulled back the hood. “Another firm reminder why my husband appointed you for the position.”
Barthol froze, and Tolin dropped to one knee. “Your Majesty.”
Barthol couldn’t believe it. The Queen Mother was standing in Tolin’s front room.
Tolin cleared his throat, and Barthol quickly dropped to his knee as well.
Kira and her entourage simply stood there. “You’re prettier than I remember,” the clan chief said matter-of-factly, not bothering to bow, or bend, or show any sign of overt respect.
Ellise smiled. “Thank you, my dear. You have grown into quite the woman.” She gave the young chief a quick looking-over. Barthol spared a questioning glance at Tolin.
Tolin shrugged. But the look on his face said Barthol wasn’t the only one surprised by the familiarity between the two.
“Yes, well, the last time you saw me, I was hiding under your bed.”
That brought both men’s heads up.
“And as I recall,” the queen said, “Dakaran found you rather quickly. I told you, you should have used the quilt chest.”
The two women chuckled.
“I never was as good at picking places to hide as Ayrion.”
“I see why the clans chose you as their chief. You have fire. Make sure to brandish it well.” The queen turned her attention back to Barthol and Tolin. “Please rise, gentlemen; there’s no need for that. We are all friends here.”
Barthol joined Tolin and stood, still feeling uncomfortable in the queen’s presence. Apart from seeing her in the halls at the palace during his time in the High Guard, he had never actually been formally introduced or spoken so much as three words to her.
“I believe we will be more comfortable in the den,” Tolin said. “If you’ll follow me, Your Majesty.” He led them down a hallway toward the back.
Barthol brought up the rear. He wanted to keep an eye on the others in case they had any ill intent toward the queen. Amarysia didn’t seem to be bothered by the young chief, and if she was truly a friend of Ayrion’s, she must be at least somewhat trustworthy. Barthol had never known Ayrion to associate with the wrong sort of people.
Once inside Tolin’s study, the commander directed the queen and others to sit. The fire in the hearth was warm, and there were drinks waiting on them, although not enough. Tolin quickly pulled up a few more chairs and grabbed four more goblets from the cabinet. For the women, he had some wine, and for the men, something a bit stronger.
Kira demanded the stronger.
“Commander, I was told there was someone here who had news of my husband’s death, but I take it that the formerly dead Captain Barthol here would be such a man?” She smiled at Barthol. “I see that word of your demise has been greatly exaggerated, Captain. It’s good to see you alive and well.” The queen leaned back in her cushioned seat, keeping her hands at the center of her lap, where they rested snugly around her goblet. Even masquerading in dark robes, she held a regal bearing.
“It’s good to be seen, Your Majesty,” Barthol said, still trying to wrap his head around the fact that he was sharing a drink with the queen.
“I must admit, I’m a bit shocked as to how such a mistake could have been made. Where have you been? And more importantly, why would they have reported you dead?”
Barthol squirmed. Hadn’t Amarysia already passed this news on to the queen? She had promised them she would. He hadn’t expected to convey the king’s death directly to his wife, and he was suddenly at a loss for words. How could he tell her the truth, knowing her son was the one behind it?
Barthol cleared his throat. “Your Majesty, I’m not sure how much of my story Amarysia has already informed you of, but the fact that I’m sitting here is clear indication of its inaccuracy.”
The queen’s face remained emotionless, her hands still folded around her drink. “When Amarysia came to me and said that the accounting of events we had been led to believe concerning my husband’s death had been purposely distorted, I demanded proof. When she told me there was a witness, I instructed her not to reveal anything else. I wanted to hear this knowledge directly from the source.” She raised her hand. “So, please, leave nothing out.”
Barthol nodded. “Thank you, Your Majesty. What I have to say will not be easy to hear, and I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness in advance.” For the first time, the queen’s face broke from its calm demeanor. Lines of concern formed over her lowered brows as he went on to explain in detail the events leading up to her husband’s death.
“Are you saying my husband was still alive after these beasts were killed?”
“He was, Your Majesty. In fact, we were in the process of seeing to one of his injuries when Ayrion kicked me off the back of the rise.”
The queen leaned forward. “He kicked you off the rise?”
“Are you saying he tried to kill you?” Kira butted in, skepticism on her face.
“No, I’m saying that in his last moments, Ayrion used what little time he had to save my life.” Barthol went on to explain how he had seen bolts sticking from the back of the king’s armor before clearing the rise, and how the only other people present at the time had been Dakaran, the Archchancellor, and a contingent of Black Watch.
“Why didn’t he try saving the king instead?” Kira asked. “Or himself, for that matter?”
Barthol sighed, rubbing his hand through his hair. “Believe me, I’ve asked myself that question at least a thousand times. We all know Ayrion. He would have never tried to save himself at the expense of everyone else, let alone the king. But your husband,” he said, directing his conversation back to the queen, “was too far from the edge of the rise for Ayrion to have forced him over, not to mention the added weight of his armor. And if Ayrion would have simply jumped in front of the king, stopping the bolts from reaching him, that would have left both Ayrion and myself dead and nothing there to stop the Black Watch from killing the king anyway.”
Barthol paused a moment as the memories resurfaced. “I believe Ayrion knew what was about to happen, and his last thoughts were of Aldor. In that final moment, he knew the most important thing was to keep one of us alive to bear witness to this treachery. I believe that is why he kicked me over the side.”
He finished by explaining how he had managed to land amongst a pile of rock, no doubt hiding him from those above. “By the time I woke and crawled back up the hillside, everyone was gone. And the rest you know. As soon as I made it back to Aramoor and saw that my family was safe, I came straight to the commander.”
“Which answered a few nagging questions I had,” Tolin said as he crossed his legs.
Ellise remained poised through it all, never touching her drink. “And what questions were those?”
“First of all, your son and the Archchancellor forbade any of my men from stepping foot on that rise after the battle. We were told that the king, the Guardian, and the High Guard
had been killed by the hor’hounds. They were being hailed as heroes of Elondria, but because of the damage they had sustained by the creatures, the prince charged that their bodies be privately buried out of respect. All except for the king. We weren’t even allowed to search for survivors.”
Barthol could see Tolin’s anger rising as his grip tightened on the arms of his chair.
“So, when Captain Barthol showed up on my doorstep in the middle of the night and told me what he had seen, it all began to make sense.”
“Of course it makes sense!” Kira said. “That flaming coward saw his chance to get his hands on the crown and took it!”
Barthol choked on his drink.
“Dakaran hasn’t changed a wink since we were kids! He was a weasel then, and he’s a weasel now!”
The queen shook her head. “It can’t be true. There must be an explanation.”
Kira sighed. “I’m sorry, Your Queenness, you seem like a good sort, but even you have to admit your son is a bit of a monster.”
Tolin’s face tightened. “Watch your tongue. You’re addressing the queen.”
“Watch your own. If you lot ain’t going to tell her what she needs to hear, I flaming will.”
Ellise lowered her head. “Dakaran has his faults, but I . . . I can’t believe he would go so far as to see his own father killed just for the right to sit on the throne. He was our only heir. The crown would have gone to him regardless.”
Tolin leaned forward. “I overheard your husband make the statement that if Dakaran didn’t straighten up his actions, he would revoke the Crown.”
The queen looked up.
“Of course, I believe he was simply trying to urge your son to get more involved. I don’t believe he meant it.”
Ellise didn’t say anything. Amarysia laid a hand on her arm, and she nodded to let her know she was all right.
“Most parents tend to want to see the best in their children,” Kira said, her tone softening just a little. “They are blinded to their faults because of their love for them.”
The queen shifted her attention from her drink to the fire. She quietly watched the flames dance across the burning logs.
Barthol wondered if maybe they had gone too far. Perhaps the queen wasn’t ready to hear this much truth at once.
Tolin cleared his throat. “We don’t believe that this was as simple as your son seeing an opportunity to claim the throne.” He went on to tell the others about the wild claims the Cylmaran overlord had made concerning an alleged agreement between Cylmar and Dakaran prior to the battle. “Saryn wouldn’t say what that agreement had been, and before I could question him further, the Archchancellor had the overlord and his men executed on Dakaran’s orders.”
“And now that Dakaran has disbanded the High Guard in favor of these White Tower goons,” Barthol said, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees, “we’re afraid of what could be coming next.”
“And with this new citizen tax being levied to pay for all these new troops,” Tolin added, “we can’t help but wonder: does the throne still control the White Tower, or have those roles been reversed?”
Ellise remained quiet as she stared at the hearth.
“We weighed our options, Your Majesty,” Tolin said. “We believed it important that you knew the truth. But we also feared that in telling you, we would be putting your life in danger.”
The queen blinked as if coming out of a trance. “My life?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. If Dakaran were to find out that you knew the truth behind his father’s death, I’m not sure how far he would go to keep such a secret.”
The queen stared at the commander for a moment, then returned her gaze to the open flames.
Barthol shared a wary glance with the others. They appeared to be wondering the same thing. This might have been a mistake.
“Well,” Kira said, “it’s clear that the Warrens are on their own.” She looked at the queen. “From what I could tell, your husband was an honorable man. He made a promise to help us with some difficulties we were facing, and up until his death, he had begun to make good on them. So, for myself, I’m sad to see him go, especially considering who’s taken his place. But my question is . . . now what? It’s not like we five can march into the palace and demand the throne back.” She chuckled. “Although it would be good sport to see the look on Dakaran’s face if we did.”
“Not without support, at least,” Tolin said. “But building that kind of support will take time. I have some friends in the senate I trust. When we’re ready, I can run some of this by them and see what options we might have.”
“I thought you were leaving, Commander?” Amarysia said.
Tolin laid his drink aside. “Some things are more important. Unfortunately, I will have to find other accommodations, though. I have some savings, but without a regular salary, I have no way of keeping my family fed.”
“You can stay with us,” Barthol offered, not stopping to think what his wife might have to say about the issue. “Although I don’t know for how long, since I too am without work, considering I’m dead.”
“Your salaries will be taken care of,” the queen said. “I’ll see to it. But I believe you are correct in moving, Commander. If your intention is to find a way to subvert my son, remaining hidden would be a smart choice.”
“Or I could just sneak into the palace and fix the problem myself,” Kira said, flipping her dagger in her hand.
“No! No one touches my son.”
Kira reluctantly slid the knife back into her jacket.
“Promise me,” Ellise said, looking directly at the clan chief. “Promise you won’t try killing him.”
Kira sneered. “It’s no better than he deserves.”
“Maybe that’s so. Maybe not. But I still want your word.”
Kira looked at the others. She was clearly not happy about being cornered that way. “Fine. I promise to keep my distance . . . for now.” She stood, and Kerson and Po followed her up. “I’m thankful for the invitation to join you this evening. If any of you find yourselves in need of safe harbor, you have but to mention my name. As the commander said, we are in for rough times. If I were you, I’d keep my head down.”
She made her way to the door, the larger guard opening it as she approached. She stopped halfway through and turned to look at Amarysia. “You still have my ring?”
Amarysia nodded. “Yes.”
“Good. Use it if you need to . . . hussy.” She winked and disappeared out the door.
Amarysia was smiling when she turned to the queen. “Your Majesty, it might be best if we were heading back ourselves.”
Ellise nodded with a heavy sigh as she let Amarysia help her to her feet. Barthol and Tolin rose as well. “I feel I should apologize to everyone for what has happened. And hope to beg your forgiveness for the actions of . . .” She didn’t finish.
Tolin took a step forward. “Your Majesty, we hold you in no way responsible for Dakaran’s actions. You and your husband have ever been our friends and allies. Our only concern is for your safety and well-being.”
“I couldn’t have asked for two more faithful guardians,” she said, stepping forward to offer each a warm embrace.
Barthol was surprised by the strength of her grip.
“I have these for you.” She took a step back and reached inside the folds of her cloak and produced two pouches. She handed one to Tolin and one to Barthol. “I had planned to offer them as a measure of repayment for your loss,” she said to Tolin, “but consider it a down payment on future work if indeed you do decide to stay in Aramoor.” She turned to Barthol. “That purse was intended for Overcaptain Asa, but since he wasn’t able to make it tonight, take it with my blessing.”
Barthol accepted the purse with a gracious bow.
“I wish I could do more, but—”
“You have done more than enough, Your Majesty,” Barthol said, feeling almost ashamed by the queen’s remorse.
The queen looked
at Tolin. “I’ll be sure to get you another for Overcaptain Asa. If you will be so kind as to make sure he gets it, along with my gratitude.”
“Asa wanted to be here, Your Majesty,” Tolin said, “but his nearing eviction hindered his attendance tonight.”
“Be sure to tell him that I wish him well and I appreciate his exemplary service to Aramoor.”
“I will, Your Majesty. And please, take our warning to heart. Aramoor is changing, and the palace is at the forefront of that change.” Tolin looked at Amarysia. “Be sure to watch over her, and yourself.”
Amarysia smiled and nodded.
“And if the need should arise, I would take the clan chief up on her word. There might come a time in the very near future when the Warrens will be the only safe place left in Aramoor.”
Barthol shivered. “Creator help us all.”
Chapter 66 | Kira
KIRA STEPPED OFF THE front porch and into the moonlight, her guards a step behind as they followed the walkway around to the carriage house and their awaiting horses. They walked the animals down the drive, stopping under a large oak that was growing at the front of the property, letting the shadow of its branches hide them from the streetlamp on the corner.
“Why didn’t you say anything about what we found in the dungeons?” Po asked, keeping a tight rein on his skittish horse.
Kerson grunted, which mostly meant he agreed.
“What good would it have done?”
“You could have gotten Commander Tolin’s help.”
“Commander? He isn’t the commander of anything. He’s practically homeless. The only person in that room with any sway was the queen, and even she doesn’t have much these days.”
“Don’t you think she deserves the right to know?” Po said. “Blazes, Kira! They’re turning people into monsters down there.”
“And how would a conversation like that go?” she asked, turning as if to address someone who wasn’t there. “Oh, by the way, Your Queenness, did you know you have wielders living in your basement, performing all sorts of dark magic on the city’s homeless?” She turned back to Po. “I’m sure that would have gone over well.”
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