The bird fluttered its wings and preened, then looked up, its beady black eyes pinning Adison as he was forced to the edge of the grave. He landed on his hands and knees, the soil crumbling away beneath his fingers. The hand pushed him relentlessly forward, right at the edge, his upper body hanging out over nothing.
He lifted his eyes, afraid to see the headstone, afraid not to see it.
Betrayer, Adison Cerik, Pretend King.
Adison pushed back violently, trying to break his attacker’s hold, but the force against his neck redoubled.
“I will come for you,” whispered the voice in his ear.
Then he was cast forward into the grave.
Adison came awake to pounding on his chamber door. His body was drenched in sweat and he could feel the blood surging in his ears. He rolled from beneath the covers and stumbled into the outer room, crossing to the door and slumping against it.
“What?”
“A messenger has arrived.”
“A what?”
“A messenger, Your Highness, from Kalas Eldralin.”
Adison placed his back against the door and slumped to the ground.
“Your Highness?”
“What sort of messenger?”
“Come again, Sire.”
“What sort of messenger?”
“I don’t understand the question.”
“Man or beast, you imbecile!”
“Man. Nazarien, actually, Your Highness.”
“I’ll be there in a moment. Bring my idiot brother from the library and wake the Queen. I want them both in the Audience Chamber when I arrive.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Adison sat against the door for a long while, trying to grapple his wits under control. Why would Kalas Eldralin send a messenger? Why didn’t he just come himself? Talar Eldralin’s bastard had been gone nearly three weeks. His return couldn’t bode anything good.
Marshaling his will, he pushed himself to his feet and began stripping off his clothes. “Everard!” he shouted. “Everard, you pompous idiot, get your ass in here!”
A moment later, the flustered valet appeared out of the closet. Adison stared at him. “Do you sleep in there?”
Everard’s face blanched. “Your Highness?”
“In the closet? Do you sleep in there?”
Everard gave him a bewildered look. Adison wished just once someone would answer him when he asked a question. “Have you lost your senses or are you just this infernally stupid? Do you sleep in my closet?”
“No, Your Highness.”
“Then why were you in there?”
“I came in earlier to prepare your wardrobe for the day.”
Adison turned and looked at his chamber door. It was still bolted. “How did you get in?”
“What?”
“How did you get into the closet? The chamber door is bolted.”
“There’s a panel in the back that leads to the next chamber.”
“There’s a secret panel?”
“It’s not secret, Your Highness. I used it when I dressed both your father and Aiden.”
“How long have you been in there?”
“No more than an hour.”
“You’ve been moving around in there for an hour and I didn’t hear you?”
Everard wrung his hands. “I was just doing my job, Your Highness. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
Adison advanced on him, grabbing him around the neck and throwing him toward the closet. “Get me dressed, you simpering fool, and make sure it is the best clothes this bedamned kingdom has to offer!”
CHAPTER 27
A wash of emotions swept over Aiden as he rode Dancing Thunder onto the streets of Dorland. He realized he was breathing hard when Le reached over and touched his arm. He’d never thought he’d see this city again, let alone ride down her streets.
People streamed out of the shops and cafes along the way, watching the Nazarien army pass. When they realized who rode among them, they broke into murmurs and finally applause, warming Aiden’s heart.
He’d been gone for weeks, but it felt like a lifetime had passed. Once he’d chafed at being King, now all he wanted was to spend the rest of his life providing for these people, settling their disputes and making sure they were able to prosper.
He gave Naia a reassuring smile. She smiled back.
Well, maybe he wanted a little more. Maybe he wanted a life with the woman he loved too.
Kalas halted the army outside the castle gates. Aiden brought Thunder to a halt beside him, both of them staring up at the castle rising in the distance.
“We need Adison to surrender before we enter. If he’s able to draw the military to him, we may have to fight our way inside,” said Kalas.
Aiden nodded. “I don’t think he’s going to surrender.”
“I agree, but will his men stand by him?”
Aiden shrugged. He just didn’t know. He hadn’t been the best King, but under Adison, Aiden could already see signs of neglect.
“We’ll send a messenger in.”
“I’ll go,” said Zander, riding forward. “Tell me what you want me to say.”
Kalas and Tovan conferred, then Kalas turned to him. “Do you agree, Your Majesty?”
Aiden glanced over at him in surprise. He hadn’t been paying attention. His emotions were so raw, so wounded, he wasn’t sure what was going on. So many times in the slave camp he’d been sure he’d never see this castle again. Now to be standing outside of it, he felt overwhelmed.
“Yes,” he said, not really caring what Zander would tell Adison. Adison wasn’t going to give up the throne easily, that was certain.
Zander approached the gates and spoke with the guards. Aiden watched them open and admit him. A moment later, he left his horse in the bailey and walked up the stairs to the castle’s front doors.
Outside the gates, the townspeople started to gather. They remained at a distance, but their numbers grew with each passing minute until a crowd had formed. Something about the situation subdued them. They didn’t speak, they just stood in an ever widening circle, filling the streets.
Waiting in the shade of the buildings across from the castle, Aiden felt small and insignificant. His father had built an empire, defending it for decades against a hostile usurper in Rarick of Sarkisian. Rarick would have bent Dorland to his will, plundering her of her wealth and setting himself up as a dictator if it hadn’t been for Talar Eldralin’s interference.
It wasn’t lost on Aiden that he was as indebted to the Eldralin line as his father had been. He shifted in the saddle and gave Kalas and Amaroq a forced smile. “I remember when your father came to Dorland with the Nazarien the last time. He liberated us. My father always told us our inheritance was owed to Talar, not him.”
Kalas smiled in return.
Aiden focused on Amaroq. “He was a great man, your father. He saved many lives during the Siege of Dorland, and now you’re doing the same. I can never repay either of you for this.”
“Dorland is an ally, Aiden,” said Kalas. “You do not repay allies.”
Amaroq reached over and clasped his sister’s hand. “You brought Naia back to us. I owe you, not the other way around.”
Aiden gave a laugh. “In that my debt is tenfold. She brought me back. She’s the reason I’m here.”
* * *
Adison took a seat in his throne, biting his bottom lip and eyeing his guards. A moment later, Alasdair and Carona entered. Carona’s hair hung down her back, her gown a simple frock she might use to lounge about her quarters, not appear in court. Alasdair wore the same clothes he had the previous day, a growth of stubble on his jaw. If possible, he looked more gaunt and frail than he had a few days ago.
“What is this about, Adison?” Carona demanded.
Adison’s upper lip twitched. The bitch never knew how to show proper respect. “In a temper, I see, my Queen.”
“It’s barely dawn, yet you haul us in here to dance attendance on you? W
hy?”
Alasdair looked like he might speak. He shuffled his feet nervously.
“Something wrong, brother dear.”
“The guards told me Kalas Eldralin sent a messenger. He and a large Nazarien force have entered the city. Why are they not being escorted to the castle?”
“I suppose you should ask Kalas Eldralin that very question.”
“Where is the messenger?”
“Being brought in as we speak. Of course, I waited for your appearance before I summoned him.”
Carona and Alasdair exchanged a look. Adison zeroed in on it, and he knew, he knew he’d been betrayed.
He gave a grim laugh. “I like to think of myself as a fair-minded man. Don’t you think I’m fair-minded, Alasdair?”
Alasdair opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
“What about you, my Queen? Am I fair-minded?”
“I don’t know why you’re playing these games, Adison. Bring Eldralin’s messenger in and hear what he has to say.”
“In time, in time, my Queen.” He stroked his hand over his chin. “First, let’s finish our discussion.”
“What discussion?” She took a step forward, her hands fisted in her skirts. “Adison, you need to listen to me…”
“Do I?” he said, narrowing his gaze. “I don’t think I do. In fact, you need to listen to me.” He gave her a chilling smile. “I’m trying to be kind, Carona. I’m trying to be benevolent. So I’m going to ask you just one more time. Where is the missing bird?”
Carona gave him a strange look, but it wasn’t one of bewilderment. “This is madness, Adison. You need to remove yourself from the throne at once. Let me address Eldralin’s messenger.”
Adison laughed. “Oh, no. No, I think that would be a very bad idea.” He motioned to the guard at the door. The guard opened it and indicated the man on the other side should enter.
A tall, handsome Nazarien walked down the center aisle, coming to a halt between Carona and Alasdair. Alasdair wouldn’t meet his gaze, but Carona watched him the entire way. The Nazarien placed a fist against his breast and ducked his head.
“Your Majesty, I come from the King of Eastern Nevaisser, Kalas Eldralin, and the Tirsbor Commander, Tovan.”
Adison clenched his jaw, but he didn’t speak.
The Nazarien slowly lifted his head, his blue eyes fixing on Adison. “I also come from His Majesty Aiden Cerik.”
Alasdair’s head jerked up, turning to gape at the man, and Carona gasped, lifting her hand to her mouth. Adison’s upper lip twitched involuntarily.
“So my brother is alive?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“What’s your name?”
“Zander, Sire.”
“Zander? Why does Kalas Eldralin send a messenger instead of coming himself? He brings my brother back to us. Surely, he doesn’t seek to deny us our joy at having our brother returned?”
“The King of Eastern Nevaisser bids you abdicate the throne in favor of your brother’s rightful claim to it. Once you’ve stepped down, he will negotiate the means of your surrender in person.”
Adison leaned forward, giving Zander a tense smile. “The means of my surrender? Ah, the audacity of that spawn of Hell. My surrender?” His voice rose. “So Dorland is to become just another jewel in the crown of Kalas Eldralin’s domination, is it? He’s going to add us to his empire?”
Zander shook his head. “He has no interest in conquering Dorland.”
“Then why are you here? Why is the Nazarien bringing me this information and not Eldralin himself?”
“I speak on his behalf.”
“You speak on his behalf? Since when have the Nazarien become the puppets of Kalas Eldralin?”
“We are not his puppets, but we are his to command.”
Adison paused, tilting his head. “What does that mean?”
“Kalas Eldralin and his brother Amaroq Taheny have exercised their birthright.”
“Which means?”
“They are in command of the Nazarien.”
“Ha!” said Adison, punching the air with a finger. Then he shook his head. “Tell Eldralin that Dorland does not succumb to his demands. We’d sooner have him burn us to the ground than submit.”
“Adison!” shouted Carona.
Alasdair shook his head. “Be reasonable, brother.”
“Oh, I am.”
“Eladrasen acts on behalf of Aiden Cerik, the legitimate King of Dorland,” protested Zander. “He seeks only to return His Majesty to his rightful place and ensure that he’s allowed to govern without interference.”
“Interference? What interference?”
Zander’s expression grew grim. “You, Your Majesty.”
“And there it is.” Adison slumped back in his throne. “Guards, toss this man in the dungeon.”
“What?” cried Carona.
“Adison, don’t do this!”
“Guards!” shouted Adison when the guards didn’t immediately obey.
“You are inviting war upon yourself!” warned Zander.
“Guards, take this man to the dungeon!” said Adison, rising to his feet.
Two reluctant guards came forward and reached for Zander’s arms. He shook them off. “Don’t touch me,” he warned. “I will go.”
The guards led him from the throne room as Adison stepped down off the dais, stalking toward his brother and Carona.
“What have you done, Adison?” said Alasdair, shifting to face him.
Adison grabbed Alasdair by the upper arm and forced him around, then grabbed Carona as well, shoving them before him. “Let’s go find out where that missing bird is, shall we?”
Carona stumbled, but he didn’t care, quickening his pace.
“Adison, stop this madness!” protested Alasdair, trying to pry his hand away.
“You’re hurting me!” whined Carona.
“Shut up!” he snarled and shoved Alasdair, releasing him. Alasdair fell on his hands and knees, but he scrambled to his feet again. Adison grabbed the back of his neck then and propelled him forward, keeping him off-balance.
“Why are you doing this, Adison?”
Adison hauled his brother back against him and brought his mouth close to Alasdair’s ear. “Because I know where the missing bird went and I won’t tolerate being betrayed.”
* * *
“Aiden!” came a shout from the top of the castle.
Aiden’s gaze whipped upward. Adison stood on the roof, leaning over the edge where it looked down on the front gate. He was standing in the dovecote and he had a hold of Alasdair by the neck, pushing him toward the edge. Alasdair had his hands braced on either side of the turret, pressing back against his brother, but he was in a precarious position.
A gasp went up from the gathered crowd.
“Aiden!” shouted Adison again.
Aiden rode out of the gathering, moving away from the shade of the buildings. “Adison, I’m here!”
Adison’s eyes lowered and focused on him. “And so you are. Ah, brother, I wish I could tell you I’m happy to see you.”
“Adison, please, don’t do this. Open the gate and let me in. We can talk, but you’ve got to let Alasdair go.”
Adison laughed, but it wasn’t a happy sound. “Let him go. Do you mean that?” He shoved him forward and Alasdair scrambled to hang onto the stones.
A collective gasp rose again from the crowd.
“Adison!” shouted Aiden. “Don’t do this!”
“Don’t do what, Aiden!” He shook his head, looking up at the sky. “The crown should have been mine, Aiden. Do you know that? The crown should have been mine.”
“I know. I know it should have.”
Adison looked down at him again. “I was first born. First born. By rights, it should have come to me.”
“It should have, Adison. You’re right.”
“You didn’t even want it. You hated being King.”
“I did.” Aiden swallowed hard. “I did, Adison.”
&nb
sp; “And you weren’t a good King.”
Aiden shook his head. “I wasn’t. You’re right, but this isn’t the way. This isn’t the way, Adison. You need to let Alasdair go. He hasn’t done anything wrong.”
“Hasn’t he!” Adison shouted. “He betrayed me, Aiden. He sent word to Tirsbor behind my back. Always he’s been plotting against me!”
“Adison, listen to me. You don’t want to do this. You don’t want to hurt him. I know it. I know you aren’t like this.”
Adison gave a grim laugh. “Then you don’t know me at all.” He shoved Alasdair forward, but at the same moment, a small form flew into him, striking him with balled fists.
Alasdair twisted around, trying to break Adison’s hold, but he was too far over the edge and his feet slipped. The crowd erupted in cries of dismay and Aiden felt his heart slam against his ribs.
Alasdair slid downward, managing to catch himself, his upper body sprawled in the opening, his lower half dangling. He threw out an arm and braced it against the turret.
“Get the gate open!” shouted Kalas.
The Nazarien warriors surged forward, slamming into the gate and forcing it wide, then they streamed inside.
In the meantime, Adison had subdued his attacker. He grabbed her by the hair and shoved her into the opening. The blood drained from Aiden’s face as he watched Carona struggle, trying to dislodge Adison’s hand from her hair.
“Call them off, Aiden, or she joins our brother!”
Aiden frantically turned to Kalas.
“Halt!” Kalas called after the Nazarien. They stopped where they were, instantly obedient.
Aiden didn’t have much time. He could see Alasdair wasn’t going to hold on much longer. “Adison, this is enough! Stop this now!”
Adison shoved her forward, ignoring her as she clawed at his hand. “She’s next, Aiden. I swear to you!” He pulled Carona’s head back. “But let’s be honest, I’d be doing you a favor. You never did give a damn about her.”
Before Aiden could respond, Carona stamped down hard on Adison’s instep. He gave an involuntary cry of pain and dragged her away from the edge. At the same moment, something whistled over their heads.
“Down!” shouted Kalas, sending everyone diving for the ground.
The World of Samar Box Set 3 Page 131
