by Cheryl Dyson
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As they rode, Jace recounted a brief history of the Principality of Silver. Toryn cared little for history, outside of Redol and Falara, but the tale was bizarre. "Silver was originality a large kingdom, but the king of Silver has so many sons that he divided the whole of it up into parts and doled it out to them. The decision has helped avoid many a family squabble, and has started many another. Two or more of the sons are always at war with each other and the battles tend to start over the usual things brothers fight about: border disputes, women, insults, chess games. But these brothers have the power to fight real wars, much to the irritation of the king, who probably laments his decision more and more each day. Still, few of the princes have actually been killed and those that remain usually make up within a few months and became allies again."
There were apparently twelve surviving brothers and the one whose land they approached was possibly the greediest of the lot, as he possessed more wealth than any of the others.
They were sprawled around the fire that evening when Davin strolled into camp as if he had just taken a brief jaunt.
"Davin! Well met! How did you escape?" Toryn asked eagerly as he leaped up to grasp his arm. Davin seemed surprised at the touch.
"They were so upset over the disappearance of the girl that they gave up chasing me in order to search for her. Reed surrounded himself with a knot of soldiers, but I managed to keep him from using his powers to seek you out. Once you were away, I went over the wall and came after you. Reed has sent three contingents of soldiers to find you. One went to Penkangum, one to Bodor, and one is directly behind me, heading this way. They've stopped for the night by now. If we depart early, we can outrun them."
"Sorry to have left you, Davin, but it seems Jace was right when he said you are able to fend for yourself."
Davin shrugged. "It’s a bit easier to take care of yourself and not have others to worry about. I’ve had quite a bit of practice looking after myself."
Toryn grinned. "But if not for Brydon, who would you have to insult?"
Brydon bounced a rock off Toryn’s thigh and he yelped before throwing him a glare.
"There is something to companionship," Davin agreed. He took some blankets from his horse, made them into a bed, and went to sleep.
They departed early in order to maintain their lead over Reed’s soldiers, and left the boundary of Ven-Kerrick to enter the Principality of Obelisk. Neither Jace nor Davin knew why it was so named.
Silver was a pretty land with thick forests and rolling hills of green as far as the eye could see. The elevation was higher than Penkangum and it was with relief that they left the bristly desert behind them and entered the cooler woodlands of Silver. They rode for two days, staying away from the main road, and saw few people, but Jace led them by roundabout means to the capital city.
"Behold the city of Kaaza, home of Prince Berikon. He believes he should be the next king of Silver, even though he’s one of the youngest princes," Jace said as they topped a rocky ridge and looked into a long valley containing a high-walled city. "It would be wise to avoid the city altogether, but we need information. If we enter in smaller groups we will be less obvious. We should probably leave the horses concealed outside, but someone might remain with them to prevent theft."
Toryn was silent, having no intention of avoiding the possibility of decent food and drink in order to horse-sit.
"I can maintain a link with Darkling," Brydon suggested. "If someone should discover them, Darkling will alert us. I can also track him if it becomes necessary."
"I can stay with the horses," Davin offered, but Brydon shook his head.
"We all need to wash away Reed’s stench and a hot meal will be welcome."
Jace shrugged and consented. "Kaaza’s baths are exceptional. If the horses alert Brydon, Davin can take wing and get to them before the rest of us. They should be safe for one evening. We will find the path of the gauntlet quicker with four of us asking questions about shipments from Ven-Kerrick."
They built a makeshift corral from deadfalls and brush, though Brydon doubted the horses would stray after he gave them a mental suggestion to hold tight. Toryn and Shevyn entered the city together, posing as a peasant couple. Jace and Brydon followed as couriers from the church, which earned them barely a glance from the city guard. Davin slipped into the city through his own method.
