by Casey Odell
Farron must have sensed the unease in the room. Slowly, he lowered his dagger down in front of him, taking it in two hands before holding it up in a show of offer. “My lords,” he said, calm but clipped. “I hereby pledge my allegiance and my service from this day forward to the Council of the Twelve Kingdoms of Derenan.”
“Do you so swear to obey and serve as we command?” the old man asked, his voice now ringing out for all to hear.
“I do.”
“And do you understand the punishment for those that break this oath?”
There was a pause, albeit a very brief one. But it was there and Claire was sure the Council took note of it.
“I do,” Farron said.
“Then we the Council of the Twelve Kingdoms accept your oath.” The old man descended the rest of the steps and took Farron’s dagger in hand. “Rise, Farron, kin of the Great King Earnehard and loyal servant to the Kingdom of Derenan.”
Farron stood and took his dagger back. And just like that, he was theirs.
The old man in green ascended the steps again to rejoin the Council. They seemed happier now that they had finally conquered one of their biggest problems.
Claire felt sick. Would she have to do the same thing too someday? She may have made a deal with them, but she didn’t sign her life away to them— yet, anyway.
King Líadan held his hand out to her.
She took a deep breath and slowly stepped up to take it. His hand squeezed hers hard before he drew her in front of him, placing his hands on her shoulders.
“From here on out, until the end of your mission, these men are yours. They will protect you and do as you ask, as long as it doesn’t supersede their duties and loyalty to King, Council, and Kingdom.” His hands tightened on her, becoming almost painful. He wasn’t happy about what had just happened, and she wasn’t either.
The men took their positions again and kneeled before her, including Farron. He looked up at her for the first time. His expression was hard to read. He looked calm, but his eyes looked troubled, sad even. Claire took a deep breath. She would get him out of this, she owed him that much. Even if it meant never seeing him again.
She will stop the attacks.
She will show the kingdom of Derenan what it means to anger a Tanith.
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