"Wonderful. That stuff they gave me did no good at all," I grumbled and unwrapped the paper carefully before dumping the contents in my cup of tea. "Thank you."
"Thank me when the headache goes away," Kyri said. "Now, eat. It'll put the powder to work faster."
That day, I learned about the marching draught and what it could accomplish when combined with the pain powder. Before nightfall, Pottles and I visited sixty other villages. At times, I was able to place the shield without anyone noticing, we were so quick about our business.
"Those are the most populous; we can tackle smaller ones tomorrow," Pottles said when she stepped us back to the palace courtyard. I should have expected Kerok to be waiting for me; his face was dark with anger, making his scar stand out.
"Before you get on your high horse," Pottles warned, "there are seventy villages with protection now, whereas none of them were protected before. If you wanted to know her whereabouts, next time use your brain and send mindspeak."
"What she said," I breathed as I walked past him toward the side door of the palace. "I'm going to pick out my separate bedroom, now."
* * *
"I think he meant choose a bedroom near his, not on another floor," Hunter attempted to stop me as I carried my things into a third-floor suite, not far from Pottles'.
"Then why didn't he say that?" I snapped at Hunter. "Look, I'm sorry," I held out a hand. "I don't-I'm not angry with you."
"Just him, is that right?"
"He's the one who said we'd sleep in separate bedrooms from now on."
"Why don't you ask him why?"
"Are you serious? You weren't there when he said it. He was certainly serious." I flung my clothing onto the bed and glared at Hunter.
"Look, you were both tired from last night, and he learned things he didn't know were possible. I know I certainly did. It takes time to digest this, Princess. Give one another some room to understand, all right?"
"Princess? Hunter, you're delusional."
"No. It hasn't been formally declared as yet, but you and he spoke the vows. The title is yours, whether you want it or not."
"I don't. Please, leave." I covered my face with both hands.
"Denying it doesn't make it untrue." Hunter swept out of my new suite, closing the door softly behind him.
* * *
Kerok
Sherra and I needed to talk. I should apologize, but my anger still seethed, so now wasn't the time.
As for guilt-I had that and more. Why in the first warrior's name did I tell her we needed separate bedrooms? Yes, I felt the guilt of waking her before her dreamwalker accomplished a vital mission. That was the reason behind the separate bedroom demand, but I realized later that it was more than foolish. All I had to do was rein in my night-time desires, once she fell asleep.
She'd left the palace to go place shields around villages, and it upset me more than I wanted to admit that she hadn't kept me advised. She hadn't returned for the midday meal, either, and that made it worse.
Hunter, I sent mindspeak, will you ask for the names of the shielded villages so we can keep records?
I'll ask Doret. Sherra isn't in the mood to answer more questions, he replied. She ah, chose a suite on the third floor of the east wing, he added.
Fuck.
As you say, my Prince.
"I take it things aren't going well between you and your rose?" Adahi appeared inside my study and seated himself before my desk.
"I'm an idiot. You don't have to point it out," I said.
"The best advice in the world means nothing if it isn't heeded."
"Have you become a philosopher, in addition to being the phantom?"
"I've been a philosopher far longer than I've been the phantom, although I dislike that term."
"Then what do you want to be called?"
"Adahi."
"This day will be recorded in the historical record as the ultimate peak of obviousness," I rose from my chair to stare out the window. "I decree it." I waved an arm.
Adahi surprised me by laughing.
"Come now," he said after a few moments. "I will teach you how to set a perimeter divination."
* * *
"Can you show me how to do what Sherra did? Hunter says she dissipated Merrin's fireblasts in my study."
"I can't say it will be exact," Adahi said. He and I sat at the garden table, after I'd spent a great deal of frustrated energy by building several perimeter divinations.
"But you can show me something, can't you?"
"Yes. It involves wrapping a shield about the fireblast itself and starving it of oxygen-very, very quickly."
"You're saying I need to work on my shields, then."
"You do. You need to practice shaping them. When you can wrap a shield around a falling vase and prevent it from breaking, I will teach you how to smother fireblasts."
"I need Sherra's help," I admitted.
"Her help will get you to your goal swiftly, Prince Thorn. You could fumble for days and still not get it right without her assistance."
"How do you suggest I approach her, then?"
"With the truth. Tell her you feel guilty about waking her. Tell her this was your attempt at not letting that happen again, you just went about it in the worst way. Your shields could work wonders by holding you back while she sleeps, unless you consciously choose to remove them."
"Well, I wish I'd thought of that sooner," I grumbled.
"You didn't think of it; I'm giving you advice because you asked. And, there's always wine and honey cakes-with flowers, of course. The apology and the way it is delivered, however, will be your strongest advocate."
"I think I know what to do," I said, almost interrupting Adahi's speech. "I have to write and sign something. Thank you for the advice."
Adahi gave me a skeptical look as I walked toward the side door, leaving him standing in the garden.
* * *
Valley Camp
Ruarke
They are bringing three planes, with three bombs, Kaakos informed me. I'd asked because it was becoming increasingly clear that we needed them-Az-ca had become more insufferable than I'd ever imagined.
Unless we eliminated the source of the special shields, we'd never destroy the King's City, and that was a particularly important goal for Kaakos-and for me. The last time, they'd destroyed one plane and one bomb. Merrin said the one who'd done that was now dead.
We'd see how they dealt with three at the same time; all dropped at night, while they slept.
Perhaps we'd have our army attack in the traditional way, keeping the warriors busy while the bombs destroyed the rest of the country. It would be quite pleasing to see the enemy's army scatter after that turn of events.
We have three more bombs in the making, Kaakos added. Should they be needed.
You are the wisest, as always, I replied. It never hurt to stroke Kaakos' ego.
Never.
Besides, I wanted to retrieve the other half of a certain book. Perhaps a trade of human lives would suffice? Wise Kaakos, I sent, Are the enemy children I sent you still alive? I have a use for them if this is so.
* * *
King's Palace
Sherra
"Your breakfast, Princess." Hunter led three servants into my suite the following morning. One held a tray of food, the second a huge bouquet of flowers and the third held a paper packet in his hands.
"What's this?" I frowned at Hunter.
"See for yourself," he gestured as the tray of food was set on a small table by my window.
I watched as the food was set out, the flowers arranged in their vase to be appealing, and the packet set beside the flowers.
"I suggest reading while you eat," Hunter dipped his head before ushering the servants out of my quarters.
Tea first, I thought as I approached the table; I hadn't slept well the night before, and needed something to wake me up.
After pouring and sipping tea, I opened the packet to read. I had no ide
a what it contained.
Inside the outer wrapping lay copies of a decree that Kerok had apparently written the night before.
Let it be known, it began, that The Rose Mark, a book previously banned in all forms, is no longer unlawful.
Let it be known that The Rose Mark, henceforth, will be recognized as a legitimate training manual for all escorts.
Let it be known that the Crown will provide copies of The Rose Mark to all trainees from this day forward.
Decreed by Thorn Wulfson Kerok Rex, Crown Prince of Az-ca and Supreme Commander of Az-ca's Army.
The date and his signature followed.
The second page was a letter addressed to me.
My love, Kerok wrote. I am sorry for ill words spoken in haste. I merely worried that I would interrupt your dreamwalker during important acts in the future, and made a poor decision without discussing it with you, first.
The error of my words has been succinctly pointed out to me; therefore, I wish to discuss this subject with you now, as possible solutions have been brought to light.
Please accept my humble apologies, and consider coming back to me.
Your humbled Prince,
Kerok.
Kerok? I sent mindspeak to him.
My rose?
Will you join me for breakfast? I believe Hunter had enough food delivered to feed two.
I would be overjoyed.
The door to my suite flew open, and without knowing how it happened, we were in one another's arms. Breakfast was forgotten the moment Kerok appeared, and I believe the guards outside had to close the door, lest they see things not meant for their eyes.
Chapter 15
Secondary Camp
Armon
"I received this from Prince Thorn before breakfast this morning," General Weren handed a packet of papers to me. "I'd like you to give the information to the troops tonight at dinner."
"What is it?" I asked, staring at the papers in my hand.
"Something that needed doing, I believe," Weren smiled. "I also received a private message from the Prince, and you and I will discuss that one at the midday meal-just between us."
"I'll be there-where did you want to meet?"
"I'll have a meal delivered to my cabin-we can talk there. How's the training coming?"
"As expected, some are learning faster than others. I'm considering combining some of them together-to form shields or blasts together," I said.
"Work on that," Weren agreed. "If three or four together can accomplish the same thing, that's more troops we can place on the battlefield."
"My thinking exactly, General."
* * *
King's Palace
Sherra
"Kyri sent this," Pottles handed a message to me when I met her mid-morning for tea.
I had to find someone else to travel with me today-Pottles had taken a day away from training her charges to help me shield villages the day before. I couldn't ask her to spend a second day with me; Anari and the others needed her.
"What is it?" I asked, unfolding the second message I'd received in a matter of hours.
"Read it for yourself," she made a face at me. "Take action soon; if Kyri feels their approach, then we should pay heed."
The enemy army is approaching, the first line of Kyri's message jumped out at me. Cole and his followers are prepared to stand with Az-ca, but they will only follow your command. Prepare to receive them at a place of your choosing; they await your orders.
"I have to take this to Kerok," I breathed, before walking quickly out of Pottles' suite.
* * *
Kerok
"How many?" I demanded. This new development threatened to place another rift in my relationship with Sherra. I recalled Kyri's offer of allies, but she hadn't told me they were from Ny-nes, originally.
"I don't know. Perhaps a hundred or so?" Sherra replied. I could see that my questioning of the loyalty of former residents of Ny-nes troubled her. She trusted them; I did not. Her face was pale, except for two bright spots of color high in her cheeks. I was upsetting her again, but this-I felt as if I had very good reason.
"They are committed to standing beside your warriors and escorts," Adahi joined us at the garden table. "They are willing to give their lives in your defense, Prince Thorn," he added, a tinge of sarcasm in his voice.
"Fine. You don't want them at Secondary Camp? I can send them elsewhere, but I will be going with them," Sherra snapped.
"Where will that be?" I was just as adamant as she.
"I believe we can operate from his village," Sherra replied. "All I ask is for mindspeak when the enemy attacks. We will join the army, then."
"I dislike that idea," Hunter said before I could form words expressing the same thoughts.
"Then what do you suggest?" Sherra turned to him.
"I suggest you welcome them to the King's City," Adahi said before Hunter could reply. "Sherra will be responsible for them. House them at the trainee camp-it stands empty at the moment. New trainees are not scheduled to arrive for two months."
"I can place shields around the trainee camp," Sherra said immediately. "You will be offering hospitality to friends, not housing enemies."
"Your shields will keep them on the grounds of the training camp?" I frowned at Sherra.
"When have I ever failed you in that?" she retorted.
I dislike fighting with you, I sent.
Then stop doing it, she replied.
"I will be staying at the training camp with them," she said aloud. "The entire time they are here."
"Adahi, do you have an idea of when the enemy army will arrive?"
"Soon," he rumbled. "I worry that Ruarke will have more wicked mischief to deliver before their arrival, too."
"Why do you think that?" Barth spoke for the first time.
"Because we now have in our possession half of something that has become quite important to him-Thorn's Book."
"He can't get past the shields on the city," I sputtered.
"Ah, but he has other bargaining chips, does he not?"
"How do you know this?" Hunter demanded.
"I am very old, dear Prince-Heir. I can explain the potential thoughts and decisions of nearly anyone you care to name. People follow patterns after a while, and I have seen more than my share of them."
"When will you bring them here?" I turned back to Sherra with a sigh of resignation.
"I'll send mindspeak to Cole and ask him when they wish to come. I'll join them when they arrive at the camp. We wouldn't want anyone to run away in terror, now would we?"
"When he arrives, ask Cole to dine with us," Hunter said. "Will he submit to Barth's divination?"
"I'll ask. I warn you, Barth, you may not like what you see," Sherra said. "Not that he's bad," she held up a hand in denial. "He ah, experienced torture in Ny-nes, for having the power that is outlawed there. He was seven when he came to Kyri. Tell me he has anything but contempt for those who'd torture a child."
"Is that true?" Hunter asked.
"It is true," Adahi answered. "There are graves in Kyri's City, where she has had to bury children who came from their torture too late for her to save them. They spent the last bit of energy they had, getting away from those monsters in Ny-nes."
"May the first warrior save us," Barth mumbled.
"The first warrior?" Adahi snorted. "Ask those who stand with you now to save you. You'll be far better off."
"Does that include those Sherra is supporting?" I demanded.
"It does. I have the advantage, here, because I know Cole. You do not. Cole is more than adept at knowing how those around him perceive him and recognizes those who stand with him. Rethink your perception of what makes an enemy, Thorn. One whom you once considered a friend has allied with a proven enemy. Some who began their lives in the same country as the enemy, now wish to fight beside you because your enemy is the same as theirs. Cole's parents handed him to the authorities to torture, because he made fire at a young
age. Tell me that is evil, Prince Thorn. The enemy believes it is. Cole sees you and your warriors and escorts as validation; that his talents are not evil, but natural. That you have morals and the ability to love, just as he does."
"Acceptance may be difficult," Barth sighed. "I will try."
"Ask Cole to dine with us-at his convenience," I said. "I will meet with him."
"With your permission, Sherra," Adahi turned to her, "I will carry your invitation to Cole. He will contact you afterward with his decision."
"Thank you," Sherra said.
* * *
Sherra
Because he felt guilty, Kerok asked that Hunter accompany me on my journey to shield more villages after the meeting. Hunter had a list of the smaller places with him, with those villages marked on a map.
"You've met Cole?" Hunter asked after we arrived at our first village. I set the shields without alerting anyone to our presence-I'd hidden inside a mirrored bubble shield to accomplish my goals.
"Yes. If someone didn't tell you in advance that he was from Ny-nes originally, you might not guess it. His accent is somewhat different, but he speaks the same language, as they all do. He is also quite literate, although I understand that isn't the case with the normal population growing to adulthood in that country."
"They're not educated?"
"Hunter, I think that's by design," I sighed. "I'm done, here. Which village is next?"
We moved on the next one, and the next after that; the shields were smaller because the villages were smaller, and therefore took less time to protect.
By the time we were done for the day, after a brief stop at Secondary Camp for a midday meal, we arrived at the palace feeling sweaty, covered in dust and quite hungry.
"I've informed the Prince that we've returned," Hunter told me as we walked past the guards at the side door. "He says to meet him in his suite for dinner."
"All right. Thank you for going with me, today," I told him. "Your map and information made the journey much faster."
"I'm astounded by your stamina," Hunter said. "I'm exhausted."
"I think you should get out more," I smiled at him. "To build up your own stamina. I think I could teach you how to make mirror shields and tube shields-to fire aimed blasts."
Rose and Thorn: Black Rose Sorceress, Book 2 Page 19
