“No, no, it wasn’t me.”
“Really?” Jerrol said, curling his lip as the man flailed. “What else did you do?”
“N-nothing, honest, just the drugs. The lady is well.”
“Maybe we ought to let the grand duke be the judge of that?” Jerrol snapped. “Who else is here?”
“N-no one. It’s just me. The lady sleeps; no more is needed.”
“You lie.”
“No, honest, Haven, it’s just me.” Iss’aren’s lips tightened. “It’s all they trust me with,” he said, his voice bitter.
“That’s about the only true thing you’ve said tonight. Take us to Lady Guin’yyfer.”
“Now?”
“Yes, now. I want to see that she is alright.” He released Iss’aren’s throat and stepped back. “Get up.”
Iss’aren wheezed as he rubbed his neck, livid red marks marring his pale skin. He swung his thin legs over the side of the bed. They looked incongruous sticking out under his nightshirt. Jerrol watched the man consider his options. He was quite sure Iss’aren only had powers of persuasion, but he flicked his fingers at Serenion, who closed in, his staff at the ready.
Iss’aren flinched back from the looming Sentinal. “I- I don’t have the key,” he mumbled. “The guard does.”
“You mean this one?” Jerrol asked as he held up the ornate key that Serenion had found on Pev’eril.
The Ascendant’s shoulders slumped. He coughed hollowly and suddenly lunged towards Jerrol, a knife appearing in his hand. Serenion’s staff whipped up and caught him under his chin. The Ascendant flopped back unconscious and slid off the bed onto the floor, the knife clattering beside him.
“They really don’t like you, do they?” Serenion said, kicking the knife towards Jerrol.
“It seems not,” Jerrol agreed as he retrieved the knife. “I am sure there is a dank cell somewhere under this castle suitable for him. Tie him up and cover his eyes, and tell the guards to keep his face covered. If he can see, he can transport himself elsewhere. The grand duke can decide his fate; hopefully, it will be something very permanent, and if it isn’t, King Benedict will bring him to justice, I’m sure.” He looked around the room. “I’ll send someone up to clear these rooms. We don’t want trealt lying around.”
“And the lady?”
“Let her sleep. She doesn’t need to worry about all this until the morning.” Jerrol paused to unlock her door before slipping the key back in his pocket.
He was turning away from the door when a young lad skidded into the room, his bare feet slipping on the rug. “You leave her be!” he shouted, brandishing a sword that looked too big for him. He held it with both hands. His brown hair flopped into his eyes, and the boy tried to flick it away while holding on to the unwieldy sword.
“I mean your lady no harm,” Jerrol said, holding his arms away from his body.
“Move away from her door,” the boy demanded, his brown eyes large in his face.
Jerrol moved away and allowed the boy to take his place in front of her door. The sword wavered as Serenion appeared behind Jerrol. Serenion grinned at the boy, tipped his staff against his temple in salute, and left, dragging the unconscious Pev’eril behind him.
The boy stared after Serenion and flicked his eyes back to Jerrol. “What did you do to the guard?” His voice broke and he cleared his throat.
“We mean you no harm. We came to help. I’m a soldier in the grand duke’s army.”
The boy’s eyes flickered over Jerrol’s uniform, and his sword wavered. He stiffened as the latch clicked and the door opened behind him. A young woman, with masses of blonde curls and glazed blue eyes, appeared in the doorway, hastily wrapping a deep blue shawl around her. She took in the scene and tensed, her hand resting against the door frame. “Joren, come here. Stand behind me.”
“Nay, my lady. I’m here to protect you.”
She looked across at Jerrol. “Please, don’t harm him,” she pleaded. “He’s just a boy.”
Jerrol raised his hands again. “I mean neither of you any harm,” he said. “I am a captain of the Third Chevron. I am here to help you. Your guards have been relieved, my lady.”
“Relieved?”
“Another soldier dragged that Iss’aren man out; he was dead!” Joren exclaimed.
“Unconscious,” Jerrol corrected. “He was only unconscious.”
“And the other one?” Lady Guin’yyfer asked, her face pale. Her hand gripped the doorframe so hard, her knuckles whitened.
“I’m sorry, my lady, but he is dead.”
“Show me,” she said as she swayed in the doorway.
“It’s not a sight for a lady’s eyes. I assure you, he is dead; I killed him myself.”
“I need to see.” She stepped out of her room. “Where is he?”
Joren squeaked as she pushed him aside, but he was as eager to see a dead body as the lady was.
Jerrol bowed. “Of course, my lady, this way.” He indicated the door and led the way out into the gallery. “I left him by the north tower, unless my men have removed him already.” He led the way around the gallery and stopped as he saw two of his men lifting the body. “Hold a moment, Lady Guin’yyfer wishes to ascertain if he is dead.”
His men unceremoniously dropped the body back to the floor and stepped back, eyes dutifully staring at the carpet after a swift glance at the informally dressed lady. Jerrol rolled the body over with his foot.
Guin’yyfer’s gasp was masked by Joren’s enthusiastic, “Cor!”
“As you see, my lady, he will trouble you no more. Please let me escort you back to your rooms. Private, send up some hot tea to Lady Guin’yyfer’s room, will you?”
“Yes, sir.” The burly soldier grinned at Joren and stooped to grab the dead man’s ankles again.
“Where are you taking him?” Joren’s voice followed the soldiers down the stairwell as he peppered them with questions, his need to guard the lady forgotten.
“Shall we?” Jerrol asked, waving his hand back towards her chambers.
Lady Guin’yyfer stood rigid, staring at the empty doorway.
“My lady? I assure you. No one here means you any harm.”
She shuddered and then turned back to her chamber. Jerrol followed and then busied himself with the grate in her room, giving her a chance to recover her composure. Once the fire was going to his satisfaction, he stood and, spying a jug and glasses, poured her some water. He sniffed it first, to make sure it was just water.
He sat in the chair opposite her. “It’s alright. Seeing a dead body is very upsetting.”
“It wasn’t that; I’m glad he’s dead,” she said, gripping her hands together. “If I could have, I would have killed him myself, and that other snivelling little toad.”
Jerrol was a little surprised at her bloodthirsty response, though he smiled at her description of King Benedict’s ex-chancellor. He couldn’t agree more. “How are you feeling? I understand they may have dosed you with some sedatives. It will take some time for them to work their way out of your system.”
“I am feeling much better already, Captain, and I thank you for your timely intervention.” She looked at him with a slight frown on her face. “What did you say your name was?”
“Captain Finn, my lady. Third Unit of the Third Chevron.”
“How came you here?”
“It’s a long story, my lady, but suffice to say, the grand duke asked me to find you.”
She lifted her eyes in surprise. “He did?”
“Yes, my lady.” Jerrol paused as a housemaid entered the chamber with a tray. He stood and pulled over a small table. “Just leave it, we’ll manage,” he said as he took the tray. The maid bobbed a quick curtsey and bolted.
“Oh dear,” Guin’yyfer held a hand to her head. “I must look a mess.”
“Not at all, my lady.” He handed her a cup and saucer.
“Thank you, please call me Guin’yyfer. I keep thinking you are speaking to my mother.”
&n
bsp; “Is that your mother asleep next door?”
“Yes, she won’t wake. They’ve been dosing her too, though to be honest, I think she has had enough. She would rather sleep through this mess than face it.” She paused, and began folding her handkerchief between her fingers. “I was beginning to think the grand duke had had enough of me as well. It has been so long.”
“They have been holding the threat of your safety over him to ensure his co-operation,” Jerrol said.
She reared back in shock. “He’s the grand duke! He shouldn’t put anyone above the best interests of his people.”
“I think he loves you very much.”
“Still, a man in his position has to be above such a thing as love.”
“He wasn’t the grand duke when you first met. I think he is still struggling to understand his role in the world, and his advisors are not much help.”
“I suppose not.” She stared at him. “What happens now?”
Jerrol shrugged. “That’s up to you. I’m preparing the Summer Palace for the grand duke’s arrival.”
“He’s coming here?”
“I believe so, my lady.”
“Am I free to leave?”
“If that is your desire. We will escort you to wherever you wish to go,” Jerrol promised, falling silent as Guin’yyfer concentrated on folding her handkerchief as she considered her options.
The wood spat and hissed in the grate, and Jerrol sipped his tea, relaxing back into the chair as he watched her. The firelight teased out reddish highlights in her hair. Her high cheekbones were accentuated by the shadows and rose over a very decided chin. He didn’t think Guin’yyfer was one to suffer fools gladly.
He wasn’t surprised when she raised her head and looked him straight in the eye. “I think maybe I should wait for him. His palace needs a woman’s touch.”
“That it does, my lady,” he agreed and he couldn’t help the smile that spread over his face in response to the brilliant smile she gave him. He wasn’t at all surprised that the grand duke had fallen for her so heavily.
He leaned forward and placed his cup and saucer back on the tray. “Your key, my lady.”
She took the ornate key from him with raised eyebrows. A dimple briefly appeared in her right cheek, and she looked as if a mighty weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
“There are a few hours yet left for sleep. I’ll see you in the morning, and we can figure out what needs to be done. My men patrol the castle and the battlements. They will not disturb you; they are very well behaved. I will introduce you to my Lieutenant, Landis, and he will assist you if I am not around.”
“Are you leaving?” Panic rose in her eyes.
“I have to sleep as well, you know,” Jerrol said with a grin, and she gave a shaky laugh as she nodded. “Sleep well, my lady,” he said in parting as he rose. He closed the door behind him and took a deep breath before leaving the antechamber and returning to the gallery. Serenion was waiting for him on the landing. “Everything cleared up?”
“Yes, Captain. The Ascendant is in the dungeons. Are you sure you don’t want him to have an accident before the grand duke arrives?”
“Tempting, but I think the grand duke needs to see who has been acting against him. Maybe he will shed Tor’asion and Var’geris as a result.”
“Well, I think that influence is in decline if the grand duke is coming here.”
Jerrol hesitated. “I don’t actually know that Randolf is coming. It seemed like a good excuse to give the staff,” he owned as they walked down the stairs.
Serenion’s crack of laughter echoed up the tower behind them.
It was late the next morning when Jerrol was awoken by Taurillion frantically shaking his shoulder. He blearily looked around his unfamiliar surroundings before latching onto the worried face of his Sentinal.
“Taurillion, what’s the matter?”
“A messenger arrived with orders from the grand duke.” Taurillion handed him the sealed paper.
Jerrol levered himself up onto one arm and took the envelope. He flipped it over; it was the grand duke’s seal sure enough. He slid his nail under the wax and broke the seal. Unfolding the paper, he gave a huff of laughter and lay back against his pillow. “Sometimes, you get what you wish for!” His grey eyes twinkled up at Taurillion, and Taurillion’s shoulders began to relax. “The grand duke will be with us within the week. He expects his palace to be ready to receive him.”
Taurillion blanched. “What? What are we going to do?”
“Have the palace ready for him, of course.”
43
Summer Palace
When Jerrol made his way down to his office on the first floor, he found Lady Guin’yyfer already in control of the Summer Palace. He gladly handed over preparations for the arrival of the grand duke into her capable hands, and Mrs Stokes and Steward Bracken fell on her with delight.
The days passed as the palace came back to life; flowers appeared in tall vases and meals vastly improved. The staff were noticeably happier, and Lady Guin’yyfer took to cornering Jerrol, asking about the grand duke and conditions in Retarfu. Jerrol answered all he could and trying to distract her suggested she talk to Taurillion. He dropped subtle hints that Taurillion was an expert on ancient history and knew quite a lot about Lady Marguerite, but that backfired when she returned with even more questions about Sentinals and Guardians.
He was seated in the library, researching ancient palaces of Elothia, when her voice spoke behind him. “Since when has a captain in the Grand Duke’s Chevron had three Sentinals reporting to him?”
Jerrol twisted in his seat, rose, and then smiled at her. “Since the Lady Marguerite assigned them to me,” he replied, deciding honesty was the best course of action in light of the determined expression on her face.
“Why would Marguerite assign them to you? Are you a Guardian?” she asked, her voice hushed.
Jerrol nodded. “Yes, in a way.”
“There are no Sentinals in Elothia. I was talking to Yaserille, and she said there used to be many. She said that you woke them up from a long sleep.”
“Yes, they are the Lady’s Guards. Marguerite stirs; she has missed you. The Ascendants try to curb the Lady’s influence. We are here to prevent that from happening,” Jerrol said.
Guin’yyfer watched him, tilting her head to one side. “Some of your men have strange accents.”
“Have they been bothering you, my lady?”
“No, not at all, they are exquisitely polite. I could only wish all of Randolf’s men were so well mannered.” She hesitated. “Who are you really, Captain?”
“I am what you see; just a man trying to do the Lady’s work.”
She tapped her lip, watching him. “I will find out,” she warned.
Jerrol sighed. Once the grand duke arrived, it was unlikely that any pretence could be continued. “I don’t doubt it, my lady, but for now, a captain I am.”
The advanced guard arrived precisely a week later, warning of the grand duke’s imminent arrival. Though Jerrol already knew. Two hours later, Captain Kerisk and the rest of his men led a stately carriage under the portcullis and into the central courtyard. The household staff waited on the steps, along with Jerrol, Lady Guin’yyfer, and a guard of honour. The rest of Jerrol’s men patrolled. Taurillion stood behind Jerrol’s shoulder, watching and alert. Yaserille stood behind Lady Guin’yyfer’s. Jerrol had assigned her as Guin’yyfer’s bodyguard, and she had accepted the orders with delight.
Jerrol tensed as he watched Birlerion, Marianille, and Niallerion dismount, and then the grand duke emerged from his carriage and glanced up the steps. His eyes widened as he saw who stood before him, but he turned and held a hand out to help his companion descend. Guin’yyfer glanced at Jerrol as he inhaled sharply.
Taelia reached the ground and looked towards him with a brilliant smile on her face. Guin’yyfer nudged him, and he started. Taking Guin’yyfer’s proffered hand, he led her towards the grand duke.
“Your Grace, Scholar Taelia, welcome to the Summer Palace. I hope you find everything as you expected,” Jerrol said smoothly. Guin’yyfer frowned at him. He couldn’t quite disguise the shiver that made his hand tremble. She glanced between him, the grand duke, and the young woman holding the grand duke’s hand.
“It is exactly as we were hoping,” Randolf replied with a smile.
Guin’yyfer’s frown deepened as if she sensed an undercurrent in his words.
“I think we ought to swap,” Randolf said with aplomb, as Taelia’s hand trembled in his.
“Of course, your Grace,” Jerrol murmured, handing Guin’yyfer to him with a slight bow and grasping Taelia’s hand in return. Guin’yyfer watched the young woman lean into the captain and the captain slide a discreet arm around her waist. He dropped his face to her hair and inhaled deeply.
Guin’yyfer looked at the grand duke in shock and was surprised to see a small smile playing about his lips. His smile broadened as he looked at her.
Randolf cleared his throat. “ I think we ought to go in. Captain Finn, Scholar Taelia, please accompany us.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Jerrol murmured. He nodded at Taurillion, and he smoothly stepped behind the grand duke’s shoulder as Yaserille shadowed Guin’yyfer as they entered the palace. Jerrol paused as Owen approached. “Owen, welcome to the Summer Palace.”
“Finn, what is going on?”
“I’ll explain later. Landis here will show you the ropes; I need to attend the grand duke.”
“How did you find Guin’yyfer, is she alright? And my mother?”
“They are both fine. Later, Owen. I’ll find you later,” Jerrol promised hastily as he led Taelia inside, jerking his head at Birlerion to follow.
The grand duke eyed his shadow with concern but led the way to the receiving chamber on the ground floor. Here, he turned and waited until the door had closed behind them. He raised an eyebrow as Birlerion slid behind Jerrol.
Sentinals Justice: Book Three of the Sentinal Series Page 34
