Elyse was surprised to hear that. She knew Jonrell had made arrangements for Lobella’s mother, but she was unaware of the extent. Though to hear Lobella tell the tale, it sounded as though they had needed the extra help for some time. She wasn’t sure what else to say, so she went with the first thing that came to mind. “Well, you are definitely worth the effort.”
Lobella blushed. “The prince said the same thing, Your Majesty,” she said with a sparkle in her eye. “You are both too kind.”
Elyse smiled and they both turned back toward the road to Cathyrium. She is already smitten by him and barely even knows the man.
However, she realized that without even trying Jonrell had taught her another lesson. She had always assumed that by asking how things were, Lobella would be honest and speak of any needs. Elyse realized that the young woman would not speak to her about such things.
I should have looked into it myself. I took her kindness and friendship for granted.
Staring out the window again, Elyse saw the signs of winter well under way. Branches swayed in the harsh winds as leaves blew to and fro across the ground. The faces of soldiers and servants reddened from the whipping air. And in the middle of it all, her brother moved among the men, talking to every one of them, treating each one as equal, regardless of station. And as her brother left, all stood a little straighter and seemed a little less bothered by the unruly weather.
They don’t want to let him down, she thought. If he can stand the weather and elements, then they have no right to complain.
She sat back and frowned. Thick blankets covered her while she nibbled on hard cheese and sipped a cinnamon tea.
The little I thought I had learned about leadership over the last few months was only me fooling myself. In one day he put the nobility in their place, and in just a short amount of time on the road, he’s gained the confidence of every man and woman not already his own. I haven’t accomplished a fraction of that.
She looked down at the book in her lap, an exposition on the daily life of a soldier. She had hoped it would give her insight into the men she would be around during the journey to Cathyrium. She closed it and peered back out the window. She watched Jonrell talk to one of his own men and saw the respect that was in the soldier’s eyes as they shared a laugh. She had made her decision.
Some things you just can’t learn in a book.
* * *
Jonrell looked over to his sister bundled up tight in her thick wool cloak. Water ran down from her eyes as the wind battered her face.
“Are you ok, Your Majesty?” he asked.
Her eyes met his, determined. “I’m fine. Who’s next?” she asked.
“Cisod. He’s a blacksmith I picked up on Slum Isle. We’ll talk to him and the other smiths we picked up from Grayer,” he said.
“Then let’s go.”
He nodded and smiled, kicking his mount into the wind. He was proud of her. She had come to him that morning and said that she wanted to meet those they were traveling with. At first Jonrell thought it was a nice gesture and suggested she would be more comfortable in the carriage. He never expected her to go through with his offer. To her credit, she stood firm and commanded that he let her go with him. They had been at it all day, and other than their break for lunch, she hadn’t left his side. She didn’t say much which for now was probably for the better since the troops were unsure how to act around their queen. Shocked at seeing someone of her station brave the elements was the most common reaction.
Jonrell finally saw that she truly wanted to be a good ruler. He felt better about the decision he had made before leaving Lyrosene.
I hope that she sees the value in such a decision.
* * *
Jonrell rode his mount through the arched gatehouse and into the castle at Cathyrium. He did his best to hide his displeasure with the awful condition he found the fortress in.
One Above, there is even more work to be done than I imagined.
Lord Caliva stood near the entrance. He was an older man, bald except for a wreath of white hair that blended into a short and well kept beard. Despite his age, he appeared in good health. A number of aides and servants, who appeared eager to serve, surrounded him.
“I thought the messenger you sent ahead was telling lies when he told me of your arrival, My Prince,” Lord Caliva said with a bow. He glanced around Jonrell’s shoulder as the queen’s carriage made its way through the archway. “But now I see it is true. Not only were the rumors of your return true, but the Queen herself has come to grace our presence.”
“Aye, it is all true, My Lord. My apologies for arriving in such an abrupt manner but I’m afraid there is little time to observe the proper formalities when the fate of the kingdom is on the line.”
Lord Caliva nodded. “I heard the news of the fall of Namaris. These are dark times indeed.”
“Yes, they are,” said Jonrell. He looked around at the gathering crowd of people.
Lord Caliva forced a smile. “My household,” he said gesturing to those around him, “will get everyone settled. Dinner can be ready in about two hours if that is fine with you, My Prince”
“Yes, that’ll be perfect. If you would, please keep the affair a private one. We have important matters to discuss.”
Lord Caliva nodded. “I’m sure some of the hopeful attendees will be upset. But they will understand the need for privacy.”
* * *
The heat emanating from the roaring fires of the dining hall was a welcome relief to Elyse. Leaving the cold winter temperatures in exchange for the warmth of the room made her a little drowsy at first. She also realized just how tired and sore she felt from spending the last several days with her brother on horseback.
But it was well worth it.
She had used the time to pick her brother’s brain about a number of subjects, even regaining a bit of the closeness she had once shared with him in their youth.
She forgot about her drowsiness as the scent of roasted pig permeated her nose. Stomach growling, her mouth watered as she took in the small feast laid before her on the wide table.
She noticed everyone waiting for her to find her seat. She smiled, and lowered herself with a small sigh onto the plush chair, its soft cushion another comfort she missed.
“Everything looks wonderful, Lord Caliva. I must thank you for your hospitality and allowing us into your home.”
He smiled. “It is an honor, Your Majesty. My home is yours.” He paused. “If you would allow me to do so, I would like to lead us in a word of prayer to the One Above before we begin our meal.”
“I cannot think of a more appropriate thing to do, my Lord,” she said, bowing her head.
It was a short, but fitting prayer. It spoke about being thankful for each day granted to them and how during times of great stress, they should remember what is most important. In fact, given their current circumstances, she couldn’t think of a better prayer to offer.
When Lord Caliva finished giving thanks, the servants began presenting the meal, to her first, and then to others in order of station. Despite her desperate hunger, Elyse remembered her etiquette and ate as a queen should with small portions and even smaller bites. The food tasted delicious, but she found herself distracted when she looked at the way many of the men at the table simply attacked their food, especially those from Jonrell’s group of mercenaries. She didn’t know whether to be disgusted by their lack of manners, or jealous that they could get away with such behavior.
The large rectangular table held over two dozen people. Lord Caliva sat on the other end from her, in keeping with the northern custom for the lord of a city to sit opposite their ruler.
It is an honor for a lord to be allowed to look their ruler in the eye, she thought, recalling a lesson from her youth.
Jonrell had been seated to Caliva’s right. Several of Caliva’s captains and his mages were interspersed with the men Jonrell had brought to the meal. During introductions it was quickly evident that many
of the men from either side held a particular area of expertise.
No doubt Jonrell and Caliva want the men to grow accustomed to each other as soon as possible.
Other than a polite comment from Lord Caliva’s men, few engaged her in conversation. Elyse felt so out of place that she kept to herself and enjoyed her meal while she watched the interaction of the others. During their journey, Jonrell had brought up many of his old lessons, emphasizing those on how to judge and learn from the behavior of those around you. It was a lesson she had heard many times as a youth and often dismissed. She had learned quickly while on the road that it would be a mistake to take her brother’s advice for granted again.
The first thing that became evident to her was just how out of place Jonrell’s men looked in comparison to the well groomed men of Lord Caliva’s council. Despite the boisterous conversations he partook in, Krytien appeared ragged. His faded black robes contrasted sharply with the vibrant colored robes of Caliva’s mages.
Her eyes turned to Yanasi and Rygar. Though rarely seen apart, Elyse wondered how two people so different had found happiness with each other. Yanasi had barely looked up from her meal except to whisper something briefly to Rygar. He on the other hand took in all the sights and sounds of the hall. Rygar tried to work himself into several ongoing conversations. Both were near her age, yet she felt little connection to either. In many ways, she was jealous as she watched them. They were each able to hold onto a piece of youth that Elyse never got to enjoy.
Cisod spoke with one of Caliva’s captains about the condition of their weapons and supplies. Raker leaned over and butted into the conversation at awkward moments, oblivious that neither was particularly interested in what he had to say. Their snide remarks and looks of frustration did little to deter Raker from giving his opinion. Each comment he accentuated by pointing a half gnawed rib. Elyse shook her head as she watched the exchange.
From what Jonrell had told her, Raker was an engineer and would be crucial during the siege but all she saw was a man who needed a bath and change of clothes. She had only spoken to him once. The conversation ended abruptly when Jonrell cast an icy glare that sent the man cowering away. The look was in response to some passing comment the mercenary made during their official introduction about rolling in hay. Elyse didn’t ask why it had aggravated her brother but based on his reaction, she later decided that she probably should have been offended by it.
Elyse was surprised that Jonrell had brought along the two young boys from Slum Isle. Drake seemed to be having a grand time listening to everyone and even laughed at Cisod’s frustration with Raker. Jonrell called Drake a genius and had put him under the tutelage of Raker. Their personalities reminded her of Rygar and Yanasi.
Two more people who couldn’t be more different. Mal, on the other hand, sat in silence with his shoulders hunched forward while he played with his food. Elyse’s heart went out to the boy. Her brother mentioned that Mal had left his father behind to join up with them. Elyse watched the boy look up toward her brother before turning his gaze away in frustration. She wondered if he regretted his decision to leave Slum Isle.
No, I think he looks up to Jonrell. Perhaps he is upset that he is not closer to the conversation with Lord Caliva? It was a guess since she had only spoken with him once and he had seemed uncomfortable speaking to her.
There were a couple others from Jonrell’s crew that her brother had brought along but Elyse was ashamed to say that she could not recall their names. No wonder when I try to learn so many in a matter of days.
The last of Jonrell’s men fascinated her. She had met Kaz more than once since he usually hung around her brother. But despite their frequent meetings, he often acted as if Elyse wasn’t there when he spoke to Jonrell. Initially, she found the behavior jarring. Later, she grew more understanding when Jonrell had explained to her how he had come to know the man and how Kaz had little recollection of his past life up until a few months ago.
Noticing that he had not spoken once during the meal, and had been excluded by the others, she ran through several scenarios in her head to strike up a conversation with him. She wasn’t sure what had piqued her interest more, his appearance, which was darker than any Byzernian she’d ever seen, or the wonder of starting one’s life over, free to leave behind all the pain of the past.
Now I only have to figure out what to ask.
Elyse racked her brain for several minutes, feeling foolish, until she finally blurted out, “So, how do you like Cadonia?” She grimaced, but it was too late to take the question back.
Kaz looked at her from the corner of his eye, and turned with a questioning look. “Were you speaking to me?” he said in a thickly accented voice.
“Yes,” she said, trying to recover. “I was wondering if you have enjoyed your stay so far.”
He shrugged his massive shoulders. Even through thick winter clothing, Elyse could see the hard lines of the man. “I have very little to compare it to. And with battle looming, I haven’t really thought about my enjoyment,” said Kaz, looking back at his plate.
Of course, she thought feeling deflated. That was a pretty stupid question, Elyse.
To her surprise, she could see that he attempted to continue their conversation, struggling to find the right words. “It is nicer than the island we came from. Larger and far cleaner.”
She had to strain to decipher his speech but she smiled all the same, excited to talk to the mysterious man. “I’ve never been to Slum Isle before, but I’ve heard a lot about the place. Could you tell me what it is like?” she asked, hoping to keep Kaz talking.
“Yes, if you would like.”
* * *
Kaz felt odd describing an island he had visited only once, but he did so anyway. And when he was done, he talked about what it was like to walk through Floroson and Lyrosene for the first time. He felt foolish droning on and on while Jonrell’s sister barely said a word except to quickly ask another question. But she seemed interested enough, so he continued.
After some time, he finally thought of a few questions to ask in return. He didn’t know why, but Elyse smiled when he did so and then talked for some time herself. Later, he even said something funny or at least he assumed he did. The queen had let out a loud sincere laugh that caused him to grin in return.
He wasn’t sure what followed in the few minutes after that laugh as he had a brief glimpse of something, someone in fact, from his past. He swore he heard two laughs then, one inside his head from long ago and one outside in the warm hall. The softness of Elyse’s voice and the look in her eyes seemed familiar, too, but he didn’t know why.
Will these memories frustrate me forever?
As the night wore on, Kaz could see why Jonrell talked so favorably of his sister. She was a good woman, and like her brother, treated him as if he was no different than anyone else. It surprised him that two people who held so much power appeared to accept him, yet so many others did not.
When the meal concluded she thanked him for his company, and to his surprise found himself returning the sentiment, even referring to her as “Your Majesty,” something he had avoided earlier since she was not his queen. Yet now, she had earned his respect.
* * *
She awoke with a quiet knocking, so soft she thought she still dreamed until a voice called out.
“Elyse, are you awake? It’s Jonrell. I need to speak with you right away.”
She stumbled out of bed in a rush, turning up the oil lamp on the night stand near her bed. Careful not to trip over the books on the floor, she grabbed her robe. “I’m coming,” she called out. She slowed as she reached the door as she realized that an attack from Tomalt was impossible since he was weeks away in Namaris.
She cracked the door and saw her brother near the entranceway. “May I please come in?”
She allowed him to enter and caught an odd look from Hadan who stood near her room. Closing the door, she faced her brother. “What’s wrong?” she said as she wiped the slee
p from her eyes
“I need to talk to you about what Lord Caliva and I discussed.”
“You said that could wait until morning.”
“Technically, it is morning,” he said with a grin.
Elyse didn’t return the smile.
Jonrell took the hint. “Most of it is of little interest to you right now with the exception of one area. We are sending a messenger to Duke Jeldor in Ithanthul. We hope to forge an alliance with him.”
Elyse shook her head. I must still be groggy. “Jeldor? Why would we seek an alliance with him? Even I know he’s a cantankerous old man.”
“His disposition is not important to us. What is important are his troops. People underestimate him because his lands aren’t as large or as well populated as others, but the men that live there are hard. They have to be to live amid that terrain. And their winters are harsher than what we experience in the worst of times. I know. I got caught in one while traveling back from his capital as a boy. Three men froze to death on the journey home.” He paused. “Besides, without any word from Estul Island, we are short handed on mages. We can’t afford to be short on soldiers too.”
Elyse shivered. “If we need troops, then why not seek aid from Olasi? He has always been a friend to the crown.”
“True. His men are better trained since they serve as a backup to Conroy when defending the High Pass but we need him to stay put in order to keep a watch on Conroy.”
“Then I grant you permission to form an alliance with Jeldor. Can we finish this conversation in the morning?”
Jonrell smiled. “I’m glad you agree but I need more from you than just approval. We need to send someone right away if we hope to get Jeldor’s troops here in time.”
“Then what do you need me for?”
“I need you to go.”
Silence.
“Elyse?” asked Jonrell.
“You’re serious?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then you’re also crazy. Why do I need to go to Ithanthul?”
“Because, as you said, Jeldor is a touchy man. A messenger is not going to get him to form an alliance with us. We need someone to convince him it is in his best interests to join our power.”
Rise and Fall (Book 1) Page 40
