by R. T. Kaelin
“Wait—what?”
His stomach instantly felt queasy as his thoughts turned to the rough, white-capped Sea of Kings. Gamin had taken the three siblings out to go fishing on a calm afternoon and Nikalys had loathed every moment of it.
Jak took a few steps forward.
“Can I go?”
Nikalys stared back at his brother, incredulous.
“You want to go?”
Kenders spun around and glared at Jak.
“Hold a moment! You got to go to Freehaven!”
“And I saw nothing but her villa—” Jak pointed at Lady Vivienne “—the inside of a stuffy carriage, and the Council Hall.”
“You still got to go!” exclaimed Kenders.
Lady Vivienne barked, “That’s enough!” Looking from Nikalys to Kenders to Jak, she said, “This is why I do not include you in planning discussions. The Borderlands have fallen! More than seventy-thousand people perished in Gobas! And you are snipping at one another like children denied a trip to the fair!”
Broedi said softly, “Lady Vivienne, please.”
The baroness swiveled her head and stared at Broedi.
“I understand your fondness for them. Truly, I do. But try to be objective. They are immature and unready!”
“It does not matter,” rumbled Broedi. “Nikalys and Kenders are the Progeny.”
“And perhaps one day they will lead us as Indrida’s prophecy says, but right now, they could not lead a baby goose to a pond!”
The baroness’ words stung Nikalys like a driving Storm Island rainstorm. He stared at her, wanting to insist she was wrong but knowing she was right.
Broedi took a single, long step forward to tower over the baroness’ chair, forcing Lady Vivienne to stare straight up to meet his glowering gaze.
“You were not on that ridge, Lady Vivienne!” boomed the hillman, his deep voice filling the room and startling Nikalys with its emotion. “Assault after assault came up that slope and throughout every one, those two—” he jabbed a finger in Nikalys and Kenders’ direction “—put themselves in great personal peril to keep others safe. That is true leadership, my Lady. Not sitting in a warm office, sipping tea at your desk, and holding private councils in order to hear yourself speak!”
Nikalys stared at the hillman with wide eyes. He had never seen Broedi this angry.
Broedi hovered over the baroness, glaring at her. Lady Vivienne sat, head tilted back, meeting his hot stare with an icy gaze of her own.
Uneasy, Nikalys shifted in his chair and glanced around the room. Kenders sat with her mouth open. Nundle had pressed himself down into the seat of his chair as if he were trying to hide in plain sight. Khin stood in the corner, his face impassive as always. Tobias alone was moving, shaking his head, a frown on his face. After a moment he spoke, sarcasm seeping into every word.
“Quite an interesting group you have here.”
When neither Broedi nor Lady Vivienne broke off their stare to respond, Tobias continued.
“Perhaps I shall go hide from the world again. I’ve yet to make it to the southern Yutian coast. I’ve heard the water is bluer than the sky.” Turning to eye Nundle, he asked, “You passed through there, yes? Was it nice?”
Nundle’s eyes opened wide.
“Ah…I—”
Broedi interrupted Nundle by growling, “Now is not the time for jesting, Tobias.”
The tomble White Lion sat tall in his chair and smacked an open palm on the armrest.
“No! It’s not, is it? Nor is it the time for seeing who can stack wood higher, Broedi! Should Chaos see this, I am sure he or she would be elated!” Jabbing his walking stick in the direction of Kenders, he said firmly, “As she pointed out, you are vastly outnumbered. Incredibly, impossibly, hopelessly outnumbered! I saw tens of thousands of Sudashians in Gobas! And I doubt that was their full force! Can we perhaps discuss our plan to stop them rather than sit here, trying to bore holes in each other’s foreheads with stares alone?”
Lady Vivienne shifted her chilly gaze to Tobias.
“We are not as outnumbered as you might think.”
The hard glint in Broedi’s glare softened a touch.
“What do you mean by that?”
Staring back up to Broedi, she said, “We have allies now.”
Broedi took a step back from Lady Vivienne’s chair and paused a moment before asking, “Then your plotting was a success?”
“Plotting?” huffed Lady Vivienne. “Call it what you like, but Duchesses Aleece and Adnil were able to publically announce support for the Marshlands. As we sit here, bickering like two merchants over a copper ducat, twenty thousand of the blue and gold are marching to Demetus.”
Nikalys raised his eyebrows. He had learned of the alliance days ago, but this was the first he heard of soldiers on the move.
“Careful planning—or ‘plotting,’ if you prefer,” said the baroness. “Allowed us to also have Duchess Adnil’s ships sitting off the Southlands’ coast in anticipation of the alliance. Once the official proclamation came, those ships docked in Masons Bay. Thirty-thousand Shore Guard are also marching west, through my barony at this very moment.” She leaned closer to Broedi and added, “All of which was done without revealing anything about the Progeny or the Shadow Manes. That, White Lion, is what I accomplished by sitting here at my desk, sipping tea.”
Broedi held the baroness’ gaze and remained quiet. It was difficult to surprise Broedi, yet it seemed Lady Vivienne had done just that.
After a few moments, he spoke in a gentle tone, yielding, “That is infinitely better than I could have hoped for, my Lady.” He inclined his head a fraction. “I regret my outburst.”
Lady Vivienne nodded her acceptance of the apology and—surprisingly—offered her own version of repentance in exchange.
“I as well, Broedi.” She shifted her gaze to Nikalys, Kenders, and Jak. “Yet you spoke more truth than not. Their actions have earned them chances I have been unwilling to grant. In order to rectify that…” She turned her full attention onto Nikalys and asked crisply, “Young man, what are your thoughts on who should go to the Provinces?”
Nikalys froze as every set of eyes in the room suddenly shifted to him.
“Me?”
Lady Vivienne nodded.
“Yes, you. What say you?”
Not once since arriving at the enclave had anyone asked his opinion on any matter of importance. His role was to sit in the training grounds, learn how to fight, and be a symbol of hope.
Struck dumb, he glanced over to his sister. Kenders wore an encouraging smile and, just beyond her, Nundle winked his support. Tobias was eyeing him warily, surely reserving judgment. Turning back to the baroness, Nikalys tried to think of what he might say.
Nothing came to mind.
“Uh…”
The corners of Lady Vivienne’s mouth curled downward.
Fighting was easier than this. With a weapon in his hand, there was no thought, only reaction. It was all instinct. Wondering if the same approach would work now, he shut his eyes and emptied his mind, letting his thoughts flow like water in a swollen creek. Dozens of possibilities whipped through his head.
“I know exactly what we should do.”
The words had slipped from his lips before he knew he was speaking.
“Do you?” asked Lady Vivienne.
Nikalys prayed that he was not about to make a fool of himself. Opening his eyes, he focused on the baroness and said, “Kenders is right. She should stay here and continue her studies. And I should go.”
Lady Vivienne’s already existing frown gained a measure of open disappointment.
“That was already something—”
Interrupting her quickly, Nikalys said, “And as much as I’d like Jak to go, he should remain here, too.”
Lady Vivienne’s eyes narrowed.
“And why is that?”
From behind, Jak spoke up, “Yeah, Nik. Why?”
Swiveling in his chair to look at his
brother, Nikalys said, “You should stay here and refine your skills as a soldier. You are becoming a good one, Jak. I can see it, I know Sergeant Trell does. And I’m sure Commander Aiden can as well. Your time would be better spent here rather than sitting on a ship for—”He cut off, turned to Broedi, and asked, “How long is the voyage to the Primal Provinces?”
“Five weeks.”
Nikalys’ heart sunk.
“Truly?”
Broedi nodded.
“Four if the winds are with us.”
“Never mind,” said Jak, an easy grin creeping over his face. “Who wants to spend an entire turn on a boat?”
“Not me,” murmured Nundle emphatically. The tomble’s dislike of ships was well-known.
Nikalys turned to Nundle and said, “Sorry, but you need to come.”
The redheaded tomble stared at him with uneasy eyes.
“I do?”
Nodding, Nikalys said, “It might take us over a turn to get there via ship, but you can get us back in a moment.”
“So can Tobias,” implored Nundle.
“No,” said Nikalys. “Tobias should stay here.”
Tobias chuckled lightly and fixed his gaze on Nikalys.
“And why is that?”
Nikalys turned to face the tomble and said, “Your visions, for one. If you have one about the God of Chaos’ armies, you can’t tell anyone if you’re in the middle of the ocean.”
Tobias jabbed his walking stick in Nikalys’ direction.
“Hah! But if I have a vision, I could open a port back here and tell someone if what I saw was important.”
“Granted, my knowledge of magic is limited, but for a port to work, you must envision your destination perfectly, yes?”
“Correct,” rumbled Broedi.
“And does that work for a ship?” asked Nikalys.
“As long as it’s anchored,” answered Tobias. A frown slipped over his lips. “Which you cannot do in the Sea of Kings.”
“Why?” asked Jak.
“It is much too deep,” said Broedi.
Glancing at Tobias’ bent right leg, Nikalys asked gently, “And are you a strong swimmer?”
“Only in shallow puddles. You have made your point. I shall stay here.”
Kenders shot a curious glance at Nikalys. He detected both mild surprise and a touch of admiration in her eyes. Pretending she was not staring at him, he continued with his impromptu plan.
“And since Tobias cannot go, Broedi must. We need at least one White Lion to convince—” Again, he cut off in mid-sentence. Looking to Broedi, he said, “Hold a moment. You never said who the other White Lion was.”
Glancing around the room, Broedi rumbled, “Wren Aembyr has been residing for some time now in one of the great tree cities of the Primal Provinces.”
“And which one was he?” asked Jak. “Or is ‘Wren’ a she?”
“He is Lamoth’s champion,” rumbled Broedi. “Originally from a small tijulan settlement near Albonia in the Long Coast.”
“He’s an ijul?” asked Kenders.
“No,” grumbled Tobias. “He’s a blasted lout.”
The odd comment drew curious stares from most everyone in the room.
Broedi eyed Tobias, and murmured, “Now is not the time, Tobias.”
Tobias glanced at the hillman.
“Am I wrong?”
Pressing his lips together, Broedi rumbled, “No, but now is still not the time.” He stared about the room and explained, “Most of us had a strained relationship with Wren. He is not easy to be around.”
A derisive laugh slipped from Tobias.
“A rabid badger is easier to be around.”
Lady Vivienne leaned forward and asked, “I do not care about your personal feelings. Can he help us?”
As one, Broedi and Tobias answered, “Yes.”
“Will he help us?”
The pair stared at one another for a long moment before Broedi finally answered, “I believe so.”
Shaking his head, Tobias muttered, “You always showed more faith in him than he deserved.” Glancing about the room, he added, “Wren does what is best for Wren. For my part, I very much doubt he’ll help unless he gains something for himself.”
A frown on her face, the baroness asked, “Stopping the Cabal should be enough, should it not?”
Tobias shrugged his shoulders.
“Perhaps it will be.”
With a quiet sigh, Lady Vivienne said, “Well, we must at least try.” She shifted her gaze back to Nikalys. “Please continue, young man. I wish to hear more of your thoughts.” The honest tone of her voice surprised Nikalys.
“Of course, my Lady.”
He cleared his mind again, giving himself back over to instinct. The approach was working well to this point.
“A number of the Shadow Manes soldiers should go, as well. Only a small force, though. Perhaps thirty or so. And I’d like Sergeant Trell to come as well.”
Lady Vivienne regarded him for a long moment before asking, “Why do you require the sergeant? Are you not to lead us all?”
Nikalys could not tell if the question was honest or a trial of sorts. After a moment, he realized he did not care what it was. His answer would be the same.
“They’ll follow me, my Lady, but that does not mean I can lead them. Not yet. The men need someone with experience at their head, something I am sorely lacking. Commander Aiden should stay here, which means Sergeant Trell is the best choice. Moreover, I like the man.”
Lady Vivienne peered at him with her cool, green eyes long enough that he felt vaguely uncomfortable. Eventually, she turned to stare up at Broedi and conceded, “You were right. They deserve more of a chance than I have given.”
Pride shone from beneath the hillman’s stoic expression.
“Yes, my Lady. They do.”
Scanning the room, Lady Vivienne asked, “Does anyone have any concerns about Nikalys’ plan?”
Startled by her choice of words, Nikalys said, “Plan? No, those were merely my thoughts. There is not much of a plan there.”
Lady Vivienne said firmly, “There’s more than you think, young man. Details can be looked after, but your reasoning is sound.” Looking around the room, she called, “Are there any objections?” When there were none, Lady Vivienne peered up at Broedi.
“Did Nelnora share anything else with you?”
Broedi shook his head once.
“Nothing. Only details on where we can find Wren.”
In a rustle of wool and silk, Lady Vivienne stood from her chair and announced, “Then it is settled. Nikalys and Nundle, I suggest that you both go and pack. Captain Scrag will want to sail at high tide.” She slipped a parchment from beneath a stack on the corner of her desk, stared at it a moment, and then said, “Which appears to be dawn tomorrow. Be ready.”
Looking up, Nikalys asked, “Tomorrow?” That seemed incredibly soon.
“We cannot delay,” rumbled Broedi.
Nikalys nodded his understanding.
“No, I suppose not.”
Lady Vivienne said, “If there is nothing else, then? I would like to go speak with the commander.” Her tone was clear. They were being dismissed.
Nikalys pushed himself from his chair—careful not to catch his scabbard—and began to walk to the double doors, following behind Jak and Kenders. Zecus and Joshmuel exited first with heads close together, whispering.
Broedi’s deep voice rumbled from behind, “Nikalys?”
Turning around, Nikalys saw Nundle, Tobias, and Lady Vivienne approaching the door. Broedi and Khin were standing close to one another near the desk. The hillman’s gaze was fixed on Nikalys.
“When you leave, close the door behind you.”
Lady Vivienne’s quick pace faltered. Halting, she looked back to regard the hillman.
“You are staying?”
Eyeing the baroness, Broedi asked politely, “May we use your offices for a few moments, my Lady?”
With strain
ed graciousness, Lady Vivienne replied, “Of course, it is no trouble.” She resumed her exit, sweeping past Nikalys, a tight, perturbed expression engraved on her face. Nundle had to nearly jump out of her path to avoid being knocked over.
Tobias stood halfway between the double doors and the baroness’ desk. His tone slow and deliberate, he asked, “Would you like me to stay?”
The hillman locked eyes with the tomble and shook his head.
“I only mean to discuss an appropriate set of lessons for Kenders while we are gone. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the enclave. I am sure Nundle would be happy to show you around.”
Tobias held Broedi’s gaze for a long enough moment that Nikalys was aware of the fire popping again. Glancing between the two White Lions, Nikalys frowned. Something was off here.
Eventually, the tomble spoke.
“If you think it best.”
Tobias hobbled past Nikalys and into the hall. Nundle followed.
Giving the two remaining figures in the offices one last curious look, Nikalys drew the doors closed with a soft thud. Peering down at Nundle and Tobias, he asked, “What was that about?”
Nundle began to speak, “There’s some—”
Tobias raised a hand swiftly and nodded at the two guards standing beside the door. Nundle immediately closed his mouth. Motioning for them to follow him, Tobias lurched down the empty, torch-lit hallway. Jak and Kenders were already gone, as were Zecus and Joshmuel.
Upon reaching a crossing of halls, Tobias suddenly stopped and asked, “Why am I leading? I have no idea where I’m going.” He looked back to Nundle. “Take us someplace where Broedi’s ears can’t hear us.”
Nundle nodded and stepped past Tobias, choosing a windy, random path through the halls. After a few twists and turns, he stopped in the middle of a dim, unoccupied hallway.
“Is this far enough?”
Tobias nodded.
“Quite.”
Nikalys stared between the two tombles, his curiosity burning, and asked, “Why the secrecy?”
After checking up and down the hall to ensure they were alone, Tobias looked at Nikalys and whispered, “Broedi lied.”
Nikalys blinked in surprises.
“Pardon? He…he lied? How so?”
Leaning on his walking stick, Tobias said, “He is not sharing everything.”
