Grayer and Elyse said the duke’s intelligence could rival only his patience. Drake understood the truth in that. Conroy had allowed others to take the most risks and do all of the work up to this point.
It feels like we’re marching into a lion’s den.
Drake rubbed his eyes and sat up. There would be no chance at a nap with such thoughts on his mind. He eyed Raker who examined rope for the siege equipment.
It’s good to have him back. A few weeks ago, he’d have a bottle in each hand.
Drake swallowed as he eyed his friend’s stump.
“Quit staring, kid. I already know it’s not there,” said Raker, looking up.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Yeah, I know. It’s just driving me crazy. Thing won’t stop itching.”
“Maybe Wiqua can help?”
“Nah, just gotta stay busy with something to keep my mind off it. That’s why this is the third time I’ve checked over this same rope.”
“We’ve got time to kill. We could do something else.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. Talk.”
Raker shrugged and put the rope down. He leaned back. “Alright, kid. Talk.”
“About?”
“You’re the one who brought it up. Something’s gotta be bugging you.”
Drake didn’t want to talk about Conroy. They had covered him enough.
Just like we argued enough about whether Kaz should have allowed Bronn’s remaining forces to disband after the rihulask and return to their lands so easily.
Drake had supported Kaz’s decision to allow the soldiers to go home after disarming them. Though they could have used the numbers, too many would wonder whether they could trust them in a battle with Conroy.
A thought struck him. “We never talked about what happened during the rihulask?”
“There ain’t much to talk about. We both watched the thing happen. Great fight and Kaz won.”
“Well, I meant more about what happened after the fight. What Kroke did.”
“What about it? You were next to me when Kroke came back and told us what happened. Kaz had been trying to save Grin’s life for whatever reason, but couldn’t get his armor off and ended up making things worse. Kroke saw the Ghal nearing death and put him out of his misery. What else is there to say?”
“Lots. I’ve heard some people talk about how shocked they were when they learned about the brutality of it.”
“Like who?”
“Not any of the Hell Patrol,” said Drake, lying about his own discomfort. “I heard a couple of Elyse’s royal guards talking about it. I can understand what they’re saying. I mean, Kroke just stabbed him right in the throat in front of everyone, including Crusher and Elyse.”
“Death ain’t ever pretty. You know that. And few know the nuances of it better than Kroke. It may have looked ugly, but he put an end to the Ghal’s suffering rather than drag it out as Kaz had been doing.”
“But Wiqua was right there with us. He could have done something to heal him.”
“Maybe. But the old man said he lost more blood than I did when I got this,” said Raker raising his stump. “And I barely made it. Wiqua might have just prolonged the inevitable too.”
“We don’t know that.”
“No, we don’t. But it’s in the past and although Kroke can be a killer with ice in his veins, there ain’t many men better than him. He rarely loses his head and he’s more loyal than an old dog. Crusher is upset because it was his brother, even though a few minutes before he would have killed the man himself. And Elyse is upset because she doesn’t understand this sort of thing like we do. But me, I trust Kroke’s decision completely and if anyone has a problem with it, they can come see me about it,” said Raker, tapping the hilt of his mace next to him.
“One arm is going to make it difficult to use that thing,” said Drake.
“Nonsense. It just means I have to hit everyone twice now.” Raker’s mouth widened into a yellowed grin.
* * *
“You wanted to see me, Boss?”
Kaz turned in the saddle as Kroke came in next to him. He had wanted to see the man, but once alone, Kaz found himself struggling with what to say. He hadn’t spoken to the assassin once since the rihulask, yet those moments had occupied nearly all of his free thoughts.
“Yes,” said Kaz finally.
“This about the business at the bridge?”
“Yes.”
Kroke grunted. “I figured you wouldn’t be able to just leave it alone.” Kroke flipped the blade in his hand one last time and slipped it into his sheathe. He looked Kaz in the eye. “I’m ready.”
“I wanted to explain my actions.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I feel like I need to.”
“Alright.”
“I don’t like to talk about my memory with anyone except perhaps Hag or Wiqua, but it has started to come back more substantially. It’s still far from complete though.” He paused. “One of the things that bothered me above all else since I woke up on Slum Isle is that I have no idea what family I may have abandoned. On the bridge when I faced Grin, an image sprang into my mind and lingered. I realized I was looking at someone I think was my brother. I felt an intense emotion toward him, almost like he needs me and I need him. Only I don’t know how to return home or even where home is.”
Kaz turned away to stare at the road. “Grin used a word I hadn’t heard since I lost my memory. He called me a Heshan and referenced a lost continent of Hesh. I begged him to tell me more. How did he, of all people, know about the place? Where could I find out more? But he was tight-lipped and taunted me with the knowledge. That’s when I lost it. I’m sure you saw how I fought him. The rage I felt was . . . immense.”
Kaz paused after finding the best word to describe what he felt, knowing it didn’t do his anger justice. He had felt like a completely different person fighting Grin, one built completely on hate.
“So, when you got Grin on the ground, you set to work trying to get the information you needed,” said Kroke.
Kaz hung his head. “Yes. I couldn’t help myself. All I could think about was that he was keeping the truth from me.”
Kroke grunted. “I’d have done the same thing in that situation. I think most of the crew would have also.”
“Would Jonrell have done that?”
Kroke chuckled. “Jonrell did do that.”
Kaz’s eyes widened.
“Are you really surprised?” asked Kroke.
“A little,” admitted Kaz.
“Don’t be. Jonrell was a great man, maybe the best man I ever knew and he held a high set of morals. But, he would do whatever it took to make sure we were cared for. If he needed information that would save our lives, he got it, by any means necessary.”
“But I tortured for selfish reasons. If I had the same mindset that Jonrell had, I wouldn’t have done that, especially to Crusher’s brother.”
Kroke shrugged. “We can’t all be Jonrell. Honestly though, it still wouldn’t matter to the rest of the crew.”
“Then why did you kill Grin and spread the lies about what I was doing?”
“Because I’ve made my own share of mistakes and I could tell you instantly regretted what you did. I saw the look on your face when you realized that Crusher and Elyse would learn what happened. But I don’t care if they hate me.”
“Why would you take the blame though? You always had issues with me.”
“True. But I realized that part of why I didn’t like you was because we’re a lot alike. In many ways we’re both outsiders trying to fit into a world where we don’t belong. The only place I’ve ever felt at home is with this group of people. I didn’t want you to ruin that for yourself by damaging the relationships with your friends. No one needs to know the truth except me and you.”
Kaz shook his head. “I have to tell them, even if Crusher turns his back on me and Elyse never speaks to me a
gain.”
Kroke sighed. “I recommend you don’t. Elyse is a good woman. Don’t lose her.” He flipped out a knife. “Still, the decision is yours.”
* * *
Elyse rode at the back of the army. She had been neglecting Olasi’s family for some time and felt an obligation to ease their fears about the uncertainty of the upcoming battle.
Lobella still shadowed Elyse, but it seemed that her friend had grown more introverted since their capture, regressing back to the shy servant of years ago. Elyse had tried to pry Lobella into talking, but their conversations held little weight. In the end, Elyse decided that Lobella would probably not open up again until she was safely behind the walls of Lyrosene.
Though I rarely got any sleep there, it will be good to lie down in my own bed. A soldier’s life is definitely not for me.
She managed to hide her weariness as she listened to Arine drone on about nothing in particular. Elyse decided that they would have to part ways after lunch. She needed a break from the ridiculousness of their conversation.
“It’s still bothering you, isn’t it, Your Majesty?” asked Arine.
The question caught Elyse off guard as she had been paying little attention to the woman. “I’m sorry, what’s still bothering me?”
“What Kroke did,” said Arine.
The simple statement said it all. Despite fighting for his life and the life of an entire army Kaz had tried to save Crusher’s brother. Wiqua had said afterward that Grin likely would not have survived, but to Elyse that did not excuse Kroke’s actions. Up until that moment, she had hoped they could mend their relationship and become friends again.
Arine continued. “I heard what happened from the others. He’ll keep the One Below company at the end of his days.”
Elyse’s heart tugged for the fate of a man she once called her friend. It hardened.
We all must pay for the consequences of our life’s choices.
They rode a bit in silence. Arine made a questioning sound with her throat.
“Is something wrong?” asked Elyse.
“No, Your Majesty. I was just thinking about Kaz.”
“Really?”
“Yes, for better or worse most everyone thought making a foreigner your commander was a grave error. Then the rumors of him fighting like a man possessed and that devilish armor he wears.” The woman shuddered. “But he went to such trouble trying to save a man who moments before wanted to kill him. That says a lot about who Kaz really is.”
* * *
“Well?” asked Drake.
Janik wore a big smile as he came walking up. “He said he’ll think about it.”
“He’ll think about it? What does that mean? The way you’re grinning, I thought Krytien had said yes.”
“Not yet. He actually freaked out at first. But once I explained everything to him, he calmed down. Don’t worry, he just has to think about it and he wants to look at some of the texts you gave him to verify how we treated the chemicals,” said Janik.
“So, you think he’ll come around then?”
“Definitely. Apparently, Krytien actually used Nitroglycas before, so he is familiar with it. However, his experience with the stuff has only been in the form that requires a High Mage to create. The fact that you found a way to better make and store it, reduces its risk and the need for a High Mage’s involvement. He’s going to want a small test tomorrow.”
Drake jumped. “Yes!” He froze. “You told him we don’t have much of the stuff, right? It’s taken me months just to get the little bit of the ingredients I have, especially while we’ve traveled.”
“Yeah. He knows. But he’d rather be safe than screw it up in battle.”
Drake sighed. “I can’t argue with that.” He grinned and slapped Janik in the arm. “We did it!”
“You did it. You found all the references in the books about Quoron’s war strategies.”
“Yeah, but you provided the advice about whether my theories would work from a sorcery standpoint.”
“Call it even.”
“Deal,” said Drake. “Let’s go check everything over again for tomorrow. If Krytien gives us the go-ahead to show Kaz, imagine how this will help against Conroy.”
The two quickly ran off to Drake’s personal supplies, eager to review their handiwork.
* * *
“How are you holding up?”
Yanasi turned and came to attention. “I’m doing better, General.”
Grayer smiled. “You look better. More rested. And I can tell Rygar is less worried than before. He’s a good man.”
Yanasi blushed. “Yes, he is.”
“Seeing you two together brings back memories of my own family, you know.”
“I’ve never heard you talk about them, sir.”
The general’s eyes took on a distant look. “Yes, I have a son. My dear wife, Helneth, died giving birth to our second”
Yanasi reflexively cupped her mouth. “I’m so sorry, sir.”
He waved her off. “No, it’s fine. Even though it was over twenty-five years ago, I rarely talk about it. She was an amazing woman. After she died, people urged me to take another wife, but no one else could meet the standards she set. I eventually stopped looking.”
“Is your son well?” she asked.
The general frowned. “Last I heard, yes. He moved away several years back, seeking to make his fortune elsewhere. We write each other every now and then, but nothing more. The boy never understood my loyalty to the crown during Aurnon the Eighth’s reign.” He paused. “It’s hard to explain to my son that after his mother died, my duties are what kept me sane. You could say that Cadonia became my wife after Helneth. And just like my dear wife, I’d gladly lay down my life to see Cadonia safe again.”
The general cleared his throat and ran his hand over his mouth. “Yes, well I’m terribly sorry, Captain. I came over here genuinely interested in your well-being and somehow turned the mood sour.”
“Nothing to apologize for, General. I’m honored that you would share your wife’s memories with me.” She looked down, trying to think of something better she could say to Grayer. “I know where Hag has some wine hidden. Would you care to have a cup with me? You know, for those we’ve lost.”
“Yes Captain, I believe I would.”
* * *
Krytien let out a yawn as he drifted through camp. He had called for all mages to work on the lessons he had developed from his studies of Amcaro’s work. Things had clicked for many of the younger mages thanks to Nora and Janik’s examples.
Those two have come so far since Estul Island. I think in the long term, each has the potential to become a High Mage one day.
A few others also showed flashes of brilliance, but one in particular still caused Krytien fits. Although Lufflin finally began to put more effort into his training, it was obvious that he did so begrudgingly.
What a waste. He has the most potential of all but is too hard-headed to listen to what I have to say. If it wasn’t for Nora and the fear of being on his own, I think he would have left already.
Krytien yawned again. He couldn’t wait until the campaign ended, if only so he could sleep for a week. The long days had grown longer as summer arrived. Unfortunately, dusk did not mean he could rest, especially not as the end seemed so close. He wanted to spend some time in the books Drake had given him in case there was something he could use in the near future.
I need to thank the boy for his stubbornness as well.
Someone coughing, hacking with enough force that the sound carried throughout the night gave Krytien pause. Heavy gasping for air and the mumbling of voices followed. He located the source and walked toward Hag and Wiqua’s tent. As he neared, he heard Wiqua speak in a soothing tone.
“Please, rest,” said the Byzernian.
“I still need to see to a few things,” said Hag.
“Tell me and I’ll see to them then.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Woman!” sa
id Wiqua, raising his voice. “I am more than capable of doing your work if it is needed. You will lie down and get some rest or so help me I’ll strap you down myself.” Krytien had never heard Wiqua speak in such a harsh tone and though he felt odd for prying, he came around to the front of the tent where the flap had been pinned open.
“Is everything alright?” asked Krytien.
They both turned. Hag sat on the edge of a cot, sweating. Wiqua stood over her with a hand on her shoulder.
Hag did her best to straighten and collect herself. “Everything’s fine. You just heard a little foreplay is all,” she said with a half-hearted attempt at a grin. “We usually keep that stuff a little more private, but we got caught up in ourselves.”
She finished the last word and went into another coughing fit. Wiqua closed his eyes and Krytien saw the Byzernian move his mouth. Slowly the fit subsided and Hag eased down in the cot.
“Maybe I’ll just rest a bit after all,” she said in a hoarse whisper.
Krytien frowned at Wiqua. “How long has she been this bad?”
“It started months ago and has slowly gotten worse. The last few weeks have been particularly rough,” said Wiqua.
“Can’t you heal her?”
“I do what she lets me, which is mostly easing her pain.”
“You can’t heal old age,” said Hag.
“Is that true?” Krytien asked.
Wiqua shrugged. “More or less. If she was younger or took better care of herself, it might be possible to extend her life. But she’s lived hard. It’s taken quite a toll on her. Extending her life would not ease any of her pain.”
One Above, not her too. I guess it makes sense given her age, but then again, she’s always been old. And she’s always been here.
Krytien cleared his throat as he felt a lump form. He and Wiqua talked over Hag’s ragged breathing. “How long does she have?”
“Months. Weeks. Days. Hours. I honestly cannot say,” said Wiqua. Krytien saw how much the old woman meant to him.
“And when in the name of the One Above were you planning to tell someone?” said Krytien with more grit in his voice than he had intended. He couldn’t help himself. She was the longest standing member of the Hell Patrol. He couldn’t imagine her not around.
Steel And Sorrow (Book 2) Page 40
