They know I will overturn his decisions. That explains why Gauge felt confident in his coup. If I won at the High Pass, any army I’d return with would be battered while his would be fresh. She clenched her jaw. The One Above better help those nobles who support him if I win because they will be hard pressed to find sympathy from me.
The minor lords Elyse thought she’d be able to count on expressed the desire to support her, but also expressed their inability to avoid a conflict with others if they did so. Thinking of the people they oversaw, many respectfully declined. Though their responses angered Elyse, she could not hold it against them.
All did not dismiss her pleas. However, the paltry increase of a few dozen here, or a hundred there, would not swell her numbers as much as she wanted.
I can only hope that Jeldor’s men will be able to better persuade the major houses more than my words have.
“Your Majesty?” Yanasi looked up from the maps.
Elyse shook away her thoughts. “Yes?”
“I think I’ve made some progress.”
Elyse thought it might feel strange to work so closely with Yanasi, if only because she knew that Jonrell had considered her like another younger sister. Yanasi had seemed like her replacement when they first met. However, once she learned of Yanasi’s past, Elyse had been proud of her brother for taking the girl in. Over the past couple weeks as she and Yanasi worked together, she felt an unspoken bond with the woman.
“You mean you’ve figured out a way to retake Lyrosene and seize Gauge, all without spilling another drop of blood in the process?” Elyse said, trying to make light of the situation.
“No, Your Majesty. I can’t see any way for that to happen.”
“I didn’t think so. One can keep praying. Tell me what you have.”
Yanasi traced her finger over the map, pointing out their current course with the one she proposed, explaining the reasons for each change. “. . . ultimately, we’ll reduce our travel time by four days. Six, if we increase our pace to what I think we can.”
Elyse nodded. “Six it is then.”
Putting pressure on Gauge certainly can’t hurt matters. And it’s not like an epiphany will strike me the slower we go. If I only understood his motivation better.
Her stomach lurched.
No sense in prolonging it anymore. I’ve learned all I can, and fed as much false information to Lobella as I could. It’s time for the truth.
A guard peaked his head inside. “Your Majesty, Kroke and Rygar are here to see you.”
“Send them in,” she said, still examining Yanasi’s new route. “Kroke, I need your advice on a situation that . . .” Her words trailed away as a third person entered behind Kroke and Rygar. He wore plain clothes, and his thick, black hair bounced as he walked. He carried several faint scars on his face that hadn’t been there before.
Is it really him?
The man’s eyes widened as their gaze met, no doubt equally as surprised to see how different she looked in their time apart. Even with a couple days’ worth of growth on his face, Elyse recognized him immediately.
“Cassus!” squealed Yanasi and ran to him. She jumped into Cassus’ arms like a child running to her father. Cassus’ face lit up as they hugged.
They pulled away, Yanasi wiping at her eyes. She tried to ask Cassus a question, but he whispered something inaudible to her. She eased away.
Cassus stepped forward. He took a knee before Elyse, bowing his head. “Your Majesty. I’m not sure what to say except that I’m sorry. I should have come back sooner for you, for my country, for my friends. For Jonrell.”
“Get up, Cassus. What you should have done is in the past. You’re here now.”
“Yes, I am.” He smiled in a way that reminded Elyse of Jonrell.
The connection to her brother brought her some much needed comfort.
* * *
Though Cassus had not expected to return to Cadonia and find the same young girl he remembered, he realized he had not expected to find the woman before him either. Hours passed as Cassus and Elyse caught up in private. They talked about family and friends. As expected, Jonrell’s name came up often. Slowly, they relaxed in each other’s company in the same way they did when they had been younger.
She’s much stronger than I expected. Wiser. Harder.
Eventually conversation turned to more grave matters. Elyse explained to Cassus the severity of her current situation. She hoped that as an outsider he might be able to provide some insight.
“. . . so you see, this isn’t exactly the best time to be returning to Cadonia,” she joked.
“Has there been a good time these last couple of years?” he asked.
“No.”
Cassus scratched his chin. “I still don’t understand parting with Kaz. From what Kroke said, he’s a good man, and would likely have stayed on to help you straighten this mess out. Why did you withhold the truth from him, or from the rest of the Hell Patrol for that matter?”
“Because I knew that Kaz would feel obligated to stay. And I could not let that happen. It would not have been fair. If I had told the others, it’s likely Kaz would have learned the truth.”
“I’m not sure I understand. I—“
“I’m not asking you to understand. Let’s move on.”
That’s a sore spot.
Cassus cleared his throat. “Well, we could always call up some of the men you left behind at the High Pass.”
Elyse shook her head. “No. The fortress is in bad shape and needs to be repaired.” She reached for a cup of wine and took a sip. “Besides, I’m not sure what will happen in Thurum during the coming months. Based on a decision I made before leaving, there is the likelihood of another power struggle among their leaders in the coming weeks. The High Pass needs to be well defended. I took what I felt I could. I’ll call for no more.”
Cassus stared at Elyse. The brief glimpses of the young princess he knew had vanished as they discussed matters of the kingdom. In their place remained only the image of a queen that demanded respect. “Fair enough.”
“What else do you have?”
“Well, rather than repeating a possibility that has already been dismissed, what has Yanasi suggested?”
“We increase our pace and lay siege on Lyrosene, all the while hoping it doesn’t come to that.”
“You don’t have enough troops to circle the city.”
“We might if Jeldor comes through.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
Elyse leaned back, looking at the tent ceiling. “That’s what I haven’t been able to figure out. In theory, we could just cover the gates and wait them out. However, if we cut supplies off from the city, the commoners will suffer far more than the nobles.”
“Which would turn them against you just as Gauge is trying to do.”
“Exactly.”
They sat in silence, mulling over the implications. The sound of guards changing posts reached them.
Elyse sighed. “So much for trying to get to sleep at a decent time.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
She waved him off. “Nonsense. It’s just . . . I put off something I had planned to do earlier . . . again.” She rose. Cassus did the same. “I can’t wait any longer.”
“Is it something that I can help you with?”
“Not likely.” She paused. “Did Jonrell have to do things he didn’t necessarily agree with for the betterment of the Hell Patrol?”
“What do you mean?”
“Things he wouldn’t normally do. Things he may have hoped never to do. However, unique circumstances forced his hand. Do you know what I mean?”
Cassus nodded. “I do. And yes, Jonrell was in that situation more than once.”
“Did that ever change your opinion of him?”
“Maybe in the moment, but in time I realized it had been the right call. Besides, I found comfort in knowing that he never enjoyed any of it. It never changed him as a person. Why?”
Elyse tried to smile, but her face looked pained. “Because I’m about to do one of those things.” She breathed. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to find Kroke.”
Elyse strode from the tent, shoulders back, and head held high.
* * *
“Thank you for doing this,” said Elyse. “I wasn’t sure if you’d be offended.”
Kroke chuckled as they walked through camp. “No. I’m alright.” He looked over at the queen. Her breathing had grown shaky. “Are you sure about this?”
“It needs to be done.”
“I understand. But that doesn’t mean you have to be a part of it. I can do it alone.”
“It’s not for your benefit so much as it is for mine. I have no business hiding from this part of ruling. It’s too easy to decide something like this while someone else deals with it. Besides, I’d rather be the one to ask the questions so I can be assured something isn’t missed.”
“She may surprise us and hold out. It could get ugly.”
“I know.”
Silence ensued as they made their way through camp toward a separate tent Elyse had set up on its outskirts. A dozen royal guards surrounded it to ward off uninvited guests. Janik strode around the tent, gesturing with his hands. He stopped when he noticed their approach.
“Your Majesty,” he said, bowing. “It’s done. No sound will escape from the inside or penetrate from the outside.”
“Thank you. Please stay near the entrance in case you’re needed.”
“Of course,” he bowed again, and backed away.
She took a deep breath. “Are you ready?” Elyse rubbed her hands, trying to hide their tremors.
“I’m ready.” Kroke cleared his throat. “You have to be in control while you’re in there. If it helps, pretend you’re someone else. Become completely detached. Otherwise, she might use whatever emotion you show against you. Understand?”
Elyse nodded.
After a gesture from the queen, a guard pushed aside the tent flap. Kroke followed Elyse in. The space smelled like fresh urine. Lobella sat in the center of the tent dressed in only her undergarments.
Elyse spoke with an edge to her voice. “Lobella, we have some questions. What can you tell me about Gauge’s plan to take over the throne?”
The servant looked up, eyes puffy and red. “I don’t know anything,” she whispered. “I swear.”
Elyse stepped aside. “Kroke, please rephrase the question.”
He drew a knife from his sheath.
* * *
Cassus laughed to the point his side ached. Yanasi joined him. The rest of the camp stared in their direction like the two had gone mad, but he didn’t care. Though it felt good to talk to Rygar and Kroke earlier, it was even better to catch up with Yanasi.
One Above, how she’s grown.
Yanasi still spoke softly, but it no longer was due to a lack of confidence. The woman had commanded more men that Cassus ever had.
And now she commands the army of a nation.
He shook his head when he thought of the scrawny, lice-infested, little girl Jonrell found in Thurum all those years ago.
There’s no denying she’s a woman now. Not someone who’s every action was designed to obtain Jonrell’s approval. He smiled. I know she would have it were he here.
“What’s wrong?”
“Huh?” Lost in thought, Cassus hadn’t noticed that the laughter had died. Yanasi stared at him, head cocked to the side.
“You’re looking at me funny.”
“Not funny. Just thinking how proud I am of you. And how proud Jonrell would be too if he were here.”
She looked away, blushing. “Thanks. You know, half the time I forget he’s dead. I still keep expecting him to round the corner of a distant tent and come plop down by the fire next to me. Or I imagine hearing him tell a joke or two that sends the camp into an uproar. Does that sound silly?”
Cassus hung his head. “Not at all.”
“When did word reach you?”
“Just a few months ago.”
She sighed. “It will get easier to deal with as time passes.”
“So long as the memories don’t pass away with that time . . .”
Yanasi grabbed Cassus’ hand, and gave it a squeeze. “I doubt they will. Jonrell wasn’t the kind of man people forget.”
“No, he wasn’t.”
Their conversation shifted to trivial things until Cassus saw Elyse from the corner of his eye.
“That took longer than I expected,” said Yanasi.
“I still can’t believe she went through with it.”
“Why not? She’s a queen.”
“I know.”
“She’s probably changed a lot since you last saw her. More than I have. But she’s a good woman, and I have no doubt she’ll be a fine ruler.”
“I never said she wouldn’t be. It’s just hard to think about her doing those sorts of things.”
“Well, get used to it.” She stood. “You should probably go to her. She’s good at hiding her emotions these days, but I’m willing to bet she could use someone to talk to.”
He stood. “Alright. But let me check in with Kroke first.”
That way I know how to gauge her behavior.
* * *
Elyse entered her tent, ran to the corner by her chamber pot, expecting to vomit. To her surprise, nothing came up.
Bile crept into her throat. She swallowed it.
Be strong. She brought this on herself.
Lobella had held out much longer than Elyse had thought possible. Her servant had always seemed weak, but witnessing Kroke work on her while suffering through her former friend’s screams, she realized just how strong she could be.
And it makes sense why.
Eventually, she learned that Lobella had never wanted to betray Elyse. At one time, Lobella truly felt honored to be the queen’s friend. However, Gauge had threatened her mother’s life with things that made Kroke’s methods seem like child’s play.
After she admitted betrayal, Lobella spilled everything. Based on private conversations Lobella had with others working for Gauge, Elyse figured out that her advisor had acted immediately after the king’s death.
Telling Lobella to suggest things to me which would push his agenda, having her ask me questions about politics and my personal life late at night when I would let my guard down. Even sending me to my death.
She dug her nails into her palms. She had learned the truth about her meeting with Markus. Olasi’s son had claimed he hadn’t sent her the letter which prompted her visit to him. She and Kaz had wondered who could have sent the message.
Elyse learned Gauge had forged the document, knowing she would want to do right by the kingdom. He hoped Markus would dispose of her so that he could then rally the people to his side in light of Elyse’s death.
“Your Majesty?”
She recognized Cassus’ voice and cleared her throat. “Yes.”
“Can I come in?”
“Yes.”
He entered, worried. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. It needed to be done.”
Cassus nodded. “Kroke wanted me to let you know that Nora was seeing to Lobella’s wounds. The mage says she’ll make a full recovery. ”
I didn’t hold the knife, but I gave the order. “Good.”
Despite her anger, Elyse had already decided that she would not punish Lobella more than she already had. Once they reached the city, she would move her and her mother to a remote northern town where they both could live out their lives.
“Did you learn what you needed?”
“Yes. And no.”
She quickly explained Gauge’s actions over the last couple of years.
Cassus frowned. “It would appear your father knew what he was doing when he dismissed Gauge all those years ago.”
She chuckled. “Yes. And to think everyone thought him a fool.”
“So, now what?”
“Well, it’
s obvious what Gauge is capable of. He’s willing to do just about anything in order to maintain his control of the crown. However, I still can’t do much more than what I have already put into motion. At least for now.” She shook her head. “I won’t know how deep his treachery went or how many people he influenced until I have him in chains.”
Chapter 24
Drake felt like he had when the Hell Patrol landed in Cadonia two years ago. Floroson had been filled with sights, sounds, and smells unfamiliar to someone whose idea of a big city had been Mudhole Bay.
Asantia was no different. Intricately detailed walls the color of bleached bone lined the cobbled streets. The patterns of the buildings matched some of the more elaborate clothing worn by the city’s women. He thought the dresses to be unusually revealing, especially after one propositioned him.
For a small fee, of course.
Unable to find a polite way to turn the woman down, he simply moved on, turning away from her supple figure before she saw him blush.
“It’s been far too long since I’ve been with a woman,” said Senald, visibly upset he could not take an offer thrown his way. “You think we could convince Kaz to stop for the night?”
Crusher grunted. “No chance.” A large woman lowered her shirt and shook her cleavage at the giant, questioning whether he could handle her. He laughed at the woman. “It’s too bad. Some of these women aren’t half bad.”
Senald choked. “You’re not serious? You’d likely kill the poor woman.”
“I can be gentle when it counts.” Crusher smiled, eyeing another.
Drake blushed again, noticing Wiqua had come up next to them. “How about we talk about something else?”
Wiqua snorted. “Don’t be concerned for me. I’m old, but I’m not dead. Besides, there isn’t anything that could be said I haven’t already heard from Hag.”
Crusher chuckled. “I like you more each day, old man.”
The group continued joking as they made their way through the city. Drake even loosened up, adding a few quips. He had to admit it felt nice to do so after the last couple months of hopelessness at the High Pass.
Trial And Glory (Book 3) Page 27
