I couldn't complain about Drenn not receiving punishment, unless I wished to be a hypocrite and surrender myself for the forbidden book I'd been given.
The difference, of course, was that my reading of an outlawed book had resulted in no deaths. Drenn's and Merrin's actions had done exactly that—several times over. What little I'd seen of Drenn through Barth's reading had painted him as a vile, jealous, self-serving royal who saw his younger brother, Thorn, as a rival in some way.
I feared for the people if Drenn took the throne. For now, the only thing standing between Drenn and that high seat was his love for the King and the King's continued existence.
I wondered when even that might be set aside to serve Drenn's ambitions.
My rose, we are stepping away to perform executions, Kerok informed me. We will return shortly—my father has already decreed this punishment.
I—understand, I replied. I am dropping my shield to allow all of you through. I want no part of touching those two, I shivered as I revealed that information.
Sherra, you know it is deserved—the two who are dead attempted to inject reason into this madness, and paid for it with their lives.
I know, I whispered in mindspeak. I saw it through Barth.
We will speak later—I am sorry you saw any part of this.
As am I, but perhaps it's better that I know what we face. I keep your secrets, remember?
As I keep yours.
If it were only Thorn who knew my secrets, then it might not matter. Others knew, too, and that meant my life hung in the balance.
Drenn wanted Kerok dead.
He also wanted me dead.
The blood of innocents would wash through Az-ca, should he take the throne. Who needed the enemy, when someone destined to rule would achieve their goal for them?
Less than ten minutes later, Kerok announced his return. I allowed him and Barth to step through my shield.
K erok
I stood nearby when Barth examined the two escorts left behind. They know nothing of this, Barth informed me silently.
Then I'll take them back to Secondary Camp with me; it's obvious they're upset by all this. They can help the drudges until they recover somewhat and something else can be decided.
"Good enough," Barth sighed aloud.
"You'll come with me to Secondary Camp," I told both women.
"They're dead—aren't they?" One of the women wept.
"Yes. Treason and murder carry a heavy price," I replied. "You have been found innocent of those crimes. Therefore, I will take you to Secondary Camp, where you may grieve in private and help the drudges there if you want. A decision as to where to place you will come later."
"Thank you, Prince Commander," the second woman mumbled, her head bowed.
Her warrior helped Merrin in the killing of her friends, Barth informed me. She sides with you on this issue.
And the other?
Still angry at everyone, but mostly at her warrior for leaving her behind. Work with that, if you can. He deserted her, after committing crimes.
All right.
"Come," I said aloud. "My rose will help you get settled at Secondary Camp."
Sherra
Here were two who'd followed their warriors' lead, in discounting the new method—something they'd judged before seeing it for themselves. I didn't say anything about it, however.
Both were in mourning, and we were behind on our training.
Kerok still worried that the enemy would strike very soon—as was I. Even with everything else going on at the front, I'd still felt the hate and revulsion billowing into the encampment in waves.
"Do you wish to stay together, or have separate quarters?" Kerok asked the two grieving escorts as we landed outside a cabin in Secondary Camp. Nearby was another empty cabin, should they require it.
"Together, please," one begged after turning to the other. They could lean on one another when the pain of loss was too much.
"You've been here before; you know where the physician's cabin is. Meals are at regular times, but I will ask a drudge to bring you something today. Join the others at regular mess tomorrow—I believe they will welcome you," Kerok told them.
"Why would they do that?" one of them whispered.
"Things are changing," I said. "We stand together, here. We have a common purpose. Forget the jealousy and divisiveness you've known in the past. And, if you ask, any rose here can show you wonderful things."
"You're the one—the one they were all talking about. The one my warrior said would fail and die in the first battle because you didn't know what you were doing," the angry one accused.
Kerok stiffened beside me, prepared to come to my defense. I placed a hand on his arm.
"Come to training tomorrow and see for yourself whether you think I'll fall," I said. "Come and tell me afterward what I'm doing wrong." I'd said it as gently as I could—issuing an invitation rather than a challenge.
"I will come," she declared.
Here was the challenge. She'd see for herself and pass judgment. That judgment would be most harsh, because her mind was already made up. Her warrior had done a very good job turning others against me.
"Join the others at breakfast. Ask for Wend or Jae—they'll guide you to the proper table," I said. "What is your name? So I can tell them you're coming," I added.
"Hari," she responded. "This is Lera," she nodded to her companion.
"Good. I'll see you in the morning," I said. "I'm sorry for your loss."
"Your cabins will be guarded," Kerok added. He didn't need to add that they would be guarded in case either thought to attempt escape—I think they both understood that quite well.
K erok
By the time Sherra and I reached the officers' mess, they were serving the midday meal. "How did training go?" I slouched onto a chair opposite Armon's—he, Levi and their roses had already arrived.
"Much better than expected," Armon grinned as Sherra took the chair next to mine. "Whatever Sherra taught them last night after evening meal made things run smoothly from the beginning."
"I wouldn't expect these levels of ability after three weeks of training under normal circumstances," Levi admitted. "It's a miracle."
"Hmmph," Misten snorted and bumped her shoulder against his. He laughed.
I wanted to pull Sherra into a rib-cracking hug; she'd done this, even when she'd been angry enough with me to spit.
She'd done it for them—the black roses—and for Levi, Armon and likely for my own thin skin, too.
She was determined to save lives. Only now was I beginning to see that as clearly as I should have in the beginning. This was no selfish act to save herself—if it were, she'd never have passed her knowledge on to another.
"You are too generous, my rose," I mumbled before leaning in to kiss her temple.
You should see her eyes right now, Armon sent. They are as wide as I've ever seen. I laughed and kissed her a second time.
Sherra
My shock at Kerok's action disappeared quickly when he informed me that we were expected at the palace to make a report to the King. Hunter had probably been briefed already; he merely needed Kerok's written record while the King wanted a personal report.
I hoped we wouldn't come in contact with Drenn; yes, we could all point fingers at the Crown Prince, but the troubles that would come of it were many. Not least was the fact that he deserved a death sentence, and Kerok was needed at the battlefront rather than sitting in his father's palace as the new heir.
That was the law—the Crown Prince couldn't serve on the battlefield.
If Kerok wasn't on the battlefield, then I wouldn't be on the battlefield, either, and in some way, I knew we needed to be there.
When one trouble comes, many others follow, Pottles used to say. She was certainly correct this time.
"What are you thinking about?" Kerok asked as he guided me past two bowing guards who stood at the wide door leading into the palace. He'd stepped us while I'd b
een deep in thought.
"About simpler times, when finding a pot without a hole in it was a good day," I lied.
"You make me laugh," he said. "Thank you."
"Thorn," Hunter made a turn from an adjacent hallway to join us.
"Hunter," Kerok acknowledged him.
"Tread carefully," Hunter warned.
"I know."
That's when I understood Kerok was thinking the same as I—that pointing a finger at Drenn could cause much more trouble than leaving him where he was for the moment. I didn't miss the frown on Kerok's face, however, or the determination in Hunter's eyes.
If Drenn wasn't prepared for the day of reckoning when it came, he could be very much surprised at what might happen to him.
For now, no accusations would be leveled.
My concern, though, which surprised me greatly, was for the life of the King—a man I'd reviled during most of my existence. As for Kerok and I; our lives had been vastly different, with each being perilous in its own right.
I would not have traded places with him for all the comforts in the world.
K erok
Father looked pale, and that worried me. No word passed my lips concerning Drenn's involvement in the murders and treason committed. I chose instead to tell him that the sentences had been carried out against the two we'd found, and that we were still searching for three missing warriors and one escort.
"Does anyone know where they could be?" Father asked, lifting a cup of tea to drink.
"We're checking home villages and other likely places, plus guards have been doubled at Secondary Camp. Escorts have been advised to keep strong shields up at all times if possible."
"I hadn't considered that they'd strike there, but you're right," Father agreed. "I worry for your life, Thorn."
"Then stop worrying so much. I have Sherra beside me, and if they can get past her, I'll be much surprised."
"I've heard Garkus' tale," the memory drew a smile and added more color to his face. "Young woman, that was quite a performance, as I understand it."
"I'm sure Garkus was exaggerating—I've heard he excels at it," Sherra replied, bringing a wider smile to Father's face.
"Very well, then," Father set his teacup down. "I have full faith in you, Son. Keep Hunter advised of new developments. If you locate the escaped warriors, I'd like to speak with one of them before the execution takes place."
"As you say, Father," I dipped my head to him.
You know that can never happen, Hunter's voice sounded in my mind.
I'm aware, I replied.
Sherra
Kerok stepped me back to camp, to find training in full swing. He gripped my arm as we stared in amazement—warriors in unison were flinging fireblasts far over the compound's northern wall, while escorts held their shields in place, strong and steady.
Each escort was lending her power to the warriors, and there were no weak blasts coming from any of them.
"I never thought to see this," Kerok breathed beside me.
"Look," I said. "They're here, watching."
Far outside the training area, Hari and Lera sat, watching the exercise.
"If this doesn't convince them, nothing will," Kerok growled.
"If I felt better about either of them, I'd suggest sending them to teach at the next training camp. With their attitude about the new method, though, they'd do new trainees a disservice."
"Agreed. They could cause damage," he said. "We'll wait and see about those two before making a final determination."
"Hari's standing up," I pointed out. "Do you suppose she's made up her mind already?"
"I know what I'll say if she disagrees with any part of it," Kerok grumbled. "I was fighting battles before she was born. She can argue as much as she likes and I'll tell her how things really are."
"Because she isn't in charge of the army," I smiled up at him.
"That is so very true. Oh, they're walking this way. I'm not in the best mood to handle insubordination," he admitted. "Perhaps they should have stayed in their cabin."
It didn't take long for them to arrive. I decided to let Kerok handle whatever they wanted to say—because he was the Prince Commander.
"Will you teach me?" Lera begged. "Please?" Her words were directed to me and not to Kerok.
"I wish to learn, too," Hari's eyes were downcast and color flooded her cheeks. "They've been doing this a long time, and they're not even tired."
"Wend said this was their first full training exercise," Lera breathed. "We thought we'd see all the mistakes we made when we were here to train. I—this—I don't know how they're doing it so easily."
"The warriors are tossing blasts massive enough to destroy the enemy," Hari admitted. "Not the weak ones that would fizzle out when we didn't lower our shields fast enough to let them through."
"Come to the training grounds tomorrow morning," Kerok said. "I have some of the best newly-trained warriors coming to join us. Many of these roses can shield well enough to protect several warriors. I won't allow them to pull energy away from an escort, but they can certainly fire blasts until they're depleted. They can step to the back of the line, then, and rest while others battle on. Sherra can show all of you how things work at the same time, and perhaps you can practice with them."
"I want to," Lera said. "Hari?" she turned to ask.
"I will. I appreciate this, Commander. It will take my mind off—other things."
"You may continue to watch if you want," Kerok said. "My rose needs something to drink—she's had a long and weary day."
While they dipped their heads to Kerok, he stepped us to our cabin.
"J ust one—the evening meal will be ready soon." Kerok poured two glasses of wine and corked the bottle. "Go ahead and sit." He gestured toward one of the two chairs in the small sitting area.
His chair creaked as he sat, after handing a glass of wine to me.
"This tastes like berries," I said after sipping it.
"Blackberries," he agreed. "One of my favorites. This one isn't too sweet; I prefer it that way."
I leaned my head against the padded chair back and closed my eyes. Kerok and I—we'd risen long before dawn to get to the army camp. The day had gone on forever, and still there was plenty of it left.
"It's the stress as much as anything else," Kerok rumbled. "The last camp murder happened before my time. I've never seen one until today. If I could get my hands on Merrin," he added.
"Don't let him get to you," I opened my eyes and turned my face toward his. "He'll be found, I think."
"But what sort of wickedness will he commit in the meantime? You saw those bodies, my rose. I wish it could have been otherwise, but you are with me now and there's no way around terrible truths at times."
"I know. You have been made a target, and me with you. Perhaps it is best that I saw it with you—so I know what we're fighting against. From outside and inside."
"Go ahead and drink your wine—we both need it," he said.
"Yes." I lifted the glass to my lips.
K erok
Today had driven home a truth that I'd not considered before. If Grae had been at my side and seen burned bodies as Sherra and I had, she wouldn't have taken it well at all. I doubted she'd be able to stand at my side and build a shield afterward while Barth and I examined guilty warriors.
Grae had been so quiet. Willing to stand behind me wherever I went, but we'd never witnessed murders of our own. The deaths at the enemy's hand had been difficult enough for her.
This—Grae would have needed my support to get through the day.
Sherra had stood with me all the way, including a meeting with my father, and even managed to put a smile on his face during a trying time.
Grae was seldom brave enough to speak to him.
I considered that what I needed today, I'd had beside me. No, I hadn't stopped loving Grae, but I was coming to recognize Sherra as something more. There could always be a gap between what I wanted and what I needed, b
ut that didn't mean I couldn't recognize both those things.
Lifting my glass, I swallowed a mouthful of wine and prayed it would work its magic quickly. I needed to be calm and in control before going to the evening meal, where Sherra would sit beside me and my traitorous, misbehaving body.
My injuries more than a year earlier had likely played a part in the reeling in of certain urges, but they were returning now with a vengeance. Father's physician told me things would return to normal, but I'd brushed his words away—they'd meant nothing after losing Grae.
Therefore, I had a new method of torturing myself over Grae's death. I suppose it was time to face my inner demons and admit that I was not only responsible for her death, but that I felt a terrible guilt, because I didn't die beside her.
"What are you thinking?" Sherra asked. "You have such a sad and bewildered expression on your face."
"I'm thinking I don't deserve what I have," I replied without opening my eyes.
"I can't fix that for you, Kerok," she said softly. "I think you're the only one who can."
"We should go, they're likely waiting for us to arrive before serving the meal." My eyes opened and focused on the opposite wall in the dimming light.
"Commander?" Sherra stood and held out a hand to pull me to my feet. The rose tattoo on her left wrist was partially revealed as she reached for my hand. I grasped her fingers in mine without thinking, and drew her forward to place a kiss on the black rose tattoo.
Sherra drew in an audible breath before pulling me to my feet.
"Food," I touched her face with my free hand. "They're waiting for us."
With a sigh, she released my hand and nodded. I stepped us to the officers' mess, where Armon, Levi and their roses sat at our usual table.
Sherra
Armon wore a huge grin as Kerok and I sat down. Drudges rushed out with plates of food to set before us; Kerok hadn't been wrong that they'd wait for us.
The Rose Mark: Black Rose Sorceress, Book 1 Page 26
