“I’d like to see that myself,” Brelynn said. “But I think you’re here because you’re worried.”
“Worried?” Arch-Mage Ndrek raised his brows. “Most unlike me.”
“Maybe you know how close the fight was yesterday, and you came out here to make sure Sir Marcus got back to Aerius safely.”
“You are right. I cannot revel in his discomfort if he is dead,” Arch-Mage Ndrek agreed. “We must make it back to Aerius so I can be unbearably smug.”
Brelynn said nothing more as she finished her breakfast, but the growing ball of worry in her stomach left little room for food.
Chapter 61
Arch-Mage Ndrek accompanied Marcus and Brelynn when they left Mapleton, and the wizard kept the mood light with amusing stories and anecdotes as they rode. The sun warmed Brelynn, and the King’s Road was less crowded than it had been the previous day. Armed and armored men kept watch over the road, and they nodded at Sir Marcus and Arch-Mage Ndrek as the trio passed.
It was early afternoon when a cold wind tousled Brelynn’s hair.
Arch-Mage Ndrek whispered a spell, and the wind evaporated. “This Arch-Grimveldt Korvar is a most determined fellow.”
“Why won’t he just accept he lost me?” Brelynn gritted between clenched teeth.
“I have no answer for you. I have not studied many necromancy spells. They are powerful but evil, and I am not good at resisting temptation.”
Brelynn stared at the road in the distance. “He lost Mokkar Calmont, then Vokkun Kaiden. I’m not sure even the walls of Aerius will stop him.”
“He would have to be most desperate, suicidal even, to strike at you within the walls of Aerius,” Arch-Mage Ndrek said. “The city is well warded against magic and filled with Knights of Valor.”
“When we get to Aerius, we explain to King Eli all that’s happened,” Sir Marcus said. “We’ll figure something out. We could even stay at the Dragon Church.”
“Will King Eli want me anywhere near the palace?” Brelynn asked.
“King Eli has made arrangements for you at the palace already, and you may wish to accept those accommodations,” Arch-Mage Ndrek said. “I cannot imagine the Dragon Church would be terribly comfortable. As you must already know, Sir Marcus snores most horribly.”
“I do not.”
“But if you can abide the snoring, the wards on Sir Marcus’s home are fresh. Sir Leopold had me oversee them.”
Brelynn smiled at Marcus. “You have a lot of good people watching out for you.”
“As do you,” Arch-Mage Ndrek said. “And not just Sir Marcus. Whoever sent the protection spirit to watch over you must be most concerned for you.”
“Protection spirit?”
Arch-Mage Ndrek glanced at Lucky. “You do know that is not just a dog, yes?”
“He’s not?” Brelynn asked.
“He is,” Ndrek waved his hand a moment as he searched for the words, “both a protection spirit and a dog.”
Lucky barked and wagged his tail.
Brelynn frowned and glanced down at Lucky who’d been with her since her first night in Eskara. “Arch-Grimveldt Korvar can’t track me through him, can he?”
“A protection spirit would never answer the call of a necromancer. Korvar most likely has a drop of your blood for that.”
“A protection spirit,” Brelynn said as she stared at Lucky. “Could he stop a teleportation spell from working?”
“It is possible.” Arch-Mage Ndrek tilted his head at Lucky. “But unlikely. Why do you ask?”
“Long story,” Brelynn said.
“We have nothing but time.” Ndrek swept an arm out towards the road ahead of them.
Brelynn shrugged and told him about Kaiden, her fire spell, and the teleportation circle.
“Strange, very strange indeed,” Arch-Mage Ndrek agreed. “This Lucky might have been able to protect you from your own spell, but not at such close range. Then there was the teleportation spell. Most strange.”
“Perhaps Sir Marcus and I have been together so long that his magic resistance has rubbed off on me.”
“He imparted no such wonderful resistances to me or any member of our group when we went to kill the lich, and we were with Sir Marcus much longer.”
“Perhaps Lucky had something to do with it, or perhaps the gods smiled on us,” Sir Marcus said. “I’m just thankful the teleportation spell didn’t work.”
“As am I, and yet…” Arch-Mage Ndrek extended his hands, palms up. “Magic follows certain rules. Most unfair of it to change those rules.”
Brelynn lifted her shoulders. “Maybe it was a fluke.”
Ndrek’s eyes narrowed. “Perhaps. Can you conjure a flame, a small one, as we ride?”
Brelynn did as he asked, holding a tiny flame dancing above her palm.
Arch-Mage Ndrek passed his hand over the flame and snatched it back, shaking it. “Now you try.”
Brelynn passed her hand over the flame, but she felt no heat. Then she passed her hand through the flame. Still, she felt nothing, and her flesh remained unscathed.
Ndrek summoned a similar sliver of magic fire. He held it out to her, and she passed her hand through it without flinching.
“What do you think?” Brelynn asked.
“That you are a most dangerous mage that can conjure fire but not be harmed by it. Has this always been?”
Brelynn shook her head then explained how she’d almost killed herself as well as Ducard back in the church and the burns she’d suffered when she’d let loose on Mokkar Calmont.
Arch-Mage Ndrek glanced down at the wedding band she wore. “Perhaps something more happened when the gods blessed your marriage. Whatever the case, it would be best if Sir Marcus saw to those marriage papers as soon as we reach Aerius.”
Chapter 62
The sun brushed the horizon when Sir Marcus, Brelynn and Arch-Mage Ndrek arrived at the gates of Aerius. To Brelynn, the city appeared as if it had stepped out from a child’s book of legends as it gleamed in the fading sunlight.
Spiraling towers reached toward the sky, and a purple flag with twin gold dragons flapped in the gentle breeze. The huge wall surrounding the city, armored guards, flying banners, and lines of travelers was all Brelynn had expected and more.
Sir Marcus saluted the guards at the gates.
“Sir Marcus,” the first guard stammered.
“I am here on business for the king,” Sir Marcus said.
The guard nodded, and without another question, waved them through the gate.
“Neat trick that,” Brelynn said.
“It is,” Arch-Mage Ndrek agreed. “One I wish I could master.”
“Knights don’t lie. Same can’t be said for wizards.”
Ndrek grinned.
Brelynn swallowed hard and wrapped her cloak around herself as they entered the city.
Aerius.
Home of the Knights of Valor.
Shining symbol of the Dragon God.
Devoted to righteousness and the light.
They rode into the city, and even with Sir Marcus beside her, Brelynn waited for someone to recognize her as a hated Oskelesian and demand she leave.
No one did.
Inside the city walls, Aerius looked like a larger, grander version of Mapleton with elegant shops, throngs of people, and neat homes. The salty tang of sea air whispered through the city and mingled with the scents of hearth fires and cooking food.
As they road through the clean and tidy streets, the homes became larger and spread farther apart. Numerous people stopped to watch Sir Marcus on his gallant white charger, and many called out to him, cheering and waving.
He waved back but didn’t slow down until they’d reached the palace at the center of the city.
Brelynn sucked in a breath as she stared up at the alabaster spires that seemed to scrape the sky itself. Dragon oaks at least twice the size of the largest she’d ever seen ringed the palace, their branches protecting the courtyard and shading the lush garden
s. Two enormous dragons had been carved into the thick stone of the palace, their stone eyes watching over the city and its inhabitants.
She’d heard tales that Dracor chose the king of Tamryn, and as she stared past the ornate flowers, cobblestone paths, and vine-covered trellises to the defensible stronghold beneath, she believed it.
Several servants welcomed them, and a dignified man in castle livery approached. “Sir Marcus, a pleasure to have you with us.” His eyes flicked across Brelynn and over to Arch-Mage Ndrek.
“Please notify King Eli that we’ve arrived,” Sir Marcus said.
“Of course, sir.” The man bowed then hurried away.
“Will the king want to see us right away, or will he give us a chance to get a bath and fresh clothes?” Brelynn asked.
“Given all that has happened, he will see you immediately,” Arch-Mage Ndrek said.
Sir Marcus still looked pristine in his polished armor, but Brelynn felt dirty and rumpled. She waved a hand across herself, and her robes transformed from drab brown to striking black embroidered with a single row of elaborate arcane symbols.
“Sorceresses,” Arch-Mage Ndrek sighed.
“Neat trick,” Sir Marcus whispered against her temple. “You look amazing.”
Brelynn smiled and leaned against him. Sir Marcus wrapped his arms around her and held her close as she tried to calm her nerves.
Arch-Mage Ndrek rolled his eyes. “I did not think it possible for you to be any more nauseating, Sir Marcus. I was wrong, and I am almost never wrong.”
Marcus grinned. “Don’t usually admit when you’re wrong, either.”
“I also did not think it possible for you to be smug. Marriage has changed you.”
“For the better,” Sir Marcus promised.
The man in livery returned and bowed. “King Eli will see you. Right this way, please.”
He then led them into the palace.
The air was cool and lightly scented by the fresh-cut flowers that filled crystal vases. Thick carpets had been laid over the cold stone, quieting their footsteps.
Brelynn’s breath came faster, and she wiped her palms on her robes as the servant led them through the cathedral-like antechamber with its vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows to the throne room.
Seated alone on a massive golden throne, King Eli stared at them as they entered, and the intensity of the man focused Brelynn’s attention on him.
Tall and lean with hair the color of night, the king’s crisp black attire accentuated his hard frame. Taunt yet motionless, he moved with the controlled predatory intention of a snake.
“You must be the sorceress Brelynn,” King Eli said.
Brelynn stepped forward, bowed, then moved back beside Sir Marcus.
King Eli stared at Sir Marcus’s protective hand on her waist. “Thank you for bringing Brelynn to Tamryn. You have done me a great service.”
Sir Marcus dipped his head in acknowledgement.
“I understand your trip has been rather dangerous. Sir Leopold returned with news of what happened in Three Rivers.”
“The Tribunal or the vampire?”
“Both.” King Eli steepled his fingers. “The Tribunal has seen justice done, and I understand you slew the vampire lord yourself. The bards have been busy adding to your tale.”
“I confirmed the other incident, Your Highness,” Arch-Mage Ndrek said and filled the king in on what had happened with Vokkun Kaiden.
King Eli’s gaze again fell to Sir Marcus’s hand at Brelynn’s waist. “Is there anything more I should know?”
“I do not believe they have given up just yet, Your Highness,” Arch-Mage Ndrek said.
Brelynn sucked in a breath and steadied her voice. “Arch-Grimveldt Korvar is powerful and motivated, Your Highness. I never expected Mokkar Calmont to come after me much less Vokkun Kaiden.”
King Eli steepled his fingers.
Sir Marcus eased Brelynn closer to him. “If you’re concerned, Your Highness, I can take her to the Dragon Church until I can deal with Arch-Grimveldt Korvar.”
Brelynn’s hand tightened around sir Marcus’s. “You’re retired, remember?”
“She’s right about you being retired, and I’ve already discussed the Dragon Church’s desire for you to remain so at length with Sir Leopold. Still, Brelynn is Tamarian now, and if this Korvar tests that, he’ll regret doing so.”
Arch-Mage Ndrek bowed his head.
King Eli turned to Brelynn. “You’ll be introduced to Prince Dylon in the morning. I want your honest opinion on if he can control his power.”
“Anyone can be taught to control it, Your Highness. If he does will depend on him.”
“He either learns, or he cannot stay here with his mother. I’ve made that clear to him.” Cold steel rung in the king’s tone, and a shiver stole down Brelynn’s spine.
“I’m sure he won’t want to disappoint you or her, Your Highness.”
King Eli nodded. “The Dragon Church also wants to speak with you, learn what you know about Oskelez’s government, military, and anything else you can tell them.”
“Not sure how much it’ll help, Your Highness, but I’ll tell them all I know.” And Brelynn meant it. She owed no allegiance to Oskelez, and she’d do anything she could to help her new home.
King Eli eased back on the golden throne. “I would prefer no one else learn you’re here to teach Prince Dylon magic.”
“What do you want us to tell them, Your Highness?” Brelynn asked.
“You could tell them you’re my mistress.”
“No!” Sir Marcus said, the single word filling the throne room.
King Eli smiled. “I didn’t think you’d approve of that.”
“Knights don’t lie,” Sir Marcus said.
“But it seems they withhold information.” King Eli’s gaze again fell to Marcus’s hand on Brelynn’s waist. “What aren’t you telling me, Sir Marcus?”
Marcus tightened his arm around her. “You could introduce her as my wife.”
King Eli raised a brow. “That’s an interesting turn of events, and while Sir Marcus would never lie, news of the Lich Slayer’s nuptials should have reached me.”
“We took our vows before the gods in the Village of Roanoke,” Sir Marcus said.
“We promised, yes, but there was no formal ceremony.” Brelynn frowned. “I don’t understand Tamryn laws, but perhaps that’s enough.”
“Our laws are less strict than a Knight of Valor’s code. Promising before the gods would be enough for Sir Marcus to believe he’s married to you. I can grant you an annulment,” King Eli offered as he turned his gaze to Marcus. “Particularly if you think you were ensorcelled.”
“You can’t,” Sir Marcus answered.
“I see.” King Eli arched a brow. “A formal divorce, then?”
“We don’t want one.” Sir Marcus wrapped both of his arms around Brelynn.
“Why does it matter if we’re married?” Brelynn asked.
“You may not realize how popular Sir Marcus is among the Tamarian people,” King Eli said. “And he is even more valuable to the Dragon Church.”
“I saw that all along the King’s Road. Not sure what that has to do with my teaching a little boy how to control his magic.”
“Sir Marcus’s unexpected marriage makes things quite a bit easier,” King Eli said. “If Queen Auburn and Prince Dylon pay a visit to the Lich Slayer and his new bride, well, that makes people look at you rather than them.”
Sir Marcus bowed his head. “We’d be honored to host the queen and prince.”
“Should word get out before you make your marriage more binding than a promise before the gods, I suspect some in the Dragon Church might take drastic measures to protect their legend.” King Eli paused. “You’re sure you don’t want a divorce, Sir Marcus?”
“Never been more sure of anything, Your Highness.”
“Then see to getting your affairs in order, and Lady Brelynn can start lessons with Dylon tomorrow. Wel
come to Aerius, Lady Brelynn. And congratulations.”
“Thank you,” she murmured.
Sir Marcus nodded to the king, and with his hand at Brelynn’s waist, he escorted her out of the throne room and back through the antechamber.
Once they were alone, Brelynn sucked in a breath and turned to Marcus. “Will your church try to stop us from being together?”
“We’re already married. They can’t change that.”
She stared up into his pale purple eyes and swallowed back the lump in her throat.
It had seemed like they could make a life together when it had been just the two of them. But could they?
She bit her lower lip as fear flooded her. It had been one thing to not know love, to not know all that they could share, all that could be between them.
But now that she did, she would rather face Arch-Grimveldt Korvar than losing Marcus.
Sir Marcus framed her face in his hands and touched his lips to hers. “Let me show you again how much I love you and how no one, not Korvar, not the Dragon Church, not my family, will come between us.”
He lifted her onto Bastion then boosted himself up behind her. Her nerves skittered as his warmth soaked through her robes, as his strength encircled her, and as the rich masculine scent of him intoxicated her.
She remembered the passion they’d shared the night before and savored the promise of having him beside her every night, of building a life with him, and yes, of having a family if that was even possible.
She wanted it, all of it. She wanted him.
Sir Marcus cantered Bastion through Aerius to a stately manor close to the palace. A large fountain dominated the courtyard, and lush lawns and manicured flower gardens framed it. A wide marble staircase led to the front of the home.
Marcus dismounted and handed Bastion’s reins to a very surprised groom.
“Where are we?” Brelynn asked as Marcus lifted her down, carried her up the marble steps, and whisked her across the threshold.
“Home.” He climbed the grand staircase and carried her up to the master suite.
“Home,” she repeated as she observed the dark woods, rich fabrics, and expensive furnishings. Understated and elegant. Not entirely a reflection of Marcus, but a place he’d be comfortable.
Knight of Valor: Knights of Valor Page 25
