by D A Godwin
“You may skip the beginning,” Fabrian said, his frown deepening. “I do not need to know the names of everyone involved.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” Enna scanned down and began reading. “Recognizing that continued hostility between our nations is a detriment to all, Ildalarial desires that, in the interest of peace and security, all standing armies be withdrawn from the border for a period of no less than three years.
“Further, Actondel agrees to renounce its claims to the Edar Wood and reopen access to the Merallin River.
“In exchange, Ildalarial pledges to make no attempt to expand its borders beyond the Edar Wood nor beyond the agreed upon border to the north, up to and excluding the Aldantan mountains.”
“That’s all you offer?” Eugeron asked.
“Out of the question,” Anton scoffed before she could answer. “Those read like the demands of a conqueror.”
“The prior accords said we would split the Edar Wood,” Redivers stated. “Those trees are tall and strong, and needed for the masts of our ships.”
“Those accords have not been followed,” Enna countered. “Logging and hunting continues deep into our forests, and there are many uses for such ancient trees that do not require cutting them down.”
“If I may,” Shalindra interrupted, in no mood to let this conversation degrade as quickly as her earlier one. “Might I suggest that we do not attempt to solve every conflict between our peoples this evening, or we will surely remain in these seats until this time next year.”
That drew a chuckle from Eugeron.
“I would also point out that, regardless of what was written, Ennathalerial was only given authority to negotiate a cessation of hostilities. To ask anything more will place her in an unwinnable situation.”
“These matters needs must be addressed,” Fabrian said sternly. “The issues are linked, and we cannot succumb to demands for resolving one without the other.”
Anton leaned forward. “There is also the elvish encroachment near Merrywood to consider, and contention around the eel harvests. The list of disputes is long.”
“I agree that it is,” Enna said. “And I believe that my people are as willing as yours to coexist in peace. But given the war that looms between us and the attempt upon your life, I beg you to consider taking the first steps with us. This road cannot be travelled in a single day.”
“There is wisdom in what you have said.” Fabrian fidgeted with the hem of his shirt as he considered.
“Your Majesty, it may be that Ylnvan’s actions have forced our hand,” Eugeron said, indicating the wizard’s body. “We will not be able to pass off his death as an accident, and if we are to believe his admission of treachery, we must also conclude that he was in league with others who mean to depose you. There are also the other considerations which may play into this.”
Fabrian acknowledged the hidden meaning of those words, whatever they were, with a narrowing of his eyes. He rose and began to pace back and forth in silence, then stopped before a painting of his grandfather.
Does it always take him this long for something so simple?
Unfortunately.
“I need Logian here to evaluate this.”
Eyes rolled behind the king’s back. Shalindra began to speak, but Kentrick stopped her with a shake of his head and a pointed glance at Eugeron.
“Your Majesty,” Eugeron said. “It would be impossible to recall him here without arousing suspicion, and even if we found a way, we risk additional consequences every day we delay.”
“I am less reticent about the delay,” Anton interjected, “for decisions of such magnitude should not be reached rashly. But Master Eugeron is accurate in pointing out the implications.”
“You are correct,” Fabrian declared as he turned to them with sudden resolve. “I will go to Prince Logian myself.”
“My Lord,” Anton protested. “Given the current situation…”
“Adair is not far. Nor is there anything untoward about a king touring his army in the field, and a king I still am. I’ll not pen a message that can be misplaced or misread.”
“I think all those in attendance tonight should accompany you,” Eugeron said.
Redivers objected immediately. “We have close to five hundred men who wear the green and gold, but after tonight I don’t trust half of them.”
“Then half is what we will take,” Fabrian said.
Leaving the untrustworthy ones to occupy his castle. I begin to see why the Ceringions won.
Shalindra bit her tongue, certain that anything she said would only exacerbate the problem. Enna and her offer of peace had been almost totally forgotten at this point, at least by her father.
“Your Majesty,” Eugeron said. “It seems that we have a number of issues to discuss which are unrelated to Ildalarial’s proposal. Might I suggest that we allow our distinguished guest to retire while we attend to business?”
“You are correct.” Fabrian turned to Enna. “The hour is late, and we should not trouble you with our internal concerns. Prince Kentrick will see that rooms are prepared for you. Both of you,” he added, making clear that Shalindra was also only a guest.
Kentrick shared a concerned look with her, but offered his arm to Enna and led them from the room. Tormjere pushed off the wall and joined them.
The castle’s not secure, bodies are rotting on the floor, and we’re being sent to bed?
It is difficult to sway him when he seizes upon an idea.
I’m not even going to pretend that staying here is a good idea.
Nor will I. For once, I will join you in not sleeping.
And I thought that getting here would be the hard part.
Shalindra sighed. It was only going to get harder.
* * *
Shalindra entered her father’s study the next morning to find him seated at the head of a long table, discussing some matter with Eugeron.
“You wished to see me, father?”
Both men stood and Eugeron bowed to her. “Your Highness, it is a pleasure to see you in the daylight hours and in more relaxed circumstances. I must say that the white sets off your eyes perfectly.”
Her mother had seen to it that new robes were sewn for her. How she had managed that while the entire castle was asleep was a mystery, but Shalindra had to admit that the finely woven material felt good against her skin, even if it had sleeves.
“I thank you for your kind appraisal,” she answered with a smile of her own.
Eugeron bowed again to the king. “Your Majesty, if it pleases you, I will allow you to handle this matter privately.”
Fabrian waved a hand in acknowledgement and Eugeron retreated from the room, but not before giving her a consoling smile that served only to increase her nervousness.
Her father stood indecisively until the silence between them stretched uncomfortably long. Finally, he beckoned her closer. “Please, sit.”
This she did, perched on the edge of the chair and properly attentive as she had so many times as a girl.
“I am reinstating you as my daughter and as a Princess of House Actondel.”
She swallowed against the unexpected lump in her throat. “Thank you, father. I have always been your daughter, no matter the words that I spoke in anger.”
Fabrian seemed almost not to have heard her. “I was warned against this decision by more than one of my advisors, and I myself was reluctant no matter what intentions you profess, as it could be interpreted as a further sign of weakness.”
“It seems everything is, somehow.”
“But your mother was adamant, and so it was done in no small part to appease her. Kentrick argued that this would also allow you to return more easily to Ildalarial with your friend. Towards that purpose, I have also named you as our envoy to the elves.”
“Anything that would speed Enna’s journey home is welcome news.” Her father was clearly building up to something else.
Fabrian’s face clouded. “Eugeron has some scheme
of how we can spin this as a deliberate charade to protect you, but the shame you brought to our family will not be forgiven so easily within these walls.”
“I did not expect that it would,” Shalindra almost whispered, the brief glimmer of hope that he had given her now dashed against the rocks of reality.
“Whether we decide to delay this war or not, you are to remain in Ildalarial until you convince the elves to give up their ridiculous demands, and to do so without their damnable dancing about. I loathe everything about those moon-followers, and I care not for their fate. When this is finished, I will have my kingdom. Whether they still have theirs does not concern me.”
“That is an unfortunate perspective, but as they hold a similar opinion of your realm, it is the best I can ask for.”
“Good. Tomorrow we ride for—”
“As for your generous offer of an ambassadorship,” Shalindra cut him off, “you will need to seek another for that position. I have responsibilities of my own to attend to. I will do nothing to undermine your rule, but I am no longer yours to command.” She inclined her head politely as she stood to leave. “Your Majesty.”
The guards drew to attention as she walked from the room, but she did not care. Whether they named her princess or peacemaker or traitor, she would not allow Ildalarial to fall.
The Enemy Within
Shalindra nudged her horse closer to Enna’s, interposing herself between her friend and the groomsman who had been glaring at her. The man dealt her an equally unpleasant look as he moved off. It seemed that no one here liked elves.
Her father walked uncomfortably towards his horse. He was already sweating beneath his ceremonial armor of polished silver plate edged in gold. A squire set a step beside his mount, and Fabrian pulled himself onto it with effort. He sat easily, if a bit stiffly, and signaled them forward with a kingly wave of his arm.
And now we can finally leave.
Shalindra shook her head, but agreed with the sentiment. She was eager to be on their way as well, and the need to wait for the entire retinue to assemble was maddening. Lords Eugeron and Anton were tucked into carriages not far behind her, along with at least a dozen minor functionaries. Lord Redivers she had spotted in the van, leading a company of lancers.
Adair was close enough that someone in a hurry could have walked the distance in a day, but the two hundred horse carried the weight of their armored riders, and the carriages were limited in speed even on the well-maintained road. It would take them at least two days of travel.
She sighed, resigning herself to days of boredom. And anxiety. Eugeron seemed genuinely interested in pursuing peace. Anton and Redivers seemed willing to tilt whichever way best served their own interests. She had the feeling that their support was tenuous at best, but at least it was possible. Her brother Logian could undo all of it. He would likely be more difficult to persuade than her father, no matter what facts were presented.
Three days ago we struggled to walk through the gates. You’ll figure it out.
I pray you are correct.
The sun seemed, at long last, to be gaining the upper hand over the rain clouds that had clung stubbornly over them all year, and the soggy heat was made worse by the complete lack of shade along the road. The cheerfulness of a blue sky was a welcome sight but served as a reminder that neither army would remain bogged down much longer.
It was on the afternoon of the first day that a rider approached at a fast pace and drew alongside the king. The man had blond hair and was dressed as a woodsman, but Shalindra could not get a good enough look at him. He and her father conducted a brief exchange, then the rider bowed and moved to the side of the column to rest his horse.
By the time they caught up to the newcomer, Shalindra did indeed recognize him: the Ranger Loren, who had followed them when they fled from Halisford years ago. He caught sight of them as well and nudged his horse into line.
“Your Highness,” Loren addressed her with a polite bow before sliding alongside Tormjere and giving him a quizzical look. “It’s good to see that your fortunes are improving.”
“Life has been interesting of late,” Tormjere replied. “And I thought you didn’t like me.”
Loren grinned. “I was told not to like you, which is different.”
“How have you been?”
“Busy, in more ways than I care to name. There have been many threats to the Kingdom since you disappeared. Speaking of which, as it seems that past transgressions are being forgiven, we could use someone like you.”
“I’ve got a job, but thank you.”
“I gathered as much, but had to ask.” Loren leaned down to adjust his stirrup, and his voice dropped so that the nearby soldiers would not hear. “We were given little in the way of explanation for this sudden shift and even less time to prepare. While I’m relieved that no wizard rides at His Majesty’s side, I would dearly love to know why, and I can only imagine that you have the answer.”
“Ylnvan tried to depose the king, we killed him, and now we’re going to stop the war and everyone will be happy.”
Loren sat back in his saddle. “I will assume, based on your level of sarcasm, that you are already aware of just how far from happy this situation is. I hope it was not the princess who put this idea in the King’s head to ride to Adair. Three quarters of the forces there are Ceringion, and there are several Conclave wizards.”
Why must they be everywhere we wish to go?
“His decisions are his own, even the foolish ones.”
Loren chuckled. “I forgot that being circumspect is not your strong suit, but that is answer enough for now. How much do you know about this war you mean to stop?”
“Untapped riches to be plundered, or something to that effect.”
That was clearly not the response Loren had hoped for, and the Ranger studied him before speaking. “There are other reasons you should be made aware of, but this is not the place for such discussions. I would caution you to stay close to those you care for in the coming days.” He shot a meaningful look towards Shalindra as he set heels to his horse and galloped away.
* * *
They reached the fields and farms surrounding Adair on the afternoon of the next day. Shalindra spied Loren waiting atop a shallow rise, and the column came to a stop as the King and Lord Redivers rode out to meet with him. Whatever transpired between the men, both Loren and Redivers appeared unsettled by it.
Shalindra was not included in the conversation, but as Fabrian and Redivers returned she moved her horse close enough to hear what was being said.
“My lord,” Redivers was saying, “is that wise? We do not know the disposition of any of these forces. The city would be easier to secure.”
“Nonsense,” Fabrian said. “We shall be safe enough here in the shadow of the walls. Lord Gilinster has ever been loyal to the throne.”
Shalindra glanced at the city, which was at least two miles away.
“Set my camp here,” Fabrian said, “and inform Prince Logian of my arrival.”
Redivers’ worry was apparent, but he bowed his head and hurried away, barking orders.
Workers erected and then furnished a large pavilion, around which several smaller tents sprang up. The smallest was given to Enna, which she retired to almost immediately. Having little desire to remain with her father, Shalindra joined her. It was cramped and filled with a musty odor, but having her stand in the open would only invite trouble.
Tormjere poked his head in some hours later. “Your brother’s coming.”
Both women emerged as the troop of riders trotted up the hill. Shalindra was not surprised that he rode at the head of twenty men fully armored in mail—her brother had always been one to enjoy such displays of power.
Logian drew to a stop a short distance from where Fabrian awaited him and dismounted smoothly, tossing his reins to a waiting groomsman. He was a tall man, and handsome after a fashion, though neither trait had been inherited from their father. His hawkish features held not a
hint of softness, and he carried himself with the confidence of one used to command, striding forward with a vigor her father had never possessed.
“Your Majesty,” Logian said with the curtest of bows. “We were not informed of your arrival. Why do you make camp here? And where is Master Ylnvan?”
“I make camp here because it is a pleasant hill on which to do so,” Fabrian said, “and we shall discuss the other matters over dinner.”
Logian began to respond when he caught sight of Enna. “What is this?” he demanded angrily, reaching for his sword.
“She is no longer a threat,” Fabrian said. “Situations have transpired that force me to reevaluate the wisdom of this campaign. Greater problems exist.”
“Greater than our enemy riding beside you? We sat in council last fall and agreed to Master Ylnvan’s recommendations. Are we not to complete these plans?”
Fabrian’s face clouded. “Ylnvan’s treachery was revealed when he sought my life. The Conclave’s hold on my kingdom will end.”
So much for keeping it a secret.
Shalindra had seen the reactions around them as well. Everyone from soldiers to cooks and stewards stood within earshot.
“Where is your wizard?” the king demanded.
“Master Allisade is… I do not know.”
“You are to apprehend him so that we may discover his awareness of these plots.”
“We cannot do that,” Logian protested vigorously. “Lord Donatuc would surely turn against us. Had I known your intentions in advance, such conflicts could have been avoided.”
“Everything cannot be known in advance, but if it comes to conflict, I am here and we will hold the city easily.”
“With what?” Logian scoffed. “A few horsemen?”
“Take care with your tone, Logian.”
The prince took a deep breath, but his eyes burned with barely contained fury.
“Sire,” Redivers interjected. “Would it not be wise to retire to your tent and listen to Prince Logian’s evaluation?”