All this time, was he truly Maledek?
Yes. He has played the part.
Then, at last, Maledek is no more. Deanna and Elia can rest in peace.
TEMEN (JULY) 10, 1538
Same Day
Governor General’s Estate, City of Idonia
Kezem sprang to his feet and watched a pair of servants scurrying in his mother’s wake. They looked apologetic. He waved them off. He would deal with them later, but for now, he had a force bearing down upon him like a Great Storm ready to relocate a mountain.
“Mother, what a pleasant—” he cut himself off, knowing she wouldn’t hear a word anyway.
Lady Mavis Altran drew close and glared up into Kezem’s eyes. Her dark hair—liberally sprinkled with gray—remained perfectly in place. Her eyes flashed dangerously. She closed her eyes, drew a breath, and placed one finger on his chest.
“I thought I raised you better.”
Kezem held her intense gaze for an eternity then finally broke the eye contact and backed up a step. He would have felt more comfortable if she brandished a kamad dagger at him. He didn’t bother defending himself. He had seen her in this mood before and Riden himself would have had a tough time stopping her.
“My plans took months—years—to lay and you risked everything on one stupid ploy.” Her words rushed out in an ever-quickening stream. “Taytron is nothing! His search was nothing! It meant nothing, but if he had killed that man the investigation would have taken months, completely destroying the plan’s timing!”
“Then it was a fragile plan, wasn’t it?” Kezem returned.
She slapped him.
He never saw it coming, but he knew better than to touch the stinging spot.
“Any idiot with enough money can hire an assassin. I don’t want my brother and his family simply dead. I want them destroyed! There is a difference, my dear, a very large difference. If you cannot see that, then I have no further use for you.”
From any other being, her statement would have been laughable, but Kezem knew his life depended on his next words. He tipped his head forward.
“My apologies, Mother. I will do better.”
His mother tilted his chin up and planted an icy kiss on his forehead.
“See that you do.”
“What shall I do now?”
“Wait,” Lady Mavis replied. “Everything is not lost. We have Captain Kelter to thank for staying Taytron’s hand. Terosh will return soon. When he does, we can move the Mitran plan forward.” A slow smile spread across her face. “The Kireshana may also have given us the answer to our Ranger problem.”
“How so?” Kezem couldn’t follow the many threads to his mother’s plots.
“If the reports are correct—and I have no reason to doubt them—our young prince has fallen in love with a Ranger.”
Kezem had received the same reports but did not see the significance until now.
“Such a match is forbidden by Ranger law, but only if they marry.”
“Have a little faith in your cousin’s charms, Kezem. If nature does not draw them to a favorable conclusion, I’m sure the right pressure could get them to comply.”
“You’re playing matchmaker,” Kezem commented, scarcely believing his ears.
“The match has already been made. We have only to discover how to make it useful, darling.”
Kezem almost pitied his cousin.
TEMEN (JULY) 12, 1538
131 days into Prince Terosh’s Kireshana journey
Royal Palace, City of Rammon
You are no longer useful.
Dalonos heard the words, but they didn’t make sense. When the anotechs’ intentions finally dawned on him, he screamed.
They let him scream as they drained his life and withdrew.
“THE PRISONER IS DEAD, my Lord,” Aster Captain Gina Kelter announced.
Tate understood the words but felt nothing. Bit by bit, his emotional shell cracked and shattered, flooding him with pain. He fell to his knees and tried to contain the grief. Next thing he knew, Captain Kelter had wrapped her arms around his shoulders and drawn him into a strong embrace. Tate was grateful to share the burden with someone he trusted, someone who had always been a steady presence in his life.
TEMEN (JULY) 22, 1538
141 days into Prince Terosh’s Kireshana journey
Slightly off the Kireshana Path, road toward the City of Meritab
Lieutenant Korben Fericin felt he should know his companions better. They had been traveling together for almost three weeks. In another hour, they would reach Meritab and part ways. He felt guilty for making them backtrack to escort him home, but they had insisted.
The jagged scar on his side troubled him. His mind felt sluggish and uncooperative. Whenever he started remembering something he would hit a wall of nothing. He must have hit his head during the battle. That would explain the gaping memory holes.
Do you hear me? a child’s voice asked.
“Yes,” Fericin replied.
“Did you say something, Lieutenant?” The question came from the Ranger.
Shhhh. Tell her nothing.
Korben couldn’t think of anything to say to the Ranger so he shook his head. She would probably give him a mintas leaf to suck on and say it would relax him. Despair gnawed at him. He remembered much, but the blank spots bothered him. The voice in his head spoke more often as the days went on. The first few days it had only spoken once or twice, but this was the eighth time today.
“Are you feeling any stronger today?” the Ranger asked.
“Somewhat,” Korben replied. The simple response didn’t seem right. He couldn’t fight his companions, but they had to be responsible for his current state of being.
Should I be grateful? What happened to me?
He would take the pair to Meritab and give them horses like he had promised then he would take some time off to heal and think.
TEMEN (JULY) 25, 1538
144 days into Prince Terosh’s Kireshana journey
Ranger Compound, Riden Mountains
The Ashatan Council argued most of Temen 24, 1538, and part of the next day as well. An important mission involving an informant in a Tarpon house in Meritab required two of the very best. However, most of the Nareth Talis Rangers were missing, previously engaged, or loners.
Master Alikron had sent Kolknir on a mission to Idonia some time ago, and Lucas Telon disappeared on a mission to Azhel. The Celdins were unavailable. Kelsa would soon have a child, and James would not leave her side. Adji, Zed Laverit, Esther Penoi, and Rivi Santros always worked alone. Only Todd and Kiata Wellum were both physically available and functioned as a team.
Master Niklos McGreven opposed the idea, and he wasn’t technically a Council member. Niklos had turned down the Ashatan Council position in favor of spending scant free time with his wife and children.
“It is entirely unfair! They have completed three missions without rest. They need time off,” he insisted.
“These are hard times.” Master Hiram Alikron voiced the general sentiment. “Everybody must do their part. Send for them at once.”
Growling at the lack of sympathy, Niklos went to find the Wellums and deliver the summons. As he let his feet wander, not wanting to find Todd or Kiata, Niklos let his thoughts drift. Any mission could be dangerous, but this one carried extra risk. Infiltrating the Tarpon house could take weeks. Then, they would have to find the informant, assess the situation, and escape. The tasks would take a lot of time and patience.
Poor Kiata, patience is not her strong suit.
Nevertheless, Niklos knew she would do her job well.
“They’ll be fine.” No amount of self-assurance could conquer the worry.
Sending them is foolish! What if something happens?
Niklos had practically raised Kiata and Reia Antellio. He loved them both deeply. His back ached with the memory of countless hours pacing while waiting for them to return from various missions.
“THE COUNCIL
WANTS TO see us,” Todd Wellum announced gently. “Master Niklos is waiting. He thought we might need a minute.”
Kiata smiled. She had ceased being Master Niklos’s student when she chose the knight’s path over the healer’s path, but he was still the closest thing she had to a father. She straightened.
“I’ll be fine.”
Todd wrapped an arm around her waist.
“I don’t want to leave either.” He planted a kiss on her forehead. “I was looking forward to some time alone.”
Kiata slipped from his grasp and walked from the room, keeping her back stiff. She regretted the cruelty of ignoring his comfort, but if she yielded now, nothing would stop the tears of exhaustion. She had pushed herself beyond pain for years, ever since her parents’ murder. If she kept busy enough the hurt would fade to tolerable levels. She almost broke her vow not to cry when Master Niklos met her at the door and opened his arms. She wordlessly hugged him.
“I’m sorry, my dear, I know you wanted to wait for your sister’s return. I tried to talk them out of it, but they would only have the very best,” Master Niklos said.
Kiata tightened her hug.
“Thank you, but we can do this, whatever the mission may be.”
Soon after, Kiata stood beside her husband before the Ashatan Council. She had only been in this private conference chamber a few times. Although one might meet a council member in the tunnels, they usually only assembled for trials or commissioning ceremonies. Kiata listened as the Council handed down their decision, which doubled as her orders.
Chapter 30:
Promise
TEMEN (JULY) 30, 1538
149 days into Prince Terosh’s Kireshana journey
Kireshana Path, nearing the City of Rammon
After getting horses from Lieutenant Fericin, Terosh and Reia rode toward the capital, knowing the Kireshana would soon end. Terosh saw the Royal Guard fires burning at even intervals around Rammon. The fires burned for him as a part of a long-standing tradition. His heart beat faster as each step brought him closer to home and back to fine food, lazy days, and every comfort he had foregone the last few months. At the same time, each step also brought him closer to the end of his time with Reia.
Minutes later, as they came within sight of the West Gate, they halted the horses. Terosh let his gaze linger on the elegant spires of the cathedral, the solidness of the peasant apartments in the Southern Quarter, and the thousands of lights illuminating the palace. The fading sun still hung in the sky behind them. The weakening sunlight shone off the countless rooftops, bathing them in the illusion of fire. The last several hours had slipped by in silence, lost in the rhythm of pounding hooves. Both had far too much to say to begin. Terosh’s throat felt dry and thinking became difficult. He turned his horse to face Reia and swallowed several times.
“Reia, I ... I’ve enjoyed traveling with you,” he said.
It sounded pathetic. The words he really wanted to say stuck in his throat.
I love you.
Reia’s expression remained neutral for a second, and then she grinned.
“So have I.”
“How will I find you?” Terosh asked, trying not to sound desperate. The horse shifted under him, carrying him back a step. He patted the horse’s neck and urged him to recover the step.
“I’ll be around for a few weeks,” Reia promised. “I didn’t get to see much of the capital the first time.”
“What will you do?”
“Heal people. There’s always—”
“I love you!” Terosh burst out. He smiled shyly as relief and mortification battled across his features. “I ... have for a long time, practically since you ruined that ambush in the Ridens. You’re beautiful and compassionate and wonderful. And I’m probably making a mess of this, but you should know how much you mean to me.”
Did I say that out loud?
Aye, ya did, laddie, said the anotechs.
Terosh stared intently at Reia. She fell quiet, but he suspected the sudden glistening in her eyes might be tears. He studied her face, trying to glean what he could, but her expression matched his muddled feelings.
“Please say something.”
A single tear slipped out and slid down her face.
“My Prince, I cannot ...”
Reia’s formal tone struck Terosh harder than her fist might have. She wiped at her eyes and drew a deep breath. Her face flitted through several unfathomable expressions but finally settled on sadness.
A ray of hope ignited in Terosh.
Reia closed her eyes as if pushing down pain. When she opened them again, the sadness had vanished, but she still seemed shaken.
She loves me!
Told you so.
“It would be impossible to—”
Impulsively, Terosh dismounted, stepped close, and gripped Reia’s right hand.
“Could you love me?”
I ALREADY DO!
Reia buried the heart cry so the anotechs wouldn’t broadcast it. Her face did a fine job describing her inner turmoil. What could she tell him?
Silence stretched between them.
“We’ve been through—”
“No! I see your answer and feel it. How can—”
“It’s forbidden,” Reia broke in, squeezing his hand with aching force. The words sounded feeble.
“I know,” Terosh said, squeezing back. “You told me, but it can be done.”
“How?” Reia asked, surprised at her desperation.
A light of hope dawned behind Terosh’s deep blue eyes.
“I’m younger than Tate. I don’t have to be king!” He sounded deliriously happy. “Don’t you see? Tate will marry and carry on the family line and rule Reshner. And we can marry. We’ll go to the mountains or wherever you want to go. I could be a Ranger if they’ll have me.” He wasn’t shouting, but in the still evening air, he might as well have been.
Bowing her head, Reia tried to believe things could work out. Their love had been born of shared trials. They knew most of each other’s faults and flaws, hopes and dreams. She wanted to travel the Riden Mountains with him. Terosh wouldn’t be the first Minstel to lay down the title of “prince” in favor of “Ranger.” Then, reality intruded, and the dream slipped away. Reia had seen his expression upon spotting the Royal Guard campfires and recognized the joy of homecoming.
You belong in Rammon, and I belong in the mountains.
“No, Terosh, we—”
“Reia, I understand how you feel about the Rangers, but once we marry, they’ll—”
“Don’t pretend to understand what—” Reia cut herself off violently, pulled back her hand, and dismounted. It gave her an excuse to look away. She would not hurt him this way.
I’d have to leave the Rangers, but that’s my problem, not his.
Trying to steady herself, Reia faced Terosh again.
“It’s ... better this way,” she whispered. As he opened his mouth to reply, Reia raised her hands to ward off words. At the last moment, she placed a single finger against his lips. The finger slipped.
Terosh pulled her close, trapping her hands against his chest.
“Give us a chance, Reia.”
She couldn’t resist turning her head and resting in his embrace.
His heart beat as wildly as a colana trapped in a hunter’s net. He kissed the top of her head and breathed into her hair.
It felt so gentle she almost cried. A sob burned inside.
Terosh cleared his throat.
“I’ve got to tell my father and brother about the attacks on us. They must be warned, but then, I’ll announce my intent to leave the palace.”
Reia spoke, but her words were muffled against his chest. Grateful for the excuse to step back, yet battling a terrible sense of loss, she surprised herself by having a steady voice.
“I do love you, Terosh, but doing anything about it will change everything for both of us. Are you sure you want this?”
“Tell me how to find you.”
<
br /> Reia slipped into formal speech.
“Think carefully, my Prince. I will stay near Rammon for a month. If you need to find me, light a purple fire.”
“I will.”
Hope and caution blasted through Reia.
“Take this,” she said, unclipping her banistick. “It’s a promise to wait for your decision.” As she handed him the weapon, Reia rested her hands on his, squeezed one last time, and quickly mounted her horse. She let the tears fall as soon as she had galloped away.
“WE SHOULD TAKE ’EM now.” Lieutenant Adrik Bentanner lowered the spotting scope. Only a hint of his soft Charan accent seasoned his speech. He kept his voice low, though little chance existed that their quarry would overhear them. His voice vibrated with youthful energy.
“We’d never make it in time,” General Ariman Keldor said, his voice calm. Keldor never made his men do anything he wouldn’t do himself, and that included scouting hostile territory. He wouldn’t tell his superiors, but he preferred the open plains and action over their boring meetings.
“Why not?” The way Bentanner tilted his head reminded Keldor of a korver pup. “I could signal the others, and we could swoop down on ’em—”
“Keep your voice down,” Keldor ordered. He narrowed his eyes at the young man, but the effect was lost to the darkness. “That’s why,” he added, shifting the vidscreen so the boy could see the mass of yellow dots clustered about two kilometers beyond their target. Royal Guards had been camping on the Kevil Plains for weeks, watching for Prince Terosh’s return. “We could reach them first, but we’d never take them quietly,” Keldor explained. “We want them alive.”
“We could stun ’em,” Bentanner suggested.
“Yes, and have every Royal Guard within five kilometers on us instantly.”
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