by J P Corwyn
Greggor nodded.
“I will think of an appropriate thing to call this new order as we ride back to the capital, but its purpose is twofold. The first is to prepare both its own members, and the rest of the counties chivalry and soldiery for the coming war. The second, arguably more important, is to create unity among those same folk.”
Greggor nodded and smiled. Both that smile and his next words augured well for Ylspeth’s plan for his future.
“Tournament season is at an end.” Said he. “Now we train for war.”
Nodding; she stood and walked toward the door. Opening it; she cast her conspirator's eye around the outer hall and toward the common room. No one stood close enough to be of any concern. Ducking her head back into the room; she shut the door and walked back toward where Greggor still stood.
“Sir Greggor; I hereby grant to you the manner and holdings of Knell’s Stone.”
“Excellency…” For a moment all he could do was gape.
“You will need that particular place to be under your control as we go forward.”
At last, he'd recovered enough to speak. His mind was working once more.
“But surely one of Sir Val-“
“Be silent," Said she, resuming her seat. Her voice was gentle, but the look in her eyes drew him up short. "I must tell, must trust someone now that he is gone. It's only fitting that someone be you. He selected you for my retinue, himself. Did you know that?"
Greggor looked thunderstruck.
“Well, never mind. We need to discuss a great many things over the course of the next several days. You cannot help me, or the County against this threat if I do not rightly arm you with the information you need.”
Greggor managed to accept this with the majority of his customary air of professionalism still firmly intact. Still; there was a tiny light burning behind each of his eyes. Greggor had thought he'd known all of Her Excelency's - most of the county's secrets. To discover that there was yet more he didn't know, and that he was to be given access to it? In Sir Greggor's mind; no chest of gold or grant of land could equal such a gift.
There are three things that I must do. I must empower Dame Marcza to unify both chivalry and soldiery, I must teach Greggor about the forge and tell him what I suspect about the T’lendak that possessed Lanian, and I must investigate, and either ally with or subjugate this land to the north - this Dereek khn. If, as it seems, they defeated the lady of the Shivering Song…
“For now,” Ylspeth turned her mind away from the grander strategy she saw before her to focus on the tactics that would support it. “Please send Dame Marcza to me.”
Greggor nodded, bowed, and moved toward the door. Just before he opened it; he turned his head back to face her.
“Your Excellency…” He turned his body so that he faced her fully once again. “He was a great man. I can never take his place, but please know that I will do whatever I can to fill his shoes.”
She bowed her head. “Thank you.” Her voice was little more than a whisper. Before she’d raised her chin again; he had already taken his soundless leave.
Rising from her perch on the bed; Ylspeth embraced a bitter truth. For the first time in years beyond count; she was truly afraid.
Oh, there had been moments of panic, but in all the years since they'd first found the Forge; she had never really been afraid. Well, fear be damned. Thorion County belonged to her. No nightmare, living or dead, would change that.
She heard hollow, hard, knocking sounds as boots strode down the hall toward her chamber. A moment later; Dame Marcza’s voice floated in past the closed door.
“Excellency? You wanted to speak with me?”
…And so it begins.
~Fin
Acknowledgments
There are many, many people without whom I could not have written and released this book, and all of the books that will follow in The Cycle of Bones, and future series.
Jim Trice, Dawn Hart, David Shepherd, Diane Worden, Ed & Scott Abbot, and Knut Martin Fjelldal: You made up the foundation upon which I stood, and without which this Novella would never have come to pass.
My Beta readers on this project: Katey (Mak) Chris (Dawg) Owen (Road) and, of course, my editorial staff Lauren and Gwen, your individual and collective help was (as always) invaluable and insightful.
Jeff Brown – the man responsible for bringing the faces and places in my head to startling and stunning life; my only complaint is having to wait until the next book is ready for art before I get to work with you again.
To my Hastati Gard – it was an honor and one of the great joys of my life to train, stand, and fight at your side. Protego Regnum.
A special and enormous thank you to my Patrons on Patreon. Your love and support makes all of this madness possible in more ways than just the obvious financial one.
Lastly; a thank you to Corwyn’s Cadre. You’ve been with me for years as I recorded and toured, fought and foundered, and you’ve proven not just willing, but excited to walk down this new road at my side. You continue to humble me. I hope to always make you proud.
Thanks for all the Electricity,
~JP Corwyn
The Next Installment of
The Cycle of Bones Series
Coming Summer 2020!