Haden glanced back at the others and she followed his look. More than one edged away from him, already showing where their loyalties would lie by putting distance between themselves and him. Haden turned back to her, anger raging in his eyes. Slowly he bowed his head. “I swear fealty to you my…queen… My house and my life are at your command and disposal until my death or you release me from my oath.” The last was said through gritted teeth.
Kalila almost laughed in his face, but managed to hold her emotions in check and maintain perfect composure. “Your pledge is accepted, Lord Haden. Your life and house are under the wing of my protection.” Sure they were. He pledged his allegiance to her now but it didn’t take a Spirit mage to see he would plant a knife in her at the first opportunity.
Haden climbed to his feet, turned on his heel, and stormed out of the room shoving past those nearest the door. The room seemed frozen for a moment as everyone stared at her. As it thawed, one by one the rest approached and made the same oath and then filed like a herd of sheep into the great room of the castle where the servants laid out a massive feast.
As the last left the room, Toren stepped to her side and touched her arm. “You handled that well sister. Better than I would have. I believe you indeed have what it takes. Markene is in good hands.” He turned and looked at Kellinar, still loitering near the side door. “Do we stay for the feast, or should I get the few things I have gathered and prepare to leave now?”
Kellinar motioned toward the great room. “I don’t know about you, but I haven’t eaten yet today and I have every intention of enjoying the food Markene has to offer.”
Toren smiled and offered Kalila his arm. “May I escort you, my queen?”
She nodded and looked back at her younger sisters who stood in a confused bunch, looking to their mother for direction. “Come along, girls. I don’t believe you will find much help in mother, she appears to have given up.”
Reluctantly, they left her side and moved toward Kalila. Her mother watched them go and turned the other way, leaving through the side door. The mages and Defenders arranged themselves around them as they moved into the great hall.
Kalila ignored the sting of her mother’s departure and moved to the head of the high table, taking the tall-backed chair. A servant approached her, hesitation in her every movement. She set a bread board on the table and curtsied low. “I beg your pardon, your majesty, but is what you said about magic true?”
Kalila nodded at the woman. “Please stand and tell me why you ask.”
The servant stood, her eyes on the floor and hands clasped tightly in front of her. “My…my son. He made a ball of light out of nothing two months ago. I have kept him hidden, terrified for his life. I know I should have turned him in but…” she looked up at Kalila then, desperate tears shining in her eyes. “He is my only child. I couldn’t…”
Kalila smiled and placed her hand on the woman’s arm. “Send for him. We will see that he makes it to Galdrilene where his magic will be embraced and he will learn to use it properly.”
A tear spilled over and ran down the servant’s cheek. “Thank you my…queen. Thank you.” She dropped a quick curtsy then nearly ran from the room.
Kalila glanced at Kellinar who sat to her left. He nodded, acknowledging that he had heard the exchange. She felt a very small sense of relief and hope. If the servants were already adjusting, the people would too. With them behind her, Haden would have a hard time overthrowing her.
The sun had long set by the time Kellinar and Shryden landed in Haraban. With weary movements, he unbuckled the safety straps and slid from the saddle. He waved at Paki and Miya and called, “Hello ladies.”
Shryden reached for him. “They welcome you back.”
Kellinar nodded, sensing Shryden’s happiness at seeing Paki. It was as hard on the blue to have his mates divided. It seemed like it had been forever since they’d been here. The days spent waiting to see if Loki would be alright and more waiting to transport Kalila to Markene had seemed to stretch on forever. Not that he minded the time spent with Anevay, and Shryden had enjoyed being with Latia, but they had worried constantly about those left in Haraban.
Kellinar pulled off the catcher strap and tossed it up over the saddle. “It seems strange to leave the saddle on you all of the time,” he sent to Shryden. “Are you sure it doesn’t bother you?”
“I barely notice it anymore and it is by far the safest thing to do. If things start to unravel, the few minutes it takes to secure the saddle could make a big difference,” the blue sent back.
Kellinar gave the dragon a pat on the shoulder. “I suppose you’re right. Let me know if it gets uncomfortable.”
“I will. Taela comes.”
Kellinar took a deep breath and turned as a door banged open and his bondmate stormed down the garden path. When she reached him she threw her arms around him in a tight hug. He hugged her back, waiting for the explosion.
He didn’t have to wait long. After a moment she shoved him away and glared at him. “What were you thinking? You could have gotten yourself killed!”
Kellinar crossed his arms. “I did what I had to do.”
“What you had to do?” Her eyebrows rose. “Do tell me why using your magic wasn’t part of what you had to do.”
He frowned. “What are you talking about? I did use my magic.”
Exasperation flowed through the bond as she planted her hands on her hips. “I’m talking about before you almost ended up with an arrow through your back.”
“I…” Kellinar ran his hands over the smooth braids tight against his scalp. Why hadn’t he used a shield of air?
“You were trying to get through to people without scaring them more,” Shryden sent.
“Thank you, buddy. I owe you one.”
“Yes, you do,” came the smug sending from the dragon.
Kellinar dropped his hands. “We were trying to handle it without scaring people any more than they already were.”
“Fine lot of good that did you. You ended up injured and still had to scare them with magic.” Her arms were crossed now and her foot tapped ominously.
“We had to try. I’m not a Shadow Rider. I’m not going to go in blasting people just to scare them. I did what I had to and no more. I didn’t even let Shryden eat a single one of them.”
She softened immediately and stepped forward to wrap her arms around him again. “I know,” she mumbled into his chest. “You scared me.”
He stroked her hair, pleased that her lightning quick moods had changed in his favor. “Shryden tells me you healed Sehlas.”
Taela tipped her head back and smiled at him. “We did or rather Maleena did. Serena and I were just headed to a meeting with Sehlas and my father. A week of being able to feed himself and move around has done wonders for him.”
The quiet sadness in her eyes tugged at his heart. “What? Isn’t that good news?”
“He’s lost everything. He brother stole his throne, his wives and now that he’s well, his brother branded him a traitor and placed him in exile. He can’t even go home.”
“A traitor? On what basis?” Times like these made him glad he didn’t have siblings.
She shrugged and stepped back. “He really doesn’t have a specific charge. Probably because he is just grabbing at straws. He doesn’t want Sehlas back because he was much loved by his people and they will want him back on the throne.”
They started walking down the path toward the door. “I didn’t want to marry him, but he was a fair ruler, considerate of his people, and good at maintaining a nation.”
The wheels in Kellinar’s mind started to turn. Sehlas had no place to go and Kalila needed all of the help she could get. Perhaps if he couldn’t take back the throne of his own nation, he would be willing to help secure someone else on theirs. When they entered Bahar’s study, Serena and a man Kellinar assumed was Sehlas were already there.
As they sat down, Bahar made introductions. Kellinar nodded at Sehlas noticing a sa
d flicker in the other man’s eyes when he looked at Taela. Sehlas nodded back. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Taela and her father speak highly of you.”
Kellinar raised an eyebrow. “Of me?” He glanced at Bahar. “Are you finally softening to me, old man?”
Bahar smiled. “Barely, you impudent pup.”
Kellinar chuckled and leaned back in his chair, propping one ankle on the opposite knee.
Sehlas glanced back and forth between them, uncertainty in his expression. Bahar cleared his throat and sat up straighter, his face taking on a serious expression. “I called you all to this meeting to ask your help. Sehlas has been a longtime friend of mine and what his brother has done troubles me greatly. Sehlas informed me that as much as he appreciates my friendship and hospitality, he has no wish to remain here as a permanent guest. For which I am thankful because it means the Sehlas I knew is fully restored.”
“What can we do to help?” Serena asked. “I suppose he can go to Galdrilene if he wishes and make a new life there.”
Sehlas leaned forward. “I want to do something to help in your efforts against these Shadow Riders. Whether that be something I can do in this Galdrilene of yours or somewhere else.”
Taela opened her mouth but Kellinar dropped his foot to the floor and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Actually, if you want to do something to help, there is a young Weather mage who has just taken the throne of Markene.”
Sehlas’ eyes widened. “The old king is dead? When did Toren become a mage?”
“He didn’t. Toren’s magic is fire and he hatched a red egg. He is a Dragon Rider now.”
Sehlas scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Who is the young mage then that took the throne? Surely Haden would have stepped up.”
Kellinar rubbed his hands together slowly. “Haden wanted to take control, however, he appears to be extremely incapable of actually handling a nation. His own house is a mess. The young mage that took the throne instead is Kalila, Toren’s sister.”
“Kalila.” Shocked filled Sehlas’ face. “A woman took the throne?” At Kellinar’s nod he shook his head and clasped his hands together in front of him and looked Kellinar in the eye. “You do realize Haden will attempt to tear her apart don’t you? And what can she possibly know about running a nation? She was one of the younger daughters and certainly had no training.”
Kellinar nodded again. “Kalila has been through a lot in the last couple of years. She is mature well beyond her age. We have provided her with an advisor who has experience. However, as you obviously know well, she can use all of the help she can get. Would you be interested in going to Markene as another advisor? You seem fairly well-versed in the politics of Markene.”
Sehlas leaned his elbows on his knees and steepled his fingers. “Of course, Markene is—was—one of my northern neighbors. Hanover borders Turindar to the north and Markene is on the other side of that. Still, it was a nation I learned about. I know much of what goes on and which houses are strong or weak, or would make the best allies.”
Bahar braced his hands on his desk and looked at Sehlas. “So my friend, is this something you would like to take on or would you prefer to go to Galdrilene?”
Sehlas sat in silence for several long moments before looking at Kellinar again. “I assume much hangs in the balance of this woman holding the throne.”
“Kalila is the only one in Markene who can truly comprehend the evil of the Shadow Riders. She has unfortunately spent time in their hands.” Kellinar shifted. “Only she truly knows how to prepare for them. Others in Galdrilene would have been able to do it, but Kalila is someone the people know and she has a direct blood line to the throne.”
Sehlas nodded. “Then I will go. At least I know there I can still do some good.”
Taela smiled and crossed her legs. “I have no doubt you will be an excellent help to Kalila. You are a better man than I once gave you credit for.”
“I am happy you see me that way now. I truly am sorry you felt so desperate to escape the marriage arranged to me.” His face softened slightly. “I did care about you. If you had come to me with it, I would have spoken with your father.” Sehlas glanced at Kellinar. “I am happy you found someone.”
Taela blushed, a chagrined look on her face. “I’m so very sorry for what I did to you.”
Sehlas waved away her words. “Water under the bridge. This is what life is now.”
Bahar slapped his hands on his desk and stood. “Good. Now that this is settled, Kellinar, would you mind taking a walk with me?”
“If you like.” Kellinar stood slowly. What in Fates name did Bahar want?
Taela’s father remained silent for a long time as they walked through the empty halls. Finally he clasped his hands behind his back and looked at Kellinar. “I can understand where your feelings toward royalty come from. I have been to Trilene. I have seen the Mallay.”
Kellinar frowned. “Excuse me?”
Bahar smiled in return. “No need to deny it or beat around the bush. During the couple of weeks you were here, I came to know you and you aren’t quite the person you presented on our first meeting. You took fun in needling me that first time and purposely said things to anger me.”
Kellinar started to say something but Bahar gave a wave of his hand to silence him. “No need to worry, I didn’t come on this walk to attempt to chastise you. For one, it wouldn’t do any good.” Bahar chuckled. “I wanted to speak with you to offer a little advice.”
“Alright.” Kellinar nodded, wondering what advice the man wanted to impart.
“You may be a Dragon Rider, but you are still young and brash. You carry a chip on your shoulder for anyone in the position of authority.”
Kellinar didn’t try to deny it, in fact, he still wasn’t sure he fully trusted Bahar.
Taela’s father continued, “In this battle that appears to be looming on the horizon, you are going to have to forge alliances with nobles whether you like it or not. At some point, you are going to have to trust one to do what’s right.”
Kellinar snorted. “Easier said than done.”
Bahar nodded. “Yes, I suppose it will be. But it won’t help your cause to alienate them. And it won’t help you if you can’t ever trust them.” He smiled slightly. “Not all of us are like the rulers of Trilene. In fact, you may be surprised how many in the High Houses of the Trilene District aren’t the way you think they are.”
Sure they weren’t. A life of stealing all manner of things for many of the High Houses and waiting to have one of them kill him told him all he needed to know about those who resided in the Trilene District. He nodded anyway. Bahar didn’t have a clue, but he had gained enough respect for the man to refrain from telling him he was a moron to his face.
“Is that your advice then?”
“It is.” Bahar stopped and faced him in the hall. “Make sure sense overcomes childhood conditioning. Learn to trust, even those you aren’t sure deserve it. And try to keep from pulling every one of their strings the first time you meet them. Give them a chance to get to know you before you throw sarcasm in their face.” Bahar clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re a good man. You should let more people see that side of you.”
Kellinar stood in silence as Bahar walked back the way they had came. Slowly he turned and walked the opposite way. He would go sit with Shryden for a while and think some things over. Tomorrow, he would take Sehlas to Markene and then it would be time for them to leave for Trilene. He tried to think of those in the Trilene as anything other than the underhanded, back stabbing, worthless rats that they were. He knew of only one who wasn’t. Maybe Bahar had a point. He was a Guardian of Galdrilene now, perhaps it was time to put away old prejudices and move forward. Somehow, he didn’t think it would be that easy.
Kirynn tapped her foot impatiently. Around her, the ladies of Shadereen gossiped and carried on with inane conversations. She’d been stuck with them and their endless chatter all day. In Shadereen, it was appare
ntly the custom for the ladies to gather in the castle to prepare for feasts and festivals. If that wasn’t annoying enough, it was also the custom that the men and women didn’t mingle until whatever they were celebrating began.
She sat to the side of the large dressing room and avoided the massive skirts of the ridiculously confining dresses the women wore. Kirynn had taken one look at the offered dress and made an excuse to leave for a moment. It took her no time at all to Slide to Galdrilene and get her own. She’d go to this event naked before she put on one of those frilly high-necked monstrosities.
One of the many ladies swirled past her in a cloud of perfume. She paused in front of Kirynn. One of the wives of the Council of Seven, she thought the woman’s name was Eranya, though she didn’t remember which man she was attached to.
Eranya smiled down at her. “Are you going to get ready? Are you sure you don’t want to borrow the dress I offered?”
Kirynn shook her head; not in a thousand years. “I will get dressed in a moment.”
Syrakynn chuckled in her mind. “Those women are going to have a fit when they see you.”
“They are going to have a bigger fit when their men see me,” Kirynn sent back.
After three days of talks with the king and the Council, Shadereen had accepted Galdrilene as an ally. Now, three weeks later, many still weren’t sure how they felt about Vaddoc. She got the impression they felt they were choosing the lesser of two evils.
One thing she could say about the Shaderians though, once they decided on a course of action, they jumped in with both feet. Within days they had announced to the nation everything that transpired and then this gala, ball, thing, whatever they wanted to call it had been planned to celebrate their new found allies and hope for a future not ruled by Shadow Riders.
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