The Duke's Handmaid (Book 1 of the Ascendancy Trilogy)

by Caprice Hokstad

  Kee slept fitfully. It was almost magic the way a simple touch or the slightest request would quiet her nightmares and unconscious whimpers. He read the parchments intently, but kept a vigilant eye on her.

  Just after the lighthouse bells tolled the tenth hour, Vahn heard a bugle sound. He leapt from his chair, strapped on his sword, and ran down to the gate. He was too late. Shil and his men had already surrounded the group of minions in blue and gray surcoats—terzak’s colors. Vahn was impressed with the abundance of men who literally fell from trees and leapt out of the shadows. At least fifty knights held swords and bent bows against the twelve mounted figures led by Captain Daelin. None of the attackers had penetrated the gates to Rebono Keep.

  “Excellent work, Captain Shil!” Vahn exclaimed. “Take them all to the ITC. They are under arrest for treason to the Crown. Tell the officials I will bring formal charges on the morrow. Be sure they all receive some nice heavy bands and good sturdy locks. Oh, and be sure to add their horses to our stables. My cousin has been so generous with the equine division. Maybe we’ll name a koopchuk after him, eh?”

  The men laughed heartily and slapped each other on the back. They disarmed terzak’s inept rescuers and bound them in ropes for the trip to the ITC. Shil sent twelve men with the prisoners but elected to stay at the keep with the rest of the guards. There would be no slacking off as long as terzak lived. Vahn exchanged a heartfelt knight’s handshake with his captain, then turned and walked back to the keep. Willow and Niles were both relieved to see him.

  “Just a little band of scurrilous whelps trying to get in on terzak’s fun. I told them they’d just have to find other masters. I’m too busy.” The servants laughed, glad for a moment of levity. He reminded them they were off-duty as long as he could stay with Kee. They both thanked him and bid him good night.

  Vahn returned to his chair next to the tossing and turning Itzi in his bed. A whispered, “Relax, Kee,” sent her back to a more restful repose. He settled to study the thick stack of parchments from terzak’s safe. Hour after hour, he read into the night. This was a very good night to have reading to do. Kee couldn’t keep quiet or still for very long before pain or nightmares caused her to whimper, toss, or waken. His voice was all it took to remedy her woes, but he would never have been able to sleep himself.

  It was after midnight when he found the surprise gem among terzak’s parchments. The marquis had been pivotal in the hiring of Jeahn Vernass to his father’s army. Not only that, but there was evidence Vernass was not dead after the ambush that killed King Brendax. Parchments noted payment to the man on a regular basis for nearly two years after Father’s death. If Jeahn Vernass wasn’t dead, how had his body been positively identified?

  Vahn decided he’d let terzak rest too long. He slipped out of the room and found Willow, woke her gently and helped her relocate to his bed with Kee. “I’ll be in the dungeon if you need anything,” he whispered.

  “Yes, your highness,” she whispered back. She made no complaint for the disturbance at the odd hour.

  Vahn strode into the dungeon with fire in his eyes. “Listen, pig, I’ve had enough of your games. I opened your little crime chest and I have plenty of evidence now to have you executed twenty times over. I do not have to wait for my brother to do it. So, we are down to the means and the duration. Tell me what I want to know and it will merely be painful. Refuse, and it will be excruciating and leisurely. Do you understand?”

  “You’re bluffing. You couldn’t have opened the chest.”

  Vahn pulled the silver key from his belt pouch and waved it terzak’s face. “Guess again, knave. It’s open and I’ve been reading for hours. Not only that, but your puny band of lemmings failed at rescuing you. I just had them sent to the ITC for iron jewelry to match yours. You aren’t getting out of this, you maggot. Face it and decide just how slowly you want to die.”

  terzak paled; his brows furrowed and his jaw dropped. Hope faded from frightened eyes. “Please, Vahn, let me explain. I can put you on the Throne. I can get your son back. We can talk about this. Just...”

  A dagger in terzak’s side cut him off. Vahn pressed it in an inch. “The time for bargains is over, slave. You can’t get my son back. You don’t even know where he is. I wouldn’t take my brother’s life by covert assassination. I don’t need the help of a putrid mass of vomit like you. If I take the Throne, it is because I am the better man for Latoph and the Throne should have been half mine to begin with. I would do it in full view and Arx would have a fair chance at defense. Now, if the next words out of your mouth are not what I want to hear, I will cut out your tongue.”

  He removed the dagger with a yank on the onyx-inlaid handle. He held the bloody blade in front of terzak’s face as a reminder. “How did Jeahn Vernass get paid for two years after my father’s trustworthy men identified him as one of the dead?”

  “The answer is as plain as the nose on your face,” he sneered. Vahn slid the dagger across his cheek, slicing through the skin. terzak squealed and turned his head away. “Do you think you and Arx are the only twins ever to walk the face of Byntar? Heavens, you of all people should have figured it out,” he hissed.

  In a flash of insight, it all became clear: Jeahn Vernass spent three years gaining a decent reputation. He bided his time until an assignment came that would allow him to lead the king into Ganluc. Jeahn lured his twin brother into the crossfire. The ambush killed everyone but Jeahn. He loaded the bodies on a wagon and rode north toward Senkra. Somewhere along the route, the Dronakian farrier saw Jeahn driving while his dead twin still wore civilian clothes. Jeahn then switched clothes with his brother so he would be declared dead and innocent. He left the bodies in Senkra to throw the investigation off. Then he disappeared and collected payments from the marquis.

  “Why, terzak? Did you plan to kill every Rebono who was ahead of you until the Throne was yours?”

  “Believe it or not, I didn’t want the Throne. I just wanted the Throne to stay out of my business and let me live as I pleased. For a while, I thought you would be the best man there. If you would have stopped your obsession with who killed the father that pushed you aside, you could have had it.”

  “He may not have been the best father, but I won’t deny he was an excellent king. Latoph had to come first. Father knew that. My father will be avenged. You will pay, swine. That much I promise you.”

  “Why don’t you just stab me? Rid Byntar of me right now. I don’t think you have the gonads to torture me for long. I heard what you did to the Dronak Death Gang. Fifteen minutes and they were dead. After all your whining about what they did to some stupid Itzi.”

  “Those stupid Itzi were Kee’s family, you dung-sucking worm. Ironically, she was never as stupid as you thought. Maybe if you’d taken time to get to know her, you would have noticed she could read and write. Maybe you’d have been more careful with parchments detailing plans to kill me and the king and queen.”

  terzak growled and jerked against his bonds. “That filthy little spy—”

  Vahn backhanded terzak. “More than anything else you’ve done, it’s Kee and her family I will torture you for—innocent Itzi who did nothing to you and were no threat at all to your ambitions. You gave no thought to their rapes and deaths. You hired the marauders just to stir up insecurity, didn’t you?”

  terzak spat at him.

  “That’s it. Your tongue is mine.”

  terzak quickly admitted guilt in hiring the Dronak Death Gang, but Vahn was far from caring. terzak was right. Vahn had been too lenient. He grabbed a large fishing hook from the dungeon shelf. Vahn pried terzak’s mouth open with the dagger and stabbed the end of his tongue with the hook. With terzak squealing and writhing against his bands, Vahn pulled hard on the hook and sliced his tongue off. terzak screamed against the gurgle of blood. Vahn shoved a dirty rag into his mouth to aid clotting and muffle the noise.

  “That was for xassa,” Vahn jeered. Ever so pleased with himself, he left the dungeon, swinging his
bloody little prize on its hook. Vahn had precious little left of the night and a public execution to plan in the morning. If possible, he wanted terzak to die before Kee did. Perhaps she could die a little happier. Vahn hung the hook on the dagger he’d thrown into the mantel in Great Throne Hall, then he lay down on the couch.

  Chapter 100

  Willow and Niles were up with the suns. They saw Duke Vahn on the couch and debated whether to wake him. Although their whispers were quiet, he woke anyway. “Sorry, your highness,” they said in unison.

  “Don’t be. I have to execute my cousin today. That box contained proof he killed my father. He’s guilty of so many crimes I’m at a loss how to punish him adequately.” He looked up at Willow. “How’s Kee?”

  Willow’s face lost all its animation. “Slipping away.”

  “You two eat. I’ll see if I can’t get some food into Kee. Lady Willow, please go find Lady Hocar. Captain Shil can tell you where to look. Ask her if she knows where Lady Ghiannelle and Lady Fawnessa are.”

  “Niles, I want you to take the formal charges on the men we sent to the ITC last night. Speak to Lord Galen Blackthorn while you’re there. Tell him about Kee and leave an invitation for anyone there who remembers her to come see her.”

  He encompassed both of them with his gaze. “Let them know tomorrow may be too late. I should have done this yesterday, but I was still hoping she’d pull through.”

  “We all were, your highness. I’m sure Kee was happier being with you,” Willow said.

  Vahn nodded absently. Everything had turned out so well, except when it came to Kee. He wondered whether she would care about terzak’s death. Maybe he should forget terzak and just be with her. He climbed the stairs joylessly, knowing it would be hard to see her.

  Kee was sleeping, as expected. Vahn kissed her cheek. Kee awoke and rubbed her eyes. “Good morning, Master Vahn,” she said in a small voice. Her tone was light even if there was no energy behind it.

  “Good morning, my precious gem,” he cooed back. That brought a smile to her face—a smile almost too wide. She cringed as she stretched the stitches in the claw marks.

  “Kee, love, that safe contained proof terzak killed my father. He also hired the men who killed your mother and sisters. I cut his tongue out and I’m going to have him executed. Do you want me to do it today or would you rather I stayed with you?”

  “It matters not to Kee when you kill him, Master Vahn. Kee is sure you will bring justice back to Latoph. Do whatever is best for the house. Kee will be gone soon and no one will have to bother with Kee anymore.”

  “Please don’t talk like that. I’d take care of you myself for the rest of my life if you could only stay with me. Don’t you know how much I need you?”

  “You don’t need Kee like this, Master Vahn.”

  “Anyone can be trained to cook and clean for me, but I can never replace your gentle spirit and your selfless heart. Those are far more important and as strong now as they ever were—perhaps even stronger. You lost your health because of your loyalty to me. Don’t ever think I only want you because of what you do. It’s because of who you are.”

  Kee broke down in tears. Vahn wrapped his long arms around her upper body and pulled her gently into a hug. He cried with her and held her tight. She hugged back with what little strength she had. It was hard to say how long the two held one another, but Kee couldn’t sustain consciousness. Vahn put her down as gently as he’d picked her up.

  He headed downstairs to inform Shil to execute terzak in the afternoon. Vahn was still torn between burning at the stake and live disembowelment, but he would consult his captain. Shil could take care of the details so he could stay with Kee. Vahn opened the heavy ebony doors to find the king and his entourage coming up the path. Vahn’s jaw dropped.

  “Good morning, Vahn,” Arx said snidely.

  “Good morning, Arx,” Vahn answered in an indifferent tone.

  “I came to see our cousin after I got this.” He held out the silver canister. “I met your other messenger on my way. Have you executed him yet?”

  “No. I was planning it today after what I learned early this morning. Please come in and be comfortable,” Vahn said, motioning to the entire crowd. They congregated in Great Throne Hall and waited for the king to sit first. Arx took Vahn’s throne. Vahn hid his irritation and took Saerula’s old throne next to his brother.

  “I’m sorry there’s no one here to serve you, but I sent my servants out on errands. A member of my house is on her deathbed and I’m afraid she won’t be with us much longer. I’m sending for her friends.”

  “I brought plenty of servants, Vahn. Tell me, is this the same house member who discovered the plot? I’d like to thank her in person.”

  “I just left her; she’s sleeping now. I’m sure she would love to see you though. First, brace yourself—I found Father’s killer,” Vahn announced.

  “Don’t tell me Terzak did that too?”

  “Fine, I won’t tell you. You can read it yourself. It’s all right here.” Vahn walked a few steps, lifted the huge stack of parchments, and dropped them in his brother’s lap. “Jeahn Vernass had a twin brother. He led Father’s party into an ambush, then killed his brother to stage his own death. All he had to do was switch his uniform for his brother’s clothes. terzak got him the job to begin with and paid him handsomely thereafter. He’s only dead now because terzak decided to kill him rather than keep paying what he agreed.”

  Arx scanned the papers in bewilderment. “I’m sorry I doubted you.”

  It was the first time Vahn could ever remember his brother apologizing. “All I ever wanted was justice for Father, for Latoph.”

  “I will see you get credit for finding his killers.”

  “I appreciate that, but Kee should get the credit. The men who died with Father should have proper memorials as well.”

  “I’ll see to it,” Arx said.

  Just as Vahn thought, nothing had been done yet. “Now all that’s left is executing the traitor. He’s in my dungeon. Here’s the key.” Vahn tossed it to Arx. “He’s all yours.”

  “Mine? Don’t you want to do it?”

  “I whipped him, forced him through the forest in his bare feet, branded him, beat him, starved him for three days, and cut his tongue out.” He pointed to the bloody trophy hanging on the mantel. “If Kee could come, maybe I’d handle the execution, but as it is, I’d rather spend the time with her. This is treason and you’re the king. You handle it. I’ll give you anything you need. All of Ny will turn out to cheer you on. I guarantee it.”

  That last phrase caught Arx’s attention. Ny was Vahn’s seat of power. Doubtless Arx saw this as a way to gain a foothold in his territory. “I’ll take care of it.”

  “I’ll show you to the dungeon. Sorry he’s unable to answer questions any longer. Maybe you can get him to nod and shake his head. Let me know what you decide on execution. After you set the plans in motion, I’ll take you up to see Kee.”

  Vahn was already out of the duchess’ throne and headed toward the dungeon. Arx followed, urging all but a single bodyguard to stay in Great Throne Hall. Vahn had to restrain himself from chuckling at that. After all he had gone through to solve his father’s murder and thwart royal assassinations, harming his brother was the last thing on his mind.

  Vahn lit some torches then smacked terzak with the plank again, just for his own gratification. “Good morning, slave. I’d like you to meet my brother, King Arx. He’ll be seeing to your execution as I have more important things to do. I hope Kilbash takes your worthless soul and kicks it all over the Abyss.”

  Arx watched in silence. Vahn paid a simple dip of his head in deference to the king and exited. He assumed his brother would probably do something clean and simple like a hanging, but it no longer mattered. Nothing was severe enough to satisfy Vahn’s wrath. All he wanted was Kee’s life and no amount of torture to terzak would accomplish that.

  Vahn took a quick trip out to the gates. Shil had rais
ed the royal banner to the pole atop the highest tower of Rebono Keep. Though Vahn hated to see that kingdom scarlet and gold above his own duchy black and silver, he was thankful that someone had seen to it. Vahn was in no mood for petty arguments with Arx and would not have remembered the proper courtesies in his present state. A crowd had gathered both inside and outside the gates, everyone abuzz with the news the king was present.

  “Captain Shil, please come inside. I have turned terzak’s execution over to King Arx. You are to be his liaison. Give him whatever he needs.”

  “Yes, your highness,” Shil said, snapping to attention.

  Vahn turned to the crowd and raised his voice to address them. “The one formerly known as Marquis Terzak Rebono has been found guilty of treason. He killed King Brendax and conspired to kill King Arx, Queen Phinia, and me. All of his plots were foiled and all of his secrets were uncovered by one brave woman, the former Freewill Slave known as Kee. This woman now lies dying because of her sacrifice for Latoph. I ask you all to entreat the Nymphs and the Heavenlies on her behalf. terzak will be publicly executed by the king later this afternoon.”

  Cheers went up from the throng. Did anyone even listen to the part about Kee? Did it matter whether they did or not? Could their prayers accomplish anything at this point? Everything seemed so hopeless. He turned and headed back to the keep. Shil followed.

  Once inside, Vahn found Arx waiting for him. Royal manners came as reflex. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting. This is my Captain of the Guard, Lord Najost Shil. He will supply anything you need for the execution.”

  “No need for apology,” Arx said. “I had a few choice words I wanted to share with our traitorous cousin. I have decided on pulling apart, if that meets with your approval.”

  Vahn was doubly surprised. Arx had chosen an appropriately violent execution and asked his approval. “Nothing could possibly sate my hatred for him, Arx. Just rid Latoph of his wretched existence. I’m going up to see Kee. Come when you’re ready. She’s in the master chambers.” Arx raised a brow but kept quiet.