The Desolate Empire Series: Books 1-3

by Christina Ochs

  They were silent for a moment. Larisa chewed her lip while Arryk became increasingly wet and miserable.

  “Why must you take the river?” she finally asked.

  “It’s the most direct way.” He’d never considered another.

  “True. But is it the best? Why not come over land?”

  “From where?”

  “Someplace with a nice beach and where you’re likely to find allies.”

  “Allies?” Arryk hadn’t considered that either, but liked the idea of getting help. “Would anyone be willing with the empress so powerful?”

  “Maybe. What about Helvundala? Isn’t the princess there Kendryk’s aunt?”

  “She is. And Helvundala has nice flat beaches.”

  “It’s perfect.” Larisa took his arm. “You can land on the beach, gather up allies and march on the castle in force. Even better,” she dragged him along the dock until they stood in front of the merchantman, “you can use ships of this size to carry troops and horses over.”

  “I still can’t afford to buy them.”

  “Don’t then. You can borrow them, rent them, confiscate them, whatever you need to. And you won’t need that many because you can make several trips. Load them up, take the troops over, unload them and bring them back a few more times. You’ll need a few days with good weather, but you can manage that by spring.”

  “I like it,” Arryk said. He would have to redraw all of his plans but since he had nothing but several pages of mad scribbles it was no great loss. “Come back to the palace with me. I’ll need your help to work it all out.”

  Janna

  “I never thought I’d be happy to be back,” Janna said after she, Braeden and Reno Torresia had passed through Atlona’s outer gates.

  “It’s nice to have friends already here,” Braeden said.

  Reno knew they planned to marry as soon as possible and said they should come straight to his daughter Adela’s house in the old town. Senta had been staying there, helping with Adela’s baby.

  “If you’re not too tired, you can stay for a few hours. I’m sure Senta will want to feed you and fuss over you,” Reno said with a friendly wink for Janna.

  “I can’t wait to see her.” Janna brought Zoltan to a sudden halt, unable to hold back a noise of dismay. The heads of the Moraltan rebels were still on top of the city’s inner wall. By now they were mostly bone and hair, but grisly all the same.

  “At least Prince Kendryk’s head isn’t up there yet,” Reno joked. “Though it’s true it would be fresh and pretty.”

  “Oh Holy Mother!” Janna said. “Surely the empress won’t …” She was angry with Prince Kendryk for starting so much trouble, but she didn’t wish for his death.

  “It’s unlikely,” Braeden said quickly. “Her Highness has gone to a lot of trouble to keep Prince Kendryk alive. As long as his wife holds Birkenfels, she won’t kill him. Probably.”

  “The poor man.” Janna was happy to look away from the heads and up at the Arnfels instead. An enormous mass of stone, it lacked the imposing grace of a castle like Birkenfels, though it must have been three times as big. “Do you suppose he’s in the dungeon?”

  “I would think so,” Braeden said.

  Janna fell in next to him. “Is it very terrible in there?” Braeden had never talked much about his brief stay there after he’d defied the empress by arresting Daciana Tomescu.

  “I imagine it’s worse in the winter, being so cold, but either way, it’s dark and there’s nothing to do. He’s more likely to die of boredom than beheading.”

  That didn’t make her feel much better and it was a relief to lose sight of the castle in the narrow streets. Then she forgot all about it once she saw the many shops and pretty houses. It had been so long since she’d been in a real city. She’d spent most of her last stay in Atlona in the Sanovan camp near the imperial palace.

  “You must do some shopping while we’re here,” Braeden said. “I want you to have plenty of warm things, and pretty ones too.”

  “That would be nice.” She smiled at him. “Though I’ll soon be too fat for most of them.”

  “Adela might have a few things you can use,” Reno said. “You’re of a size with her.”

  “I’ll ask Senta,” Janna said.

  It didn’t take long to find the tall, narrow, crowded house. Adela lived inside with her husband and baby, but so did her husband’s parents, his brother and wife, and two younger sisters. Senta had been packed in with the baby, but she’d rejoin Reno in the camp soon.

  Senta had seen them coming and ran out into the street to greet them. Reno jumped down from his horse, picked her up, swung her around, then kissed her long and deeply. Braeden and Janna couldn’t help but grin at each other. With any luck they’d be the same in twenty years.

  Braeden lifted Janna down, then handed the horses over to a young trooper responsible for getting them back to camp.

  Janna was scarcely on the ground before Senta enveloped her in a hug and soon they were crying and talking over each other.

  Still holding onto Janna, Senta led them inside. They all barely fit into a small front parlor. “Adela will be here as soon as the baby is awake,” Senta said. “In the meantime, you must tell me your plans.”

  “We plan to get married,” Braeden said.

  “I should hope so,” Senta said. “It’s much nicer to do it before she shows. I’m still angry that I couldn’t wear my best dress because I was too fat.”

  “Can you get that dress again?” Braeden asked. “You know the one …”

  “Of course I know. The empress dress. When do you want to do it?”

  “Tomorrow,” Braeden said, and Janna laughed.

  Senta shook her head. “I doubt it can be done. We must find a temple and a priest, and plan for a little party. A week?”

  “A week will be perfect.” Janna wondered how they could arrange anything in such a short time. “Please let me help.”

  “Absolutely not,” Senta said. “I am happy to do this. I have wanted nothing more than a wife for Signor all these many years and I could never find a girl good enough for him. This is a dream come true for me.” She put her hand over her heart and Janna worried she might cry again. “I was not even so happy when our own Cara married.”

  “That’s because she married that silly fop,” Reno growled.

  “Edwyn is a very nice young man,” Senta said. “Though he isn’t a soldier and takes a bit too much care with his clothing, but he adores our girl.”

  “He adores her because she’s as silly as he is.” Reno shook his head.

  “It is true, they are very silly together,” Senta agreed. “They will do well at court I think. But I am happier about these two. Just look at them. Not silly at all.”

  “That’s a relief,” Braeden said.

  Senta insisted they stay to supper, which was a crowded, lively and delicious affair. Senta and Adela shouted at each other over the din, arguing about which temple to use and where to hold the feast.

  “Oh, I don’t want a feast,” Janna said. “It’s too much.”

  “Just a little one,” Senta said.

  “You must let her,” Adela said. “Mama loves feasts and Cara’s mother-in-law planned hers. I’m surprised there wasn’t bloodshed.”

  Janna looked at Braeden, who shrugged and grinned. They both knew Senta and it was best to let her have her way.

  They walked back to the parade ground after supper. The sky had cleared and it was a cold, starry night. Janna looked down as they passed the inner wall with its heads, but after that they both enjoyed the view. She linked her arm with Braeden’s and laid her head on his shoulder as they walked.

  “It seems so long ago that we went to the palace,” Janna said. “I feel like a different person.”

  “Much has changed,” Braeden agreed. “For the better, I hope.”

  “Oh yes.” She smiled up at him. It was true, she was mostly happy now. She still remembered Anyezka and Anton with a pang
, and thinking of having a baby of her own sometimes caused her a bit of wistful pain. But she was so much stronger now, and she had Braeden. Together, they would keep this baby—and any future babies—safe.

  Kendryk

  Though Kendryk was miserable and in pain, he couldn’t complain about his treatment. He understood little of medicine, but clearly Sybila was good at what she did. Unsurprising, if she served the empress herself. Still, he wasn’t sure if he would survive, or if he wanted to.

  For all he knew, his family were refugees and Teodora had killed Edric already. She might just be keeping Kendryk alive to hold leverage over any other rebels. Or she wanted him able to mount the scaffold without help. Much as he didn’t care if he lived or died, the very idea of that gave him chills. The pain itself wouldn’t be any worse than what he’d already endured, but trying to be brave in front of so many who wished him dead seemed almost impossible.

  “Why so gloomy?”

  He started, since he hadn’t heard Sybila enter the room.

  He smiled back at her friendly face. “I can’t imagine. Maybe I’m offended because no one invited me to the victory feast.”

  “Better that no one did,” Sybila said lightly. “You’d be the main dish.”

  “True,” Kendryk said, unable to keep smiling for long.

  Sybila fussed with his bandages and made tsking noises over them.

  Kendryk wrinkled his nose. “Is that smell coming from me?”

  “I’m afraid so. That wound is still festering, though your fever isn’t so bad. I worry I’ll have to take the leg, or at least part of it.”

  “I don’t suppose it makes much difference, does it?”

  “You might die if the infection spreads.”

  “I think that would be best.”

  Sybila stopped what she was doing and sat down next to him. She took one of his hands in her tiny, warm one. “I wish you didn’t feel that way.”

  “Can you blame me? I’ve lost everything, and I doubt I’ll get it back. I’ll never see my wife and children again and I’m responsible for my country’s destruction.”

  Sybila sighed. “It’s not as bad as all that.”

  “It is.”

  “No, it’s not.” She got up and closed the door after looking down the corridor both ways. She sat back down and took both his hands in hers. “Now, you must promise me you will tell no one about this. The empress is certain of your ignorance, so you mustn’t let on, no matter how much she goads you.”

  “I promise.” Kendryk’s heart suddenly beat much faster. What the empress’s friends considered good news might be rather different from what was good for him.

  “There is a great deal of hope,” Sybila said. “Your wife still holds the castle of Birkenfels and refuses to treat with the empress.”

  The relief washing over him was so profound he trembled and had to gasp for air before he could speak.”Thank the gods. I hoped she would, but I worried the castle might not hold.”

  Sybila seemed to understand and stroked his hands until he could master himself. “It has, according to the last news I received. And as time goes by, she might be persuaded to surrender in exchange for you.”

  “I don’t want her to,” Kendryk said. “I made her promise not to.”

  Sybila pulled back a bit and frowned. “Goodness, that’s rather strange.”

  “I have my reasons.”

  “I’m sure you do.” Sybila looked at him searchingly. “Now, it’s possible the empress will mention it. She would very much like to have that castle and the priest your wife still shelters. You won’t consider an exchange with him?”

  “That’s exactly what I won’t consider, and I made my wife swear not to as well. If he falls into the empress’s hands, then all of this was for nothing.”

  Sybila squeezed his hands while shaking her head. “I admire your principles, even after what you’ve been through, though I don’t claim to understand. You could be reunited with your family and live in comfort in Norovaea. Who knows what might happen after that? You are still very young. You might even see Terragand again someday.”

  “I can’t do that. I won’t do it.” Saying the words helped prop up his resolve, because Kendryk had to admit that he would do just about anything to see Gwynneth and the children. And the idea of living in peace somewhere nice became more tempting as every day passed with nothing but chilly stone walls around him.

  “Please give it some thought. You are still unwell and I’d hoped to give you something to look forward to.”

  Kendryk smiled. “You’ve made me feel much better. If the empress had given me the same news, I might have suspected her of lying. At least now I’m no longer worried about my family.”

  “Count Ensden still besieges the castle.”

  “Gwynneth won’t give in. And before long, she’ll receive help from somewhere. I’m sure of it.”

  “I’m glad you’re a bit more hopeful. Now I want you to concentrate all of your will on healing. A great deal might still happen and you will be better able to face it if you are well and strong and in possession of both legs.”

  “I’d prefer that too.” Kendryk managed one more smile before she left. As soon as the heavy door closed behind her and he heard the key turning in the lock, he screwed his eyes shut. He had done his best to put his family from his mind because the thought they might already be dead was too painful. But now he could allow himself a little hope, he tried to picture them in the castle, safe behind its thick walls. It would be hard to wait for help but Gwynneth was strong and she’d keep the children in good spirits. He just hoped they knew he was still alive and that the knowledge would comfort them.

  Teodora

  “He must be better by now!” It wasn’t a question. Teodora had waited more than long enough.

  “Better yes, but still not strong, and I worry his leg isn’t healing as it should.” Sybila was unflappable as ever.

  “Can he carry on a conversation?”

  “Well enough.”

  “That’s all I need.” Teodora rose from behind the table and Sybila stood as well. “You’ll accompany me to the Arnfels. I don’t wish him to die of shock when he sees me.” She’d welcome an hour away from her never-ending work.

  “I’ve already told him you might call on him,” Sybila said. “He’ll be as prepared as he can be.”

  It was a crisp, sunny winter’s day, so Teodora went on horseback while Sybila followed in a coach. She’d had little time for outdoor exercise since returning. Though the nobles of Olvisya were falling into line well enough, they still complained and stalled at every opportunity. One would think a penny of tax had never been collected from any of them, and considering her lily-livered forebears, that might well be the case. They’d become accustomed to her way soon enough, even though it cost her every waking hour.

  She rode straight into the courtyard of the castle, dismounted and went in. Sybila would be there soon but Teodora wouldn’t mind a moment alone with her prize. It was reassuring to see guards lining the corridor outside his room deep inside the fortress. She didn’t like that he wasn’t in the dungeon, but didn’t see how anyone could attempt a rescue as things stood. She couldn’t think of who would try.

  A guard opened the door and Teodora swept in, wrinkling her nose at a faint smell of putrefaction; Sybila was right about his wound.

  “Bring light,” she ordered the guard, who materialized with a lamp.

  Teodora advanced on the bed. The little prince was asleep. She took the lamp and nodded dismissal at the guard. She stood at the foot of the bed for a moment and studied him. He looked far better than he had on the road. It probably helped that Sybila had cleaned him up. He’d even had a recent shave, assuming such a baby needed one. She took a step closer, and he opened his eyes, blinking against the light. She allowed herself a moment to enjoy their beauty before moving closer.

  “Your Highness,” he said, his tone as courtly as always.

  “Prince Kendryk,” she
said, just as politely, wondering how much longer she’d address him that way. That was up to him. She sat down on the edge of the bed. “I must discuss a few things with you.”

  “I thought you might.” He still wasn’t as cowed as she would have liked. That would change soon.

  “First, I’d like to let you know that your wife and children are safe and well, for the time being.”

  “That’s good,” he said calmly.

  “That can change quickly, I assure you.”

  “Really?”

  “It can. They are in my custody and are being treated as befits their station. Should you fail to agree to my proposal, that will no longer be the case.”

  “I’d like to see them.”

  “What?”

  “If you have them in custody then I’d like to see them. My wife or daughter please, so they can verify that they’re being treated well.”

  This was unacceptable. Sybila had done her job too well and he was feeling a little too good. Teodora put one hand on his thigh and pressed down.

  He yelped, but quickly clenched his teeth and was quiet. She kept the pressure on. He turned pale and started shaking.

  “Your Highness, please!” Sybila had come in, and snatched up Teodora’s hand. “You’re hurting him. Even the smallest bit of pressure …”

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” Teodora said, her eyes never leaving Kendryk’s. “We were just talking. My hand must have slipped.”

  “Please be more careful, Your Highness.” Sybila was too comfortable around her. They had been in school together and Sybila had delivered all of her children, but it didn’t excuse her lack of proper deference. Teodora would have to have a word.

  When she turned back to Kendryk, he’d recovered a little.

  “I’m afraid I can’t allow your family to visit,” she said sweetly. “Too risky.”

  “Then I can’t agree to your proposal, whatever it is.”

  “Your agreement isn’t required in any case. You will abdicate as ruler of Terragand.” She paused here and watched him. He hadn’t been expecting that, judging by how he turned paler than she thought possible.