The Desolate Empire Series: Books 1-3

by Christina Ochs

  “What good does it do? Half the country is in ruins and Evard can’t control the other. Everyone follows Edric Landrus. Oh, I regret the moment I offered to bring that heretic here. If he’d been executed in Kronfels, none of this would have happened.”

  “I disagree.” Livilla’s calm seemed unshakable. She walked to a bench in front of a large window and sat down, the afternoon sunlight casting a halo around her head. “You acted as you did to avert open rebellion. Events were already in motion before the trial. But you must look forward, not back.”

  “I must do something.” Teodora forced herself to stop pacing and sat down beside Livilla. “Why didn’t I hear from Elektra about this?”

  “Hasn’t she written to you? I’ve received several letters from her.”

  “She’s sent me several as well. Full of the most boring talk of staff meetings and logistics and maps. It seems the child has developed a fascination for infantry tactics. I would be proud, except I need her to become more interested in Mattila’s other activities.”

  “Don’t be too angry with her,” Livilla said. “If Mattila has any sense, she makes sure that Elektra is not privy to discussions of interest to you. She’ll fill her ears with military trivia, which she’ll dutifully report back to you, while she makes her other plans secretly.”

  “Elektra must gain her trust somehow.”

  “She will. She looks unremarkable, but that can work to her advantage. In time, Mattila will see she’s not a threat and let down her guard. You don’t see it, but Elektra has a way about her, a gift for making friends. She will win Mattila over before long.”

  “I hope so,” Teodora grumbled. “I must learn Mattila’s plans before she can act on them. I agreed to let her command my army, not make unilateral decisions on prisoner exchanges. She must obey me.”

  “Perhaps I can help,” Livilla said. “I’ve developed a plan to put a stop to the Quadrene heresy. While the Kronland cities are rife with it, it’s also been spreading in the armies. I’ve received worrisome reports from chaplains assigned to Mattila’s troops.”

  “How is the heresy taking hold there?” Was there no end to the problems Kendryk and his horrid priest had caused?

  “Soldiers are questioning their chaplains and showing them pamphlets and copies of the Holy Scrolls.”

  “How did they receive those? We must stop them now.” Teodora couldn’t imagine how and felt the blood roaring in her ears again.

  “I believe I’ve found a way.”

  “Tell me.” Teodora tried to calm herself.

  “Quadrene fanatics fill the ranks of the allied armies. Since Faris’s defeat, many of them fight for Mattila, but they brought their heretical faith with them.”

  “Unacceptable.”

  “I agree. Especially since Mattila has done nothing to stop this. I asked Elektra about it, and she in turn asked Mattila what she plans to do about these heretical practices.”

  “And what did she say?”

  “She laughed and said she’s a soldier, not a priestess, and doesn’t care what gods her troops pray to as long as they fight well.”

  “I cannot allow this.”

  “Neither can I. As Maxima of Olvisya, I am responsible for the spiritual well-being of the Olvisyan soldiers. Since they’re being threatened by heretical teachings, I must stop those teachings. I have already trained a group of clerics to send to the army. They will replace all current chaplains, with the exceptions of a few proven to be solid in their faith. They will convert all the Quadrene soldiers and correct the errors of those infected by heresy. All who refuse will be disciplined.”

  “Mattila won’t like that.”

  “No, she won’t. But she will comply or become herself suspected of heresy. I won’t ask her to dismiss or execute soldiers who don’t comply—that would play into the hands of the enemy. But she will need to fine officers and imprison enlisted troops.”

  “Much as I want to inconvenience her, I still need her to win,” Teodora said, though she felt considerable glee picturing Mattila’s frustration.

  “Oh, she’ll win anyway, and I’m sure she’ll soon learn to deal with this as well. She’s resourceful. But in the meantime, it will show her she’s not the only one with power over her people.”

  “How soon can you start this?”

  “Right away. I started special training for this group shortly after Kendryk rescued Edric Landrus. I knew we would need to counter this new heresy.”

  “Why did it take so long? I wish we had stopped it at the beginning.”

  “So do I. But Landrus makes a compelling argument, based on the actual words in the Scrolls. The best way to counter him is to put forth arguments even more persuasive than his that are also based in the study of the Scrolls.”

  “Isn’t that dangerous? So many people reading the original words, it makes me nervous.”

  “I worried too, at first. But it’s easy to manipulate the interpretation in our favor. That’s all Landrus and his followers do. People can read the words, but he tells them how they are to understand them. We can do the same thing, but on a larger scale. There is just one Landrus, but we can offer great numbers of those teaching our truth.”

  “How many do you have?”

  “Two hundred.”

  Teodora gasped. “And you’ll send all of them to the army?”

  “Yes, and two hundred more are in training. Best of all, Elektra is already well-versed in these teachings. I’ll ask her to offer unconditional support to these clerics and Mattila can’t say a word against it.”

  “You’re a wonder,” Teodora said. “I never thought of taking that approach.”

  Livilla smiled. “It’s my job to consider the religious possibilities. And someone has just arrived who might help you with military options. An old friend of yours, who hates Brynhild Mattila even more than you do.”

  Gwynneth

  Natalya had done better than get Gwynneth a private audience with the king; they were to have supper, just the three of them. It was a far more intimate setting than the usual small council chamber and having Natalya there gave her confidence.

  When Gwynneth reached the small dining room, exquisitely appointed as the rest of the palace, the king was already there. Perhaps she was predisposed because of Kendryk’s affection for him, but she liked Gauvain Brevard at once.

  His looks were unprepossessing. He was short and scrawny, with a head too large for his body. His features were ungainly and topped by a mop of sandy hair. But his crooked smile was generous and unlike most Galladian courtiers, he was completely unaffected.

  He greeted Gwynneth like a long-lost sister, taking both her hands and kissing her cheeks in the Galladian manner. He kept her hands in his while regarding her with a friendly grin. “I’ve heard so much about you from both Kendryk and Natalya, I feel like we already know each other well.”

  “It’s the same for me.” Gwynneth returned his smile. “And I’m so pleased to find you good friends with Natalya.”

  He flushed crimson and Gwynneth nearly loved him at that moment. “I had no choice,” he said with a shy smile. “She’s quite irresistible.”

  “Now we’ve all established how much we love each other,” Natalya said wryly, “let’s go in to supper before it’s cold. “

  They sat around a tiny table, served by an elaborately liveried footman. Once their glasses were filled with a dark red wine, the king raised his and said, “To Kendryk, who is missed more than words can say.”

  Caught off guard, Gwynneth quickly took several sips to cover her emotion. It wouldn’t do to dissolve into tears just yet. But the other two were infinitely tactful, and while they ate, kept the conversation on neutral topics, such as their children and the general state of affairs in Galladium. Once the seven-course meal was finished, they moved into a small adjoining parlor.

  When they were seated again, the king asked, “So tell me Gwynneth, what news do you have of Kendryk, if any?”

  “I have none,�
� Gwynneth said. “In the early months of the siege, I received a letter from the empress, asking me to turn over Edric Maximus and the castle in exchange for Kendryk. Then I heard he had been deposed in favor of Evard, and that was the last of it. “

  “I don’t wish to accuse you in any way,” Gauvain said, clearly choosing his words with care. “But I have to wonder why you didn’t give in to the empress’s demands.”

  “I wonder at it myself.” Gwynneth met his eyes without flinching. “It would have been so easy, but Kendryk made me swear I wouldn’t before he went into battle. He had guessed what Teodora would demand should he lose and he made me promise not to surrender the castle or the priest.”

  Natalya looked at her searchingly. “It seems that in such a situation disobedience might be forgiven.”

  “Usually, it might,” Gwynneth said. “But the circumstances were different. I don’t want to go into detail, but I had to prove myself to him.”

  “Of course,” the king said. “You did what you thought was best and I’m sure Kendryk appreciates your loyalty. Now the problem remains how we spring him. I’m sure he is still alive. The empress gains nothing at this point by concealing his death and word of it would deal a terrible blow to you and your brother’s hopes. I’ve made overtures to the empress myself, but the conditions she required were impossible.”

  “I still appreciate it. Kendryk prizes your friendship above all others.”

  “I wish I could do more.”

  “Perhaps you can, but in a military, rather than diplomatic way.” Gwynneth didn’t see any point in pretending she wanted anything less.

  Gauvain smiled ruefully. “If things were different, I’d put all of my armies at your disposal until Kendryk is returned to you. But I find myself beset on all sides. Tell her, Natalya.”

  Natalya came from the window where she’d been standing and perched on the arm of the king’s chair. Unconsciously, his hand caressed the small of her back. Gwynneth smiled at the intimate gesture. It caused her less pain than she had expected to see a happy couple.

  “Things are better than when Gauvain first gained the throne,” Natalya said. “But not much. With the truce in Floradias, Maladena threatens our borders again. Thanks to the late king’s efforts, we have a strong military, but its commanders are difficult to control. Most are dukes and princes who think they must be consulted at every turn. Many still question Gauvain’s authority, feeling he came to power too young.”

  “I will help,” the king said. “I swear it. It will just take time before I can use the military. But I don’t wish to leave Kendryk imprisoned any longer, so Natalya has conceived a plan that might secure his release.”

  Gwynneth’s heart leapt in unexpected hope, but once Natalya explained what they would offer Teodora, it sank again. “I hope it works. But if it does, she will insist on exile,” Gwynneth said. “There’s no way she’ll release him just to allow him back into the field against her.”

  “No, she will not.” Natalya’s eyes were full of sympathy. “But exile is not the end of the world. And it would mean an end to this dreadful war, before anyone else gets involved.”

  “But what about the Faith and Edric Maximus? I don’t think Kendryk could accept the end of that.”

  “Edric continues as he is and the Faith continues to change. He will not be part of the deal although Kendryk will have to agree to not help him.”

  “He might not agree to that,” Gwynneth whispered. “I’m not sure I want him to.”

  “I will speak with Kendryk myself,” Natalya said. “The new faith has taken on its own momentum now and neither Kendryk nor you are needed to see it continue. Since I know you wish to stay involved, what I propose is this: Kendryk goes into exile, but instead of Norovaea, the two of you and your children will come here. I am just beginning to make the necessary changes to the Faith, and I can use the help of knowledgeable people like you. You will be among friends, in a place where you can do some good. And I believe Teodora will overreach herself before long. Much can change in a few years and exile need not be forever.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” Gwynneth’s mind was at war. On the one hand, she would give anything to see Kendryk back with her and safe. On the other, she didn’t wish to abandon Kronland to Teodora’s retribution. “But what if Teodora takes measures to act against Kronland?”

  “That will be part of the deal,” Natalya said. “She may not intervene in Kronland’s religious affairs. I will make her understand it was her interference that caused the problem in the first place. Kronland must be given independence in this matter.”

  “Who will guarantee it?” Gwynneth asked. “Since Galladium is not in a position to force Teodora to behave.”

  “We cannot do it,” Natalya said. “Not right now, at least. But that’s where you can help.”

  Janna

  While Braeden was still gone on the prisoner exchange, Janna started feeling sick again. Before he had returned, she was certain she was pregnant. This worried her, not because of the discomfort and risk, but because she was sure he would send her away.

  Braeden had caught up to them before they engaged Seward Kurant’s army in Terragand. Kurant had marched from Podoska with several thousand mercenaries, many of them hired from Briansk, far to the east.

  “He’ll lead us on a merry chase, if he’s smart,” Braeden said, sitting on the cot, and bouncing Iryna on his knee. Little as she was, she remembered him and smiled when she saw him, which Janna could tell pleased him. “You’ll see even more of Terragand than you did last time.”

  “I’m glad you’re back. I try to believe that you’ll be safe no matter what, but I can’t help but picture the most awful things.”

  “I know,” Braeden said. “Come here.” He pulled Janna onto his other knee. “Prince Novitny won’t let us go out unless we’re prepared. No one bothered us, not even the remnants of Orland’s army.”

  Janna shuddered. “Are they very desperate?”

  “Yes, though by now most are gone. Those that survived joined Emilya Hohenwart up north, or went to Floradias. There’s a rumor that Arian Orland is there trying to raise more troops.”

  “Why doesn’t he give up?” Janna wondered. “Didn’t he lose everything?”

  Braeden shrugged. “Now he has to get it back. He doesn’t strike me as the sort to give up easy. Besides, what else would he do? Some of us are cut out for fighting and nothing else.”

  “Is that what you’d do? If you lost everything?” Janna leaned against his shoulder.

  “Sure. Nothing for it but to keep trying. It’s what you’d do too. It’s what you did, even though you didn’t see it that way.”

  “I gave up,” Janna said. “Long before you found me, I’d given up.”

  “Well, you weren’t doing a good job of it, seeing’s you were still alive. And now with Iryna, it’s even more important to keep going.”

  Janna nodded. They were quiet for a moment, then she burst out. “I’m pregnant.”

  He looked at her, clearly delighted. “You sure?”

  “Yes. I didn’t want to tell you right away.”

  “Why not? You had to know I’d be happy.”

  “Oh yes. But also worried you’d start thinking about sending me away again.”

  Braeden’s smile faded. “Oh, that. Well, I won’t send you away if you don’t want to go. I’d rather see you safe, but I hate making you cry.” He snorted. “Never thought I’d get so soft in my old age.”

  Janna snuggled up against him, smiling. “It will be fine. Doctor Toure is here and she’s excellent. I’ve already spoken with her and she’ll keep an especially close eye on me this time to make sure there aren’t any problems. Besides, we might be in winter quarters by the time I’m due.”

  “Very likely,” Braeden said. “Mattila wants to engage Arryk before then, but if she can’t manage it, I doubt she’ll chase him when the weather gets bad.”

  Janna was pleased he’d reacted so well. “I’m sure i
t will be a boy,” she said.

  “I hope so. Though I wouldn’t mind another like this one.” Braeden planted a kiss on Iryna’s curly head. “She’s as sweet as her mother, and no trouble at all.”

  “I’ve found the oldest are often easy.” Janna smiled. “So you’ll have more. Then the second ones are dreadful.”

  “I suppose we’ll find out,” Braeden said, his eyes twinkling. “I can’t wait to meet him.”

  They had to travel far to catch up with Kurant. Janna was sick more often and Braeden insisted she not ride Zoltan, so she had to walk, or ride in a wagon. It wasn’t so bad. Nisa Retter was pregnant with her fourth, and Janna rode with her. Iryna could play with her little ones and Janna had someone to talk to.

  “It’s best if we’re in winter quarters,” Nisa said, “but you’ll manage either way. It’s always hardest, getting used to the first baby, but now you’ve done it, it’ll be easier. Ask your husband about hiring another servant or two—it’s nice to have the extra help.”

  Money was no problem for the officers in this army. With all the gold and plunder, it was easy to find people to hire. The bad times in the countryside meant that many left the land and followed the army instead, doing what they could to make a living.

  Janna decided to wait before asking for more servants. She wanted to complain as little as possible so Braeden would have no cause to send her back to Atlona.

  Arryk

  “Prince Bronson, it’s good to see you.” Arryk forced a friendly smile, though he had little use for the crusty old fellow. “What brings you to Fromenberg?” He didn’t mention that Bronson was supposed to be very far away, helping Emilya Hohenwart build up her forces.

  “It’s that woman.” Prince Bronson ground his teeth, after taking his place at a table where a servant had cleared a space. Arryk kept it covered with maps and papers. Even when he didn’t know what to do, the mess made him feel like he was working very hard.