The Challenge: Circle of Conspiracy Trilogy (Artesans Series Book 4)

by Cas Peace

  He was perplexed. “What? What efforts?”

  She smiled wider and giggled. “Oh, Cal, we’re going to be parents!”

  His expression caused her to laugh lightheadedly. As her words sank in his shock gave way to a huge and foolish grin, and she saw tears start in his eyes. They mirrored her own. He rose slowly, placing his empty glass blindly on a low table. It teetered and tipped over the edge, but he didn’t notice. He crossed to her and kneeled by her side, taking up her hands. “Oh, gods, Rienne! How long have you known?”

  “Only a couple of days. I want Brynne to confirm it for me, but I needed to tell you first. Cal, we’re having a baby!”

  He enfolded her joyfully in his arms, his happiness overflowing.

  Eventually, they disengaged. “What’s Taran going to say?” murmured Cal.

  Rienne dried her eyes. “He’ll be as proud as you are, I’m sure. It’s Brynne I’m worried about. I know she says she’s come to terms with being barren, but I don’t believe her. She and Robin would make such good parents, and I know that having a family would make up for what she’s lost. She still grieves for her own parents, you know. A baby would help her put all that sorrow to rest. I want to involve her as much as I can in our children, my love, and maybe that way I can help her. You won’t mind, will you?”

  “Of course not, sweeting. You’ll need a friend and someone to help you get lots of rest. Involve her as much as you like! But I want to play my part too, you know.” A sudden thought struck him. “Do you think he’ll be an Artesan?”

  She cocked her head. “He?”

  “Or she.” Cal smiled. “I really don’t mind either way, you know. I was just wondering….”

  “I’ll ask Brynne,” said Rienne, not having considered this. “She’s bound to know. But I don’t want you to tell anyone else until I’ve spoken to her, do you hear? And don’t go around with that silly big grin on your face or everyone will guess. Especially don’t tell Bulldog! Much as I love him, he couldn’t keep a secret like this to save his mother.”

  Cal chuckled. “He’ll make a wonderful uncle!”

  She returned his grin.

  *****

  Taran passed the rest of the journey to the Manor in a state of growing apprehension. He lent Denny as much strength as the man needed to cope with his pain and the rigors of the ride, and it drained him. He slipped into a semi-trance, turning the events of the last six days over in his mind.

  A dreadful thought suddenly hit him. Would Sullyan tell Robin of his shameful lapse that first day by the stream? Taran knew she would never use the incident against him, but he also knew she kept no secrets from her life mate. His stomach churned, and he was deeply fearful of what Robin would think. The young Major had trusted Taran with Sullyan’s safety, and Taran knew he had betrayed that trust by overstepping his bounds. The fact that he would never have acted on his desire did nothing to excuse the fact that he had wanted to, and no matter how often Robin assured him that he accepted how Taran felt, Taran always felt guilty and awkward over the depth of his passion. Now he had even more cause to feel ashamed.

  *****

  Denny, riding by Taran’s side, was in a considerable amount of pain despite Taran’s flow of supportive metaforce. Trying to take his mind off it, the young officer studied Taran. The man’s eyes were fixed on Sullyan and he appeared to be brooding over something. Denny thought he knew what it was. After all, Taran’s feelings sat naked on his face. He was completely unaware of Denny’s scrutiny, and the injured officer gave a knowing smile.

  He had heard and observed Taran’s many defenses of Sullyan at Port Loxton and had quickly formed his own conclusions. The juicy piece of castle gossip he had heard the servants passing round before they had left only served to cement those conclusions. It was obvious anyway. Protest how he might, Taran was clearly a man in love. Denny was looking forward to spending some time at the Manor and observing the results of this byplay. It just might, he thought, help alleviate the boredom of what was bound to be a long recovery.

  He had always liked and respected Sullyan, not least for her help when they were cadets together. Yet she made it plain very early on in their friendship that she would never entertain any thoughts of a relationship with him. He eventually accepted this decision, unlike some, and bore her no ill will. But he had always wondered when scandal would strike her, as it was inevitable when one attractive female was surrounded by so many virile young males. He was interested to see how she coped with it. He eyed Taran speculatively, wondering how the good-looking Adept compared to the man Sullyan had married.

  He was soon to find out.

  *****

  Taran came out of his reverie to see Sullyan riding ahead of their party. He understood why when his ears registered the sounds of approaching horses. It was their expected escort. He berated himself for his sinking heart when he realized Robin was leading them. He watched Sullyan and Robin exchange a brief but intense clasp of hands. They broke apart quickly, and Sullyan led Robin back to the King.

  As they reached him, she said, “You have command, Major. Your Majesty, with your leave I will ride on ahead. The General will expect a full report on recent events and I must see him before I can rest. You are in safe hands now.”

  Taran saw Elias’s puzzlement as he waved assent, and even Robin raised his brows at her phrasing. Before they could respond, she turned Drum’s head and urged him forward, the big black surging into a ground-eating gallop. Soon, she was out of sight.

  Robin deployed his men and rode round the remnants of Denny’s command before coming over to Taran. The Adept turned crimson as Robin approached, failing to hide the awkward embarrassment he felt. Denny smiled faintly as he acknowledged Robin’s polite nod.

  Robin took no obvious notice of Taran’s discomfiture and greeted him warmly. “What was all that about?” he asked, referring to Sullyan’s abrupt departure.

  Taran struggled for composure. “She feels she failed the King today, but Elias doesn’t see it that way.”

  Pulling Torka closer to Taran’s horse, Robin pitched his voice low. “How was she while you were away?”

  Taran shrugged. “Not always at her best. But she fought as well as ever today. She has nothing to blame herself for.”

  Robin smiled. “Well, you know what she’s like.” He placed a friendly hand on Taran’s shoulder and looked the Adept in the eye. “Thank you for looking after her for me.” Taran felt himself blushing furiously. Robin took this as a reaction to his praise and his smile deepened. “You know how much I appreciate it,” he added, compounding Taran’s misery. He nodded to Denny and pushed Torka forward to take up his position at the head of the party. Taran knew the Major had no idea of the real reason for his flaming face, and he couldn’t guess how Robin would react if he found out.

  Taran became aware of a low chuckling and turned to see Denny sporting a smug expression. “What?” he demanded.

  Denny shook his head. “Oh, but you’re a dark horse, my friend.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  The injured officer indicated Robin with a nod of his head. “I take it that’s who I think it is?”

  “That’s Major Tamsen, yes,” said Taran.

  “And he’s married to Sullyan?”

  “You know he is. Why do you ask?”

  Denny’s lip curled. “Why do I ask? Captain, that is one of the handsomest men I’ve seen in a long while! You’re a captain, he’s a major, you’re in love with his wife, and yet he thanks you for ‘looking after’ her?” He snorted. “I’d say you’re treading a very dangerous path, my friend.”

  Taran’s face flamed yet again, and he knew there was no use denying Denny’s assumption. It would only make matters worse. Instead, he tried another tack. “He knows all about it.”

  Denny’s eyes bulged. “He knows? I find that hard to believe! Why does he put up with it?”

  “He’s known from the start,” snapped Taran, hating having to defend himself before the
young officer. “It was before they were wed. And anyway, we’re all friends. He knows I’d never do anything to jeopardize that.”

  Denny huffed, incredulous. “Well! I thought I was liberal, but I’ve never heard the like. This is going to be a very interesting few days.”

  He fell silent, exhausted by the exchange, and Taran stared sullenly at his saddle. His worst fears would come to pass if Denny didn’t keep this quiet. Taran could hardly beg him to keep his mouth shut. It would only provoke the man. And he knew that soldiers were at their most talkative when bored and inactive through injury. Denny was likely to spread his gossip throughout the Manor, and there wasn’t a thing Taran could do about it. He would just have to hope that the rest of the men treated it as old news.

  He completed the ride in disgruntled silence.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Sullyan reached the Manor about an hour ahead of the King. She went straight to Blaine’s office and remained closeted with him for the rest of the evening. When the royal party arrived, Elias and the Baron were entertained by Vassa, as Blaine had sent his apologies, still deep in discussions with Sullyan.

  Bulldog was summoned to attend Blaine in order to provide Sullyan with firsthand details of the raids in Andaryon. Robin was still on duty, and the whole Manor was on extra alert after the shocking events of the past few days.

  Messages were constantly being passed between the Manor and Port Loxton, especially now, so no one remarked on the runner who left shortly after the King’s arrival. She carried an urgent and personal message for the Queen, although she had no idea of its contents. Runners were trusted implicitly not to break the seals on the messages they carried, and this one bore the King’s crest. Even if it fell into the wrong hands, its contents would arouse no suspicion nor direct any unauthorized reader to suspect it was not from the King. Its author, Baron Reen, had taken great pains to ensure that, while reflecting that the King’s invention of a secure runner system was well-conceived indeed.

  *****

  Along with the other wounded, Lieutenant-Major Denny was settled into the infirmary by Rienne and her team of healers. She gave him a powerful sleeping draft before treating his injuries. His badly broken arm reminded her of Cal’s at the siege of Hyecombe, and she could only hope that Denny would recover as well as Cal had. He was too young to be crippled, and it would not be for lack of her care if he was.

  She was busy with her patient until late and was not there when Taran returned to their shared rooms. By the time Rienne arrived, he had already gone to his rest. Rienne was pleased. She didn’t want anything spoiling her surprise.

  *****

  Baron Reen endured the meal in Elias’s and Vassa’s company with self-satisfied calm. Despite his aching ribs, he was feeling a certain amount of pleasurable anticipation after discovering the note concealed under his pillow earlier. Its contents had lifted his disgruntled mood considerably.

  Dinner over, he sat alone in his room in a large, velvet-upholstered wing chair, pleasantly full of roast goose and sipping at a very acceptable brandy while awaiting his visitor. In his right hand he toyed with two gold rings which chimed faintly while he appreciated the play of lamplight through the dark liquid and cut crystal in his left.

  The room contained only one other chair, not as comfortable as the one supporting Reen’s weight, and the vast four-poster bed. The bed’s heavy drapes were tied back, as the weather was currently warm, but the matching drapes at the closed windows were drawn shut. Reen would have preferred some fresh air, but he dared not open the windows until his visitor had gone. The King had retired for the night and the Manor was quiet, but he could not discount the possibility of someone overhearing.

  When the tap at his door finally came, Reen was in a mellow mood. As he admitted the sallow-faced young man he couldn’t resist a theatrical glance up and down the corridor and a hissed, “Are you sure you weren’t seen?”

  Captain Parren slipped inside, closing the door soundlessly behind him. He regarded the Baron with scorn. “I’m an officer of the King’s forces, Baron, and a damned good one! Give me some credit for intelligence.”

  Reen smiled faintly. “Is that why you’re still a captain when everyone else has been promoted over you?”

  Parren snarled. “I already told you the reasons for that!”

  Reen held up a hand. He had Parren right where he wanted him, but he just couldn’t resist reminding the young man why he was there and what he stood to gain—or lose.

  “Come and sit,” he invited smoothly. “Have some of this excellent brandy.” Parren hesitated. “Oh, come on, man!” snapped Reen. “We’re on the same side. Now do as I ask and leave your prejudice aside for the moment. I have news for you.”

  Parren took the indicated chair and accepted the glass the Baron handed him. He managed to utter ungracious thanks, causing Reen to smile again.

  “That’s better,” he said once the young man had taken a few sips and relaxed his stiff frame. “Now, the first thing I have to tell you is that our benefactress is pleased with your progress so far.”

  “But I haven’t done anything.”

  The Baron waved his hand. “We’re about to change that. But before I tell you our plan, our lady wanted me to say that she recognizes the risks you are running and appreciates the danger you have embraced in her service. She will reward you richly once we have achieved our goal, but in the meantime she wishes you to have something on account.”

  From inside his doublet, the Baron withdrew a small leather pouch. It rang faintly as he passed it to Parren. The young man took it, his eyes widening as he emptied a small heap of gold coins into the palm of his hand. He stared up at the Baron. “But this is too much!”

  Reen tutted. “Would you refuse our lady’s generosity? That is only a small part of what she believes you are worth, and she gives it now to show you how highly she esteems your service. I assure you, there’ll be much more if all goes as we plan.”

  Parren shrugged and slipped the coins back into the pouch. He tucked it away inside his jacket. “Just tell me what I can do,” he said, his acerbic manner tempered by his desire to prove worthy of his pay.

  Reen gave another inward smile of satisfaction. Surely his god had guided his steps on the day he met this admirable young man! “You have heard of the two recent attacks on the King’s life?” he asked.

  Parren nodded. “A pity they didn’t succeed in their objective.”

  The Baron sucked in a breath. “Be careful what you say!” he hissed. “That was treason you just uttered and it could get you killed. Where would we be then?”

  Parren flushed, the scar down his right cheek standing out starkly. Seeing his discomfort, the Baron calmed. “And anyway, they succeeded very well. Yes, we would not have complained had they brought about the demise of our chief opposer. But their main objective was to test my… ah… control over our other associate.”

  Parren nodded in understanding, but Reen knew he understood only as much as Reen intended. Parren was not privy to the details of the plan.

  “And who is this… associate?” the Captain asked. “I assume you’ve allied yourselves with a demon witch. Is it one of that renegade Rykan’s men?”

  This was more than Reen was willing to divulge, and he waved Parren’s curiosity aside. “The less you know about such matters, the better. No,” he added as the younger man scowled, “it’s not a matter of trust. We both know how powerful these people are, but we don’t know exactly what they’re capable of. You might have no defenses against them stealing secrets from your mind. Believe me, Captain, it’s your welfare we’re thinking of. Leave the details to us. You’re running enough risks already.”

  Parren was only partially mollified. No doubt he was questioning how they could fight the likes of Sullyan and the other Artesans at the Manor when they commanded the kind of power Parren could only dream of.

  “We have put a little plan in motion,” Reen confided. “One guaranteed to give us access to t
heir secrets and private dealings.”

  At the young man’s disbelieving look, the Baron held out the two rings he had been toying with earlier. Parren took them and frowned up at the Baron. “And these are?”

  Reen smiled nastily. “Tools of control, Captain! You recall that Elias sent a young man here, a Beraxian, to be a member of this new so-called College of his?”

  Parren nodded. “Lord Ozella, yes. He’s useless, as far as I can see. Hasn’t found life here easy, or fitted in at all well.”

  Reen chuckled. “What a shame! Well, he’s going to find life a whole lot tougher from now on.” He sobered and leaned forward. “We plan well ahead, my lady and I. You see, those rings belong to Ozella’s two young sisters, both of whom were cruelly and mysteriously abducted nearly two weeks ago. Their father has been instructed to await a ransom demand and to inform the King of their disappearance. Ozella knows nothing as yet. You will have the pleasure of telling him, and you will also let him know that the girls are being held as surety for his cooperation and good behavior. Do you see how far we trust you, Captain? You will be the one to control him and you will pass on to me, via the King’s very efficient and discreet runner service, any useful information you obtain.”

  Seeing the beginnings of nasty pleasure dawn in Parren’s eyes, the Baron leaned back. “Think of it! Eyes and ears within their very ranks. Information available only to you, to use as you see fit. You will be acting on your own initiative, Captain. We give you free rein. All we ask is that you keep us informed of any developments.” He smiled. “It is fitting, is it not, that we use one of their own, someone they would never suspect, to effect their downfall?”

  He and Parren laughed together and toasted their success with more brandy. Parren was clearly delighted with this turn of events, but there was one other thing on his mind.

  “And what of Sullyan and Tamsen, my Lord Baron?” he asked, more respectful now in the light of the Baron’s trust. “They are so powerful and protected here. What can I do to damage them?”