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

by Cas Peace

  Rienne nodded. “If I can.”

  Sullyan watched her closely. Something in the healer’s manner suggested she had something else on her mind. Their strong empathic link meant that nothing much escaped Sullyan’s notice where Rienne was concerned. She came and sat next to her friend on the bed.

  “There is something more. Tell me.”

  Rienne smiled, and Sullyan felt the healer’s concern over Taran and the rumors evaporating, replaced by excitement. She raised her brows, her own heart clearing of annoyance. Rienne took up her hand.

  “I have some very happy news to tell you,” she said. “Cal and I decided a couple of months ago that the time was right to try for a family. I want you to confirm it for me, Brynne, but I’m pretty sure I’m pregnant.”

  There was a moment’s frozen silence before Sullyan threw her arms around the healer and hugged her close. “Oh, Rienne,” she exclaimed, “I’m so happy for you!”

  Sullyan had been expecting this news for some time and had anticipated her own delight, but even she was a little surprised at the depths of her reaction. Mixed in with her joy was a surprising bitterness, and she almost regretted hearing Rienne’s news when motherhood was something she could never hope to experience for herself.

  She knew Rienne could sense her conflicting emotions, and was angry at herself for spoiling the moment. She suddenly realized that she was weeping. She calmed with an effort and pushed out of the healer’s arms. “Ah, ignore me, Rienne. I do not know what is wrong with me lately. I seem to be weeping at a moment’s notice. I am so very happy for you both. Cal must be very proud of you. And Taran, too.”

  “Cal is,” agreed Rienne, “but we haven’t told anyone else yet, not even Taran. I want you to confirm it for me first.”

  Sullyan smiled. “You know it is not necessary, but of course I will.”

  She placed her hand on her friend’s still-flat belly. Her eyes dilated as she used her powers to gently probe Rienne’s body, just touching the embryo consciousness nestling within. There was a faint but definite response. Her eyes misting over again at that touch of new life, Sullyan withdrew.

  “Oh, yes, Rienne,” she breathed, “you are most definitely pregnant.”

  Rienne began weeping too, and the two women laughed and hugged again. “Do you want to know what sex it is?” Sullyan asked.

  “Can you tell already?”

  She nodded. “But you may prefer to wait until it is born.”

  Rienne considered this. “Don’t tell me just yet,” she decided. “Let me talk to Cal. If he wants to know, you can tell us. If not, I’ll wait with him. But, Brynne, one thing I did want to ask you. Can you tell if the baby will be an Artesan?”

  Sullyan nodded emphatically. “It will be, yes. With an Artesan father and an empathic mother, it would have to be.” Her voice dropped. “Just like my own parents.”

  Rienne gave a start. “When will his or her powers become apparent?” she asked, trying, Sullyan thought, to divert her friend’s sudden melancholy mood.

  “Impossible to tell. Some people are born with their powers emerging. Some see their powers surface at puberty, while others have to wait until they are adults. As an empath you should be able to link with your baby in the womb. Just keep directing your thoughts toward her—or him,” she added hastily as Rienne smiled, “and eventually you will feel a response. Oh, Rienne, I can hardly believe it! This is such wonderful news.”

  She hugged the healer once more, and Rienne frowned at her renewed tears.

  “Are you quite well, Brynne?” she asked, detaching herself from Sullyan’s arms and looking intently into her eyes.

  Not wanting to worry her at this delicate time, Sullyan said, “I am simply tired. I have not had much sleep lately, and I doubt I will get much over the next few days. These are very worrying times and we all need to be doubly vigilant.”

  “You’ve not been eating enough either, I’ll bet,” stated Rienne, eyeing Sullyan’s slender form. “Have you had any more sickness?”

  “That seems to have stopped now,” Sullyan told her. “It happened twice while we were away, but on both occasions I had drunk a glass of red wine. I will not do so again. It seems to disagree with me.”

  The healer frowned. “There’s no reason why it should. A small amount of red wine can be beneficial, especially for the blood.”

  “Perhaps, but I do not usually drink. Maybe I should stand by that decision from now on. I have had no more sickness since I stopped. And if only I could be rid of this strange sensation in my arm, I would be happier still.”

  At Rienne’s insistence, Sullyan described the odd sensation she had experienced in her left forearm and once in her right. The healer seemed overly interested in these symptoms and there was an intense look in her eye when Sullyan finished.

  “Any other unusual feelings?” she asked. “Any strange taste in the mouth? Have you gone off any foods lately?”

  Sullyan shook her head, forgetting her sudden revulsion to the smell and taste of fellan three days ago.

  Rienne sighed. “Well, I want you to promise you’ll tell me if you experience any other odd sensations,” she ordered.

  Amused by her insistence, Sullyan promised. “Very well, although I assure you, I feel perfectly fine. But now you must excuse me. I have to leave soon. Timar is expecting us, and I know he will be very happy to hear your news. I will be sure to give him your regards. Please do try to talk to Robin for me? This is too delicate a matter for me to bespeak him though the substrate, especially as I have my suspicions that our communications are not as secure as they should be. When I return, though, I will have some stern words for Owyn Denny. Of that, you may be sure!”

  *****

  Having completed his errand for Colonel Vassa, Glinn Parren slipped unnoticed into the deserted common room. There was no sound from the kitchens. Goran and his lads were taking their afternoon break before preparing the evening meals.

  He sat at a table near the door, absently toying with the two gold rings the Baron had given him. The sound of footsteps alerted him, and he rose as the door opened. Baron Reen strode into the room and shut the door firmly behind him.

  “I will be brief, Captain. I presume you have spoken to Ozella and told him of our little… arrangement?” Parren nodded. “Good, because there is something he has to do. Tell him it is imperative that he accompanies Colonel Sullyan on her mission to Andaryon. We have to know what is said when she meets with the Hierarch.”

  Parren narrowed his eyes. “There isn’t much time. What if she refuses to take him?”

  The Baron thrust his face close. “He must make sure she doesn’t! This will be the first test of your control. Convince him that his sisters’ safety depends on his success. Hint at whatever consequences you please, I can ensure they are carried out if he fails. But he must accompany the Colonel. It is vital that I know what they say. Our lady has placed great faith in you, and it is not to your advantage to let her down. Now, you should hurry. The Colonel will be leaving soon.”

  Parren made for the door, a nasty gleam in his eyes. “I won’t let you down, my Lord. You can rely on me.”

  The Baron showed his teeth as the young man left the room.

  Parren was pleased Sullyan was going. She was likely to be out of the way for several days, and he intended to spend that time well. From what the Baron had told him, a visit to Lieutenant-Major Denny would be worth his while. But for now he concentrated on finding Ozella.

  Parren thought hard as he stalked the Manor’s corridors for his prey. He wasn’t at all sure where he would find the Beraxian at this hour, not with the Manor’s usual routine disrupted by the King’s visit. Ozella could be anywhere.

  He eventually ran him down where he should have looked first; at the horse lines. Fortunately for Parren, the stall housing Ozella’s beast was some way from where Solet’s lads were preparing the mounts for Sullyan’s party. Making sure he was unobserved, the Captain slipped into an adjoining stall. Ozella s
tarted on seeing him.

  “Stay quiet, man, this is important,” warned Parren. “I have a task for you and it’s one you can’t afford to have fail if you want to see your sisters alive again.”

  “What is it?” Ozella had turned pale, and Parren knew he had been dreading this moment.

  The young officer smiled. “You are to go with the Colonel when she leaves for Andaryon. We want to know what passes between her and the Hierarch. I suggest you speak to her right now. She’s leaving soon, and you haven’t much time.”

  “But how am I supposed to do that?” cried Ozella. “She’ll never take me!”

  “You’ll have to convince her then, won’t you?” snarled Parren. “And keep your voice down.”

  Ozella began to panic. “But what if I can’t?”

  “Don’t fail me, Ozella,” hissed Parren. “The men holding your sisters have already been restrained from acting on certain... ah... desires. I would hate to have to tell you I couldn’t control them any longer.” He stared hard at Ozella to make sure the young man took his meaning. He needn’t have worried. The expression of desperation on Ozella’s face was proof enough.

  The young lord’s shoulders slumped. “You really are a sick bastard, aren’t you?” he whispered.

  Parren grinned and waved a hand. “Your insults mean nothing to me, my friend. But you’re wasting valuable time. Your sisters’ safety is entirely in your hands. Just remember, we need to know every single detail of what is said in the Colonel’s meetings. Commit to memory everything you hear. If you can’t be in the room, listen at the door or eavesdrop in that sneaky mind-reading way you Artesans have. Do you understand me? We want to hear every arrangement they discuss: times, places, people. Got that? Now go.”

  Ozella stared at him with loathing before sprinting for the stable door. Parren waited a few moments in case anyone had seen Ozella’s hasty departure. Then he strolled casually away, well pleased.

  *****

  When Sullyan collected Bull from his rooms, she asked him whether he had heard the rumors Rienne had mentioned. He had, but she was gratified to hear that he had steadfastly ignored the nasty gossip, even going so far as to put a few of the men straight when he heard them repeating the story.

  “No one in your company gives it any credence, Sully,” he assured her as they walked together toward Taran’s rooms. “It’s mainly going round the men of the other companies, and even they aren’t taking it seriously.”

  “I should hope not,” she retorted. “There are enough stories circulating about me as it is. I could do without Denny stirring the pot.”

  “What I can’t understand is why he seems so sure of himself,” rumbled Bull. “Something must have set this rumor off, and it does seem to have spread very quickly.”

  Sullyan sighed. “All I can think is that the young woman who attached herself to Taran at Port Loxton had her nose put out of joint when he left her so abruptly. Perhaps she decided to repay his lack of manners by spreading malicious tales. She is Reen’s niece, after all, so her nature is likely to be tainted by the same prejudices as his. But why Owyn Denny should be so convinced, I have no idea. He has no quarrel with me that I know of. In fact, he agreed to keep his eyes open for us back at the castle. That is, if his injuries do not prevent him from returning with the King.”

  “He’ll be healed enough by then, surely?” said Bull as they approached Taran’s door. “Elias is bound to stay here while this situation is unresolved. Blaine won’t allow him to return to Loxton just yet.”

  Sullyan shrugged. “I have no idea what the King’s plans are. He will certainly stay here until we return from Andaryon, but when last we spoke, he had not decided how much longer he would remain.”

  She rapped sharply on the door of the suite that Taran shared with Cal and Rienne. When the Adept opened it, he had his pack on his shoulder and his sword by his side, ready to accompany them. Even so, Sullyan saw the reluctance in his eyes.

  “Taran,” she said firmly, “you are to forget these malicious rumors. They are nothing more than the small-minded entertainment of bored soldiers. They will be dropped tomorrow unless they see we are affected by them. Bulldog has had the sense to dismiss them and you must do the same.”

  Her curt tone caused Taran to flush. “Has Robin?” he asked.

  She sighed. “Rienne is going to speak with him for me. Stop worrying. We have more important matters to concern us than the petty revenge of one mean-spirited girl!”

  She turned away, leaving Bull to reassure Taran with a friendly slap on the shoulder.

  They were halfway to the horse lines when they heard the sound of running feet. Ozella panted up to them, halting in front of Sullyan.

  She frowned at him. “What is it, Ozella? I am in a hurry.”

  The young man winced at her tone. Like Tad, he was rather in awe of her, although she had shown him nothing but kindness. Plucking up his courage, he said, “Colonel, I wanted to ask if I could accompany you on your mission to the Hierarch.” Seeing her hardening expression, he plowed on before she could refuse. “I know I’ve not been much use so far, and I’m not very good at my lessons, but that’s because I’ve not seen any reason to practice. My father wants me to be a diplomat when I return home, so maybe some real experience would motivate me. I’ll not get in your way, I promise you. I’ll see to the horses or just sit in the background. You’ll never know I’m there. I’ve never had an opportunity like this before and I may not get another. Please, Colonel, let me come with you!”

  Sullyan listened in silence, hands on hips. Ozella hopped from foot to foot in what could have been eagerness or desperation. He was shielded, so she couldn’t tell which. She regarded him for a moment before turning enquiringly to Bull.

  The big man shrugged. “It might just do him some good. He’s right, he’s had no practical experience of what being an Artesan means, so a trip like this should open his eyes. And I can look out for him if needs be.”

  Sullyan sighed. She was in no mood to discuss the merits of taking him. She just wanted to be gone.

  “Very well, Ozella. Stay out of the way and learn what you can. But I warn you,” and her tone brought a flash of fear to the young man’s eyes, “we can spare no time for instruction. This is a serious business and we have to concentrate on the matter in hand. Bulldog may be prepared to look out for you, but I am not.”

  “I understand, Colonel. I won’t get in the way or hold you up, I promise you. I’m already packed and even my horse is saddled.”

  Ozella was almost crying with relief. Sullyan regarded him a moment more, sensing his distress but not the reason behind it. She didn’t have the time to question him so she walked on. Ozella fell in behind.

  On reaching the horse lines, they found their mounts waiting. Drum was fidgeting on his halter rope, having caught his rider’s tension. Sullyan fastened her sword belt across her back and mounted Drum, with Bull and Taran following suit. Ozella mounted his own skittish beast and followed behind them. Sullyan lead the way out of the yard, past Captain Parren who was lounging against a stable wall, and rode down the track leading to the ridge where they would construct their tunnel, well away from the Manor’s inhabitants.

  *****

  Robin was in an uncharacteristically morose mood. He was a bit hurt that Sullyan hadn’t taken the time to say farewell. He appreciated the gravity of the situation and knew she was probably concentrating on what she and the Hierarch would discuss. Nevertheless, they always said a few words of farewell whenever one of them left the Manor.

  Not today, though. Robin had hardly spoken with her since her return from Port Loxton. Even so, he hadn’t failed to notice her distracted and irritable manner. This was so out of character that he couldn’t get it out of his mind. His concern, plus a nagging uncertainty about the state of their relationship, had granted the vicious little rumor he had heard earlier more power than it should have had. And when he considered the embarrassed looks he’d seen on Taran’s face and t
he furtive way the Adept had been avoiding him, Robin grew even more suspicious. So when Rienne approached him just before the evening meal and asked for a moment of his time, he was half expecting what she had to say.

  She sat down across from him in the commons where Robin was taking a quick break from his duties. He only had a few minutes, as the current state of alert would afford him no more.

  “What is it, Rienne?”

  The healer raised her brows at his sharp tone. “I was talking to Brynne before she left—”

  “Oh, she found time to speak to you, did she?” There was a bitter note in Robin’s voice. “She didn’t find any for me.”

  Rienne looked puzzled. “That’s a little unfair, Robin. You know how busy the King’s kept her. And I sought her out, not the other way around. Anyway, I know what’s bothering you.”

  Robin glanced at her, regretting his harshness. He was very fond of Rienne. He laid a hand briefly over hers by way of apology. “Yes, I’m sure you’ve heard these vile stories too.”

  She nodded. “And that’s all they are, Robin—stories! You know how deeply Brynne feels about you. I’ve seldom seen two people so in love and so committed. And you know very well that Taran would die before he’d do anything to hurt either of you, don’t you?”

  Robin didn’t reply. Of course, she was right. He knew it on a deep and instinctive level. But something had happened while they were away, and there was no gale without wind.

  “Robin?” Rienne deliberately caught his gaze, looking concerned by his silence. “Brynne asked me to tell you that she was paying no attention to the gossip. She wanted to make sure you weren’t, either. Taran would have spoken with you too if he’d had time, but he didn’t know Brynne was going to ask him to go to Andaryon.”

  A sly and completely unexpected voice in the dark places of Robin’s mind whispered, How convenient.