The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice

by Melissa Collins

  Accepting the cloak, Edric let it drape over his arm, watching the banter between the men, a sense of pride washing over him at the way Cadell spoke of the Queen. She had been one of the strongest fighters in their military before her marriage to Thade. Without her cloak, the scars of her past were visible. A reminder of her bravery. Over her right breast the skin was marred by a wide blemish, upraised, darker than the rest of her complexion. It was hard to believe she had been only a few years older than Danil when the wound was inflicted upon her while protecting Thade and the Siscalian General during a war long since forgotten by the humans. In a way he was intrigued at the thought of seeing her race against Thade and Feolan. It was a rare occasion indeed when she gave in to the games played by those around her.

  The three were positioning themselves at the starting point, a large tree a distance away acting as the finish line. Their children cheered and boasted the reasons why one of the three would defeat the others. Edric listened without joining in, caring little about who actually won the race, though in the back of his mind he had trust that his mother would be the victor. Not for lack of skill in the men. It seemed more likely that his father would intentionally hold back – and he simply couldn’t picture the Consul outrunning either of his parents.

  When Aiva gave the command for the race to commence, the three bolted forward, the Queen tightly clutching her skirts to keep from tripping over the heavy fabric. She was light on her feet, impressively nimble, finding the task of holding pace with the men easy enough. Edric couldn’t help adding his praise with every step they took, shouting his support to be heard over the others. The outcome was far from unexpected. His mother and father maintained a steady lead at each other’s side for most of the race, only a few steps ahead of the Consul. At the final stretch before the finish the King suddenly fell back, the tactic barely noticeable to anyone not watching for him to do so. By a single stride he crossed the line behind his wife, the Consul on his heels to take third.

  “Smart man,” Callum mumbled quietly into Edric’s ear. “It is a wise one who knows to let the lady win.”

  “Are you implying that you would let Aiva win if you were to run against her?”

  “Of course not. If she discovered I let her win, I would find myself sleeping alone.”

  Edric chuckled, lifting his arms into the air in continued applause as his parents returned to the group, his father’s arm wrapped lovingly around the Queen’s waist. She was somewhat flushed from the exertion, head leaned against her husband’s shoulder. If she was aware of his intentional loss, she gave no indication of it. Edric could only assume that she knew. Such details wouldn’t slip past her notice.

  “I blame my loss on old age,” Feolan waved dismissively, dabbing at his forehead with a handkerchief. The heat from the sun did nothing to help the warmth built up from the game.

  “Oh, I don’t even want to hear you complain about old age,” Cadell jibed. “I’m old enough to be your grandfather and I probably would have beaten you as well. You are getting slow. Too much time at court in Siscal, I think.”

  “I’ll accept the fact that you are old enough to be my grandfather, however, I must disagree on your claims of being able to best me. You can only make those kinds of claims if you do not sit out of the challenge. Anyone can talk when they are on the sidelines.”

  “It was not a fair game anyway,” the Queen nudged her husband playfully in the ribs with her elbow. “We will not count this one. Perhaps you three men can entertain us with another round later and see who can back up their words.”

  Thade winked at his wife, making no effort to deny the fairness of the match. He knew he was caught. There was no reason for him to waste the effort of trying to argue. “I think the General should have to run with the children for all the talk he has been doing. Then we will see if he really can do all the great things he has convinced himself he is capable of. If you ask me, I think the man is delusional.”

  “I wouldn’t want to show them up. Best to let them have their fun,” Cadell nodded. At his side Valeska laughed quietly, covering her mouth with her hand to hide the gesture from view. Cadell peered at her, a smile forming on his lips to see her enjoying the picnic. “Come now, Callum. I think your mother would like to see you win the next one for us.”

  “After all the talk you’ve done, I’m not sure I can live up to the standard,” Callum laughed.

  As the next group began to prepare for the race Edric took note of Aiva moving toward the starting position, the smile on his lips quickly vanishing. What did she think she was doing? After her obvious display of illness the evening before, exerting herself to such an extreme was unthinkable. “Aiva, you’re not considering running with the boys, are you?”

  She glanced over to him, a spark of the old Aiva visible in her eyes, their blue glow sparkling in the light. “My sisters cannot be convinced to participate. If I’m going to have any fun today, my only choice is to take on the men. Are you afraid, Edric? Do you think I am too fast for you?”

  “Not at all.” He covered the distance between them with Callum never losing pace at his side. The last thing Edric wanted was to draw attention to his concern. Everyone else appeared to see no need for it; else they would have come to his defense in helping urge her from participation. Instead they continued their light conversation, oblivious to Edric and Callum’s sudden shift in demeanor. “I was simply questioning whether it would be wise for you to run. You looked rather ill last night.”

  “You’re starting to sound like Callum,” she sighed, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. There was more color to her complexion than he’d seen the night before. It was a good sign, though he couldn’t help but think it was too soon for her to overexert herself if whatever ailment she suffered was only just starting to improve.

  To Edric’s relief Callum came to his aid, resting a hand lightly on Aiva’s shoulder. “We talked about this before we came out this morning, Aiva. You promised not to exert yourself until we had a chance to see the physician.”

  “I am fine. How many times do I have to tell you?”

  “Apparently a few more, because I still don’t believe it.”

  Aiva shifted her gaze heavenward, heaving a sigh of frustration. “Everyone to your places!” she called out, ignoring the persistent stares of Edric and Callum. “We will begin on Jaslyn’s command.”

  “Aiva, please,” Edric pleaded. “At least promise you will stop if you start to feel sick.”

  “If it gets you and Callum off my back, then I promise. Now, get in position. If you are not ready when the call is given, we’re not going to start over.”

  Uneasy at the thought of letting Aiva participate, Edric and Callum shook their heads, left with no choice other than to let her go. She wouldn’t bend. She was too stubborn. It had been that way ever since Edric could remember. All they could do was wait and watch for when her body decided it was time to stop the charade and she could no longer keep up the image of strength. Edric feared that time would come sooner than he liked.

  Realizing he was still holding his mother’s cloak Edric handed it to Shaelyn, forcing a smile. His desire to be a part of this race was quickly waning. If they didn’t start soon, he wasn’t sure he would be able to convince himself to continue.

  It felt hours before Jaslyn gave the call though he knew it was only a few minutes. Trying not to think about his concerns for Aiva, he kept his eyes locked straight ahead, lunging from the starting line toward the tree at the other end of the yard. He and Callum immediately broke away from the group, their strong legs carrying them with ease over the lush grass. To his dismay he saw Callum start to pull ahead, taking a significant lead. Distracted or not, he wasn’t about to let Callum win. Even when they were younger their games had never been fair. They did whatever it took to win, even if it meant a little foul play.

  Closer to the finish line, Edric pushed himself to move faster. He couldn’t help the devious smile which played over his lips as he
leapt into the air, arms outstretched, grabbing onto Callum’s back and tackling him to the ground, their bodies rolling along the grass until they landed in a heap, watching the others pass them by. Overcome with laughter they sat there, neither one caring about the fact that they had just lost the race. It wasn’t about winning. Edric knew without having to cross the finish line that they would have outrun every other participant had it not been for him. For some reason that only added to his amusement of their loss.

  “Some things never change,” Callum chortled, groaning with the effort it took to find his way back to his feet. His hands rested on his knees, bent forward, inhaling deeply to catch his breath. “At least Aiva can be mad at you instead of me. Your scheme has helped her win.”

  “Then she should be happy,” he snickered. Although he was uninjured, Edric was instantly aware of the soreness all over his body from the impact of the fall. He wasn’t as young as he used to be. It had been years since he’d taken a tumble like that. Given the way he felt, he would likely feel the aftermath of it for a few days to come.

  Accepting Callum’s hand he rose to his feet, brushing the dirt and grass from his clothes. From the starting line he could hear their parents laughing, no doubt entertained by the antics of their children. Not that he could blame them. Deep down he wished he could bring himself to laugh as well. Unfortunately there was too much on his mind which prevented him from doing so. “We should go check on her,” he added quietly. “A stunt like this has most likely drained what little energy she regained while she slept last night.”

  Aiva was already making her way over to them as they regained their composure. Despite the strenuous activity, her face was remarkably pale, the glow of her eyes somewhat diminished though she held her smile with pride. “You two looked like absolute fools out there,” she shook her head, giving a soft laugh. “Are you both alright? That was quite a fall.”

  “I’ve survived worse,” Callum shrugged. “What about you? Are you feeling well? You look a bit peaked.”

  “I imagine the exercise did me a bit of good. It’s beginning to feel as if I do nothing but sit around all day. We should come here and challenge the boys more often.”

  Looking her over Edric felt his concern growing. He took up a position at her left while Callum stood at her right, their eyes never leaving her as they made their way back toward their parents. What she said no longer held any weight in Edric’s opinion. He would see that she saw a doctor before the day was over. This couldn’t be allowed to continue. Their father had a history of suffering from an unknown illness more than once in his life, one that was also suffered by his father before him. If Aiva’s condition was remotely similar to what they endured, a physician would need to begin treatment immediately. Many cases of such ailments had been fatal when the King’s father first encountered it.

  They were only halfway to their parents when Aiva came to a sudden halt, her hands clutched tightly around her stomach. Callum had a hold of her instantly, helping to keep her on her feet. “Aiva?” he asked nervously. She gave no response, doubled over in pain, held off the ground by nothing more than Callum’s strong grasp. At her lack of reply he lifted his head to the others who were already on their feet coming toward them. “Send for a doctor!” he called out. Aiva looked up at him miserably, shaking her head to argue. Thankfully Edric knew Callum wouldn’t let her convince him otherwise.

  Taking up Aiva’s other arm Edric helped to support her weight. She struggled to stay on her feet. Her weight was heavy in his hands, fighting to prevent her from toppling forward where she continued to hold her stomach. Whatever ailed her was beyond anything Edric could imagine. Her tolerance for pain was greater than anyone he’d ever known. If she found herself nearly in tears from the suffering, it was no laughing matter. They needed the doctor now.

  By sheer force of will Aiva straightened her back, eyes settled on Callum, fear noticeable in them for the first time since she’d first tried to conceal her failing health. It was enough to tear at Edric’s heart, tightening his hold on her arm as if doing so might somehow ease her agony. She spoke, the words barely above a whisper, almost inaudible to Edric’s ears over the shouting growing louder from the others.

  “I’m sorry, Callum.”

  The words had barely been uttered before her eyes rolled in their sockets, her body falling limp in their hands. Callum was beyond rational thought to see her hanging like a ragdoll from their grasp, sweeping her into his arms and out of Edric’s fingers. Edric made no move to stop him. She was safe with Callum. His concern was how long it would take to get a physician to her. Callum was already moving swiftly toward the palace, the King and Queen not far behind.

  Left in the wake of their departure Edric slowed his pace, unsure of what he should do. He was no use to anyone at that moment. Callum would need to get Aiva settled into bed. Once the physician arrived, visitors to the room would only be in the way.

  “Edric, do you know what’s wrong?”

  Surprised to hear anyone else still around he turned to face who had spoken, finding Cadell standing only a few feet away. “I wish I did,” he frowned. “Callum mentioned when they arrived yesterday that she has been under the weather. You know how my sister can be. She has been refusing to let him call a physician since he returned from the last training you both were away for. His hope was to have some assistance in convincing her to be seen by one while here in Sivaeria. I suspect this isn’t quite what he wanted.”

  “Why did he not tell anyone of her illness? We could have seen her properly tended to last evening.”

  “I doubt she wanted anyone to know. There seems to be several issues which have arisen between the two of them that I don’t think they wanted known by anyone.”

  Cadell tilted his head to the side, inquisitive, staring hard at Edric. “What other issues?”

  Oh, he was backing himself into a corner. Cadell would either be the best person to speak with on the matter, or the worst. Edric wasn’t convinced it was his place to say anything at all. To mention the troubles with Callum’s constant absence might lead to him being released from his duties as Captain, which would do nothing to help matters in the end. Callum was proud of his accomplishment in the military. If it was taken from him, there was no telling the effect it would have on him. “I probably shouldn’t say. I’m sorry, General.”

  “If it involves my son, I must insist you tell me. I have a right to know if my son is unhappy in some way.”

  “Your son simply needs time with his wife. It has weighed heavy on his shoulders that his wife was ill for weeks and he was not home to care for her. He learned of her condition from the servants. I’m sure you can venture a guess as to how that made him feel.”

  Cadell’s expression fell, a flash of discontent in his eyes. He didn’t need to say anything for Edric to know that he understood. Cadell was a smart man and he knew what it was like to be separated from his wife for days. Throughout their marriage Edric could only assume similar issues to have arisen between him and Valeska. “Let us go to him,” he said softly, the usual hardness of his tone dissipated, replaced by genuine concern. “When the doctors have looked her over, he will need us there. I’ll keep the other matters in mind and see what I can do.”

  “Thank you, General.” There was nothing else to be said. The issue was out of his hands now. It would be between Callum and his father to determine what course of action they would take after Aiva was properly cared for. Right now Aiva was more important. And Edric knew without question that Callum would feel the same.

  “Neomi,” Moinie’s voice floated into the room before she came through the curtained doorway. Pausing in the center of the room, Neomi looked toward her friend, anxious to hear what she had to say. The scouts had been gone for nearly a week. Their findings would determine the final actions that would be taken in this battle. If Emakai was in fact guilty of treason, Okivra would have their warriors attack the Ythes without mercy until every last one had been punished for
their treachery. The Ovatai didn’t tolerate betrayal. This would be no exception.

  Moinie’s gaze was steady, falling on Neomi in disbelief. The look in her eyes was enough to tell Neomi that her friend had news to share. “Is there word from the scouts?”

  “Gather your things. We are leaving within the hour to set up a first wave attack outside the village of Isavo.”

  Isavo. The village of the Ythes tribe. Naphul was right. Although she’d been convinced of the accuracy in his claims, she found herself slightly surprised to be faced with proof. If the Chief planned an offensive assault on the Ythes homeland – it was an indication of their guilt. Okivra wouldn’t act rashly. Whatever had been learned, it removed all doubt in the minds of her father and brother of the information she’d uncovered.

  Grabbing her pack from the floor next to her bed she went to work filling it with clothes, unsure of how long they would be away from home. The Ythes were incredible fighters. Revered throughout all of Ethrysta for their strength and cunning. A direct assault on them would no doubt be met with equal force. Neomi couldn’t discount the possibility that the first wave might not be successful, leaving them vulnerable to an enemy strike once the initial surprise of the attack was gone. Their advantage would be brief. They would need to make use of it to the best of their ability.

  Turning to grab a brush from a small table, she became aware of Moinie’s eyes following her every movement, clearly curious about something. “What is it, Moinie? Is there something you are not telling me?”

  “I am wondering how you knew about Emakai,” she replied calmly. “Onuric and I doubted whether or not you were telling the truth when you first brought forth the accusations against the Ythes. Neither of us actually thought it would be proven.”

  “I told my brother how I obtained the information. Our father has kept me prisoner in my room for an entire week with a guard outside my door as punishment for disobeying his orders.” Throwing her brush into her bag Neomi clasped the flap on it to secure the contents in place. Proudly she straightened her posture, shoulders back, gazing at Moinie to make it clear that she wasn’t fabricating the story. “If Onuric was killed in battle against an enemy you knew nothing about in regards to their reasons, would you not seek answers? My father’s men were unable to draw the necessary details from Naphul’s mouth. I was confident in my ability to do what they could not, and I was correct. I refuse to show remorse for my decision.”