Neither of them said anything, sitting in silence for a long while, the tension on the air between them slowly starting to wane. Edric watched his friend, curious what was going through his mind. It was an answer to his problem. Why did he not look happier? Did he doubt him? Did Callum think Edric wasn’t capable of doing the job? Tearing his eyes from Callum he moved away from the chair to resume pacing. He couldn’t stand still. His mind raced from all the uncertainties that crashed around inside it.
After a few moments Callum regained his composure, straightening his shoulders as he rose to his feet. His eyes followed Edric, as if he wanted to say something but wasn’t sure how. “Edric,” he said quietly, breaking into Edric’s chaotic thoughts. “It is a very noble thing you have offered. I would be an undeserving man if I didn’t express my gratitude. At the same time, I would be a terrible friend if I didn’t tell you that I am concerned.”
Concerned? What was there for him to be concerned about? “I will be fine, Callum,” he assured, turning to look his friend in the eye. “You know I am skilled with a sword. The rest shouldn’t be too difficult for me to figure out.”
“It isn’t your ability to lead the men which has me worried. I could never doubt you in that way.”
“Then what is it? I cannot think of anything else which should weigh on your mind.”
Callum drew in a deep breath, thinking over his words carefully before speaking. “It is your motivation which makes me nervous,” he stated. “Do you really place your life at risk for the sake of your sister, or does it have something to do with the Ovatai woman who brought the request?”
“What?” Edric gasped. He was shocked by the suggestion. Why would Callum think this had anything to do with that woman? “I don’t even know her. She means nothing to me. If anything, I find myself blaming her for your suffering.”
“I saw the way you looked at her during the meeting with your parents. I know you well enough to know when you are intrigued by something – or someone.”
Edric averted his gaze, staring down at the floor in disbelief. This was the last thing he expected. It was embarrassing to realize that his friend considered him so foolish. To risk his life over a woman he didn’t even know simply because she had a few physical attributes which were pleasing to the eye. A few words from her lips was all it took to eradicate any attractiveness her body might possess. “I won’t deny the fact that her figure was somewhat captivating, but you cannot think me so superficial as to chase after a woman for that reason. My heart is with you and Aiva. Not her.”
“Good,” Callum nodded, seemingly satisfied with Edric’s response. “I should mention, in case you are allowed to go in my stead, that the woman is married. It would be wise to maintain your distance from her.”
“Married? How do you know this? Did she speak of her husband?”
“No. But she wears a band on a chain around her neck. If I’m not mistaken, the Ovatai have a similar custom to our own of bearing rings to symbolize the marital union.”
“But she still possesses the surname of her father.”
“So does your sister. You know that is not uncommon. In fact, it may even be expected if they share similar traditions to our own.”
“The Chief ’s son is married and maintains the family name as well…”
“And you have only just given me cause to worry more,” Callum sighed. “You give the impression that you have considered her marital status, which leads me to believe that you at some point took enough interest to be curious of whether she might be a potential – target – for lack of a better word. Unconsciously done or not, you must be careful of letting your mind wander to such things. The Ovatai women are off limits. If you are going to place your life in danger, let it be at the hands of the enemy and not our allies.”
Edric clenched his jaw, surprised at his own foolishness. Callum was right. While it hadn’t been a serious thought in his mind, the details of Neomi’s personal life had flitted about inside his head during her time at the palace. When she spoke with his parents, he found himself contemplating her in ways he was now ashamed to admit. He admired her appearance. The way the energy inside her seemed to thrash about in the brilliant glow of her blue eyes. While his thoughts had been pure in nature, they only planted a seed which could lead to trouble down the line. He needed to be more careful. “It seems you have tricked me into confessing a guilt I wasn’t aware I even bore,” he frowned, weaving his fingers through his hair in confused frustration. “You must trust me on this, Callum. There is no danger of me taking interest in the Chief ’s daughter. I’m convinced she loathes me and her manners are a little rougher around the edges than even I would like.”
Callum’s watchful eyes remained on him for a while longer before he finally gave a slight nod, his shoulders slumping forward from fatigue. “If I had the energy I would lecture you more. Lucky for you, I don’t think I have it in me at the moment.”
His voice trailed off at the sound of someone outside the door, a heavy knock echoing through the room. The familiar flutter returned to Edric’s heart. It had to be the General. He was the only person who would approach with such authority. Casting a hesitant glance to Callum he moved toward the door, opening it before the person outside had a chance to knock again.
“Your Highness…” Cadell started, his eyes drifting over Edric’s shoulder to rest on Callum still standing near the fireplace. “Son, why are you still awake?”
“Someone had to console my wife,” he replied coolly. “I should get back to her in case she has awoken. If you gentlemen will excuse me.”
Cadell made no move to stop his son as he walked briskly past him into the hall. He stood perfectly still, watching Callum until he was out of sight, turning back to Edric, chagrined. “That boy,” he mumbled, shaking his head sadly. “He is never going to forgive me for this and I daresay it is not my fault this time. I’m not sure where he got his overwhelming sense of duty, but at times I wish he lacked that otherwise admirable quality. At least then he would stand up to me and tell me he did not wish to go.”
“If you know, then why do you let him do it?” Edric asked. “You are the General… and his father. There is no reason to let him suffer this way.”
“Ah, but there is,” Cadell sighed. Quietly he stepped through the door, closing it behind him, his hands moving over the latch to secure it in place. His behavior was peculiar. Why did he require a locked door to relay the decision of Edric’s fate?
Folding his arms across his chest Edric held Cadell’s gaze, displeased at the thought that Cadell was intentionally causing his son this unnecessary misery. “I fail to see anything which is worth watching your own son fall into depression while his wife risks losing a child over the stress you cause.”
Eyes narrowed Cadell slammed his fist against the door, drawing a deep breath in attempts to rein in his anger. “Do not speak as if I do not care about my son!” he shouted. “I take my orders from those above me. Your grandmother insists Callum be the one to lead the men. He is being considered to take my place as General when I retire. This being said, Vorsila wishes to see him tested. To verify he is qualified for the position. I was given orders to command him to go. Valeska and I had no choice but to take advantage of his gentle nature and guilt him into accepting the task without forcing it upon him. Our hope was that he would not be angry with us if he felt it his decision. Apparently we were wrong.”
Edric’s heart sank in his chest at the confession. His grandmother gave the command? But she wasn’t the Queen. If his parents disagreed with the orders, they could override the decision. Surely they saw the torment it caused their own daughter. “If Callum’s departure was your order, why did you humor me by saying you would plead my case to the King and Queen? The chances of them letting me take his place under these circumstances are nonexistent.”
“I agreed to do it out of hope that your wish would be granted. I don’t want to see my son go. If it was in my power, I would take this upon m
yself. Unfortunately, it is not.” Cadell took a step further into the room, his earlier rage slowly fading from his stern features. “Your parents are reasonable people. They offered me a compromise and it is my hope that you will accept the task I am about to lay before you.”
“I’m listening,” Edric seated himself in the chair Callum had occupied only a few moments before, waving Cadell to come closer. “If it will help Callum and Aiva, there is little I won’t do.”
“This only helps to an extent, I’m afraid. It’s the best I can do,” Cadell set his jaw, the frustration evident in his eyes despite his otherwise calm outward appearance. “Your parents recognize the importance of this test for Callum,” he continued. “Since his promotion to Captain, our people have been at peace. He performed well against the pirates, but that was so long ago. The current strife in the north could be the last chance at examining his improvement before I step down. Because of this, they have little choice but to accept your grandmother’s counsel in sending him away from Tanispa, however… they are understanding of his plight. To your grandmother’s disapproval, they have agreed to let you go with the men. Although it is not what you and I hoped for, the task we request of you is to watch over Callum. Help to keep him out of harm’s way. He is too noble. You saw this for yourself during your time at sea those years ago. We are counting on you to keep him from throwing his life away needlessly. Give orders to the troops that prevent him from spending extended periods of time on the battlefield. Anything you can do to make sure he returns home safely.”
“You speak as if I have authority over him in the field. I know well enough that I do not. His orders supersede mine.”
“Then convince him that your plans are sound,” Cadell cut in, his tone more urgent than before. “You are his friend. I have faith in your ability to build a stratagem that will protect my son and see it to fruition. If the threat is greater than we anticipate, I am counting on you to send word home so that I can bring a second wave of men to assist. Callum is too much like myself and would be too proud to call for me. This is another task which will be left to you. Be sensible. Know your limits and do not be afraid to ask for help.”
Leaning forward in the chair Edric rested his chin in his hands. It wasn’t quite what he was expecting. An opportunity to prove his worth. Somehow he hadn’t envisioned that opportunity involving babysitting his best friend. At the same time he couldn’t argue the logic. If this was the best compromise they could offer, he had no choice but to accept it. For Callum’s sake. “So,” he stated calmly, lifting his eyes to Cadell once again. “I assume Callum is not to be made aware of my true responsibility in tagging along? Something tells me he would be less than pleased.”
“You assume correctly,” Cadell nodded in agreement. “As the natural firstborn Prince, you are within your right and duty to accompany the military wherever they go. It should not seem suspicious for you to do so. He should have no reason to question you.”
“You will not be disappointed, General,” he said matter-of-factly, rising to his feet in a swift, graceful motion. It was important that he display absolute confidence in front of Cadell. A single hesitation might make him second-guess the decision to trust Callum’s life to Edric’s hands. “When will the soldiers be setting out? I will need time to prepare for the journey.”
“You will leave tomorrow morning at the first ray of sun.” Devoid of his previous unease, Cadell’s legs carried him across the room in long, confident strides, his arms reaching out for Edric, drawing him into a tight embrace. Edric allowed himself to be wrapped in the General’s strong arms, tentatively patting him on the back in a pitiful attempt to console whatever concerns he might have. “Bring my son home to me, Edric,” he said softly, carefully releasing his hold on Edric’s shoulders. “Make sure he has the chance to see his child brought into this world. I could not live with myself if these games we must play bring him harm.”
“You have my word, General. I will not let him out of my sight.” It was easier said than done. Callum was stubborn. Edric wondered if Cadell had any idea just how difficult this task would truly be. They were asking him to do the impossible. But he was willing to take that responsibility. He was the only one who could.
“You’d better not,” Cadell warned, turning on his heel to move swiftly toward the door. “This test is of you as well. Do not disappoint us, Edric. There are no second chances in war.”
The next morning came faster than Edric anticipated. There was little time for sleep once the preparations began. Packing and planning. He did his best to do what he could for Callum, putting the finishing touches on last-minute details so his friend could have every spare moment with his wife until the time of departure. Through the chaos, Edric had little opportunity to dwell on his own hesitations regarding the journey. He feared he might talk himself out of going if given a chance. That couldn’t be allowed to happen. The task presented to him was too important. Now wasn’t the time to be selfish or cowardly. He never considered himself either of those things in the past. He didn’t want to start now.
Handing the last of his bags to one of the servants he gave a final wistful look to his bedchambers. It felt strange to think that this might be the last time he would stand in that room. Cadell’s words had remained with him since their conversation. There are no second chances in war. He couldn’t be more accurate in that statement. There was a very real and disturbing possibility that he would die in the frozen north. A shudder coursed through him at the thought. At least it would be an honorable death.
Slowly he made his way down the hall, taking in every detail along the way, afraid of forgetting any crack or crevice in the old stone walls and tiled floors. In a daze he found himself standing outside Aiva’s chambers. By now Callum would be with the troops. They were set to leave within the hour, which would require the Captain be present for the final preparation. It was the perfect time for Edric to say his goodbyes. With Callum elsewhere, he could offer his assurances to Aiva. He was desperate to give whatever consolation he could. The sadness she must feel at this moment… he didn’t want to imagine what she was going through.
He knocked quietly, not wanting to startle her in case she was asleep. Peering around the door he found her sitting up in the bed, eyes downcast, staring at her empty hands, oblivious to his entrance. Red tinted the edges of her eyes, a slight twinkle visible there from the tears that remained unshed, threatening to fall at any moment. “Aiva?” he said softly. She didn’t look at him, only seeming to stiffen at the sound of her name. Tentatively Edric stepped closer, settling himself on the chair at her bedside. “I would ask how you are feeling but such a question feels nonsensical at a time like this.”
Aiva’s hand slid across the blankets to rest lightly over Edric’s. She swallowed hard before speaking, the lingering tears finding their way over her cheeks. Inhaling a deep breath she wiped them away with her free hand. Her face remained turned away from Edric’s, avoiding his concerned gaze. “I will be alright, Edric,” she replied quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I will not lie, however. My heart is heavy at the thought of you and Callum both leaving me here alone. This room will drive me mad if my worry does not do so first.”
“That is what I wanted to speak with you about,” Edric started. His voice trailed off at the realization that he had no idea how to word what he wanted to say. What could he tell a woman who was sending her brother and husband off to a war they may never return from? “I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to make sure Callum returns to you.”
“I know,” she nodded, the gesture slow and controlled. “Mother told me you would keep a close watch on him. I would go myself if my health allowed it. The three of us would be unstoppable. Just like the old days.”
Edric grimaced at the thought of his sister going with them. In the past she’d proven herself deceptive when it came to sneaking places she wasn’t supposed to go. He found himself suddenly fearful that they would discover her st
owed away with the troops halfway to Ethrysta. It wouldn’t be the first time such a thing had happened. “You’re not planning anything foolish, are you?”
“Foolish?” she peered at him quizzically. “Don’t be ridiculous. While I don’t deny the fact that the thought crossed my mind to find a way to follow, I see the number of reasons why that would be terrible. I have resigned myself to the harsh truth. There is nothing more for me to do other than wish you both a safe and speedy return. I am consoled in knowing that if anything happens to Callum while he is away, a part of him remains here with me.” An anguished grimace crossed her pale features as she let her hand rest upon her abdomen. “Don’t worry about me. I will be fine if you promise that you and Callum will both come home victorious.”
“We are Vor’shai, Aiva,” Edric smiled. “We are always victorious.”
“A threat to the Ovatai will be far more dangerous than anything we faced when we fought the pirates.”
“You have fought by my side in the past. Of everyone in this miserable place, I cling to the hope that you at least have faith in my ability to handle myself in battle.” Edric shook his head in dejection. “I may not have the most experience, but I performed well enough in Luquarr to prove myself capable of accompanying the military. As the Prince, it is my duty to do so. Truthfully, I am happy to feel useful for once.”
“You are always useful, Edric. Don’t you know that?”
Clasping Aiva’s hand he squeezed it, closing his eyes. Somehow those words meant the world coming from her. When she spoke there was no hint of forced consolation. She was genuine. Honest. If there was one thing he could count on his sister for, it was speaking the truth, regardless of whether it was appropriate or not. “Ever since you and Callum moved away I have felt as if there is nothing here for me anymore. If you ever felt the way I do now, I regret having not been more sympathetic.”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice Page 17