Rinan turned to her. “Let’s get you to your horse. The others will take care of your family.”
***
“There appear to be no others in the trees or surrounding areas,” reported Guardian Dougal, who was roughly the same size as Wayte but had darker skin. “All the attackers are dead, except the one Rinan crippled.”
King Daimh, Councilor Abrecan, and Guardians Wayte and Rinan stood next to the covered bodies of the fallen. In addition to Councilors Kenrik and Philip, one of the guardians was also killed in the initial attack.
“How many attackers were there?” Abrecan asked.
“Eleven in total,” Wayte answered. “This does not make any sense. No one knew we were coming this way. And if they did find out, why send so few? Those that attacked us were quite skilled, but they were no match for royal guardians.”
Wayte turned to Rinan and Dougal. “Bring the one Rinan injured. Let us get some answers.”
Rinan nodded and he and Dougal returned a moment later with the prisoner. They put him on the ground in front of Wayte, but before Wayte could say anything, Abrecan stepped forward and thrust his sword into the prisoner’s chest. The man looked at Abrecan with shocked eyes before he died.
Wayte grabbed Abrecan and shoved him against a horse. “What have you done?”
“I suggest you let me go, Captain Wayte,” Abrecan said calmly, “unless you want to be tried for assaulting a councilor.”
King Daimh moved in, grabbed Wayte by the neck, and started to pull him away. Instead of struggling against the taller man, Wayte relaxed and said, “Please release me, Your Majesty.”
“Good decision, Captain,” Daimh said. “You’re in enough trouble as it is.”
Rinan spoke up as the king let go of Wayte. “Councilor Abrecan, explain yourself.”
Abrecan straightened his ruffled cloak. “I was making sure justice was served. The man was part of a band of attackers who killed members of the royalty. He deserved to die.”
Wayte pointed a finger at Abrecan. “That was not your decision to make!”
Abrecan bowed his head slightly and turned to the king. “Your Majesty, was I mistaken on the correct action to take?”
“Of course not, Father. If you hadn’t killed him, I would have.”
“You see? The king agrees with my actions, and it is his decision to make,” Abrecan said smugly. “It’s unfortunate that I had to be the one to carry it out. If only Guardian Rinan wasn’t so lacking in combat skills, I wouldn’t have had to finish the man off.”
“What?” Wayte exclaimed. “Not only did Guardian Rinan defeat three of the attackers, but he probably saved your life as well.”
Abrecan smirked. “If you say so.”
“I would have stopped them,” Daimh said. “If Rinan could stop them, they would’ve been no match for me.”
“I suggest we be on our way,” Rinan interrupted, ignoring the slights against him.
“Well, it’s obvious we are not safe here in Lewyol. We need to turn back,” Abrecan said. “Until we know where this threat came from, we need the protection of the castle.”
Still somewhat red in the face, Wayte seemed calm enough to see the logic in the suggestion. “Agreed. We need to go back to the castle. And you will have to answer for your actions here today, Councilor.”
Abrecan headed toward his horse, but turned to stare at Wayte. “I’d be more worried about your actions if I were you. Perhaps on the way back, you can think of a good way to explain how the royal guardians allowed two councilors to be killed.”
***
The ride back to the castle was quiet. The snow had stopped falling, and the moon shone down through parted clouds. The illumination reflecting off the newly fallen snow was enough for the party to see their way along the road.
Arriving back in the castle in the early morning hours, the party stabled their horses as Guardian Dougal was sent ahead to wake Priest Sherwyn and the Hierarchy of Magistrates.
Queen Eliana, eyes red and puffy from the tears she had shed for her father and grandfather, was escorted back to her room, where Anemone attended to her. Priest Sherwyn took care of the bodies of the fallen and prepared them for a funeral.
With the sun rising behind a gray sky of clouds, word of the terrible events spread around the castle and then quickly beyond. Messengers were sent to each of the districts, summoning the governors to the castle for not only the funerals, but also to discuss how to deal with what had transpired.
After the customary three-day mourning period, former kings Philip and Kenrik were laid to rest. The slain guardian was buried in a separate ceremony.
Underlying the grief was a tension that came from the attack itself. People from the kingdom were crying for justice, although it was unclear who was to be held accountable.
King Daimh, at Councilor Abrecan’s prompting, announced that a court would be held as soon as possible to discuss what had happened and how to handle it.
***
“Things couldn’t have gone better.” Abrecan’s face was illuminated by the flickering candle on his table. “Not only were Kenrik and Philip dispatched, but when all is said and done, I will look like the hero. Yes, things turned out quite nicely.”
The raven-haired Caldre, newly made magistrate over the town that surrounded the castle, sat across from Abrecan, his sharp nose tilted upward in arrogance. “And your son was unaware that any of this was going to happen, correct?”
Waving a hand in dismissal, Abrecan said, “Oh, yes, yes. He can’t be trusted with such intricate plans as these. My son understands that I’m looking after his best interests and that he needs to do what I tell him. He did, after all, follow the instructions to say that Lewyol was selected, regardless of the actual name on the paper.”
“Very good. What would you like me to do next?” Caldre asked.
Abrecan leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. “Wait a few days, so as not to raise suspicion, and then retrieve the coin we paid the mercenaries. They didn’t have it on them, so I’m betting it’s hidden at the inn where they were staying before the attack. Talk to the innkeeper—make sure he knows what to say if anyone starts asking questions. In fact, I want you to stay in Lewyol to keep an eye on things, at least until my grandchild is born. We’ll tell people you are looking into the attacks.”
Caldre nodded. “Excellent plan. Is there anything else you want me to do before I leave?”
“Tonight, go to the local taverns and spread rumors that the attackers were acting under the order of the governor of Lewyol. Suggest that Governor Elric felt slighted by losing the Shoginoc and wanted revenge.” Abrecan picked up the drink in front of him, and after taking a swig, pointed at Caldre. “Also say that you heard I had to kill the final attacker to protect the king and queen.”
Caldre smiled in understanding. “Those rumors will be all over the area by tomorrow. It should make court very interesting.”
Abrecan took another drink. “Yes, it will, won’t it?”
CHAPTER 6
“But that is not what happened!” Captain Wayte shouted.
The main hall was abuzz with whispers after the outburst. Councilor Abrecan had just recounted his tale of how the last remaining attacker had to be killed to protect the king and queen; that it was Captain Wayte’s poor judgment that put them in danger.
It had taken two weeks to assemble all the governors for the court, including the newest governor from Erd, former guardian Eadward. With the Hierarchy of Magistrates and savants watching over the proceedings, Daimh sat upon his throne, with Councilor Abrecan next to him. Queen Eliana’s throne was empty. Abrecan had suggested she be excused so she could continue to mourn her father and grandfather, and Eliana had readily agreed.
“Did you not bring the attacker within striking distance of King Daimh?” Abrecan asked Wayte.
“Yes, but—”
“Yes or no will do,” Abrecan interrupted. Then he turned to the Hierarchy of Magistrates. “What
is the acceptable punishment for someone who kills or attempts to kill a member of the royalty?”
Magistrate Seanan conferred with his fellow magistrates before he answered. Opening the book in front of him and turning the pages, he found the passage he wanted. He read, “Anyone who kills or attempts to kill a member of the kingdom shall be punished, up to death, as decided by the king or queen.”
“Then my actions were justified, since the king agreed he should have been put to death,” Abrecan stated. “And I consider that matter to be closed.”
Wayte began to protest again but was silenced by King Daimh. “That will be enough. My father said the matter was closed.”
Looking at the others in attendance, Wayte searched for support. However, everyone shied away from his gaze.
Councilor Abrecan continued, “In addition, Captain Wayte, it has been generations since there has been such a tragedy in our kingdom. The throne recognizes your excellent service record, so, instead of punishment, all we are asking is for your resignation.” He glared at Wayte. “Unless, of course, you would like us to review your actions further.”
Squaring his shoulders, Wayte stared hard into Abrecan’s eyes. “I serve the kingdom of Bariwon. From what I can see here today, the spirit of the kingdom died with Councilor Philip and Councilor Kenrik. I hereby resign.”
Wayte spun on his heel and walked from the hall. Abrecan scowled, then turned his attention to the rest of those in attendance.
“It’s no wonder such a tragedy happened, with a man like Wayte in charge.” Raising his voice to a more instructional tone, he said, “Now, let us discuss how we will respond to the attack. Governor Elric of Lewyol, step forward.”
***
Savant Bertram paced back and forth, nervously chewing one of his fingernails. He was unsure why he had been summoned, and in light of recent events, his mind raced with possibilities. Only a few months ago, he was studying in his home district, blissfully unaware of what the future held for him. He never had ambitions of becoming a savant; he only wanted to learn as much about everything as he could. The history of Bariwon especially interested him. He had studied the Tome of Laws ever since he could read. In addition, he was fascinated by the circumstances behind its writing. His focused studies had given him vast knowledge that had earned him the right of his current position.
Former King Kenrik had brought him to the castle to replace a savant who had retired due to old age and a failing memory. Bertram hadn’t had an easy time since he moved to the castle. It seemed the other savants didn’t take him seriously at first due to his young age, and as they got to know him, they realized how intelligent and knowledgeable he was, and therefore they resented him. The guardians were closer to his age, but Bertram was all elbows and knees, and his skinny frame made him feel uncomfortable around the more physically mature young men.
When he was not teaching the younger nobles, he kept to himself and his books. He attended court as required, but he sat in the back and never uttered a word unless asked.
Keeping all this in mind, Bertram couldn’t possibly imagine why Queen Eliana would summon him to her quarters. He knew the queen didn’t share a room with the king, meaning she had chosen the right of separation after she had become pregnant. While this was allowed in the Tome of Laws, it had not been put into practice for several generations. He was pondering why the queen would choose this option instead of just resigning before she got married, when the door opened. The queen’s personal guardian stood there, motioning for the savant to enter.
Taking a deep breath, Savant Bertram nodded and stepped into the queen’s room.
***
“And what do you make of all this?” Queen Eliana asked.
“Pardon me, Your Highness?” Bertram had just told the queen everything he had seen and heard in the recent court where Governor Elric had been arrested for plotting against the throne.
“What is your opinion of how King Daimh handled the situation?”
The savant fought the urge to chew on one of his fingernails. “I’m not sure I’m the one to be asking. There were more experienced savants and magistrates in attendance.”
Folding her hands in her lap, the queen said, “Yes, that is true, but I’m asking your opinion.” Then she smiled at Bertram. He knew the smile was probably to help him feel more comfortable, but in reality, it made him more nervous. Not only was she the queen, but she was also stunningly beautiful. Attractive women always made him uneasy.
He pondered the situation for a moment. Was she checking up on the king? It wasn’t a big secret that the queen and king’s marriage was strictly a formality. Arranged marriages were something Bertram had wondered about as he studied the history of the kingdom. Why had the authors decided to include this in the Tome of Laws? He had some ideas, but there seemed to be a piece of the puzzle missing. He had always been good with puzzles, but at the moment, he was struggling to figure out why the queen had brought him here. Unable to form a response based on what he thought the queen wanted to know, he decided to be as truthful and frank as possible. He brought his chin up, trying to gain strength from the posture.
“Actually, King Daimh had very little to do with any of the decisions that were made. He just sat there and smiled at the crowd, only speaking to back up something his father said. Councilor Abrecan did most of the talking.”
Queen Eliana narrowed her eyes. “I see. Do you feel Councilor Abrecan made the correct decisions?”
Bertram took a moment before answering. “To be honest, I felt like he took some liberties. Nothing he did or said was strictly against any laws, but they could be interpreted different ways.”
Queen Eliana and Guardian Rinan exchanged a meaningful glance after his response. Turning back to Bertram, Queen Eliana prompted him to continue.
“For example, Captain Wayte technically didn’t break any laws. True, he was in charge during the attack, but nothing he did, from all the reports that were given, was illegal. It almost seemed as though Councilor Abrecan got him to resign out of frustration.”
“And?” The queen motioned for the savant to keep going.
“Well, the situation with Governor Elric was a bit odd. Anyone suspected of a crime can be detained until it’s sorted out. However, just because the attack happened in Lewyol and the attackers wore the district’s colors doesn’t mean Governor Elric had anything to do with it. But Councilor Abrecan was quite adamant that the governor was to blame. He is even sending Magistrate Caldre to Lewyol to investigate.”
“And what was Councilor Abrecan’s explanation of why he put Governor Eadward in charge of Lewyol, as well as Erd?” the queen asked.
Bertram frowned as he thought back. “He didn’t really say—just that Governor Eadward would be watching over the district of Lewyol from now on.”
The queen smiled warmly at him again. “You’ve been very helpful. I have just one more question for you. According to your studies of the Tome of Laws, if the king and queen disagree, which of them has the final say?”
Bertram brought his hand to his mouth and chewed on the nail of his pinky finger as he thought, this time unable to help himself. “It hasn’t happened much, to my knowledge. But the Tome of Laws is pretty clear that the birth heir maintains the controlling vote. Since you are the daughter of the former king and queen, that means you would, Your Highness.”
Queen Eliana stood. “That’s what I thought. Thank you so much for coming, Savant Bertram. You’ve been most helpful.”
***
“I can’t believe Governor Elric had anything to do with this,” Eliana said after Bertram had left the room.
“Why do you think that?” Rinan asked, taking the seat just vacated by the savant. He admired how well his wife was handling the situation, despite her recent loss. Eliana had agreed to let Daimh hold court because she hadn’t expected anything more than formal reports to be issued, and the pain was still too fresh to hear a retelling of how her father and grandfather had been murdered. Sh
e certainly hadn’t expected any action to be taken. Had she known, she would have attended herself, despite whatever pain it would have caused.
Eliana shook her head. “I’ve known Governor Elric since I was a young child. He’s like an uncle to me. He and my father were very close friends. I don’t believe he would be capable of such actions. Abrecan, however…” Her voice trailed off and she shook her head.
“Are you suggesting that Abrecan plotted to kill your father?” Rinan asked, an edge in his voice.
“Don’t tell me you haven’t thought the same thing,” Eliana said.
Rinan balled up his fists. “I’ve thought over a lot of possibilities. And yes, I have considered Abrecan’s role in all this. It just makes me so angry. I don’t know how you can be calm when I feel like I want to jump out of my skin.”
Eliana leaned over, then opened Rinan’s fists and held his hands. “I know. You’re a man of action. You’ve demonstrated that before. However, we must be careful. Abrecan is working within the law, and any action we take could end up doing more harm than good. We need to handle this with words, not swords. Growing up in the castle, I’ve learned that words can be as powerful as any sword.”
Rinan exhaled deeply. “Fine. I will try to be calm. What do you plan on doing next?”
Eliana grimaced. “I’m going to show Abrecan just how sharp words can be.”
***
The following morning, the residents of the castle awoke to a blizzard. The howling winds created moans and unearthly sounds throughout the castle. Snow drifts several feet high were found in the courtyard, inspiring everyone to stay indoors as much as possible. Inside the main hall, a cold draft of air could be felt, despite the roaring fires in the room’s several hearths.
The Hidden Sun (Bariwon Chronicles Book 1) Page 7