by Naomi Lane
They both turned their heads to see the Crown Prince approaching them. “You’re Prince Dominic’s squire?” she asked, surprised.
“Yes. I think it’s just because I’m good at riding.”
Dominic spoke. “Peter, Barrett is waiting for you.”
“Sorry, sir, I just needed to make sure my sister was okay.”
“I understand, but we’re short on time.”
“I know, sir.” He turned back to Jenna and gave her one last hug. “It’ll be all right.” Then he returned to his charges and went to find Barrett. It suddenly dawned on Jenna that this would be the first time she would be apart from Peter for more than a few days. Her face fell.
“I apologize for being so abrupt, but since I’ve found you, Miss Mallory, there is something we need to discuss.”
Jenna’s attention returned to the Prince. “Yes, Your Highness.”
“It regards Kedar.”
“Oh.” Jenna suddenly remembered her promise to Prince Dominic and anticipated what was coming.
“You have trained him well, and I want him with the army, held in reserve.”
“Of course.”
The Crown Prince seemed a little shocked, as if he thought she might argue, but Jenna didn’t have the energy to say anything. And she felt Kedar would want to be in the action, even if he would miss her. “Very well then,” said the Prince.
“May I say good-bye to him though?”
“Yes, certainly, follow me.” The Crown Prince strode rapidly through the grounds. Jenna struggled a bit to keep up, as her body still ached from the events of the previous night, and her mind was still spinning from the news she heard that morning. “Miss Mallory?”
She looked up at the Prince startled. “I’m sorry, Your Highness, did you ask me a question?”
“Are you all right?”
“I’m… I… I just heard all the news an hour ago. It’s hard to take in.”
“Yes, yes, and things are chaotic.”
“And there is still so much I don’t understand.”
“Such as?”
“Like this insanity about Durand.” The Prince slowed his pace when she mentioned that name. “How could he ever do anything so, so, vile?” she continued. “It just isn’t in him. I know him.”
“Miss Mallory, I…” The Prince seemed at a loss for words.
“Oh, I’ve already heard the story that he admitted it, but doesn’t this all seem odd? I just feel as if I have woken up to find the world went completely mad. It doesn’t even seem like something the republic would do.”
“They did assassinate most of the Tenarran nobles.”
“Yes, but did they hire a Khazaran mage? I thought they had the famous shadow mages? Are they who you faced last night?”
“I, well…”
Seeing how flustered the Crown Prince became, Jenna realized this was not an appropriate topic of conversation. “I apologize, Your Highness. I got carried away.”
“No. You make a decent point. The men we fought were dressed in black and masked, but hardly the same caliber of fighter we faced at the border last year.”
The Prince became lost in thought after that comment, and they walked the rest of the distance to the small paddock in silence. Jenna spotted many Crown horses there, including Kedar. He whinnied when he saw her, and Jenna smiled. “Hi, beautiful,” she said to him.
“As you can see, he is well after his ordeal in the woods, but I am afraid I must be going,” said Dominic. “Take what time you need.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Jenna curtsied. “And thank you for listening.”
He nodded and quickly strode away.
Jenna returned her attention to her horse. “I’m going to miss you, but you did so well last night.” She sent him emotions of gratitude. He sent an image of her riding him, armed with her magic bow, still hunting the Dark Mage. She sighed. She sent the image of herself skewering the man with a sword. She wondered if Kedar had missed the scene. “He can’t hurt us or anyone anymore. Well, I’m pretty sure anyway.”
She stayed with him for several minutes, sending him images of warfare. Of course she had never seen an actual war, so she had to invent some. She hoped it would be helpful and that he would know to be obedient. He kept inserting her image into the warfare, but she tried to steer him away from those thoughts, showing him that she would be locked in a Tower. He didn’t like that, but she managed to keep him calm. Eventually, she gave him one last pat on his neck. “I know it’s hard, but you’re ready. Farewell, Kedar.”
She fought back tears as she strode away, but she knew it wasn’t the last difficult good-bye of the day. She still needed to see Sebastian. She used her mind-link as a guide once again and spotted him coming out of the West Wing carrying a load of arrows. Eamon was not far behind. Both smiled slightly when they saw her. “Lady Jenna!” Eamon called. “So good to see you up and about.” He actually bowed and kissed her hand when she approached him. Sebastian rolled his eyes, but excused himself to drop off his load of arrows. “I just want to thank you properly for your assistance. My father would do it himself, but he is rather busy.”
Jenna actually smiled slightly. “I understand and thank you for the kindness, all of your kindness actually.”
His blue eyes kept their sparkle even amidst all of the surrounding chaos. “It was fun wasn’t it? But, alas, war calls.” Jenna could tell he was sincere, but also seemed excited by the prospect of battle.
Sebastian returned empty handed. “Squire,” Eamon continued. “Take two minutes. Meet me in the central courtyard. Lady Jenna, always a pleasure, and keep practicing that footwork.” He winked and then hurried off.
“He’ll never change,” said Sebastian.
Jenna actually smiled. “No, he won’t. So you’re his squire then?”
“Yes.” Sebastian did not seem too pleased with that arrangement.
“But you’d rather be with the mages?”
Sebastian sighed. “It’s all a bit complicated now, but it’s really not that bad. Eamon knows my preferences and has sworn he won’t keep me from using my magic to protect the army.”
“Your magic!”
“Yes?” Sebastian furrowed his brow.
“It saved my life,” she said.
“Oh?”
“Your charm, it protected me from multiple arrows.”
“It did? I mean, I’m glad. I just hadn’t heard you were in that much danger.”
Jenna sighed. “It was a rough night.” She wasn’t sure how much more she wanted to get into with so little time left to speak to him.
“I guess,” said Sebastian, still a bit concerned.
She just nodded. “I’ll miss you, but I’m glad your magic will be available to protect everyone…” Then Jenna remembered something and became confused.
“What’s wrong,” asked Sebastian.
“I’m sorry; I just remembered that you had warded the castle grounds. How did the Dark Mage get in?”
“Oh,” Sebastian replied, understanding why she was upset. “Harcourt found out he was already within the castle grounds when I put up the wards.”
“What?”
“He had help on the inside.”
“Don’t tell me.” Jenna sighed. “Durand.”
“I see you’ve heard.”
“I’d rather not talk about it anymore.”
Sebastian nodded. “I understand.” He grabbed her shoulder, then dropped it, suddenly self-conscious. “I’ll miss you too, Jenna,” he said quietly. She gave him a sad smile. “Oh, forget it.” He leaned in quickly and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Be well.”
“I will. Stay safe.”
He just nodded and then chased after Eamon.
By that time Jenna’s stomach was growling, so she finally headed toward the East Wing in search of food. As she walked past the infirmary, she saw several human bodies laid out, covered with shrouds. She tried not to look at them too carefully and kept on walking, but then up ahead she saw
two palace servants carrying a stretcher with another body. This one had no shroud, and she recognized the face of one of the men she had shot down with an arrow. She stared in shock as his corpse was placed alongside the others and covered up. “Miss, what are you doing here?” A man in a green mage robe grabbed her arm.
“I’m sorry; I was headed to the East Wing.”
“Good. Please keep a move on; things are rather hectic here.”
“Yes, Magister,” she said and continued her walk. The full force of what she had done the previous night finally hit her. She had killed at least one person, most likely three and all deliberately. She knew they all meant her harm and that she had a right to defend herself, but it still haunted her thoughts as she finally made it to the East Wing.
She entered through the main foyer and saw Aylin coming down the stairs, tears visibly streaking her face. The Princess stopped when she saw her. “Jenna,” she said. “I’m glad to see you’re all right.” Then Jenna heard a voice calling in Khazaric. Aylin sighed. “Good-bye,” she said. She used a Khazaran farewell reserved for close friends.
Jenna was surprised, but managed to reply. “Until better times,” she said, using a different Khazaran expression. Aylin smiled and left the building, presumably to return to her home. Jenna really did hope she would be okay. She had been so kind to her, to everyone really, despite her rank.
She wound her way through the corridors to the dining room, where some other Ladies were also sitting down at the table. Jenna only then discovered it was actually proper suppertime. She sat and avidly began to eat.
She purposefully put some distance between herself and the others. They didn’t seem too interested in speaking with her anyway, and that was just fine with Jenna.
The silence was broken when Aurelia stormed in. “I can’t believe Constance gets to go and I don’t.”
“What?” asked Yolanda. “Constance is traveling with the army?”
“Yes. It’s because she’s such a powerful healer.”
“But you’re not a healer, Aurelia. You’re a weather mage,” said Becca.
“So? I’m still at high-level. I can control lightning. It would be useful.”
Then the door opened again, and the Queen appeared. All the Ladies, including Jenna, stood and curtsied. “Please,” she said. “I don’t mean to interrupt your meal, just wanted to check in.” They all sat back down, and the Queen began to speak to some of the Ladies on the other side of the table from Jenna. It seemed the Queen managed to calm Aurelia down. Eventually it was Jenna’s turn. “Miss Mallory,” began Her Majesty. “I must thank you.”
Jenna shrugged. “I just did what anyone would do, Your Majesty.”
“No, Jenna,” continued the Queen, as she sat down next to her. “You did far, far more than that. You have done so much for my family in your short time here. I want you to know you have my eternal gratitude no matter what.” She put a slight emphasis on that last phrase, and Jenna understood what she meant: no matter what your family may have done.
“I’m glad to be helpful, Your Majesty,” was all she said.
The Queen smiled.
“Will you be staying here?” Jenna asked, hoping not to sound presumptive.
“No, actually. I travel with the army. My healing skills will be valuable.”
“Oh, I hear Constance is also going.”
“Yes, she is.”
Jenna pursed her lips. “I am a strong healer, too.”
The Queen sighed. “You are; I have no doubt of that. But you are also only thirteen, not fully trained, and Constance only gets to go because her family allows it.”
Jenna nodded. She knew it was a stretch, but would have rather liked to help if she could. The Queen let Jenna continue to eat, and she felt somewhat more relaxed as she later climbed the stairs up to the Ladies’ dormitory. Although she breathed easier, she was also still exhausted. Unfortunately, she still had to pack her things for her journey the next morning. Her only pleasant surprise came when she opened one of her trunks and found both of her weapons safe and sound. All arrows were accounted for, and they appeared completely clean, as did the sword. She thanked the Heavens they had returned to her and that the weapons knew how to look out for themselves. She really wanted to know what her mother could tell her about them, except she remembered Lord Harcourt still hadn’t given her permission to go home.
Once dressed in a nightgown, she flopped onto her bed, for seemingly the last time. She decided to give the mind-link with Harcourt one more try. Lucas? she asked.
Jenna? What is it? Something wrong? He sounded concerned, but also still agitated.
There’s something I really need to tell you.
Can you make it quick?
Yes. The Dark Mage pursued me in the woods. But I… had help. It was true. The weapons came to her aid. Without them she would most likely be dead. I saw the mage take a mortal wound, but then he vanished.
Really? You could have mentioned something before. This is excellent news.
I know. I just had trouble getting a word in with all the other things going on.
I’m sorry. It has been hectic, and I never even properly said good-bye. Much of the high mage’s agitation had ceased. Now he mainly seemed regretful.
Well, it’s hard to say good-bye at such times, she added.
Yes. I suppose so.
But does this mean I can visit home first, before going to the Tower?
Oh. Of course. That won’t be a problem.
Thank you. Good luck on your journey.
Try not to worry. Good night, Jenna.
The link went silent.
As Jenna finally fell asleep, she wasn’t sure what to make of her stay at court. When she had arrived all she had really wanted was to get through the experience with as little trouble as possible. Now, she was just glad she had survived.
Chapter 31
The carriage moved swiftly through the woods outside the palace. Jenna had just begun her long journey back to the southern coast. Yolanda sat across from her, fanning herself. Jenna knew her fellow Lady had protested when she had learned they were to share transportation back to their homes, so they sat in awkward silence.
Jenna stared out of the window, wondering what her brother and her friends were doing. The thought she may never see some of them ever again crossed her mind, but she attempted to shove such dour thoughts away. The people she cared about were also extremely powerful and capable. She trusted they would look out for each other and be fine, but it was hard to be apart from them.
She thought about Durand who was still locked in a dungeon cell. When she woke, she had considered attempting to talk to him, but she was worried about the appearance it would create, especially with her family under suspicion.
“I wonder how long it will take to get to Mayfield,” said Yolanda. “I’ve never had to travel this early in the spring. There could be rainstorms.”
“Indeed,” Jenna replied, not really paying too much attention to Yolanda’s chatter.
“It’s such a shame to be leaving the palace. This war is such a ghastly business. Imagine how close we were to having our throats slit.”
Jenna merely nodded, knowing just how close she had come, but she also knew Yolanda didn’t mean any harm. The other girl just found it difficult to sit in silence with such upheaval in her life. Yolanda pretended to have an air of nonchalance, but Jenna could tell by the way the other girl was fidgeting that she was as frightened as everybody else.
“I heard that the main army is scheduled to leave tomorrow morning. My own father will join up with the navy in Salara I’m sure.”
Yolanda continued to gossip. Jenna only paid half-attention as her mind continued to wander. She thought of the rebel that had visited her home. He had wanted to overthrow the Sevalian government, but hadn’t her father convinced him it wasn’t necessary? Had Alex really been in the north? Had he joined the rebellion? No! Jenna told herself. He could never align himself with murderers. The
n she thought of Durand again and sighed.
“At least Lord Nigen will be happy. He’s wanted revenge on those rebels all along. Caramina and Talia will be relieved too, I’m sure. They are planning on heading to Navia—”
“Wait,” said Jenna. “Lord Nigen?” Why did that seem so important to her?
“You know, Lord Nigen, the Tenarran Lord who helps train the knights—”
“I know,” said Jenna. Then realization struck. The Tenarran Lord wanted war with the republic, the same Tenarran Lord with a grudge against Durand. It was his cruelty in the voice she recognized back at the winter ball. A man that cruel would seek revenge no matter what the cost in human life. “Oh gods! How could I be this blind?”
“What are you talking about?” Yolanda was taken aback by Jenna’s shocked response.
“It was his voice,” she tried to explain though she knew subconsciously it would never work. “He’s behind the whole thing! We have to stop the carriage and go back.” Jenna suddenly felt determined.
“Go back now? Have you gone absolutely insane?”
“Yes, Miss, we cannot go back,” echoed their escort. “We are under strict orders to make all speed to Mayfield and then on south—”
“NO, NO, NO!” said Jenna. “You don’t understand!” The thought briefly entered her mind that she could try to use her mind-link to contact the high mage, but she was far enough from the castle that the link had weakened appreciably. She didn’t think she could reach him under normal circumstances let alone when he was so distracted anyway. She still had to act. She attempted to open the carriage door to talk to the driver. When her escort attempted to physically restrain her, Jenna whirled back around, breaking free of his grip. “Listen! You must turn this carriage around right NOW.” Jenna’s voice sounded strange. It had an odd resonant quality, the same quality that she remembered hearing from the Dark Mage when he had held her in thrall. Her escort paled, and Yolanda stared open-mouthed.
Calmly, their escort signaled to the driver. “Please turn the carriage around,” he said. “Return to the palace, and be quick about it.”
“Are you sure?” asked the driver, quite perplexed at the request.