The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Four: In the Beginning

by Melissa Collins

  “So I was right. You were prepared to kill a savior of your people for the sake of your wealth and status.”

  “If you are going to lead a rebellion, Milady, you need to think tactically, not emotionally,” Therek frowned. Kaori bit down on her lower lip, wanting to argue, yet curious to hear what he had to say. He was an intelligent man. If he had any advice, she was willing to hear it before silencing him for the sake of defending her pride. “Consider my position with the Emperor,” Therek continued, the condescension previously noticeable in his words now replaced with a more civil tone. “If I am in the Emperor’s confidence, I am more help to you with the information I could provide than I would be in combat. You have strong fighters on your side. But what good is their strength if you are unaware of the Emperor’s plans?”

  Shaking her head, Kaori waved her hand to dismiss Therek’s argument. “We do not need someone to tell us of the Emperor’s plans. The executions are open to the public. Where they are set to occur is not exactly a secret. We will hear of the next one the same as we heard of the one in Whitelyn.”

  “It is that simple, then?” Therek’s brow rose, eyeing Kaori as if he knew some great secret she wasn’t privy to. Chin pushed outward in defiance, she met his gaze, determined not to let him see the insult he caused in questioning her.

  “The Emperor wants us to witness the deaths of our people. He takes pleasure in it. If we are not informed of where to go for the spectacle, he would not get the satisfaction he desires.”

  “Then you were already aware that another execution took place this morning in Tarnai? Eleven Vor’shai were put to death more than an hour ago.”

  “What?” She didn’t want to believe it. He was playing games with her. Trying to make her question her methods. “You lie.”

  “Your brother and I went there at dawn in fear that we would find you there. When the execution was completed without interruption, we began searching for you in other likely places.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “Ask your brother, then. I am in no mood to argue.”

  Flustered, Kaori took a step backward. She wanted to call Sivar to them. To put an end to this nonsense. But there was something about the way Therek was looking at her that made the blood in her veins run cold. He was either a master of deception, or he spoke the truth. There was no fear in his eyes that she would discover anything different from what he relayed. Even when she opened her mouth to call for her brother, he remained confident, almost seeming to urge her to verify the information with a slight nod of his head. Her eyes drifted out into the courtyard to find Sivar, though she chose not to call his name. She didn’t need to ask him now. There would be time to discuss the matter with him in more detail once she finished with Therek. “If you are lying, I will find out.”

  “I would question your willingness to trust so blindly if you did not seek to substantiate my claim,” he replied calmly, motioning for her to return to their cover and out of view from the others. “If I cannot convince you to pass this burden to someone else, then I wish to offer my assistance in a way that I consider the most advantageous.”

  Heeding his silent request, Kaori moved closer to Therek, shoulders back, muscles taut. She didn’t want him to think her too anxious to hear his offer. “Go on.”

  Cautious, Therek craned his neck to search the tiny foyer area, making sure there were no servants, or any other unwanted ears, who might overhear what he was about to say. “I know the locations and dates for the next three executions. They are the final three in the first wave, though after the arrests made in Whitelyn for the disturbance, there may yet be more. I can provide you with that information, and any further details which may become pertinent.”

  “What do you ask in return?”

  “Only one request.” Therek’s lips twitched as if to smile though the expression never fully took shape, his eyes lowered to the floor. Kaori waited, afraid of what the request would be. She should have known he wouldn’t offer his assistance for free.

  At his silence Kaori felt her irritation build, foot tapping impatiently. “Are you going to tell me what that is?”

  His gaze lifted, slow, precise, meeting Kaori’s steady glare. With a long breath he shook his head, suddenly seeming less confident. Kaori didn’t like the way uncertainty looked on him. It only added to her doubt in regards to their plan. “You cannot be involved in every rescue,” he started, pausing briefly to think over his words before continuing. “To avoid suspicion, you will need to have your face seen in attendance, at least once.”

  “That is unnecessary,” Kaori smiled, hoping it would be enough to ease the discomfort so visible on Therek’s handsome features. His frown remained prominent, the concern in his eyes never fading. Seeing that her efforts to console him were failing, she tried to think of something more she could say which would solidify her claims of safety. “I am a woman, Your Grace. The least likely suspect to lead a rebellion. The Emperor has no reason to link me to the attacks.”

  “Emperor Sulel knows you can fight,” Therek held his hand up to stop Kaori from saying anything more. “You have to remember that he spoke with the soldiers who accosted you on the road. He knows you are perfectly capable of handling yourself in combat against a trained military man.”

  “But you said it yourself that my parents died to protect me from those charges. There is no reason for him to suspect that I would repay that debt by repeating the offense.”

  “It is no secret that you were deeply affected by their execution. Revenge seems a good enough reason to place you on the top of his list. You are not exactly known for the typical feminine restraint demonstrated by other women of status.”

  “Are you saying he already suspects?”

  “I am saying you need to be careful that he does not start.”

  It took every drop of willpower Kaori possessed to remain calm. She hated his veracity. He always had a way of tearing apart the reality she saw and forcing her to see the world for what it really was. A valuable asset. One she wished she could have at her side when planning their next move instead of using him as a spy. “What would you have me do?”

  Therek relaxed somewhat at her concession. Kaori expected him to look upon her in satisfaction of her submission, but she could see no pleasure in his expression. Only relief. “In two weeks another execution is scheduled in Rothdara. As the Countess, your absence would spark questions. It is my recommendation that you be there, standing in the front row for the soldiers to see.”

  It made sense. While she didn’t doubt the soundness of Therek’s advice, there were too many details which tugged at the corners of her mind. Without her, there would only be four people left to take on the soldiers. Liurn was a strong leader, but the odds were against them. Especially if the General increased the number of guards. “Our numbers are not great enough to allow my absence from the mission. Even with my assistance, we are at risk of failure in our next endeavor.”

  “You have four days before the next execution. Whitelyn now holds an abundant source of possible allies, as does Tarnai. There are people out there who support you. Whispers already abound of those who seek to join the “heroes of Whitelyn.” They just don’t know where to look.”

  “I cannot post a sign at the crossroads pointing them where to go…”

  “No, but an organized rebellion does not build itself,” Therek cut in. “You have friends who already offer support. Use them to filter possible recruits. Your current path may lead to war, and a war cannot be won without an army.”

  “How can we know who to trust?”

  “You don’t. That is why you do your best to filter. Provide as little information to the neophyte as possible before completely bringing them into your circle. Send them on minor errands to test their loyalty before they ever learn the identity of those who lead.”

  Her head was swimming. Excited at the prospect of expanding their group while at the same time she was afraid. There was more risk in what he s
uggested. Spreading their rebellion to aspects other than the executions alone. “What kind of errands?” she pressed. It was simple enough to plot a mere rescue mission. Beyond the base of their plan, she was no military expert. Her knowledge of proper tactics was lacking and that would prove a downfall to everyone if she didn’t learn how to think like a soldier.

  Therek pondered the question, arms folded across his chest in thoughtful contemplation. “Your objective will require funds to achieve,” he stated, his eyes once again surveying the area for anyone who would eavesdrop upon them. Satisfied that they were still alone, he moved in closer, his voice lowered to avoid the risk of having overlooked something. “Have them intercept deliveries being made to the Emperor. Supplies, food, gold. Anything of value that you can get your hands on. If they are willing to commit theft from the Emperor, they may well be willing to kill for you.”

  “How long did you say we have until the next execution?” Her heart raced, the constant, rapid thud echoing loudly in her head. When Therek spoke, he made it sound feasible. Almost simple. If she could pitch the idea to Liurn and the others with the same confidence, she could have them out scouring for new allies by nightfall.

  “Four days,” Therek nodded, giving no hesitation to provide the information she requested. “The next will be in Voiene, mid-afternoon. From there they will be in Rothdara, and then Amalo. The last two will be morning executions, so I recommend your followers be there early.”

  “What about you? Are you adamant that you will not offer your sword in our aid?”

  “I cannot,” he frowned. For the first time there was a hint of guilt in his voice, though he did well to disguise it in his expression. “The information I garner from the Emperor is far more useful than my blade. But I will offer whatever assistance I can outside the battles themselves.”

  Kaori exhaled a long, drawn out breath. It was better than nothing. With his help, they would be able to prepare well in advance for the upcoming executions. And with the Emperor in Therek’s ear, he would be the first to know if any of their names became suspect. “My brother would kill you if he knew you were encouraging me.”

  For the first time since they slipped away, Therek chuckled quietly to himself, looking over Kaori’s shoulder toward the door. “Your brother is worried about you, as am I. But I have spent enough time with you to know that your mind is made up and argument is futile.”

  “That may be so, but he is going to try and stop me.”

  “Do not be so sure of that,” Therek gave a half-smile before stepping around Kaori, his focus turned on the door to the courtyard. “He is protective of you and feels it his duty to keep you safe. Find a way to convince him that joining you is his best chance at keeping you out of danger and you may yet find your army another man stronger.”

  Before Kaori could say anything more, she watched Therek move through the door, leaving her there in silence. She shuffled forward, lost in thought, her eyes staring absently at Therek’s figure as he moved toward the others, Sivar’s slumped form rising expectantly from where he was seated at the table. She was impressed with Therek. Under his snobbish façade, he was an intelligent man. Willful, and at times downright incorrigible, but nothing she herself was not guilty of as well. Why he bothered with her at all was what puzzled her. He was a handsome man. Wealthy. Powerful. Worthy of far better company than she presented. Yet he continued to come back, overlooking the mistreatment she consistently gave him, and now offered her a means to further a plan that could end in his death if his involvement was ever uncovered.

  When he reached the others, Therek turned stiffly to glance back at the door, his eyes meeting with Kaori’s where she stood, unable to look away. In the back of her mind she could hear his voice, echoing the words he had spoken in argument of Liurn’s accusation of affection toward her. You and I are friends, Lady Kaori; and we could never be anything more. Why did it hurt to hear those words? Before she walked into that foyer with him, she was content to hate him for the rest of her life. Now she wanted nothing more than to be worthy of his affection. But he was the Duke of Avishul. Far above her, despite his claims that it was he who was not good enough for her. Just let it go; she commanded herself, shaking her head to clear the thoughts from her mind. There were more pressing matters to focus on right now. The first of which being the upcoming execution in Voiene.

  Forcing a smile, Kaori stepped through the door to make her way back to the others. The longer she lingered inside, the more worried Liurn would become about what Therek had said or done to her. It was best Liurn not come to any wild conclusions because of her juvenile desire to have something she couldn’t have – when she had wanted nothing to do with it before it became out of her reach. “Why do you all look so frightened?” she asked, lighthearted, hoping to ease the tension so obvious in the air.

  Liurn broke first, moving forward to meet Kaori as she approached, looking her over carefully as if expecting to find some injury upon her not visible from a distance. “You were gone a long time. Is everything alright?”

  “Why would it not be alright?” she patted his cheek playfully. “We were discussing business. The Duke has graciously agreed to protect my secret, so there is nothing to worry about.”

  “How altruistic of him,” Liurn tossed a smirk over his shoulder to where Therek stood, his arm wrapping around Kaori’s to guide her back to the table. “I hope you did not have to give him much in return for his kindness.”

  Therek watched Liurn, making no attempt to conceal his amusement at Liurn’s odd behavior. “I am not going to take her away from you, Torust. You and I can remain friends.”

  Liurn snapped his head to the side, glaring angrily at Therek. “That is not what this is about.”

  “No?” Therek replied idly. Unflinching at Liurn’s hardened gaze. “Your actions toward Lady Kaori say otherwise. I assumed this was all an attempt to look more masculine in her company.”

  “It is an attempt to keep her safe, Your Grace. After all, it was you who tried to kill her in the streets of Whitelyn.”

  “And as I cannot turn back the hands of time, I can do nothing more than offer my deepest apologies to the Lady. She understands the circumstances of my actions and we are in agreement that it will not happen again.”

  “I should think not!” Liurn exclaimed, releasing Kaori’s arm to face Therek, shoulders squared, muscles taut. Kaori reached for him as he took a step forward, fists clenched. “If you want to fight against your own people, I suggest you try going after someone your own size.”

  “Liurn, stop!”

  Kaori’s protests fell on deaf ears. He was already lunging forward, knuckles aimed for Therek’s face. Kaori screamed as Therek burst into motion. Swift and precise, he caught Liurn’s arm before his fist could make contact, locking it firmly while stepping his leg behind Liurn’s base to sweep his feet out from under him. Liurn landed with a painful thud in the grass, Therek’s knee resting firmly on his chest. “I am not your enemy,” Therek stated calmly. There was no waver in his voice. As if the actions required no strain on his body. Liurn tensed to pull his arm free, finding it clenched tightly once again in Therek’s hands. “We both want the same thing, Torust. You are just in a better place to acquire it. I will not stand in your way.”

  Liurn grimaced under the pressure of Therek’s grasp. “I have never known you to back down from anything if you wanted it badly enough.”

  “Then you will have to take my word for it this time.” Without another word Therek released Liurn, rising to his feet in a fluid motion. Adjusting the fabric of his silken doublet, Therek gave a brief nod at Liurn where he remained on the ground. Without offering assistance to help Liurn to his feet, he turned instead to direct his attention to Sivar. “The Emperor is expecting me back in Eykanua. I must be on my way.”

  “I am not leaving here without my sister,” Sivar stated, his posture erect as he lowered himself back down into his chair.

  Therek nodded in understanding. There w
as no reason for him to argue. Kaori knew it was best if Sivar remained behind anyway. It helped their chances of convincing him to join their cause. “I wish you all a pleasant afternoon. Lord Torust, I thank you for your hospitality.”

  There was a slight hint of sarcasm in Therek’s voice as he gave his final farewell to Liurn, stepping over his prone figure to make his way toward the house. Kaori watched him leave, frustrated by the way he made her feel. She didn’t want him to go, while at the same time she knew he had to. It was easy to convince herself that he was being selfish in his decision to remain out of the fight but the truth was that he wasn’t. The information he could provide while in the Emperor’s confidence was vital to the success of their mission. One misstep on his part could cost them their greatest asset within the Emperor’s court.

  Still, something nagged at the back of her mind. The exchange between him and Liurn. There was something in the way the men looked at each other when they spoke that made Kaori question whether there was a hidden meaning in their words. They both wanted the same thing. But what was that? A unified Carpaen? The safety of their people? Or maybe… No. She wouldn’t allow herself to be conceited enough to think they referred to her. Wishful thinking, perhaps, that maybe there was some part of Therek that cared about her more deeply than the friendship he spoke of. But if she allowed herself to believe that, she would also have to admit that he was right about Liurn’s feelings for her. And that would only serve to complicate things more.

  A rustle of fabric distracted Kaori from Therek’s exit, reminded of Liurn’s presence only a few inches away. Pulled from her reverie she rushed to his aid, offering her hand to help pull him to his feet. “Liurn, are you okay? Are you hurt?”

  “I don’t think his intention was to injure me,” Liurn grumbled, wiping the dirt from his doublet. He looked flushed. Embarrassed. The way his eyes avoided meeting Kaori’s gaze told her that he was ashamed to have been overtaken by Therek while in Kaori’s company. “It’s not important,” he argued, gradually beginning to regain his confidence. “What did he say to you? Should we be concerned by his swift departure to Eykanua?”