The general had also heard that introduction before, but he had clearly not put together the Ra-khirsson of Calistin’s name with the Sir Ra-khir of Erythane. He would not get fooled twice, however. “Kedrin’s son. So your father is . . .”
Ra-khir gave Magnus the opportunity to finish.
“. . . the knights’ general.”
“We use the title captain,” Ra-khir explained. “My father is properly titled Knight-Captain Kedrin.”
“Yes, well.” Valr Magnus cleared his throat. “In the interest of full disclosure, then, I must proclaim that my Captain of . . .”
“Renshai,” Calistin filled in, studying his chipped fingernails, which still had bits of blood beneath them.
The Aeri glared at Calistin. “My captain is, apparently, his son.”
Now, Erik leaped to his feet. “Valr, are you saying your captain is a . . .” He looked from Calistin to Ra-khir and back, clearly trying to put together everything so far spoken. “. . . a . . .” His brow knitted. “. . . a Knight of Erythane?”
“Gods, no,” Calistin said quickly, his voice even. “What a horrible thought.”
Now, Ra-khir turned his searing gaze on Calistin. “Captain Erik, both of my sons are Renshai.”
Erik kept his attention on Valr Magnus, his cheeks purpling and his eyes glaring.
Verdondi rose and placed a hand on Erik’s shoulder. He stared nearly as intently at Saviar and whispered something into the Northman’s ear.
King Humfreet took over. “Now that the additional introductions are out of the way, and all the family ties elucidated, why did you call us here?”
“I have one last introduction, with your leave,Your Majesty.”
Griff nodded and gestured for Ra-khir to continue.
Ra-khir turned, opened the door, and addressed one of the guards. “Bring our guest here now, please.”
The guard bowed, and Ra-khir shut the door again. “With your indulgence, I would like you to meet a man with some interesting information. Before we do, though, I must ask for immunity for him from all of you, as representatives of your respective peoples.Without it, I don’t believe he will speak.”
Erik’s massive fist crashed to the table. “I’ll make him speak.”
Released from the Nordmirian’s pinning stare, Magnus sat calmly.
Ra-khir sighed. By bringing Saviar instead of Thialnir, he had hoped to avoid theatrics. “Our guest has committed no crime himself. He has come to tell us what he knows, but he worries that some among us might hold him responsible for things his nephew has done.”
Griff said softly, “Given that information, I have no trouble granting him immunity and protection, if he needs it.”
“Granted here as well,” King Humfreet added gruffly.
Valr Magnus went next, “Aerin does not punish innocent men, and I will not allow my men to exact vengeance on him either.”
Still standing, Erik waved a gruff hand, obviously intended as a vow.
Ra-khir’s gaze fell to Saviar, and the others followed. Suddenly the focus of every man’s attention, Saviar slouched in his chair, clearly wishing he could disappear entirely. “Saviar,” Ra-khir reminded. “You speak for the Renshai.”
The cool look Saviar returned his father spoke of future retaliation, not against the visiting speaker but against the knight himself.
“I can’t . . . I mean I don’t know . . .”
Ra-khir squared his jaw. He should have prepared Saviar more thoroughly, but their conversation had turned to other matters. “Saviar, I assure you that, without a vow from a Renshai leader, this man will not speak out. He fears the Renshai most of all.”
Saviar sucked air through his lips, then let it out in a slow stream from his nose. “I promise not to harm this man for past crimes, and I will do everything I can to keep any individual Renshai from hurting him either.”
Ra-khir nodded, satisfied. He knew as well as Saviar that no one could contain a Renshai bent on killing, but he trusted his son to do his best to present things to his tribe in the best possible light. He was not so sure, however, about Calistin.
The door edged open to admit a sheepish-looking, potbellied Erythanian dressed in foppish garb. His shoes were made of silk, and he wore a pointed hat with an enormous tassel. Clearly, he had not participated in the war.
Ra-khir held the door for the Erythanian, who sidled inside, studying the gathering at the table. He bowed several times, each one deeper than the one before.
“These men have granted you immunity in the name of Béarn, Erythane, Aerin, Nordmir, and the Renshai. You are safe to speak your piece.”
The man bowed a few more times. His voice emerged as a frightened squeak. “My name is Georan, brother to Harveki and uncle to Frendon Harveki’s son.”
Murmurs traveled through the listeners as they recognized the name of the man who had turned the tide of battle between Valr Magnus and Kevral Tainharsdatter, the one who had fallen from the tree.
The man glanced at Ra-khir, his features scrunched and his expression needy.
Ra-khir reached into his pocket, retrieved the Northern coins he had bought back from the merchant in Dunford, and dumped them onto the table. The coins jangled together then plunked to the wooden top in an arrhythmic jumble, some rolling on edge before dropping flat. “Merchants in Dunford sold me these coins of Nordmirian mint, used by an Erythanian to buy luxuries. They described Georan, and his purchases, perfectly, down to that . . . rather unique headgear.”
“And,” Erik demanded, leaning forward.
Georan swallowed hard and caught Ra-khir’s hand.
“You’re safe,” Ra-khir said, as much a command to the assemblage as a reassurance. “Please finish.”
Georan lowered his head. “I spent that money in Dunford, not Erythane, at Frendon’s request. He said he got it from Paradisians who paid him to make certain the Renshai lost their single combat.”
“What!”
Ra-khir looked instinctively toward Erik, but it was Valr Magnus who had shouted as he sprang to his feet again. The blood rushed from a face already pale, making it appear entirely bloodless.
As if in direct contrast, Erik’s cheeks appeared to gain all the color Magnus’ lost, plus more. Arteries throbbed in his neck. “Are you calling us cheaters?” Erik demanded.
Georan shrank against Ra-khir, and the knight shielded him as the situation demanded.
“Sit down, Erik,” King Humfreet demanded. “No one is saying you personally cheated.”
Erik obeyed with obvious reluctance, but Magnus remained standing, still chalk white and looking as if he might vomit.
King Griff addressed the man cowering against Ra-khir. “Georan, did Frendon tell you exactly who paid him, by name?”
Georan shook his head.
Ra-khir felt more than saw it. “No, Sire. He believes they either swore Frendon to secrecy or never showed him their faces.”
“He’s lying!” Erik bobbed up again, clearly unable to keep his seat. “He’s a confessed father of Renshai with every reason to lie.”
“No!” King Humfreet also clambered to his feet, and everyone except Griff scrambled to do the same from etiquette. “My Knights of Erythane never lie. Never. Not even to save their own lives.”
“But it was the Knights of Erythane who declared the battle results fair! They can’t just turn around and negate that judgment.”
King Humfreet took the words as proof of his own point. “The grandfather of Renshai banished his own. Sir Ra-khir, himself, once surrendered his own infant son rather than break a vow. The Knights of Erythane are above reproach.”
Surprised, Ra-khir turned to the king of Erythane. No one should know the details of the vow he once made with Pudar. It was Weile Kahn who had rescued Calistin from becoming a Pudarian prince, in a deal whose fine points Ra-khir hoped he never learned.
Ra-khir answered the real question, “Captain Erik, when the knights verified the results of that battle, the information Georan ju
st gave us was not available. When circumstances change, we have the right and the duty to change our minds.
Valr Magnus finally found his tongue. “I humbly apologize to Sir Ra-khir and his sons for taking the life of valiant Kevral Tainharsdatter in a battle that we now know was unfairly won.” He nodded to Ra-khir, Saviar, and Calistin in turn. “Please believe me when I say I had no hand in, nor knowledge of, this deceit. And, no matter the determination of kings and captains, I refuse to acknowledge the ill-gotten title of Renshai-slayer. I will not claim victory, and the banishment of the Renshai from the West is withdrawn.”
Captain Erik Leifsson sputtered. “You can’t do that! You’re merely our champion, not a signatory to the contract.You have no authority to undo an agreement to which you were never bound.”
“But I was,” King Humfreet said. “And I can.” He pronounced loudly, deliberately repeating Magnus’ exact words, “The banishment of the Renshai from the West is withdrawn.”
Ra-khir’s heart leaped, and he turned Saviar a warning glance. At this point, the Renshai’s best strategy was silence.
King Humfreet continued, “The area of Erythane once called Paradise Plains will revert back to its previous name, the Fields of Wrath.”
Erik’s mouth worked for several moments without a word emerging. “Fine, so be it.We issue another challenge, our champion against the Renshai in single combat with the same end point.”
Saviar smiled. “And we accept your challenge.”
Caught behind Georan, Ra-khir could barely reach a kick to his son’s unsuspecting shin.
Valr Magnus grinned. “You against Calistin, Erik? I’d pay money just to watch.”
The corners of Erik’s mouth drooped. His nostrils flared. “But you’re our champion, Valr. You’re the best swordsman in the North. We need you.”
“As I understand it,” Valr said coolly. “I was not a signatory and, so, never bound by the agreement.”
Betrayed by his own words, Erik growled something Northern before shoving aside his chair with great violence and storming from the room. It was all Verdondi could do to scramble out of the way and rush after his father.
Silence reigned in the Nordmirians’ wake. For now, Ra-khir realized, they had won the battle. But they could not afford to lose the war. The West still needed the North’s ore, and its sword arms, against the threat of Kjempemagiska. Angering a man representing the high Northern kingdom seemed folly. Yet, for the moment, Ra-khir was ecstatic. As a Knight of Erythane, he had a dedication to justice and truth that transcended even such alliances.
Calistin stretched and rose, seemingly unfazed by the actions of those around him. “General Magnus, I’ll take that handshake now.” He offered his palm.
Valr Magnus took it and, not only shook, but pulled Calistin into an embrace.
For the first time in many years, Calistin did not stiffen or pull away from the contact. He seemed almost to relish it.
Surprised by a tiny pang of jealousy, Ra-khir still smiled. Something enormous, something he could not define, had gotten into Calistin. And maybe, just maybe, changed him for the better.
Appendices
WESTERNERS
Béarnides
Aerean (AIR-ee-an)—minister of internal affairs
Aranal (Ar-an-ALL)—a former king (deceased)
Aron (AHR-inn)—the current Sage
Arturo (Ahr-TOOR-oh)—a prince; second child of Griff and Matrinka
Barrindar (BAA-rinn-dar)—a prince; first child of Griff and Xoraida
Calitha (Kuh-LEE-tha)—a princess; second child of Griff and Xoraida
Chaveeshia (Sha-VEE-sha)—minister of local affairs
Davian (DAY-vee-an)—prime minister
Eldorin (Ell-DOOR-in)—a princess; third child of Griff and Xoraida
Franstaine (FRAN-stayn)—Minister of household affairs; in-law uncle of Helana
Griff (GRIFF)—the king
Halika (Huh-LEE-ka)—a princess; third child of Griff and Matrinka
Helana (Hell-AHN-a)—Griff ’s mother; Petrostan’s wife
Ivana Shorith’na Cha-tella Tir Hya’sellirian Albar (Ee-VAH-nah): a princess; half-elfin, only child of Griff and Tem’aree’ay (see Outworlders)
Jhirban (JEER-bonn)—captain of the flagship Seven (deceased)
Kohleran (KOLL-er-in)—a previous king of Béarn (deceased); Matrinka’s grandfather
Lazwald (LAHZ-wald)—a guardsman
Marisole (MAA-rih-soll)—a princess; first child of Griff and Matrinka; the bard’s heir
Matrinka (Ma-TRINK-a)—the queen; Griff ’s senior wife; mother of Marisole, Arturo, and Halika
Morhane (MOOR-hayn)—an ancient king who usurped the throne from his twin brother, Valar (deceased)
Myrenex (My-RINN-ix)—a former king (deceased)
Petrostan (Peh-TROSS-tin)—King Kohleran’s youngest son; Griff ’s father (deceased)
Richar (REE-shar):—minister of foreign affairs
Ruther (RA-ther)—a guardsman
The Sage—chronicler and keeper of Béarn’s history and tomes
Saxanar (SAX-a-nar)—minister of courtroom procedure and affairs
Seiryn (SAIR-in)—captain of the guards
Sterrane (Stir-RAIN)—best-known ancient king (deceased)
Talamaine (TAL-a-mayn)—Matrinka’s father (deceased)
Valar (VAY-lar)—Morhane’s twin brother; Sterrane’s father; a previous king murdered during his reign (deceased)
Walfron (WALL-fron)—supervisor of the kitchen staff
Xanranis (ZAN-ran-iss)—Sterrane’s son; a former king (deceased)
Xoraida (Zor-AY-duh)—Griff ’s junior wife (third); mother of Barrindar, Calitha, and Eldorin
Yvalane (IV-a-layn)—Kohleran’s father; a previous king (deceased)
Zapara (Za-PAR-a)—a guard
Zaysharn (ZAY-sharn)—overseer of the caretakers of livestock, gardens, and food
Zelshia (ZELL-sha)—a head maid
Zoenya (Zoh-ENN-ya)—a previous queen (deceased)
Erythanians
Arduwyn (AR-dwinn)—a legendary archer and friend of King Sterrane (deceased)
Avra (AHV-rah)—a street tough
Braison (BRAY-son)—a knight
Edwin (ED-winn)—a knight; the armsman
Esatoric (EE-sah-tor-ik)—a knight
Eshwin (ESH-winn)—a horse breeder; Tirro’s neighbor
Frendon (FRENN-dinn)—interrupted battle between Kevral and Valr Magnus by falling or jumping from a tree (deceased)
Garvin (GAR-vinn)—a knight
Georan (JOR-inn)—brother to Harveki; uncle to Frendon
Harritin (HARR-ih-tin)—a knight
Harveki (Harr-VEK-ee)—father of Frendon; brother of Georan (deceased)
Humfreet (HUM-freet)—the king
Jakrusan (Jah-KROO-sin)—a knight
Kedrin (KEH-drinn)—captain of the knights; Ra-khir’s father
Khirwith (KEER-with)—Ra-khir’s stepfather (deceased)
Lakamorn (LACK-a-morn)—a knight
Oridan (OR-ih-den)—Shavasiay’s father
Parmille (Par-MEEL)—a street tough
Ra-khir (Rah-KEER)—a knight; Kedrin’s son; father of Saviar and Calistin (see Renshai)
Ramytan (RAM-ih-tin)—Kedrin’s father (deceased)
Shavasiay (Shah-VASS-ee-ay)—a knight
Tirro (TEER-oh)—a farmer; Eshwin’s neighbor
Treysind (TRAY-sind)—an orphan
Pudarians
Alenna (A-LENN-a)—Prince Leondis’ wife; mother of second Severin
Boshkin (BAHSH-kinn)—Prince Leondis’ steward and adviser
Cenna (SEH-na)—an ancient queen (deceased)
Chethid (CHETH-id)—one of three lieutenants
Cymion (KIGH-mee-on)—the king
Daizar (DYE-zahr)—Minister of visiting dignitaries
Darian (DAYR-ee-an)—one of three lieutenants
Darris (DAYR-iss)—the bard; Linndar’s son; blood father of Mariso
le, Arturo, and Halika (see Béarnides)
DeShane (Dih-SHAYN)—a captain of the guards
Eudora (Yoo-DOOR-a)—the late queen; Severin and Leondis’ mother (deceased)
Harlton (HAR-all-ton)—a captain of the King’s guards
Horatiannon (Hor-ay-shee-AH-nun)—an ancient king (deceased)
Jahiran (Jah-HEER-in)—the first bard (deceased); initiated the bardic curse
Javonzir (Ja-VON-zeer)—the king’s cousin and adviser
Larrin (LARR-inn)—a captain of the guards
Leondis (Lee-ON-diss)—the crown prince; second son of Cymion and Eudora
Linndar (LINN-dar)—a previous bard; Darris’ mother (deceased)
Mar Lon (MAR-LONN)—a previous bard in the age of King Sterrane (deceased)
Markanyin (Marr-KANN-yinn)—the general of the army
Nellkoris (Nell-KORR-iss)—one of three lieutenants
Severin (SEV-rinn)—first son of Cymion and Eudora; previous heir to the throne (deceased)
Severin (SEV-rinn)—Leondis’ son; named for his deceased uncle
Renshai
Ashavir (AH-sha-veer)—a boy
Asmiri (Az-MEER-ee)—a guardian of Prince Barrindar
Calistin the Bold (Ka-LEES-tinn)—Colbey’s father (deceased)
Calistin Ra-khirsson (Ka-LEES-tinn)—youngest son of Ra-khir and Kevral
Colbey Calistinsson (KULL-bay)—legendary immortal Renshai now living among the gods
Elbirine (Ell-burr-EE-neh)—a guardian of Princess Halika; trained with Kevral
Episte Rachesson (Ep-PISS-teh)—an orphan raised by Colbey; later killed by Colbey after being driven mad by chaos (deceased)
Erlse (EARL-seh)—a man
Gareth Lasirsson (GARR-ith)—tested the worthiness of Ra-khir and Tae to sire Renshai; Kristel’s father
Gunnhar (GUN-her)—a guardian of Arturo (deceased)
Kevralyn Balmirsdatter (KEV-ra-linn)—Kevralyn Tainharsdatter’s namesake (deceased)
Kevralyn Tainharsdatter (KEV-ra-linn)—aka Kevral; Ra-khir’s wife; mother of Saviar, Subikahn, and Calistin
Kwavirse (Kwah-VEER-seh)—a man
Kristel Garethsdatter (KRISS-tal)—a previous guardian of Queen Matrinka
Kyndig (KAWN-dee)—another name for Colbey Calistinsson; “Skilled One”
Flight of the Renshai Page 73