Cold Iron

by Stina Leicht

  “Oh.” Nels wiped his sword’s edge clean on a sleeve before sheathing it. Then his hand went to his knife as he stooped closer. The action would have a meaning the others wouldn’t miss, nor would Pesola. Everyone would assume it was for the Seventh Regiment, and it was but not all. “I’m immune to command magic. Always was. Royalty, remember?” The last was a lie, of course, but it worked well enough and the others were listening. “Have you made your peace with your gods?”

  “You’re going to kill me?” Pesola smiled and coughed. “With that?”

  “Yes, I am,” Nels said. “I could leave you to die a slow death alone in the cold. I could leave you for the animals to finish off. And you’d deserve it for all you’ve done. But I won’t. Do you know why?”

  Pesola let out a sound wedged between a laugh and a choke.

  “Because I’m not you.” Nels didn’t wait for Pesola’s answer. Nels supposed the colonel had had chance enough to make his peace.

  As Nels had hoped, Westola remained where she was. Watching, she didn’t flinch. Rather, a small, vengeful smile crossed her face. Nels straightened. The others looked on in silence.

  Viktor was the first to move. He produced a handkerchief and handed it off to Nels. In turn, Nels used it to wipe Pesola’s blood from the knife. Viktor dropped the handkerchief on Pesola’s corpse rather than stuffing it back in his pocket.

  Your blood isn’t worthy of staining my knife, let alone my sword. It was the worst insult a soldier knew.

  “I guess that makes you the new colonel,” Viktor said, looking down on Pesola’s body.

  “I’m not sure it works that way,” Nels said. What are you going to do now? You can’t leave him like that. He’s—was an officer.

  He flayed them before he—

  “There are close to five hundred men here,” Viktor said. “And you’re the highest-ranking officer.”

  “Promotion isn’t up to me. That’s General Näränen’s decision.”

  Viktor said, “Pesola’s plan was to winter in Herraskariano.”

  Of course it was.

  Who were you working for, Pesola? “The Acrasians won’t stop at Merta or Herraskariano.”

  Gazing to the southeast, Viktor nodded.

  “Tell the others we leave for Jalokivi in the morning,” Nels said. “We’re going to be there when the Acrasians get there.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Nels had a patrol dump Pesola’s body outside of camp. He left it up to them to decide whether or not he was worth burying. The shards of Pesola’s memories had cut too deep for Nels to care. There weren’t enough rituals to purge the images from his mind.

  That night, he woke from nightmares. He heard the calls of the wolves outside of camp and worried if he really was that much different from Pesola after all.

  SUVI

  ONE

  Jalokivi’s docks were filled to capacity. Had a berth not been reserved for both Otter and Indomitable, they would’ve had to drop anchor miles from the capital. Suvi offered a quick prayer for Commodore Björnstjerna and Arabella at the sight of Indomitable’s empty slip. I did what I had to do. Clan Kask will send word if they’re safe.

  Please let them still be afloat.

  Streets and warehouses in the proximity of the wharf were crowded with terrified people. Everything of value was being relocated to more secure facilities within the city walls, if such were available to the owners. The area was overwhelmed with passengers seeking passage out of Eledore via the Chain Lakes.

  “And how are you feeling this morning?” Dylan asked Suvi.

  Darius dropped his sea bag.

  “Dar, please do something about your partner before I smack him,” Suvi said, massaging her temples. She was wearing her brightest blue gown for the sake of propriety.

  Not far away, Piritta gave orders to the crew assigned to transport the baggage. Jami was already down the gangplank and away.

  “Stop tormenting the nice pre-queen,” Darius said to Dylan.

  “I wasn’t the one that drank an entire bottle of wine last night,” Dylan said.

  “You aren’t the one having to face Uncle Sakari this morning, either,” Suvi said.

  “Point taken,” Dylan said.

  Darius asked, “Is he really that bad?”

  “Do you see the man who is now making his way toward the docks? The one dressed in the most expensive purple velvet?” Suvi asked, turning so that her uncle couldn’t see her expression. Jami indicated that Sakari had switched tactics and was making up his financial losses through the treasury. It was an obvious move and one she’d expected. However, she’d counted on being home when that happened. She would have to do something to curb it soon.

  “The one with the beard and an expression that could best be described as constipated?” Darius asked.

  Suvi covered her mouth.

  “Ouch!” Darius massaged his ribs and stepped away from Dylan.

  “Stop pointing,” Dylan said. “Not only is it obvious, it’s rude.”

  “That would be him,” Suvi said, now apparently speaking to the sky.

  Giving Dylan a reproachful look, Darius said, “By all the oceans, Suvi. How did you manage to limit yourself to just the one bottle?”

  “I realized the ship’s stock came from Uncle’s vineyard,” she said. “Well? What did you two decide?” She’d asked Dylan and Darius the night before if they would like to be her guests at the palace. She wanted to introduce them to her father and formalize negotiations with the Waterborne as soon as possible. Her father would be more open to doing so, she’d explained, if he had a positive personal experience with the Waterborne in question.

  “Of course, we’ll accept,” Dylan said. “We’ve responsibilities at the embassy to take care of first. And Father will want to know we arrived safely. Send a message when you think it’s a good time.”

  The last of her baggage having been loaded on the waiting carriage, Suvi couldn’t delay meeting her uncle any longer. “I will.” She turned to Captain Hansen. “Father will hear of your bravery. You and the crew will be rewarded the instant I can arrange it. The harbor­master should provide you with everything you need to finish repairs to Otter’s foremast.”

  The trip up the river had forced ever more creative jury-rigging to keep them moving.

  “Yes, sir.” Hansen saluted.

  “Once the repairs are completed, I want you to move to the farthest Chain Lakes side slip,” Suvi said, returning the salute. “And be ready to make for Ytlain when I tell you. It may be impossible to leave if you wait too long.”

  Captain Hansen nodded before turning her attention to her ship and crew. Suvi grabbed a quick hug from Dylan and Dar and then headed down the gangplank. She did her best to hide any trace of a limp. Her uncle stood on the dock, impatiently fiddling with his cane.

  “Where’s Father?” Suvi asked.

  “That’s hardly a greeting for your betrothed,” Uncle Sakari said.

  “I never accepted,” Suvi said. “Where’s Father?”

  “In his rooms,” Uncle Sakari said. “Where he’s been hiding for more than a month.”

  She took the footman’s hand as she climbed into the carriage. Once she was settled with Piritta at her side, her uncle followed. The carriage door thumping closed seemed to shut off the last of her good spirits like a prison door.

  I know. I know, Suvi thought to Piritta. Don’t be so dramatic.

  Piritta turned to her and raised an eyebrow.

  Suvi ignored her. “Where is the Acrasian army? Do we know where they will attack next?”

  “It’s of no consequence,” Uncle Sakari said, shooing the subject away with one hand.

  “They’ve invaded our country. I can’t think of anything more important.”

  “I’d beg to differ,” Uncle Sakari said. “When exactly am I to expect an answer to my proposal?”

  “How can I think of such things when Mother is gone and my brother is fighting for his life?”

  “Yo
u’ve acquired rough manners while you’ve been away.”

  “I’m not the one who brought up marriage so soon after Mother—”

  “Who are you to bring up propriety?” Uncle Sakari asked. “I heard you didn’t even go into confinement. And for your own mother.”

  “I couldn’t,” Suvi said, hating the blush heating her cheeks. “Not in the middle of a battle.”

  “You should’ve left it to someone else, as is proper.”

  “And if I’d have done that, I wouldn’t be here.”

  “You’re terribly sure of yourself for a little girl,” Uncle Sakari said.

  “If I’m so little, why would you propose to me?” The words were out before Suvi could stop and consider the consequences. He’d gotten to her, and now he knew he had.

  Uncle Sakari’s eyes widened. “How dare you—”

  Furious with her uncle and herself, Suvi stopped listening and directed her glare out the window. She waited until his diatribe had slowed and then decided to grant him the closest thing to an apology she could stomach. “I’m sorry to have upset you.” That much was true. “I’m tired from traveling. And I’ve much correspondence to catch up on. The Waterborne contracts need finalizing, and there’s all that must be done for Father. Grant me another week?” By then, I should be able to convince Father of your real intentions. And when that happens, I’ll be able to reject you openly without serious consequences.

  “All right,” he said in a begrudging tone. “Next week.” He settled back into the padded seat as the carriage began its journey to the palace with a jerk.

  Concentrating on the scenery, Suvi avoided further attempts at conversation. In combination with the coach’s loud rattling, it served as a sufficient shield. Now that they were away from the crowded wharf, she was shocked by the sight of empty streets and burned houses. Finally, she couldn’t stand not knowing any longer. “What happened?” Whether out of revenge or a real inability to hear her, she had to shout in order to get a response from her uncle.

  “Another wave of variola struck while you were away,” her uncle said as if it were of little importance. “This is why your father barricaded himself in his apartments.” The ghost of a smug smile haunted his lips.

  Let him think what he will about my sources. But the truth was, she hadn’t known. Jami hadn’t informed her. Suvi considered why that may have been. Her korva had been especially distant since the confrontation at Mehrinna. Is it because she doesn’t approve of what I did? Or is it because I angered her?

  The carriage was met by Valterri, the butler, and two others. So few. Suvi tried not to display her shock. She greeted the staff as was proper and then headed for her father’s apartments. It was hard not to expect to see her mother as she turned each corner.

  Her uncle trailed behind. “He won’t see you.”

  “I don’t care.”

  He grabbed her arm just above the elbow and brought her up short.

  “You’re hurting me,” Suvi said. “Let go at once.”

  “He won’t see you because he’s terrified.”

  “I know what he’s afraid of,” Suvi said. “I’ve not gotten sick any more than he has.”

  “He is sick.”

  That accomplished the one thing that her uncle’s grip hadn’t. Suvi stopped and asked, “What? When?”

  “It isn’t variola.”

  Cold relief washed over her. Thank the Mother. “What is it, then?”

  “I’ve no idea. He won’t let me in to see him.”

  “What about Saara? Why hasn’t she taken care of him?”

  “Saara died of variola, as did the guard we sent with her to confine that granddaughter of hers.”

  “Ilta? Is Ilta all right?”

  “What difference does it make? She exposed the queen to the disease that killed her. The little bitch deserves whatever she gets.”

  Suvi whirled, resuming her journey to her father’s rooms.

  “Why bother seeing him? He’s incapable, and he knows it. It is up to you and I to save the kingdom.”

  You dare insult Father? Suvi’s hands tightened into fists, and she whispered, “I couldn’t disagree more.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Spinning once again to face her uncle, she took a deep breath and then released it. Get control of yourself. Now. If there was a time Suvi was happy of Piritta’s hovering, it was now. “Do not speak of Father that way. I won’t have it. It is up to my father and myself. You aren’t a factor. You are not the king.”

  “I’m his chancellor!”

  “I don’t give a shit!” She sprinted to her father’s door and began knocking. Oh, Mother, I’ve lost my temper with him twice in one day. That’s going to take weeks to recover from. After I’ve been so careful. It’d felt good nonetheless. “Father? It’s me, Suvi! I’m here! Father?”

  “Go away!” Her father sounded terrible.

  “I’m staying right here until you let me in, Papa,” Suvi said. “Please!”

  She heard him cough. “I don’t feel well. Go away!”

  “I’m worried about you. Please let me in, Papa. Have you seen a healer?”

  Another round of hacking coughs.

  “Papa, please. You’re scaring me.”

  “Are you alone?”

  “Uncle is here. But I promise not to let him in.” Her uncle started to protest, but Suvi cut him off with command magic–laced words. She punched him with everything she had. “He is aware of how much you value your privacy. He will remain outside. He will also shut up. Now.” It meant breaking every personal rule she had in regard to her uncle. It meant revealing the extent of her powers, but there came a time when pretense was no longer useful. She’d already revealed her contempt. It was time to demonstrate what power backed up that contempt.

  Shock registered on her uncle’s face. His mouth opened and closed. Triumph straightened her spine, and she stretched to her full height. She’d finally let him see her for who she really was. A click signaled the unlocking of the door. She pushed it open and relocked it behind her without looking back. Piritta remained in the hallway.

  Facing her father at last, she saw he was a ruin of his former self. He hadn’t bathed, shaved, or combed his hair in some time. His clothes were wrinkled, and he’d lost a great deal of weight. She went to him at once and hugged him. “Oh, Papa.”

  “I didn’t know how much I needed her until she was gone.”

  She held him while he sobbed, and for a time, she joined him in his grief. When she had a moment to think, she discovered she wasn’t only grieving for her mother. Home wasn’t home. Her mother was gone, and her father wasn’t even her father anymore. It was obvious she no longer had the luxury of being a child even with her parents— Parent. Mother is dead. She sobbed for her mother. She cried for her childhood. She grieved for her world that had fallen apart. Is this what it means to grow up?

  When it seemed they’d both cried all the tears they could, she released her father and stepped back. “Have you eaten?”

  He looked away and shook his head. It wasn’t the action of a forceful leader.

  The shift in power was disorienting. “We’ll see to that first.” She searched for the ubiquitous servant but found no one. There wasn’t even a guard to provide security.

  “I sent them all away,” her father said. “It seemed safer.”

  “Is there anyone in the kitchens?”

  Her father gave her a blank look. Now that she was really seeing him, he seemed older, grayer. The events of the past summer had aged him more than the past ten years. Worse, he seemed distracted.

  “Papa? Did you hear my question?”

  “I sent them all away.”

  She rang for someone. It took three tries. She’d have gone to the kitchens herself, but she was afraid to leave her father alone lest her uncle get inside the room. At last, she got a response. The emblem on the short, older woman’s apron revealed her rank. The royal cook had answered the call herself. Like Suvi’s fat
her, she appeared to be in a state of shock.

  Suvi asked, “What is your name?”

  “Ide Sulin.”

  “Ide, where are the others?” Suvi used command magic to keep her voice calm and soothing. She knew the answer, but she had to hear it from someone other than her uncle. She didn’t want to frighten Ide. Suvi was frightened enough for everyone.

  Ide’s face crumpled. “Dead. They’re all dead. Some of them ran. Much good as it did them.”

  “But you’re here.”

  “It’s my duty.” Ide straightened. “Who would feed the king if I left?”

  “Thank you,” Suvi said. “Thank you so much for staying. You’re very brave. It must have been awful. I can’t even imagine what it must have been like.”

  Sniffing, Ide looked down at her hands. They twisted around one another.

  “Everything will be all right,” Suvi said, not believing it for one moment. “When was the last time my father ate?”

  “I took up some food this afternoon. But he wouldn’t open the door,” Ide said. “I’m so sorry. I did try to make him eat, but—”

  “It’s all right,” Suvi said. “Could you bring up something now? Anything will be fine, even cold meats and crispbread. Whatever you have prepared. Anything at all. Then I’d like for you to get some rest.”

  “What about you, Your Grace?”

  “I can take care of myself,” Suvi said.

  It took some effort to get her father to eat, but he finally did, and with that, he began to come back to himself. The dark ­circles under his eyes remained, and the cough didn’t get any better. However, Suvi was heartened by even limited progress. An hour later, she left her father to rest in his bedchamber and met with his advisors in the attached private parlor. Of the lot, two were still alive. It became rapidly obvious that not even her uncle had been tending to the basic needs of the country. Luckily, there were those who, like the cook, Ide, had opted to continue with their work regardless. Suvi attempted not to consider what she’d have come home to if they hadn’t. She certainly didn’t point this out to any of those upon whom she depended.