Faris’s face remained mostly expressionless, though he frowned when Kendryk told him of Sonya hitting him, and the duke’s contract.
Danko was not so tactful. “I don’t believe it,” he burst out. “She would never do such a thing.”
“I disagree,” Faris said. “Captain Vidmar has many good qualities, and one of them is extreme resourcefulness, sometimes verging on ruthlessness. It’s possible she committed a small atrocity to gain the duke’s trust.”
“Well, I don’t believe it.” Danko scowled at Kendryk as though all of this were his fault, which he supposed it was, ultimately.
Kendryk told them about Sonya’s mission and Danko looked even less friendly.
“With all respect Your Grace, why did you allow it? That’ll be a near impossible task. Even if she succeeds, she’ll never come out of it alive.” Captain Danko struggled to his feet. “I’m going to find her. You two can do as you please.”
“Sit down, Captain,” Faris said, unwaveringly calm. “We’ll all go help her, but we must have a plan.”
“I agree.” Kendryk still hardly dared to believe his good fortune, even as he felt guilty about Sonya. “But how did you come to be here? And why didn’t you come sooner?” He tried not to sound too accusatory.
Faris sighed. “As you know, I received your letter. Unfortunately it reached me after I’d already met up with the Archduchess Teodora in Marjatya. After Captain Vidmar’s escape, I thought I’d stay and perhaps placate Teodora by working for her. But that didn’t turn out so well.”
Captain Danko snorted at that, and Faris smiled.
“So I left, planning to come to you, though I visited a friend of mine in Briansk on my way. I’d asked him to help Captain Vidmar, Danko and another trooper escape Teodora, so I wanted to find out how they’d fared. While heading there, I had a letter from Captain Vidmar and when I reached my friend, I found Captain Danko recovering from a wound. He also had a letter from Vidmar and was as concerned as I was.
“Captain Danko insisted on coming along in spite of his state, and we made our way to Novuk, where we hired ships. We thought it would be the quickest way to reach you. We didn’t realize how bad the situation was until we’d reached Novuk and heard many strange rumors, most of them very unfavorable to your character.”
“That was the duke,” Kendryk said wearily.
“I know.” Faris clenched his jaw. “I’ve always hated that man. He had your father fooled, but I saw him for what he was. When I heard he’d been made regent, my only comfort was that your uncle and mother would be there to protect you. And when I got your letter, I was more than happy to offer my support. I had always worried he meant you harm and it turns out I was right. I apologize for not coming sooner.”
“Please don’t,” Kendryk said. “I’m so glad you’re here now. Perhaps, if we hurry, we can still help Captain Vidmar.”
“Did Irena Tchernak go with her?” Faris asked. “I’ll have more hope if she’s there to help.”
“No.” Kendryk felt even more awful as he explained that Irena was languishing in Julia’s dungeon.
“I see.” Faris’s voice was tight. “I’m grateful to the Maxima for her help, but she has overreacted.” He drummed long fingers on the table. “Let’s do this. Tonight we’ll lay our plans, and tomorrow we’ll hire riverboats to take us south. We’ll stop off at Heidenhof and retrieve Ensign Tchernak, then we’ll make for Duke Desmond’s estate with all speed. If we take the river we can go twice as fast as overland. Speed is of the essence now, so hopefully we can help Captain Vidmar before it’s too late.”
Belsar Castle, Terragand
Sonya and Fritz were sent to a nearby estate to report to their commander. At first Sonya feared they’d have to go to the duke at Ebenstein, but they were too lowly for that. Instead, they met with a Countess Belsar, who was helping the duke put together an army.
“I’m commanding the infantry,” the countess said. A rough-looking woman of about fifty years, Sonya thought she might have been the veteran of a Zastwar campaign, but didn’t want to ask.
“You can take on the cavalry,” the countess said, nodding toward a cluster of young people, laughing and swaggering about in spurs. “It’ll be no picnic, since the lot of them are fools, but if you can keep them together until there’s a fight, they might make a good show at the right time.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem,” Sonya said, though secretly she found the lack of discipline shocking, and not just with the cavalry.
The countess acted as if she’d been pulled out of retirement and had little desire to be here. Perhaps that was a good thing.
Sonya decided on a cautious probe. “Do you expect a speedy victory?”
“Probably.” The countess shrugged. “But only because the other side will be worse off. I’m afraid the duke didn’t think all of this through very well. But what can you expect from a man who’s always had things go his own way? He’ll no doubt give us ridiculous orders, then blame us if anything goes wrong.”
“It shouldn’t, though,” Sonya said. “Everyone seems to think the prince won’t offer much opposition.”
Countess Belsar fixed faded brown eyes on Sonya. “Might be he won’t, but one thing I learned after twenty years in the Zastwar marches is to expect the unexpected.”
“True,” Sonya said, then headed for her charges. She’d hoped for a soft aristocrat in charge here, someone who’d be confident and careless. Instead she’d be under the eagle eye of a tougher version of her mother. Her prospects were looking even dimmer.
Sonya distracted herself for a time, trying to get her small cavalry into some kind of order. At first she’d worried a pack of young aristocrats wouldn’t respect her, but once she drew herself to her full height, and used her harshest bark on them, they jumped to her every command, wide-eyed and trembling.
Fritz also behaved impressively, moving in on any miscreants with a frightening scowl Sonya hadn’t realized he was capable of.
They spent the rest of the day drilling, and then everyone who lived nearby went home. Sonya nearly laughed out loud. Aside from the hired troops, this was not a serious army. No wonder Desmond wanted experienced officers.
Sonya and Fritz stayed in the countess’s castle, a plain, sturdy stone pile with no modern conveniences. It seemed the countess liked to live as if on campaign.
The countess was not sociable, and Sonya didn’t mind. She didn’t want to undergo any thorough questioning. The plain and plentiful supper came to her room on a tray.
Fritz brought his over from a neighboring chamber, and they discussed the situation, keeping their voices low.
“What happens when we see the duke?” Fritz pushed away his empty plate. He and Sonya sat across from each other at a small table in the corner of the room. With no fire in here, they bundled up as if they were outside.
Sonya shrugged. “I plan to take a shot as soon as he comes within range. Hopefully I can manage it before he recognizes me.”
“Are you a good enough shot to do it in one?”
“I don’t know.” Now she missed Irena, who could shoot the eyeball out of a rabbit at fifty paces. “I’ll have two pistols loaded, and at least I’m fast.”
“All right.” Fritz looked thoughtful. “So let’s say you hit the duke in one, killing him. How will we get away after?”
“That’s what I don’t know. It depends on where it happens. If we’re somewhere in the woods, we might slip away. In fact, when he comes near, I want you to leave at the first opportunity. Make for Heidenhof whether or not I succeed.”
Fritz’s eyes widened in horror. “You want me to abandon you in the middle of your mission? I will do no such thing.”
“I’ll order you to.” Sonya had already decided. It was unlikely she’d get away, but she didn’t want Fritz going down with her.
Fritz frowned at her, looking wounded. “I know I said I’d follow your orders, Captain, but that’s one I’m afraid I can’t. It amounts to desertion and I
won’t do it. What’s the good of having me along if I can’t help you?”
“You’ve already helped me.” Sonya offered a warm smile. “You’ve been excellent company and so good at getting information. And you were marvelous with our recruits today. It would be a terrible waste for you to die here.”
“It will be a terrible waste if you die here.” Fritz was as indignant as she’d ever seen him, his face red under the freckles. “I will not let you send me away, and that’s final. We’re doing this together. Now, let’s talk through some different situations and figure out how you might escape after killing the duke.”
Sonya had to smile, even though she was sure they were wasting their time. “You’re quite an optimist, aren’t you?”
Fritz grinned. “It’s the only way to be.”
The Velta River, Terragand
They had to hire a shocking number of small riverboats, but that was because Count Faris had brought almost five thousand troops, about half of them Orician light cavalry.
Kendryk was pleased. He hoped Duke Desmond wouldn’t be able to recruit greater numbers, but even if he could, he’d have trouble against such a seasoned, professional force. They just had to get to him before he could hurt Sonya.
Kendryk couldn’t believe he’d been stupid enough to go along with Julia’s plan. While he appreciated Julia’s help, he was certain she neither liked nor trusted Sonya and wanted to get rid of her. With both Count Faris and Captain Danko convinced of Sonya’s integrity, Kendryk was sure his friendly feelings toward her were justified, vowing to do everything in his power to keep her from harm.
Even though the riverboats traveled against the current, up the Velta, back they way they’d come, they used both poles and oars, making excellent time. Kendryk had hopped around with impatience on the docks while Count Faris ordered the troops and horses loaded, but under the general’s efficient command, everything went off smoothly.
Kendryk would have liked to confront Kaltental’s horrid burgomaster, and almost wished he’d try to stop them, but he didn’t appear and there was no time to do anything else. He would have to deal with him once he had his kingdom back.
“Why so glum?” Count Faris joined Kendryk at the lead boat’s rail. “We’ll be in Heidenhof in two days.”
“I was just thinking. Even if we succeed, I’ve learned many of the Terragand nobility were loyal to the duke instead of me. What will I do with them? I can’t punish them all.”
“It won’t be necessary. You must put yourself in their place. They didn’t know you at all, and Desmond can charm when he wants to. He’s had years to curry their favor, flatter, bribe, and intimidate them. It seems natural that many of them would hesitate to support you. You can start by richly rewarding those who stand with you now. As to the rest, make it clear you’ll forgive this one lapse, but expect total loyalty from now on.”
“That seems sensible.” Kendryk shivered, though he didn’t want to go into the boat’s stuffy interior. Even in the winter, the banks of the Velta were beautiful, ruined castles on every crag, pretty towns huddled beneath vineyards at almost every bend. This was his kingdom, and he planned to take good care of it from now on.
“I worry I must go through it all again when I come into my majority. My mother won’t give me any trouble, but my Uncle Evard can be difficult. I’m sure once he hears about this he’ll blame me for handling it poorly.”
Faris drew his brows together as he stared down at the river’s swirling current. At last he said, “Perhaps you should do without regents from now on.”
“Really?” That was a possibility Kendryk hadn’t considered, except in unrealistic daydreams.
“Why not?” Faris leaned against the rail, facing Kendryk. “I think you’ve shown yourself capable during this unfortunate episode. Once you prevail, you should use that momentum to press your claim.”
“Capable?” Kendryk stared at Faris. “I’ve made nothing but a mess of this whole thing.”
“You have not.” Faris’s eyes held a small twinkle. “You outwitted the duke and his toady to help your mother regain consciousness. You figured out how to get help from the Maxima, and then convinced the population and garrison of Heidenhof to your side. You ran the duke off, and reclaimed your palace. While I don’t approve of Captain Vidmar’s mission, I can see why you wanted to try it.”
“But I didn’t do much myself,” Kendryk protested. “I had a lot of help.”
Faris chuckled. “That’s what a leader does. He inspires others to work for him. I’d say you’ve done that successfully. You would have been even more successful if the duke hadn’t already slandered you. No, my advice is to rule without a regent from now on. Find trustworthy advisers who will help you learn, not hold you back.”
“That might be a problem. My ruling council sees me as a little boy, I’m afraid.”
“Then form a new council. Your current one has served you poorly. But you must concentrate on the job at hand. Once you’ve defeated the duke, and flushed out his supporters, you can set about the work of rebuilding your reputation. When the truth about the duke comes to light, you will find it much easier to gain support.”
Kendryk hoped Faris was right.
The boats would take them to the southernmost port, only a few leagues from Ebenstein, but they had to make one important stop first.
Once they saw the towers of Birkenfels Castle, perched high on its cliff above the river, Count Faris ordered the boats to halt. They all drew up to the bank, near the village in the castle’s shadow, but only Faris, Kendryk, and Captain Danko went ashore with a small escort. Captain Danko had to travel by coach, since the wound in his thigh was healing so slowly he still couldn’t sit a horse.
In hopes of getting on friendlier terms with him, Kendryk rode along. The coach was warmer and more comfortable in any case.
Once they were on their way, Kendryk said, “I wish to apologize.”
Captain Danko turned to him, startled. “What for? You’re the prince, you get to do what you want.”
“Maybe, but I made a mistake, not asserting myself against Julia Maxima in the matter of your friend.” Kendryk didn’t know the nature of the relationship between Sonya and the captain, but friendship seemed accurate enough.
“It probably sounded like a good idea at the time.” Danko stared glumly out at the frozen landscape. “From what I’ve heard of the duke, it makes sense you’d want to be rid of him. And Sonya is beyond capable, and smart. I just don’t know if it can be done.”
“If it can be, I’m sure she’ll figure it out.” Kendryk was glad that Danko at least wasn’t glowering at him as he had for the past few days. “But with any luck, we’ll catch up to her before she gets her chance.”
“I hope so. It’s been a long time since I’ve met a person I’ve liked so much. I’d be very sad if she died.”
“So would I,” Kendryk said. “At first she frightened me and I hated her, but there’s something about her, something very straightforward. I like that very much.”
Danko’s mouth curled into a half-smile. “Well, you know how to get on my good side. Now let’s hope the Maxima hasn’t done anything awful to Ensign Tchernak.”
Kendryk wasn’t sure how to handle Julia Maxima, but when they reached the city and were brought into the Maxima’s library, Count Faris dealt with her well enough.
“I’ll take full responsibility for her, and for Captain Vidmar’s mission,” Faris told the Maxima as they sat in her library.
“I’d thought to keep her here in case the captain proves treacherous,” Julia said, ignoring Captain Danko’s scowl.
“She won’t be,” Faris said, his tone soft, though his gaze was direct. “I ordered Vidmar to do whatever was necessary to protect the prince, and she did just that. I appreciate your caution, but I can vouch for her integrity. Now please release Ensign Tchernak.”
Julia stared hard at Faris, then shook her head. “Very well.” She turned toward Kendryk. “You’ve had a great
stroke of luck, Your Grace. I expect an unprecedented celebration of thanksgiving in the temple square when all of this is over.”
“Of course.” He’d also throw in a large donation to the temple itself.
Once she’d given in, Julia was kind and hospitable, insisting the three of them lunch with her while Irena was released. “She’ll need a bath,” Julia said, “and new clothes. Her horse will of course be released along with her.”
“I should hope so.” Captain Danko still looked none too friendly.
Kendryk’s mother joined them for luncheon, though he visited her first.
“Vica has answered my prayers,” she said, after he told her what had happened. “I knew she would send help.” She smiled at Kendryk, holding his hand, her grip far firmer than it had been in some time.
“I hoped she would, though I had my doubts,” Kendryk admitted. “If only we can save Captain Vidmar.”
“I hope you can,” Renata said. “In spite of everything I bear that girl no ill will, and we could have trusted her from the start.”
After they’d eaten they returned to the coach in the courtyard where Irena Tchernak waited for them. She looked even surlier than before.
Kendryk didn’t blame her; being stuck in the dungeon that long was enough to put anyone in a bad mood.
But her face lit up when she saw Captain Danko. “I knew you’d come. Sonya, the silly goose, was sure you’d fall in love with that stupid little Brianski girl, but I told her—”
“That would never happen,” Danko said firmly. “I am quite devoted to Captain Vidmar.”
“That’s what I told her,” Irena said.
The mood was nearly celebratory as they traveled further up the river. Count Faris invited everyone to supper in the captain’s cabin, and though it was cramped, the food and wine were excellent, while Kendryk felt more and more hopeful.
Ensign Tchernak still looked at him with the same scowl, but now they were on the same side it didn’t bother him as much. Fortunately, she paid little attention to Kendryk. Once she’d caught up with Captain Danko, she turned to Georg, whom she seemed to find fascinating.
The Forsaken Crown (The Desolate Empire Book 0) Page 19