“Princess…” Em'risi understood Alvin’s glance between herself and Carlisle.
“Sir Lord Uraken ought to be adequate in your brief absence.” Alvin scanned Urake before nodding and walking a stunned Oscarion away with a firm grip on the young man’s collar.
“Princess, I was unable to properly present myself and the men in my service.” Urake gave Em'risi a bow that though been rusty from disuse was still adequate for any audience chamber.
“Relax, uncle. I dislike formality. It was required for that unpleasant business with Oscarion, but we are now among friends.” Em'risi detected the slight disapproval in Urake’s eyes but also the relief in his posture.
“As you wish. I may have grown up in a noble house, but I have not been in noble society for some time so I may be a little out of date in the customs.”
“I grew up in the royal court my entire life. I despise all the little customs that nobility feels is necessary to speak with me. It is refreshing to have normal conversations.” Em'risi motioned to Urake and stepped to the side of the courtyard. It must have been the signal that the assembled men could descend on Urake’s companions.
“Has something happened? I saw that Alvin has a bandage inside the helmet he is wearing and you have a new uncloaked bodyguard. He also seemed uncomfortable leaving your side.” Urake took the seat Em'risi pointed towards when she had seated herself.
“You are perceptive and by reputation, discreet. There was an erin valker in black robes that tried to kill me. I assume you know the rest. I see that Aleest is well, he even looks like he has put on some muscle and fleshed out a little.” Urake respected Em’risi’s unspoken request not to speak about the assassin. He sensed that the rest, that he was expected to know, somehow made her uncomfortable.
“He has been doing quite well. You should ask him to show you Sasha, the little vixen he has been carrying around.”
“A fox? I will ask him about her. I couldn’t help but notice that he is covered in hair that didn’t come from any breed of horse that I know of.”
“You are right, it isn’t equestrian. Kosovo is a white bear that has become friends with him. He should be someplace up in the Heights.”
“I shall have to request that he introduce me to this friend. See that man over there, the one talking with Aleest? He is a skinwalker. Lesarovich’s Gift is similar to Aleest’s in several ways. They seem to have gotten off quite well. Emeck and Varis are both telepaths. In a way, Corman is too. I see the three of them are getting to know each other. Your other friend, he isn’t Gifted…”
“Tusul’s gifts are in other areas. Remember an itching powder or a certain retching potion? He is my toymaker. A genius if ever there was one.”
“That is the one that made the potion? Balinor has been extremely impressed with it. I wonder what he and Iggy are up to. They seem deep in conversation.”
“What is Iggy’s Gift?”
“Oh, he is a glimmer except he can make things with his energy. You know about that ability?” Em’risi noted the surprised expression on Urake’s face.
“Glimmer before illusionists and rarely do they become synthesizers. That is a rare find. If Tusul could pick a Gift, I believe that is what he would want. How long can he maintain constructs?”
“A few days ago, he made an arrow that lasted almost four hours.”
“Must have been iron headed. Their constructs last longer the more energy is used to build them and the stronger the glimmer is. Tusul is probably in the process of inventing a dozen ways that Iggy could use gadgets to exploit his Gift.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course you can Princess.”
“You smiled a little when I named you my uncle. Why?”
“I was thinking about who knew that would have voluntarily told you. Balinor was the least likely and Redzyn was the most likely candidates.”
“Balinor was actually the first. Redzyn was only a few days ago. Why wouldn’t they want to tell me?” Urake was sure that she knew the answer, but she wanted to hear his opinion on it. Alvin appeared from the castle and seemed relieved to find Em’risi unharmed and engaged in conversation.
“I told them not to. To be honest, it was right after I threatened them. The other reason was that they were afraid I might try to use my relation to take advantage of you.”
“And why were you expecting Balinor to be the last to tell me?”
“He was overbearing and acted in charge of the rebellion. He would have been the most threatened by me. The fact that he told you first speaks to how loyal he is to you and the fact that you are a better leader than I had expected.” Urake saw the laughing glimmer in Em'risi’s eyes and hoped he hadn’t been too blunt.
“Quite candid today. I like it. Balinor would never question me like that, nor would he have laid a telling trap so well. An interesting way to gauge the loyalty of my officers.”
“It is just a relief to know that he hasn’t tried to control you…” Urake was cut off by the flustered arrival of a messenger. After he caught his breath, he rapidly announced Balinor’s arrival. He had barely finished when Balinor strode into the courtyard with a disheveled prisoner wearing Reigns’ colors.
“This is the deep taken courier that claims to be in the service of the… Asgare?” Balinor caught sight of Urake.
“I told you ten times and if I have told you a hundred times, the Asgare would vouch for me if he was… Tusul? What are you doing here?” Enthack stopped mid protest on seeing the toymaker.
“So I would vouch for you?” Urake stood and crossed his arms.
“You have to understand that I was going on the knowledge that you were working with the royals and that I need them to not send me back to the soldiers that are hunting me. I didn’t intend to presume…” Enthack stopped as Urake raised his hand.
“Tusul, is this Enthack? I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting him in person.”
“Yes, it is he. If my wife sees that cloak, she will skin him alive. Used my hair coloring potion too. Might have made him hard to recognize. Should grow out in a few months.” Tusul stood now and busied himself examining the aforementioned cloak.
“Few months? I wouldn’t have done it if I had known it was permanent.”
“It isn’t permanent. Just give it a few months.” Enthack appeared horrified and ran his fingers through the bright brassy hair. It wouldn’t have surprised Urake if he tried pulling it all out. The color made his face appear paler and worn. Perhaps it wasn’t just the hair color that made the dark circles under the eyes so prominent. With a shudder he turned to the knight who had grudgingly unhanded his shoulder.
“Thank you, Sir Balinor. I owe you my life. That was an elite squad sent after me to apprehend… or worse. They think that I betrayed Reigns. Now, mind you that I did, just not the way they thought. If you hadn’t happened on us at that moment, I don’t know what might have occurred. Before I forget, I must speak with you and the Princess in private. Or with the Asgare, however you want to do it, but my message is urgent.” Enthack rubbed his wrists absently.
“These men are all trusted. It would save time if you were to tell me here and now.” Em’risi grimaced as Enthack insisted on bowing. The men standing about in the courtyards took the hint and studiously occupied themselves on the far side of the courtyard with the activities they had been engaged in before the interruption. Em'risi would not have cared had they all been standing about. She did detect a filament thin strand of Varis’ energy hanging suspiciously about. It was so thin that it evaporated when she tried to touch it, without even causing Varis to flinch.
“All right then, here it is.” Enthack rubbed his palms together nervously. “I received word that the southern army is being mobilized. They are supposed to be coming up into the Outlands from the south.”
“We have the deep’s own luck. The north wall is barely finished and I have no idea what the southern wall is like. The men are almost to the tree line and will have to be with
drawn into the city within a week. I am going to call the war council. When it is convened, I will come for you Princess…” Balinor looked at Urake with annoyance clearly written in his expression. “And for the Asgare.” With that, Balinor strode off at a rapid pace.
“That is all? I was sure I was going to have to argue harder to convince him. I don’t think I made a good impression on him last time we met.” Enthack watched Balinor’s retreating back with a puzzled look.
“So you are the famous son of Brest?” Urake startled Enthack by clapping a hand on his shoulder.
“What? Oh, yes. Not famous, I tried to keep that part secret. Of course Brounn told you. Or had someone tell you, I am not entirely sure how they got my information to you. Not that I was able to do much, just a few messages. Now I am virtually useless.”
“You did more than you know. The messages were the least part. With the other information about Reigns’ network and with the seals that you’re provided us, we have a half dozen people studiously reading the majority of Reigns’ communications. How did Reigns get on your trail?” Enthack seemed impressed by his unwitting assistance, but also jumped like he remembered something.
“Reigns thinks I am in league with you because I was the one that gave him a message about the location of the two Dragon Lords…”
“The Dragon Lords? What do you know? Sorry, you were probably getting to that before I interrupted you. Please continue.”
“Yes, well anyways, he thinks that I am the one that informed you because I delivered the message to him. There were a lot of people that could have done it, but he wants me for something that I hadn’t done yet. Anyways, right after he got to Firgrest, the castle was attacked and he escaped somehow without seeing who attacked. The castle was razed to the ground and all the prisoners escaped despite the fact that Reigns buried the entrance to the dungeon. I don’t know all the details, but seeing that you are here, you couldn’t have been the one that attacked Firgrest. I would almost think it was dragons except that doesn’t make much sense.”
“It makes more sense if you knew that one of the Dragon Lords was virtually raised by dragons. Thank you for telling me, I had no idea what had happened to Cero.”
“Cero? That was the boy?”
“You know the one that I was chasing? With the blue eyes and blond hair. Well, he is my son. Adopted son, but little difference that makes.”
“Really? I suppose that makes sense in a way. A good way, don't get me wrong. If it makes you feel any better, the only bodies that they found were the castle regiment. There weren’t any prisoners among the dead. It is why they think you were the one that attacked.”
“Let Reigns think that all he wants. One way to forge a legend is to claim responsibility for impossible feats when no one else takes the blame. Such a legend can be used in battle more effectively than any sword. I just wonder when I will be able to take up searching for Cero again.” Urake mused distantly for a moment until Enthack responded.
“I wish my dad was still around. There is so much I want to ask him now after what I have seen.”
“Do you know if he had any other children? He was a good friend and I would like to make sure they are taken care of. It would pain me to hear his children were ever starving.”
“There was only one other one that I am aware of. Father took me out to visit the boy once before he died. It was only a half days ride out of Warton. I used to live there with my mother before she moved to Cercha.”
“Half day ride out of Warton?” Urake frowned slightly.
“Yes, in the Black Forest. I went looking for him again, but his mother had died and the locals told me that a group of bandits had him the last they had heard and that was years ago.” Urake stopped frowning and broke into a wide grin.
“Emeck, come over here, there is someone that you should meet.” Urake dropped back to a normal voice as Emeck approached. “I knew he looked a little familiar. Looking at you proves it.”
“Yes? Oh, you are the messenger that Tusul was telling me so much about. I hear you insulted Brounn a fair amount. I couldn’t do that, he scares me a little.” Emeck stopped talking and glanced back at Urake in confusion when he noticed Enthack’s slack jaw stare.
“Meet your half-brother, Enthack, this is Emeck. I sort of liberated him from the bandits. He has been with me ever since.” This time it was Emeck that had the slack jaw stare. Enthack’s mouth closed with a click a moment later.
“It is truly a pleasure to meet you again. Seeing you up close and thinking about it, I am sure that it was you.” Enthack jumped to his feet and seemed ready to break into dance as Emeck tried to process the development.
“How?” Emeck was pointing at Enthack and staring at Urake when he finally formed the monosyllable.
“Brest was always the ladies’ man. It didn’t hurt that he knew exactly what to say to them when he walked up. It also would seem he sowed a few wild oats along the way. I see Balinor coming so I will let you two catch up.” Emeck was still pointing at Enthack when Urake clapped him on the shoulder and walked off following behind Em'risi.
The council was held inside the Sea Fort. In a room that had once been some sort of private dining hall. Nothing remained except the ancient oaken table that looked to be of an age with the fortress. Some chairs from a more recent time were around the table and a set of candelabra were placed on stands at each side of the table. The small window that looked over the Silent Sea didn’t let in enough light, even if there hadn’t been a board to replace the long shattered glass. With the wall reconstruction a priority, nothing beyond removing the majority of the cobwebs had been done in the way of maintenance. It had been chosen in part because of the seclusion that was provided. A set of guards were on duty at the hallway leading into this wing so none but the war council were privy to the matters discussed. A few maps were spread across the table. Redzyn and a much subdued Lortin were discussing a few items of note with major Issam when Balinor, Em'risi, Alvin and Urake made their entrance.
“As you all know, Lanyl is still in the south overseeing the garrison stationed there.” Balinor scowled at Urake as he seated himself at the end of the table opposite Em'risi after seeing that she was seated. Alvin took up his position behind her chair.
“The emergency council suggest that there has been a new development. Have the soldiers broken through our lines sooner than expected?” Issam asked after bowing to Em'risi and taking a seat an equal distance between Urake and the Princess.
“No, our lines are still holding. I will have to recall them into Keom within a week, but that is not why I called this council. We have not yet received word from Lanyl; however, we received a message from another source that tells us that Reigns is moving the southern army against us.” Balinor seemed inclined to cling to the authority that was granted by remaining on his feet.
“How reliable is this source?” No matter how valid Redzyn’s question might have been, it drew a black look from Balinor.
“I can’t speak to the reliability of the messenger.” It almost appeared to pain Balinor to make the admission.
“I can.” Urake’s contribution stilled the room for the space of a few seconds.
“How can you be sure that this is good information? Reigns might be using it as a distraction.” Issam questioned as he leaned back in his chair. Remembering Em'risi’s presence, he sat up straight again.
“My agent would not have risked his neck getting us the message through the army blockading us if he hadn’t thought it credible.”
“I do not mean to offend you or impugn your agent, but I fail to see the login in such a move. It would take the better part of a month to march that many men up around the Garoche. That would add nearly three thousand men to the three noble houses that are marching against us, already more than enough to take Keom even with all the walls rebuilt.” Issam tried to avoid looking at Urake until he was finished.
“I have no reason to be offended. Balinor failed to mention one smal
l detail that my agent had in his message, they will be moving on us from the south.” This disclosure earned a deeper scowl than Urake had thought possible from Balinor and shocked the other two officers into incoherent babbling.
“We haven’t heard anything about such a move from Lanyl.” Issam started to his feet with his hands on the tabletop.
“We don’t have enough troops to defend both walls!” Redzyn was roused out of his normally laid back demeanor.
“Silence!” Balinor finally called for order when he was forced to avert his glare from Urake’s unflinching return stare. “That is why this emergency war council was called. We have to adjust our plans to compensate for this… setback.”
“We would have to move workers to the south wall… Dig a dry moat, at least a dry moat; if we could fill it from the sea somehow…” Redzyn mused.
“If Tusul were to put his mind to it, the issue would not stand for long.” Urake nodded as he thought on the problem presented.
“That potion maker? Don’t get me wrong; that stuff he came up with has been extremely helpful in slowing Reigns’ advance, but what do you think he would do about filling a moat fifty feet above the ocean?” Balinor sneered unconsciously as he spoke. Urake simply spread his hands with the palms up and shrugged. Flipping his wrists back, almost everyone started up and reaching for weapons as two darts pinned a map to the center of the table. The result of flexing his wrists the other direction made everyone pause with their hands on their weapon hilts as they saw the blades extending from Urake’s sleeves.
“I am sure that he could come up with something. Be careful with those darts, they have been treated with a powerful paralytic.” No one responded right away after Urake’s display.
“By the deep, you weren’t joking when you said that you could have killed us all without having needed your sword.” Lortin’s eyes were bulging from his head as he cautiously slid the exposed hand span of his sword back into his sheath. Everyone was forced to agree as they saw how deeply the darts were embedded in the table. They could have penetrated any mail and most of the plate metal in the room. Urake reached into his sleeves and pulled a leather loop causing the blades to retract and lock with a soft click. Em’risi’s smile caught his eye and he remembered that she hadn’t flinched throughout the whole display.
Chronicles of Den'dra: A land on Fire Page 42