by John Migacz
CHAPTER 24
Balthus and Adrianna retired to their room for a few hours’ rest. Balthus was glad – it had been a long day and his newest plan required them to be up again well before dawn.
Lotho had settled them in the best guestroom in the castle. Adorned with colorful tapestries and comfortable furnishings, the room conveyed congeniality. The cheery glow from the banked fire added to the effect.
Balthus ignored the décor, stepped to the window and looked down. Unease plagued the corners of his mind at the sight of the countless mercenary fires stretching out before him. He wished he could sweep them away like so many glowbugs.
Balthus shook off the feeling, inhaled deeply and sat on the bed. Taking off his boots, he massaged his toes. “So, are you confident in my plan?”
Adrianna had already undressed and was settling in bed. “Yes,” she said. “The only unknown is Dieya.”
Balthus nodded. “Yes. I remember hearing stories about him as a child. Never thought I’d meet him.”
Balthus undressed, got under the covers, and placed his arm over Adrianna.
“I hope he is as good as his word,” said Balthus. “If he fails to kill Yorburg, at least we will have a good chance to get away, being mounted.”
“True. Steal the best mounts you can, in case we have to ride for it.”
“You got it, Love.” He pulled the covers up higher and snuggled against her back. “You are right, though; the only unknown is Dieya. I feel you were right to trust him. My instincts tell me he’s not evil or trying to manipulate us. I worked him over pretty well at the table and he passed my word-baiting games. He is not telling us the whole story, that’s for sure, but after that conversation about lesser gods and greater beings, I’m not sure I want to know.”
“Yes, there’s something odd about him. I liked him well enough right off, but there is a ruthless streak in him.”
“I think that ruthless streak is dedication, like a missionary, and you’d better not like him too much or I’ll get jealous,” said Balthus.
“Ha! You, jealous?” She snorted and adjusted her pillow. “But you needn’t worry. There is too much difference in our ages for me to be interested.”
“You’re not that much older than he is, sweetheart,” he said, as he fluffed his pillow.
She rose on one elbow and turned to look at him. “I’m not sure if you know what an insult that is.”
“Insult?” Balthus looked stunned. “I meant it as a complement.”
“Lord Faltast did some research while we were discussing our plans,” said Adrianna. “The first mention he found of ‘Dieya the Sorcerer’ was in Duke William’s journal – Lotho’s grandfather. Dieya has to be over ninety years old.”
“Oh yes, I remember that being mentioned.” The look on his face changed to one of amusement. “So then I was right – you’re not much older than he is.”
“Ouff,” he exclaimed as her elbow jabbed his stomach. Laughing, they settled down to sleep.