Jinaari waited for the herald to stop speaking, knowing what would happen next. “When we get to her, don’t try to curtsy. Just follow what I do. You’re not dressed for anything else,” he kept his voice low.
Thia nodded her understanding. She was getting better at using a public face, but he knew her tells. Her nerves were pulled tight. “Drakkus is probably in there,” he whispered. “Stay with Adam if I wander off. I need to talk to him about your guards.”
The tent flap parted, and he led her into the makeshift great hall. Braziers filled with hot coals hung from the half dozen wooden posts that held up the roof. Candles burned at regular intervals. Between the two, the room was warm and well lit. A score of dignitaries turned to watch them enter. His attention though, was focused on the end of the room.
Queen Agrana sat regally in a chair, the back of it carved with a shield, scepter, and crown. The three symbols of rule within Avoch. Her brown hair pinned up, partially supporting her crown. Behind her, Amara and Stijyn stood. His sister smiled at him warmly. His brother, though, watched Thia closely.
When they were within a few feet of his mother, he moved Thia’s arm off his and knelt. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her do the same.
“The Lord Defender has answered the summons of the Crown of Avoch,” he kept his voice neutral. “How may I be of service?” I know what needs to happen, damn it. Sitting in court talking about isn’t going to get it done!
“Rise and welcome, my son.” His mother moved in front of him as he stood, embracing him. “I recognize some of your companions, but not all. Who travels with the Lord Defender to aid him on his task?”
“I am honored to introduce you to Her Ladyship Thia Bransdottir, the Daughter of Keroys.” He stepped back slightly as Thia rose.
“Bransdottir? I don’t recognize the surname,” Agrana said.
“My father was Bran Beckenburg, Your Majesty. Part of the agreement he had to make in order to raise me was to cut all ties to his family,” Thia spoke quietly, but she kept her voice even.
“That’s a name I know. I will speak with you, privately, Daughter of Keroys. Yours is a story I’ve heard, but I think many details have been embellished at each retelling.”
“If we have time, I will gladly do so. Our mission is such that long delays could have disastrous results to all Avoch. I am certain that is not what Your Majesty wishes to happen.”
Jinaari kept a straight face, but it was hard to do. Thia had just single handedly made it so his mother couldn’t keep them beyond tonight. In front of her entire court, too.
His mother moved toward Pan, and Adam started the introduction. Looking past the warlock, Jinaari spotted Drakkus at the far side of the pavilion. Once he caught the commander’s eye, he inclined his head to one side. With a nod, the other man began to move in that direction.
“Thia,” he whispered, “I’ve found Drakkus. Stay with Adam until I get back.” She nodded, and he began to weave his way through the courtiers.
“Jinaari!” Amara’s happy squeal rang in his ear as she threw her arms around his neck from behind him. “Don’t tell me you’re running off without talking with your favorite sister?”
“You’re our only sister,” Stijyn replied.
Jinaari stopped and gave his sister a quick hug. “I have to talk to someone, then we’ll catch up. I promise.”
Stijyn reached out and stopped him from moving. “One condition.”
“What?”
Inclining his head back to where Thia and the rest stood, Stijyn smiled. “You gotta introduce me to the blonde. She’s stunning.”
“Her name is Thia, Stijyn. I can introduce you, but I don’t recommend trying any of your moves on her. She’s not what you think.” He walked away, hunting down Drakkus. His brother had a roving eye and collected women like trophies. Part of him wanted to watch her shoot him down, the other wanted to warn Thia.
“You look well,” Drakkus said when Jinaari got close enough.
“I’m alive, and that means Potiri won’t be long after I find him. Did Garret really Foreswear him in front of the entire chapterhouse?”
“Garret snapped his medallion in half, Jinaari. Had him stripped of his armor, allowed me to punch him in the jaw once. His mother even heard what happened.” Drakkus’s voice was thick with shock.
“Markus found me in Cirrain, before we left. He brought me up to speed. I’ll be honest. I’m glad he got away before any of my brothers could find him. It means I can take care of the problem myself.”
“What can we do to help?”
“I need some brothers you trust to guard Thia. I won’t be able to watch her as closely as I normally can while we’re here, and there were openly hostile faces among the army as we rode in.” He glanced back toward his friends. Amara and Stijyn were heading toward them. “I have to get back there. The guards?”
“Will be nearby within an hour. I’ll select them myself.”
Jinaari smiled. “One more thing. How’d the punch feel?”
Drakkus grinned. “Too good. He deserved it.”
He wove his way through the crowd and back to Thia. Amara was talking to her, laughing as she was prone to do. Stijyn, though, kept his focus on her. She had her hands folded in front of her, and he could see one finger twitching.
“I see you’ve met my siblings,” he said as he came up behind her.
“Don’t worry, Jinaari,” Amara teased him. “We’re saving the best, most embarrassing stories about you for later on.”
“Mother’s decided to invite your friends to dine with the four of us tonight. I hope to speak with you again soon, Milady.” Stijyn bowed with a flourish, grabbing her hand and pressing his lips to it.
Thia’s posture shifted, and he put a hand briefly on her back to remind her he was there. “Then I guess we should go get ready. We’ve been riding for several days, and Mother won’t like it if we all smell like our horses.” He pointedly looked at his brother. “I’m looking forward to catching up.” Grabbing Thia by the elbow, he led her away.
“What was that all about?” she muttered.
“Later. Stijyn can read lips.” They walked over to the others. “We need to find out where our gear went, clean up. If this dinner is happening, I can’t go in my armor.”
Adam pointed at a uniformed man standing to one side. “I was told that one would lead us when we were ready to go.”
“We’re ready,” Jinaari replied.
He let Adam take the lead, staying at Thia’s side. “I talked with Drakkus. You’ll be kept safe.”
“Thank you.”
“Be careful with Stijyn.”
“Why?” she turned her head, looking at him.
They followed the attendant through some narrow passages. “It’s hard to explain.”
“Try,” she replied. “There was something about how he looked at me that made me nervous.”
“He sees a beautiful woman and he starts hunting. You’re in his sights.”
“The ladies are to be in here,” the courtier stopped, moving aside a tent flap. “Your Highness has a place across the passage. The rest will need to follow me.”
Jinaari exchanged a look with Adam as the two followed their guide. At least he was close to Thia, and Caelynn would be with her.
His chamber was luxurious by camp standards. Someone had set up a large bed, covered in furs. His pack rested on the carpeted floor near a single chair. A basin of steaming water sat on a simple wooden table, with a towel and soap nearby. It wasn’t a full bath, but he’d make do.
It took a few minutes to get the armor off. He washed up, changed his clothes, and contemplated laying down. “If you do, you might sleep through dinner,” his mother said from behind him.
Lowering himself onto the bed, he stared at her. “What do you need from me?”
She sat in the chair. “A mother always wants her children’s love. I realized some time ago that I would not receive that from you.” Resting her arms on the chair, she looked at him. “You have such a sense of honor and duty about you that Avoch would do well with you as its King, should enough of humanity still live.”
“I hear a ‘but’ in there.”
Her face turned serious. “I heard about your friend before you arrived. Knew who her father was, and that’s a problem.”
“Baroness Elizabeth and the rest of the family welcomed her without question. You see a problem where one doesn’t exist.”
“But it does,” she insisted. “Years ago, before you were born, a marriage contract was drawn up. It would make the first-born daughter of the eldest Beckenburg son Queen of Avoch, once she was married to my first-born son.”
He stared at her, stunned. “When did you plan to tell me?”
“Grow up. You were going to rule one day, simply because of who I am. Protecting the family line, keeping an Althir on the throne, is necessary.” She inhaled. “As to when, it was a moot point for so long. Bran had disappeared, with no child that anyone knew of.” She stared at him, and he drew back from the intense hatred in her eyes. “I will not allow a Fallen witch to share the throne with you, Jinaari. I’ve already written to Baroness Elizabeth, ordering the nullification of the contract. I had planned to talk with several nobles at your sister’s wedding. See if there was one who had a suitable replacement.”
His mind shrank from her words. It wasn’t the contracted marriage. He expected that. The ignorance and prejudice she showed now disgusted him. She dismissed Thia based on something she had no control over. “I’m done. I’ll renounce every single title, decline any salary, whatever it takes. I will not be part of any family that thinks the way you do.” Shaking his head, he kept on. “I used to hope you were different than Grandfather. That his prejudices hadn’t wormed their way into your soul. Thia is as human as I am. Her mother was Fallen, yes. I watched as she,” he pointed toward the canvas wall, “gutted her, turned her back on every single thing that was offered to her by Lolc Aon. She was Marked, at birth, by Keroys. He wouldn’t have done that if she had the smallest inclination toward the evil her mother was. She saved my life more than once. Without her, I would not be here. And you’re going to take one look at her and judge her like that? At least you could’ve waited until after dinner, until you talked with her and got an idea of who she is.”
“Avoch cannot stand with the Fallen,” she insisted. “That her father raised her is, I admit, admirable. Better that she had died with him than infiltrate the church. Have you ever seen this ‘Mark’ she claims to have? How can you be sure it’s real and not some tattoo she had done to fool you? If she’s the Daughter of Keroys, why hide it? I should’ve seen it when she walked into the room! If she’s as human as you claim, then I am her Queen!”
“First, she has nothing to prove to you. The only one that can command her is Keroys. Second, it’s on her back. No one will see it unless Thia chooses to show it to them. It’s not fake. Don’t ever come to me with that bullshit again. She is the Daughter of Keroys, even if you’d rather she wasn’t.”
Agrana narrowed her eyes, staring at him. “It’s on her back, you say? Where the only way someone sees it is if she decides they can? And you’re certain it’s not fake? Don’t tell me you’ve shared your bed with that Fallen witch! Even Stijyn wouldn’t be that stupid!”
Jinaari leaped to his feet. “Get out,” he growled. “I’m leaving, and my friends will be going with me. Give Amara my best, tell her I’ll still walk her down the aisle if she wants, but I am done with the rest of you.” Rage filled his veins, and his fingers flexed. He wouldn’t hurt her; she was still his mother.
Well done, my paladin. It’s about time she learned that you cannot serve two masters. Garret’s voice sounded in his mind.
Agrana rose, her face the same mask he’d grown up seeing. The one of a Queen, not a mother. “Is this your final decision? You choose a Fallen witch over your own blood?”
“I have always chosen friendship and trust over a crown.”
“I give you and your friends an hour to leave this camp. After that, I will have her arrested and brought before me. I recommend you move quickly.”
“On what charge?”
Agrana stopped at the canvas wall, one hand resting on the edge. “Impersonating a Daughter of Keroys, murder, insurrection. I’m sure I’ll come up with something. Given her heritage, there’s a high probability she’ll get hurt before she’s brought before me. An hour, no more.” Without another word, she disappeared between the folds of the tent wall.
Jinaari didn’t waste time. Removing his heavy cloak from the pack, he began to shove his armor inside. Tomil didn’t say how he got the bags, but he was immensely grateful for them now. Wrapping his sword belt around his waist, he threw the cloak over his shoulders as he picked up his pack. Running across the hall, he entered Caelynn and Thia’s room. The bard stood up as he entered, her face concerned. “Where’s Thia?”
“Getting cleaned up for dinner. What’s wrong?”
“Tell her to stop. I’m getting Adam and Pan, then we’re leaving.”
Caelynn nodded. “Okay, but why?”
He dropped his pack on the floor. “I’ll explain when we’re on the road,” he said, heading back out of the tent. Rushing down the hall, he located his other friends and urged them to get packed.
The three men headed back to the other room. Caelynn and Thia were both dressed and had their packs ready. Picking his back up, he looked at the four of them. “We have to leave. Now.”
Thia looked at him. “Why?”
“I’ll explain later. I promise. It’s not safe for you to be here any longer.” He opened the tent flap and caught sight of Drakkus leading two paladins down the corridor to them. “We’re leaving. Tonight.”
The commander nodded. “I won’t ask.” Turning to the other men, he said, “We’re escorts now. Stables first, then we ride with them until they’re out of the encampment.”
“Thia, keep your hood up. Same with the rest of you. We don’t want to be recognized if we can help it.”
Drakkus stopped. “Wait here while we clear it.” He disappeared around the corner.
Thia stood at his side. “Jinaari, what’s going on?”
He glanced at her, debating how much to tell her now. “I’ve renounced my titles, for starters. My mother wasn’t pleased with my decision.”
He saw the fear cross her face. “It’s because of me, isn’t it?”
“I’ll tell everyone the details later, after we’re far enough from here that I think we’re safe. Adam?”
“What?” the warlock stepped forward.
“You said you’ve been in the valley where Drogon’s hiding. Are there any caves we can hole up in? Tunnels that lead through the mountain?”
Adam nodded. “Yes. It might take me a few minutes to find the landmarks in the dark, but I’ll get us there.”
Jinaari nodded. “Good. You take point. Pan, you and Caelynn ride next to Thia. I’ll bring up the rear. If I tell you to get her out, do it.”
“You’re scaring me,” she whispered. “What’s going on?”
He looked back at her, his voice low. “The Queen took issue with your parentage and doesn’t believe your Mark is real. She gave us an hour to get out. If we’re still around at that point, she plans to have you arrested.”
Drakkus came back around the corner, and he looked at the commander. “The way’s clear, and your horses are being saddled now. Morrisy and I will ride with you, help if needed until you get to safety. Exeter is staying here to delay pursuit if he can.”
“Good. Let’s go.” Jinaari put his hand on Thia’s back, moving her forward. The clock ticked faster than he wanted it to. They’d get out of the camp in time, but not where they could rest.
Moving quickly, they mounted their horses. Pan took the reins of the pack horse, and then moved closer to Thia. “We’re ready,” he said.
“Let’s go,” Jinaari replied. “Go as fast as you can, Adam, but try not to trample anyone.”
“Only if they try to do something stupid,” he said.
Exeter swung open the gate and they rode out. Caelynn moved alongside Thia, while Pan dropped back. The streets were barely wide enough to ride side by side. Three or four abreast wasn’t going to happen until they got clear of the encampment.
He kept his focus on Thia as they rode. Drakkus and Morrisy stayed close enough to discourage pursuit. A number of soldiers came out of their tents or looked up from their fires as they thundered past. He grasped the reins of his horse with his left hand; his right was ready to draw his sword the moment someone got too close.
Finally, the edge of the encampment came into view. Adam sped up his horse, and the rest followed suit. They stayed at a full gallop until they were well beyond the sentry fires. Pulling his horse to a stop, Adam wheeled around. “Try not to get lost,” he cautioned them. “I may have to change direction without much warning.”
“Rest the horses for a few minutes,” Jinaari said, “then we get going. Light up your staff.” He looked at Drakkus, “I’ll take care of them from here. Go back before you’re missed. I don’t want you to get in trouble for this.”
“I told Exeter to head back to the encampment once we were clear, with instructions to start breaking camp. We were leaving as soon as you did tomorrow. This just speeds things up.”
“She won’t like that Garret’s Paladins left.”
“His will trumps that of Her Majesty. Althir, you’re one of the best I’ve ever trained. And you’ve got the Daughter of Keroys with you. The rest aren’t exactly sloppy. If the five of you can’t take care of this problem, we need to be where we can help the populace of Avoch. Staying here and being slaughtered isn’t part of the plan.”
He reached out and grasped his friend’s arm in parting. “Garret be with you,” he said. “When this is over, I owe you a drink.”
Drakkus smiled. “More than one. Keep them safe.” He wheeled his horse around and the two rode off into the night.
“Adam?”
The staff the warlock carried emitted a dim light. “Getting my bearings now,” he said, looking around. “Care to fill us in on why we’re out here without our dinner?”
“Not until you’ve found that tunnel and I think we’re safe enough to camp.” Jinaari looked at Thia; her face still hidden under the folds of her hood. Gods, I hope we find it before the mercenaries come hunting.