Chapter 7

Duran approached the meeting room, but slowed his approach when he didn’t recognize the two men flanking the antechamber door. One was a tall redhead that he recognized but didn’t know the name of, and the other was a muscled brunet, with kind brown eyes. A person who’d been raised with a kind heart. “Where is Bankor?” he asked the closer of the two.

“He has been promoted,” the redhead replied, smiling proudly with his announcement.

Promoted? It made him wonder, but wasn’t a pressing matter at the moment. “Are they in tonight?” He waved a hand toward the entry they were apparently protecting.

“Yes. They said for you to go right in when you arrived.”

“Thank you,” he asked with a hint of question, hoping he wouldn’t have to prod for names. The keep population had been growing by leaps and bounds, especially with the added soldiers. He would have to make a point to become more familiar with those within and without the walls.

The first to speak said, “I’m Clintok. This here is Mikkon. We’ve been tasked as part of Master at Arms Bankor’s new detail.”

“Oh? Really?” Duran asked, happily surprised, answering the question the man’s absence had created. “And you’re enjoying this for yourselves?”

“Oh, yes,” Mikkon replied. “It feels good to be part of something, especially being chosen to be part of Lord Morrow’s guard detail.” And clearly proud as could be given by his puffed up stature.

Duran smiled. “Trust me, we’re all small in this world, but we can each make such a grand and great impact by being true to ourselves. I’m happy for both of you.”

Clintok opened the door for him to walk through. Remy flew in from behind when Duran sauntered into the boisterous room. Loud laughter after the long and contentious day they’d experienced was a balm to his soul. It helped him release the tension of worry he’d carried since he’d awakened more cognizant of the day’s events. A fire was roaring in the fireplace, chasing away the humid coolness after the rainstorm. There was abundant warmth and welcome. Jayce had a great idea when he suggested this room for them to gather. It was close to his bedroom for emergencies and had ample space for everyone and some.

“Duran!” Grayson saw him first. He bounded up and hugged him hard as everyone else calmed, waiting for him to join them. “You’re feeling all right now?”

Duran patted his back and smiled, everyone watching expectantly for his answer. All of his friends and one set of anxious blue eyes in particular. He nodded. To Royce he ensured there was nothing but thankfulness and calmness. He would never accept any claim of guilt for what he’d done. “I’m doing fine. It was my own fault for following Royce that I got hurt.”

Several argued but he knew the truth, and he also realized now why he’d been so compelled to follow. And he would have to share this new information soon.

“Have something to drink.” Cedri waved him over and an empty seat was found.

“So, what happened today? How did the day fair with Lord Atkill?” he asked as he curled up on the seat with a foot beneath him, cupping a fragrant mug of apple cider. Since he’d missed pretty much everything that had transpired with him out of the keep and too far away to be of any help, he wanted to hear every moment. What a long day it had been! Glad to finally be with his friends, he studied the various trays of finger foods, meat, cheese, bread chips, and fruit crisscrossing the table. Looking over all the offerings, he discovered he was famished, the soup he’d eaten long since leaving him hollow again. Grayson gave him a plate to fill to ease the rumbles of his stomach.

Cedri jumped in and described the ensuing attack after Royce’s warning, and the incredibly powerful defense Ulcieh, Brin, and Leodinn had created, aiding Jayce’s own abilities, bolstering those who’d stood their ground and held the keep gates intact. Cedri had been watching the movements on the ground and ensuring there was sufficient support at the gate to keep it from falling under the weight of the invaders.

“You were at the front?” Duran asked Jayce, surprised, while realizing he probably shouldn’t be. A glance at Ulcieh proved how well that had been received with the scowl cutting into his brow. It looked like Jayce wasn’t going to be the kind of leader who stood behind and let his forces do his work for him. That could be both good and bad. Time would tell, but there was one detail he had caught in the descriptions of the day. “Lightning?” he pressed. He leaned forward. “The God’s Touch?”

Jayce blushed but nodded. “It’s true.”

“Wow,” he exclaimed, then shook himself. Brin seemed to be equally as awed, but he’d read the histories of the ability, forming a deeper understanding of what that particular magic meant for Jayce’s training. It would all have to be a discussion for later. “And Lord Atkill himself?” he asked, searching faces. The keep was standing so they were safe, right?

“Surrendered to Lord Eitin and Harvan to be tried and stripped of his holdings. It was uncovered he’d made a bargain for favors some time ago with King Bucol and his father before him, and had been aiding the throne with skin shifter reports and their movements through northern Caduthien. This new information made him a traitor to his clan and to his surrounding allies. Lord Seamus will also be denounced and tried for his part of the attack, but he and his group were some of the first to retreat when we actually put up a little bit of a fight.” Rune motioned with a waved hand toward Remy on the shelves. “I was given fair warning that the attack was imminent thanks to your friend there, and was able to rally the villagers to our aid. None cared for the kidnapping attempt and have sworn their loyalty to Lord Morrow. The two men have been dealt with by their village and shouldn’t be bothering us again.” There was a wicked slip of a grin on his face when he said that.

“Really?” Duran froze on his seat, studying the other mage. He wanted to know what that meant, but then again, maybe not. Whether it was the villagers themselves who mete out justice, or not, their continued safety was the real matter at hand.

“We’ve acquired several dozen seasoned warriors and soldiers who were rejected and exiled by Lord Atkill, but the villagers are joining us as well.”

“The villagers joining and supporting is excellent news!” He drew a sip of his cider, then asked. “Speaking of warriors, how is Yeh Yeh?” He swirled the mug’s contents absently between his fingers, catching in his periphery his concern was noted by a certain snow leopard.

Oh, how Royce’s eyes blazed before he looked away to avoid Duran’s notice. That was interesting. But why would being concerned about Yeh Yeh’s health cause such a response?

“He is resting in one of the barracks. The men are keeping watch so that he doesn’t fall ill with fever,” Ulcieh informed him. “The fact we saved his life, while making it clear he and those under his command are welcome to stay have helped us add to our numbers. After Lord Atkill’s confessions, many were disgusted and felt betrayed by what he was doing, as the northern clans have family and friendships intertwined with skin shifters, more than those here in the southern ranges. We will be inspecting the fighters and testing their skills to see who can be added to Jayce’s details in the coming weeks. Provided they stay. It looks like some of their ranks defected after Lord Atkill’s confessions as there were far more present after the battle than solely those who’d stayed with Yeh Yeh.”

“And losses?” Duran asked hesitantly.

“Only a few injuries,” Brin offered. “We survived this test with skill and a strong defense.”

Whuu.

Duran slipped a quick side-eye over his shoulder and discovered a watchful Remy sitting high up on a shelved case. Bronze eyes blinked at him. I know. But everyone? Jayce, along with all six of the mages were present, along with Cedri. Bankor hung to the back behind Jayce, to the side, a part of the group, but at a distance to see everything, able to maintain a vigilant view across the room. It was a smart location with the wall at his back but not in front of the window. There were a lot of people present to reveal the goddess’s will to.

Whuu.

Okay.

Duran fussed at the owl then cleared his throat. “I have a bit of a tale to tell as well.” He shifted his arm out of the way and Remy immediately glided down and alighted at his side, fluffing his wings before resting on his perch.

“Everyone, this is Remy. Remy, everyone.”

Several chuckles floated through the room.

“I have been blessed to be introduced to my familiar.” Lightness rose from his chest to lift his lips as Remy made soft coos when he puffed up and fluttered on the chair’s arm, almost celebratory if it were possible.

“He sounds like he is most agreeable with this joining,” Rune mentioned, watching them with warmth and laughter.

Duran studied the owl, hearing the voice again when he called out Whuhu. “He is. He wasn’t too sure at the beginning until he had a chance to talk with Rox and Iba, but has found he’s quite energetic about it all now.”

Whuhu.

“I know,” he muttered, shooting a glare at the owl, wanting to shrink down and disappear with what he had to share. A slow inhale steadied his voice. Remembering the goddess’s cautions, he asked, “Can we put up a silencing bubble? What I’m about to say can’t be overheard.”

Rune waved a hand with murmured words before there was a slight muffling, a pressure to his ears, like a quick change in altitude. “It’s set. What’s going on?”

“I was given information while I was in the woods. I know where the Valda-Cree crown is.”

Dead silence hit the room. He curled up tighter on the chair and Remy leaned into his side, comforting. A side glance at a surprised Royce revealed an expression mixed with jealousy and longing. Duran didn’t understand, and he couldn’t deal with it right then. Not when the fate of Jayce’s future hung on him and what he knew.

The silence broke with Leodinn clearing his throat to say, “You know where the crown is? It wasn’t destroyed?”

Duran described what had occurred when he’d been alone and the warnings he’d received. How he’d traveled with Remy to the land of the fae with the queen’s benevolence and was granted the opportunity to speak to him via the goddess’s magic. No one interrupted as he repeated the conversation, to point to his temple when he mentioned the map. And lastly, the fact that even though they’d essentially been living in hidden seclusion, there was no doubt both Carden and King Bucol knew of them.

Expressions from everyone around the room varied from levels of shock to dismay.

“You are sure they know of us?” Ulcieh asked, grim and frowning unfocused. Duran knew that look. He was taking their discovery as a personal failure when there wasn’t anything he could have done to make them safer. Ulcieh was a born strategist. When Lord Morrow had decided their individual contributions to the keep and as his support, there had been clear thought in his choices.

In answer, he simply nodded. There was no way to argue differently. “Going forward, we must be cautious in our planning. I don’t know who or what is watching, but leave it that someone is.” He sipped on his drink to gather his thoughts. There were so many bouncing around now. “I was given a map to the dragon’s lair. It is on us to find the crown and bring it back. And once we enter their lands, we have no more than three days.”

“Three days!” was the immediate, disbelieving outburst. Arguments and tangents flew across the room as they tried to break down what it all meant.

Duran raised a hand in an attempt to bring calm. “Please! I have faith that what I was told is true. We are growing stronger every day. Is it no wonder we’ve been discovered? The only positive is we’re still, as of yet, being left alone. We must use this time to further prepare. I was told as well that Jayce’s success, the return of the Valda-Cree, will fail without the crown. I don’t know what power the crown imbues that his return hinges on its presence, but I would not dare to question a goddess.”

Jayce’s grin was thin even as he clapped his hands lightly where he bent over his knees. “Well, we knew this wasn’t going to be easy. And barring today, it has been.” He motioned to the others. “So, let’s plan this.” He twisted on his chair and crossed his legs at the ankles to lean into his chair. “Rune, do you know of the dragons’ world?”

He nodded with a telling sense of unease apparent in his tight features. “I can take us there. But we don’t know how much time is going to pass while we’re gone.”

Duran confided, “The goddess couldn’t give specifics, but I have to believe it would be a manageable difference. We don’t have years to be gone. The demon army is out there, even if it’s not focused on us as of yet. If Carden knows Jayce is here, then he will take steps in the near future to remove him. Things are happening even if we’re an outlier to it all.”

“If I could make a suggestion?” Bankor offered.

“Of course,” Rune said, welcoming his input with a waved hand.

“Make it known Lord Morrow is traveling to the nearest villages to increase good will. The battle today will cause anxiousness among the villages because they will be learning about it by hearsay and rumor. They will fear there will be attacks in their direction brought on by a new lord who has mages and powers at his call. Master Rune would be expected to accompany him, as well as an entourage, guard, and others for support and supplies. May be a chance to open up more trade and could broaden prosperity in the future while working to calm villages, that they are not going to be attacked. This way everyone’s absence can be explained.”

“Actually, that’s not a bad thing to do regardless,” Jayce said, nodding. He scowled lightly as he considered their options. “How many need to go to retrieve the crown?”

“I will have to go with Duran as I have the ability to open the portals,” Rune said.

“There’s no question you will be needed,” Jayce remarked toward Duran. “Who else?”

“With your agreement, I would like to join them.” Royce sat on the edge of his seat, expectantly waiting for Jayce’s approval. Whether Royce noted Cedri’s look of shocked surprise, Duran couldn’t say, but Cedri was not pleased he was volunteering.

Jayce nodded, barely giving it a second’s thought. “I say one more with them. A fast moving group.”

“I could go,” Ulcieh said, not enthused but willing.

Jayce pinched his lips, denying him. “No. I need you here. You’re a better strategist than I am.” He went around the room. “Who else wants to say hi to a dragon?” he tried to joke with varying levels of success. Several heartbeats passed before he quietly added, “I won’t force anyone.”

Grayson spoke up, his taut expression revealing his misgivings, doing his duty first. “I’ll go. Not because I want to make friends with a dragon, but because we’ve come so far already.”

“Thank you, Gray.” Jayce reached across the table to squeeze his shoulder. “This isn’t a death march, for any of you.” His voice was firm, brooking no argument. “All four of you will return.” He faced Rune. “Do I make myself clear?”

Rune smirked but he didn’t agree. None of them could make that kind of a promise. Rune’s tone revealed none of his worry or anxiety over their coming journey. “Tomorrow. We will make our departure private. Bankor, if any are looking for us individually, let it be known we have left ahead of Jayce and his entourage to travel to the villages. I know it will take you time to prepare guards to protect him during this kind of goodwill campaign. We do want to embrace any efforts of positive reinforcements while we have the opportunity. Maybe a few of the newest defectors from Lord Atkill’s who have joined us, to add weight to our claims, would be willing to assist. I know several of them are thankful to be here rather than following a man who would turn his back on their families and betray them.”

Jayce nodded in agreement, adding. “Ulcieh and Brin will be left in charge of the keep. They will go on with the plans to train and incorporate the accepted soldiers who have chosen to stay.” He reached and palmed one of Rune’s hands, uncaring of the eyes to witness their closeness. “Cedri, Leodinn, you will both join me and Bankor with a guard to make these contacts and hopefully form bridges and friendships along the way. I imagine a goodwill effort of this caliber will take a few weeks at least to travel and visit.”

“Commonly, yes,” Brin replied. Twisting on his seat, he said to Duran, “May your three days be prosperous and bear you a safe journey to return.”

Duran accepted the blessing gratefully. This would be the first time they’d be going their separate ways since they’d been chosen as training and support for Jayce. He didn’t like the idea of dividing their strengths in so many directions but knew there really was no other option.

Not if they wanted a chance to succeed.