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Larris met his brother at the gate. Despite the dirt, sweat, and blood that marred Lerryn’s face, the first prince looked vigorous. Whatever changes his time away had wrought, they had been for the better.
Smiling, Lerryn slid down off his horse and embraced his brother.
“I am so happy to see you,” Larris said. “I had heard you were still alive, but I dared not believe it.”
“I’ve never felt more alive.” Lerryn didn’t elaborate, but Larris took his brother’s meaning. “There is someone you should meet.” He gave a mysterious grin and motioned to a man who had just dismounted. “This is Colin Malan.”
It took a moment for the name to register with Larris. “You’re Shanis’ father.”
“That I am.” Colin Malan was a veritable bear of a man: large, dark, and powerfully built. But his smile was genuine, and his dark eyes friendly. “I understand you and my daughter are friends.”
“Yes sir, we are.”
Colin laughed. “A prince calling me ‘sir.’ Now that is not something that happens every day. It is a pleasure to meet you, Highness.”
“Please, call me Larris.” He offered his hand and tried not to wince at Colin’s powerful grip. “After all, you are the father of a queen.”
Colin’s eyes widened. “I had not heard.”
“I don’t know all the details, but sources tell me Shanis has taken the throne of Lothan.”
“That is good. I hope I will be able to see her soon.” He glanced at Lerryn, whose expression had turned grave.
“We have much to discuss,” Lerryn said.
“Indeed we do,” Larris agreed. “Let us speak alone for a moment.” He and his brother drew away and Larris broke the news of their father’s death. Lerryn’s expression did not change, but Larris could see the hurt in his brother’s eyes.
“I wish he had lived long enough to see that I’ve changed. There is much about my past I’m ashamed of.”
“He never stopped loving you,” Larris said. “There is more I need to tell you, much more, but we can talk as we walk.”
Escorted by a contingent of city guard, Larris, Lerryn, Colin, Hierm, Rinala, a young man named Kelvin, who seemed to be Lerryn’s ward of sorts, and Tabars, whom Larris learned was the only remaining member of the original White Fang, made their way to the palace. Along the way, Larris filled his brother in on the situation with the temple, the letter of abdication, and the status of the regency. Once inside the palace, they spoke briefly in private. By the time they left the room, they had formulated a plan.
Jowan sprang to his feet as soon as Larris opened the door of the chamber where the Regis was being held.
“You have held us prisoner here long enough! I will...” His words died in his throat when his eyes fell on Lerryn.
“Your Highness, it is a great relief to see you alive.” Mazier rose from his seat and bowed deeply.
Jowan recovered himself quickly. “Indeed it is. Forgive me, but your brother’s behavior has been most unseemly. He has imprisoned us here with no news of what transpires outside these walls.”
“Imprisoned?” Lerryn glanced at Larris before turning back to the men at the table. “That is a serious accusation you have leveled against my brother.”
“We are here, aren’t we? You can see with your own eyes.”
“What I see is that my brother has taken steps to keep the members of the Regis safe while he lays his life on the line to defend this city. And since you are all still alive, it would appear that his efforts have been successful.”
Jowan gaped at Lerryn. “Highness, I assure you, our incarceration here was not voluntary.”
“I am certain what the archpriest means to say is that we were reluctant to remain here where we felt we were of no use,” Edwin said smoothly. “But we see the wisdom in his decision.”
Larris suppressed a smile. The silvermaster was one of the few whom he knew he could trust.
“I know we are all wondering,” Edwin continued, “how goes the battle?”
Lerryn and Larris exchanged glances. “You tell them,” Lerryn said.
“We won,” Larris said. “My brother and his army arrived just in time.”
“We were only in time because Prince Larris skillfully defended the city, keeping the enemy at bay until we arrived.”
Larris managed to maintain his dignity, but only just. Lerryn had never paid him a compliment about his leadership skills. “I’ve been meaning to ask you, how did you come by an army? The last we heard you had only a modest force at your disposal.”
“We should sit.” Lerryn motioned to the table. Not waiting for the others, he took the seat at the head and the others joined him. When they were all seated, he began. “Unfortunately, Rayburn and Hugo will not be joining us as they have duties to which to attend. The situation has changed dramatically. Kyrin has withdrawn its forces from our territory. I found myself at the head of an army only because we crossed paths as they made their way back to the city.”
“Why has Kyrin withdrawn and why have we not heard about it?” Mazier asked.
“You would have heard about it upon the army’s return. It is a new development.” Lerryn paused, his face grave. “As to why the enemy has given up the fight it is because they are now facing an invasion on their western frontier much like the one we faced a short while ago. In fact, Riza and Halvala are also fighting invaders, and I would not be surprised if forces are once again threatening the western borders of our nation and that of Lothan.”
“In that case it is essential that you assume the crown as quickly as possible,” Edwin said. “Ordinarily we would treat the occasion with greater fanfare and grant you the honors you richly deserve, but circumstances demand otherwise.”
Lerryn made a dismissive gesture. “It is not important. We have the defense of our nation to think of.”
Jowan cleared his throat and looked around nervously. “Highness, there is a small matter which must be resolved. A rumor is going about that you abdicated your position as heir to the throne.”
Lerryn looks surprised. “Who would spread such a rumor? Have they any proof?”
“We heard a rumor that there is a document, signed by you and witnessed by others.”
“Forging a document is a serious offense,” Lerryn said. “Forging a royal seal is punishable by death. If such a document exists, I should love to see it. I would take a personal interest in tracking down the forger.”
Jowan and Mazier exchanged glances. Larris wanted to laugh as he watched realization dawn on their faces. If they produced the document now, they would not only have to explain how they came by it, but defend themselves against an accusation of forgery.
Jowan was not yet ready to surrender. “Your brother witnessed your abdication, as did his manservant, the entirety of White Fang, and at least one other. You surrendered your position before you went west to fight the invaders.”
Lerryn slowly turned his head, eyebrows raised and gazed at the archpriest, who quickly withered under the Prince’s stare.
“At least, that is the rumor,” he added weakly.
“A rumor that can easily be put to rest.” Lerryn slapped his palms on the table. “Brother, did you witness me abdicate my position as First Prince?”
“I did not.” It was a lie, and it pained Larris to tell it, but he knew it was the right thing to do. Lerryn was the man to lead Galdora. His brother had changed for the better.
“I regret to say that only one member of the White Fang survived the battle in the west. He has taken it upon himself to guard my person and is standing outside right now.”
Larris went to the door and summoned Tabars. The grizzled veteran looked out of place here, but he faced the Regis with the same confidence he displayed in battle.
“Ask him,” Lerryn said to Mazier.
The vizier cleared his throat. “Did you witness His Highness abdicate his position as First Prince of Galdoran?”
Tabars shook his head.
“On your honor!” Jowan said shrilly.
For a moment, Larris feared they were sunk. Tabars was nothing if not honorable, but he was also more devoted to Lerryn than any other man alive. Furthermore, he had agreed with the rest of them: Lerryn should be King. The kingdom could not be divided, and that is exactly what would happen if the succession were thrown into dispute.
“I will thank the priest not to question my honor,” Tabars said. “You serve the gods, but I serve this nation. I have bled for it. And I say His Highness did not abdicate and I will cross swords with any man who says otherwise.”
“I believe that settles it.” Edwin grinned. “Unless one of you is in the mood for a duel.”
No one spoke. After a long silence, Tabars bowed himself out.
“Very well. I trust that the Regis will make the necessary arrangements for my coronation at the earliest possible convenience.” Lerryn stood. “Because, gentlemen, in case you fail to reach the conclusion for yourselves, a new Frostmarch is upon us.”