Steel and Sorrow (22 page)

“Like I said, he wasn’t perfect.” She lowered her voice. “Now, as far as Krytien goes, you may think the man is always questioning you because he doesn’t trust you. Maybe there is a bit of that, but it’s more than that. He’s been around this group almost as long as I have, and he helped look after Jonrell when he first started out. Ronav before him. They both relied on his council. I’m not saying he’s got all the answers, but he’s someone you want on your side. Now, don’t you go telling him I said that. The last thing we need is for him to get a big head.”

He did listen for once rather than push his own thoughts when I exploded on him.
“Maybe you’re right.”

“Of course I’m right. And it’s good that you let out all that stuff building up. He needed to hear it just as much as you needed to say it. Maybe now you two can be more civil toward each other.”

Kaz watched Wiqua put his arm around Hag. Kaz smiled again while looking at the two. Visiting them always seemed to clear his head.

Who would have thought people old enough to be my parents, or even grandparents in Hag’s case, would be the ones I could talk to the most?

He wondered if his own parents still lived somewhere, sitting by a fire and thinking about him.

They would probably think I’m dead by now.

“One Above, what’s on your mind now?” asked Hag. Kaz looked up as she glanced at Wiqua. “If he ain’t moping, then he ain’t happy.”

The old Byzernian narrowed his eyes. “You were thinking about your past again?”

Kaz nodded. “It’s hard not to.”

“And nothing new?”

“Nothing that would give me answers to who I am or where I’m from. They’re still mostly flashes and more of the same things. Destruction, blood, war, training. Every once in a while a brief glimpse of a city or a jungle. On a rare occasion even a face. But those are the briefest of all.” He swore in his native tongue. “I just as soon not remember anything than be haunted.”

A low snore sounded and Kaz saw that Hag had fallen asleep on Wiqua’s shoulder. “Sometimes I’m tempted to ask for your help,” said Kaz.

“But I’ve told you the risks,” said Wiqua.

“You also said it could work.”

“That doesn’t mean it will. Your mind could just as easily fall to pieces as it could mend itself.” He paused. “For someone who not too long ago abhorred all things sorcerous, I’m surprised you would consider it.”

“You don’t know what it’s like not to know who you really are.”

“I just ask you to be patient. It will come.” Wiqua smiled. “And I know who you are. Your memories will not change that, for the better or worse.”

Chapter 17

Elyse’s mouth hung open as she read the letter for the third time. She slowly sat in her chair.

One Above, am I dreaming?

“Is it that bad?” asked Lobella.

Elyse shook her head. She had found a letter bearing Olasi’s seal waiting on her desk when she entered her room. “Well, yes and no. The letter is actually from Markus, Duke Olasi’s son. His father is ill and has asked Markus to oversee his holdings in his stead. Markus is worried that Olasi won’t last but a few more months.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” said Lobella. “He seemed like a great man.”

Elyse remembered the nice old man at the dinner of her father’s funeral. Their talk had been the lone bright spot in an otherwise awful evening. “He is.” She paused. “But that’s not the main reason for his writing. Markus said that he’s been in contact with Duke Conroy. Apparently, Conroy is not as interested in the crown as we’ve all suspected and most of the activity behind his borders has been to prepare for the worst. Markus is trying to convince Conroy to meet with me in order to resolve any of his concerns. He thinks that if I were to travel to Lucartias, it would go a long way in speeding communications.”

Lobella’s eyes widened. “That’s great news! The war would be over.”

“Not quite. Tomalt and Bronn are still factors. Of course, Conroy has always been the most dangerous one. If he confirmed his support for me, we’d be able to attack Tomalt from the south while Kaz comes in from the north. And with Tomalt defeated, Bronn would be forced to surrender.”

Despite her caution, Elyse couldn’t help but feel excited over the prospect of peace.

How often have I prayed for it?

She dropped to her knees. “Lobella, would you pray with me in thanking the One Above?”

“Of course,” said Lobella as she knelt.

The two began their prayer.

* * *

Gauge sipped quietly at his tea, eyes cast down toward the scarred white marble of the inner courtyard. Elyse hated the place because of all the awful memories it held. The death and destruction had occurred over a year and a half ago, yet at times she felt like it had all happened just the day before.

Elyse and Gauge spoke prior to her announcing the contents of Markus’ letter to the council, but he still asked to speak with her in private afterward. As expected, the council received the news with excitement. However, some remained more reserved than others and Elyse had wondered what occupied their thoughts.

Already thinking of the new possibilities to seize power.

“Obviously, I think your decision to go to Lucartias and meet with Markus is the right one. But I would feel better about it if there wasn’t so much danger traveling under these circumstances,” said Gauge.

Elyse reached out and touched his hand.
He’s worried.
“I’ll be fine. I’ll have over two dozen of my personal guard with me in addition to Kroke.”

“Depending on the threat, those numbers could be inadequate.”

“Perhaps. But, the last thing I want to do is take half the city’s garrison with me on what is supposed to be a peaceful visit.”

Gauge nodded. “Yes, that would leave Lyrosene undermanned and I’ll have enough to worry about while you’re gone.”

Elyse frowned. “Is my absence that much harder on you?”

Gauge leaned back and let out a deep breath. “I’m afraid so, Your Majesty. Since your return, it has been much easier to get things accomplished regarding the day-to-day running of your kingdom. With you gone, I just don’t have the authority to make certain decisions, whether or not I know you’ll agree with them. Last year when you were traveling the countryside the nobles only grew more hostile. I wish there was a way to solve that situation.”

I hadn’t considered the impact of my decision on Gauge.

She thought for a moment. “I will sign off on a decree giving you power to make decisions regarding certain matters in my stead.”

“Your Majesty, are you sure? There is no precedence for that.”

“There was never a need for it either. For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve looked after both Cadonia’s best interests as well as my own. Why wouldn’t I make it easier for you in my absence?”

Gauge offered a warm smile. “Your Majesty, you are too kind.” He paused, and when he started speaking again she heard the strain in his voice. “After your father began to dismiss my council all those years ago, I felt so useless and helpless as I watched the kingdom deteriorate. His shunning of me was shortly after my wife’s passing and I hit a low I thought I might never return from. But since the king’s death, you’ve given meaning to my life again. I can never repay you for your kindness, except to do the best job I can.” He wiped at his eyes.

Gauge’s honesty touched Elyse. She reached out and laid her hand on his, trying not to let her own emotions get the better of her. “I would be lost without you, Gauge. Your commitment to the kingdom is more than enough to show your gratitude. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of my trust than you.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Gauge nodded toward her lap. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

Elyse looked at the letter resting there. “Oh, this is a message for Kaz to let him know about the news concerning Conroy and my intent to see Olasi and Markus.”

“Please allow me to take care of that for you. You have so much to do already for your trip.”

Elyse handed the letter off. “That would be a big help.”

* * *

A knock at the door sounded, yet Elyse’s attention stayed on the letter in her hands. It provided an update of Kaz’s position along with a brief overview of several small skirmishes the army had been involved in. Kaz achieved victory in each engagement, but the lives lost put her in a dour mood.

But if I’m successful in Lucartias, the bloodshed should end all the sooner.

The knock came again and Kroke cleared his throat while leaning against the wall.

Elyse called out. “Come in.”

The door cracked open and her steward’s long face peered into the room. “Lord Illyan is here for your appointment,” said Gillian in a low voice.

Time to get this over with.
“Send him in.”

The door opened wider as the small man strode in. He held his head high, black curls bouncing with each step. Elyse stood. “It’s good to see you, my lord,” she said, doing her best to remain civil.

Illyan bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I’m pleased that after more than a year of trying to find a place in your schedule, a spot
finally
opened up.”

Elyse smiled. At her command, Gillian had been doing his best to put off any appointments with Illyan. However, the stress of dealing with the advisor’s daily pressures wore heavily on her steward and eventually she had to concede on a time and place. “I
am
a busy woman.” She gestured. “Have a seat and tell me what brings you here?”

Illyan flashed one of his creepy grins that sent a chill crawling up her back. “Oddly enough, the original reason I had set this meeting up so many months ago is no longer important,” he said, as they each took a chair.

Elyse started to stand, “Well, then we can adjourn early. Thank you for your time.”

“I beg your pardon, Your Majesty. But there
are
other matters to discuss.”

Elyse eased back in her seat. “Very well. Go on.”

He let out a sigh and seemed concerned. “About this letter you received from Markus. I’d like you to reconsider going to Lucartias.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Your Majesty, it’s too dangerous to travel.”

“By land, yes. But Lucartias is a port city and I’ll travel by sea. The waters are most secure since both the royal navy and Olasi’s fleets have blockaded Tomalt’s ports. Lady Jaendora has done an excellent job of rendering his navy useless.”

Illyan puffed out a deep breath in frustration. “Your Majesty, I must tell you the truth of things—what I tried to tell you weeks ago in council before Gauge stepped in.”

“I thought I told you that I do not wish to hear any rumors or gossip.”

“Your Majesty, Olasi’s son, Markus, is a traitor. I believe his contact with Conroy has not been what his letter to you indicated.”

Elyse chortled. “Do you have proof of this?”

“Yes, but not the sort of proof I can share with you at this time,” said Illyan, almost anxious.

“That is utterly ridiculous. Olasi’s family has been most loyal to the crown since the days of Aurnon the First.”

“Markus is his own man and it is no secret he is not the same person as his father. Family history means nothing. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be trusting Jeldor since his ancestor tried to rebel during Aurnon the Third’s reign.” He paused. “For that matter, should we judge you based on the actions of your father?”

“You will not distract me from your unsubstantiated rumors by bringing my father up!” said Elyse, voice rising.

Illyan’s face turned red. “This is not a rumor, Your Majesty. What I’m stating is true. Markus cannot be trusted. You can do your best to silence me in council, but I will not put the issue off any longer. It is too important to the kingdom.”

Why would he want me to stay? With me gone, I would think he’d try to gain more favor among the council.

Elyse’s eyes narrowed. “What is your goal? Your wealth has increased dramatically in the past year and your influence grows each day. Are you working for Tomalt?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I have no affiliation with him. You claim to be a pious woman, Your Majesty. When have you ever heard High Priest Burgeone preach that wealth is an evil thing sent from the One Below?”

“Now you bring the faith into this?”

“I’ll do whatever I need to do to make you see the truth. Yes, I have prospered. Those tasks Jonrell and Kaz have allowed me to do have all been successful.” He threw up his hands. “How could I possibly gain an advantage in this situation with Markus?”

Elyse tried to reason things out, but was too angry to think clearly. She took a deep breath. “Just because there isn’t an obvious reason doesn’t mean that one doesn’t exist. I have far more pressing things to concern myself with than your lies.”

“Yes. You must concern yourself with Markus’ lies. With losing Olasi’s troops and resources if Markus has seized power from his father. Why do you think Kaz did not dismiss me immediately as you do now?”

Because he doesn’t understand politics. He doesn’t see the games being played every moment of the day, like I do. Spending a few hours in council with me does not make him an expert. It would be like me assuming I could command the army because I read a few books.

Elyse shot from her seat and peered down at Illyan. “What is it going to take for you to drop this issue? Must I command it?”

Illyan stood as well. “Throw me in the dungeons if you must, but I will still tell the tale to the rats if they’re the only ones willing to listen. The only way to silence me is to cut out my tongue.”

She stared daggers at Illyan until she calmed herself.

“I’m going. I know the kind of person Olasi is and I can’t believe that any son of his would do something treasonous. Yes, I will concede that I could be wrong, though because of what I know of the man, I doubt it. I cannot ignore the opportunity to end this war sooner and save the lives of my people.”

“Alright. I understand that you feel like someone needs to go. Just send someone else in your stead.”