Shadow’s Lure (59 page)

Keegan flashed the ghost of a smile. “We did like you said, but there’s trouble in the city. Some of the celebrations have gone out of control. People are burning down buildings, fighting, and drinking themselves stupid.”

“You’ll figure it out.”

“But you’re nobility,” Keegan said. “That’s something none of the rest of us can claim. Eregoth needs—”

“This country needs a new beginning.” Caim looked down over the ruined estate. “Not another reminder of the past. Let the people work off their anger in debauchery for a day or two. When they’re done, they’ll be looking for a leader. A man like you.”

Keegan studied the snow between his feet. “But how can I lead a nation, Caim? I’m not even a thane. I don’t know …”

Caim felt for the boy. He was stepping into a new world he’d never dreamed of before these past couple days. Caim placed a hand on Keegan’s shoulder over the knots of blue ink.

“Remember the ones who have fallen to make it possible. Let their memories guide you. Being a leader isn’t about giving commands and making men kneel. It’s about winning their hearts. You’ve got your father’s strength, Keegan, and your sister’s heart. That’s a good start.”

Keegan bit his bottom lip and nodded. He took a long dagger from under his cloak and held it out, hilt-first.

“I want you to have this.”

A knot inside Caim’s chest loosened. He had seen the weapon before, from the other end.

“That’s your father’s knife. I can’t take that, Keegan.”

The youth pushed it at him. “He would want you to have it. It’s good Eregothic steel, not like that flimsy slag they make down south.”

Caim took the seax knife. The hilt felt good in his palm, and it had a nice weight, but the blade was half a finger broader than his
suete
knife. That would take some getting used to.

“You won’t reconsider?” Keegan asked.

“Not a chance. Go on before I get arrested for cuffing the new duke, or whatever they’re going to name you.” Caim lifted his chin toward the others, still on their horses. “And take these old war dogs with you.”

Keegan laughed. “I wish I could, but they’re not here for me.”

The men watched him like they wanted a piece of him in the worst way.

“What did I do this time?”

But Keegan was walking away. As the boy mounted up, Caim cupped his hands around his mouth and called out. Keegan looked back.

“You can trust the Empress of Nimea! She’s got a good heart, too.”

Keegan made a final salute as he started down the trail back to Liovard. The brothers and Malig waited until he was gone, then they urged their steeds forward. Caim waited in a neutral stance, hands resting by his sides.

Malig leaned over as they stopped a few paces away and spat into the snow. “We figure you’re headed out of here. Out of Eregoth, at least.”

Caim looked from one face to the next. “I might be.”

Aemon broke into a broad smile. “We want to come with you.”

“Fucking right,” Dray said. “It’s going to be damned boring around here, now that Eviskine and his witch are gone.”

Caim started to shake his head, but when he searched for reasons why not, he came up empty.

“All right.” He walked between their horses. “Let’s get moving.”

“Where we going, boss?” Aemon asked.

Caim looked past the men, to the dark forest bordering his father’s lands and the mysteries beyond. His mother was alive, somewhere out there.

“North,” he said.

With a shared smile, the outlaws clicked to their horses and trotted up the trail ahead of him.

Caim looked over his shoulder. “Are you coming?”

Kit reappeared beside him with a lopsided grin. “Trying to get rid of me?”

“All the time. But you keep coming back.”

She patted his cheek. “That should be a lesson for you.”

“All right, then. Lead the way.”

With a laugh that drove away the clouds in his heart, Kit sped off toward the woods like a shooting star. Caim spared one last glance for the snow-covered ruins and the spot in the center of the overgrown yard that the daylight seemed to avoid.

Then he swung his satchel over his shoulder and set off after her.

I
would like to thank …

Jenny, for always believing, even when the going got rough;

Logan, for showing me the whole new world that is fatherhood;

Eddie, for making the right calls at the right times, for the right reasons;

Lou, for putting me in the game and letting me throw deep;

Chris, Fred, Jen, and Gillian, for making me work harder;

And all those who have inspired and supported me.

Up the Irons!

J
ON
S
PRUNK lives in central Pennsylvania with his family. He received a bachelor of liberal arts degree from Lock Haven University in 1992. He has worked at a variety of jobs, including fourteen years as a juvenile detention specialist. His first novel,
Shadow’s Son
, was published in 2010.

For more on his life and works, visit
www.jonsprunk.com
and his blog, Fear of the Dark (
http://jonsprunk.blogspot.com
).

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor to be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published without a similar condition, including this condition, being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.