Trial and Glory (26 page)

“At least your guilt hasn’t caused you to lose all of your good sense. Why do you hate me? It can’t be because of that one night.”

“Because Kaz told me what kind of person you really are.” Jober immediately regretted his choice of words.

“What kind of person did he say I am?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Don’t lie to me,” snapped Tobin. “You believed him. It has to matter.”

“He said that you killed your mother out of hate.”

Jober was surprised to see no reaction in Tobin’s face from the news.

“Did he say how?”

“No. A servant heard us talking about it before Kaz could say more.”

Tobin snorted. “Of course that’s all you know. No one knows anything.”

“I don’t understand.”

Tobin stepped up to the bars. “You said you know what kind of person I am? Maybe you do. But don’t act like you’re better than me.” He gestured to the cell. “Anyway, this is your home. Get comfortable. I won’t kill you, but that doesn’t mean you deserve to live a normal life. I’ve given you that chance already and you wasted it. As far as your family goes, they will be cared for.”

Jober blinked in surprise.
He will care for them? Is this some sort of trap?

Tobin walked away.

Chapter 16

Krytien never thought that waking up could be so painful. He tried to open his eyes, but his lids stuck together as if someone had poured honey on his face and let it dry. He went to raise a hand to help his eyelids along, but his arm felt as though it weighed as much as a horse.

Dim torchlight pierced the narrow slits he finally managed to create. The glare made him aware of a pounding headache. Familiar groans of the injured added to the throbbing in his skull.

The infirmary. One Above, I’m alive. And I’m being cared for. That means—

His eyes widened. He tried to shift his body into a more comfortable position. Skin felt tight around his limbs. He winced just as a hand reached his chest. Drake’s face came into view.

“Take it easy. You’ve been through a lot. Wiqua didn’t expect you to come around until tomorrow. Can I get you anything?”

“Water,” he croaked.

Drake raised a skin to his lips. Krytien drank deeply, drops dribbling down his chin. He sighed when the boy pulled the water away.

“What happened?”

Drake wore a tired smile. “You won. We won, actually.”

“Nareash?”

“Practically disintegrated. All that was left were charred bones and a hand size square of red robes we found in your fist.”

One Above, I did it.

The mention of robes made Krytien aware of his own state. He looked down, realizing he lay naked beneath thin sheets. Bandages wrapped his torso, arms, and most of his legs.

Drake continued as if reading his thoughts, voice solemn. “You weren’t in very good shape when we found you. You were at the bottom of a valley. All the rock and earth had been scorched black. Your robes were gone. Burns over most of your body. Wiqua said he was surprised it wasn’t worse.”

“I managed a small healing spell before I passed out.” He paused. “How did you find me?”

“We followed the smoke. Still took us a day and a half. It would have taken longer, but Raker threatened everyone’s life if they dared to stop for rest.”

A thin smile formed on Krytien’s lips.
How could Nareash ever think he could offer me anything that might compete with friendship like that?
“Where is he?”

“Asleep, probably. He didn’t want to admit it, but the hike wore him out. I told him I would sit with you until he got up.”

“Thank you.” He cleared his throat, changing subjects before he started bawling. “What about the rest of the enemy?”

“Most of the army is scattered. Many lost their nerve when the battle between you and Nareash really got going. Kaz took advantage of the moment. He led the Kifzo through the killing ground and retook the outer wall. About two-thirds had enough and fled.”

“The rest?”

“They stayed on with the man who assumed leadership. Kaz wanted to march on their camp and wipe the whole army out, but Elyse forbade it. She didn’t want to risk more of our lives after we regained the better position. She seems anxious to get back home. Kaz, Jeldor, and she are working out a peace treaty with the new leader now.”

Krytien noticed something odd about Drake’s manner as he recalled the ending of the siege. “Who’s the leader?”

The boy looked away. “I’m not supposed to say.”

Krytien grabbed his arm. “Tell me.”

Drake sighed. “Hezen.”

Hot anger washed over him as he connected the name with one of the darkest times in the Hell Patrol’s existence. “Hezen! He betrayed us. Almost wiped us out. Because of him, Ronav died! He—”

“They know who he is,” said Raker walking up. “I see you’re feeling better.”

Krytien ignored the last comment. “What do you mean they know who he is? Who knows?”

“Kaz and Elyse. Those who matter. Yanasi reminded them when we went searching for you.”

Krytien fought back tears as he thought of the Hell Patrol’s original commander. Ronav had been one of his closest friends. “They know what we went through and they’re still making peace with him?”

Raker spat. “Yeah, I know. It stinks. The man should be strung up and hung. I tried to talk to Kaz myself when I got back since it seemed he didn’t understand what that piece of garbage was responsible for.”

“And?”

“He said the call was Elyse’s and that we should trust her.”

“What does that mean?”

Raker shrugged. “You got me. He said that some things are necessary, but in the end it would all work out.”

Krytien started to rise, grimacing in pain. “This isn’t right. I need to—”

Raker pushed him back down. “You need to rest. I know it doesn’t seem right, but considering all that Kaz has done for us, we gotta give him this one.”

“What if you don’t like what happens?” asked Drake, speaking the question Krytien had been thinking.

“Well, I reckon we’d have to change that.”

* * *

Kroke turned away from the damp towel pressed against his forehead. He loathed to be waited on, regardless of the circumstances. “Enough, Yanasi. I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine,” she hissed. “Now, lie still.”

“Just listen to her,” said Rygar. “You’re in no position to argue.” He nodded to Kroke’s stomach.

Kroke followed the path of the scout’s gaze. Thick white bandages wrapped his torso. Two spots of blood had seeped through.

“We’ll change those next,” said Yanasi. “Rygar, please go get some fresh bandages.”

The scout left without a word.

Kroke leaned his head back, letting Yanasi wipe the sweat from his brow. He hated to admit the cool towel felt good against his skin. “Why are you doing that? Wiqua’s got people working here who can look after me.”

“And they’re all overworked and exhausted. I know how to dress a wound.”

“You should be with your men.”

“They know what needs doing. I need to be here with you.”

“Why?”

“Why do you think? You nearly died saving me and Rygar. I thought I lost you too. Wiqua got you through the worst, and I’m determined to see you through the rest. It’s the least I can do.” She paused. “Why did you do it anyway? No offense, but throwing your body in front of spears has never been your approach to that sort of situation.”

“That was my only option.”

“But you could have died.”

“I thought I was going to. C’mon Yanasi, isn’t that what we do for each other? You told me Raker nearly killed himself from exhaustion when he went running off to fetch Krytien. Most wouldn’t have expected him to do that either. We’re friends.” He paused, and added with a whisper. “Family.”

* * *

“Your Majesty, I can’t commend you enough on understanding the uniqueness of the situation I found myself in. As I’m sure you can attest, the late High Mage was quite effective in influencing the actions of others.” Hezen paused. “It speaks volumes of your character to see the benefit of us moving on from this
incident
so that we can turn our attention back to our respective lands.”

Incident? Tens of thousands are dead on both sides. I’d hardly call that an incident.

Elyse took a deep breath, calming her building anger. It wasn’t the first time she had been forced to steady herself in the presence of the vile man.

Almost done.

Hezen tried to offer a warm smile, but failed. Elyse thought the burn scars turned any expression he tried to make into something far more sinister.

“Yes, well if everything is in order, let’s finalize our talks,” she said.

Elyse dipped her quill in ink and scratched her signature over the documents, adding it to Hezen’s and the agreed upon witnesses. She dripped heated wax over the parchment, and applied her seal to both copies.

“I believe that should do it,” she continued, rising to her feet.

The small audience stood, following her lead.

She had been adamant that no one but Kaz and Jeldor be allowed in the negotiations from her side. She permitted Hezen to bring three men of his own. Jeldor had thought it disrespectful to give Hezen the right to bring more parties to the table than her. She had responded to his concerns with a simple statement.

“Let him think he has the power. It will make the negotiations go quicker. Besides, any chance he thinks he has in intimidating me will be quickly forgotten when he shakes hands with Kaz.”

Elyse called for her guards. The door opened immediately. “Geran, please escort Hezen and his captains safely to their mounts.”

We wouldn’t want an accident.

Hezen bowed. “Thank you again, Your Majesty. I wish I knew how to return such hospitality.”

“See Kaz and his men safely through Thurum and to their boats without incident as the treaty calls for. That is the first step.”

“Yes, of course. Do you have a time of departure?”

She turned to Kaz.

“Tomorrow,” he said in a flat and emotionless tone.

“Until then.” Hezen showed no discomfort as he bowed once more and left.

Why should he be uncomfortable? He lost nothing. If anything, he’s richer from the jewels the Kifzo said Nareash brought to him. And his army is ten times larger than it had been. With those forces and that money, it won’t be long before he renews his conquest of Thurum. Or tries to anyway.
She held back a knowing smile.

As the footsteps faded, Jeldor spoke. “Are you sure about this, Your Majesty?”

“It is the best solution for a difficult problem. The other pieces are in place for our meeting tonight, correct?”

“Yes. I saw to them myself.”

“Good. Then we’re done for now.”

Jeldor eyed her and then Kaz. He bowed. “By your leave?”

She nodded, and he left.

Kaz and Elyse faced each other, nervously shifting the weight on their feet.

One Above, why does it have to be so difficult to talk to him?

“How are the men handling my decision with Hezen?” she asked, putting off the inevitable a bit longer.

“They’re obviously upset. You’ve heard the stories of Asantia.”

“Do you think they will act on their own then?”

“No. Not yet, anyway. I told them to trust your decision. I think they’ll do that.”

“Good. I’ll leave the timing of things to you.”

He nodded.

“So tomorrow, then?” asked Elyse.

“As we discussed. Unless you’ve changed your mind—”

“No.” She cut him off. “I don’t want to keep you any longer. I know someone very special is waiting for you.”

The problems are mine to handle now.

Kaz’s face brightened for a moment. “Yes, it will be good to see her.” The smile faded. “I’m sorry that—”

“You have nothing to apologize for,” she said, cutting him off again, refusing him the opportunity to bring up the painful feelings she had managed to suppress. “Not ever. You’ve done more for this kingdom and more for the memory of Jonrell than I could have imagined.”

“And you?” he asked, voice low.

She allowed herself to think fondly of the times they had spent together, their conversations, and even their brief moments of tenderness. She found it hard to imagine sharing such moments with anyone else. A part of her didn’t want to.

Better to lose your love than to never have one at all,
she thought, remembering a favorite poem from childhood.

“And me,” she whispered. “So, I guess this is good-bye.”

Kaz looked confused. “You won’t see us off?”

“I’m afraid not. I have other matters to attend to.”

“Isn’t it something that Lobella could help you with? I haven’t seen her much of late.”

“I have her busy with other duties.”

Duties that keep her far away from my affairs.

“I see. Some of the Hell Patrol will be upset they weren’t given the opportunity to say good-bye to you.”

“I’ll make time for them tonight. It’s the least I can do.”

He grunted. “Well, I guess that’s everything then.”

Kaz stepped forward, ready to embrace her. Elyse quickly stepped away and raised an outstretched hand. She could not allow any more than a handshake.

Kaz stopped, lowered his arms, and took her hand. Rough from calluses, it felt warm, comforting. Elyse wanted to pull away from that comfort, but couldn’t bring herself to do it. Kaz gave a slight nod in understanding. He backed away a step and bowed.

“It’s been an honor, Your Majesty.”

She cleared her throat. “For me too, Commander.”

Kaz straightened and exited. Elyse remained staring at the doorway long after he left.

* * *

Kaz entered the infirmary, still feeling the weight of his conversation with Elyse. He hated to admit it, but a part of him wanted to remain behind to comfort her. He wondered what his life would have been like with her had his memories not returned. The thought did not last long as Lucia’s smiling face eased the guilt he carried.

There is no point in dwelling on what-ifs when the joy of my life still lives.