Trial and Glory (54 page)

Krytien bowed with a flourish, and disappeared, causing the onlookers to applaud louder.

She smiled.
He’s turning into quite the show-off.

* * *

Elyse sat in her room reading newly arrived reports from people she had placed within the crowd earlier in the day. The reaction had been everything she had prayed for.

Optimism. Confidence. Safety. Ignorance is bliss so why not let them have it.

One last letter remained, unrelated to the others. She slipped it open and read its contents. A small sigh escaped her lips.

“Is there anything else, Your Majesty?”

Elyse looked up where Illyan waited patiently. After disbanding the council, she had kept on certain advisors. Their roles changed greatly from what they had once been. She and Illyan had been able to put their differences aside and develop a strong working relationship.

“I don’t see anything in the reports about the riders. Have they all left the city?” she asked.

“Yes. The one hundred men on horseback you assigned to the task each carried pieces of the scepter to a location known only to that individual.”

“Then it’s done.”

“If you say it is.”

Elyse cocked her head. “Speak.”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

“Illyan.”

“It’s just that history told us that the scepter could not be destroyed through sorcerous means. Amcaro even wrote about such things. That was why Aurnon himself supposedly left with it to the ancient Quoron Empire. Texts say that the secret to its destruction reside somewhere in the old empire’s capital.”

“Well, it would appear that history was wrong. You saw what Krytien did yourself.”

“I did. How did you say he learned about such a technique again? I must say it was quite a show with all the colors and lights and such.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Drake discovered it deep within Estul Island’s library.”

“Yes, of course. He’s quite the genius. He’s already done so much in redesigning the parts of Cadonia destroyed in the war.”

“Quit evading. Say what’s on your mind.”

“Well, it’s just that when I counted those hundred horsemen, I came up with one extra. One hundred and one.”

Elyse grunted. “You miscounted. An honest mistake.”

“I’m positive I didn’t.”

“Are you accusing me of something?”

Illyan raised his hands innocently. “I’m not accusing you of anything, Your Majesty. A thought just struck me is all. Suppose that someone might wonder if a false scepter had been destroyed today to appease the masses while the real one left the city on horseback, possibly on its way to the ancient Quoron Empire in hopes of accomplishing the very thing that Aurnon the First could not.”

“Someone can wonder all they desire,” said Elyse. “There would be no way to prove their theory. Not unless they wanted to divulge how they obtained such knowledge about not only the scepter, but also the conspiracy itself. I mean a person would need a tremendous amount of resources to learn all of those things.”

Illyan smiled. “I feel as though you are accusing me of something now, Your Majesty.”

Elyse chuckled. “Let’s stop the games. At least this once. I’ve known who you are for some time.” She paused. “High Mage Amcaro developed a network of individuals to act with the best interests of the kingdom should anything ever happen to him. Most of these individuals did not have a talent in the arts, such as yourself, so they would not be suspected.” She paused, gauging his reaction. The look of surprise satisfied her enough to continue. “You are the head of this network. That’s how you always had information no one else did and made connections quickly among the other advisors in the council. It’s also why you showed so much interest in the scepter itself. You knew it wasn’t destroyed, and you were concerned about it falling into the wrong hands again. Yet, you couldn’t reveal that information to me because you were worried that I would divulge that information to others.

“Let’s be honest, I already had a record of making poor decisions at the time. Ultimately though, you didn’t want someone like Gauge, whom you suspected to have ulterior motives, to learn the truth. Correct?”

The color drained from Illyan’s face.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“How did you find all this out?”

“I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to say,” said Elyse, smiling, enjoying the fact she had finally managed to rattle Illyan. “Let’s just say that I’ve made sure to cultivate my own ways of obtaining information in my kingdom rather than relying solely on the resources of others.”

“I’m speechless,” Illyan said softly.

Elyse smiled wider. It had been a long time since she enjoyed herself so thoroughly. “Well, there’s always a first.”

“So, about the scepter?”

She stood. “Yes, you were right. It was a fake. Only a handful of people are aware of the truth.” Her tone shifted. “I trust you will keep it that way.”

Illyan nodded. “So, is it really on its way to the Quoron Empire?”

“Yes.”

“Aren’t you concerned about someone finding it again?”

“Of course. But what other choice do I have? If I keep it here, it only entices those who know of its existence. After today, word will spread that it’s been destroyed, and most of the public will forget about it.” She paused. “And as a bonus, it will increase the level of awe and fear heaped upon Krytien for doing something that no one else had been able to do.”

“And everyone knows that he is unequivocally loyal to you.” Illyan grunted. “That’s one way to discourage uprisings.” He paused. “I understand the need not to draw attention to the scepter, but only one person to carry out the task? No one has entered the Quoron Empire for generations. Who knows what’s out there. Are you sure this person is the right one for the task?”

“Quit trying to be vague. You know who it is, don’t you?”

“I have an idea.”

“Then you know that few are better suited for the task.” She looked at the letter in her hand. “Besides, he won’t be alone.”

Illyan nodded “Alright. I can see your logic.” He grunted. “You know, Amcaro once told me that you could be a great ruler. I apologize for ever doubting him.” He bowed. “Your Majesty, by your leave.”

“Thank you, Illyan. I’ll see you at dinner in the great hall this evening. Be ready to discuss the opening of the High Pass.”

“You’re sure of this?”

“Yes. When the delegates from Thurum arrive, we can work out the details, but there’s no reason why we can’t begin to plan the future of both lands.”

“As you say.” He bowed once more, and left the room.

Elyse walked to the window. She read the letter still in her hand once more.

“I’m going after him. But then again, you probably knew I would. Cassus.”

Elyse took a deep breath. She had known Cassus would leave, yet that didn’t lessen the ache in her chest or the extra worry in her gut. However, she felt no anger for she knew the decision to be the right one.

Kroke needs him more than I do.

She thought of the remnants of the Hell Patrol who had taken up residence in Cadonia after the group disbanded.
After all, I at least have other friends here.
She looked out over Lyrosene at the tall buildings with swooping rooflines framed by a setting sun.
And I have my kingdom.

She sighed.
It will have to be enough.

Rather than tend to the stack of work she had on her desk, Elyse watched the sun dip below the horizon. As the last of the red sky darkened, a knock sounded.

“Enter.”

The door creaked open, and her steward, Gillian, popped his head inside. “Your Majesty, do you have a moment?”

“Yes, what is it?”

“You have a visitor.”

Gillian stepped aside, opening the door wider.

Elyse’s breath caught in her throat.

Kaz stepped inside looking anxious, almost jittery, as he held his right arm behind his back.

Gillian closed the door, leaving them alone. Neither moved, staring at each other.

Kaz had always exuded confidence, but now he seemed hesitant, almost fearful.

He cleared his throat. “Your Majesty,” he said, while taking a knee.

“No!” she said, louder than she intended. “Please, stand up,” she added in a softer voice as she strode over to him. “And call me Elyse.”

He stood, taking a slow breath that seemed to ease him. A nervous smile formed on his lips. “Elyse.”

Hearing him speak her name again brought back fond memories Elyse had done her best to suppress. She had only allowed them life at night before bed.

“I never thought I would see you again.”

“Neither did I.”

“What changed?”

“I’m sure Krytien told you that Hesh has been at peace for nearly a year.” He paused. “I fulfilled my promise to my people. Walor has been every bit the leader I hoped he would be, and despite some early problems, the other clans have finally put the transgressions of my family behind them.”

“That’s wonderful news.”

“It is. Walor is even talking about starting trade talks with Cadonia.”

Her stomach dropped. “Oh. Is that why you’re here?”

He shook his head. “It’s not. Just information I thought might interest you. During Krytien’s frequent trips, he’s filled me in on how well you’ve done as queen in a time of peace.” He smiled. “I always knew you were fit for the role.”

She blushed as they paused in an uncomfortable silence.

Just say it.

“What is the reason for your visit?”

“I’m fulfilling another promise.”

“I don’t understand.”

Kaz revealed the hand he had kept hidden behind his back during their conversation. It held a single flower—a perfect match to the one Kaz had given her long ago when he left Lyrosene to win back her kingdom. She still kept the remains of that flower in a book at her bedside.

“I said that I would come back.”

One Above, he remembered.

Despite a welling of emotions, Elyse didn’t move, couldn’t move, worried that if she did, she might wake.

Kaz continued. “I’ve never stopped thinking about you.” He took a deep breath. “I know I’m not exactly the same person I was when I left. I’ve lost a wife and gained a son. That is a lot for anyone to accept, and—”

“Where is your son?”

Kaz blinked. “He’s with his grandfather and uncle, waiting in the hallway.”

“Can I meet him?”

He nodded. “Yes, of course.”

Kaz opened the door and motioned to someone in the hall. Wiqua and Crusher stepped into view, each holding the hand of a child. Crusher stooped considerably to do so. They smiled at Elyse while handing the boy off to Kaz. Elyse smiled back as Kaz came back inside and shut the door.

The boy hid behind Kaz’s leg as they walked toward her.

“He’s a beautiful child.”

“He favors his mother.”

“I’m sorry about her death.”

“I know. Krytien gave me your letter. It . . . meant a lot to me.”

Elyse bit her lip.
What did I tell Illyan? Quit dancing?

“Do you think I’m the sort of woman she would want to raise her son? The sort of woman she would want to be your wife?”

“Yes,” he whispered.

“What do
you
think?”

He grinned. “It’s why I’m here.”

Her eyes began to well. She had not shed a single tear since the promise she made at the High Pass.

But there is no sorrow in these tears. Only joy.

She extended her hand, and Kaz took it, squeezing. She returned the gesture before dropping to a knee, face-to-face with Kaz’s son.

And soon, my son.

She wiped her cheeks. “My name is Elyse. What’s your name?”

The boy looked up to Kaz as if waiting for permission. Elyse followed his gaze. Kaz nodded.

The boy eyed her again and spoke in about the most perfect voice Elyse had ever heard.

“Jonrell.”

* * *

Kroke sat in a clearing, back against a tree, facing a small fire as the sky darkened. He cleaned the last blood from his blade having portioned off the rabbit for his stew. The cast iron pot simmered over the open flames.

His mount shuffled a dozen feet away while nibbling on grass.

Pulling a whetstone from his shirt, he paused briefly as a finger brushed against the white cylinder secured against his chest. He snorted.

Unbelievable that such a plain, dumb looking thing could cause so much trouble.

He moved the blade across the stone in slow even strokes. Any weariness he felt in his limbs from the hard day of riding ebbed at the methodical task.

By the light of the dancing fire, Kroke examined the edge of the dagger.

Perfect.

He sheathed the blade and put away the whetstone.

“Are you going to come in by the fire or what? The night’s only going to get colder. Besides, hiding like that might get you killed.”

A curse sounded in the woods. “Let me go grab my mount,” an exasperated voice called out.

Minutes later Cassus appeared in the clearing. He tied his horse next to Kroke’s and took a place by the fire, warming his hands.

“How long have you known?”

Kroke shrugged. “I realized it was you yesterday.”

Cassus smiled. “I spotted
you
the day before.”

“You’ve gotten better.”

Cassus inhaled deeply, leaning in near the stew pot. “Smells good. You know, I’ve got some hard bread I picked up from the last town that would be good with it. I’ll go get it.” He walked back to his gear.

Kroke watched him rummage through his bags, emerging with a round loaf. “Why are you here?”

Cassus came back to the fire, and sat next to Kroke. “I think it’s pretty obvious. I’m coming with you.”

“I’m supposed to do this alone.”

“Elyse never said that. If I recall, it was you who discouraged anyone from coming along, not her.” He paused. “I don’t know why you’re so eager to do this by yourself.”

“Because it doesn’t matter what happens to me.”

Cassus frowned. “What are you talking about? You’re family.”

“Yanasi is commanding Cadonia’s army, and Rygar said they were finally ready to start a family. Krytien’s busy with his students on Estul Island. Drake’s got his head in the clouds, designing and creating anything he can come up with now that Elyse is funding his ideas. Where do I fit in with any of those futures?”