Despite the sleepless night she had endured, Chris made fast work of closing
up the house. The fires were put out, the food that would spoil was given
away, the house and animals were placed under the care of a neighbor, and
finally, the shutters were latched. Packing was the next chore, and one that
she tried to hurry through. The childrens clothes were carefully rolled
into one bundle and hers into another. Choosing what to take for clothing
was easy, but when the time came to deal with her equipment, she was more
discriminating.
The heavy armor she had locked in a closet when she retired was left behind
even though she had spent her entire military career wearing it. In the years
that followed her resignation, she learned to favor lighter, more flexible
defensive gear such as chain mail or leather. It served her better, she thought,
and she wasnt even sure the armor would fit, given the inevitable changes
that came with bearing children. From under her bed she took the light, brass
hilted sword she was famous for wielding and slit her finger on the blade
to prove it was still sharp. Satisfied that it was, she fastened it to her
side, hoping her skills would be somewhere near as polished. Although her
life had changed quite a bit since her marriage, she had continued to practice
whenever she could. Despite these intermittent workouts and the changes the
years brought, she still felt confident that she could give an opponent a
fair degree of trouble.
After finally completing the mundane chores, she gave the house one last
inspection. Percivals sword still sat on the table in the keeping room
cradled in its burlap shroud. Chris felt a sudden warmth on her back, and
turned. A small beam of sunlight peeked in from between the closed shutters
reflected onto her from the blade. The tiny bit of hope that suddenly waltzed
upon the hardened steel reaffirmed that her faith in him being alive was
not misguided. Heartened by this small sign, she went to join her traveling
party, leaving the sword where it was.
Chris walked out into the dirt street to find Salome, the two knights that
made up his escort, and the children waiting amidst a group of curious neighbors.
Nothing was really private in this village, so she had to endure their
well-meaning inquiries and words of sympathy. They were all good people.
They all had known Percival since his childhood, and while their concern
was genuine, it still just seemed trite. Again something her husband had
told her pierced her mind; Words alone cannot comfort a person, no
matter how kind or well crafted they are.
She wasnt even listening to the townspeople anymore. She just kept
hearing that sentence spoken in Percivals playful, yet wise, tenor.
Her eyes started to burn, even as they turned toward her children. Geoffrey
had sought refuge from the crowd behind his older brother, who was hiding
his own nervousness as he patted his ponys neck. She wondered if she
was making the right decision by deserting them and embarking on this adventure
or if she should just take them into her arms and protect them forever. She
felt her heart begin to tear apart again as the emotions fought within
her.
Chris didnt notice the crowd leaving, nor did she feel Salomes
hand on her shoulder. She was lost in her thoughts, fighting her conscience
about her decision. Was it right? What if she didnt come back? What
then? The previous night, she had been too absorbed in thoughts of Percival
to even consider the consequences of leaving the children.
She glanced over again at her sons. Ryan was looking at her with impatience.
He wanted this to begin. He had told her that the night before. She needed
to do this, but not just for her own benefit. She needed to do this for all
of them.
Are you ready, milady? Salomes tired voice asked as he
looked over at his knights and the children.
She looked up at him. His eyes were weary and the lines on his face were
chiseled into exhaustion, telling her that he hadnt slept at all the
night before. While his escorts had most likely stayed comfortably at the
inn, he had remained in her house, sitting on the couch and probably cursing
himself until dawn. He never was one to take mistakes lightlyespecially
when those mistakes cost him the lives of friends.
I am, she whispered to him.
Your voice tells me youre having second thoughts,
milady.
Yes, but I know this is what I must do. She sighed, Besides,
I want to be the one to tell Torrie. She doesnt need to get one of
those awful impersonal messages.
He took her hand and gripped it tightly. Then let us get you to Vinay
del Zexay. Should you change your mind after that, I wont fault you,
milady.
Thank you, Salome, but I wont, she said with a slight shake
of her head. Im sorry that it had to be you to share this
burden.
Its no trouble at all, milady. But we should get going. You know
its a days ride to Brass Castle and another half a day to the
capital.
Chris nodded and began to walk back towards the group with Salome following.
Ryan smiled at them and led both his brother and pony over to her. When they
were just a few strides away, Geoffrey ran from the comfort of Ryans
shadow and all but leapt into his mothers arms. She lifted him effortlessly
and felt him trembling in her embrace, clearly scared to death of all the
sudden and confusing activity. She ran her fingers through his ash-blonde
hair and kissed his cheek, but it only calmed him slightly. She whispered,
Its all right. Remember at breakfast when I said we were going
on a trip? Were going to leave now. Youre going to ride with
me, all right?
He put his hand into his mouth and bit on it as he nodded to her.
Good, she said. Salome is going to hand you to me. You
remember him, right?
Again Geoffrey nodded, cooperating as he was passed to the kindly knight.
Chris checked the security of the pack behind her saddle and then the tightness
of her saddles cinch. With one elegant and flawless motion, she swung
herself atop the chestnut mare. The horse tossed its head as it pranced in
place. A pat on its neck calmed the animal, and a moment later, she took
Geoffrey into her arms. His anxiety was gonelike his brother and father,
riding seemed to calm him more than anything.
Ryan mounted his chubby pony and poised himself as if he were sitting astride
a regal charger. The portly bay wasnt interested in playing the part,
though. Without warning to its young rider, the animal stretched its stumpy
neck down for some grass, yanking the child forward onto its neck. Chris
gave a small laugh at seeing this and teased him gently, Ryan, do I
need to put the lead on?
He frowned at her and shook his head, the thick mass of dark brown hair flopping
across his face as he pushed the pony forward to pick its head up, a clump
of grass now hanging from its mouth.
It might be for the best, Salome said as he turned his own mount
to face the child. The plains have been overrun with all sorts of beasts
lately since we havent had time to hunt them down. At the boys
disappointment, he softened his expression. I know you are a capable
rider, but your pony isnt battle trained. We wouldnt want him
to get spooked and run off with you.
On any other day, Ryan would have protested, but today he just nodded solemnly
as the man produced a length of rope from his saddle pack, leaned over, and
tied it to the ponys bit. Salome gave a tug to get the animals
attention before nodding a cue to his knights to take their positions on
opposite sides of the party.
The morning mist had finally lifted, but the haze around Borus Redrum was
still fresh. Standing on the western bridge of Brass Castle, he was hoping
the breeze would help sober him, but it didnt. Nothing was really helping.
Nothing at all.
Whatever denial he had about the horrible situation had been melted away
by the wine, but the guilt and anger remained with the mornings headache.
He wasnt sure which of the two was worse, or even if they were within
comparison, but they still consumed him. Losing men in battle was a way of
life, but losing a friend was something of an entirely different caliber,
even for one hardened by years of service in the army.
Friend
perhaps that was too light a term for the relationship. Friends
were people one saw on occasion, and if time permitted, shared a drink with.
Friends might chitchat about some inane happenings in their pathetic lives.
But this went deeper than requisite socialization. This was a camaraderie
bound by duty, friendship, and the shared love of a woman. This was a
brotherhood.
If their similarities started with their swordsmanship, and ended with their
adoration of Chris, it was everything in between that defined them as
individuals--and complete opposites. Borus was intense, and Percival laid
back. Borus was raised by wealthy traders and Percival on a farm. Borus was
always the one to overreact and Percival the one to put things in
perspective.
And overreacting was just what he was doing now. He clutched a piece of folded
paper in his fist and shook it at the water below him. Youre
going to make me deliver this, arent you!?
The only answer he garnered was his reflection taunting him about having
to fulfill their pact. It was something the two of them had started years
ago, a morbid but crucial custom. Before they marched into battle, they would
each write a letter to their families, seal the notes, and finally exchange
them. In the past, it was part of their survival celebration to burn them
while cursing the hells demons they were at war with and drinking the
coarse fortified wine from the nearest tavern. With a sigh, he replaced the
note into his shirt, realizing that if there was a hell, and he wasnt
in it already, he would be living it shortly when he handed the letter to
Chris.
Chris, the woman he loved so much that he did all he could to ensure her
happiness, even if meant shed never love him.
Almost ten years ago, on this very bridge, he confessed his feelings to her.
The world stopped at that moment as he anxiously awaited her response. When
it finally did come, he was devastated. She couldnt love him because
she was in love with another. He didnt have to ask whom. He knew, and
it made him realize the cause of her depression that past year.
Although being rejected was shattering, all he could think about was her.
The man she loved had left nearly a year prior to attend to some personal
business, and she never did tell him how she felt. Seeing her so distraught
made him decide what to do. In that second, he vowed to bring Percival back
to her
and just like a fairy tale; they had lived happily ever after,
until this.
To this day, nothing pained him more than to see her cry. She was the only
thing hed thought of when the news reached camp that her husbands
battalion was gone. That was seven days ago. But seven daysfour on
the return to the fortress and another three stuck in ithadnt
done much of anything for him. The bottles of wine these past few days might
have taken the edge off but did nothing to erase his feelings of guilt, nor
resurrect Percival.
Borus leaned on the wall of the bridge, propping his head up on his hands
as he looked down again at his reflection. He looked like a monster; his
normally well-groomed blonde hair was frazzled, and his face was rough with
torment. Three days' worth of stubble, combined with the dark circles under
his eyes, made his cheeks look sallow.
He heard someone approaching, and even though the sun obscured the persons
face, he knew who it was. The intruders long, pointed ears revealed
the identity of one of the few people who would dare to interrupt his sobering
moments.
Roland faced him, and then asked a gentle question. Too much to drink,
Borus?
Not quite enough, if you must know, he growled in reply.
This isnt going to make it better, the elf said sagaciously
as he leaned on the wall with the other knight.
Nothing will make it better.
I have yet to grasp the human concept of drinking to remove ones
problems. It doesnt seem to do you much good. And what does it yield
as its sole reward? A headache?
Borus eyes were half-hooded in anger as he snarled, Leave me
alone.
As you wish, Roland said, turning to depart.
While the elven archer was irritating, he was at least someone to talk to.
Borus grabbed his arm and spun him around. Salome should have let me
go.
The reply was clipped, but still delivered with the utmost compassion. The
decision was made and has been executed. Regret at this point seems
futile.
Shes probably coming here, he retorted, annoyed at
Rolands completely detached answers.
Probably. Why would she remain in that village? Theres no one
there for her save her children, and I doubt she would leave them behind
and unprotected.
Maybe. But I dont think shes just coming for a social
call.
You dont think shes going to march up to the Council and
demand for them to hand over the Army so she can run off on a personal
quest? he asked as he gave Borus a sideways glance full of
skepticism.
You know Chris. If she wants something, shes going to get it,
Borus said with certainty.
I also know our Council.
Borus snorted. That wont deter her. It wont even slow her
down. You know shes not going to let this rest as long as theres
hope hes still alive.
An apprehensive silence held between them. Then Roland spoke. Can I
ask you something, as a friend?
Of course, was his quiet response as he looked back down at his
disheveled reflection.
Are you not just jealous?
What the hell is that supposed to mean? The blonde man glowered
viciously to the elf.
I mean what I say, Roland replied simply. Are you not envious
of the fact that its not you shell insist on looking
for?
Shut up! Borus snarled. I wouldnt wish this on anyone.
I dont want to see her putting herself in needless danger.
So you dont wish for her return? Im confused.
Im not surprised, he snapped. You expect too much
selfishness out of humans! Glancing away and taking a long breath,
he calmed himself before continuing in a morose tone. I want her to
stay out of this. Percival wanted her to stay out of this.
So how does your not going to see her today have anything to do with
that?
Salome never could talk her out of anything, Borus said
flatly.
Neither could you, as I recall, was the chilling, yet accurate
response from the elf.
Warm magenta and orange skies provided a dramatic backdrop for Brass Castle
as the group approached it. Over the treetops, Chris could see the merlons
chewing at the sunset, and after another few turns, the massive structure
in its entirety came into view. Even though she had spent most of her life
at this place, its size and simple elegance always astonished her. The last
time she had ventured here was nearly five years ago when Louis had been
hurt. She didnt particularly care for it anymore; it was too reminiscent
of her past life and perhaps too tempting.
That time before, there had been no light and no escort. She had made the
ride alone in the darkness with Ryan seated before her on the saddle. It
had been long and exhausting, but she pressed herself to do it. She
wouldnt let Louis die without saying a final goodbye. She owed him
that much. Fortunately, the information had been inaccurate, but it led to
another absurd argument between her and Percival
though one that caused
her to be more careful in the long run
Having a room to himself was one of the few benefits Percival had earned,
one that Chris was thankful for as she tucked the already sleeping Ryan into
some blankets on the small sofa. The quarters werent large by any stretch
of the word, but they were certainly serviceable. The sparse furniture of
a bed, dresser, sofa, desk and chair were arranged as attractively as they
could be in the small space.
After she finished adjusting the covers on their son, she turned to see her
husband standing before a small basin set atop the dresser, most of his face
covered in a thick lather of soap. Youre still angry at me. I
can tell.
Percival glanced up at her in the mirror, as he pulled a blade down his cheek.
I wouldnt call it anger, my dear.
Well what would you call it? She asked as she positioned herself
next to him.
Concern, he said gently.
She frowned and leaned on the edge of the dresser. Id assumed
the messenger was correct and that Louis was going to leave us
shortly.
He rinsed the blade in the bowl, shaking the water from it before continuing
the conversation and the chore of shaving. You cant believe a
messenger that was sent for another reason, Chris. Besides, if that were
the case, dont you believe that I would come get you myself?
I didnt care what he was there forI wanted to know about
you and the others.
You should care, he scolded. The whole reason we sent them
was to warn the outlying villages of the attacks on the plains.
Attacks? Her stomach sank as she realized she was going to lose
this battle.
He splashed some water on his face, rinsing away the remains of the soapy
lather, and spoke to her through closed eyes. Some spies killed a few
of our knights while they were on routine patrol. We still havent hunted
all of them down. Thats why two men carried the warning to Iksay and
were ordered to remain there until dawn.
She handed him the small towel that hung on the side of the dresser.
Oh, she said as a silent prayer of thanks formed on her lips.
Still slightly annoyed, she attempted to change the subject. When will
you be coming home? Its been almost six weeks since your last
leave.
He patted his face dry, replaced the towel, and then responded to her.
Im sorry. Its just been an incredibly busy month.
With a wry smile, he added: Its rather difficult to plan your
vacation breaks around the demands of war, as you may recall.
She nodded, slightly ashamed of the complaint. I just hope this ends
soon so youll be with us more.
It will, he said, taking her hands. But in the meantime,
I implore you to be more careful. You cant believe the fright I had
when they woke me to tell me that you were here. I feared the worst. I thought
Ryan was ill, or worse.
Her frustration was returning, and it carried in her voice. You worry
more than an old woman! You know I consider Louis to be my brother. Had the
information been accurate and I had not made it in time, I would have never
forgiven myself.
I understand that, but again, what if something had happened to Ryan?
Would you have forgiven yourself then? I dont know if I would forgive
you if our child were killed because of your imprudence. It was a very foolish
thing to do.
Are you calling me a fool? She hissed as she pulled her hands
from his grasp.
No, but your actions were certainly not wise, he said with gently
raised brow. Besides, if you insisted on making this trip alone at
night, why didnt you leave him with one of the neighbors?
She gave him a glare that could melt steel as she folded her arms across
her chest and spoke in a tone full of righteous anger. I didnt
want to wake anyone! And I can certainly take care of myself! Did you forget
who you married? Or do we need to go down to the training yard so I can remind
you?
He chuckled. No, I havent forgotten. I would never want to forget,
but you being who you are doesnt make Ryan any less vulnerable. It
just makes you a larger and more tempting target for the enemy.
Still frustrated, she glanced at Ryan, who was curled up in a content little
ball on the sofa. You dont need to worry so much.
A moment passed before he answered her, a quiet sadness reflected in his
dark eyes. Youre asking me to do something impossible, you
know.
What are you talking about? Its a simple concept. Dont
worry so much. Put some faith in me.
His voice didnt raise a notch as he responded; he spoke to her in the
same velvet tone he always used. Its not that simple, Im afraid.
I cant pretend I dont love you or Ryan. I cant pretend
that leaving you two alone all the time doesnt bother me, and I sure
as hell cant pretend that I dont worry about you putting your
life in danger! I couldnt before, and I cant now. After
a breath, he continued with a grin, I guess Im just a little
more willing to admit it to you now.
Her face still held a scowl, but she didnt say anything. He had the
annoying habit of making good points, even if they made her look foolish.
It was one of the things she loved about him. A perfect silence embraced
them as she mulled over his words. Finally, she relented. Im
sorry, Percy, she said, calling him by the nickname only she was allowed
to use. Im sorry I caused you such grief.
His arms folded around her delicately, and he whispered into her ear, I
dont want to fight with you, Chris. I just hope you can see the issue
through my eyes, and my heart. My mind knows how capable a soldier you are,
but my heart sees my wife, not the Silver Maiden of Zexen. He took
a breath and then gave the balance of his sentiment as he looked into her
eyes. And believe me when I say that my heart always defeats my head
when it comes to the two I love most in this life.
He was right; there was no need to argue anymore. She knew that while he
respected her ability to defend herself, he had every right to worry. Resting
her head on his chest, she sighed. Six weeks was a long time, a very long
time.
Soft kisses breezed along her neck, one, then another, and another. When
he found her lips, he hesitated just before touching them and said with a
tender smirk, You should never go to bed angry, my dear.
She returned the grin, knowing where this was headed, but didnt resist
himshe couldnt, and didnt want to, despite her fatigue.
And so now, riding up to the fortress once more, she could count three things
that came out of her last visit to Brass Castle. Her acceptance of his concern
was one, Louiss new role was another, but the most important, the most
sacred, was Geoffrey. With that memory in her heart, she squeezed the child
tighter against her chest as the party moved forward into a trot. His hair
bounced in rhythm with the horses stride, and the jerky gait caused
him to giggle, a sound which brought a smile to his mothers tired
face.
As they neared the eastern bridge, Salome slowed the group to a walk. The
horses hooves clipped loudly on the stones, announcing their arrival.
Softly glowing torches lined the way through the portcullis, their light
creating a ghostly, shadowy passage into the commons. A few men were standing
there involved in a deep discussion. Upon noticing their Captain and his
harshly whispered command, they snapped to attention.
The party dismounted, and the sentries saw to the horses. The children were
fed, put to bed, and plans for the morning were set. She was thankful for
the discreet arrival; being mobbed was not something she needed at the moment.
No, a group of people harassing her about her plans or offering stale words
of sympathy was the last thing she wanted. She knew that what she needed
was to talk to a friend, and she knew exactly where to find him.
Down she went to a small tavern inside the castle proper that had always
been favorite place for many of the ranking knights. At a table in the back
corner he sat, his only company a bottle of wine. She knew hed be there;
he never did like to drink in the solitude of his quarters, although drinking
alone never bothered him. As she approached, he rose to his feet and bowed
his head in greeting and respect. She took a seat in the chair opposite to
him as he waved to a barmaid for another glass.
Returning to his seat, Borus asked, The children are asleep,
then?
Yes, they were exhausted. Salome is graciously letting us use his
quarters. She nodded in gratitude to the girl who brought the glass,
and she watched as her friend poured her a measure of the wine.
Good, he said, handing her the drink. What about you?
I dont want to sleep, and I doubt I could even if I wanted to.
She fixed her gaze on him over her glass as she brought it to her lips.
You must tell me what happened. Salome couldnt give too many
details, since he wasnt there for most of it, but I know you
were.
The grimace on his face and the way he took a large swallow of the vintage
said that he didnt want to discuss this, but since she asked, he would
divulge. What did he tell you?
Only that he wasnt sure you were fighting the Tinto
army.
We werent. We havent been for some time now, but the Council
doesnt want that information getting out.
I dont understand, she said, taking another sip of the
wine. It was quite good, far too good to be something the tavern would serve,
so she guessed he had probably taken it from his collection.
Neither do I. Our Councils motives never made any sense to me,
and they still dont. Regardless, for the past year or so, our enemies
have been fighting more like ruthless mercenaries than any army Ive
ever encountered.
Mercenaries?
Yes, and highly trained. They snuck up on us, Chris. They snuck up
on us in the middle of the day!
Start from the beginning, Borus. Dont leave anything
out.
He ran a hand through his blond hair and poured himself another glass before
starting the tale. All right. Part of the land Tinto recently acquired
is Dubios. I dont know who had it last. I never was good at keeping
up with things like that. Anyway, its a small port town surrounded
by forest on three sides and by sea on the other. We thought it would be
a good place to strike since the terrain would be something we were used
to rather than their dusty mining towns.
That morning we left camp, with a plan to ride into the city gates
and attack. Our scouts had told us that the road through the forest split
at a glade, and that from there one went to the citys main entrance,
one to the eastern entrance and one to the western gate. So we split up as
planned. Leo went down the center, Roland and Salome stayed right there,
I went to the left and Percival to the right. He paused, and then added,
We expected to encounter resistance, but not so far out in the
forest.
I took my men down our path, and we stayed on the ready. Suddenly,
they sprang out of the tree limbs and jumped down on us. There was no sound
from above, no warning, no nothing. They were ruthless and even stooped to
using poison darts on usit was anything but an honorable fight.
I called a retreat and we left, but they didnt follow. I thought
they would, after having seen how little regard they had for the rules of
war.
War has never had rules, Borus. You should know that by now,
she interrupted and held up her glass for him to refill.
Protocols, then. Call them what you will, but even those damned Grassies
showed more decency than these people.
Anyway, I was surprised they let us retreat. We made it back to camp,
took care of the injured, all of that. And then we waited. Roland came back.
So did Salome. Then Leo. We were all getting anxious, but Salome kept saying
that maybe they had made it into the city. He took another sip from
his glass and stared down into it. Then darkness fell, and we still
waited.
She ran the tip of her finger around her glass and looked at him, her eyes
begging him to finish the tale. And
what then?
He reached across the table and gently held her hand. Chris, I wanted
to go right then. It had started to rain, and there were sounds of thunder,
but I didnt care. I was already on my horse by the time Salome found
out. He grabbed my reins, and we argued. He kept saying by leaving I would
give away our position, I would put more lives in danger, and that before
we did anything we should wait until the morning, just like we usually
didjust in case.
He was right, she said tersely, taking another drink.
He didnt bother to argue the point with her; both of them knew Salome
had made a sound decision, even if Borus was reluctant to admit it. He squeezed
her hand just a bit tighter as he continued the gruesome story. I waited
all night at the front of camp. I didnt even care about the rain. I
just kept hoping someone would come back with news, or something.
He took another hearty sip from the winein front of him before going on.
Finally, it was morning. Leo and I set out with some men. Roland and
Salome stayed behind to start packing up camp, since we had suffered many
losses and needed to just get out of there. Eventually we came to the place
where we had split up. All of us rode in the direction Percival had gone,
being extra careful, since our enemy was cowardly enough to not grant us
a fair warning the day before.
About half a league from that place, we found signs of a battle. Although
the night rain had washed most of the blood away, we could still tell it
had been fierce one, judging from the look of the scarred ground, and the
number of dead enemies. They were laying on the ground where they fell, as
if their own people had considered them of no importance, even in
death.
He took another breath, followed by another sip of his drink. At that
point we found hope. Since there wasnt a piece of Zexen armor to be
seen, or any of our dead, we thought that maybe they had made it into the
city. So we rode on, and less than a quarter of a league away, our hopes
were dashed.
You found the weapons, she said flatly.
Yes milady, but did Salome explain about them?
Explain? I could tell he used the sword most of the blood had
washed off, but the nicks were still in it.
No, not that. When we found the weapons, they were arranged in a
pattern.
A pattern?
Yes, he said, taking another as if to fortify himself. All
of them were stuck in the ground, set in four concentric circles.
At her puzzled look, he explained further, Percivals sword was
in the center, then twenty, forty, sixty and finally eighty. All
two-hundred-and-one weapons were left there, placed to look like a bulls
eye.
So he surrendered, she said, trepidation creeping into her
voice.
He shook his head. I dont think so, but Im sure that the
weapons were deliberately set that way. The circles were too perfectnot
like he and his men had just thrown their weapons to the ground.
How
odd.
Yes.
He poured the last bit from the bottle between their glasses, and they spent
a few moments sipping the fine red wine in silence. Such a vintage was too
nice for this occasion, but neither of them mentioned the waste. This was
a time for somber thoughts and reflection, not wine tasting.
Finally, to break the silence, Borus asked a question. It was delivered in
such an acidic tone, that it had obviously been bothering him. So does
knowing any of that change your mind?
Change my mind?
Dont play innocent, Chris. It doesnt suit you. He
narrowed his dark eyes at her. I know you are not here to just pass
through to Vinay del Zexay. Youll go there, Im sure, but
to see the Council and to reclaim your position as Captain.
So what if I am? she asked, an edge forming on her words.
He finished his glass in one uncouth gulp. You have children. Take
them home and stay with them.
She glared at him. I cant. I have to do this. I have to stop
this. Cant you see that?
He shook his head at her. You honestly think they are just going to
take you back? You think you can walk in there and expect the Council to
hand you everything you want on a silver platter when they barely give us
enough money to feed our men?
Ill do what I have to do, Borus, she said, putting the
full authoritative tone from her days of command into her voice.
He gave her a grin full of good-natured contempt and conceded. Of course
you will. You always have. He reached into his shirt and produced the
cursed piece of paper, then slid it across the table to her. I promised
Id deliver this to you.
She stared at it for a moment, and then let her fingers trace the hardened
seal it bore. It seemed premature, and the texture of the seal told her it
was wrong to accept this unwelcome gift. With a shake of her head, she pushed
it back to him. No. Not until we know hes dead. Keep it for
now.
With a slight nod he replaced it in his shirt. Yes, milady.