Trial and Glory (35 page)

“Just a few months ago.”

She sighed. “It will get easier to deal with as time passes.”

“So long as the memories don’t pass away with that time . . .”

Yanasi grabbed Cassus’ hand, and gave it a squeeze. “I doubt they will. Jonrell wasn’t the kind of man people forget.”

“No, he wasn’t.”

Their conversation shifted to trivial things until Cassus saw Elyse from the corner of his eye.

“That took longer than I expected,” said Yanasi.

“I still can’t believe she went through with it.”

“Why not? She’s a queen.”

“I know.”

“She’s probably changed a lot since you last saw her. More than I have. But she’s a good woman, and I have no doubt she’ll be a fine ruler.”

“I never said she wouldn’t be. It’s just hard to think about her doing those sorts of things.”

“Well, get used to it.” She stood. “You should probably go to her. She’s good at hiding her emotions these days, but I’m willing to bet she could use someone to talk to.”

He stood. “Alright. But let me check in with Kroke first.”

That way I know how to gauge her behavior.

* * *

Elyse entered her tent, ran to the corner by her chamber pot, expecting to vomit. To her surprise, nothing came up.

Bile crept into her throat. She swallowed it.

Be strong. She brought this on herself.

Lobella had held out much longer than Elyse had thought possible. Her servant had always seemed weak, but witnessing Kroke work on her while suffering through her former friend’s screams, she realized just how strong she could be.

And it makes sense why.

Eventually, she learned that Lobella had never wanted to betray Elyse. At one time, Lobella truly felt honored to be the queen’s friend. However, Gauge had threatened her mother’s life with things that made Kroke’s methods seem like child’s play.

After she admitted betrayal, Lobella spilled everything. Based on private conversations Lobella had with others working for Gauge, Elyse figured out that her advisor had acted immediately after the king’s death.

Telling Lobella to suggest things to me which would push his agenda, having her ask me questions about politics and my personal life late at night when I would let my guard down. Even sending me to my death.

She dug her nails into her palms. She had learned the truth about her meeting with Markus. Olasi’s son had claimed he hadn’t sent her the letter which prompted her visit to him. She and Kaz had wondered who could have sent the message.

Elyse learned Gauge had forged the document, knowing she would want to do right by the kingdom. He hoped Markus would dispose of her so that he could then rally the people to his side in light of Elyse’s death.

“Your Majesty?”

She recognized Cassus’ voice and cleared her throat. “Yes.”

“Can I come in?”

“Yes.”

He entered, worried. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. It needed to be done.”

Cassus nodded. “Kroke wanted me to let you know that Nora was seeing to Lobella’s wounds. The mage says she’ll make a full recovery. ”

I didn’t hold the knife, but I gave the order.
“Good.”

Despite her anger, Elyse had already decided that she would not punish Lobella more than she already had. Once they reached the city, she would move her and her mother to a remote northern town where they both could live out their lives.

“Did you learn what you needed?”

“Yes. And no.”

She quickly explained Gauge’s actions over the last couple of years.

Cassus frowned. “It would appear your father knew what he was doing when he dismissed Gauge all those years ago.”

She chuckled. “Yes. And to think everyone thought him a fool.”

“So, now what?”

“Well, it’s obvious what Gauge is capable of. He’s willing to do just about anything in order to maintain his control of the crown. However, I still can’t do much more than what I have already put into motion. At least for now.” She shook her head. “I won’t know how deep his treachery went or how many people he influenced until I have him in chains.”

Chapter 24

Drake felt like he had when the Hell Patrol landed in Cadonia two years ago. Floroson had been filled with sights, sounds, and smells unfamiliar to someone whose idea of a big city had been Mudhole Bay.

Asantia was no different. Intricately detailed walls the color of bleached bone lined the cobbled streets. The patterns of the buildings matched some of the more elaborate clothing worn by the city’s women. He thought the dresses to be unusually revealing, especially after one propositioned him.

For a small fee, of course.

Unable to find a polite way to turn the woman down, he simply moved on, turning away from her supple figure before she saw him blush.

“It’s been far too long since I’ve been with a woman,” said Senald, visibly upset he could not take an offer thrown his way. “You think we could convince Kaz to stop for the night?”

Crusher grunted. “No chance.” A large woman lowered her shirt and shook her cleavage at the giant, questioning whether he could handle her. He laughed at the woman. “It’s too bad. Some of these women aren’t half bad.”

Senald choked. “You’re not serious? You’d likely kill the poor woman.”

“I can be gentle when it counts.” Crusher smiled, eyeing another.

Drake blushed again, noticing Wiqua had come up next to them. “How about we talk about something else?”

Wiqua snorted. “Don’t be concerned for me. I’m old, but I’m not dead. Besides, there isn’t anything that could be said I haven’t already heard from Hag.”

Crusher chuckled. “I like you more each day, old man.”

The group continued joking as they made their way through the city. Drake even loosened up, adding a few quips. He had to admit it felt nice to do so after the last couple months of hopelessness at the High Pass.

Senald leaned. “You think we should pull Raker back here? This seems like the sort of conversation he’d be an expert on.”

Drake followed Senald’s gaze to where Raker and Krytien talked as they moved through the city. Their morose demeanors stood out.

“No. Let him be.” He recalled some of the stories he’d heard regarding Asantia. “I’m sure they’re talking about things far more important than what we are.”

* * *

Asantia’s central bell tower loomed high over the rest of the city, standing sentinel over a forgotten era. The architecture of the city was supposedly reminiscent of the Quoron Empire whose dominance had extended far into Thurum. Even after thousands of years, the buildings held a sense of visual wonder with their decorated columns and nods to the past.

But not to Krytien.

Everywhere he looked, he saw only bitter reminders. The rolling knots in his stomach had started when they first reached the wooded area surrounding the city. He recalled the exact location the Hell Patrol used to plan their escape from Hezen and his army. Since then, the knots had grown grandiose in size.

Over a decade ago, and it still feels like yesterday.

“You alright?” came a garbled voice to his left.

He turned. “Not really. You?”

“I’ve been better,” said Raker. “It just occurred to me that you and I are the only ones who even remember what the Hell Patrol went through here.”

“Yeah. Kroke and Yanasi are still in Cadonia. Cassus is One Above-knows-where. Jonrell, Hag, and Glacar, are all dead. So are the few others who were alive then,” his voice faded.

That’s not counting all the ones we lost in the fighting to get out.

“Depressing, ain’t it?”

“Among other things.”

The army turned down a side street, making their way toward the docks. People hung out their windows, staring with a curious fear of the strange soldiers making their way through the city. Krytien ignored them, too busy concentrating on not heaving up the meager food he managed to choke down several hours before.

“You know we’re getting closer to the spot?”

“I know,” said Krytien.

“You going to be able to keep it together?” Raker asked.

“I’ll be fine.”

“Good. I was worried I might have to knock some sense into you if you started blubbering about it. We can’t be looking weak in front of all them Kifzo. You never know what might happen.”

“Thanks,” said Krytien, voice thick with sarcasm.

“No problem. But just in case, if you feel like you’re going to lose it, remember how I looked getting out of those sewers. Everyone else seems to find humor in that.”

Krytien started to chuckle. “I guess it’s time to admit the truth about that. I’m the one who convinced Ronav that you should take point that day.”

Raker spat. “I’ve always known that. And don’t think I won’t get even for it.”

“It’s been over twelve years now.”

Raker grinned. “So, imagine what I have in store for you.”

Krytien laughed. “Fair enough.”

They made it through most of the devastated area of Asantia. Krytien couldn’t believe how little of it had changed. He was thankful to see some rebuilding finally under way. Even still, if it hadn’t been for Raker cracking obscene jokes, it might have been worse getting through it all.

They followed the Kifzo onto the docks where the army broke off and boarded the Heshan ships.

Raker pulled Krytien off to the side. “We need to talk.”

“I’m listening.”

“I’ve been willing to give Kaz the benefit of the doubt about this, but we’re almost ready to leave, and he still hasn’t told us what’s going on with Hezen. What if we’re not satisfied?”

Krytien’s eyes narrowed as he turned his attention back to the edge of the city where Kaz and Hezen spoke. “Then we’ll just have to take matters into our own hands.”

“Glad to see we’re in agreement.”

* * *

Kaz stood at the edge of the dock near the entrance to the city. Warehouses sat on one side amidst destruction over a decade old. On the other side, vast open waters rippled in the bright sunlight.

I’m coming, Lucia.

His eyes left the water, gravitating toward the ships gently rocking against the docks. The last of his Kifzo had gone safely aboard minutes before, and each vessel’s captain signaled their readiness to set sail.

While he took in his surroundings, Hezen continued to ramble. Kaz swore he never heard a man who liked the sound of his voice so much.

“. . . so, as you can see from my design, this section of the city will not only match the rest of Asantia’s grandeur, but dare I say, exceed it.” He stopped. “Ah, it looks like you’re ready to set sail. I guess this is where we part.”

Kaz noticed Raker and Krytien waiting on the dock alone. He turned back to Hezen. “Not yet.”

“We had an agreement, Commander.” Hezen’s tone changed.

“Yes. You led us safely through your lands and through your city. However, I was hoping you would be so good as to escort me to my ship. Queen Elyse asked me to give you something in parting. She was adamant that I not do so until the last possible moment.”

Hezen rubbed at his hands.

“If trust is the issue, then please, bring several of your guards with you,” urged Kaz.

“Well, it’s not trust. . . .”

Kaz started walking, not waiting for Hezen to finish his thought. He knew the man’s curiosity would not let him leave well enough alone.

The sound of several sets of footsteps echoed behind him.

* * *

“Easy,” Krytien whispered.

Raker flicked his gaze away from Hezen. “Huh?”

“You’re grinding your teeth. Let’s see what happens.”

“Funny how I was the one to calm you before.”

Kaz stopped a few feet from them. Hezen and his guards halted a step behind. The man’s fearful eyes focused on Krytien before flicking a quick glance Raker’s way.

You remember, you—

Kaz patted Hezen on the shoulder. The man flinched. “I promised these men that I would let them have a word or two with you. And I’m not one to go back on my word. Isn’t that so, Raker?”

Raker grinned.

Hezen sputtered. “But you said that the queen asked you to give me something.”

“She did. She heard the story of your betrayal of the Hell Patrol. It was important that you were given exactly what you deserved as a result of it.”

Hezen’s eyes widened. “That was half a lifetime ago! And we have a treaty!”

“Yes. Strange how the queen signed another shortly afterward with one of your contemporaries. Her Majesty found he offered a much more beneficial alliance. However, you did ensure us safe passage and for that we are grateful.”

“Just like her brother,” Hezen hissed.

Raker spat. “I reckon she is. What do you think, Krytien?”

“I’d say he’d be proud.”

“Guards! Seize them!” Hezen whipped his head around only to see the backs of his men walking away.

Kaz whispered. “I bought them off. Very cheaply I might add.” He slapped Hezen on the arm, and moved past Raker and Krytien. “You can take your time. We’re ahead of schedule.”

“I appreciate that,” Raker called out as he pulled free his mace
.

Hezen took off back toward the city. Sorcery bolted out of Krytien’s hands, catching the man mid-stride. Slowly, he drifted back toward them.

“So, who goes first?” asked Krytien.

Raker pulled out a coin. “Flip you for it?”

Krytien nodded.

He flipped the coin into the air. “Call it.”

* * *

Raker finally managed to clean the last of the gore from his clothes. Unfortunately, he still smelled thanks to the tight confines of the ship.

But at least I don’t smell like Hezen anymore.

He set his mace down and winced as his shoulder rolled. Something had popped when the last of his blows struck Hezen across the face. Raker had been sure the man was already dead when the blow found its mark, but he hadn’t cared. The man’s treachery had been responsible for the deaths of too many friends.

And even in death that piece of garbage managed to get one more jab at me,
he thought while trying to stretch his shoulder.