Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(30)

I ask that you search your private treasury for the weapons stored there by Camryn. It is my belief that they were transported to Fyris in the past. Even if your treasury is intact, other weapons of a similar nature have been found here and that should not be. The Larentii assisted in rendering them harmless, which is a welcome relief.

Already we have in custody the one Quin spoke of—the one calling himself Yevil. He it was who had the weapons in his possession. We have discovered through evidence attached at the end of this message, that Treven fathered him. I hope this does not upset you, as he is directly responsible for Camryn and Elabeth's deaths.

Your brother and Commander of the Guard,

Justis.

Affixed to the bottom of the message was a tiny, red feather. Jurris cursed and flung the message across his study.

*

Kondar

Quin

"Welcome," Edden Charkisul beamed at us the moment we were ushered into the entry of his residence. Berel wanted to run but chose to walk sedately toward his father, before Edden enveloped him in a warm embrace.

I was grateful that such love existed between them. Grateful, too, that Edden had seen to Berel's education—he was impressive in his role as temporary Commander of the fleet anchored near Lironis.

"Where are the others?" Edden asked when he and Berel stepped away from one another.

"We are here, High President." I blinked in astonishment at the three who'd come.

*

Quin says Marid intends an attack of some sort, Kaldill sent to Ildevar as Ildevar gripped Edden's hand and offered polite greetings.

The High President fears something as well, but his fear is less focused, Ildevar replied as he offered the gifts he'd brought with him—Tiralian crystal and ripe gishi fruit.

Where did the Tiralian crystal come from? Kaldill asked.

I have friends, Ildevar sent a mental laugh. Does Quin say when the attack might occur?

I believe the attack is in flux—perhaps he is gathering his courage or his power. Reah believes he is aging, although he still appears young to most. Belancours have always been adept at illusion.

With Reah here, his wizardry will be neutralized if he comes close enough, Ildevar pointed out. "This is my trusted advisor, Willem Drifft," Ildevar made the introduction aloud. "And this," he indicated his other companion, "is Kooper Griff, my security for the evening." Edden greeted both and then gestured for his guests to join him in the dining room.

With Daragar here, Marid may as well give himself up before he starts. Kaldill said as they walked to the dining room with the others.

The Larentii are wonderful when they're given permission to intervene, are they not?

I believe the Wise Ones may have weighed in on this decision, Kaldill responded. Daragar's feelings for Quin play a part as well. He cares very much for her.

Let us hope all goes well, then, and we capture Marid without bloodshed. Lissa wishes to speak with him most urgently.

*

Master Norwal, I sent mindspeech to the High President's Chief of Security, one of the High President's servers is a spy.

"Quin?" Melis Norwal barely blinked as he turned in my direction. We'd already been served the first course, and I'd determined that the food was safe. The young man who looked uncomfortable in his uniform had drawn my attention immediately, and I knew he'd fed information to the Sector Two President and the one who called himself Marid.

I mentally described our server to Melis as the young man in question walked out of the dining room. Melis was on his feet, reaching for his weapon when the assassins landed in the vestibule outside.

*

Fyris

"Follow me," Tory said as he walked toward the army encampment. Makeshift tents and campfires dotted the landscape before Justis and his Black Wings as they followed cautiously behind Tory.

Justis almost backed away when they were attacked by ten soldiers wielding blades; Tory changed before his eyes. Became taller. Black-scaled. His face flattened and horns appeared, curving around his ears and revealing sharp tips extending past his forehead. He had wings as well—similar to those a bat might have. Smoke drifted from his nostrils as the long swords he carried were drawn into his hands. Deftly handling both blades, Tory killed two attackers swiftly before the others backed away.

The second attack was laughable when it came; three men died before another dozen chose to run from Torevik Rath's High Demon Thifilathi. The third attack was merely a gesture—one died while his companions raced away. After that, soldiers and commanders alike gave way as six black-winged men and one tall, bat-winged creature stalked through their camp toward the King's tent.

Tamblin and a few personal guards stood outside the tent eventually, watching the seven approach. Tamblin's sword was in his hand but he trembled, whether with rage or fear, Justis cared not. This was the other half of his intended revenge—the second plotter in Elabeth and Camryn's deaths.

He intended that they would pay for their crimes—when he could convince others that it should be so.

"I name you murderer," Justis now strode beside Tory and pointed a finger accusingly at Tamblin. "Lay down your weapon and we will not hurt you—at Prince Amlis' request."

"That bastard is no Prince," Tamblin hissed, shaking with rage. "He is not my son. Ask anyone."

"He is your son," Tory breathed smoke, his voice low and guttural. "It has been verified scientifically. It is your mind that is weak, not your child."