Defend the Dawn (Defy the Night #2)(12)

Look at the way he left you in prison for an entire day.

Harristan clears his throat, and I’ve heard him do it often enough that I know he’s covering a cough. I blink and focus on the matter at hand.

“Explain the purpose of the trade agreement,” I say.

“I need to explain the kingdom of Ostriary first,” Rian says. “Most Kandalan maps show the eastern side of Ostriary is over two hundred miles of marshland that leads into dense vegetation. And I’m sure the Flaming River is still considered a challenge to cross.” His eyebrows go up.

“Yes,” says Harristan. “But you didn’t cross it. Not if you docked in Artis.”

“No,” Rian agrees. “If you sail past the southern point, Ostriary can be approached from the western side.”

“The southern point is uninhabited,” says Harristan. “We have records of ships that have tried that route. From the south, the western coastline is a bare strip of sand that goes on for hundreds of miles. The northern point is comprised of cliffs. I have dozens of logs that speak of uncrossable current or dense fog that seems never-ending. Even for sailors who can get through the current, it would be impossible to dock.”

“I’ll challenge your definition of impossible, Your Majesty, because I’d wager that Kandalan sailors are mostly used to the open water in the stretch from Artis to your ports in Sunkeep and Trader’s Landing, and a child could navigate that.”

“Forgive our subpar sailors,” I say flatly. “So you sailed past the southern point to find … what? More sand?”

“No. A chain of six islands. Three are separated by less than a mile of water at certain points, and are connected by bridgework. One longer bridge reaches the mainland, but only one.”

Harristan sighs. “We have no record of islands, Captain Blakemore.”

“I’ve spent six years in Ostriary, Your Majesty. I’ve walked the bridges myself.” He reaches out and taps the log that belonged to his father. “You can read my father’s accounting of the territory.”

“The weather patterns that create the fog over the sea have kept the kingdom rather isolated,” says Lieutenant Tagas. “And protected.”

“Protected from whom?” I say.

“Anyone,” she says. “The islands bear a surprising amount of—”

Rian lifts his hand again, and she stops.

“This room is as empty as it’s going to get,” I say.

He smiles, but the look in his eyes is less jovial and more regarding. “When we left Ostriary, their rulers were unaware that Kandala had a new king in power.” He pauses. “Their government is a bit shaky. There were many years of corruption. Political infighting. Squabbles over the throne that led to all-out civil war. It’s part of the reason it took me six years to return. There are many Ostrian citizens who did not want a trade agreement with Kandala.”

“Why?” says Harristan.

“Because your grandfather was seen as conniving and dishonest, a man who did not honor his agreements. Once your father took the throne, those views did not change.”

I go very still. “You are speaking of your former king.”

“I was answering a question, Your Highness. There is a reason the first Captain Blakemore was sent as a spy and not as an emissary.”

“Maybe you’ve been in Ostriary for too long,” Harristan says. “My father was highly regarded among the people here.”

Rian spreads his hands. “Again, you asked why. I can only offer my own observations.”

Harristan looks at Lieutenant Tagas. “You’re an Ostrian citizen. What are your observations?”

She glances at Rian. “I am a sailor. I did not move in royal circles. But Rian is correct. In years past, the Kandalan king was not seen as an advantageous ally. Rumor said we were sent faulty materials in exchange for our …” Her voice trails off for a moment, and she casts a glance at Rian. “Resources,” she finishes. “The trade was bad. That’s why the final ship was attacked.”

“What resources?” I demand.

Rian lifts one shoulder in an unassuming shrug. “I’d rather not say.”

He’s either fearlessly brazen or just plain impudent. I raise my eyebrows. “You’d rather not say? You claim to be an agent of the king, and you’d rather not reveal what you’ve learned?”

His eyes flick to Harristan. “I wasn’t an agent of this king.”

I draw myself up, ready to … to … I’m not sure what. Have the guards drag him out of here. Throw him to the ground and demand answers. Hold his feet to the fire, quite literally.

A dark light sparks in his expression, and I can tell he’s thinking of the moment he mentioned my reputation. His shoulders are tense, his eyes locked on mine.

He’s not afraid. He’s ready.

But I think of Tessa, how I promised to be better. My muscles are tight with a need for action.

If I were Weston Lark, I would fight. Demand answers. Something.

But Weston Lark is dead. The King’s Justice can’t pick a fight over a few barbed comments.

Harristan speaks into my silence. “So you won’t say what Ostriary had to offer. What did Kandala?”

“Steel,” Rian says easily, as if we weren’t just staring each other down like men preparing for a duel. “Ostriary has very little access to iron ore. The mines here are plentiful. There’s an entire sector named for it.”