The Void of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood Book 3)(63)

Maia looked worriedly at Suzenne and Jayn before returning her attention to the knight. “A truce flag?”

“Yes, my lady. The chancellor is talking to the ship’s captain even now. I was sent to apprise you of the situation. Another knight will be sent soon to bring you more news.”

“Thank you,” Maia said, increasingly perplexed. She began pacing again as soon as the knight left.

“It could be a trick,” Suzenne said, hurrying to her side. “They know we are expecting an invasion. Maybe they wish to see our defenses before they attack?”

“It feels strange . . .” Maia mused, shaking her head. “But I trust Richard’s judgment. He is an Aldermaston and will not easily be fooled.”

Maia pressed her fingers against her mouth, trying to listen for the whispers of the Medium to guide her. Soon it would be nightfall, signaling the start of curfew, and hopefully the people who were still attempting to flee the city would return to their homes. However, waiting for dark to attack would be a wise tactic for the armada because it would make it more difficult for her guards to see the approach of the invading ships. She felt a surge of wariness engulf her.

More time passed, filled by Jayn’s music, and then another knight arrived in the solar, a different man than the first. With no preliminaries, he walked up to Maia and nodded in deference. He looked harried and did not kneel.

“My lady, the chancellor requests your presence immediately. I am to escort you.”

“What is going on?” Maia demanded. “What news?”

“I was not given information to relate, my lady,” he answered. “Only that the chancellor must speak with you privately. There have been discussions at the wharf between the captain of the Hautlander ship and the chancellor. I know not what was discussed, I only know I am to bring you at once to counsel with Master Syon.”

“I will go,” Maia said. She turned to Suzenne and gripped her arm. “Stay here and try to keep everyone calm. If I do not send word back to you within the hour, order the evacuation of the city.”

Suzenne blanched and then nodded dutifully.

Maia followed the knight out of the solar and easily kept pace with him down the long corridor. A detachment of Carew’s guard awaited her below, sword hilts in hand. By the time she reached the courtyard, a horse had been saddled for her and brought to the front. Captain Carew was already mounted, and his horse stood next to hers. He had a grim, distrustful look. A groom helped Maia mount, even though she did not need the assistance. It was a warm summer’s eve, and the air was warm and pleasant.

Captain Carew brought his mount up next to hers. “I do not know what the fuss is about, Lady Maia. But I do not trust Hautlanders. Be on your guard.”

“I have been to Rostick, Captain,” Maia said simply. “Believe me, my trust must be earned.”

They rode at a quick pace to the rear of the castle grounds, where the royal wharves had been built. When they arrived, she found Richard waiting on the planks by a skiff full of armed men equipped with breastplates and poleaxes. Richard looked very grave and troubled, his eyes brooding and dark as he watched her dismount and make her approach.

A few torches hissed and sputtered in iron sconces fastened to the edge of the dock. The waters from the river lapped against the dock posts. The peculiar smell of dead fish lingered in the air.

“I do not like that look,” Maia told him. “What is it, Richard?”

He gestured for her to draw in next to him, and he walked a few paces away from her escort and the other men. He gave her a pitying look that made her heart darken with apprehension.

“Tell me!” she pleaded, unable to withstand the suspense.

She could tell it was painful for him to share whatever dark truth it was he knew. His look softened to one of great compassion.

“Maia,” he said gently. “It is not the armada. They are mastons, primarily. I have tested them to be absolutely certain. On board is the chancellor of Hautland, who seeks a truce and a treaty with Comoros. They wish to defy the Naestors and help defend us against the coming invasion.”

Maia stared at him, trying to understand why his look did not match his words. “It is likely a deception, a trick,” she said, shaking her head. “But you already know this. What troubles you so?”

He bowed his head and let out a deep breath. Then he met her gaze again, his eyes full of sadness. “The Prince of Hautland is on board the vessel. I met him as well. They are very wary of our intentions and do not want their heir captured and held hostage. But I did speak with him in our language. They desire a truce with Comoros and will join their power with ours if you agree to marry the Hautlander prince.”

Maia stared at him in confusion. “I am already married, Richard,” she said.

He sighed again and then reached out and gently touched her arm. “The chancellor has told me that the Dochte Mandar have invalidated your marriage to King Gideon.”

So that was the blow he had feared delivering. It felt as if a knife had been thrust into her stomach and twisted. Her strength seemed to drain from her, and her head began to buzz like a beehive. She felt sick with despair and racked with anguish.

“How can they do that?” Maia said, shaking her head. “It was performed by a Dochte Mandar surely, but there were witnesses. It was a legal marriage. Even my grandmother admits as much.”