Chapter 3

“It’s amazing.” Lord Coille leaned back in his chair. “We felt it. As soon as the magic returned, we all knew.”

Trystan glanced between the men and women he’d assembled around the table. His most trusted advisors along with many of the soldiers he counted on. They all nodded as if they understood what Coille spoke of.

“I was ten-years-old when we lost it,” Lady Destan chimed in. “Only a child, but I still remember. I called on the magic to see if I’d still remember, and it was instinctual. My body understood what to do even before my mind caught up. It sensed when to stop drawing in the power and how to release it.”

“That’s good.” Trystan rested his hands on the table.

“Good?” Wren leaned forward. “Trystan, it’s brilliant.”

“Wren.” Coille scowled.

Wren hid his smile behind a cough. “Sorry, your Majesty.”

Trystan waved him off. “What about you, Wren? I know you were young, but…”

Color rose in Wren’s cheeks. “I… uh. I haven’t tried.”

“Why not?”

He lowered his gaze to the table. Alixa, seated beside him, place a hand on his arm.

Wren sighed. “My only memories of magic are losing it.” His eyes flicked to Lord Coille’s. “When it was ripped from the earth, we all felt our connection severed. Every person in Dreach-Sciene had this tie to each other. Magic. The earth. But then we were alone.”

The room deflated with his words. Those who’d been old enough to remember nodded in agreement, sadness darkening their eyes.

Wren continued. “I guess I’m afraid giving into the connection once more will bring it all back.”

Lord Coille’s eyes softened as they remained fixed on Wren. “Son, Dreach-Sciene will need you to be at your strongest. If we fear losing the connection to the earth, to our people again, we will. Give yourself to the magic as we were always meant to.”

Trystan needed to get the meeting back on track, so he cleared his throat. “It’s good to know that anyone who once knew the use of magic can again, but the fact of the matter remains. Every person who was too young or not yet born will have no knowledge of this power. I am one of these people. As is Alixa here. Rissa’s Tenelach connection seems to have taught her the earth’s ways. And Davion… well, he’s already been trained.”

The room fell silent at the mention of Davi, and unasked questions thickened the air.

“Your Majesty.” It was Lord Coille who spoke first. “Are you sure—”

“Adrian.” Trystan’s jaw hardened. “If you say what I assume you’re going to, I’ll send you right back to Whitecap without a second thought.”

“It needs to be said, sire.”

Trystan heaved a breath. “No, it doesn’t. Just like it didn’t need to be said about Alixa.” He gestured to her. “She’s since proven her loyalty to Dreach-Sciene despite her lineage. Allow the same for Davi.”

“There’s a difference between being the runaway daughter of Lord Eisner and actually working for the king of Dreach-Dhoun.”

“Where is Davion?” Wren asked. “Shouldn’t he be here at your side?” Unlike Coille, Wren had no suspicion in his voice. Only curiosity.

Trystan didn’t have an answer for him. Davi had been a ghost since they returned to the palace. Rather than play the role of second in command, he’d been avoiding everyone and everything.

“Be careful, your Majesty.” Lord Coille pinned him with a stern look.

“Adrian.” Lady Destan gave a delicate shake of her head. “If the king trusts Davi, we should as well.”

Lord Coille gave a sigh but didn’t say anything further. The Duchess of Sona was not someone people liked to argue with. Trystan smiled at her gratefully. She didn’t return the gesture.

“Just be sure, your Majesty.”

He nodded. Before anyone spoke another word, the doors to the council chamber burst open. Edric stood panting in the doorway.

“I’m sorry, your Majesty. The guards told me to enter because you’d want to hear the news I bring.”

Trystan pushed his chair back and stood. “What is it, Edric?”

“Rion has returned, sire.” He sucked in a breath. “And he has prisoners from Dreach-Dhoun with him.”

“Prisoners?” Trystan rounded the table as the rest of those present rose as well.

“Rebels. They say they must speak with you.”

Without waiting for anyone to catch up with him, Trystan strode from the room. They’d been waiting for Calis to make his move. For something to happen. The border had been too quiet.

Was this finally the beginning?

* * *

“You’re telling me these men are defectors from Dreach-Dhoun?” Trystan couldn’t decide if the men brought before him were more likely to pass out from terror or die from starvation, right in front of his eyes. Sunken cheeks and sharp shoulder bones. When had they last had a decent meal? Fear sparked in them as they stared. What other tortures had they endured along their journey?

“That is correct, your Majesty.” Rion ducked his head Trystan’s way. “We caught them crossing the border. Actually, we didn’t catch them at all. They gave themselves up quite willingly, wanting us to bring them into Dreach-Sciene. They demanded to speak with you, sire, saying they have news of Dreach-Dhoun for your ears only.”

Trystan narrowed his eyes and lifted himself out of his father’s throne. His throne. He still couldn’t bring himself to think of it that way. He paced back and forth across the raised dais, arms crossed, brow puckered in thought. He stopped pacing and stared down at the two men.

“Why now?”

“Sor… sorry, your Majesty?” One stammered as he twisted a dirty wool cap in his hands and stared up at Trystan with red-rimmed eyes. “I don’t understand the question.”

“Why have you chosen now to switch allegiance? I find the timing to be a little concerning since we’ve just had a run in with your king.”

“This was the perfect time, sire. You’ve done the impossible. You brought magic back to your lands, something Calis has sworn for years you could not do. He always preached Dreach-Sciene was a dull-witted, backward kingdom that could never stand up to him or his power. That you could never reunite the three who stole your magic. But you proved him wrong. And he’s gone mad with his rage. You call him our king, but we in Dreach-Dhoun call him our destroyer.”

Trystan stared down at the men in puzzlement. Why would Calis act in rage when bringing magic back to Dreach-Sciene was what he truly wanted? He stopped pacing and lowered himself down to sit on the edge of the dais where his throne rested, face to face with the captors. Raising a hand, he dismissed Avery’s worried “sire” at his lack of formality. He needed to sort this out.

“What’s happening in Dreach-Dhoun? Tell me all.”

The older man on the right wiped a weary hand across his eyes, trying to clear away exhaustion or tears. Maybe both.

“King Bearne was a hard ruler, who brought war to our lands, but he treated his people fairly. If you paid what was owed to the crown you had nothing to worry about. That all changed when his son took over. Calis Bearne is…is different. He rules with an iron fist. Punishing anyone who dares speak a word against him, and earth help you if you don’t have your taxes to pay the crown. They will take it, even in flesh if they have to. There were many of us who hated living this way. Many who wanted to leave Dreach-Dhoun, but we knew we could not seek help from Dreach-Sciene. Your magic was gone, your people starving. So we stayed. Our resentment and hatred of Calis grew. Bands of rebels formed all over the lands, trying to think of some way to oust him from the throne, but he was too powerful and too cruel. We’ve suffered much under him over the years, but these last few weeks have made the past pale in comparison. His cruelty has only grown. Innocent people, whole villages punished for no reason other than his twisted pleasure. Our lives mean nothing to him and his crusade to wipe out rebellion.” The man’s voice broke on a sob and the younger captive rested a comforting hand on his shoulder.

He squared his shoulders and continued. “Our village became a target. Although there were a few insurgents amongst us, he convinced himself the whole village was guilty. He sent his men to capture everyone in question, even the children.” The man swallowed hard, locking down his tears. “The few of us who escaped made our way here to the border. Not all of us made it, his soldiers took out most. Only me and Sal here survived, but we needed to believe what we heard about you was true, your Majesty. We needed to know that you were as honorable as your father was said to be and that we could ask for your help.”

Trystan hid his dismay behind a mask of calm. “My help with what?”

“In rescuing our villagers, your Majesty. Calis is trying to stop this rebellion once and for all. He has announced a mass public execution of the prisoners hoping it will scare everyone into submission. He will kill them all. Women, children, innocents that have nothing to do with any rebellion. Hundreds of people, sire. Anyone in traveling distance of the palace has been ordered to attend or suffer the same consequence. He means to drive this fear deep into our hearts. It’s as if he’s lost any thread of sanity he had left.”

No, he’s just lost his son. Trystan did not repeat that thought out loud, but deep down he knew that was the true cause of Calis’ insanity.

“When is this public execution planned to take place?”

“In a fortnight.” The man fell to his knees. “Please, sire, we need your help. If we do nothing, all of my people will die. My wife and children…” his voice finally broke as sobs racked his thin body, and he dropped his head into his hands. The younger man stepped forward.

“He speaks the truth, your Majesty. So many will die. Not even Calis’ own family is exempt from his tyranny.”

“What do you mean?”

The voice surprised everyone in the room, but none more than Trystan. Ever since their return, Davi had forgone anything to do with war talk or decision. His refusal to be involved left Trystan no doubt that his childhood friend no longer considered himself second in command. After being absent from all matters concerning Dreach-Dhoun, why was he here right now in the throne room, at this exact moment and advancing on the two captives like they were his worst enemies?

“Answer me. What do you mean not even his own family is exempt?”

The man on the floor cowered while the other stumbled away from Davi’s ferociousness. Davi didn’t seem to notice. His glower encompassed both men as he hovered in impatience. “I said answer me.”

“Davion,” Trystan hissed, waving away the guards at Davi’s back as they moved toward him. “Give them time to explain.”

“Davion?” The man on the floor whispered as he stared up in dawning horror. “Prince Davion? Here? It can’t be.” He scrambled back to his feet as he turned to his companion. “I fear we have made a mistake in coming here, Sal. We will not find help from someone who consorts with our enemy’s son.”

“I assure you Davi is no enemy of mine or yours.” Trystan’s voice was laced with steel. “Calis has played my friend in his evil plans along with the rest of us.”

“But I saw him,” Sal pointed a finger Davi’s way. “He was with Calis’ soldiers when they took the old seer. He was leading them.”

“Again, that was not the man you see before you right now. This man standing here is my most trusted friend and loyal follower.” Trystan’s words were rock solid, but he understood the question in Davi’s eyes as their gazes met. Who was Trystan trying to convince, the two men or himself? “You have nothing to fear from him, I promise you. Now explain your earlier statement. What do you mean not even Calis’ family is exempt?”

The two prisoners shuffled in uncertainty before the older man spoke up. “The younger seer, Calis’ niece. She is to be executed as well, along with the villagers. Calis has announced her a traitor and said that all traitors will hang, royal blood or no.”

“No.” One simple word spoken so low Trystan had to strain to hear it as it fell from Davi’s lips. Yet, the fear and despair echoed around the cavernous room. His shoulders slumped in defeat and Trystan’s heart constricted at Davi’s clear misery.

“Are you certain?” Trystan snapped at the man, and he nodded in response.

“Where is this public execution to take place?”

“Outside Dreach-Dhoun’s castle grounds, sire, in the mountain valley. Already the royal builders are at work constructing the massive hangman’s platform. Thousands are ordered to attend to witness the deaths. Will you help us stop it, King Trystan?”

A headache built behind Trystan’s eyes as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. He contemplated in silence for a moment, feeling the questioning stares awaiting his decision. Finally, he opened his eyes and settled his gaze on Lieutenant Fields near the door.

“Fields, take these men to the barracks so they may wash and provide them clean clothes. Feed them, let them rest, but keep them under guard until I make my decision. Understand they are not prisoners, but neither are they free to roam around. I will call for them once my decision is made.”

“Yes, sir.”

Fields led the men away as Trystan launched himself back to his feet. After striding to his throne, he fell into the chair with a sigh. Drumming his fingers on the armrests, he stared at Davi, knowing very well they needed to talk.

“Avery, Rion, Coille, Davi, stay. The rest of you may leave.”

The guards did as commanded. Only when the doors closed behind them did Davi finally speak.

“You actually need to think about this, Trystan? There is nothing to think about. We need to save Lorelai.” Davi stepped closer to the dais, placing a foot on the lower step as if to join Trystan on the podium.

“How do we know if any of what they’ve just said is true.”

“You think they lie?” Davi asked as he took another step Trystan’s way. Avery moved her body between Trystan and Davi without missing a beat, her hand falling on her sword hilt. Trystan hid his sad smile at her over protectiveness and the fact that she now felt she had to do so with Davi. “I’ve seen firsthand how he treats his people. Brutality and cruelty are as inherent as breathing to him. I believe him capable of anything.”

“And civil unrest in his own country would explain why he has yet to invade.” Coille interjected. “If bringing the magic back has given him what he wanted, why would he wait to attack? What those men have told us makes perfect sense. Rion, have any of your men at the border heard any truth behind this?”

“Yes, my lord. We have had spies report back with rumors of Calis attacking his own people. We’ve had no one to confirm that until now. I think those villagers speak the truth.”

“As do I,” Trystan agreed.

“Then what do we do about it?” Davi asked.

Trystan stared hard at his friend knowing full well he would not like his answer. “There is nothing I can do.”

Davion’s disbelief registered for just a moment before the anger took over and he stood taller. “What the hell does that mean? You heard what they said. Hundreds of innocent people will be slaughtered, along with my cousin.”

“I heard the same as you. But I cannot leave my country, my people, when I’ve just returned. There is much to be done, for Calis will attack. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but he will come, and I need to be here. What if this multiple execution is all a trick? A ruse to lure me away while he takes our lands?”

“I don’t believe you, Trystan Renauld,” Davi spat, his struggle to keep his emotions under control obvious in the deep scowl etched on his face. “You would turn your back on these people? On Lorelai who put her own life in danger to help us? The only reason she is to be executed is because of her involvement in your escape, yet you will not go to her in her hour of need?”

“Careful how you speak to our king, boy,” Coille growled, but Davi ignored the warning. Trystan sent a slight nod Coille’s way, a silent order to stay out of this.

“I understand what you say, friend, and my heart is heavy with this decision, but my place is with my people. I cannot risk the lives of so many for the lives of a few.”

“You dare call me friend?” Davi snapped, despair now mixing with the fury. “Lorelai will be executed if we do nothing.” He ran his fingers through his hair in desperation. “Trystan, you don’t understand. I can’t let that happen to her. I can’t. I don’t expect you to understand because of your father, but she was the only thing that stopped me from losing myself in Dreach-Dhoun. If it weren’t for her, I don’t think the Davi you all know would still even exist. Do you get that? I would not be here. So I will not abandon her. If you won’t go after her, then I will.”

“And if I order you not to?” Trystan asked, but he already knew the answer.

“I go anyway. You won’t stop me, and you know it. I will save her or die trying.”

Silence fell over the room. A silence filled with regret and remorse and lost innocence.

A sad smile lifted the corner of Trystan’s mouth. “I expected no less from you. As I said, there is nothing I can do. My place is here with my people, but I will not force you to stay. I will provide you with a contingent to lead into Dreach-Dhoun to save those people and your cousin. I believe you are possibly the only one capable of doing such a thing.”

Davi deflated like he expected more opposition and was not prepared for the sudden agreement. Overcoming his surprise, he bowed to Trystan.

“Thank you, your Majesty. You do me a great honor by entrusting me with your men. But if I may so request, can you not include Mistress Payne in that contingent? From the way she is glaring at me right now and gripping her sword, I’m afraid I may wake up some morning a little more acquainted with that sword than I wish to be.” A spark gleamed in his eye as he smiled in relief, and for a tiny moment, Trystan thought he saw a glimpse of the old Davi. “No offense, Avery,” he added.

“None taken, Davion,” Avery answered, her stern facade not cracking a bit. “The truth never offends me. You should know that.”

The unexpected laughter it provoked from Davi had Trystan smiling as well. It had been a long time since he’d heard that laugh.

“Please excuse me, Trystan. I have much to attend to before I leave for Dreach-Dhoun.”

“Of course. Do what you must. We will meet later to discuss who will accompany you.”

At Trystan’s nod, Davi took his leave. They watched him walk away in silence. Just before the door shut behind his back, he threw over his shoulder, “As much as my handsomeness dictates discussion, please make sure I’m well out of earshot before you talk about me, Coille.”

Trystan swallowed the laughter in his chest because he knew darn well Coille was itching to spill his disapproval of Davi and what Trystan had just promised him.

“Trystan, you can’t be serious about this,” Coille said as soon as the door clanged shut on Davi’s back. “Can we trust him enough to send him back there with some of our men? The boy has been through a lot emotionally and mentally. I don’t quite think he’s ready for this.”

Trystan turned to Coille, all trace of laughter now gone. “I trust Davi with my life, Coille. Always have and always will.”

“Yes, well your trust of him may not be the only issue here.”

Avery’s worried eyes found Trystan’s. “Lord Coille is right, your Majesty. You may have to order the men to escort Davion, but you won’t be able to stop the one person who will insist on going. You know the princess will follow him into hell and back, with or without your permission.”

Trystan sighed to himself. “I know, Avery. I’ll cross that bridge with Ri when I come to it.”

* * *

The door to his room crashed against the stone wall, shaking Davi’s bed and rousing him from a deep sleep. He leapt to his feet and reached for the sword leaning by his bed before his mind even registered who had awakened him so rudely.

“How dare you not tell me of this, Davion?” That tone could only belong to one woman and Davi groaned as Ri marched into his room, the fire in her eyes matching the one burning in the hearth. “I had to hear that you were going back to Dreach-Dhoun from the cook of all people? From the cook?” She stopped in front of him, hands on hips and eyes glaring up at him in fury. He hadn’t expected her to find out so soon.

He stared down at her, rubbing his chin to hide the grin threatening to erupt at her anger.

“Nice to see you too, Princess. You look lovely this evening, but isn’t it long past your bedtime?”

“Don’t you try to divert me with platitudes, Davion Bearne. I hear you’re leaving first thing in the morning. When were you planning on telling me?”

“Well as you pointed out, I had until the morning—”

“Don’t lie to me.” She pointed a slender finger in his face. “You were going to leave without even saying goodbye. Weren’t you? You were going to leave me behind…again.” The flames of the fire highlighted the shine in her eyes, but whether they were tears of sadness or anger, he wasn’t sure. He sighed and ran a hand over his neck. This is exactly what he’d wanted to avoid.

“Ri,”

“Don’t ‘Ri’ me,” she snapped as she turned her head and blinked rapidly, trying to suppress the tears. The look on her face ripped at his heart. He reached out and grabbed her hand off her hip, lacing his fingers through hers.

“I was going to come see you to say goodbye, but I needed time to come up with the right words.”

She sniffed and yanked her hand away as she spun out of his reach. “How about ‘I’m stupid to even think about going back into Dreach-Dhoun, Ri? We barely escaped with our lives last time. So nope, only a moron would do that.’ I’m thinking those are the exact words you need to say.”

He laughed then. A full-on belly laugh. He couldn’t hold it in even as she turned and glared at him once more.

“You know darn well I’m not going to say that, even if I had a choice.”

She huffed in frustration as her shoulders sagged in defeat and the anger faded from her eyes. Davi pulled her closer, holding her hands to his chest. They stared at each other, lost in the grip of their swirling emotions, unsure of what to say. Finally, Davi broke the silence.

“I have to go, Ri. I don’t expect you or Trystan to understand, but Lorelai saved me. She kept me from losing my sanity and becoming my father. Now I need to go save her. It’s that simple.”

To his surprise Rissa nodded in agreement. “I understand why you have to go.”

“You do?”

She lifted a shoulder. “Nothing about you surprises me, Dav. I know you better than you know yourself. I also know you’re not going to like what else I’m about to say.”

His stomach knotted as he stared into the face he still could not believe he forgot. “Which is?”

“I’m going with you.”

“Like hell,” he growled. “I won’t allow it. And sure as hell Trystan won’t allow it, so get that stupid idea out of your head.”

“Too late. You can argue all you want, but Trystan has already agreed. So has Ramsey. You’re going to need all the help you can get and with Ramsey’s crystal shattered he’s no longer the all-powerful Tri-Gard. You need strength and that, my friend, comes with tenelach. Ergo me. I’m the biggest advantage you have against Calis right now. Afraid to say you’re stuck with me, like it or not.”

With a smug grin she pushed herself out of his grasp. “I’ll see you in the morning.”