CHAPTER 11
Erynn didn't glance behind her once the entire walk back to the castle, too afraid she'd spot Marik. She wondered if Quinn had told Holden about seeing her outside the study, and that's why Marik had followed her, or if this was still about the letter in her pocket. If so, she didn't understand why he didn't just take it. Even if she refused to hand it over, there wasn't much she could do to stop him from taking it. And surely someone in his position had better things to do than follow her around all day?
She was tempted to go find Adena when she returned to the castle, but she knew she needed to get back to the kitchen and headed up to the study instead. She just hoped she had enough time to deliver the king his tea and ask about Lianne before she started her chores.
When she arrived, she found two men she didn't recognize standing across the hall, talking quietly, and learned the king was with someone and she would have to wait. She turned to leave, figuring she'd just have to come back later, but then the door opened and a well-dressed young man stepped outside. He appeared to be in his early twenties, solidly built with brown hair, but he had a look on his face that suggested he wasn't at all pleased. He started toward the men across the hall, but then he noticed Erynn and frowned, as if he thought she looked familiar. Still, he didn't pause and soon he and the other men were gone and the guards were ushering Erynn inside to see the king.
Her mouth went dry the second she stepped into the study and the door closed behind her. The room seemed different to her now. Sinister. A reminder of everything she had heard there only hours before and how she still needed to find a way to warn Gareth. The balcony doors stood open in the sun, the heavy blue drapes pulled back, but she could still smell the dust and feel the itch of the fabric on her skin. On the other side of the room, the cabinet doors stood slightly ajar, the history book visible on the top shelf. Her eyes searched the floor, looking for any pieces of jewelry she might have missed, but she saw none.
The king sat at his desk, gazing down at a letter in his hand. The dark circles under his eyes had faded, but he still looked tired. He had the map out in front of him, but the rest of the desk was bare.
"I have just learned Lord Brison is ill," he said as she approached. "I had hoped he would be here for the banquet tonight. That was his son, Jeth." He folded up the letter and slipped it inside the top drawer.
Erynn was sad to hear the king's friend wasn't well, and even more curious why his son seemed so displeased. At least now she understood the recognition on his face. Lord Brison did say her father had brought her to his house when she was younger. Perhaps Jeth had seen her when she was there. Not sure what to say, she just pulled the parchment-wrapped package from her pocket and set it on the desk. "I picked up more tea, Your Grace."
The king reached across the desk and picked it up. "Good. Did you have any trouble leaving the castle?"
Erynn thought about Marik, but she knew if she said a word the king would only ask questions. "No, Your Grace."
He seemed surprised. "None at all?"
"Mirella did want to send her driver, but I told her what you said."
The king stared at her, until Erynn started to wonder if he somehow knew she was lying, but then he looked away, toward the window.
"Perhaps I was mistaken," he said, his voice quiet. He slipped the tea in the drawer.
"Your Grace?"
The king smiled and motioned to the door. "That will be all, Erynn. I will send for some tea later, after the banquet." He shifted his attention to the map and pulled it closer.
Erynn hesitated, not wanting to leave until she'd asked about Lianne. She wasn't sure how best to bring it up, so finally just blurted it out. "Your Grace? Do you think Princess Lianne's in danger from the Galians?"
The king's head jerked up. "Lianne? What would make you ask that?"
Erynn flushed, not quite expecting the sudden intensity of his gaze. "I – I was just trying to figure out why they're here, Your Grace. You said once that they didn't get on with her father, after he broke off her engagement to Prince Thade. I thought she might be of some use to them. Perhaps to control her father."
The king glanced back down at the map and the kingdom of Verdan up in the northeast corner. "Naedra certainly wasn't happy that she married Gareth, even though it was her own fault, but I doubt there's still enough conflict to send men all the way here for her. And I'm sure Lianne's father would have sent word if he had concerns."
Erynn wondered if Lianne was still receiving letters from home, or if Holden was now screening those letters, too.
The king raised his head, and this time his eyes were slightly narrowed. "It is an odd question to ask, Erynn. An odd conclusion to have made. Have you heard something? Perhaps some gossip around the castle? It is very important that you tell me if you have."
"No, Your Grace," Erynn said, shaking her head. "I was just wondering. I saw her after they arrived and she didn't seem very happy. I guess it started me thinking."
"Lianne understands the danger the Galians pose. As does her husband, which is why he went to Ridan. Unfortunately, my other son does not." The king paused. "Erynn, if you should hear anything like that about Lianne — or any other reasons why the Galians might be here — I want you to tell me right away. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Your Grace."
The king sat back in his chair, his eyes returning to the map.
Erynn waited for him to dismiss her again, but soon she noticed a rushing sound — the exact same one she had heard in the throne room the day the Galians arrived — and a dull ache broke out across her brow. She blinked and shook her head, but neither went away.
"Have you seen my son today?" the king asked.
Erynn almost didn't hear him. The rushing sound was growing louder and a rush of anxiety was building inside. She rubbed her temples, thinking maybe she should have risked going to the kitchen for something to eat before she headed down to the village. "No, Your Grace."
"So he has not tasked you with anything?"
The question sounded casual, but Erynn found something about it strange. Holden had never once asked her to do anything. Ever. Other than leave the room when he wanted to speak to his father. But before she could answer, a sudden commotion rose outside — men were shouting all around the inner ward.
A blanket of darkness swept over the room and a bone-chilling scream ripped through the air. The entire castle seemed to shudder.
Erynn's eyes flew to the painting of Krystalix. She had heard that scream before.
"Not again!" the king said, looking up. Then he was on his feet and heading for the balcony.
Erynn clamped her hands over her ears, the rushing sound growing even louder. Once again she felt an almost overwhelming urge to run — a feeling that she wasn't safe in the castle — but she resisted. She had to. She had nowhere else to go.
Darkness passed over the room again — and then it was gone.
Erynn lowered her hands. And before she knew it she was outside on the balcony, next to the king. Gazing up at the dragon.
She had forgotten how big he was.
Krystalix sailed low over the castle, his golden wings outstretched and his head turned to watch the people below. He passed over the outer walls, banked slowly, and flew high over the forest and lake west of the castle as he came back around.
Erynn squeezed her eyes closed. She could still see her father lying motionless on the road. See the terror on the faces of the Galian soldiers as the dragon swooped down and snatched them from their saddles. See the falcon soar up into the air and be snapped up in those massive jaws.
Krystalix screamed again and this time, when she opened her eyes, she saw him descend toward the outer walls, passing over the soldiers patrolling the walkways and disappearing out of sight behind the keep. She searched the sky, waiting for him to reappear, and seconds later he flew over the castle — right above them — and so low she could see the light colored scales of his belly and feel the rush of heat in his wake.
/> Men were still shouting down in the courtyard and running around the side of the keep toward the stables. Krystalix banked over the forest and came back around, and this time it wasn't long after he disappeared behind the keep that Erynn smelled smoke.
"He's attacking the stables," she said, barely aware she'd spoken the thought out loud.
The king didn't turn his head. "He wants the Galians to leave."
Erynn was about to ask him why — to even insist this time that he tell her what he knew about the dragon and his strange behavior — when another thought entered her head.
Adena!
Erynn turned and fled back inside.
"Wait, Erynn!" the king cried after her. "It's too dangerous!"
But Erynn didn't listen. She raced out of the study and down the hall towards the stairs.
Out in the rear ward, the middle stable was on fire. Flames were already reaching for the sky from the roof and upper windows, and slowly creeping down to the main level, but so far the other two buildings remained untouched. A crowd had gathered behind the main keep, many of them servants who had come out to see what was going on, and almost all were staring up at the dragon as he circled overhead. Soldiers were scrambling to put together a line of men from the well tower at the back of the ward, stablehands were leading terrified horses from the stables and taking them around to the courtyard, and at least two dozen archers were arranging themselves out in front of the crowd.
Erynn could still hear the rushing in her ears and feel the dull ache in her brow, but she ignored them as she made her way through the crowd. She saw familiar faces everywhere, women from the kitchen, men who worked in the stables and around the ward, but she saw no sign of her friend.
Marik stood in front of the crowd, shouting orders to the archers as they lined up and raised their arrows towards the dragon. Waiting for him to descend for another attack.
Erynn stopped and glanced up — suddenly afraid Krystalix might be hurt.
The dragon dropped down for another pass, unleashing a massive ball of fire on the stable roof and sending the flames even higher.
"Fire!" Marik yelled.
Dozens of arrows sailed up into the sky, but Krystalix saw them coming and easily flew up out of reach. He circled high overhead, his head turned to watch the scene below.
Erynn continued her search through the crowd, looking for her friend and eventually retracing her steps when she failed to find her. She was getting anxious now. The middle stable was where both the Galian soldiers and their horses were staying during their visit, and Adena did say she was supposed to work there today. So where was she?
Minutes later Erynn still hadn't found her and now it seemed most of the horses had been evacuated from the stables and cleared from the rear yard, the last few still being lead by stablehands around to the front of the keep.
Erynn paused near the front of the crowd, and as she gazed back along the line of archers to Marik, she saw he was staring at her. He had the strangest look on his face — like he was furious with her — but then one of his men shouted something and he turned away. Another man was running toward him across the ward, his face red and streaked with sweat. Behind him, the upper floor of the middle stable was now completely engulfed in flames and the fire spreading quickly through the lower level.
"Did they get all the horses out?" Marik yelled.
The man had a grave look on his face. "All but one, sir. Lord Caden's horse. He went crazy when the dragon attacked. No one could get near him."
Marik cursed, but before he could say anything further, Krystalix screamed and dove towards the stables again. "Fire!"
Another volley of arrows tore through the air, reaching for the dragon, but he changed his path and flew higher.
Erynn scanned the crowd once more, fear gnawing at her stomach. Then shouts rang out and people started pointing to the middle stable.
A large black horse had emerged from the building, passing through a gap in the flames. He galloped straight for the crowd, wild-eyed, and then veered sharply right as half a dozen Galians ran forward to intercept him. As he passed alongside the crowd, a rider became visible on his back — pressed down low against his neck.
It was Adena!
The stallion skirted the crowd and headed for the courtyard.
Erynn felt a surge of relief and ran after them.
By the time she reached the courtyard, the stallion had slowed and was pacing back and forth beneath the inner wall on the far side of the ward. Adena was talking to him and rubbing his neck, trying to calm him down. He stopped briefly and she slipped down, one hand still gripping a rope fixed to his halter. Several of the Galians advanced, causing the stallion to shy — his nostrils flared and his ears flat back — but she managed to hold on.
"Stay back!" she yelled.
The Galians paid no attention. One lunged toward her and snatched the rope from her hands, knocking her to the ground. The stallion reared, kicking at the man and trying to bolt, but he held on and another darted in and grabbed his halter. Together, they slowly lead the stallion toward the stairs, where the rest of the horses from the second stable were waiting.
Erynn ran to her friend. "You alright?"
"Fine," Adena muttered, glaring at the Galians as she picked herself up and brushed the dirt from her clothes. Her face was red and glistening with sweat, her hair singed, but otherwise she appeared unharmed.
"You know that was crazy, right? You could have been killed."
"I couldn't leave him in there. No matter who his master is." Adena seemed unable to tear her eyes away from the Galians, but finally she glanced up. "Is he gone?"
Erynn realized it was quiet. She could still hear the shouts of the men battling the fire on the other side of the main keep and see the smoke rising up into the sky — for her, the air seemed almost overwhelmingly thick with it — but she saw no sign of Krystalix. Just the king up on his balcony, watching her. She looked away, hoping she wasn't in trouble for disobeying his orders. "I guess so."
"Why did he attack like that?"
"The king thinks he wants the Galians to leave."
"Well he certainly destroyed the stable. But I don't think he got any of them." Adena paused, her eyes on the Galians again. "I saw something interesting before he attacked, though. Marik almost got into a fight with some guy in the stables. A young guy, dressed like a lord's kid. He seemed pretty upset about something."
Erynn frowned. "Brown hair?"
"You know who he is?"
"Jeth Brison. Lord Brison's son. He was talking to the king when I got back from the village, but didn't look very pleased when he left. The king said his father was sick and couldn't make it to the banquet."
"Well, I couldn't hear what they were talking about, but he didn't seem very pleased to see Marik, either. I don't think I've ever seen anyone stand up to him like that."
Erynn remembered the smile on Marik's face when she saw him in the village; the way he acted like running into her was just a coincidence. "He was probably in the stables looking for me. Thinking I'd come to see you. He followed me to the village."
"Followed you?" Adena said, looking surprised.
"Holden has to be worried I might try to send this letter to Gareth myself. Maybe Quinn did tell him what he saw last night."
"But why doesn't Marik just take it? Or lock you up?"
"I don't know. Maybe they still will."
"Did you find Sheldon?"
"No," Erynn said, and then she rather reluctantly told her friend what she had learned in the village — leaving out the part about the herbalist's mother.
When she was done, Adena raised her hands to her head. "See? I told you it's too dangerous to do this yourself. And now Marik probably knows you've been asking about Sheldon."
Erynn crossed her arms over her chest. Part of her knew her friend was right, but the other didn't see what else she could do. "Well, they can't arrest me for simply asking about a falconer."
"I wouldn't be too sure," Adena said. She sighed and ran a hand through her hair, seeming like she wanted to say something more but knowing it was pointless. She eyed the Galians again. "So what are you going to do?"
Erynn was about to say she still didn't know, but her friend stiffened and she turned to follow her gaze.
Holden and Lord Caden had emerged through the main doors of the keep and were walking down the stairs. They paused to check on Lord Caden's horse, who seemed to have finally settled down, and then talk to the other Galians. One of the men pointed towards Adena.
"Great," Adena muttered.
Holden smiled, spoke a few words to Lord Caden, and then they both started across the courtyard.
Erynn gasped and turned back toward her friend, trying to hide her face and wishing with all her heart that she could disappear. She had half a mind to leave Adena and run, to get as far away from Lord Caden as she could, but Holden was clearly walking toward them and there was no time. And deep down inside she knew she would have to face her father's killer sooner or later.
"Adena," Holden said as they approached. "Lord Caden wanted to come and thank you personally for saving his horse. That wasn't just a spectacular ride; it was also very courageous."
Adena gave a slight nod, seeming uncomfortable with the attention. "Your Grace."
Lord Caden cleared his throat. "Yes, we saw the whole thing from the balcony. Very brave indeed. That horse can be a handful at times, but I've had him for years. And I'm glad I still will."
Adena gave another short nod. "My Lord."
Erynn's heart was pounding. She had her head down, her eyes on the ground, but she could feel Holden's gaze. And Lord Caden's.
"What did you think, Erynn?" Holden asked. "Is your friend a hero?"
Erynn slowly raised her head. Holden was smiling, and as he turned to glance at Lord Caden, her own eyes shifted and met those of her father's killer. She expected a frown, or a sudden flash of recognition, but she saw neither. The recognition was already there. He knew exactly who she was and how they had met before, and didn't seem at all bothered or surprised to see her again. One corner of his mouth raised up in a smile and she looked away, back at Holden. "Yes, Your Grace. But then I always knew she was good with horses."
Holden laughed. "Yes. I'm sure Keegan would be so proud if he were here."
Lord Caden turned to Adena. "Holden tells me you're Keegan Fields' daughter?"
Adena nodded again, although somewhat stiffer this time. "Yes, my Lord."
"I've heard of him, but can't say I've had the pleasure. If I ever do, I'll be sure to mention what I saw here today."
Erynn immediately had the sense he was lying. Something in his voice.
"Well, I think such a feat deserves a reward," Holden said. "And I have a fine idea. Why don't the two of you join us in the hall for breakfast tomorrow? I was planning to send a letter to Queen Naedra and King Krone, thanking them for the visit, and since Erynn is my father's official scribe, it seems only appropriate that she write it. Bring a quill and some parchment, Erynn. I'll have Mirella set a couple of places at one of the tables."
Erynn thought her jaw might hit the ground. Holden was inviting them to breakfast? Something about the request unsettled her, but she simply swallowed and nodded her head. "Yes, Your Grace."
Seconds later, the men turned and headed back to the keep.
Erynn watched them go, unable to move.
"That was odd," Adena said when they were out of earshot. "Has Holden ever asked you to write a letter for him before?"
"Adena, he just invited us to breakfast."
"So it's beyond odd. Why do you think he did it?"
"I don't know, but it can't be about you saving that horse. I doubt he cares."
"Are you going to go?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"But I thought the king told you to stay away from Lord Caden?"
Erynn kept her eyes down but had a strong feeling the king was still watching from the balcony — and that he had seen the entire exchange. "He did. But that was because he didn't want Lord Caden to recognize me." She paused, remembering the look on the Galian's face. "I could see it in his eyes, Adena. He already knew. He must have seen me earlier."
Adena shrugged. "I doubt he'll do anything. He probably doesn't want anyone to know what he did."
Erynn wished she had her friend's confidence, but her only reassurance was that at least this visit by the Galians was almost over. This time tomorrow Lord Caden and his men would be gone. She just wished she'd found a way to get justice for her father. And to safely warn both Gareth and Lianne, if that was who they'd come for. "I think he was lying about your father. He has met him."
"Why would he lie about that?"
"Might be awkward. Especially if the rumors are true and your father is working for them." It was difficult for Erynn to say, but she had a feeling her friend had already accepted those rumors as true. Even if she couldn't admit it.
"Well, he doesn't strike me as someone who'd have trouble with awkward," Adena muttered. She started toward the stables, but hadn't gone more than a few feet when she gasped and whirled back around. "Wait — you don't suppose that has something to do with it?"
Erynn didn't understand. "Do with what?"
"What if my father's done something? If he is working for the Galians. What if …" Adena went pale. "What if it's me?"
Erynn still wasn't following. "You what?"
"What if it's me Naedra wants? What if it's not Lianne at all?"