Steel and Sorrow (41 page)

He couldn’t see the rest of the details that transpired after Tobin jumped down into battle, but from the outcry among the Red Mountain Clan and the cheering from the Blue Island Clan Nareash knew that Tobin had killed Charu. He expected the enemy’s forces to fall apart as the Yellow Plain Clan did after Tobin had killed Sunul. However, the death of Charu did little to dampen the resolve of the enemy, if anything it may have strengthened it.

They know what happened to the Yellow Plain Clan and they’ve seen what Tobin and his army is capable of. Why would they roll over now?

Though Nareash knew the Blue Island Clan would eventually win he could not ignore the costs of victory. If he let things continue as they were, it would be harder for him to accomplish his own goals.

He calmed himself and narrowed his focus on the enemy’s lines. He had never attempted a spell over so large a group before, but it would be the easiest way to ensure a victory for Tobin without anyone realizing he had a hand in the outcome.

Reaching out with his mind, he felt the hate, the rage, and the resolve of the enemy’s men. Underlying those emotions he felt their fear as well. He dampened all other feelings except fear until it swelled into doubt and then panic. The enemy lines buckled and the Blue Island Clan pushed forward.

Nareash held the spell as the slaughter began. The outer ranks of the Green Forest Clan and Red Mountain Clan peeled away. Some retreating to Feruse where they hoped to find refuge in the Green Forest Clan’s capital. Others, made their way into the trees, knowing the city could not hold out.

Nareash released the spell and let momentum do the rest. His head felt light which he expected, but a sense of pride rose in his chest. He knew that no one, not even Amcaro, had attempted to impose their will on so many at once before.

He headed back to camp with the remainder of the battle a formality.

Chapter 29

Tobin waited in the center of Feruse, on the steps of the city’s council building, as members of the Green Forest Clan’s governing body pledged their loyalty to him. Part of his army filled out the crowd watching the spectacle while Walor led the rest to hunt down those who had fled at the battle’s conclusion.

The more affluent members of the Green Forest Clan congregated on the council building’s steps. They wore heavy expressions while listening to one of their own speak.

Jolnan had surrendered the Green Forest Clan’s capital as a representative of Feruse’s populace. The bald man sought to advise Tobin on how best to transition the Green Clan over to his rule while also culling the remainder of the Red Mountain Clan army. The councilor completed his long-winded speech and faced Tobin. “I hope you found my words satisfactory,” he said in a low voice.

“It could have been said simpler. You enjoy the sound of your own voice.”

Jolnan frowned. “I apologize, Warleader.”

Tobin raised a hand to silence the man. He stepped forward and gestured for Jolnan to follow him as he addressed the crowd. “Your councilman has a way with words, yet lost in his self-indulgent rambling is the meaning behind what I asked him to explain.” He paused. “You will all submit yourselves to me as your ruler.” He pointed to a pile of burning wood and hot metal as his men destroyed the Green Forest Clan’s armor and weapons. “Anyone who does otherwise will be destroyed. The clan will pay a tithe to Juanoq four times a year and the representative I leave behind to govern you will speak with my voice. That representative was supposed to be Jolnan, but I see he is a poor choice. He thinks he can persuade me with his silver tongue. He’s wrong.” Tobin unsheathed his dagger and drove it into the gut of the councilman. Jolnan fell over, clutching his stomach. Tobin pointed randomly to another councilman. “What’s your name?”

“H-Hitat,” the man stuttered.

“Hitat is your new representative. Is that clear?”

The crowd took a knee and bowed their heads.

* * *

Nareash examined the deep red walls of the room while waiting for Tobin to return from his rounds of the city. He admired the craftsmanship, but not enough to find the place memorable. Juanoq had been the only inhabited city in Hesh to truly impress the High Mage since his arrival.

Bazraki was an awful military leader, but he knew how to build a city.

The door clicked open and Nareash turned.

Tobin paused at the entrance before shutting the door behind him. “What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for you, of course. We have things to discuss.”

Tobin dropped most of his weapons to the floor, keeping only a dagger at his side. “Such as?”

“When we’ll be returning to Juanoq.”

Tobin frowned. “I assumed you’d want to travel to Guaronope first and at least exact your revenge on the council of the Red Mountain Clan.”

“Charu’s dead. That’s good enough for me.”

Tobin gave Nareash a befuddled look. “Why are you in such a hurry to return home?”

“Because I have other goals.”

“Are you going to explain them to me?”

“I will once we reach Juanoq.”

Tobin tightened his jaw. “And why can’t you tell me here?”

“Because I’d feel more comfortable talking about my goals after I’ve looked at your mind. The more I’ve thought about what Soyjid did, the more I think you should be in familiar surroundings when I do so. It will keep you focused.”

“So there’s a risk something could go wrong?”

Nareash nodded. “There’s always a risk when dealing with one’s mind.”

“Then why should I have you look at my mind at all? Since the battle ended, I’ve felt better. More in control of myself.”

Nareash raised an eyebrow. “You call killing the man who had been your representative to the Green Forest Clan in front of everyone, controlling yourself? Or what about the fifty officers of the Red Mountain Clan you hanged
after
they pledged their allegiance to you.”

“I didn’t want to take the risk they would turn back on their word and stage a revolt.”

“Sound reasoning. But before I left for Quarnoq you wouldn’t have made that decision.”

Nareash watched as Tobin paced the room. The High Mage waited as his friend considered his words.

Tobin rubbed his temples. “We’ll leave in two days.”

Chapter 30

The gray sky of evening placed an ominous feeling over the thin forest. Rygar cleared their passage with one of the hidden sentries and the three riders continued into camp. Elyse breathed a long sigh of relief that they had finally made it safely to her army.

The hard journey had left her saddle-sore. Kroke had forced Rygar into a brutal pace, and a trip she thought would take at least four days only took three.

Elyse glanced over her shoulder. The ride had done little to ease the tension between her and Kroke. In their brief conversations since the inn, she noticed the mercenary’s voice had lost the hurt tone it previously held, but that was only because Kroke lacked any emotion at all when speaking with her. She had tried to understand more about what caused the rift between them around the campfire each night, but Kroke had quickly changed the subject and said ‘what’s done is done.’ It seemed that no amount of apologizing on her part could help mend the relationship.

Kroke had claimed the look Elyse wore in the dungeons made him feel inhuman. She could not recall her expression, but she imagined it wasn’t pleasant.

He was covered in gore. How was I supposed to react? I’m not a soldier. That’s not something I’m accustomed to seeing.

Rygar rode on ahead to announce her arrival. Elyse felt better knowing Kroke appeared more at ease around the young scout.

Maybe some time away from me will help. He needs to be around the Hell Patrol again. Maybe it was stupid to think that I could be friends with someone so different.

She shook her head. Their differences mattered little. After all, she called several other members her friend and despite the differences between her and the others, she couldn’t wait to see all of them.

Especially Kaz.

Her stomach fluttered. On the surface, no two people seemed more different than she and Kaz. Yet, since Jonrell’s death, she felt closer to no one.

I just dread having to meet him under these circumstances.

The camp quickly came to life and all eyes turned toward her. She spotted runners dash off into camp, spreading the word. Rygar and Kroke cleared a path before the soldiers’ excitement got out of hand. Elyse sat taller in the saddle to hide her weariness.

She had worried that they would be bitter toward her, angry to be so far from home and risking their lives so that she could secure the throne. Yet, faces brightened as she neared and soldiers dropped to a knee while bowing their heads. She urged them to their feet as she passed in order to thank them for all they had done while fighting back the urge to cry.

One Above, bless them. They’ve already been through so much.

To her right, freshly created mounds of dirt caught her attention. Massive graves for the dead.

She halted and tears ran down her cheek unchecked. She felt moved to say something. “I cannot thank you enough for all that you’ve done for your country. And this is your country, more so than it is mine. You’ve left family behind to fight for it. You’ve risked your life for what you believe is the greater good.” She paused. “By being in this army you believe that the greater good is for me to rule over this land. It’s hard for me to put into words how much that means to me. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to repay you for your efforts, at least not like each of you deserve. But I promise only the One Above himself will be able to stop me from trying!”

The soldiers raised their arms and cheered her name.

* * *

Kaz bolted through the entrance of his tent as excited shouts coalesced into one unified cry of “Queen Elyse!” He halted in his tracks, dumbstruck by the outburst, until a soldier ran up to him.

“Commander, it’s the queen. She’s here in camp,” said the private.

“Is this some joke?” asked Kaz. “The queen is in Lyrosene.”

The private shook his head. “No, sir. I promise you, it’s true. Rygar brought her in and Kroke is with her. She looks tired—like she’s been traveling for some time, but I know it’s her.”

Kaz hurried toward the gathering of soldiers. He didn’t want to believe the private, but by mentioning both Kroke and Rygar, he knew it had to be true.

His hands balled into fists.

What were you thinking Kroke? I told you to protect her, not drag her halfway across her country and endanger her life.

He rounded a set of tents where three figures sat atop mounts in the crowd of soldiers. Kroke and Rygar flanked the queen, doing their best to provide her with space. Elyse shouted something to the men, but with the distance he couldn’t make out what she said. He doubted that many others could either, but that didn’t stop them all from shouting louder when she finished.

Elyse reached down and touched the outstretched hands encircling them as Rygar and Kroke worked to clear her path. Elyse looked up and caught Kaz’s eye. The two stared at each other, momentarily oblivious to their surroundings. Kaz swallowed hard as the corners of her mouth turned upward.

Kaz continued walking toward the queen and without saying a word, soldiers parted and lowered their cheers to whispers. He noticed the condition of Elyse’s clothes and how much weight she had lost. His eyes shifted to Kroke.

What did you put her through?

He stopped several steps from Elyse’s mount and dropped to one knee. “Your Majesty, you honor us with your presence.”

The soldiers around him did the same again.

“Please rise, Commander,” said Elyse.

Kaz stood. “Your Majesty, I’m sure you’re exhausted from your journey.”

She smiled again. “I am, but not so tired that I forget my duties. We have much to discuss this evening.”

Kaz glared at Kroke. “Yes, I believe we do.”

The assassin had the nerve to return the look.

* * *

Only Kroke and Elyse followed Kaz into his command tent. He wanted the full story first before rumors started in order to decide how best to spin Elyse’s mysterious arrival.

Kaz gave them a few minutes for food and drink. Once satisfied, Elyse recounted the last few weeks. Kroke said barely a word. Kaz’s anger for the assassin subsided once he realized the man did the best he could considering the circumstances Elyse had put him in.

“You did well, Kroke. Go and get some rest. We’ll talk more later. I want to speak with the queen in private.”

Kaz watched Kroke leave, unsure what to make of the man’s behavior. He turned back to lecture Elyse, but froze when her arms wrapped themselves around his neck.

She squeezed him tightly and rested her head on his chest. The desperation in her gesture reminded him of how she hugged him after Jonrell’s death. Just as he did then, he put his arms around her, partly because he didn’t know what else to do and partly because he realized how much he wanted to.

What’s wrong with me? I already told Hag and Wiqua that I couldn’t do this.

“I’m so glad you’re alright,” she whispered. “I’ve been worried about you.”

“I’m fine.”

“I knew you would be, but that didn’t stop me from worrying.” She squeezed him again. “I missed you.”

Something about the way she said those words caused him to tense. He dropped his arms.

They were right. She does care for me.

Elyse stepped back. “Is something wrong?”

He walked over to a table, unable to look her in the eye. “No. Nothing’s wrong. I wish you had sent word that you were leaving Lyrosene. You could still be in Markus’ dungeons and I’d be totally oblivious.”

Elyse frowned. “I had Gauge send word before I left. It should have reached you by now.”

Kaz shook his head. “I haven’t received anything.”

“Strange. The messenger must have been overtaken.”

Kaz grunted. “Likely. However, I find it more strange that Markus acted as though he never sent the letter to you.”