Song of the Wolf, page 6
I cannot believe I thought the matter simple three weeks ago.
Talin took her seat at the head of the meeting table and produced the letter.
“My lords, thank you for gathering on such short notice,” she said. “I have here a reply, of sorts, from the Drakels.” She slid the parchment to Lord Wormwood. “My lord, if you would be so kind as to read the contents of this message to the council at large.”
Wormwood unfolded the note and did as he was bid. Talin saw Lord Cassius’ brow crease as he read on. Corvan stroked his chin, looking deep in thought.
“This is not the news we had hoped for,” Cassius said once Wormwood had finished. “The Drakels are in no position to help us if they are still recovering from the political instability caused by their civil war.”
“We cannot risk sending out a delegation if we have no guarantee of the Drakels’ aid,” Wormwood said. “With the Hellhounds on the march, we must fortify the city. Begin our siege preparations.”
“Surely we can spare some resources to send a delegation,” Talin said. “If the Hellhounds break through our northern lines, we have nothing left. We need allies.”
“I’m…inclined to agree with Lord Wormwood, Your Majesty,” Lord Karl said. “Belanore is well-equipped for an extended siege and easily fortified. If we concentrate our resources on locking down the city, we may be able to repel the Hellhounds. They cannot penetrate our walls without siege weapons.”
“Lord Cassius?” Talin asked.
“I’m no expert on warfare, Your Majesty,” Cassius said. “But I know that Lord Wormwood has experience aplenty in that field. I see no reason not to trust his judgement.”
“Master Corvan?”
“Sending a delegation will be risky, Your Majesty,” Corvan said. “They will need to pass through the Western Forts, past Hellhound-occupied territory. Much as I agree that we need allies, I am afraid that Lord Wormwood is right. We do not have the resources to spare.”
Talin let out a long breath. “Very well, it appears that I am outvoted. Lord Wormwood, talk to Brakis and Commander Hesar. Ensure they have the appropriate funds and resources to begin preparing the city for a siege. Lord Karl, inform the city that Belanore will be put under emergency protocol if the Hellhounds break through at Vill’s Crossing. This council is dismissed.”
Her advisors bowed to her before making their exits, though she noticed that Wormwood lingered behind again, staring at the map on the table. Talin followed his gaze to the pin that marked Vill’s Crossing to the northwest.
“Something on your mind, my lord?” she asked.
“On the record, I suggested we prepare for a siege, to be safe,” Wormwood said. “I know many people consider you inexperienced, given that you’re barely of ruling age. We must show them that that you are just as capable as your father was, if not more.”
Talin could see where this was going. “And…off the record?”
“Off the record, as your father’s friend and your advisor, I would agree with you,” Wormwood said. “Protecting the city will mean nothing if the Hellhounds sweep through the kingdom anyway.”
“What do you propose?”
“Ride out yourself. See if you can negotiate a treaty with the Drakels in person.”
Talin slid into an empty seat and rubbed her eyes. By the gods, he must be mad. But Wormwood’s suggestion, as absurd as it sounded, did have some merit. Travelling to the Draconian Empire herself would save the time needed to put together an entire delegation, and if she truly could succeed here, then…
Then what? You’ll be hailed a hero?
The thought was, much as she was loath to admit it, tempting.
“You propose I ride past the Western Forts personally to strike a treaty with these Drakels?” she said.
“Yes,” Wormwood said. “Think about it. Putting together a delegation will take up the time we need to prepare for a siege. You need only select an escort from among the ranks of your Royal Guard. If you succeed, you will have proven to your people how capable you are, and they will have seen your bravery in riding past the western front.”
“I…” Talin began. This is not what rulership means. A good ruler does not seek fame.
And yet…
“I truly believe this to be the best course of action,” Wormwood said. “And I truly believe that you are Kies Tor’s final hope. Your father would agree.”
“Very well.” Talin let out a long breath. “I’ll…think on it, my lord. Thank you.”
“Of course, Your Majesty, any time.”
She studied the maps for a little while longer before making her way back to her study, a plan already beginning to form in her mind. If she were to ride west to negotiate with the Drakels, she would have to bypass her council entirely, and she knew that Master Corvan was the only one who would understand such a decision. Despite Wormwood’s words of reassurance, she was sure her father would scold her for it if he were here.
Father isn’t here.
Perhaps she knew deep down that she needed her parents’ guidance; Queen Elora had passed when she and Ettrias were only toddlers, and her father had been left to rule alone. She wondered what might be different if her mother were here to help her rule.
Under normal circumstances, she could simply convene the Royal Council again come morning and explain her decision to overrule them. But there was a slight complication in Ettrias and Red Wolf both being in custody; without her in Belanore, Wormwood might decide to hold their trials, and the court might sentence one or both of them to death. A well-meaning gesture on his part, no doubt, but she couldn’t take that risk. Even if she gave explicit orders to wait for her return, he might not understand the delicacy of the situation.
Master Corvan was already waiting for her by the time she reached her study, having been let in by one of the palace staff. Talin dismissed the guard outside, as well as her handmaids, and closed the door behind her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the old healer lift his brow.
“I suppose you did not call me here for a friendly chat, Your Majesty,” he said.
“No.” Talin went to the nearby cabinet and poured two cups of wine. “Lord Wormwood was kind enough to make some suggestions after our meeting. I have a plan to gain some allies, but I’ll need your help. I only ask that you hear me out.”
“I’m listening,” Corvan said.
“I need to ride west to negotiate with the Drakels without the knowledge of the rest of the Royal Council,” she explained, choosing her words carefully.
Corvan visibly paled but thankfully remained silent.
“You and Lord Wormwood will tell them I planned a visit to Fort Saria after the council meeting to see what further reinforcements we can reassign to Vill’s Crossing,” Talin continued. “Meanwhile, I need to sneak out of the city under cover of darkness and take the road through Stormwood. I know Captain Golmin will help—because my plan involves freeing Red Wolf and Ettrias.”
“You cannot be serious,” the old healer said softly.
“I am. I cannot risk Red Wolf’s and Ettrias’ trials going ahead without me. We both know that one or both of them will be sentenced to death,” Talin said. “Master Corvan, you’ve always been opposed to the death penalty in Kies Tor. Help me here. I could overrule the High Court when I return.”
Corvan sighed. “I suppose there is no changing your mind.”
“My mind is made up,” Talin said. “I need you to remain here and keep my council in check.”
“Why do this? Against your council’s advice, no less?”
“We need allies, Corvan. You and I both know there is no other way to win this war.”
“Then send a delegation, Your Majesty,” Corvan said, leaning in. “There are alternatives. Do not put yourself in harm’s way so recklessly. Kies Tor does not need to lose another ruler.”
“I have to do this,” Talin said. “Corvan, please. You’ve served the royal family since my grandfather’s time. I only ask this one favour.”
Do you have to do this? Or are you doing it because you want recognition?
She pushed the thoughts from her mind.
“Very well.” Corvan rubbed his chin. “I…suppose…you’ll want me to do something.”
“Write back to the Drakel rebel and tell them to expect our arrival,” Talin said. “Otherwise, you must make yourself seem uninvolved in anything I’m planning. Preoccupy yourself somehow. Perhaps some light reading in the library or research on the Hellhounds, I don’t know. Either way, make yourself seen.”
“Of course,” Corvan said, nodding his understanding. “I still cannot say I approve of this plan, Your Majesty.”
“I know. It’s a lot to ask. Just trust me.”
Corvan finished his wine and rose. “Good luck, Your Majesty. I’ll be in the library, as always, doing some…light reading, was it?” His eyes twinkled with amusement as he reached the door and glanced back.
Talin smiled. “My brother used to think that you did nothing else.”
“Hah! Perhaps he’s right.” The door closed behind him. Talin let out a long breath. She would have to find Golmin now to explain her plan to him and bid him to arrange some way to sneak Ettrias out of the palace.
After that…
she would have to face Red Wolf.
VIII
The dungeons were silent. Talin could hear the occasional prisoner moving behind iron bars and the soft ringing of her footsteps down the corridor, but other than that, she heard nothing. With a torch in her right hand and a key in her left, she forced herself onwards, through the endless rows of cells and dark passageways. She knew where to go; Golmin’s instructions had been clear enough. It was the thought of facing Red Wolf that sent her stomach plummeting.
Ettrias was innocent all along, and it was Red Wolf’s fault that nobody knew.
Talin pushed the thought out of her head and rounded a corner. Golmin had snuck the key to Red Wolf’s cell out of the prison warden’s office earlier and later drew his attention to it by questioning him about losing the same key that she now held. A clever tactic, she had to admit, if risky. Golmin had to rely on his status as Captain of the Royal Guard.
She stopped in front of Red Wolf’s cell and slipped her torch into a nearby bracket.
“An odd time for a visit.” In the darkness of the space beyond, a giant’s outline stirred from a narrow bench. “Unless you’re not here for a visit.”
Talin stepped closer as Red Wolf stood. “No. I’m here for something else.”
“Not an official confession, though. You wouldn’t have come alone for that.” Her bodyguard looked at her, golden eyes burning into her. In the dark, they almost seemed to glow.
“We received word from the Drakels earlier today,” Talin said.
Red Wolf lifted his brow. “You came down here just to tell me this?”
“I came here for your help,” Talin said. “I’m riding west. Tonight. And I’m taking you and Ettrias with me. My council doesn’t know. Corvan is to tell them that I’m visiting Fort Saria, and that he and Wormwood will lead the council in my absence. But I cannot risk you and Ettrias’ trials going ahead without me, not when one or both of you could be executed.”
There was a beat.
“…Red Wolf?”
“Are you out of your mind? Gods above, I could call you naïve, but this is suicidal!” Red Wolf snapped. “You go against your own council’s advice. You plan to free two suspected criminals just so the court won’t execute either of us in your absence. And you plan to ride through enemy territory with no escort of any kind! All for what? So you can play the hero? You are responsible for the lives of thousands in this city alone. Have you learned nothing of rulership from your father?”
Talin hadn’t anticipated he would be this stubborn; here she was with an offer of freedom, and he was lecturing her on responsibility.
“My mind’s made up, Red Wolf,” she hissed through her teeth. “I’m offering you a way out of this cell, and maybe even the opportunity to walk free entirely. Just take it, please, for both our sakes.”
“I…” Red Wolf looked away. “If…my queen…commands it.”
“You know I won’t make you do this,” Talin said. “I only ask for your help. As a friend.”
Red Wolf met her gaze again. “I will help you on one condition. Ashera leaves Belanore with us. And if she doesn’t wish to stay on this journey, we find someone willing to look after her until our return.”
“I can work with that.” Talin turned the key in his cell and let the door swing open. “Captain Golmin has gone to free Ettrias. He’ll meet you at the tapestry on the ground floor while I fetch the horses. We’ll have to detour to the barracks for your squire beforehand.”
“I understand,” Red Wolf said, taking the torch from her.
“Let’s go, then—” Talin began. Her bodyguard silenced her with a finger to her lips as he cocked his head and lifted an ear.
“The guard’s coming this way. Lock the door back up.” He moved to step back into his cell, thrusting the torch into her hands again.
We can’t play that out, the warden ‘lost’ the key.
“No, that won’t work, and in any case, I can’t be seen with you tonight—” Talin was cut off when the torchlight from the guard rounded a corner, followed soon by the man himself.
Red Wolf let out a long breath. “Orrlát.”
He lunged out of the cell in the blink of an eye and barrelled into the guard, knocking him down. The torch and crossbow flew from his grasp and skidded across the floor. Red Wolf reached for the weapon, but the guard was faster, snatching it up as the two of them struggled.
Talin felt as if time had slowed. The guard aimed his crossbow. Red Wolf straightened.
Golden energy flickered around her bodyguard a split second before the crossbow bolt slammed into an invisible barrier an inch from his face…and splintered.
He’s a Weaver. That’s why his eyes are the colour of gold, I knew that…
It was true; some part of her had always known her bodyguard possessed magic and wasn’t surprised by this revelation. She watched on in silence instead as he slipped behind the guard and wrapped his arm around the man’s neck in a tight chokehold. The guard went limp a few seconds later.
“Apologies, you’ll be sore when you wake,” she heard him mutter under his breath.
“I— are you alright?” Talin asked.
“Fine. You saw the shield.” Red Wolf reloaded the guard’s crossbow and set it down by the man’s side, then snatched up the bolt that had splintered against his shield. “With any luck, Rufus will be able to convince him that he hallucinated this whole event and passed out from dehydration.”
“You’re a Weaver.”
“Yes. I can channel protection magic. Quite fitting for the royal bodyguard, I know,” he said. “But this is not new information to you. Most of the palace suspects I possess some form of magic. Unlike you.”
“You know that…I’m a Weaver too?” Talin asked.
“Yes.”
“What— how? My father said that nobody was to know—”
Red Wolf took the torch from her hands and led the way back out of the dungeons. “And who do you think told King Arnas that his daughter was a Weaver? We can sense each other’s magic.”
“I can’t sense…” Talin’s voice trailed off. She could feel an odd sort of aura that always followed Red Wolf around if she let herself focus. She’d dismissed it before as her imagination, but now, looking at him…
“In any case, this is not the time or place for such a discussion,” Red Wolf said. “If you plan to ride west, we will need supplies and weapons for a month’s travel, given the storm season. And there’s still the matter of fetching Ashera.”
“I have supply packs ready in the cellar,” Talin said. “One of us could pick them up while the other finds your squire.”
“Very well. I can take the supplies if you find Ashera and our weapons,” Red Wolf said. “Take the south staircase from the ground level and count the steps until you reach twenty. Pull on the torch bracket to your left and take the secret passageway to the barracks there. We’ll meet at the butcher’s shop on Thieves Lane.” He snuffed out the torch. “Light attracts too much attention. Rely on your other senses.”
“Alright. Good luck,” Talin said.
“You too, my queen.”
They parted ways there, him taking a left turn, her taking a right. She did as he bid her, taking the southern staircase upwards. It was hard work in the dark, but she kept track of how many steps she’d taken and stopped on the stairwell at twenty. The torch and bracket were there, as he’d said, though she had to feel around for a while. She gave it a sharp tug upwards. It responded with a quiet click, and the wall beside it parted to reveal a narrow corridor leading into complete darkness. Talin hesitated there for a moment before stepping inside. Red Wolf had better be right about this.
She emerged again sometime later in the familiar hallway to the barracks. From there, it was easy to locate Ashera and convince her to put on some travelling clothes. They collected two spare swords, two daggers, and Red Wolf’s belongings before departing. The girl didn’t ask questions, thankfully, though her unease was evident enough. Talin gave her the quick version of events as they made their way to the stables.
“Why are we being so secretive? You’re the queen. You can do whatever you like,” Ashera said.
“That would be wonderful, but it’s not possible, not in this day and age. I have to be careful whom I trust,” Talin said. That and freeing Red Wolf and Ettrias is highly illegal.
“You…trust me?” Ashera asked.
Not particularly.
“You’re Red Wolf’s squire,” Talin responded, carefully dodging the question. It seemed to be enough to satisfy the girl, in any case, and she kept her mouth shut.
Golmin had mentioned that a secret passageway out of the palace was hidden behind the tapestry adorning one of the hallways on the ground floor, and that the exit led to a butcher’s shop on Thieves Lane. How he and Red Wolf were so well-versed in the palace’s secret passageways, she was unsure, but it mattered little right now. As long as they could all make it out of Belanore without arousing suspicion, she was willing to overlook whatever secrets they might know about the palace architecture. Talin peeked around the corner to the stables before ushering Ashera inside.
