The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil (88 page)

“Father, is everything alright?”

“No,” Thade stated flatly. “Edric, is it true that you witnessed Lord Dacian attack your sister in the courtyard within our home?”

Edric appeared uneasy at the question. He glanced hesitantly to Callum and Aiva, seemingly unsure of how to respond. Callum nodded to him, urging him to answer. “I… yes. It is true,” he stammered nervously. “The day of the betrothal ceremony between Aiva and Callum.”

“And when exactly were you planning to mention this to me?”

“Oh…” A look of realization passed over Edric’s features. He swallowed hard, considering his words carefully before speaking them out loud. “To be honest, it slipped my mind. Aiva was injured. While I was tending to her, she was frantic and ranting about how Callum was a traitor. Her accusations were so outlandish at the time… I was distracted by them and – forgot.”

“You forgot? It slipped your mind that a man tried to violate your sister? Edric, you are smarter than this,” Thade shook his head angrily. “This information would have been helpful before we left Tanispa. Without knowledge of his deeds, we allowed Dacian to accompany the unit with us here to Luquarr. Edric, you will go to the camp and find him. See him shackled and brought to the command tent. The General and I will deal with him accordingly once we have finished our business here. You and I will talk later.”

“Yes, Father.” Edric straightened his shirt, avoiding the stares of everyone watching him as he moved briskly toward the door. Varik held it open for him, a brief nod the only acknowledgement between the two men before Edric disappeared into the hallway, a soft click sounding from the locking mechanism under Varik’s hand to secure them in the room once again.

Thade turned back to Callum and Aiva, anger lingering in his eyes though the lines on his face were beginning to soften. “I am growing weary of this,” he stated. “Let us cut to the chase. Aiva, I am going to discount the entirety of Dacian’s statement. I refuse to accept it as even remotely credible. You were correct in that. So I will ask you a very important question. Do you believe these allegations to hold any truth?”

“Absolutely not. I believe the Captain is innocent of all charges of treason and while the methods of apprehension may not have been the most felicitous, it was done with the safety of our people in mind and resulted in the capture of a very dangerous enemy. Who, if I may add, had the Siscalian authorities been able to keep detained, would have prevented all of the issues we have faced in the past months.”

“The soldiers Gadiel and Maran advised that Ireni Moura was among the pirates who attacked in Palinon. Did you see the Captain and Ireni together?”

“I saw them fighting. She nearly killed him and succeeded in killing Lord Kaemin.” Aiva felt her throat contract at the mention of her friend. The heartbreak was too fresh for her to discuss Kaemin’s murder. She grimaced to picture his face as Ireni’s blade pierced his flesh. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Cadell wince, struck by the reminder of Kaemin’s untimely demise. She jumped in surprise to feel Callum’s hand rest comfortingly on her arm. A grateful smile was all she could muster in response, her mind a chaotic mess, searching for the right words which would convince her father of Callum’s innocence. “Father, I am not sure what more I can say other than that I have been an absolute fool. This man at my side now is the bravest and most loyal soldier you and General Cadell have. He is guilty of nothing but having caught the eye of a woman who, from what I have seen, suffers from severe jealousy and a significant mental instability.
She
is our enemy. Not Callum.”

Through the strain in Thade’s usually gentle features Aiva could still see the anger in the depths of his eyes. When he settled his gaze on Callum, it dwindled slightly, almost seeming relieved at what Aiva said. “Captain. Your men have attested to the method in which this Ireni was captured. None of them, however, could verify the extent of your personal affairs. I have been provided with no evidence which would suggest passage of sensitive information between you and the pirates. An ill-chosen relationship is far from treason. If it were, I think most of the people in this room would be missing their heads. I give you the floor now to state anything you desire to share in your defense.”

Aiva looked to Callum, expectant. This was his moment. He rose to his feet, the tips of his fingers lingering on Aiva’s arm, unwilling to separate from her while he spoke. “There is little which can be said that has not already been discussed,” he stated evenly. There was no tremble to his voice. Any sign of his earlier hesitance was gone, replaced by the confidence Aiva was accustomed to seeing. “To lay to rest any doubts about my relationship with the pirate Ireni, I assure you that I held no feelings for her. She desired more from me than I was willing to give. My heart has always belonged to Tanispa. That will never change. As I vowed the day I accepted my position as the Captain of your military, my life belongs to you and the Queen.”

“Very well,” Thade nodded. “Callum, you are hereby cleared of all charges laid against you. The title of Captain remains yours. General. Commander. If you feel differently on the judgment, you may speak now.” He let his eyes hover between the two men, pausing briefly on Cadell and then Varik. At their silence he gave what almost appeared to be a smile, the expression quickly fading, leaving Aiva unsure if it had ever been there at all. “Before I take my leave, there is one last matter of business,” he added, clearly unhappy about what he was about to say. “We have determined the rank of Captain to remain rightfully yours. It disheartens me now to mention the possibility of having to revoke the bond which has been formed between the Levadis and Zerne families. Callum. Aiva. It was brought to my attention that you both voiced the desire to be absolved from your marriage. I am within my right to grant this request, if it is truly what you wish.”

At her side Aiva felt Callum stiffen once again, their eyes meeting in an awkward glance. They knew the annulment could no longer be granted in good faith, even if they desired it. She took Callum’s hand in hers, urging him to sit beside her on the bed. It took little effort to get him to comply, the weight of his body sinking into the mattress, their clasped hands resting atop the blankets. “That will no longer be necessary,” she smiled up at her father. “Callum and I had plenty of time while we were away to work through our differences.”

From where Cadell stood Aiva thought she heard him laugh under his breath. Callum cleared his throat nervously, averting his gaze from his father. “If I may say so, Your Majesty, I think the marriage is sealed,” Cadell stated calmly.

Thade folded his arms across his chest. His eyes lingered on Aiva, their silver glow seeming to burn into her until she couldn’t bear it any longer, her cheeks flushed with warmth as she looked away, embarrassed. “I think you are right, General,” Thade nodded. “The Captain is lucky the ceremony was completed prior to their departure or this conversation would be much different.” Quick to change the subject, Thade motioned toward Commander Varik, the stern countenance returning to his face. “Commander, you will accompany the General and I back to camp. Captain Levadis, it is your duty to be present as well. My daughter will have to sacrifice your company for a little while.”

“Present for what, Your Majesty?” Callum asked. He squeezed Aiva’s hand, leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek while slowly rising to his feet.

“Yours is not the only trial today, it would seem. As Captain, you are expected to witness any proceedings which involve a member of the Royal Army. Dacian should be ready for the interview by the time we return to the command tent.” Thade moved swiftly to the bed where Aiva lay. In a display of fatherly affection he helped to lower her under the covers, making sure she was comfortable, his lips placing a light kiss on her forehead. She was happy to see his face, though frightened at the thought of what the men were about to do. She wanted to go with them. To see the proceedings her father spoke of. She knew it was useless to ask. He would never allow her out of bed. “You stay here, Aiva,” Thade said with a gentle smile. “Everything will be alright. I will send someone to check on you until the time when I can return here myself. Do not get out of this bed for any reason. You are not well enough yet.”

“Yes, Father,” she nodded obediently. “Will you be long? I dislike the idea of being here alone.”

“This may take some time. I am sorry. We will return as quickly as we can,” he replied. The touch of his hand was cool against her face. “Your fever seems to have broken. It will hopefully start to diminish soon. That is reassuring at least.”

Callum lingered by Aiva’s side while Thade said his farewell. Once she was safely nestled in the bed, Thade followed Cadell and Varik toward the door, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Callum wasn’t far behind. Callum took a few steps, paused in the center of the room, torn between Thade and Aiva. “Are you sure she should be left alone, Your Majesty?”

“I will have you present at the command tent for this trial. Someone will be sent to look after her,” Thade motioned him to come. “Do not tarry. Edric is waiting for us.”

He gave a final glance at Aiva, the reluctance visible in the soft glow of his eyes. Aiva returned his gaze, silently urging him to go. There was no sense in upsetting her father again over something trivial. She could endure a few hours without his company. As if in answer to her unspoken commands Callum nodded, disappearing through the door with the others. She listened for the faint click of the lock under the key. Their footsteps sounded through the hall until they reached the stairs leading to the lobby, leaving her in the unnerving quiet of her room. Alone. Although her heart flooded with joy to know that Callum was no longer at risk of punishment, she was frightened to think of what would become of Dacian. To lay a hand on the Princess was treason. A charge she was becoming all too familiar with of late. To Dacian’s misfortune, there was no one who could defend him. His charge was solid.

Left to her own thoughts she tried to force away the sinking feeling which had begun in the pit of her stomach. Dacian had wronged her. Forced his hand upon her while maliciously slandering Callum’s name in attempts to ruin him and steal her away. Whatever punishment was dealt, he was more than deserving of. And she would experience no remorse. It was a blessing. A form of retribution for the suffering his antics caused. Staring up at the ceiling she resigned herself to await word of the verdict. Her father wouldn’t take long. It would be only a matter time until they would return to tell her of his fate.

.

Chapter Twenty-Six

The light through the window of the tiny room had long since turned dark with the coming of night. Aiva’s chest tightened with every passing moment she was alone without the company of Callum or her father. Outside the streets filled with shouts and drunken laughter from the tavern, voices carried on the wind from all over town. What was taking her father so long? Dacian’s trial couldn’t still be in session. It was a simple case. His deeds were witnessed by the Prince and the Captain. What could there possibly be to discuss which would require such lengthy proceedings?

She couldn’t stand the wait any longer. Her father had directed her to remain in the room but what if something had happened? They could be in need of her assistance. Pirates flooded the city of Targas. It would be no surprise if they attacked the camp where the Vor’shai men were stationed.

Tossing the blankets aside she rose to her feet, a slight wave of dizziness leaving her vision darkened, nearly causing her to faint.. Too fast. If she was going to reach the camp, she couldn’t push herself needlessly. The fever had reached its breaking point though it remained a constant plague on her body. Her hands were cool and clammy, a thin layer of sweat along her brow. A constant reminder of her weakened condition. It didn’t matter. If her family was in trouble, she needed to be there for them. She’d fought the raiders while in the midst of her illness. A few pirates would be nothing.

Eyes on the door Aiva took a step forward, immediately aware of a breeze floating over the bare skin of her abdomen. Her clothes. They were still torn from the blade of her assailant. She couldn’t go out into the streets of Targas like this. The fabric was nothing more than shreds. If the wind blew just right, she would expose herself to everyone in town – and that couldn’t be allowed to happen. But what was there for her to do? She owned no dresses other than the outfit provided by Uttae.
What choice do you have?
It couldn’t be that bad. Given her current wardrobe, the Tuniron garment would serve to cover more of her body than her tattered chemise.

Upon their arrival Callum had laid their bag on the floor somewhere, discarded in his haste. Frantic in her motions, she hurried around the room in search of it. There. Beneath a small wooden table at the back of the room. She recognized the heavy material, splattered with mud and whatever else had sprayed against it while Callum fought the raiders. How he’d managed to keep it in his possession was a mystery. No doubt attributed to his attentiveness to detail.

Aiva dropped to her knees beside the bag, tearing it open in desperation to reach the items contained within. She found the Tuniron garment easily, the rich color of the fabric retaining its vivid hue even after everything she put it through.

The injury to her right hand hindered her movements while changing into the outfit. Determined to accomplish the task, she pushed onward, the wrap over her knuckles stretched under the strain of her fingers to clasp the belt around her waist. Her midsection was bare, the sutures on her abdomen exhibited plainly, just above her naval at a dramatic angle, each one carefully placed with expert care by her father. Reflexively she let her hand rest upon the wound. It was more noticeable than the sutures Callum had sewn while in Tunir. The location of the injury played a large role in that fact, stretched along a more sensitive area, twisted and pulled with every motion of her body.

While sliding her boots onto her feet she did a quick check to make sure her inventory was complete. Her sword belt was secure at her waist, the gentle pressure of the sheath around her thigh granting an added sense of comfort. The bracer was a necessity. Had it not been for the hidden dagger within, she couldn’t say with any certainty if she would be standing there now. Satisfied by her arsenal, she hurried toward the door, paying little attention to the unlocked latch she left behind. There was nothing of value in the room. Any coin she and Callum had left would be with him. Everything else was expendable.

She made her way down the hall to the stairs leading into the lobby as if by instinct. It wasn’t until she found herself through the door and on the street when she realized how discouraging her task was. She was unfamiliar with the city. The camp was said to be arranged outside the main borders, which made sense when she thought on it now. It would do little good for a military to set up their tents in the middle of town. Any attempt at subtlety would be lost. While they weren’t exactly hiding their intentions of chasing the pirates, they couldn’t risk Ireni learning of their current location and sending spies, or worse, assassins to take them down.

Men and women stumbled along the street, lost in their drunken stupor, oblivious to Aiva’s presence. How convenient. So many times the alcohol had been the cause of her trouble with the locals. Here in Targas, it worked to her advantage. If she could only find where the camp was. Saying it was outside of town was less than helpful in pinpointing an exact location. It could be anywhere within the miles of open, unused land which surrounded the city.

An occasional wave of nausea welled up in the back of her throat. A step up from the constant sensation of needing to purge her stomach which had persisted throughout the day. Fresh air felt wonderful to her senses. Anything was better than being trapped inside that dreary room. She lacked the strength to lift her boots all the way off the ground, their soles dragged along the gravel with every step she took. By the time she reached the edge of town she regretted her decision to venture out. Her muscles screamed from fatigue. What had she been thinking? This was the most asinine idea she had in a long time. If she was wrong in the direction she’d chosen to begin her search for the camp, her father could pass her by, unaware, and discover her missing. He only just got her back. To be faced with the fear of losing her again so soon would crush him.
That is why you must find him first
. Yes. She would find him. Failure wasn’t an option.

When entering Targas, she and Callum would have seen the camp if it was set up along the road from Haverton. Wherever the men were, it was in a different direction from that which she’d already traveled. They approached from the southwest. Her legs carried her now along the southeast corner of the city, the lights and laughter from the taverns fading into the distance. Half a mile or so out she could see what looked to be the flickering light of torches pushed into the ground, their gentle glow illuminating the flatter land, almost completely devoid of trees. A perfect place for a camp. Off the main road and away from the city, yet not far enough away to leave them stranded without chance of seeking food or reliable shelter if an emergency arose.

Hastened by her excitement at the thought of finding her father, she ignored the chills coursing through her spine at the soft wind blowing across her exposed skin. At her approach she found herself lost amongst a sea of identical tents, soldiers milling about the area, relaxed, taking only mild interest in her. It surprised her at first. They didn’t seem to know who she was. Her appearance was altered drastically from when she’d been at court last and her style of dress was beyond uncharacteristic. Maran was the first to call out to her, clearly concerned at finding her wandering alone.

“Princess. The King said you were ill. What are you doing here?”

“Looking for him,” Aiva replied calmly. At the sound of her voice the other men ceased their ambling about, instantly taking a knee out of respect for her station. She had never seen a field full of men bow to her before. It was strange. Perhaps even a little embarrassing. “Please, rise. This is… unnecessary.”

Maran hurried to her side, his arm sliding around hers to keep her steady. “You look sick, Your Highness. Why are you not in bed?”

“Where is my father?”

“He is in the command tent,” Maran gestured toward a grand enclosure at the far end of the camp. “I’m not sure now is the best time to disturb him. Is everything alright? Is there anything I can help with? Would you like a chair? Some water?”

She tried not to laugh at his overzealous behavior. It was odd how much care he took with her. He looked almost afraid. Uneasy at her very presence. “You are making me self-conscious,” she said softly. “The men are acting unusual. Did I arrive at a bad time? Is something wrong which I am not supposed to know about?”

“We are concerned for your safety and well-being, Princess.”

“Good. Then you will not mind escorting me to the command tent. My father left me hours ago with promise of a swift return. As you can see, that promise has not been fulfilled.”

“He has been busy,” Maran stammered, clearly uncomfortable by something. “But if you wish to go to him, I will see you to the tent. Please forgive me for not accompanying you inside, however. It is not my place to do so.”

His behavior was peculiar. Saying nothing, she allowed him to guide her forward, eyes locked on the thick canvas tent he indicated. She’d never been in a military camp before. It was not quite what she had envisioned when playing with Edric and Callum as children, though it possessed many characteristics which fit the image in her mind. Rows of tents. Men in uniform scattered throughout. Somehow she expected more weapons to be visible. A stronger defense more obvious immediately upon entering the area. This particular camp was sparse. No doubt devoid of anything which might mislead the locals into believing their arrival a threat.

They came to a stop outside the entrance of the command tent. With nothing more than a sharp nod, Maran released his hold on Aiva’s arm, his gait quick, as if anxious to put distance between them. She watched him leave, confused by his strange demeanor. Something wasn’t right. Concerned about what it might be, she turned to face the entrance, her hand coming to rest on the flap before slowly lowering away, the sound of voices inside piquing her interest. Her father hated when people eavesdropped on his private business, but this felt justifiable. It was best to discover what he was doing before simply waltzing in and disrupting.

“It is unacceptable that this was kept from me,” he stated, the sound rising and falling as he moved from one side of the tent to the other. “Both of you knew the severity of the crime you witnessed. Distracted or not, it should have been brought to my attention immediately upon discovery. Captain, you rendered the culprit unconscious. Did you not think that a perfect opportunity to bring him before the Queen?”

“Your Majesty, I did not wish to alarm the guests.” It was Callum’s voice. She wanted to be relieved in hearing it, though the stern tone of her father’s words left her feeling a familiar sense of dread. The same as she’d felt when listening to the accusations laid against him earlier that morning.

“There are ways to handle business without causing alarm. You are a smart enough man to know this,” Thade continued. “And Edric, you of all people should have been the first to insist upon a trial. You could have informed me discreetly of the disruption. It would have gone unnoticed by the guests for us to retreat into the palace. Instead, he was allowed to roam free, unpunished for his indecency, and in a position which might have granted him further opportunity to disgrace our family.”

“It will not happen again, Father.”

“Make sure of it. I will not be pleased if it does.”

Tentatively, Aiva brought her hands to the entrance flap. She wanted to go inside. If the business they were engrossed with involved her, it was only fair that she be allowed to witness. Still, it didn’t explain why no one had returned to the room. This matter was trivial. If the trial was completed, there was no reason for them to dawdle only to argue over minor upsets. Careful not to make any noise, she opened the flap, just enough to slip inside, her soundless approach going unnoticed by the men. She stood near the entrance, eyes searching the room, coming to rest on her father where he stood between Edric and Callum. Their faces were drawn. Edric looked paler than usual, his forehead creased in consternation, eyes downcast to the floor in acceptance of his father’s disapproval. Respectful. Callum appeared more composed. His countenance austere.

Thade turned away from the boys, long strides carrying him to where General Cadell was seated at a large table, poring over a map which was spread across the surface. A parchment and quill sat at his side, an open bottle of ink positioned as a makeshift paperweight along the top of the paper. “General,” Thade stated calmly, the fatherly tone of his voice diminished. He was confident. Poised. The perfect image of a King. “Have you had time to think about what the scouts relayed? I would like to have a plan of action prepared tonight which will have us in North Pointe without further delay.”

Scouts? They had returned? It was an unexpected surprise for them to be back in Targas so quickly. How much could they have learned in only two days?

“Your Majesty, the information left much to be desired when it comes to formulating a solid plan,” Cadell frowned. “We know the location of the cells where the prisoners are being held. They counted more than a dozen believed to be from those captured in Siscal. Princess Shaelyn was among them, which assures us of her safety for now; however, the structure is heavily guarded. We have no names of those responsible other than Ireni Moura. Without more detail than that, our only option is to storm the prison, and that is far from the best tactic.”

Callum stepped forward, his umber eyes flashing, hopeful. “If I may?” he asked. Cadell lifted his gaze to his son, motioning toward the map to indicate his willingness to listen. In a single step Callum positioned himself in front of the table, a slender finger lowered to point at a specific location drawn there. “While Princess Aiva and I were in Vailetta, she was able to obtain a name from one of Ireni’s men. He identified their boss as a man known as Osahar. If the information gathered was correct, Osahar headquarters out of North Pointe, which would suggest him to have a home there. A base of operations.”

“My daughter obtained this information?” Thade peered at him in disbelief. “I hesitate to inquire as to how. Can you be certain this man she spoke with was one of Moura’s men?”