Dark One Rising(127)
“I understand. I will make sure you are accommodated with supplies for your return trip. I’m sending Alek and some men to Isamar to speak with the Chancellor in Salador. It’s time we meet and ask him for his allegiance. You can ride out together.”
“He’ll be hard pressed to listen. They have always been suspicious of the intentions of men. It will take a push to get him to listen, much less to even think about joining us.”
“Yes, I know, but we have to try. If he knows what’s happening perhaps he will be more inclined to listen.”
Kevaan shook his head. “I’m skeptical even with that. They’ll fight off Fallon’s men if they try to infiltrate cities further across his border, but joining us in the fight will be a different matter.”
“Alek is quite a diplomat when he wants to be. God knows he has talked me into a few things with reasoning over the years. I can’t afford to assume that we cannot persuade him. I have to believe that knowing what Fallon wants will change their mind. I don’t expect them to have fealty to me, and I would assume you feel the same?”
“Aye.”
“Then without future fealty to either province and remaining a sovereign nation to rule as they see fit, I can’t believe they will not agree. But, time is short, and men we need. I’m willing to take what time it requires for the trip.”
“I wish you luck on this, Dain. My men and I will be ready. I’ll be dispatching troops into the surrounding cities to keep his armies back. I don’t know if it will help, or if I’ll be in time. I must assume that he’s getting close to the borders by now. Tarrying will only delay the inevitable.”
“God speed to you, Kevaan.”
“Thank you, Dain.”
Kevaan headed through the courtyard and back into the castle. Dain went through the gate and out into the garden. He sat down on the bench next to Melenthia, who looked his way and leaned in to kiss him. When they parted he brushed a curl out of her face and smiled, looking into her eyes.
“Your brother is leaving tomorrow.”
“Yes, I know. He has to get back. I hope it’s not too late. He should’ve sent a messenger with word.”
“He felt you deserved to hear it from his own lips.”
“At what cost? His throne? His realm?”
“I don’t fault him for his decision. Besides, I think he needed to see you, to make certain you were safe. He feels guilty for all that he has set upon your shoulders.”
“None of it being his fault.”
“You’re right, but when you love someone, you feel the pain no matter what. I feel pain for you, for this task that has befallen you. I feel fear for you. I feel guilt for not being able to take this burden from you. It makes us feel helpless.”
She kissed him again. “I’m afraid for you as well. You have a heavy burden too, and I wish I could have kept you from it.”
“I don’t wish things had gone a different way. If you hadn’t been given this pain, you would have never stepped through my door. Then where would I be? I’d still be a lost boy, trying to find his way to becoming a man, not knowing the love of a special woman who stole his heart and made him whole. Whatever the reasons, I’m so very grateful that you and I crossed paths. I love you now and always.”
“I don’t want anyone to die for me, especially you.” Tears came to her eyes now.
“Don’t cry, Melenthia. I’ve sworn my life to you. Whatever road that takes us on, for as long as it takes, I will not change my oath. You’re my destiny, and if we are meant to be together in this life forever, we will be. You can’t go into this with fear of the future. You must always have hope.”
“I love you.”
“And I love you. Come, I know you must want to spend as much time with your brother as you can before he leaves tomorrow. Let’s have dinner and toast good tidings. For one night, let’s enjoy the hearty laughter and good humor of each other. When the sun comes up tomorrow, there will be tasks to be done. For now, let’s enjoy our guests. Who knows when we’ll all be together again.”
He wiped away the lone tear she let slip by and kissed her again, holding her tight in his strong arms.
***
Before their dinner in the great hall, with the fire blazing high in the huge stone hearth, Melenthia went into the bailey to find one of the knights that had escorted Kevaan on his ride to bring her news. When she approached the men who were milling around the yard, one of the knights saw her and stopped what he was doing and stood straight. The others, seeing him in respectful pose, followed suit. She reached their line and went directly to Alastair, Dain’s Captain of the Guard.