War Of The Wildlands(64)

“That doesn’t answer my question,” she replied. “King Domren is in charge of the armies, not the prince. You said yourself the king forced the prince to attack the Sycamores.”

“The prince did not harm a single member of the Sycamore Clan. He convinced them to move where it is safe. His father would be livid if he knew.” Mi’tal was grasping for words. In truth, he had no idea how the prince planned to stop his father from fighting.

“I think this peace will have to wait until Domren is dead,” Essa commented.

Knowing there was no Na’zoran around to hear his treasonous words, Mi’tal declared, “I would kill this king if I had a chance. I swear it. Prince Aelryk is the rightful king of Na’zora.” His words hung heavily in the air.

Essa stared into his dark eyes for a moment. “I believe you,” she said.

Reylana shook her head. “Essa,” she said.

Essa held up a hand to silence her. “Even to an enemy, Reylana, would you declare that you despise your Overseer and would kill him?”

“If I had a problem with my Overseer, I would take it up with him personally. I wouldn’t sneak away to talk about it with others.”

“Half of the Sycamore Clan believed this prince to be honorable. That is why they followed his command. You told me so yourself,” Essa pointed out.

“The prince is an honorable man,” Mi’tal declared. “He is the opposite of his father. Once he assumes the throne, you will have peace. He has sworn this to me, and I have risked my life to bring you the message.”

Essa thought for a moment and said, “Go back to your prince and tell him that once Domren is dead, we will negotiate peace. I give him my word on it.”

“Yes, my lady,” Mi’tal replied.

“You can’t just let him walk out of here!” Reylana shouted.

“I can, Reylana, and I will.” She turned to Sal. “Release his hands.”

Sal obeyed without hesitation.

“We will move our camp, so if you are planning to return with an army you will be disappointed,” Essa said. She retrieved his hammer and held it out for him to take. “You may go.”

“Thank you, my lady.” Taking the hammer, Mi’tal mounted his horse and rode from the campsite. With every breath he tensed, expecting an arrow to find its way into his flesh.

“You’ve doomed us all, Essa,” Reylana said.

“No,” Essa replied. “I have ensured there will be peace in our future. I am a warrior, but I do not wish to fight forever. Our old village is gone, and we must make a new one. I would not have it destroyed before it’s built.”

Reylana shook her head. She was sick of this prince and his promises of peace. It would have sent a better message to return the prince’s servant in pieces. They still had the princess, however, and surely his betrothed was worth more than his servant.





Chapter 38




At midday another scout arrived at Reylin’s post to relieve him from his duties. He climbed out of the tree and returned to the camp. As he entered, several elves looked away from him, deliberately avoiding his gaze. The camp seemed strangely silent, and Reylin grew suspicious. Seeing Reylana, he called out to her. “What news, Sis?”

Reylana rushed over to her brother’s side. “There was a Na’zoran here this morning,” she said. “He wanted to talk peace and locate the princess we’re holding.”

“Where is he now?” he asked. “Dead?”

Reylana took in a deep breath and released it quickly. “Essa let him go.”

“What?” he shouted. “Why?”

“She wanted him to carry back a message that we will discuss peace.”

Without a word, Reylin shoved passed Reylana, determined to speak with Essa. “What have you done?” he demanded as he reached her.

“A man came with a message from the prince. I sent him away with my own message.” Essa shrugged as if the incident were no big deal.

“You should have sent for me,” he said angrily. “I could have killed him since you were too weak.”

“How dare you!” she shouted at him. “I made my choice for the good of the clan. Would you have me make an enemy of this prince as well as the king? He may be our only chance for peace once Domren is dead.”

“He may also reveal our location and send an army to crush us!” Reylin shouted back. “He probably got a good look at the size of our army as well.”

“It doesn’t matter,” she replied. “We can move the camp, and he doesn’t know we have runed weapons. We will be victorious the next time they attack.”