Fahren gave his annoyance a moment to subside. ‘This is not just any campaign,’ he said, ‘and I think you know that. Thedd, I do not wish us to be enemies. Your contribution to the war effort will be vital. And don’t you think your desire to become Throne will only be helped if you are seen as a strong leader, a brave commander?’
Thedd went silent at that, perhaps surprised.
‘You have been slighted,’ said Fahren, ‘that is plain enough. But Thedd, I did not manipulate events to make it so. I did not ask to become Throne. In point of fact, I do not even want to be, but who am I to question Arkus’s will?’
Thedd finally looked him in the eye, an expression of keen interest growing on his face. ‘What are you saying?’
‘The Sun God may have chosen me for this duty,’ said Fahren, ‘but that is all he has chosen me for. I am old, and if I live to see the end of this war, I fancy I may be rather tired. If I feel I have fulfilled the function demanded of me, then I would gladly give up the Auriel. When that time comes, who will be the obvious choice, the right choice, to replace me? Not the blue-haired man, for he has already made it plain that he does not wish the Throneship.’ He injected some enthusiasm into his next words. ‘Think, Thedd, of what you could achieve as Throne in the new world that will need creating! It will be you presiding over a glorious new era – an era in which there is no shadow, in which excellent works can be done, in which there will be peace and prosperity. The conquered south will be yours to do with as you see fit, and with more resources at your disposal than any who have come before, you could usher in a time of unprecedented wealth. History would remember such a Throne as one who led our people into the greatest age they have ever known.’
Thedd bit his lip, a hungry spark in his eyes. ‘You are saying that, should we win the war, you will step aside?’
‘Yes,’ said Fahren. ‘I have no wish to spend my last years bickering with nobles and presiding over every last thing. But you, Thedd – you will still be young, and there is no doubting your passion to rule.’
Passion is a good word to replace greed , he commended himself.
‘Perhaps,’ said Thedd slowly, ‘I have misjudged you, Throne.’
‘But the day is not yet won,’ said Fahren. ‘We shall require everyone’s best effort to secure this future for Kainordas.’
Thedd drew himself up. ‘You will not lack for contributions from Tria. I will make sure of it.’
‘You can set yourself up well,’ said Fahren, ‘as a deciding factor in this war. Leave no one in any doubt of your worthiness to rule.’
‘Yes,’ said Thedd. ‘Yes, wise words.’
Fahren held out his hand. ‘Then let us make this pact, to achieve the end we both want. Let us proceed in friendship and be stronger for it.’
Thedd took the offered hand and put some strength into his shake. ‘I thank you for sharing your plans,’ he said. ‘You will not find your faith in me misplaced.’
‘And now, I beg, make haste, for there is much to be done. Perhaps your mages can add some swiftness to your journey?’
‘I imagine they are up to the challenge.’ Thedd glanced behind him. ‘And perhaps I will replace my carriage with something swifter at the next town.’
Fahren nodded. ‘An excellent idea.’
‘Very well,’ said Thedd. ‘Then I will away …unless there is anything more?’
‘That is enough for now,’ said Fahren. ‘You have plenty of your own plans to make, I’m sure.’
‘Yes,’ said Thedd, and bowed. ‘Thank you, Throne. I will send word when I have arrived home.’ He turned and strode back to his entourage a happier man. ‘Come on, everyone! We have some leagues to chew!’
He swung up into his carriage without any help, and Fahren nodded and smiled to him as they drove away.
Silly man , he thought sadly. Does he not realise how crucial such a time of rebuilding would be, what responsibility it would demand? The world is not a playground, and a selfish Throne will ill serve it. To have laboured so long to achieve such an end only to give it over to the likes of Thedd would be like leaving well-earned valuables in the protection of a thief.
Still, angering Thedd in such a future, when Fahren’s promises turned out to be lies, was a small price to pay if it helped them get there.
Glumly, Fahren made his way back to his guards. One way or another, he feared the glint of gold on his forehead would be with him forever.
Sideways Thinking
Even though Gellan kept his ward shining brightly, Fazel raised no defence in return.
‘Explain yourself, abomination,’ said Gellan.
Somehow Fazel made his look to Gellan withering. ‘No need for name-calling,’ he said. Then he gestured at Bel.
‘Keep your hands down,’ said Gellan, ‘if you know what’s good for you.’ A spurt of flame appeared at his fingers.
Fazel lowered his hand. ‘As you wish. But I’ve no immediate intention of attacking you further.’
‘Why?’ said Bel.
Fazel’s empty eyes moved to Bel. ‘Well,’ he said. ‘Just look at you, all grown up strong. How time flies.’ He gave a humourless gibber, then cocked his head slightly. ‘It seems you share something of the connection.’
‘What do you mean ?’ said Bel impatiently. ‘Be clear!’
Fazel stiffened. ‘As you command. You may know that I am a slave to whomever’s soul is bound to Skygrip Castle. I’ve had no tidings for a while, but could it be that Battu is toppled from power?’
‘Indeed,’ said Bel. ‘My counterpart now rules Fenvarrow.’
‘That would explain it. Tell me, if you crack your sword in half, do you have two swords, or the broken pieces of one?’
‘A broken sword,’ said Bel slowly.
‘You and Losara, broken as you may be, are pieces of the same soul. A soul that is now bound to Skygrip Castle. Thus when you shouted at me to stop, I was compelled to obey.’
Bel shifted his feet uneasily. A part of him was connected to Skygrip through his other ?
‘Well,’ said Gellan, suddenly jolly, ‘this is a stroke of luck! Or fate, perhaps.’
‘I’m going to check on M’Meska,’ announced Hiza, in a tone that seemed to chide everyone else for failing to think of it.
‘Yes!’ said Gellan. ‘She may need healing. Come, all, let us head back. Bel, if you wouldn’t mind asking Fazel to join us?’
‘What?’ said Bel. ‘Oh.’ He wiped blood from his eyes. ‘Yes.’
Bel was about to command Fazel to heel like a dog, when he remembered that the undead mage had once been a great man of the light, and had not chosen willingly to serve Fenvarrow.
‘Fazel,’ he said, ‘would you please accompany us?’
Fazel nodded.
M’Meska sat on a rock, scowling as only a lizard could, as Gellan wafted his hands over various bumps and bruises. Bel suspected her grouchiness was more about missing the fight than actual pain. Nevertheless, Gellan did not want her moving again that day.
While Hiza busied himself setting up camp, Bel and Jaya waited for Gellan to look at their wounds. Bel found it hard to take his eyes off Fazel, who had been standing motionless in the same place since they’d arrived. While Bel hadn’t exactly expected him to kick up his heels, the effect was somewhat eerie.
‘Is that bothering you?’ he murmured to Jaya.
‘What?’
‘Fazel standing there, just …staring at us.’
‘Oh,’ said Jaya, and considered the undead mage. ‘No, not really.’
‘Maybe he’s waiting for an order,’ wondered Bel and raised his voice. ‘Fazel – can you help Hiza gather firewood?’
Fazel nodded. The mage seemed, strangely, almost pleased with the task, although it was hard to tell for sure. He stalked over to Hiza, who was collecting branches beneath trees. He looked perturbed to be joined by such a companion in his menial endeavours.