Marcellus nodded. "Then you understand why our task is so important. Now is the time to bring the battle to them. We must show them that men will no longer cower in fear of the darkness."
She studied him for a moment. He met her look with an even gaze of his own. I hold no grudge against you. But do you hold one against me?
She turned to the High Don. "You speak for the Dons, de Arellano. What would be your advice?"
He gave Marcellus a long look before answering. "Were it anyone but Lord Admorran, I would eagerly suggest you refuse passage outright." He spoke in a rich accent, like most Epanites, for Jenera was the second language in Epanos. The inhabitants spoke a language of their own, called Epani.
He leaned forward as if to get a better look. "But it is he in the flesh, Al Champio himself." His gaze was as steady as the Queen. "You have earned the trust of the Epanite people, Sir Admorran. If her Royal Majesty so agrees, the Dons will not stand against your army crossing our lands so long as you bypass the capital, and stay on the northern border. I wonder, though, if you truly understand the nature of the conflict you intend to engage. It is a fool's errand, Sir Admorran. One that will only end in the deaths of both you—" He gestured to Nyori and the others. "And those who follow you. Can you bear the weight of such a burden?"
Marcellus met the older man's gaze evenly. "Nothing like this has ever been done before, Don Arellano. The akhkharu have freely invaded our lands, crept into our kingdoms, and none but a few have dared to fight them. Instead, we draw back. We give rise to their reputation through folklore and tales of terror. No, Don Arellano. We will take no more. The stand must be made now."
The High Don nodded slowly along with his fellow Dons and ladies. "Then I will say no more."
"It is settled then," Queen Salliana said. "Your army has permission to pass through Epanos along the northern border, Sir Admorran. And in a gesture of our support for your cause, a legion of our infantry and two battalions of cavalry shall accompany you. Long have our lands been haunted by these creatures, and we would gladly join a united effort to destroy them. But for now, I beseech you and your captains spend the night here in Salino and enjoy our hospitality, for your troops are weary from the long road and can rest in safety."
"We accept your gracious offer, and thank you for your generosity, your Royal Majesty." He and his companions bowed low, but he still felt the Queen's eyes upon him.
I will be glad to leave as soon as possible.
Chapter 55: Nyori
A ball had been hastily yet elegantly arranged in honor of the joining of nations. Epanites needed little reason for celebration, and many arrived to fill the grand manor near to bursting. More thronged in the grounds around the manor. The tables were laden with roasted pork, spicy vegetables, rice, flatbread, many different kinds of cheese, and of course the finest wines. Musicians made merry with the sounds of trumpets, tambori, and requinto.
The soldiers donned their ceremonial uniforms, and the Epanites had turned out in their finest. The outlanders were warmly welcomed, although it took some time before the Norlanders were given full cordiality. The atmosphere was so inviting that even the Parandians forgot their superior attitudes and intermingled along with everyone else.
Nyori wonderingly fingered the soft silk of the dark-green ball gown that hugged her waist tightly, then spilled out in soft folds that sashayed as she walked. Winding vines and roses were brocaded into the fabric, and baby pearls overlaid the bodice. It was a gift from the Queen. Nyori had never owned anything so lovely.
The Queen. Nyori had never thought to catch a glimpse of royalty in her life, yet she was at a ball presided over by the Queen of Epanos herself. She was so regal, so beautiful… Nyori sighed.
"Don't look so glum; you're at a ball." Meshella smiled. She did not bother with a gown, for like the soldiers she wore her ceremonial uniform. She had certainly caught many glances, both curious and admiring from the locals who had never seen a woman soldier before. Of course, many of the stares from the men were more likely for the snug trousers that emphasized the curves of her hips and well-toned thighs.
The corners of Meshella's lips curved in a pleased smile as she basked in the attention. She wore her bejeweled eye patch, which sparkled and flashed along with matching earrings, the first Nyori had seen her wear.
"I see you finally parted from the staff. I'm shocked."
Nyori smiled and patted her side. Eymunder was tucked in the sash around her waist. At that size it looked like a crystal wand, much like it did when she first discovered it. Nyori preferred the staff, but it did come in handy to alter Eymunder's size when the occasion called for it.
Meshella shook her head with another smile. "You never fail to impress, Shama. And you certainly look gorgeous tonight. You'd look even more so if you'd straighten out of that slouch and put your goods on full display."
"I am not slouching." Nyori straightened to her tallest, which still was only at Meshella's shoulder. She felt her cheeks color at the other woman's language. She still was not used to how outspoken Meshella was. "I was thinking about…"
"I know who you were thinking about." Meshella nodded toward a crowd nearby. Marcellus was in the center, surrounded by a gaggle of nobles and admiring ladies. Though he graciously nodded and answered their questions, he seemed distracted somehow. He had been that way since the audience with the Queen.
As if on cue, the doormen blew their trumpets, and all paused as Queen Salliana glided in, escorted by Don Arellano. Beside her was a young woman of perhaps nineteen years. The similarity in features marked her as the Queen's daughter. She was a slimmer, younger version of her mother; a rose that while still beautiful, had not yet fully bloomed. Those around Marcellus bowed away as the royal duo approached.
"Sir Admorran, may I present my daughter, her Royal Highness Princess Emillisa." The Queen's husky voice was full of pride. "She has heard much about your exploits, and has anxiously waited to meet you."
The young lady's curtsy was naturally graceful. "It is an honor to meet one of the great benefactors of my people."
"No." Marcellus' voice was grave as he took her hand and knelt. "More than you could know, your Highness, the honor is mine." He gently kissed her hand. The audience applauded as the princess looked delightedly at her mother. The Queen's smile was soft and full of pride. Marcellus, however, seemed to be uncharacteristically uneasy.
"You must excuse me." He bowed and quickly left.
Nyori watched as the eyes of the Queen followed him before returning to her retainers. Nyori gasped as everything suddenly fit into place. "They used to love each other."
Meshella gave her a wry look. "Marcellus and the Queen? Nyori, you cannot possibly believe that. Marcellus has only been to this country once, and from what I hear it was over twenty years ago…"
Nyori stopped listening. She had seen the turmoil that had flickered across Marcellus' face, so quickly that she probably was the only one who noticed. Marcellus and the Queen. She placed a hand over her chest, as though feeling for the pain that stabbed her. What is wrong with me? It shouldn't matter at all about Marcellus' relationships.
"Merciful Mistress." Meshella grabbed Nyori by the shoulders, disrupting her thoughts. "It looks like you're human after all, Shama."