‘And I you,’ Veradis had responded, feeling an immense sense of relief — that Nathair was alive and well, and that he was at his King’s side to protect him again. But there had been no time for talking. A man had stridden across the bridge to them, tall and thin-featured, wearing a gold torc about his neck.
‘Owain, King of Narvon and Ardan,’ Nathair had introduced him. Veradis did not think he looked very kingly — more like a man weighed by great pressures, a man bent almost to snapping by those pressures. He was grey skinned, eyes sunken. He hardly acknowledged Veradis and looked past him, down at Veradis’ warband, who were making camp in the meadow beyond the fishing village, then out into the bay, at the fleet of black-sailed ships.
‘So many men,’ he had said to Nathair. ‘You look like a man making ready for war.’
‘That is exactly what I am doing,’ Nathair had replied calmly. ‘War against Asroth and his Black Sun. As you know, I will be travelling north soon, into Benoth, which is ruled by giants. I would be a fool to march into their realm with only a handful of warriors about me.’
Owain had looked at him. ‘We must talk soon, but first I must find out where Rhin is, what she plans. .’ he had said briefly before heading down to the village.
‘We cannot talk here,’ Nathair had said to Veradis’ questioning look. ‘I fear Owain does not trust me. At the moment he trusts no one: a lesson he has learned a little too late, I think. Come, you will be shown to your chambers, where you can refresh yourself.’ He sniffed. ‘And wash. I will send for you and we will talk later.’
Veradis had soaked in a hot bath, eaten a good meal and changed into a soft cotton tunic and leather kilt, though he still wore his two swords on his belt. His iron sandals had echoed in the stone corridors as he followed Nathair’s messenger back to the King’s chambers, and now here he was, drinking something disgusting with a Vin Thalun pirate. He never failed to marvel at the surprises the last few years had thrown at him.
The door opened and in marched Nathair, followed closely by Sumur and Calidus. Alcyon came last.
Nathair ushered them to chairs.
‘We must wait for one more before we begin,’ Nathair said.
There was a knock at the door. A man walked in whom Veradis did not recognize. He was fair haired, dressed in tunic and breeches. His beard was neat and trimmed; there was an economy in his movement as he approached the table.
‘This is Evnis,’ Nathair said, ‘until recently the counsellor of King Brenin. He has entered my service, and has already proved his loyalty and his value. You can all speak freely in front of him.’
Evnis smiled, showing creases about his eyes, and sat at the table.
‘I am glad that you are all here,’ Nathair told them. ‘It is no small thing that we are gathered together, hundreds of leagues from Tenebral.’
‘A miraculous sign of Elyon’s approval of our purposes, if ever we needed one,’ Lykos said, raising his cup and drinking deep.
‘And also testament of Calidus’ talents,’ Nathair said.
Calidus waved a hand, frowning at Lykos.
‘Lykos, let us begin with you. I am eager for news of my home.’
Home. I miss Tenebral, and so does Nathair, judging by his look.
‘Your mother sends her greetings,’ Lykos said.
Nathair smiled, warm and genuine. ‘Is she well?’
‘Her health is good, from what I can tell. And she tries to govern Tenebral well, for her part.’
‘Tries?’ said Nathair, frowning.
‘There is unrest in Tenebral, my King. Your barons seek to take advantage of your absence and your mother’s grief.’
What barons? thought Veradis. My own father is Baron of Ripa.
‘What do you mean? Mother has not sent me word.’
‘She has sent a letter for you,’ Lykos said and reached inside his tunic. ‘Here.’
Nathair looked at its seal closely, then broke it and read the parchment in silence.
‘I doubt she would wish to talk much of Tenebral’s internal problems,’ Lykos said. ‘She seeks to reduce your burden, not increase it.’
Nathair looked at him. ‘She says that you, the Vin Thalun, have been causing many of the problems.’
‘You have enemies that seek any advantage they can.’ Lykos shrugged.
‘Tell me,’ Nathair commanded.
‘I had many difficulties building your fleet — some of your barons obstructed the building greatly. Especially Marcellin in the north — ’ he glanced at Veradis — ‘and Lamar in the south.’
My father.
‘They limited the supplies, particularly timber.’
I would not put it past him. He hates the Vin Thalun, as does my brother Krelis.
‘When I spoke to your mother of this she intervened. But because of their interference I thought it might be helpful to learn more about these people.’
‘You mean you spied on them,’ Nathair said.
My father would not take kindly to that if he knew.
‘Yes. And I learned that there is complaining amongst your barons, of how you have ruled Tenebral, of your embracing corsairs.’ Lykos smiled grimly. ‘You would expect no different in any realm — there are always those that seek more power. But the things Marcellin and Lamar are saying of you, spreading rumours. It could become more than just words of discontent.’
‘I don’t believe it,’ Veradis said. ‘My father may be many things, but he would not speak ill of you, Nathair. You are his king.’
‘Perhaps,’ said Nathair. ‘But I remember our last meeting, as you must. It did not go well. And I recall him being disrespectful, even then.’
Aye, he was. Veradis had almost come to blows with his father over the disrespect he had shown Nathair. Just the memory of it stirred his anger.
‘What are they saying?’ Nathair asked Lykos.
‘They talk of how you have abandoned your country, your people, to pursue your ambitions.’
A look of anger contorted Nathair’s face. ‘All that I do I do for Tenebral’s good.’ He slammed a clenched fist on the table.
‘I know that, my King, but it seems that Marcellin and Lamar do not. And there is more. Peritus has been seen with Marcellin.’
‘Peritus?’
‘Aye.’
Peritus had been battlechief to Aquilus, Nathair’s father. He had been openly disapproving of Nathair’s shield wall and new strategies for battle. Partly because of this he had found his standing in Tenebral shifting as Nathair set about acquiring his own circle of trusted supporters. Peritus was not one of them, though up until now Nathair had not doubted his loyalty to the crown.
‘I worry about the affairs in Tenebral,’ Lykos said. ‘Sometimes these situations require a firm hand, and I suspect your mother is not in the right frame of mind to deal with unruly barons resolutely. Since your father died, she has not been the same, I hear.’
‘I know.’ Nathair bowed his head. ‘I had hoped that leaving her as regent in my absence would help, pull her out of her grief, her introspection.’ He crushed the letter in his hand. ‘I will not have men take advantage of her kind nature. Or challenge me.’
‘The Jehar would willingly cut any rot from your kingdom,’ Sumur said. ‘We are not afraid to do what must be done.’
‘I do not doubt it,’ Nathair said, ‘but I have only just called the Jehar here — I would have you and your warriors about me.’ He looked at Veradis. ‘I will think on this. Hard decisions may need to be made.’
Hard decisions about my father? My brothers? A seed of worry took root in Veradis’ heart.
‘Calidus has told me much of what has occurred in Forn,’ Nathair said, clearly wanting to change the subject. ‘Much good has happened, not least the discovery of the starstone axe.’
All eyes turned to Alcyon, who had unslung the axe from his back and leaned it against the table.
‘It is an extraordinary blessing,’ Calidus said. ‘With it our position is strengthened. It gives us greater security once we have the cauldron.’