CHAPTER THREE #5
“I understand, sir,” Auden replied, voice steady.
“But I’m not asking for a whole troop or any great purse to finance us.
Only three or four more members intended to offset the loss of the Relics and the danger of the Keeps.
That small number will not affect our speed or reveal our cause. And the cost is worth the reward.”
The ministers turned to the archminister in expectation.
“Before we take this to a vote, I assume you have specific individuals you’d like to accompany you on this journey?” Fishere said.
“We do.”
“And they are?”
Auden hesitated only for a second before answering. “We’d like Mr. Vayden Calder, Highlady Isla Freye, Highlord Restin Forsen, and . . .” He paused, and Ilain nudged him pointedly.
He cleared his throat and added, “And Sergeant Emmaas Caarney.”
A collective grumble passed through the room. Evylin didn’t recognize the name Restin Forsen, but she assumed by his title that he was a Mage. Several people muttered things like, “Of course,” “Should have known,” and “Could have seen that coming.” The ministers appeared no less surprised.
“You ask a lot, Highlord Calder,” Archminister Fishere said, his good humor fading. “I presume you have strong arguments in support of these additions.”
“I believe my cases to be quite sound, Archminister.”
“Please explain.”
Hands still clasped before him, Auden nodded.
“Of course, you know, Vayden’s work with the Alliance has been compromised for quite some time.
He requested to join us, to do something of great impact once more.
With his knowledge of Blount, he can be a valuable asset as we work to subvert the prince’s plans.
“As for Isla, she can no longer work as a spy. Blount knows she’s against him, meaning she can no longer work in Wauld. We are returning to Ephria immediately, giving her a place when you will have none for her here.”
Auden shifted, gesturing across the room toward a man Evylin couldn’t see.
“Restin was my alternate at the start of this mission,” he said.
“If I couldn’t go, he was to take my place.
As such, he is uniquely qualified to join us.
And we could use a Time Mage to help us prevent the worst from happening. ”
He returned to face the ministers. “Finally, we have two untrained Warriors. Emmaas has worked with Isla for more than a decade. It makes sense for him to join us and develop the magic of Private Deckard and Corporal Loxley.”
Several of the ministers’ expressions softened, while others appeared just as irritated.
Fishere nodded. “You present a reasonable case, Highlord Calder. Very well.” He began to rise, and the other ministers followed suit. “We will confer.”
Together, the Administration stepped nearer the hearth, huddling to speak privately.
The hall filled with casual conversation while they waited.
Evylin found herself tugging on her rings as she considered the idea of having four more people join them on their journey.
Her eyes drifted to Emmaas, unsure how to feel about his training.
The only instructor she’d ever had was Hewitt, and she had no interest in replacing him.
Leaning over to Deckard, Evylin whispered, “What do you think of this?”
His head tipped down, their shoulders brushing. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “Auden is right; we need the help. But I’m not sure . . . I’m still not convinced about all this.”
Evylin furrowed her brow. “About all of what?”
She didn’t get an answer as the Administration’s conference concluded. They returned to their seats, and the audience turned to listen with bated breath.
Archminister Fishere set his hands on the table in front of him. “We have come to a unanimous conclusion,” he announced.
Evylin’s chest expanded with uncertainty.
“We agree to some of your requests,” Fishere continued.
“We will allow Highlady Freye and Mr. Calder to join your mission. However, Highlord Forsen is needed to keep the Order of the Age in check. We cannot risk his loss. And Sergeant Caarney is required to assist Highlord Hoult here in Wauld. That said,” he held up a finger, “we do agree that you require another Warrior for training. Therefore, we’d like Lieutenant Lohen to take the position. ”
Auden’s eyes flashed with something like excitement while Ilain rolled her own.
“As Sergeant Caarney’s granddaughter, she has trained under him since childhood and can provide thorough instruction. With her previous experience in the Fire Keep, and as she is yet unassigned to a Mage, we are happy to lend her to your cause.”
“Thank you,” Auden said with a bright smile.
The archminister’s stare grew serious, and Evylin could have sworn it flicked to her just before he added, “One last thing: As Highlady Freye made particular note of Prince Blount’s fixation on Private Deckard—”
Evylin and Deckard sat up straighter.
“We are removing her from your team.”
“What?” Evylin, Deckard, and Thom said together.
Fishere continued without regarding them. “We require Private Evylin Deckard to remain in protective custody here in Wauld until the threat of Prince Rouland Blount II is removed.”