Chapter 24
The outer courtyard was hushed when Richard exited the main doors. Torches lit the ramparts ahead, where sentries watched from their stations.
Orric stood by the castle’s open gates, his hands folded behind his back. He was cloaked, a satchel across his chest, and his hair was unbound, rippling in the wind. On Richard’s approach, he turned and dipped his chin.
“Sun King.”
“Orric.”
“I fear I bring no good news,” Orric said. “The dryads and the fauns have already left. They asked me to carry you their apology and to say no discourtesy was intended.”
“I had hoped they might stay until morning,” Richard said wearily. “Their counsel would have been welcome.”
“I understand...but for Sylari-blooded folk, Rot is…repellent.” Orric gave a slow blink.
“We cannot abide its nearness. And then to succumb to the Bind…It is an old cruelty. Elves have long reached into places where no hand should go. The dryads and fauns stood frozen with another’s will pressed against their own—” He shook his head. “It frightened them past reasoning.”
“I do not blame them.” Richard glanced up at the moon. It shone bright amidst thin clouds. “I did not see you at the ball.”
“No.” Orric followed Richard’s gaze. “I made myself scarce. So many bodies in a closed space, with so many scents—it would have overwhelmed my wolf’s senses within the hour. Perhaps, had I stayed, I would have smelled the witch. I apologise.”
“No. You were a guest, not our guard.” Richard quirked a smile. “It is a shame. I would have liked to teach you how to dance.”
“Dance?” A startled laugh slipped from Orric. “Maybe one day, then, I shall have the honour of demonstrating why wolves do not make good dancers.” He neared Richard. “I should take my leave now.”
Richard hesitated and glanced around to ensure no guards were near. “Before you go, I have a request.”
“Ask.”
Richard weighed the words. “Would you be willing to scout portions of the Sylari Realm on my behalf? I seek to know which parts might hide and shelter great numbers of people. Valleys, caverns, old groves—anywhere with clean water and enough cover to endure seasons.”
Orric looked intrigued. “You plan to hide people.”
“I do not know.” Richard ran a hand through his hair.
“I do not know what this war will demand. But if it comes down to it. If the veil falls and Gloamvarn’s beasts pour across the border, I would not wish to learn, too late, there was nowhere to send those who cannot fight.
Your folk know the Sylari land in ways my cartographers never will. I hope it is not too great an ask—”
“It is not. You are my friend.”
Richard blinked. “Friend.”
Orric tilted his head. “Does that surprise you?”
“It does, somewhat.” Richard scratched his nape. “I do not often make them.”
“Well then, Sun King.” Orric clapped Richard on the shoulder and squeezed. “Make more.”
His own shoulders shifted and cracked. His nose lengthened, his teeth grew sharper, and with an undulation that passed from crown to heel, he dropped low to the stones. Where a man had stood, there was now a great black wolf.
A thrill surged through Richard as Orric nosed his chest. He stroked behind Orric’s left ear and smiled when the wolf rumbled a pleased growl, tail wagging. With a final huff, Orric pulled back and bounded through the gates, disappearing amongst the city’s shadows.
Richard stared at the empty road for a while, before swivelling towards the main doors. He wondered where he could sleep. No doubt his siblings waited for him in the royal quarters, and he’d rather spend the night in the pond than face their fury.
The castle rose against the stars. Candlelight flickered in a dozen windows that ought to have been dark.
Perhaps the kitchens? There should be none lingering there at this hour. He only needed something to recline against, and the herb cabinet was large enough to fit a man—
“My king.”
Richard flinched as a shadow moved by the main stairs. Kaelen entered the torch’s light, a hand massaging the bruise at the side of his neck.
“Kaelen.” Richard’s mouth went dry. Had Kaelen been watching him with Orric? “I did not see you there.”
“I did not wish to intrude on your conversation.” Kaelen took a step forward, seemed to think better of it, and retreated. “I—I wanted only to know whether you were well. After—after what Galdran did. After tonight.”
Richard swallowed hard.
“I am—I am well. Thank you.” He sounded wooden to his own ears. “And yourself? Are you—”
Kaelen’s answer came quickly and just as stiff, “I have had worse from the training yard.”
“That is not true.”
“No. I suppose it is not.”
They stood there, a yard of flagstone between them, and Richard could not find the shape of what came next. For this was his knight, who in one night had made him feel such a strange, draining mix of emotions. As the awkward silence stretched, Richard fell back on reprimand.
“It was unwise to provoke Galdran. To speak as you did, with his vines at your throat. You might have been killed. He was looking for a reason.”
Kaelen’s jaw set hard. “I could not stand there and remain docile. Not while that—that vermin spoke to you and held you as he did. I could not.” His fists curled at his sides.
“Forgive me, my king. I should have been of more use to you. I did nothing but bleed, and I—” His voice trembled, and he took a moment to compose himself before trying again. “I apologise for my weakness.”
“Kaelen.” Richard sighed. “Stop.”
“My king—”
“He is old,” Richard said. “Older than we can imagine, with powerful magic and a First Creature’s heart about his neck. We were outmatched. It was not your failing. The fault lies with me for not anticipating the trap sooner.”
Kaelen opened his mouth, brows knitting together, but Richard cut in.
“Go see your mother,” Richard said, softer. “The healers say she will wake by morning, but I am sure she would rest easier with you beside her.”
“I shall.” Kaelen bit the inside of his cheek. “But I implore you to sleep, my king. You look tired.”
Richard could not suppress his chuckle. “You are impertinent, Sir Knight.”
“Yes.” Kaelen’s eyes creased into a smile. “I have been told.” He bowed. “Well, then. Good night, my king.”
“Good night, Sir Kaelen.”
Kaelen turned and strode up the steps, his pauldron catching the moonlight. Richard watched until the knight disappeared through the main doors, then started towards the kitchens.