Chapter Fifteen Thera #3
“I see now why the Dowager Princess sent you. A soul that can capture the hearts of so many with but a song. Or was there another reason?” Thera stared hard at Ayin until she consented to meet her gaze.
“I know you didn’t come here to bargain over goods and coin,” Thera said.
“Which begs the question: why did you come when a functionary of the royal court would have served just as well?”
“Because I entreated the Dowager Princess to send me,” Ayin told her.
“To explain why, I must first relate a troubling event. Some time ago, a keep in the upper Cordwain by the name of Castle Granoire was raided by outlaws, most of them Ascarlian. Due to its supposed impregnability, Castle Granoire has long been employed as the principal prison in my husband’s domain.
Never before had any inmate escaped, until that day the foreign outlaws came.
Curiously, having gained access to the castle by nefarious means, they freed only two of its prisoners.
One an old man who had been there so long there are none who can recall the reason for his incarceration.
The other was his cellmate, a young man imprisoned for theft of books from a noble’s library.
It transpired that the outlaws had gained access to the castle via the expedient of seizing the regular caravan bringing supplies and impersonating the guards.
One of the drovers knew the Ascarlian tongue and was able to relate several names spoken by the villains.
Most notably, that of Felnir Skyrnrak. I trust I pronounce that correctly?
It means Red Tooth, does it not? Your Majesty will know, since Felnir Skyrnrak is your brother. ”
Thera’s arms tightened about her chest, although she managed to keep the upswell of frustration from her face.
Once again, her great-grandfather’s machinations proved troublesome.
“My brother and I have barely spoken in many a year,” she said.
“He was exiled by the Sister Queens as a result of the unfortunate misjudgement that earned him his name.”
“But not forever, it seems. I accept that his crime predates your ascension, Majesty, but am bound to ask why your brother would be compelled to this heinous act, one that involved base murder as well as deceit.”
Thera had heard the story in full from Elvine.
How Felnir had been set to this task by her great-grandfather in order to secure a strange, mad old man who bore a map to the location of the Vaults of the Altvar upon his skin.
She decided it would be best if the duchess remain ignorant of the particulars.
“My brother was always a man of capricious moods and unwise choices,” she said.
“Much of what he did in life remains inexplicable. He’s believed dead, you see.
Crushed under a mountain where he foolishly ventured in search of an obscure lost treasure.
So too all of his crew. While I, of course, had no hand in his crime, I shall be glad to pay a blood tithe to the families of those slain by his hand. ”
Ayin inclined her head. “Accepted with thanks, Majesty. Although, I note my question remains unanswered. What was his purpose in committing this crime?”
“I assume it was something to do with the treasure he lost his life searching for. Quite what led him to this extreme I can’t say.”
She knows you’re lying, Lynnea stated. She had followed them from the feasting hall at a distance, concealing herself in an alcove some yards away, but not well enough.
“I’ve noticed that young woman always appears to be within your sight,” Ayin said, raising a pointed eyebrow as she nodded to Lynnea’s ineffectual hiding place. “Albeit often concealed by shadow. Would you care to introduce us?”
“No,” Thera said. “You came to my realm with protection. Did you expect me to have none?”
The duchess conceded the point with a shrug before returning to the matter at hand. “In truth, your brother’s purpose is not my principal concern. That pertains to the youthful prisoner he freed alongside the old man.”
Thera paused before responding. She knew exactly who the former prisoner was, yet couldn’t fathom the reason for Ayin’s interest. “A petty thief of books hardly seems worthy of travelling so far to hunt him down,” she said. “Or were these books particularly valuable?”
“Valuable enough,” the duchess replied shortly. “I would consider any assistance you can offer in securing his recapture a personal favour.”
I don’t know what he did, Lynnea supplied. But I know it has nothing to do with stolen books. I sense no anger, just concern.
“Perhaps if I knew the miscreant’s name—” Thera began only for Ayin to interrupt with an impatient snort.
“During my voyage to Skar Magnol I happened to call in at Olversahl,” she said.
“Where stories abounded regarding the recent siege. Especially fulsome were the tales of the Spear Maiden, often assisted by a young Albermaine-ish mercenary named Colvyn, a name I think you know, Majesty. Please tell me where he might be found.”
I see no way around this, Lynnea offered. She is set upon finding him, and equally set upon complicating negotiations if she doesn’t.
“I regret to inform you, Duchess,” Thera said, “that the Spear Maiden and her brother sailed from this port some weeks ago. I tell you honestly, I do not know their current whereabouts.” This was true.
She had attempted to dream with her great-grandfather twice since Elvine’s departure, without result.
The blank surprise upon the duchess’s features surprised her. She could understand a measure of disappointment, but this reaction bordered on dumbfounded shock. “Her… brother?” Ayin repeated in a soft murmur.
“Why yes. Colvyn is half-brother to Elvine Jurest, Spear Maiden of Olversahl. Didn’t you know?”
“No. No I most assuredly did not.” The duchess turned away, regarding the moonlit fjord with an unfocused gaze.
Lynnea could offer no insight beyond the obvious fact that the news of Colvyn’s familial link to Elvine had disturbed her greatly.
“Do you know when they are likely to return?” Ayin asked finally.
“Sadly, I do not. If you wish, before you leave you may provide a detailed account regarding the nature of your grievance against Colvyn. If it concurs with Ascarlian law, I shall place him in custody and have him delivered into your hands.”
“That won’t be necessary, Majesty.” The duchess took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “I must say, I find the air here quite invigorating. I believe I may benefit greatly from an extended stay, with your permission, of course.”
Thera could refuse, have this presumptuous foreigner packed off on her ship come the next morn.
But offending the court of the Dowager Princess at this time would be imprudent.
Besides, the woman’s interest in Colvyn had piqued Thera’s curiosity.
“I should be honoured, my lady,” she said.
“Please feel at leisure to stay as long as you wish. I’m sure many in this keep are already longing to hear you sing again. ”
“And they shall.” Ayin linked arms with Thera, turning about to lead her along the battlement. “In return, you can tell me all you know about this famous Spear Maiden and why you felt it necessary to send her from your side.”