Chapter Two

In her study the next morning, Chiana leafed through the sheaf of reports that had arrived on her desk at dawn. Most were routine accounts of minor troubles in small towns. There was a skirmish between a regiment of militia and a group of bandits and a border dispute between a Jashimari and a Contara farmer. A report detailing a build-up of Contara troops just beyond the border, apparently engaged in some sort of exercise, made her frown. She made a note to have the situation monitored, and moved on to an account of a cattle disease that had wiped out several herds in the far south.

A knock came at her study door, and she invited the petitioner to enter without glancing up from the paper, engrossed in the gory details of the cattle crisis.

Sensing a presence before her, she looked up to find a dusty messenger staring over her head. He held a roll of parchment tied with a yellow ribbon and sealed with orange wax. Chiana recognised Kerrion's colours and seal. Although she often received missives from him, a messenger never delivered them. Usually one of her advisors brought them to her. Most surprising of all, the man was a Cotti, and had not handed the message on to one of her men at the border. Chiana held out her hand, and the man placed the scroll in it, then turned and marched out. The doors closed behind him, leaving her alone with the frightening certainty that the news within the roll of parchment was dire.

Chiana broke the seal and scanned it. Words seemed to leap off the page at her. His younger half-brother, Prince Trelath, had kidnapped Kerrion's wife. Another half-brother, Endor, intended to take Kerra hostage and usurp the Jashimari throne. Chiana recalled that Endor had been sent to rule Contara after Armin's death. At the time, he had been a boy of barely sixteen. Endor was thirty-one now, and Trelath twenty-eight. Endor claimed that he wished to visit Kerra, which was within the rights of a Cotti prince.

In Cotti, kidnapping a woman was considered a minor crime, even under Kerrion's new laws. The fact that it was the King's wife made little difference, except to Kerrion. So long as Trelath threatened Kerrion's wife, the King could do nothing to stop Endor from visiting Kerra, and neither could Chiana. Once Kerra was within Endor's power, he could force Jashimari, and even Kerrion, to do as he wished, by threatening her life.

Chiana stared at the parchment in stunned disbelief, anger suffusing her in a cold tide. Once again, Kerrion's treacherous half-brothers fomented trouble, and he was allowing them to blackmail him. Kerra's throne was in danger, and that was far more important than Kerrion's wife.

Biting her lip, she read the letter's last lines, and knew why Kerrion had ordered the messenger to place it in her hand. He advised her to remove Kerra from Jondar and take her to safety. Endor could not capture a girl he could not find, and Kerrion could preserve the facade of co-operating so his wife was not endangered. Jashimari Queens were forbidden to leave the palace, but there was no choice. Endor must not be allowed to imprison Kerra, and Chiana had to keep her safe until Kerrion could rescue his wife. So long as Kerra remained free, Kerrion's wife was safe.

The terrible possibilities with which the situation was rife made her heart flutter with trepidation, and she leant back in her chair, gasping. A wave of dizziness made her pick up the bell on her desk and ring it. A handmaiden appeared, her eyes widening at the Regent's pallor. Chiana ordered a cup of strong port, and within minutes a maiden pressed a goblet into her trembling hand. Three handmaidens clustered around her, fanning her, patting her brow with a cool damp cloth, and asking if she wanted a healer.

Chiana waved them away and took a gulp of the port, gasping as it stung her throat. It burnt a warm path to her core, numbing the wave of emotions that had engulfed her and steadying her nerves. Pity for Kerrion's unfortunate wife warred with rage at his brothers' treacherous scheming, and resentment that Kerrion had allowed this to happen. Most of all, she was filled with a terrible dread for Kerra and the future of Jashimari. Jumping up, she paced around the desk on shaking legs, unable to sit still as nervous energy coursed through her. The gaggle of concerned girls followed her, and she swung to face them.

"You, go and fetch Armelin, quickly." She pushed one of the girls towards the door, and the maiden fled. "You, bring me Redgard, and you find Insash, hurry!"

The girls ran out, and Chiana circled the desk again, then picked up the parchment and read it once more. If only Kerrion had just one full brother whom he could trust, instead of five sisters who had all been married off long ago. If only he did not have so many half-brothers seeking power through underhand schemes. If only he had protected his wife, and had hired more competent spies. How could he let his brothers hatch such a cunning plot right under his nose? If Kerrion had not told Chiana of his suspicion, she would have had no real objection to Endor's visit, other than her natural revulsion for the idea of entertaining a Cotti prince.

There had to be a way to thwart him, but, as Kerra's kin, he had a right to visit her, with Kerrion's permission. If Chiana refused to allow his visit, Endor would know that Kerrion had told her of the plot, and Kerrion's wife would suffer, perhaps die. Since the King had bowed to the demands of his brothers, his wife was important to him indeed. That being the case, it seemed likely that if she was killed, the resulting uproar could topple the Cotti monarchy and place Endor on the throne. Prince Armin had tried to kill Kerra fifteen years ago, which was why a prince now required Kerrion's permission to visit her.

Undoubtedly Kerrion had been through the same frantic search for a solution, and had only been able to come up with one plan. It had several drawbacks, not least of which was Kerra's reaction. Taking the Queen out of the palace was fraught with danger, and the prospect of Kerra out in the world made Chiana shudder. How much time did she have? Who could she trust to take Kerra to safety? Where was safety?

A flutter of wings made her look up as her familiar flew in through the window and landed on her shoulder, gripping her dress with tiny sharp claws. The grey dove sidled closer and pressed herself against Chiana's cheek, trying to soothe her distress. A warm glow spread through her, bringing with it much needed calm, and the whirling jig of her thoughts settled into a stately waltz. Chiana clasped the soft, warm bird to her cheek and soaked up Inka's comfort, a balm to her raw nerves. By the time the door burst open and Redgard marched in, she had regained her calm, and sat at her desk once more. The captain of the palace guard, a stout man of fifty whose red hair was sprinkled with grey, advanced to the desk and bowed.

"You summoned me, Regent?"

She looked up. "I did. Sit."

Redgard selected a well-upholstered stool and settled on it, his back ramrod straight from years of soldiering. He studied her with pale green eyes that were narrowed with suspicion and concern above his sharp nose. His shy fox was rarely seen, preferring to spend most of its time in the woods, as many wild familiars did. Insash came in, and eased his portly frame onto a chair at Chiana's gesture, his face a study of curiosity. Her chief advisor was a sensible man in his late fifties, as round and sleepy as his owl familiar, but also as wise.

Armelin arrived a few minutes later, looking a little sheepish and ducking his head in apology. He served as her advisor on all things Cotti, a trusted Jashimari who had lived amongst the Cotti, and knew their customs and the details of their nobility, their weaknesses and tendencies. The presence of three such capable men calmed her further, and she did not miss their glances at her familiar. Inka was nesting, and rarely left her wild family unless Chiana was upset.

Chiana looked down at her clasped hands. "I have grave news, and I shall need advice from all of you."

Redgard's face reddened with anger when she explained what had happened. His eyes glittered and his lips compressed into a grim line. Insash paled, his dark eyes growing mournful and introspective as he lowered them to the floor. Armelin's visage brightened with interest as his quick mind weighed the problem. She turned to him first.

"Armelin, tell me of Trelath and Endor."

He shook his head with a grim smile. "Bad, both of them. Trelath is Armin's younger brother, and Endor is Ronan and Lerton's. Both have grudges against Kerrion, and would love to bring him down. Failing that, they'll settle for tormenting him with his wife's torture and his daughter's humiliation. Doubtless they have hatched this between them. Endor has probably promised Trelath Contara once he has Jashimari. What's more, they'll have help from their other brothers. Endor has two, Trelath five."

"How can they do this to the Cotti King?"

"Before Kerrion they couldn't. No other Cotti king would have cared if their wives were killed. They might have been offended, but no more than that. Kidnapping a son is high treason, but a wife is of no consequence in Cotti, even now. Kerrion's reforms have been unpopular, and slow to take effect.

"Kerrion prizes his wife highly, and, as you know, he has only one, with two sons from her. Usually this would be grounds for casting her aside, since Cotti women are expected to bear at least a dozen children. It is said that she is unusually dark, but she is always heavily veiled in public, so few have seen her face, although she is supposed to be very beautiful. But since Cotti kings have their pick of women, this alone would not explain her value to Kerrion."

Chiana made an impatient gesture. "Is there any law that can prevent Endor from visiting Kerra, and end his ruse without alerting him to Kerrion's warning?"

Armelin shook his head. "No, Regent. He's her half uncle. There's no possible reason to deny him if Kerrion gives his permission."

"What about delaying it?"

"A dread disease, possibly... If Kerra was ill."

"You are clutching at straws, Armelin." Chiana looked at Insash. "Any alternative to Kerrion's plan?"

Insash sighed, stroking his paunch. "I dislike it. The thought of sending the Queen out into the world... Perhaps we could hide her in the palace."

"Keep Kerra under lock and key? Her screams of rage would lead Endor right to her."

"He's very handsome," Armelin muttered.

"Who, Endor? What has that to do with anything?"

"I wouldn't advise you to let Kerra see him. She's young and romantic. I saw him once on the street. A veritable god with shining golden hair, eyes like liquid gold and a face that would shame a saint's statue. The physique of a young gladiator..."

"Thank you, Armelin, we get the picture." Chiana supressed a smile. Armelin did tend to ramble on, and embroidering was his favourite pastime. His description brought a rush of unwelcome memories of another man who fitted that description. The Cotti King. Kerrion's aquiline features left no doubt as to his familiar, and the years had not tarnished his golden good looks. Endor sounded like a youthful version of him, and if that was so, Armelin had a point.

"I doubt Kerra will see him. I do not intend that they should get that close. She cannot stay in the palace if Endor comes here. Is there any way to prevent him?"

"Short of a war, no," Armelin stated.

Chiana glanced at Insash, who shook his head. "The peace between Cotti and Jashimari requires our co-operation. We dare not defy them. If we refuse to allow Endor to visit her, he'll force Kerrion to send troops here. But Endor can't kill Kerrion's wife until he's captured Kerra, for once that bargaining chip is gone, Kerrion will retaliate. Perhaps we could disguise the Queen and hide her close by under heavy guard, in a country estate?"

Chiana snorted. "Endor will tear Jashimari apart to find her. He will torture whomever he pleases until he has the truth. He will find her."

"Only Kerrion can order Endor to do anything, and as long as his wife is a hostage, he cannot. Doubtless he's digging up the desert to find her, but until he does, his hands are tied."

"Then we have no other recourse."

"It would seem so," Insash agreed.

Chiana turned to Redgard. "A select team of your most trusted men?"

Redgard growled, "Regent, the dangers in this course of action... It is madness. Endor will hunt her like a deer. No one can make her disappear completely. It is impossible. Where could they take her, and how would they control her? She probably will not like the idea."

"Perhaps Shamsara could help us," Insash muttered, looking doubtful.

Chiana shook her head. "The Idol of the Beasts does not interfere in the lives of men."

"He did once," Redgard pointed out.

"That was special."

"But he did it for a reason," Insash said, brightening. "He saved a man who should have died, and who has since vanished without a trace." He raised his eyes to meet Chiana's. "Your husband."

She looked away, blinking. "He was the instrument."

"He still is. Why did Shamsara save him?"

"To prevent the bloodshed he foresaw."

"And what will happen if Endor takes Kerra hostage?"

"Civil war." She shivered.

"The streets will run with blood. The Jashimari will never be ruled by a Cotti prince. Endor cannot kill her, he will buy his safety with her life, but her suffering will... there will be endless attempts to free her."

"And Endor knows it. Even now, his troops are massing on the border. Once she is his captive, Jashimari's armies will be under his command. It would be a blood bath."

Insash nodded. "As Shamsara predicted. This is the fate that he saved your husband to prevent. It's time to find the Lord Protector."

"In case you have forgotten, he does not wish to be found, and even if we did, he would not want to help."

"Then we must persuade him, somehow." Insash glanced at Redgard, who inclined his head.

"I have no alternative to offer, Regent. We must find your husband."

Chiana rose and walked to the window, leaning on the ledge. "Why will none of you speak his name? Has it become a dirty word these days?"

She swung to face them. "Do not think to spare my feelings; I can manage them well enough. If he is the only solution, then I pity us. He is not a young man anymore, and who knows in what state he may be found? Are we so desperate that we will search the kingdom for a man who is, in all likelihood, lying drunk in a gutter somewhere? I know his faults, and even if we find him, which I doubt, I know he will not help."

"He will. Shamsara predicted it." Insash glanced at Redgard. "We must send out searchers immediately to every corner of the kingdom, leaving no stone unturned."

"Make sure you start with the taverns and whorehouses," Chiana muttered. "That is where you are most likely to find my husband. The great Lord Conash, Lord Protector of Jashimari." She paused, her eyes distant. "The Queen's Blade."

Insash stood up. "I shall see to it, Regent. I trust you will explain it to the Queen?"

Chiana forced a sour smile. "I shall, though doubtless my ears will be blistered afterwards."

Armelin cleared his throat. "But will... Lord Conash be able to deal with the Queen?"

Redgard shuddered. "I hate to think of what will happen between those two."

Chiana turned to Armelin. "You do not know my husband. If anything, I pity the Queen."

"Will she be safe with him?"

Redgard chuckled, and Chiana shot him a cold glance. "Completely, I assure you."

Armelin glared at Redgard. "I seem to have missed the joke."

"There is no joke," Chiana said. "My husband can be... temperamental at times, that is all."

"And he has little respect for royalty," Redgard added.

"But he's the deadliest assassin to have ever walked this land," Insash pointed out.

"Was," Chiana retorted. "Who knows what he is like after fifteen years?"

"We're entrusting the safety of our Queen to this man," Armelin said. "I know he was once in great favour with Queen Minna-Satu, and I know the legend of his deeds. But how do we know if he can still do what he must to save her?"

"There's only one way to find out," Insash stated. "We must find him."

"Finding him may be easy compared to persuading him to help us," Chiana observed. "We must come up with a solution to that problem too."

"Actually, it may not be so hard." Redgard rubbed his chin. "I think Lord Conash would do just about anything to prevent the ascension of a Cotti prince to the Jashimari throne."

"That's it!" Insash snapped his fingers. "The very message we must send him. I will see to it at once."

Chiana shook her head. "The chances of finding him in time are slim. We have only a moon phase, at most, before Endor arrives. Blade could be anywhere. He might not even be in Jashimari."

Redgard stood up. "We will succeed, Regent. If Shamsara predicted it, it is fated."

"Blade once told me that he would not be used by fate again."

"Your husband is a great man, but he is not a god."