Mercenary War - Book 2

Chapter 4

         The sunlight through the window woke the elf as his head lay on the edge of his wife’s bed. Lifting what felt like a boulder up off the bed mat, he looked at Ariah groggily. She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering even while still closed. He held her hand and kissed it. She squeezed his hand weakly. In an instant the sleepiness was gone and he was completely alert.

         Gammir came in behind Calya, both intent on checking on their unexpected allies. Calya’s face was pale as she stared at the bandaged women on the bed. It was time for her to finish what the doctors had started. She pushed her sleeves back a little and knelt by the angel’s side. Placing her hands over the bandage, she focused, her eyes swirled a deep red through the orange before converting completely to a crimson shade. She closed them and breathed deeply. Ariah awoke suddenly, startled at the sudden energy that began to fill her. Calya stopped and stood slowly. “How are you feeling, Ariah?”

         The angel looked up at the queen and tested her strength sitting up. “I don’t know what happened to me. Where am I?” She looked around without recognition and upon seeing Kikarii, let out a sudden sob that shook her as she fell against him, grateful to see him alive. “I thought I lost you!”

         The queen smiled softly before moving on to the other severely wounded victims. Her energy was draining quickly and she was becoming exhausted. One last man with a life threatening wound and she would go back to the palace and rest. Then she would call Kikarii and Ariah to her and discuss what to do next. She sat beside the man, his chest sliced deep, his breath coming in shallow rasps. She knew instantly he had at least one broken rib that had probably put pressure on his lungs as well. He was lucky to have survived this long. Calya slowly slipped a hand under the back of his neck to lift his head when she felt something that chilled her blood. The deformed skin beneath her fingers made her heart stop and her breath hitch. She froze for what felt like an eternity, her mind blank and her breathing now coming in short gasps. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she fought to calm herself.

         Gammir turned and saw her distress from the bed next to where she sat and attended to her. “Your highness, what is it?” What he saw in her features was not exhaustion, weariness, or even unease. What he saw was horror. A deep triggering of her soul in ways words could not express.

         “Gammir,” she said softly, her voice trembling, “go check all other males who are injured. If they have a brand on the backs of their necks, report back to me immediately and have them guarded until I give a different order. And bring me Kikarii now.”

         There was no need to ask any questions. The man she sat beside was a mercenary. He was unknowingly pulled from the carnage by someone and brought here for care. Gammir went off with renewed energy and in what seemed like seconds, Kikarii was by her side. “Your highness, what do you need from me?”

         “I am going to heal this man enough to keep him alive, but no more. He is a mercenary. Accidentally rescued. I need you to gather five of the most trustworthy, skilled, and strongest elves under your command and take him to the prisons. Check with Gammir for someone to escort you there. He is currently checking the rest of the infirmed to ensure there are no more mistakes like this.” She looked at him, her face ghostly white. Memories came flooding back to Kikarii and his hands clenched tightly into fists at his side. “Keep your wits and temper about you, Kikarii. But make sure this man is unable to escape by any means possible. All I require is that he stays alive… for now. I need information that only he can provide.”

         Kikarii did a half bow out of haste, dropping his head in submission. A half bow to a ruler in Kezna meant that you recognized they were equal in status to you. He hoped she did not assume that to be his meaning and she knew it was merely out of haste. Making his way through the broken men and women, he stopped and bent down to whisper to Ariah whose face turned grave. She sat for a moment before saying something back and nodding to him. In seconds, he was out the door and looking for the five required men for the job. He found the two elven soldiers who had accompanied him earlier and inquired on the whereabouts of three others. Two of the three were dead, he learned, the other was in the courtyard, taking over guard duties from injured soldiers. “Replace him with another and find me Bedar and Viesh.”

         “My lord, Viesh also fell in the field.”

         Kikarii let out a loud bellow and punched a wall. All of his top, most skilled soldiers had been taken down in what seemed like minutes. He knew it had taken hours, but these were the men he anticipated would be the last to fall. He cursed aloud and turned back to his two men. “What about Nehr?”

         “He’s on the wall with the archers keeping watch. We will have him choose a replacement for himself and meet Bedar and the other back here.” They both bowed their heads and left, heading in different directions.

         Cursing again, the elven commander stalked angrily back through the tavern to find Gammir. He was reporting back to Calya that there were no mercenaries among the rescued and that the men who were out searching for survivors would be alerted to the necessity to check for the brand. He gave the order that if any surviving mercenaries were found, that they were to be disposed of immediately. “Gammir, are you able to assign us an escort to bring this man to the prisons?” The old commander nodded and let Calya know that he would personally escort them so he could be certain things were done properly, instead of handing the responsibility to one of lower rank. They met up with the other four men and waited until Calya let them know he was ready. She had brought him to the point of consciousness where one of the doctors said he would survive, and then let them take him. Kikarii grasped him roughly and hoisted him up. The man gasped and doubled over, the pain still intense. The queen felt no need to lessen his pain more than necessary. If anything, she had made him more conscious of it by healing him only a little while leaving all non life threatening injuries untouched by her blessing. The mercenary pulled himself from Kikarii’s grip and dropped to the ground when his legs wouldn’t hold him. The elven commander kicked him in the gut before yanking him up painfully and nodding to one of his men to take the other arm and drag him along. Gammir shook his head in annoyance at the brutality in the tavern. He glanced back at Calya who looked more worn than before. She did not exactly have a look of disappointment, but more of concern. He knew immediately that she was concerned about Kikarii over all else. Even the most self controlled, honorable men could break given the right conditions.

         As they approached the prison, the mercenary tried to slam his head against the damp, stone walls, hoping to end things before he was put in a cell. He was no match for the elves that held him between them. They got him to a large cell. Kikarii was irked that he was being given a cell so spacious until he realized that it was an interrogation cell with tools and chains. He nodded to Gammir and threw the mercenary in, quickly cuffing his wrists and lifting the man off the floor with the help of Bedar who was taller. They chained his arms outstretched so he hung from the ceiling. Cuffing his ankles, they positioned him in a spread eagle position, the chains from his ankles attached to rings on the floor. He was unable to reach anything or injure himself on anything. Gammir tried to give him water, but he spit it back in the man’s face. Kikarii landed a fist in the man's already bloodied face before putting a gag in his mouth.

         “Gammir, you can go. We will take it from here. Elves have a very unique interest in this interrogation.” His voice was cold and unfeeling. Even with Fallon, Gammir had never felt the type of chill that went down his spine at Kikarii's words. He was hesitant to leave, but his job was finished and he would rather not leave Calya without him at the moment. She had other guards around her, but he trusted himself above them all.

         The door shut with a loud clang as Gammir vacated the prison. Kikarii turned to look at the men with him and then back at the prisoner. He removed the gag. “Why don’t we start with-”

         “I hope you burn like the refuse you are. You should have died with the rest of the elves in Barkit.”

         Another fist connected with his face and a crack echoed off the walls. His nose shattered and blood sprayed from the new injury. A loud cursing yell exited the other’s throat. “We are not dead, scum.” He pressed against the man's splintered nose. The prisoner instinctively tried to move his face away, but the bigger elf held his head steady. The man growled and seethed from the searing pain. “Do you see any non-elves here with you right now?” He moved to the side a step to let him look at the other four men. Bedar was behind him, still holding his head in place. “The army that defeated your group was nearly all elves. You failed to eradicate us.” He hit the mercenary in the throat and watched as he gagged and struggled to draw a breath. The elf commander landed a kick to his left leg, the ensuing snap drawing a scream from the young man in chains. “Now, I suggest you tell me what I want to know. This was just for fun. I am not afraid of any of you and I will make you regret ever coming here.”

         The man choked out the next few words with a decent amount of trouble. “I won’t tell you anyth-”

         A punch to the stomach silenced him mid word. He spit out blood, cursing in a hoarse, broken gasp. “Why are you here?” Kikarii growled into the man’s face.

         “To wipe you maggots off the map.”

         Holding back his rage, the elf continued. “How did you know when to attack?”

         “Your failure of a king couldn’t even dispose of a mere scout who let us know he wasn’t home and that his whore and his baby were alone here.” As much as Kikarii hated Fallon, this man brought out a worse side than the other ever could.

         “Wrong answer.” He kicked the prisoner’s other knee out. Blood seeped through his pants from both legs. “He is not my king. And her highness is not his whore.” Grabbing the man’s face in an iron grip, he dug his fingers in painfully. “Why did your men run?”

         A laugh in the midst of his misery. This mercenary really was insane. “The men did not run. They left to report back. We will destroy every city and village between here and the southernmost Lowland border until we kill every single person associated with that traitor. That mere man is no match for the elven mercenaries.” The burning fury that exploded from Kikarii was like nothing any of the other soldiers had ever seen in their lives.

         The elf shoved Bedar away from the mercenary, wrenched back the man’s head with a fistful of his hair and whispered so low in his ear, all five of the soldiers' blood ran cold. “He is an elf, you filthy bastard.” He tore out a chunk of the man’s hair, broke a couple of his ribs, and before his men could restrain him, broke his spine with his fist. “I hope you die as slowly and agonizingly as possible,” He said darkly as the screams echoed and then bubbled as the blood dribbled from the prisoner’s mouth. Kikarii’s men hauled their lord from the cell, locking it behind them. Three of them dragged the commander away and up the stairs as he fought them, leaving two to guard the cell. They led him to a basin at the top of the stone steps so he could wash his hands and face before facing the queen. He shook himself loose and looked at his reflection, his face was streaked with blood that wasn’t his. Looking at his hands, they were covered as well. He cried out in frustration and anger, punching a wall for the second time that day. His soldiers stood there watching silently, pensively, as he took heaving breaths before washing his hands and face and allowing them to escort him out of the building and over to the great hall to change and request an audience with the queen.

         Kikarii knelt before the queen as she sat on her throne for the first time in two days. “Your highness.”

         Calya looked down and bade him rise. “What news did the mercenary give you?”

         “He is kidnapping elven children to create unbeatable mercenaries. Harta knows the king is no longer here because one of the mercenary scouts escaped him and made it back to report. They are hunting your husband and planning to eradicate the elves in the process. They are willing to destroy every city and village in the Highlands and Lowlands to take him down.”

         Calya swallowed hard and sat straighter. Her fears bubbled just below the surface. The last time her husband faced the mercenaries, he needed her to save him. Yes he had his men, but at least one had betrayed him and one had been sent home. How many could he really rely on to remain by his side? “What condition is the prisoner in?”

         Kikarii looked at the floor. Bedar spoke up for him. “Broken, your highness. I’m not sure if he is still alive. We have received all the information I think we are going to get from him.”

         With a dark look, the queen turned back to the elven commander, “I told you to make sure you kept him alive, Kikarii.” The frustration poured from her like water from a broken dam.

         “I apologize, my queen. I could not help myself.” Just like Fallon, I guess. Kikarii hated himself for thinking that. However, he had never before experienced how easy it was to fall into a hatred so deep that the suffering of someone else was enjoyable. Never until now. Was he really so much different from that monster? Was he really so different from any of them?

         “Gammir,” the queen’s voice echoed. “Please go check on the prisoner and report back on whether he is still alive or not.”

         “Yes, your highness.” With a curt bow, the commander strode out purposefully and headed to the prisons.

         Shame burned inside the elf as he thought over what Gammir would find. Calya glanced around and then sighed. “Look up, old friend.” She pressed her fingers to her forehead for a moment before returning her gaze to the man before her. “I still need you and your men to ensure there are no mercenaries or traitors left in the city, as well as helping with the cleanup of the surrounding lands and assisting in reporting the damage. Once that is finished, I have an official, royal request as an ally.”

         Surprised, Kikarii almost stuttered. “Uh, and what would that be, your highness?”

         “I want you to evaluate our gates and walls and find any faults or weaknesses as well as enlist your men to help us in the beginning stages and plans for constructing a new city wall. It needs to house more residents so that all those who may no longer want to live outside the walls of the city can move inside of them. The old walls will remain intact, as well as the gate until the construction is complete. I had heard a few of your men commenting on how your walls offer more protection and your gate is basically unbreakable. If you could assist us, I would be indebted to you, as would my people.”

         Still in a small bit of shock, he nodded eagerly. “Yes. Yes, of course. I will call up some of my stonemasons and iron workers to stay here and assist you until completion.”

         Calya let a subtle smile play across her lips for a moment before nodding her head. “Thank you. That is all. You are free to go.” He stood and began walking away when she called to him again. “I can not imagine what that man said to you down there, but I hope you come to realize why Fallon was the way you knew him.”

         Tightening his jaw in aggravation, he nodded, his head turned so he could see her over his shoulder. “That would be something, wouldn't it, milady.”

         She waved her hand. “Self control is a difficult thing, is it not? Good day, my lord.”

         Heat crept up into his face. She knew exactly what Gammir would find. And she was annoyed, but unfazed. She had become so used to Fallon that Kikarii's actions would be normal for her. She really did love the king. And Fallon must genuinely love her. He let out a deep sigh, nodded and continued on his way.

         Fifteen minutes later, Gammir returned. Calya was not shocked at his report. However, seeing his reaction to the body, she regretted sending him instead of Dane. She would have sent him if she hadn't ordered him to sleep while there was an abundance of allied soldiers watching over the city. He had stayed awake for days now, intent on not disappointing his king. “Gammir, please speak. I can see you were disturbed by what you saw.”

         The older man shook his head and breathed deeply, looking up at the ceiling to gather his thoughts. He lowered his head to look her in the eyes as he began to speak. “Milady, I have never seen anyone other than a mercenary be so vicious and unnecessarily violent before in my life. Kikarii broke that man in more places than I can count. There were chunks of skin missing from his scalp, his nose and cheek bones were broken, his legs, his back… your highness, forgive me for this, but perhaps Kikarii should have accompanied the king.”

         “I fear neither of them would have made it past the city gates before fighting with each other. Putting those two together is asking for a ridiculous death to happen.” She massaged her temples for a moment and then thanked Gammir for his report. Oh how similar you two are, Kikarii. Perhaps that is why you hate him so much.

         The time passed quickly, and soon Kikarii had departed for Tant again with his men and wife. Calya walked through the halls of her palace, running her fingers over the stone walls and taking in all of the furnishings. It had been over a month since Fallon had left on his campaign. Her and their son had almost lost their lives in his absence. And yet, even from however distant he was, he had made sure that they were protected no matter what. Her husband had sent an entire elven army to her defense at the exact time it was needed. He was so calculated and precise that it made her worry even more if he would ever return. She missed him dearly. Every time she looked at her little boy, she was reminded of just how lonely this place was without him. Despite the fights, the reminders of their past, the frustrations… she would take it all to see him again. The pain in her chest felt like a dull ache, crushing both her heart and her lungs, as she came to her bed chamber and looked at Trayzer sleeping in his bed. Gammir sat beside him. She had instructed him not to stand every time she walked in when he guarded the child. The cold formality made her sick in the absence of her king. She did not feel like a queen. She was a single mother surviving on nothing but necessity and the faintest wisp of hope that threatened to vanish at any moment.

         As always, Dane followed behind. After the battle, Calya requested that Gammir stay with Trayzer no matter what. She knew that he was her top commander out of a sense of loyalty and need, rather than actual ability. He was more than able, of course, but he was aged and more than past his prime even before taking the position. Though he was no longer allowed in active combat, he was in charge of strategy and all decisions made before the soldiers exited their gates. The commander below him would take over in the field. Calya watched her son breathing quietly in his bed before observing Gammir lounging, feet up, sword brandished on his lap, polishing rag in his hand. He would never willingly give up his position, but Calya knew it was about time he retired and stayed home with his family. Dane had proven himself to be intensely loyal and was the best trained soldier she had at present. If things continued as they were, she would put him over her military in place of Gammir.

         She sighed as she instructed Gammir and Dane to avert their eyes. A moment later, she quickly undressed and dressed again in garments for sleep. Even her sleepwear was now designed in case she had to flee in the middle of the night. As she tied the strings near her collarbone, she hesitated, her fingers beginning to tremble. She thought of the competition Fallon held yearly in the fields outside the city. The entire realm, and those from as far as the Lowlands would come to participate or watch. It was a week-long festival to test the resolve, stamina, and skill of archers, swordsman, brawlers and all those who prided themselves on whatever form of combat they favored. At Calya’s suggestion, Knife throwing was added to the list of events, encouraging more to learn the art. He had established this festival within the first few months of gaining the throne. Two had taken place. It was only a matter of a few months until the next festival was to happen. However, this year would have to be different. She could not allow thousands of people to flock the realm with this level of danger crouching at their borders. She lifted her hair from inside her shift and turned to face Dane. “Dane, I will need you to have messenger birds sent to all allies to alert them that the battle festival will be cancelled until further notice. If you choose, you can explain the reason as city renovations and that the festival will resume when all renovations are complete.”

         The guard nodded solemnly. He was reminded of how much he and the other hunters always enjoyed themselves the entire week. They were banned from competing in any serious capacity, but were allowed to do one on one combat with each of the victors in their chosen battle style as well as with Fallon in a type of finale to the festival. It was always the most epic fights of the week held on the last evening before the victors were recognized. The king gained a few men who swore their allegiance at these festivals and they would be given positions, but only if they were in the top three rankings from any of the major combat styles- throwing knives excluded. He had nearly forgotten about the festival this year. Even the forest angels came to join. It was both for entertainment and political purposes. Ties were strengthened through relationships that were rekindled from times past, and all men were on equal standing for that one week. It was the way Fallon wanted it to be. No one was more important than another. There were more elves last year, though not by much. That was probably to be credited to Kikarii’s leadership in Tant. Though he did not personally show himself because he was exiled from the realm, some small number of his soldiers did show up for the sport.

         As Kikarii and Ariah traveled toward home, they spoke about what had happened over the past month. Kikarii looked back over his shoulder at his army. Most of his top commanders had perished either in the battle or from their wounds afterward. He had lost a decent amount of men and elves. He did not regret coming, but he also did not know if he was okay with the number of lives his support had cost. The men who had ridden out from Kezna had exponentially more casualties, but some mercenaries had escaped and that did not bode well for any of them. He could only hope that Tant was still a safe haven when he returned. He thought about Calya and Fallon's child. The baby looked so much like his father. Without his permission, his mind switched to thoughts of the mercenary he had broken in the dungeon. He shook his head in frustration. Could he really understand Fallon? No, he thought to himself. I am better than him. That man was a mercenary. But even as he tried to convince himself, he was not so sure it was true. He had become a man he did not recognize down in that prison. His men had to physically drag him away. He had definitely made a negative impact on them as their commander and leader. Would they respect him still, or would they view him as a monster like he had viewed Fallon for all these years?

         Fallon and his men traveled quickly, hoping to restock their provisions in the cluster of small villages. The men had split up in pairs and had decided where everyone would go. The furthest villages out were about a day apart, but each village was only a couple hours from the next closest. “Be alert," Fallon called to them as they prepared to split up. “We stay two days and meet back on the far, southern side of these villages. Just long enough to sleep, eat, restock, and pack up.” The men voiced their agreement and they split up. Fallon had asked Kole to stay with him and sent Ventris to another village. Three men needed to stay in one place since they numbered seven, so Raffine had been chosen to join them in an inn. The three made their way to one of the villages. Kole and Raffine talked cheerfully as they rode behind their king.

         The place they entered was small. Not tiny, but definitely not large enough to be considered a full town. They paid for their horses to be fed, boarded, and washed and then they paid for their stay up front. After taking a look around the inn, they made their way to a tavern to eat. Kole and Raffine ran to a table like two children and sat down. Fallon shook his head and chuckled. Seeing his men be able to let loose even for just a night or two gave him a faint glimmer of hope. He had become friends with his men since they had been chosen. He had allowed them to call him by name to prepare them for this hunt. They were all equals out here, and while he was their leader and king, they were all on the same footing. If he fell, they were to continue the plan as if he was still with them. Even so, Ventris and Kole specifically were vital to his success. Their elven blood made them the ideal hunters. And the only ones that could ensure success should he be absent in the end.

         He joined them at the table and sat down, waiting for someone to come to them. A pretty girl with light brown hair tied back and lifted into a high ponytail came up to their table. She looked at Raffine and smiled brightly, her cheeks turning a light pink. In response, Raffine leaned back, lifted an eyebrow and raised his chin, flashing her a debonair smile of his own. Despite his disapproval, Fallon laughed.

         The girl blushed and let out a giggle. Raffine gestured with his head to the hallway. “Good evening, beautiful. Do you want some company later?”

         Kole’s eyes were like saucers as he stared at the man beside him.

         Fallon leaned forward and slapped him. “Raffine, back off.”

         Kole slapped him upside the head and whistled to mess with him. “Down, boy.”

         The girl laughed again and looked at Fallon who shook his head. “Can we have ale and whatever your most filling dish is? As you can see, your admirer is quite large and very hungry.” Again the girl laughed, gave a wink to Raffine and hurried away. Fallon turned back to the two hunters. “Raffine, no,” he said, seeing him still eyeing the girl as she weaved through the room of tables. “We are here for two nights and we have a job to do. No attachments and no distractions.”

         The other shrugged and grumbled. “You are the most boring hunter there is. I could have a night with her tonight and say farewell.”

         Kole gasped in mock horror. “This is why women avoid you at home, isn't it? They know how terrible a man you are.”

         “Never. I would never do this to them. I have to see them every day of my life. They would all be begging to marry me. It would be awful.”

         “I never took you for a scoundrel, Raff,” Fallon said, his mouth twitching as he held back a smirk.

         The banter continued around the table until well after their food was given to them and the girl was out of sight. The three of them laughed and were much louder than was appropriate. By the time they got up to go back to the inn, though, Raffine was looking around for their serving girl. He spotted her and went up to see her. As he approached her, she hurried to meet him. He kissed her on the cheek. But when he moved away, she grasped his tunic, pulled him back, and kissed him full on the mouth. His hand moved to the back of her head and was tangled in her hair as he deepened the kiss, pushing her back against the wall.

         Fallon turned around to ask him a question and saw the pair across the room. He looked at Kole, his eyes full of exasperation. The half-breed held up a hand. “I'll go get him and meet you. Don't worry. I'll beat him if I have to.” The former mercenary left and the guard made his way to his companion. Without a second of hesitation he smacked him in the back of the head. The two broke their kiss and looked at him. “Sorry, milady,” he said, doing a partial bow. “He needs to come with us. If you don't mind.” The other man gave a boyish grin and a shrug and allowed himself to be pulled away.

         When they were far enough from the noise and all the people, Kole let him have it. “How old are you, Raff? Fifteen? We have a job to do here.”

         Raffine pulled his arm away forcibly. “I know. And I will do my job. Your best friend is betrothed, but I don't see you knocking him around all angry.”

         “Act your age! You may never make it back, Raffine! This is legitimately life or death. If someone comes for us while you are in bed with some girl, do you think they will let her live? Do you want to get more people killed?” Kole’s anger flared the more he spoke. “Learn to think!”

         The other guard shoved the half-breed out of his way. “They won't come for us tonight. They don't even know we are here. She would be fine.”
         A moment later, in front of the tavern door, Kole landed a fist into Raffine's gut. His friend doubled over, gasping, almost dropping to his knees. He tried to catch his breath, and as he did, he lunged at the other man. The two went down in a violent mess. Hearing the commotion, Fallon threw open the door. Seeing the fight, he reached out and took hold of Kole and threw him against the wall, before slamming Raffine against the ground. “I should not have to watch over you two as if you were a couple of immature children. Did I make the wrong decision to keep you two with me?”

         The two men shook their heads. The king grabbed the man off the ground and hauled him to his feet, hurtling him through the open doorway. When he turned to fetch the other, he was already passing him and heading inside as well.

         They all stayed in the same room that night. Fallon paced around the room, clearly ready to punch someone or something. Both men were embarrassed. The king stopped and stared at them. “What were you thinking?” Kole looked smugly at Raffine. The older man noticed and fumed. “You, too, Kole! We are supposed to be keeping out of people's attention. We are supposed to stay in the shadows. You,” pointing to Raffine, “are trying to go carousing which is going to get attention. And you,” he shouted and gestured to Kole, “are starting a fight at the inn which is going to bring even more attention.” He rubbed his temples. “I should dismiss you both here. Kole, you had better get control of your anger before I do it for you.” The moment the words left his mouth, he regretted them. He had quoted Hannon exactly. A cold dread spread through his veins at the realization. He looked up. Red heat was rising in the half-breed's face. “Go to bed, you two.”

         “Fallon,” Kole said gruffly. “Can we talk?”

         The former mercenary nodded. “If you wish.” They walked outside the room. “Now…” He nodded for the younger man to speak his mind.

         “Fallon, I did nothing wrong. He was going to put that girl in danger. If they come for us tonight-”

         “Your lack of control was wrong. If they come for us tonight, they will know right where to find us because you have made a large enough commotion. You are strong and agile. You are good at what you do. I need you with us, but that was unacceptable. We are done talking. Go to sleep.”

         “But, sir.”

         Holding up his hand, the king glared, disapproving. “I said we are done. I am going out alone. Do not come after me. Tell Raffine that if I do not return in two hours, you should both pack what we brought and head toward Tant.”