Chapter 57
What should have been a fortnight's journey extended into a full month, for I dared not exhaust my horse by traveling through the night. After long travel, I finally beheld the outline of the army beneath the midday sun. Two riders galloped toward me and halted before my horse, startling it into a distressed neigh.
"Who goes there?" one demanded, circling to my side.
I presented the royal seal. He examined it and exchanged a look with the other soldier. "The royal seal. It is genuine."
The second inspected it as well, then returned it to me. "State your name and purpose."
"Lady Naevia Ashcroft," I answered, weariness heavy in my voice.
They stiffened.
"What brings the very cause of this looming war here?"
"I seek my father. As you observe, I bear your Queen's permission."
Relief softened their hardened expressions at once. I could discern how fervently they welcomed the avoidance of bloodshed, for they had lingered upon this field for months beneath the shadow of imminent war.
"I shall inform General Orlo," one said before riding off, hooves striking dust into the air.
"Permit me to escort you, Lady Naevia," the other said.
When we reached the encampment, a tall and broad man clad in polished silver armor awaited me. Age had carved deep lines into his face.
He inclined his head. "Greetings, Lady Naevia. I am General Orlo. I have served the Valebrinth Crown for over thirty years." He circled my side and extended a hand. "A pleasure."
"There is no need for false pleasantries. Make way for me."
Perceiving that I neither descended from the box seat nor accepted his offered hand, he withdrew it. "I am told you travel to your father."
"Yes."
"The journey must have wearied you. Pray rest and partake of luncheon. My men have roasted fresh boar."
"I decline. I depart at once."
"At least accept warm tea. The autumn air grows cold."
What motive lay behind such insistence? Did he fear a single slight might ignite war?
"No need," I said firmly.
He paused. "Then permit me to escort you."
"I possess a map. Your attendance is unnecessary."
"As you wish, Lady Naevia." He turned and barked, "Clear a direct path for the Lady's carriage. Remove all obstacles at once."
When he returned, he added, "I trust you shall inform your father that we received you with due respect."
With the path cleared, I urged my horse forward. What I believed would require but a few minutes demanded thirty. The army was vast beyond expectation. When I passed through their ranks, I anticipated seeing my father and the Duke's men close at hand. Instead, they stood far off, no more than a faint outline against the horizon.
I narrowed my eyes as my horse advanced. Were we not told that war might erupt at any moment? Why then did the two forces remain so distant from one another?
I rubbed my eyes. Fatigue from travel weighed upon me, and prolonged hours in the seat left my body aching.
When I neared the opposing side, a rider charged toward me, sword drawn.
"Halt there," he called.
It was Uncle Helmer, my mother's only brother. At last I had reached my own blood. Yet no joy stirred within me. My heart felt empty.
"Speak from afar," he shouted.
I drew the horse to a halt, descended from the carriage, and walked toward him
"Halt," he barked, leveling his sword at me. "If you seek death this day, I shall grant-"
His voice faltered as we drew near enough to see one another clearly. The sword fell from his grasp. He leapt from his horse, tore off his helmet, and cast it aside. "Naevia? Merciful heavens."
He reached me and gathered me into his arms, lifting me from the ground. His embrace was fierce yet careful. I returned it.
"Are you unharmed? Did those blasted men lay a hand upon you? I swear upon my name, I shall cut their throats one by one if they have."
"I am unharmed, Uncle Helmer. Only weary. I wish to return home."
He set me down and studied my face. "You look hollow, child." He dragged a hand across his features. "Your eyes have lost their light. Those bastards have done this to you. Bloody demons."
He retrieved his sword and helmet. "We shall speak within camp. And never again approach an armed man so boldly! I nearly hurled my blade at you!"
"I did not know. Forgive me."
"I shall have words with Katherina and Enos," he muttered. "When we return to Baymoon, I will teach you the sword."
"A sword? Father will rebuke you."
"I can manage Enos."
"Mother will not be so easily managed."
He exhaled, lifting me onto his horse. "Your mother is formidable."
Mother always prevailed, not by steel, but by reason.
He mounted behind me, wrapping one arm before me and taking the reins with the other. "Hold tight, dear."
When we reached the camp, he halted the horse, dismounted, and lifted me.
"General Corgan," the Duke of Baymoon, Jack Landing, called as he hurried toward us. "Naevia?"
He too wore armor, as did every man within the camp.
"Naevia."
I turned at that voice. The man I knew better than any stood running toward me. He alone was not clad in steel, but in a finely tailored blue suit.
"Oh, Naevia."
As Uncle Helmer had done, he drew me into his arms and lifted me from the ground, holding me close. "My child. I am so deeply sorry. Forgive me. I have failed you. You cannot fathom how your mother and I have suffered in worry."
He set me down and dropped to one knee, his hands firm upon my arms. "Dearest, it was not your mother and me. We committed no such crime. We sought to resolve this without bloodshed. I attempted to reason with Queen Yseldra, yet she denied every word, citing evidence that was wholly false. Her court misled her. We-"
"I know, Father," I said. "I know."
"Fuck them all," Uncle Helmer muttered.
My father rose and fixed him with a steady gaze. He was taller, and Uncle Helmer was forced to look up.
"Govern your speech," Father said in a calm voice that carried unmistakable authority. "My daughter stands before you. Utter one more coarse word in her presence and you shall answer to me."
I found myself smiling faintly, for I had heard every manner of vile expression from Yseldra's lips. I pressed my mouth shut as emotion threatened to surface. I must not weep. I must not permit my thoughts to wander to her.
Uncle Helmer scoffed. "I did not earn my rank without merit. Come, then."
"Enough," I interjected.
"Lady Naevia," the Duke stepped forward with a measured smile. "At last, war is averted. I am relieved you have returned unharmed."
"I am grateful for your steadfast support of my father, Your Grace."
"No gratitude is required. Your father has rendered me equal aid. Rest now. We shall determine our course shortly." He inclined his head and withdrew.
"The men will rejoice," Uncle Helmer said, removing his helmet. "War is avoided. We may depart."
"No," I replied. "Not yet. Alethea remains there. They took her life. We must recover her body."
"They ended her?" Father's expression darkened. "They dare lay hands upon my daughter's dearest companion."
"Father, I beg your assistance in finding her."
"You need not beg. I shall see it done."
"How?"
"You need not concern yourself."
My jaw tightened. He always answered thus. For the first time, I felt the sting of exclusion. I desired to know how. I desired clarity. Whenever Father and Mother resolved my burdens, they withheld the truth, as though I were forever a child to be shielded.
Uncle Helmer looked from me to Father and scoffed. "Enos, it is because of you that we stand here today."
I could not disagree. My parents had not raised a daughter, but a fool. They ought never to have permitted me to journey to Dunverra in pursuit of Ombrithar, a false deity. They should have kept me beside them and instructed me as other nobles are instructed, teaching me to stand firm upon my own judgment. They loved me, yet their love had rendered me incapable. I lacked even the skill to resolve the simplest crisis. I would not remain thus.
"Come," Father said, guiding me forward. "Rest within my tent. It stands directly ahead."
"What is your design to recover Alethea?" I asked.
"Naevia, my precious child. I give you my word I shall find her."
I stepped before him, halting our movement. His blue hair, usually immaculate, lay disordered.
"How old am I this year, Father?"
"Twenty. Your birthday has only just passed. Do not trouble yourself, my love. I have prepared a gift for you, and your mother has done the same."
"So I am an adult?"
He smiled. "Indeed. You have grown swiftly."
"Then cease treating me as a child."
A flicker of surprise crossed his dark eyes.
"Compose your thoughts and meet me in your tent," I continued. "We shall deliberate together on how to find Alethea. As adults."
I turned and entered the tent he had indicated. I waited in silence. I was patient. I understood he required time, for I was no longer his little girl.