Page 26 of Haunted

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With heavy hearts, Neifion and I descend into Caer. He lands in the courtyard, where I bid him farewell. He has many responsibilities to carry out, tasks he doesn’t tell me for the plan’s sake, but he will return in three days’ time. I’m determined to limit my exposure to the empress. She must see that I have a region to rule. I will not be her lackey.

The stronghold is eerily serene. A few emrys guards mill about, relaxed. I sense others about their duties within the walls and on the grounds, but none of the usual bustle. I stride into the hall, passing a guard who jumps to attention. No one else acknowledges me. A maid whacks a tapestry, one handed, in a lackadaisical manner. Dust puffs into the morning sunlight and lingers. Where is the empress? I half expected her to be at her usual, sentencing poor dissenters.

No court has been called. The lords are at home in their regions, but ambassadors should be in residence. I move to the council chamber and find it empty as well. I do a quick scan with my light. Most occupants are at slumber. The empress would not permit this. She’s obviously not at Caer.

Neifion, did anyone happen to say where the empress is?

I’ve no word.

This is the first I’ve been at Caer when she is not. It’s unnerving. I’m not sure what to do with myself.

I’d be more concerned with what she is doing, Neifion says.

I was trying not to think that far ahead, brother.

I head to the south terrace. Not much to gaze at. The sun hovers just above the volcanic ridge in the east. A fissure beyond the terrace wall leaks steam at a rate that embodies how I feel—thin and worried.

A familiar energy emerges into my discernible field. It’s warm and lavender in color. I smell bitter herbs before I hear her meek footfalls. A smile creeps over my face. How is she able to coax one from me? I turn as Nesta, steaming herbal mug in hand, slips up beside me. She rests her elbows on the wall and leans forward, inhaling softly before taking a sip of her brew.

“She’ll be gone all day,” Nesta says without glancing my way. “She hasn’t left Caer this much since she took over rule of the regions and you arrived. Half the court was amazed she went with you to Elidyr.”

I arch an eyebrow as I study the soft lines of Nesta’s profile. “Why’s that so unbelievable?”

Nesta’s mouth rounds into a circle as she blows across her mug. “Because she left for you.”

“She left for her own purposes. It had nothing to do with me.” I don’t mention how she most likely left to kill Siarl.

“After we returned from Elidyr, the empress secluded herself in her chambers for a day. The next morning she left, but she returned by nightfall. It has been this way the entire time you were gone.”

“For three weeks? Where does she go? What’s she doing?”

“No one knows,” Nesta says. “Aerona is her only companion. She forbids anyone from following her, under forfeit of life.”

“Where is the commander?” Does he know of the empress’s pursuits? Does he accompany her?

“He is in mourning.”

“Mourning?” I ask.

“His wife died.”

“Oh.” I don’t press for more answers. If the commander is absent, no matter how sorrowful the reason, I’m grateful. Minutes pass in silence as Nesta sips. Finally I say, “Their absence explains the relaxed atmosphere. The empress keeps everyone so pent up.”

“Vigilant. She keeps them vigilant.” Nesta turns to me and laughs. It’s so lighthearted, and her face is so musical in expression. “You don’t need to worry. We aren’t so lax that we’d allow an invasion.”

I scoff. “Nesta, that’s my least worry.”

“You don’t understand why we follow her, those half-emrys under her command.”

I nod.

“Her methods have been brutal and barbaric,” Nesta says, “but she’s united the regions. You have to admit they’re prospering. The lords only balk against her because they want full control of their lands.”

“Nesta,” I lean closer, “her demands are high.” Not to mention how cruel some of her darker dragon riders are to humans. There are always reports of brawls or raids or rapes. I’ve counseled my people not to make trouble, but it’s hard when trouble looks for them. Despite the prosperity I’ve noticed, the brutality must stop. I must protect my people.

“The master she serves requires them.”

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