Page 11 of Immortal Sentry

A brief twinkle appeared in Miisov's eyes. “It's a good thing Bain doesn’t realize I’m known for my cunning ways.” All humor fled. “Your punishment can only end when the rightful line returns to power.”

Kerric wanted to ask how he disabled them during the last fight. At first, he’d put the act down to divine intervention.

Long live Prince Eron.

“It may take time,” Miisov said, “but you and I will still be here to exact revenge, my friend. Hate me now, but I did what I must. I know you can hear me, even if you can’t respond. Keep those ears open, Captain, and you might learn of truths between words.”

Miisov quieted as more soft steps approached. “Why have you brought me here?” Bain’s irritating, nasally whine would’ve made Kerric wince had he been able.

“Your Majesty,” Miisov replied, with a hint of mockery in his tone that Bain missed. “’Tis only to prevent prying eyes and ears. No one can overhear us, and none can approach without our knowledge.”

“Very well.” Bain ran a hand over Kerric’s arm. “I must admit, I like these adornments. Such pieces of art, even if you’ve never confided how they came to be here.”

If Kerric could move, he’d have taken that hand off at the wrist.

“Yes, they are magnificent, aren’t they? A fine piece of spell work, if I say so myself. And a fitting end for the guards’ dereliction of duty.”

More footsteps approached, this time wearing boots. Kerric would know the cadence of those footfalls anywhere. He bristled inside.

“Your Majesty. Mage.” The oily slickness of Crau’s voice nauseated Kerric. He’d once have followed the commander to the ends of the earth before the bastard betrayed the king and even his own men. For what?

“Duke,” Miisov acknowledged, with just enough reverence not to appear openly rude. Truth between words, indeed.

Duke, that had been the lure with which Bain baited his trap—the dubious honor for which Crau had sold his soul.

“Why have you come here, Crau?” Bain snapped.

“I’ve sent a contingent of soldiers to search for any nobles who might have escaped the battle, as I’d heard rumors to that effect. We can’t have Lothan’s loyalists stirring up trouble. However, the soldiers never returned. I’ve also heard of highwaymen nearby.”

“Are you sure your men didn’t desert? Loyalty to you didn’t do well for this lot.” Kerric imagined Miisov waving a hand to indicate the gargoyles.

“A regrettable but necessary action, Mage. They were the finest warriors in all of Hisar, in all of Ala, most likely. I couldn’t have them ruining my plans.” Kerric longed to choke the arrogance from Crau’s tones.

“I thought they were loyal to you,” Miisov said.

Crau nearly growled, “Not as loyal as they were to the royal family.”

Bain led the conversation back to the original subject. “How does that relate to highwaymen?”

“We’ve tried to attract support for you, King Bain, but more often than not, any foreign nobles who attempt to come here and pledge their allegiance are robbed.”

Bain snapped, “Crau! You have the men and the means. How many highwaymen are we talking? A legion?”

Crau coughed.

“What was that? I can’t hear you?” Bain finally removed his hand from Kerric’s arm.

“One, sire. Possibly two.”

The words gave Kerric unexpected pleasure. Someone aggravated the fake king. Kerric liked the bandits even more.

Bain snorted. “I expect your men to have these highwaymen in the dungeon by month’s end. Do I make myself clear?”

A sudden crash drew Kerric’s eyes downward as the three men walked away. Broken marble lay smashed on the ground below, an arm and a head visible among the ruin.

An ache began in Kerric’s chest, one he’d experienced twice before. He’d started with fourteen men after the battle. Three had given up hope so far, using what movement they still possessed to tip over the edge.

Suicide? Now, he was down to eleven men. He’d hang on, couldn’t let go. Until all his men were gone, Kerric must endure for them, leaving him alone with thoughts best not entertained. Kerric’s mind wandered to the young prince as it so often did. Had he really survived? If so, where was he now? What was he doing?

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