Page 24 of Immortal Sentry

Two sets of approaching footsteps snapped him from his fantasy.

“I needed to speak to you, Mage,” Bain’s high-pitched voice said. “There are problems perhaps you can solve.”

“I am listening.” No mistaking Miisov’s low rumble. “What problems, Your Majesty?”

“My queen has yet to give me legitimate heirs. I hear whisperings that some nobles would replace me with my great niece, Lessa, or her issue.” He snorted in disgust. “As if the people might accept a queen leading them.”

“Those rumors have not reached my ears,” Miisov said calmly. A highly unlikely turn of events. Miisov would know if a mouse dropped a breadcrumb in the scullery. At least ten women came to mind who’d do a far better job at ruling than Bain. Actually, any woman would. Other monarchies were led by queens, after all.

“I have sent assassins to take care of the matter. None have succeeded. The last insisted on gold being paid in advance. My spies tell me he’s been caught and killed. I cannot allow Lessa and her sons to take my place.”

Assassins! Bain sent assassins after King Lothan’s daughter? Rage boiled inside Kerric. If he were free from this stone prison, he’d tear Bain apart with his bare hands.

Miisov sounded far calmer than Kerric could’ve managed. “Tell me, Your Majesty. How are your current diplomatic relations with Estia?”

“Estia? Ha! They are a treacherous people. I’d destroy them all if I could, but my advisors say the other kingdoms will only be sympathetic if I attack for good reason.”

“What if I can give you that reason?” Miisov sounded slightly amused, much like he had before calmly declaring checkmate during a chess game.

“Do not speak to me in riddles, Mage.”

“There is a highwayman who haunts the area who speaks Estian like a noble-born. Aren’t you planning a ball for King Selin and his queen?”

Highwayman? Kerric’s highwayman?

“Yes. I’d hoped to get better assassins.”

“She'll surely have increased her guards with the past failed attempts. Not just anyone will do. Another noble would have reason to approach her at one of your banquets or balls, do the deed, and be gone. If they take him for an Estian noble…” Miisov let the words trail off.

What was Miisov suggesting? Had he fallen to Bain’s influence?

“A nobleman, you say?” Bain failed to hide his interest. “How can a highwayman play the role of a noble?”

“I do not know his complete origins, but I believe he might be the younger son, raised in a noble household. Who knows how Estians treat their young?” Miisov snorted derisively.

There was no mistaking the satisfaction in Miisov’s words at having gotten Bain to take the bait.

“How will we capture this highwayman? I’m told he’s eluded capture thus far.”

“That,” Miisov said, “you can leave to me.”

Kerric watched as the two highwaymen approached their normal ambush spot. They never hunted here so soon after a successful raid.

Miisov had returned that day to give Kerric details about a certain outraged duke and his pretty little plaything, who hadn’tseemed nearly as outraged at being robbed by the legendary Lord and Lordling Night.

The Nights were back, but one of them left with both horses. What was going on? Where was the younger highwayman Kerric had come to think of as his?

If Kerric could but move.

Soft footfalls approached from behind. “It all begins now,” Miisov murmured, nearly too soft to hear. “So many seasons of planning are coming to fruition. You will play a big role, my dear captain.” He might have slapped Kerric’s shoulder, but stone couldn’t feel.

Miisov remained beside Kerric, saying nothing, merely watching the thick trees.

A touch of mischief crept into Miisov’s tone. “I might have arranged for the guards to apprehend our thief. Oh, you can’t fool me. I know you watch him. For more reasons than you currently know.”

What, by all the holy ones, were those ominous words supposed to mean? The sun lowered in the sky, the day fading. Then, a dozen or more horses’ hooves pounded along the winding road to the castle—Bastard Crau heading the line.

“I’d like to strike Crau from his horse,” Miisov said conversationally, giving voice to Kerric’s thoughts. “I might be suspected if he suddenly fell for no apparent reason. Ah, but the temptation is there every moment of every day.”

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