Page 58 of Immortal Sentry

A boulder lodged in Eron’s throat as he finally approached the table where Bain, Crau, Lessa, Selin, and Lessa’s sons sat. What striking boys, so much like Lessa. Eron bowed, hoping to get out his recited words, “Your Majesties and Highnesses. I am Lord Edry of Estia.”

He made eye contact with Lessa upon rising. Her eyes momentarily went wide, but she quickly resumed her mildly amused countenance. The men mumbled platitudes, but Lessa said, in perfect Estian, “Greetings, Lord Edry. You honor us with your presence.”

Then the moment ended, and Eron let out a sigh of relief. He wandered out into the corridor, ignoring the guards at his back, where servants bustled about, clearing away the meal. He donned his most winning smile—if it still showed with the disguise spell. “I’m afraid nerves prevented me from enjoying this lovely repast. Could you prepare something for later?” Eron recalled his first meal once he’d arrived back here—bread and cheese brought to him by Kerric in the dungeons. He’d return the favor, but with tastier fare, far from the disgusting cell.

“Yes, Your Lordship,” a maid answered before bustling off. She returned a few moments later and handed Eron a covered basket. A bottle of wine peeked from the top. Her cleavage hadn’t been so much on display when they’d first spoken. She winked.

Eron smiled and inclined his head when once he’d have arranged a later meeting. He took the stairs two at a time and nearly raced to his rooms. “You won’t be needed tonight,” he told his guards. “I plan to stay in and read.”

The guards took up positions on either side of the door. Eron closed and locked the door, set a straw on the top, and then darted for the secret passageway and the ramparts.

He blinked hard several times, letting his eyes adjust to the low light, and listened for any sign of guards, though he’d noticed none before. Torches flared along the walkway, causing the stone gargoyles to glow. A light dusting of snow covered them.

One was noticeably missing.

“Kerric!” Eron called. His breath clouded before his face. He should’ve brought a cloak.

Kerric stepped out from behind a statue. Had he been talking to it? “Yes, Eron. What is it? Has something gone wrong?”

Oh, right. Kerric had said he’d be here if Eron needed him. Eron held the basket aloft. “I brought you some of the banquet.”

The stiff set of Kerric’s shoulders relaxed. He approached at a leisurely pace. “How thoughtful of you.” His stomach added its rumbling voice in agreement.

“Would you like to come to my rooms?”

“No. It’s a pleasant night for this late in autumn. Let’s stay here for a while if you’re not too cold. I doubt we’ll see many guards. They’re mostly downstairs guarding the king’s guests.” Kerric eased down onto the walkway, reaching into the basket. “Honey bread! One of my favorites.”

Rapid footsteps tapped up the stairs. Kerric rose, drawing his sword. Eron snagged a dagger from his boot. Together, they waited.

They breathed sighs of relief when Queen Lessa’s alabaster skin and dark hair came into view. Eron’s heart still hammered.

“Your Majesty,” Eron said, bowing as he’d been taught.

Queen Lessa stared him up and down, wiping her eyes with her fingertips. “Don’t ‘Majesty’ me, you little scamp. Come here.”

Eron put away his dagger and approached slowly. For a moment, as he took a closer look, the dagger might as well have plunged into his heart. The woman before him could’ve passed for his late mother. He froze. Should he approach? Run?

Lessa charged, wrapping Eron in her arms. She was strong for such a dainty-looking woman, forcing the air from Eron’s lungs. “I don’t know how you’re here or why you’re here or why you’re not dead like everyone told me. I’m just so happy to see you!” She swayed back and forth, taking Eron with her.

They finally separated, Lessa putting Eron at arm’s length to study him further. “You grew up, scamp. And returned from the dead. You’ll have to tell me everything. But first, why are you here? Why don’t Bain and others know who you are?”

Should Eron tell of Miisov’s role in this charade? Well, he had trusted her not to give them away. “I’m under a spell. Only you and a few others can see me as I am.”

“That explains it, because no one who saw the real you would mistake you for anyone but my brother.” Lessa blew out a shaky breath. “You look so much like Dafron, except for his lock of white hair.” She stepped back, turning her attention to Kerric. “I beg your pardon, sir. I hadn’t intended to ignore you.”

Kerric bowed. “Most nobles wouldn’t have noticed me, Your Majesty.”

“Most nobles are fools. Let me guess, based on your uniform, you’re a captain, aren’t you?”

“I am, Your Majesty. Captain Kerric.”

Lessa dipped her chin. “I remember a Captain Kerric from my time here.” She regarded Kerric thoughtfully. “Shouldn’t you be older? You look different than I remember.”

“I can explain.…” Kerric began.

“Later. Right now, I’d like to look at the gargoyles I’ve heard so much about. That’s my excuse for being here if anyone asks. Legend says they used to be men. Strange that Bain went through the trouble of bringing them up here. They weren’t here when I left twelve summers ago.”

Kerric led the way.

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