Page 44 of The Sundered Blade

Everyone in the warehouse seemed to freeze. Staring. Terrified. Hopeful. Skeptical. Karreya did not blame them.

“And how,” Kellan asked in a dangerously quiet tone, “do you propose to do this?”

“Long story,” Leisa returned briskly. “And a dangerous one, so I will not share it here. Suffice it to say, I know my way around the palace, and we hold vital information that will alter the trajectory of the conflict between the Thrones. Given the increased security, a legitimate reason for entry seemed wise.”

Kellan’s head tilted, and his regard sharpened. “That much is true enough,” he admitted. “And as it happens, you have come at the right moment. His Majesty has called for a convocation—essentially summoned everyone in Garimore of any importance whatsoever—to be assembled tomorrow evening. We aren’t sure what he means to announce, but it will be significant, and I fear will bring only greater suffering to the people of Garimore. If you believe you can stop him…” His lips twisted wryly. “I don’t care if you’re the Queen of Farhall or Garimore’s worst enemy. Take him down, and then we’ll find a way to deal with you.”

Karreya and Leisa exchanged a glance that was almost amused. Lord Kellan had hit oddly near the mark.

“You can get us into this convocation?”

The blond man nodded decisively. “We can. We don’t have the funds presently to provide proper clothing, but if you can manage that, we can forge invitations.”

“Clothing is not an issue,” Leisa assured him.

“And if this works… You say you intend for Prince Vaniell to take the throne?”

She shrugged. “I’m not Garimoran, so I don’t suppose I have any authority over the matter. But given what I know, it seems like the best option.”

Kellan smiled suddenly, a razor-sharp expression that somehow appeared more fierce than friendly. “Then whoever you are, welcome to the family. I think we’re going to get along quite well.”

* * *

The wait for the following nightfall seemed interminable, and Karreya spent most of it perched on the roof of the warehouse, avoiding the eyes and the questions of those within. Watching the sun sink slowly towards the horizon as she awaited the moment Leisa would call her for their final preparations.

She would see her father soon. But would he know her? Would he hear her? And what would she do if he refused her request?

Karreya reached for one of her daggers out of habit, and scowled as she recalled that she now wore the new outfit Leisa had fashioned out of mirror magic and an old mourning gown.

It was long and black, and draped her form in graceful folds that allowed great freedom of movement. The skirt split to the middle of her thigh, and beneath it she wore dark, skin-tight trousers and boots. The bodice was embroidered with golden thread and fit closely around her neck and shoulders, with long sleeves that hugged her wrists and featured that same golden embroidery in fanciful swirls.

It was beautiful, Karreya was compelled to admit, but it felt odd to wear something other than she usually did. The only weapons it permitted her to conceal were six daggers and the stilettos in her boots, which meant she would likely have to leave her belt pouches behind as well. Though, perhaps a few items could be slipped into her bodice…

Removing her belt from where she’d fastened it over the dress, Karreya laid aside her lock picks and other various tools of her trade, then selected the few items she thought she might need, slipping them into the slender, almost invisible pockets she’d asked Leisa to incorporate into her dress.

Last of all, she picked up the small pouch she’d received from Niell and weighed it thoughtfully as she recalled the moment he’d given it to her.

It felt like a tangible token of the trust they’d placed in one another and reminded her of all the times he’d offered help, for no reason other than kindness. A sharp ache took up residence in her chest as his brilliant smile flashed in her memory.

She missed him. Missed his smile and his teasing and his bright eyes that saw so much more than she intended to reveal. Missed his assertion that they were friends, no matter how many times she threatened to stab him. And she wished he were here. Because out of everyone she knew, either in Abreia or Zulle, Niell was the only one who would understand the turmoil in her heart as she stood on this rooftop, both fearing and longing for the confrontation to come.

Balancing the pouch in one hand, she opened it, expecting to find an assortment of coins and nothing more. There was money, yes, but Karreya caught her breath as she saw what else the pouch contained.

A large gem, brilliant and finely cut, lay atop the coins, sparking with fire in the rays of the setting sun. And tucked in beside it was a small piece of paper, worn and stained from traveling in the pouch.

Karreya’s fingers shook oddly as she pulled out the paper, unfolded it, and read Niell’s words.

I don’t know when you will find this, or what you might end up needing, so I’ll keep this short. The money is, of course, just money. Use it for your needs along the road, and try not to keep count of it as debt. I offer it gladly in hopes that it will help you make your way in safety.

The gem is one of mine, and it can also be sold for funds in a desperate situation. However, should you wish for help of a different kind, the gem is enspelled. As with most of my efforts, the enchantment is not yet tested, but I believe it will act as a beacon.

Theoretically, that beacon can only be detected by me, and is dependent on an act of will. Hold it close to you until the gem grows warm, and if you need me, I will know.

Whether you read this five minutes after leaving me in the forest, or months down the road when you barely remember my name, know that I miss you. That you are held in my memory as a friendship beyond price, and that I have not given up on seeing you again. Whether I am King of Garimore, or a wanderer without a name or a home, I will one day find my way to your side and say the words I was too much of a coward to utter before we parted.

Be safe, my friend. And know that I trust you. With everything I have, and everything I am.

Niell

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