Page 17 of The Threadbare Queen

Luc would bet his trusty sword the wagon driver or someone riding with the envoy was the one tasked with abducting her. And in order to have a solid reason to get into Fernwell, to have access to Ava, they had kept the diplomats in the envoy befuddled and pointed toward the city and a meeting with a queen. Whichever one happened to be on the throne.

They needed to find that cart driver.

He leaned across and touched the general’s shoulder, a silent request for her to be on guard with Ava, and strode out of the room.

He made his way to the stables, where Rafe was shouting orders as horses were led out and saddled. The light of the day was almost completely gone and torches lit the cobbled space, dancing light and shadow over the chaos.

“You need to send someone to find the Grimwaldians’ wagon driver. He’s the one to watch.”

Rafe made a face. “How important is this? There’s a lot to do, if we’re going to ride tonight.”

“Very important, but as you won’t be the one left behind searching for him, hand it to someone you trust. There are a lot of soldiers doing nothing, give whoever you hand this to the authority to draft as many people as they need to find him. And tell them to beware. I think he’s a spell caster. He’s responsible for the mess in the throne room.”

Rafe looked at him blankly. “What mess?”

Luc felt a sudden, grudging respect for Raun-Tu. The general’s lieutenant had kept things very much contained.

“Two dead.”

Rafe’s whole body tensed. “What?”

“It’s dealt with. But be warned, the wagon driver seems the likely culprit. The envoy was bespelled and they used a magic-worked spoon.”

Rafe looked like he wanted to chuckle at the mention of the spoon.

“It killed the person it was used against.” Luc’s words didn’t quite dispel the skepticism on Rafe’s face but he sobered up.

“Magical utensils. Got it.”

It was Luc’s turn to make a face. “I know it sounds ridiculous. I’m assuming that’s how the Grimwaldian got the spoon past the guards and within throwing distance of Ava.”

Rafe’s face was completely serious now. “How do we know what’s dangerous?”

Luc shook his head. “It’s impossible to know for sure. Just tell whoever you send not to accept anything from them, and beware of anything they’ve got in their hands.”

Rafe nodded. “When do we leave?”

Luc thought of Ava, and the weight of his responsibility pressed hard on him. “As soon as I can square things here.”

“We’ll have an extra companion for some of the way. Kikir has been talking about returning home to report on the Rising Wave’s victory and the alliances he’s made with us and the Venyatux, and he asked if he could accompany us until he needs to turn north toward Skäddar.”

The Skäddar warrior had been a useful ally, and Luc had no concerns about him being part of the unit. In fact, it would be a shame to lose such an accomplished fighter before they reached Cervantes.

“He’s welcome.”

Rafe tapped a fist to his chest and left, and Luc made his way back to the antechamber.

A month ago, while he’d waited for Ava to join him from Grimwalt, he’d felt like heaving the responsibility for the massive army off his shoulders and going to look for her.

He’d had to force himself to stay where he was, to lead the column, and she had come to him, just as she’d promised, bringing a sense of home and peace with her.

It would be hard to leave her here. Especially as he knew she would fight the idea of him going without her.

And yet, he couldn’t see another way for this to work.

When he reached the chamber it was clear the meeting was over. Everyone was on their feet.

The general stood beside Ava, and Luc saw his heart’s choice looked a little amused at the protective stance General Ru had taken.

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