Page 79 of Dead Crown
“Yes. I’d rather not bring it out if you don’t mind. It’s safe. You need to get started on this war, Elswere. Not later, not next month, or next year. Now. I’m going to help you, and you’re not going to complain or say you’re doing it yourself. Even if Lumi’s crowned right this second, Iceland has to be united as one country. You have no more excuses, and don’t use my potential death as one.”
Elswere hesitated before he spoke in a small voice. “All right. I’ll start mustering the army.”
“Today,” Jaki pressed.
“I’ll write the lords today.”
“I also want to know where the real Tivar is buried. Do you know?”
“Why? You never asked before. He’s supposed to stay hidden.”
“I know. Perhaps he should be buried with his actual family.”
“The tomb is on Tivar’s side,” said Elswere. “We couldn’t bury him anyway.”
“The Mages could keep him until he can be brought to the tomb. He shouldn’t be left…wherever.”
“It’s not like he was dumped in a ditch out in the wilderness.”
“Still…” It was something Jaki could deal with quite quickly, at least in part. “One day, we will be able to put him where he should be.”
“Reesing later told me he had the midwife bury the body in her herb garden. I’m assuming she’s still in Havaska. I never went to find and ask her about it. If she’s gone, the real Tivar is surely still there. Nobody would know.”
“She knew everything?”
“Of course, she knew. He gave her the body, and he came back with a new baby. She didn’t dare speak out.”
“What was her name? Where did she live?”
“Mary. Erm, I think Reesing mentioned Bakern Street when he sent for her. It was a long time ago. You’ll need a High Mage.”
“I wouldn’t dream of disturbing a body without one.”
Elswere squinted. “I don’t know if you plan on being honest with everything. Lumi should be crowned, but this is an awful lot to explain to the people or even a High Mage.”
“We’ll figure it out as we go.”
***
“You’re going to find her right now?” Lumi asked as he sat on the bed.
“Yes. I won’t be long. Elswere said he’s going to write to the lords to muster the army. They won’t all be here tomorrow, and this is a task I can do now. It should have already been done, but…”
Jacqueline flung away her new doll and let out a mighty wail. Lumi scooped her up from the bed to hold her. “Can I come once she’s calmed?”
“I figured you’d rather stay and rest,” said Jaki. “After last night…”
“I’d rather come. I’ve spent enough time in a bedroom.”
Of course…he’d tasted fake freedom for a while, and he probably wanted some of the feeling back. He’d spent too much time in a bedroom during his life. Besides, maybe it was better if he got out for a bit.
“I am tired, and I haven’t been here long…I’d rather do this with you,” said Lumi. “It’s also the brother I never got to meet.”
“All right. Do you feel all right to ride? I know your bruises were healed, but if you feel too sore inside to sit on a horse, we could walk. I’d rather not take a carriage because those draw more attention.”
“Let’s walk.”
They wore plain clothes, and during the day, it was far less likely they’d be robbed. Thieves and murderers came out at night more to rob lone people or worse under the cover of darkness when a guard would be less likely to find them.
