Page 125 of Chaos and Destiny
“Yes, my king. We’ve told the people you had urgent business to attend to.”
“I suppose that’s true enough. Inok, help me to my feet.”
“But, Y-y-your Grace ...” the healer stammered.
“Now’s not the time, healer. You’ve patched me up. I must be out there.”
“Are you sure?” Inok asked.
I nodded, wincing. “I’ll manage.”
“Fine, fine, but at least let me give you something for the pain.” He handed me a salve and grabbed my other arm as I stood from the table.
“Get a different robe for me, Inok.”
“Sabra brought something from your room. She is outside the door. She will not leave.”
“And Igrer?”
“Dungeons,” was all he could say behind gritted teeth.
“And Madu?”
“Same.”
“We will deal with him later,” I said. “Let’s go.”
Inok pushed the door open, and Sabra soared up from the chair she sat upon. “Oh gods, are you okay?” She reached for me, fussing as females did.
I took the robes from her hands. “I’m fine, Sabra. Headed out to the fights. Would you care to join us?”
“You would still have me join you?”
“Sabra, you’ve done nothing in your own control. You and your sister are powerful members of this court. You must let your actions go. Do not drown in the past.”
“Do you need help to walk?” Her voice remained unsteady.
“I can’t let them see me injured. I must walk out there and act as if nothing has happened, and you’re to do the same.”
She dipped her head and followed us out.
By the time we made it to my platform, spots flecked my vision. I happily sat down as my council gathered around me. The crowd was silent as they watched. No king had ever missed a part of the Trials before. Perhaps it would just give them another reason to think me incapable of ruling. I didn’t care. I looked into the concerned eyes of my reverent council members.
“I’ve been distant. I should have been more diligent in leaning on my council for advice during this time, but as you all know, I’ve not been myself since Efi ... left us. I can only ask that you trust that I’m working on that now more than ever. I’ve been reminded today that I don’t not want to die just yet.
“As you have seen, Morwena has been enchanting my people. She has been planting seeds of hatred and sitting back to watch them grow. War is creeping up on us, and we need to be prepared. I have a plan, but you’re all going to need to trust me more than ever as I draw out the sea queen. You must not let the people know I’ve been injured. You must sit here and act as if all is right in the world. Do you understand?”
They nodded.
“Let us get on with this day, then.”
“What will you do with Igrer and Madu?” Jacon asked.
“I am still deciding. Please, sit.”
I took my padded seat and gestured for the event to continue. “How long until Brax fights again?”
“We are down to Muth’s top guy, Attoc still has two in, and Brax. Attoc’s fighters will battle each other next, then Muth’s male will fight Brax, and the winner of that match will take on Attoc’s top fighter.”
