Page 33 of Fate of Echoes and Embers
Was I imagining it, or did Mev seem nervous as she watched me take a tentative bite of pie? It was surprisingly good.
“There was apparently a skirmish in the northern borders,” Mev said, concerned. “The humans barely held off a band of Gyorian raiders with Aetherian aid.”
“It’s only a matter of time before it escalates,” I said, having experienced the same along the southern border for some time. “Before we left, I heard the Gyorian War Council is eyeing new alliances.”
Marek stiffened. “With whom?” He shot a look at Kael.
“I haven’t been home since before Mev came. Don’t look to me for answers.”
“There must be someone you trust to temper your father’s appetite for vengeance?”
“My men, those I can trust, are working with Adren to help us secure the remaining artifacts. Reopening the Gate has taken precedence.”
“Understandable.” I came to Marek’s aid, my thinking similar to his own. “But there won’t be any humans left when it does reopen if things continue to escalate.”
Mev sighed. “The war could spill over into every clan, dragging Aetherians, Elydorians, and humans into a full-blown conflict. I think me coming through didn’t do Elydor any favors.”
Kael set down his mug. “You coming through was the catalyst we needed to put an end to it, Mev. You didn’t start this. My father did.” He looked at me. “There’s more.”
“Why do I sense this has something to do with Issa?” Marek asked.
“Because it does. Mev and I lingered, none seeming to care either of us overheard.”
“This is the place to come to hear rumors, and to spread them. But we’d best keep our own voices down.” Marek sat back, waiting.
Our table was in the only window, isolated but… his words were wise. I looked out onto the docks, still bustling despite the hour, and then turned back to see all three of them watching me.
“What is it?” I asked, having dismissed Marek’s concern. There would be no talk ofmehere, surely?
“A human sailor suggested Lord Draven is feeding intelligence to both sides, ensuring that the tension between Gyorians and humans reaches a boiling point,” Mev said.
I startled, surely mishearing. “Draven? My Lord Draven?”
Kael all but growled. “Aye, your Lord Draven. I, for one, am not surprised. He positions himself to take on a greater role among humans, starting with Hawthorne Manor.”
I refused to have this same argument again. “I’ve told you, so many times?—”
“I agree with him,” Mev whispered.
My head whipped in the princess’s direction. Surely, I misheard her.
“Kael had asked I not interfere, given your history with him as your father’s friend and right-hand man. But if there is any hint of truth to these whispers…” She frowned. “When we first met at Hawthorne, I had a feeling about him. It was before I knew about, well, all of it. My Aetherian father. My magic. I know now I was sensing his ill intentions.”
“No,” I said. I refused to believe another who I trusted could be so complicit. If it were true, I would never trust my own instincts again. “He served my father well for many years.”
“Your own commander doesn’t trust him,” Marek added. “We spoke of him. Sir Warren told me of an incident?—”
“The two have never gotten along,” I admitted.
“With good reason, to my thinking,” Marek said.
“I concur,” Kael added.
Mev said nothing, but her expression did. Had I been wrong to leave Hawthorne in his hands? I looked to Kael. “He and my father,” I said meekly.
“Were friends, aye. But even friends can be blinded by loyalty. That does not mean he’s the same man your father trusted.”
I swallowed hard. The weight of my decision to leave Hawthorne in his care suddenly felt heavier.
