Page 22 of Sword of Desire
“Some place safe.” Brodek knocked on the door. “The three of you,” he pointed to his men, “take the horses around back to the stables. Get them out of sight.”
The three men did as they were told.
The door swung open and a tall, skinny man with red hair stood there.
“His hair is the same color as your sister’s,” Gytha said, jabbing Ackley in the side with her elbow.
“This man’s hair is much darker. It’s not nearly as lethal as Idina’s.” Regardless, it was a rare hair color to see.
“Brodek,” the man said, waving them inside. “I hope everything is okay.”
“It is,” Brodek replied once he was inside the manor. “I’d like to introduce to you Prince Ackley of Marsden and Gytha, a fierce soldier in his army.”
Ackley and Gytha entered the house, closing the door behind them.
The man smiled. “Welcome to our humble abode.” He bowed with a flourish. “My name’s Audek. My wife, Vesha, is around here somewhere.”
The low ceiling was only a foot above Ackley’s head, making him feel like a giant in the small room. A fire crackled in the hearth, warming the place. The paintings on the walls were simple, mostly involving plants or landscape. The few knickknacks around seemed to have been etched from wood. By all accounts, the manor was simple.
“Please have a seat,” Audek said, motioning toward the sofas.
Ackley and Gytha sat together while Audek and Brodek sat across from them.
“It’s not often we have royalty here,” Audek said. “I mean royalty other than Rema and Darmik. But I don’t think of them as being royal although they are.” Audek scratched the side of his head. “Do you want something to eat or drink?”
“That would be nice,” Ackley said, speaking slowly to ensure Audek could understand his accent.
Audek nodded and left the room.
“Your men?” Ackley asked.
“I don’t expect there to be any trouble out here,” Brodek said. “However, I asked for them to remain on watch just in case.”
Audek returned and took his seat. “My wife will bring something out shortly.” He rubbed his hands together and looked at Brodek expectantly.
“I sent a letter to the empress,” Brodek explained. “We’re awaiting her response.”
“I assume this has something to do with…” Audek nodded toward Ackley and Gytha.
“Yes,” Ackley answered. He then quickly explained his situation and why he needed an audience with Empress Rema.
As soon as he finished, a woman in her late forties entered carrying a tray of tea and pastries. She introduced herself as Vesha, then set the tray on the low table and sat on the other side of Audek.
Vesha looked between Ackley and Gytha. “My husband tells me you’re both from a kingdom called Marsden?”
Gytha nodded.
“And you’re a soldier?” Vesha asked her.
“I am,” Gytha said with pride, sitting up a little straighter.
Vesha smiled. “Back in my younger days, I was also a soldier of sorts, though not as formidable as you.”
Ackley glanced up at the ceiling. This was all he needed—Gytha’s ego stroked.
Audek placed his hand on Vesha’s thigh, squeezing it. “Oh, I don’t know. You’ve always been intimidating to me.” He smiled sheepishly.
“It’s nice to meet a fellow warrior,” Gytha replied.
