Aelethia's Hope. Leandra Martin
want to get involved with things that don’t concern him. King Dainard has a silver tongue and is good at persuasion, but I think even he’ll be hard pressed to convince them. We still have some time then?”
“Yes, Your Grace. The group didn’t leave Vallis that long ago. It will take them awhile to get into the city.”
Fallon stared at his messenger now. “You have done well, Gartlan. You get to keep your head where it is. For now. Go clean up, eat, and rest. I may have another assignment for you and, I want you well fed and rested before I send you out again.”
“Thank you, My Lord. You are most gracious.” Gartlan bowed deep to his master and backed out of the room slowly.
As soon as he was out of vision range of Fallon, he hurried down the hall to his room, heart pounding hard in his chest.
***
Ruan de Gracy entered the great hall and shook out his damp hair and cloak, spattering the floor with droplets of icy water. He stomped his feet to get the feeling back and unclasped his cloak from the throat, tossing it over his shoulder. A page appeared in the chilly hall and bowed to him. “Lord Ruan, the king awaits your presence in his study.”
“I hope it’s warmer in there than in here. Christ, does he not believe in using the fireplace. It’s like a bloody crypt in here.”
“You will find the study warmer, My Lord.”
“Lead on then. I shan’t keep my king waiting.”
The page led the dripping Ruan down a side corridor and down the hall to the double doors that opened into Dain’s study. He noticed immediately the difference in temperature, a fire blazing in the large hearth, and planned to move closer to the heat as soon as the niceties were done.
Dain turned toward the entrance when he heard footsteps and smiled when he saw the drenched earl dripping in the doorway. Ruan’s dark black hair was plastered to his head, the longish sides dripping droplets of water down his temple into the neck of his doublet. His grey eyes gleamed in the wan firelight, and the mischievous smile he always had showed off straight white teeth. Ruan was only a year younger than Dain, but the king noticed how the years had not yet caught up to the tall lanky lord. It had been years since their last visit, and, although now adults, Dain made note that his more playful boyhood companion hadn’t changed a wink. He put down his parchment and approached his cousin, grabbed him by the shoulders and squeezed.
“Ruan Hilyard de Gracy, it’s damn good to see you!”
He threw his arms around him, and the two embraced enthusiastically. When they parted, Ruan looked closely at his cousin and liege. “Good to see you as well, Sire.”
“Since when do we use our proper titles when in company with each other?”
“Since we are no longer fourteen and trying to woo the ladies with our charms. Things have changed, Dain. You are king.”
“Things have not changed between us, Ruan. We are family first, compatriots second. Now come in here and sit by the fire before you freeze to death.”
Ruan moved to the chairs by the hearth, but instead of sitting, stood with his backside to the flames.
“When I heard about Danyl I feared the worst,” Dain said, distractedly fiddling with the ties on his doublet. His voice was slightly shaky, but his tone conveyed relief. Ruan was touched at his cousin’s genuine concern after all this time. He was happy that the fondness they once shared for each other as boys had not waned over the years.
Ruan placed a hand on Dain’s shoulder in understanding and gratitude. So as not to become too sappy, he smiled at his cousin instead. “I know, Dain. But as you can see, I’m fine. In a few minutes I may be warmed up a bit as well.”
Dain appreciated the change of tone. “Well, only you would travel without the proper clothes. It’s no wonder you didn’t freeze to death out there with those unseasonal leggings and cloak. One would think a lord would have been taught better,” he joked, standing against the fireplace mantel now, arms over his chest.
“If you must know, cousin, I left in a bit of a hurry, in the dead of night so that I could ride in secret. If anyone found out I was coming to you, I may never have made it. Getting to and from Drydon Keep seems to be a bit dangerous, and being a messenger nowadays is a short lived occupation.”
Dain was not amused by this jest. “I didn’t know you were coming, nor did I call for you. Risking your life to get here was your responsibility, not mine. I’m not unaware of the dangers of being loyal to the crown are these days, Ruan. I’m responsible for everyone that I rely on, and I feel irresponsible when someone dies in my employ. I should have sent him with armed escort, but I thought being alone would attract less attention. I was mistaken, and it cost a good man his life.”
Ruan suddenly felt ill mannered and boorish. He didn’t mean to insult. He knew the responsibilities the king had and the burdens that responsibility held.
“Forgive me, Sire. I was out of place and meant no disrespect. My joking went too far. I understand the burdens that have befallen you. I’m sorry for my lack of tact.”
Dain pursed his lips and blew out a breath. “It’s alright. I’m weary, that’s all. I know you. I know you meant nothing. I’m being overly sensitive. Get warm, and let’s talk of old memories for awhile instead of issues of state.”
Ruan knew Dain’s anger had passed and felt safe joking again, but only to lighten his cousin’s bleak mood.
“I thought I would freeze in the great hall waiting for an escort. Hearths work much better when lit, you know,” he complained flippantly.
“It’s been awhile since we’ve used that hall. Wasting a good fire seems pointless when no one is occupying the room.”
“You’re not getting cheap on me now are you, cousin?”
Dain laughed despite himself, the tension from before all but gone. “No, just more frugal.” When Ruan sighed, Dain asked, “Better?”
“A bit. I’d be even more so if you’d be so inclined to find me a dram of something sweet and vein warming.”
Dain laughed and called for a servant. “Bring my guest some ale and something to nibble on. I’m sure he’s hungry after his ride.”
Ruan nodded. “Aye.” The servant left and Dain stood staring at his cousin, arms crossed over his chest. “What?” Ruan asked.
“Why did you not stay in Danyl and give aid to Ulric? He needs you more than I.”
“Let’s see, how did that dispatch go? Ah, yes, natural leadership and head for strategy. Isn’t that the way you put it?”
“Quoting my own words are we?” He smiled. “I didn’t expect you to come. Your arrival is a surprise.”
“I know. Tis’ not an unpleasant one I hope.”
“Not at all. I’m just wondering why.”
“I felt you needed me more than Danyl does.”
“How so?”
“Your deployment of troops into Danyl is sufficient. If Ulric cannot keep his garrison fortified now, there would no use for me anyway. I’m at your disposal, cousin, just accept it and put me where you must.”
Dain smiled again and sat in one of the chairs, tossing his feet up on a hassock. After Ruan’s back was sufficiently warmed, he sat down in the chair beside his king and sighed heavily again.
“It’s truly good to see you, Ruan,” Dain said. “How long has it been?”
“Eleven years next spring. Your coronation.”
“That long? It seems like only yesterday we were causing trouble in the town square.”
“Time does fly. I’m sorry I’ve not been here.”