Chapter 11

Thankfully, Gustav’s mount had been tethered nearby and they didn’t waste time fleeing the area. The trio rode hard for the next hour or so, constantly checking over their shoulders, but Benoit and his lizards didn’t follow.

When they did finally stop so the horses could get a break and a drink from the stream, Gustav unleashed his fury and kicked at the dirt as he ranted. “That whoreson! He was the one behind it all.”

Avera fiddled with her locket, just as shocked. “We couldn’t have known.” Benoit had never come across as all that intelligent. Arrogant, yes. Concerned about his clothes and hair, totally. But someone capable of sadistically planning murder? She’d have never guessed.

“But that’s just it, I should have seen it. I wonder if your mother suspected his ambition. If that was why she turned cold on him.”

“Wouldn’t she have told you?” Avera asked, glancing at Gustav.

“If she had I’d have done something about it. Never did like that prick.”

Avera eyed her battered rook and frowned. “We need to treat your injuries.”

“Bah, it’s just scratches!”

“That can get infected,” chided his sister. “Sit down and let me tend you.”

A grumbling Gustav sat on a stone by the creek’s edge. “Benoit knew about our trap and ambushed us.”

“He was also behind the snake attack,” Avera stated. “I guess I should count myself lucky he didn’t use the lizard statues that first night or things might have turned out differently.” Their hard carapaces had proven difficult to penetrate.

“Where did he get the funds? That’s what I want to know. The man squandered every penny of his allowance. His family, while well-off, was loyal to the crown. I can’t see them just handing their wealth over,” Gustav said.

“He did have Duke Petturi and Admiral Venne,” Avera reminded.

“And more, I would guess. Greedy bastards seduced by the thought of increasing their power and prestige.” Gustav grimaced as his sister wiped at the bloody scratch across the back of his hand.

“I thought the lords and ladies were happy with my mother’s rule,” Avera stated, somewhat confused.

“So did I.” Gustav sighed and slumped.

Josslyn tore a strip from her petticoat before murmuring, “I wonder if he’s getting financial aid and even advice from that master Benoit and Venne spoke about in the cellar.”

“What master?” Gustav’s head shot up. “Why am I just hearing of this?”

“It was only a short mention. Something about paving a way for his master’s return.” Avera shrugged. “I can’t imagine who they spoke of.”

“Meaning there is someone above Benoit and his delusions of grandeur.” Gustav appeared pensive.

“Who would have that kind of wealth and influence in Daerva?” Josslyn’s face creased.

“No one,” Gustav replied. “This master of his must be from another continent. But which one? We’re at peace with all of them.”

“Not exactly peace. Our ships have had issues with the Okkiliamian marauders,” Josslyn reminded.

“We’ve been having those skirmishes for centuries. Why would they escalate? And why would they want Benoit in power? What advantage does he give?”

“As king, he could forge new treaties.” Avera tried to find a reason and came up with only that weak excuse.

“Treaty for what? We already have a strong trade. As to conquering Daerva, if we closed off the ports, they’d be hard-pressed to land an army.”

“There’s so much we don’t know, but I think more pressing is, what are we supposed to do now?” Avera asked. “Do we return to the palace?”

“No,” Josslyn stated emphatically. “Benoit has seeded some ugly rumors. Chances are you’d be arrested on sight.”

“I could plead my innocence. Tell them the truth.”

“Do you really think you’d live that long?” was Josslyn’s harsh rebuke.

Avera kicked at her skirts as she paced. “Then what? Do I just let Benoit have the throne?”

“Depends, are you willing to fight for it?” Josslyn queried.

“A part of me says let him have it, but another part—” Avera clenched her fists as she spat— “wants to hang him from the ramparts after I’ve stripped the skin from his body.”

Gustav chuckled. “I like the latter plan. However, the reality is we might need an army to oust him.”

“How am I supposed to gather one? He’s got me labelled as a murderer, a traitor. Once word gets around Daerva, I’ll be hard-pressed to ask for a bed for the night, let alone sons and daughters to fight for me.”

“Who says the army has to come from Daerva?” Josslyn finished tying off a bandage around Gustav’s arm.

“Where else?”

“We do have allies on other continents.”

“Who might not want to get involved in an internal war. And what could I even offer in return? Not to mention, how would it look if I attacked my people with a foreign army?”

“The queen has a point. I doubt Merisu or Pequilh will render aid, not until they see what Benoit does next,” Gustav commented. “But the same can’t be said for mercenaries.”

“Hire cutthroats?” Josslyn scoffed.

“With what funds?” Avera added. “They won’t work for free.”

“Which is a problem,” Gustav admitted.

Clutching the locket once more, Avera murmured, “Part of my mother’s final instructions to me stated I must journey to Fraegus Spire. That things would be revealed that I needed to know to rule.” While her mother had claimed the pilgrimage was a secret, Gustav knew about it as he’d accompanied the former queen. Given circumstances, Avera saw no reason to keep the information from Josslyn whom she already trusted.

“What is that cold mountain supposed to reveal that’s so important?” Josslyn asked, standing and shaking out her skirts.

“She didn’t say, but she stressed the importance.”

The reply pursed Josslyn’s lips. “I don’t see how visiting a cold and rocky mountain that is deadly to people will help our situation.”

To Avera’s surprise, Gustav rumbled, “I think she should go.”

“Really?” Avera couldn’t contain the exclamation.

“At this point, you’re a queen without a throne. A wanted criminal who will die if captured. You have no allies but me.”

“And me!” Josslyn piped up.

Gustav continued. “We need an advantage, something Benoit can’t predict or counter. Perhaps you’ll find it at the spire.”

“You went with my mother on her journey.”

“I did, and while she never told me what transpired on that mountain, she emerged changed. Sobered by something she’d seen or heard.”

“Did she ever go back?” Avera asked.

“Yes, without me.” His lips turned down. “When I was laid abed with a broken leg, she set off with a visiting dignitary from Verlora.”

“Why would she take him there?” Avera wondered.

“I don’t know, but she returned from that voyage alone and months later, you came along.” His gaze slewed to Avera.

The man who’d fathered her had visited the mountain with her mother. Why? What had they been seeking?

“I think my course is clear, then. I must go to Fraegus Spire.”

“It will be a ride of at least four days. Three, if we push hard,” Gustav stated. “If we only stop sparingly, we should reach Treble Pine before nightfall. I have a friend there who can conceal Josslyn until my return.”

“Hide me? I’m going with you,” his sister declared.

“It’s too?—”

“Don’t you dare say dangerous,” Josslyn huffed. “Or hasn’t it occurred to you that if Benoit has maligned Avera, then chances are my name has been smeared too. I am just as likely to be arrested. And while we might be able to safely visit this town today, I imagine it won’t be long before everyone in Daerva is told to take us into custody or even kill us on sight. I might as well be with you.”

“I’m sorry,” Avera stated softly. “When I made you duchess, I never expected any of this to happen.”

“This isn’t your fault and together we will fix this,” Josslyn declared. “After all, we are friends.”

“We are?”

“Yes. We might have just met but you and I are kindred spirits. Both championing for change. Both strong-willed women, unafraid to wield power. But for good, not evil, like Benoit and his cronies.”

“You make him sound like a villain in a children’s tale.”

“Because he is a villain of the worst kind, and we shall be the heroes that vanquish him,” Josslyn hotly declared.

Avera wanted to scoff. How could she, an old rook, and his vivacious sister prevail?

The answer was quite simply because they had no other choice.

They continued riding, faster than they would normally travel, with Gustav constantly watching over his shoulder. As they neared the edge of the woods and the town beyond it, he slowed their pace.

“I’m going ahead to see if we have anything to worry about,” he stated.

“In other words, going to sacrifice yourself,” was Josslyn’s tart reply.

“We don’t know if Benoit laid a second trap in case the first failed,” he pointed out.

“Why not bypass the town entirely?” While Avera would dearly love a warm meal and a soft bed, she didn’t want Gustav in danger, either.

“Because we need more than just the clothes on our back. We have no food, nothing warm for when night falls and things get chilly.”

“There are berries and I’m sure you know how to snare a rabbit we can spit over a fire which will keep us toasty.” Josslyn had a ready solution.

“Or I could see if my friend will accommodate us quietly and outfit us before we set out in the morning.”

“You trust this person?” Avera questioned.

Gustav nodded. “Harry is a good man. We trained together, but rather than take the soldier’s path, he chose to marry and run the family business. He’s in the lumber trade.”

“And when was the last time you saw him?” Josslyn asked.

The inquiry brought a crease to Gustav’s brows. “A few years. Hard to remember. I don’t often have cause to come this way and Harry rarely visits the capital.”

“We will go see this friend together,” Avera stated.

“But—”

She shook her head and cut him off. “I think it’s best if we stay together.”

“Fine.” Gustav’s curt reply was followed with a muttered, “Bossy women.”

He trotted ahead and Josslyn’s mare kept pace by Luna, close enough Avera heard Josslyn murmur, “I know Harry.”

“And?”

“A decent sort, very loyal to the crown.”

“I hear a but,” Avera replied.

“His son is another matter. He got into some trouble a few years back. Your mother sent him packing from the capital for conduct unbecoming.”

The admission arched Avera’s eyebrow. “Meaning he might not be so accommodating to a Voxspira.”

“Meaning he’s the type who’d listen to Benoit.”

“Assuming the two know each other.”

“Could be I worry for nothing, but best forewarned.”

“Doesn’t Gustav know about this troubled son?”

“Yes.” Josslyn sighed. “But he played it off at the time as boys will be boys. He can’t seem to grasp the son could be so different from the father.”

“And yet he saw it in my own siblings. Aldrich was nothing like my mother. Even my sisters were nothing like me.” More concerned with their dresses and hair than anything of substance.

“I think that’s why Gustav likes you so much. You remind him of the late queen. He spoke about you, you know, with the pride of a father.”

“He did?”

Josslyn nodded. “The time you knocked the sword from his hand in training, I thought he’d burst. He was so pleased you’d bested him.”

“Tell that to the bruises I got the next lesson.” A rueful admission to which Josslyn laughed.

“Not to punish but to ensure you didn’t get cocky. A failing of many who think they’ve mastered a craft.”

Avera slewed a glance at Josslyn. “You’re close despite the age difference.”

“I think it’s because he couldn’t have children of his own. Which is dumb. I never understood why rooks couldn’t marry and have a family.”

“It has to do with ensuring those closest to the royals can’t be threatened or blackmailed. A man fearing for his wife or children might not perform his duty to the crown.”

“So why does the rule only apply to those who attain the rank of rook?”

“I don’t know.” But it would be something Avera delved into, should she ever manage to regain her throne.

Rather than enter the town proper, Gustav took them around the outskirts, past huts with dirt yards where chickens pecked and dogs lifted their heads to utter a bark of warning. A few children scampered here and there, pointing at the trio riding by. None called out or tried to stop them, not even the woman hanging her wash.

At least they weren’t recognized. Then again, why would they be? It wasn’t as if Avera had been well-known or popular before. She also didn’t dress like the ladies of the court. Josslyn appeared more royal than her, given her more voluminous skirts and the ruffle of her blouse peeking through her jacket. Their horses had been stripped of any identifying marks and Gustav had his coat, with its royal emblem, tucked away.

In the distance, they spotted a small pond with a tiny dock upon which sat a boy with a stick, fishing. Past it they saw a manor built of wood, two stories in height. It boasted a stable to one side and a large barn-like building on the other, but no paddocks.

Seeing Avera’s stare, Josslyn explained. “It’s a wood shop. Inside Harry’s got saws and planers to smooth the planks which then go to the carpenters who fabricate everything from wagons to fine furniture. The palace has several of his pieces.”

“I’ve never seen such a large shop,” Avera murmured, not surprising since she’d never strayed further than Horizon’s End. However, she’d always known Daerva was quite self-sufficient, exporting many quality items. The only thing they didn’t make locally was specialty items, like silk—they didn’t have the right kind of web weavers for it—certain spices that only grew in specific climes, stones for jewelry, and metal for weapons—their mines didn’t have enough ore.

As they neared the manor, with Gustav already swinging off his horse ahead of them, Avera murmured, “A war would destroy much.” Was it worth it just so she could call herself queen?

“A despot like Benoit will be worse.”

“We’re assuming he’ll be a bad leader.”

“A man willing to murder so easily won’t be good for Daerva.”

A woman of wide curves answered the door and smiled at Gustav before hugging him. Avera and Josslyn dismounted, letting the lad holding Gustav’s reins take theirs. As they neared, Gustav turned and introduced them. “Lady Rianna, you probably recall my sister, Lady Josslyn. And this is my niece, Sara.”

Avera almost startled at the name he’d given her before smiling broadly. “Milady.” She curtsied prettily, knowing it would be expected since he’d not given her a title.

“Welcome. Welcome. Harry’s just out in the mill, but he’ll be in shortly for dinner. What a lovely surprise. What brings you this way?” the lady inquired.

“Escorting my niece to Vultures Peak for her wedding.”

Avera latched on to the lie and gushed. “Uncle Gustav is so kind. I was ever so nervous to be travelling what with brigands in the woods.”

“Brigands? Goodness. They must be thinking they can take advantage of our new queen. Such a tragedy what happened to the last one.” The lady put a hand to her chest.

“Awful,” Josslyn agreed. “But at least her daughter seems capable. I’m sure she’ll handle those thieves.”

“How rude of me to keep you outside. Come in. Come in.” Rianna ushered them into a home that had an insane amount of wood. Floors, walls, ceilings, furniture. Probably to be expected given Lord Harry’s job.

Lady Rianna immediately brought them to some rooms on the second floor, one for Josslyn and Avera to share, with Gustav’s across the hall from them.

As they washed up, Avera couldn’t help but remark, “The lady is very nice.”

“She is. Rianna’s always been too nice. Probably explains her spoiled son.”

“Will he be at the dinner?”

“Most likely, so remember your name. Sara .”

Avera’s lips twitched. “I’ll try.”

They descended to boisterous male laughter. Lord Harry had arrived and chatted with Gustav. At the sight of Avera and Josslyn, the big man exclaimed, “You’re just in time for dinner. Wait until you taste what my wife has prepared. She’s a most excellent cook.”

Lord Harry led them to the dining room and waved them into seats before helping his wife to bring out the food, which was indeed delicious. The evening proved pleasant, and surreal given recent circumstances. It was hard to not smile and relax as their gracious host ensured the conversation and laughter flowed during the meal. Harry also kept their glasses full. While Gustav refused the offer of alcohol, Josslyn had a few glasses of wine. With dessert, she sipped a port which she declared delicious.

“I should hope it’s good,” Lord Harry guffawed. “It came from your winery.”

“So, this is the lady who thinks she can ferment grapes better than a man,” drawled a male voice. A man around Avera’s age entered, his blond hair slicked back, his hawkish nose overpowering his face.

“Xavier, be nice,” chided Rianna. “The lady Josslyn is our guest, and I will add that her wine is the best around.”

“If you say so. I prefer something with a bit more spirit.” With that, Xavier poured himself a glass of something amber before his gaze settled on Avera. “And who is this?”

“My niece. I’m escorting her to Vultures Peak for her wedding.” Gustav hadn’t changed his pose, but Avera knew him well enough to notice he’d gone from relaxed to alert.

“A bit old for breeding, isn’t she?” Xavier stated with a sneer.

While Avera wanted to put him in her place, she held her tongue.

Josslyn didn’t. “Women can marry for reasons other than begetting children.”

“I guess it’s better she spreads her legs for a husband than as a whore.”

Avera almost choked. Did Xavier have no manners at all?

Lord Harry turned red. “That is quite enough from you. To your room if you cannot be gracious.”

“Gracious about what? Telling the truth?”

Lord Harry stood. “It’s not too late to have you shipped out to serve in the naval fleet.”

“And who will force me? You?” Xavier laughed and it was Gustav’s turn to stand.

“You will show respect to your father.”

“Or what? Rumor claims it’s your fault the queen was murdered because you were too stubborn to admit you couldn’t do the job anymore. A common problem, apparently.” Xavier glanced at his father. “It’s long past time for the old men in Daerva to retire and for new blood to take their place.”

“We have new blood. Or have you forgotten our young queen?” Josslyn quietly stated.

“A bastard female that should have never ascended. Daerva needs a king. A strong one that won’t rule softly.”

“Those are treasonous words,” was Gustav’s flat reply. “You are lucky I am a guest in your father’s home, or we would be having a chat with blades.”

“Anytime, old man,” sneered Xavier.

Poor Rianna wrung her hands, flustered but not speaking. Avera bit her tongue so hard it bled. How could such a callous idiot be their child?

“Out,” Harry bellowed. “Or so help me, I will give Gustav permission to thrash you.”

“I’ll gladly leave but not because you bluster. I have better things to do.” Xavier left and an uncomfortable silence fell.

Rianna popped up. “I’ll go fetch dessert.”

No one pointed out they’d already had bowls of custard after the meal. Let the woman collect herself.

Harry slumped in his seat and sighed. “I don’t know where I went wrong. He’s always been a hothead, but of late he’s downright belligerent. Acts as if he’s better than everyone. Struts around, ordering people about as if he’s already lord.”

“The suggestion to put him on a ship might not be a bad one. The sailors wouldn’t put up with it,” Gustav offered with a shrug.

“And yet how would I get him there?”

Gustav’s lips curved as he said, “Nothing a good knock in the head and some rope wouldn’t fix.”

The suggestion led to Harry laughing, and soon the conversation resumed as did the good humor. However, when they adjourned to their room, Josslyn wedged a chair under the door.

Avera arched a brow.

“Just in case,” Josslyn murmured. “I don’t trust that prick, Xavier.”

And with good reason as it turned out.

The handle turned in the wee hours of the night, and the door rattled in its frame, but didn’t open.

Avera couldn’t sleep after that, and thus was the first to smell the smoke seeping under the door. She removed the wedged chair and flung open the door, hoping it was just a clogged chimney spewing fumes. However, the heat rushed in to dry her skin. The thick smoke and, most tellingly, the orange glow coming from the stairwell made it clear.

The wooden house was on fire.