War of the Princes 02: Dragoon (4 page)

Chapter 7:
Uncommon

“So it is you. Katelyn Kestrel. A name I’ll never forget.”

The guards stood beside me in a familiar room on the highest floor of the keep.
The walls on either side were lined with mahogany bookshelves, filled neatly with leather-bound volumes, stacks of newspapers and tubes of rolled pages. Ahead were windows that spanned from floor to ceiling, framing the surging bay beyond. The lower halves of the windows were blocked from my view by a foot-tall dais, topped with a single desk. Mountains of papers, maps and letters cluttered its surface. A pair of elegantly masculine electric lamps stood upon either end of the desk, and between them, seated in a stiff wooden chair, was Common-Lord Axton.

“
Hello, Brendon,” I said with the slightest of sheepish smiles, gently shrugging my packs off of my shoulders onto the floor beside me.

He gave me a long, hard look, mouth pressing to a thin line over his strong jaw. His dark wheat hair was cut short now, his skin weathered with tan. I'd figured that his age was somewhere in his middle twenties, but he appeared burdened by another fifteen. There was nothing royal abo
ut his clothes, they were black like everyone else's, but the man possessed a subtly regal bearing.

Lord Brendon shifted uncomfortably in his seat, wincing as he attempted to lean back.

“Would you like a softer chair, sir?” one of my guards asked.

“
Do I deserve one?” the common-lord cracked back, glaring at the man. “Have I done some great deed, that I should receive a softer seat than my people toiling in the fields or dying for me in this damnable war? Are my old injuries more important than theirs? More than yours?”

“
S-sorry, sir,” the guard stammered, straightening his posture.

“
Leave us,” Lord Brendon commanded. My escort obeyed.

When the doors were closed, he sighed heavily, and rubbed his forehead with one hand.

“So you're insane then.”

He must have been speaking to me
. There was no one else in the room.

“
Excuse me?” I asked, taken aback.

Brendon looked me dead in the eyes.
“You're insane. After all of your long speeches about simply wanting to return home, after nearly being killed or taken to Raserion, you're back. Here. In my city.”

“
Where I'm from, people like to say insanity is often preceded by genius,” I answered with a smirk, lacing my fingers together before me.

“
Ah. We have a saying here as well. It's written there, on the first page of that great blue book. Fourth column, third shelf, seventh volume,” he said gesturing to the bookshelf on my right.

The spine of the book was unmistakable
. It was the brightest azure. Regardless, I stayed where I was, eyeing the area distrustfully.

Seeing my honest hesitation, he marveled.
“What's the problem? Afraid of a simple bookshelf?”

“
I'm sorry. The last time I was in Breakwater, I was nearly eaten by one.”

“
Ah,” he said, unfazed. “Yes, of course. I saw the room in the wake of the battle. It was... an unforgettable sight. The phrase is, 'No genius goes unpunished.'”

Though I had only been joking to make light of our situation, his response humbled me. Both statements were undeniably true.

“Brendon, um, Lord Axton, sir,” I stammered, unaccustomed to using titles. “I never had the chance to thank you.”

“
For what?”

“
Last year, during the fight, you could have re-captured me, but you let me go.”

He flipped a
paper-filled folder shut with one hand. “So I did.”

“
Why?”

The world-weary
lord looked me over for a long while before giving me an answer. “Commander Fallux proved, with his all-consuming determination, that you are not from the Northern Kingdom. You are not one of Prince Varion's spies or saboteurs, therefore, you are no threat to me or my people, so far as I know,” he said, then shifted in his chair again. “In addition, you had my brother with you. He appeared wounded, and I was grateful that you were taking him out of the fight. At the time.”

At the time?
Wait a minute! Was Brendon working with Dylan all along?

“
Your brother,” I growled, unable to say his name, “nearly had me killed.” I could feel the bottled electricity buzzing deep in the darkness of my being. “Is that why you let me go? Were you working for Stakes too?”

Lord Brendon
shot up from his chair and slammed his hands down on his desk. A teetering stack of papers fell to the floor like leaves.

“
I would suggest you either swallow your accusations or your tongue,” he boomed. The power at my fingertips vanished. Standing there, breathing deeply through his nose, he looked like a bull ready to charge. Instead, he spun away to face the window. When he spoke again, his voice was low and steady. “Forgive my temper. Your questions are logical. Many things have happened since your escape.”

“
It's... it's okay,” I said with a shaky smile. So far as I knew, Lord Brendon had no single Ability, but the ferocity in his eyes was intimidation enough to keep me quiet. This was the man who had publicly defied Commander Fallux on a number of occasions.

He faced me again, and returned gingerly to his seat. I wondered at his injury. Was it caused by an enemy soldier?
One of my Lurchers?

“
No, I was not in league with my fool brother,” he said through his teeth, attempting to straighten some of his paperwork. “You see, my Lady Kestrel, I care for the people of Breakwater and little else. Yes, Prince Raserion has a yoke about my neck, as he does with all of his subjects, but I would rather fight to my last breath for the well being of my people than roll over like a dog for him. My actions and decisions are made solely for their benefit. Very much unlike the actions of my selfish brother.”

“
Sorry.”

“
As it happens, you are here in these chambers for that very reason. You have returned, and though I believe you couldn't have made a worse decision, I must welcome you, for the sake of diplomacy.”

You're kidding me! Kat the diplomat? What kind of crazy dream am I living in?

“If your home really does exist, and it must, a second visit deems you an Ambassador, after a fashion.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Aren’t I a little young for that?”

Brendon raised his chin. “I was two months short of nineteen when my father died, making me Lord of Breakwater. Age is experience. Experience counts for much, but diligence counts for more.”

The respect he was offering me was staggering, so
, naturally, I fled to the shelter of humor. “So you're
not
going to throw me in a cell?”

He almost smiled.
“Not this time. But it depends entirely upon your business here, and your behavior. You have me at a disadvantage. Your knowledge of my kingdom exceeds my knowledge of yours. What I understand is that you, at least, are a powerful individual. Breakwater has been through enough. What we do not need is another enemy.”

My mouth fell open. Was he nuts?
“I'm no one's enemy!” I promised.

He eyed me shrewdly.
“Would you say that to the charred corpse of Commander Stakes?”

“He tried to kill me,” I whispered, absently raising a hand to the circle of scars below my collarbones.

“I don't trust you. But I'll give you a chance. Your first visit was an accident, according to you. Why have you returned?”

Oh no.

What could I say? Keeping my mouth shut may have saved my life last year, but Lord Brendon was giving me an honest chance. If I lied now, what kind of ambassador would I be? Whether I liked it or not, I was Haven's representative. Between board games and debate class, I learned that a show of good faith was necessary for a foundation strong enough to prevent future back-stabbings.

“I'm looking for something,” I said.

“Vague.”

I shook my head and took half a step back.
“You'll turn me in to the Prince.”

Lord Brendon folded his arms together atop his desk.
“Fair enough. I'll give way. The fire that you were examining consumed an entire quarter of Breakwater, killing thirty Dragoons and three hundred forty-two citizens, leaving roughly seven hundred injured. There were ninety-eight surviving orphans, but they didn't need to wait long.

“Our previous governing Margrave was drained for having promoted Stakes to Commander. The new Margrave, Hest, formally accepted her station, took a ship directly to us, and exacted Penalty.”

The new
Margrave is a girl?

Unsatisfied with my reaction
, he elaborated. “She came to Breakwater, and, as punishment for a civil battle, she took the children.”

“
All of them?” I asked in disbelief.

He nodded
, his expression grave.

“
It's why you're wearing black, isn't it?” I whispered, feeling my heart sink. “All of them? Even, the, the kids from the stable? Lina Thayer?”

His frown was deep with sorrow and his head bowed ever so slightly.
“All.”

No. Not
Lina.

She was such a sweet girl.
Lina had even tried to rescue me when I was taken away to the installment fortress. She was brave and good, and now she would be forced into the same horrific life that tortured her brother and countless others in this place.

After everything Rune did to protect her.

“What happened to the Dragoons?”

“Gone. Taken to the front lines. Six months ago, the war pressed to the enemy's gates, but now they're pushing back. Our Prince Raserion is under siege, as close to the capital as the Northern forces have reached in fifty years.”

I felt sick, but I should have known. This place was volatile at
the best of times. What hope was there that I would ever see
him
again?

“We've been left to protect ourselves,” Brendon said, sitting up straighter. “I am not pleased with my Prince. If I uttered those words to any of Raserion's men, it would be enough to promise my execution. Using you as a bargaining piece will not bring the children home, or the dead back to life. Now you understand my motives. Safety for my people, what's left of them. I want nothing else. Keep my secrets, and I'll keep yours.”

I shuffled uncomfortably, and then gave in. From what I'd seen of him, Lord Brendon was both direct and honest. If I didn't gamble on an ally now, I wouldn't have a leg to stand on.
“I'm looking for a small group of people, led by one in particular. We're from the same place. They were crazy for coming.”

“Genius, you mean,” Lord Brendon said, gracing me with a rare smile.

I smiled back.
“Each and every one. They didn't know what they were getting into. I want to get them and leave.”

“Brave,” he noted.

“Stupid,” I said looking down and feeling like the biggest idiot in the world.

“Perhaps a little of both, but don’t lose faith. You have The Pull. You, of anyone, should be able to find them. Do you have any idea where to look?”

“
I feel like I need to go out on the water,” I told him. The idea frightened me. I was a strong swimmer, but the ocean could be as violent and unpredictable as any Commander.

“
You may be able to commission a ship at the harbor. But what if you cross the Prince's army? What then?”

“
I really don't know.”

“
It would be worth considering,” was his understatement. “I see your eyes have chosen a color. That'll help.”

“
It wasn't a good enough disguise to trick you. How did you find me so quickly anyway?”

“
My men stumbled upon something of yours. After that, it was only a matter of searching the city.”

I tilted my head
to one side. “What did you find?”

Lord Brendon sat up in his chair and projected a single word
. “In!”

The doors behind me swung open and a group of people jostled into the room. Four of them were guards, and three of them were Kyle, Ruby and Sterling.

C
hapter 8:
The Terms

And just like that, I stepped firmly onto the hardened soil of my worst nightmare. My shock boiled down to fury within seconds. Ruby was clearly terrified, and stared frequently at the guns and swords worn by the guards. Sterling jerked his arm away from the clutches his captor, glaring with defiance. Kyle, meanwhile, just stood there smiling
guiltily at me, with a hint of mischief in his eyes. Their hands were bound in front of them. Kyle waved awkwardly.

I wanted to kill them.

I wonder if I could get away with it. What's the penalty for murder in Breakwater?

The headlines popped up in my imagination
.
After meeting for peaceful negotiations, Haven's first diplomat kills three.
Taking in a breath, I attempted to steady my nerves, and turned back to face Lord Brendon.

“
It appears that you were followed,” he observed.

You're kidding me, Common-Lord Obvious.

“Judging by your expression, you didn't expect them.”

“
Nope.” I said, battling hysteria.

Shaky words came tumbling from Ruby.
“W-we were trying to–”

“
A moment,” Brendon said, silencing her. “When we found them, they mentioned your name. I assumed correctly that you’d be drawn to the site of the fire, hideous as it is. Are these the people you seek, Miss Kestrel?”

I wished they were. We’d be back in time for dinner and it’d be scones and celebrations for everyone. “No. But they are friends of mine.”

“You keep reckless acquaintances, but then, the fish is never far from the shoal.”

Whatever that means.

I fought against the desire to look back at them. Their fates were up to me now. I couldn’t show weakness. “Are their restraints really necessary?”

“They are
, until I decide otherwise.”

I swallowed.
“You won't hurt them will you?”

Brendon
leaned onto the arm of his chair and looked at me like I was a colossal moron. “No, I won't. Though, it seems to me, on a mission such as yours, it would be a poor choice to bring other people that Prince Raserion would like to capture,” he mused.

“I agree completely.”

“
No matter. The cards have fallen and we must play our hands, such as they are. These foolish friends of yours may be of help, provided you can trust them,” Brendon said, resting his knuckles on his desk. “Will any others be joining you?”

“
I don't think so,” I answered through my teeth.

“
If they do come, give me your word that you will assure them that Breakwater is no threat.”

His confidence in me was staggering. I wasn’t exactly an influential
force in Haven. I was a nobody, but I’d do my best anyway. “Of course. I mean, I promise.”

Lord Brendon looked us over and shifted in his hardwood chair. “
Rummel, Eley, take these four to the port veranda and see that they get some food. Their bonds can be removed when they arrive.”

The guards bowed their heads in acknowledgement. “Yes, Lord.”

I exhaled with relief, and began to walk toward my friends.

Before I reached them, Brendon stopped us all short. “Wait.” His somber frown suggested that he was wrestling with a concern. “Remove their
bonds now.”

The guards obeyed. When they were free, Kyle wrung his wrists, whistling, and Ste
rling took up a position closer to Ruby, eyeing the guards with blatant distrust.

Ruby sighed audibly. “Thank you, sir.”

“Don’t thank me just yet.” Brendon traced a finger over a document on his table. “I will allow you to pass through Breakwater to resume your search.”

“Will you give me Florian?” I asked, half joking.

Brendon looked at me quizzically. “Who is Florian?”

“My horse. A tall, grey gelding from the keep stables.”

“Yes, fine,” he waved dismissively. “But I’ll do more than return your horse. I will sponsor the provisions for your journey overseas and the money to hire a ship.”

Brendon was being far more supportive than I would have ever
expected. There had to be a hitch.

“W
ith one condition.”

Knew it.

“What's the condition?” I asked, wondering whether I should be worried.

“
My brother.”

“Bad idea,” Kyle piped up
, earning a hard look from Brendon.

“Dylan? He’s
still alive?” I blurted. Lord Brendon nodded to me.

“
Alive and living in a dark cell of our deepest dungeon,” Brendon frowned. “He betrayed me. Dylan allied with the psychopath that destroyed our city, murdered our people, and provoked the capture of our children.” His voice shook with anger, and he breathed it out. “He was barely clinging to life when we found him. He was wrapped in ropes of metal, head to foot, and he’d been,” Brendon choked on his words. “…dragged by a horse. His back was rent. It took four doctors, three with healing Abilities, to smooth the damage.”

It was difficult for me to feel pity for Dylan after what he’d done, but it moved me to see Lord Brendon Axton showing his emotions.

He steeled his gazed and worked his jaw. “When we cut him free and cleaned him up, we saw that he was a Commander. It wasn’t enough for that cruel bastard, Stakes, to murder my people and drive my city to ruin, he had to corrupt my brother too. If that man wasn’t dead, I’d kill him twice.”

I cast my eyes down to the floor.

Brendon pressed on. “He didn’t respond well to the healing process. His pride and quick temper have always been his downfall. He began to use the Lift and his Ability to command recklessly, and he’s been in and out of a dungeon cell ever since.”

“Oh.” What else could I say?

“What he did was wrong. But he is my brother.” His next words came out as a whisper. “And Breakwater has suffered enough loss. I cannot leave him locked away like an animal to the end of his days. I need to know if he's changed, if I can trust him again. He needs to be tested. That's where you come in. I'd like him to join your mission.”

“
Are you crazy?” was my diplomatic response. “Sorry, no disrespect... sir. But no. Not a chance.”

“
Think it over.”

“
There's nothing to think about! He handed me over to Stakes, I was lucky I lived! If that’s not enough, you’re telling me, right now, that he’s been nothing but trouble for you. I know I can't trust him, and you shouldn't either.”

“You were very important to him. You may have more success in reaching him than I have.”

“I really doubt that!”

“
It is my choice to test him. You need my help and these are my terms.”

“
What if he turns on me again?”

“He was made a
Commander illegally. If the military finds him out, he’ll be executed. He knows that. Dylan has no place in this world but Breakwater.”

“
I get it. Great test. You send him with me, he plants a knife right in the middle of my back, and you don't lose anything.”

“
You're wrong. If he does that, I lose a brother. I need to know what he'll do. It's a gamble, to be certain, but not a hopeless one. You receive the aid of a highly educated noble. That can go a long way, especially considering you have no other guide through our kingdom. Will your friends from home teach you our customs? Are you more likely to trust a complete stranger on the street whose values you can only guess at, or a young man working for his redemption?”

I didn’t like it. Not one bit. I needed help, but there was nowhere else to get it. “Fine. But I have a condition of my own.”

“Go ahead,” he prompted me.

“I have a dissolving bullet that can remove a person’s Abilities for one day. Let me use it on him, and I’ll bring him with me. If I have to share space with him, I don’t want to have to worry about him Commanding me to walk off a cliff.”

“Incredible,” Brendon said with marked fascination. “I would be most interested in acquiring such a formula. Would your people be willing to consider a trade agreement?”

“Maybe.” I had no idea. “But not unless I come back safe and sound.”

“Agreed. You may use this formula on my brother. It will likely be for his own benefit that his power is dulled for a time. Make no mistake, if my brother is killed by you or this bullet of yours, I will bring the fury of my Prince’s kingdom on you.”

“I’m not going to kill him,” I promised.

“To be sure, I will keep one of your friends here for safekeeping.”

“What?” Sterling and Kyle demanded in chorus.

“No,” Ruby said, shuffling backward into Sterling’s arms.

“Absolutely not.” My shoulders tensed and I took a step toward Brendan’s raised desk. “They’re here
by mistake.”

“And one your people seem to be fond of making,” Brendon quipped.

“They were just leaving!” I persisted.

“I’m afraid not. This is not some child’s game,
Ambassador
Kestrel, we’re a kingdom at war. As of this minute, I will be keeping one of those three. You protect my brother, I protect one of your friends. Do what you will with the other two. There is no need to flee to your country for reinforcements, your friend will be my guest, treated with the utmost respect and dignity until your return. You have my word, and my brother.”

“And if I don’t,” my voice broke. “…return?”

“Ninety days, and then she can go as she pleases,” he vowed.

“She?”

“As a mercy, I’ll be taking the girl.”