XIV. SAID THE KING TO THE RIVER

  Aichlan moved briskly as he made his way down the hall, nimbly dodging both staff and Aristocracy that ambled by. He briefly glanced over his shoulder before he ducked into a room and slammed the door behind him. He locked the door and leaned against it as he let out a sigh of relief. He slowly began his way through the library, lazily scanning the bookcases that towered above him along the wall as he whistled a jaunty tune. He stopped suddenly upon realizing he was not alone.

  Odell sat at a table with Taryn in the center of the room. She still wore commoner garb, a simple skirt and blouse with knit shawl, that while fitting for her demeanor it was unfit for either her role as colonel or tutor to the king. Still, Aichlan was somewhat proud of her for staunchly resisting the trappings of courtly life; it spoke to her character, something most in the halls of Marque sorely lacked.

  The young King was attempting to read from a Volume that chronicled Duvachellé’s history, with Taryn gently helping him when he stumbled. Aichlan stood and watched with a sappy grin on his face, he knew the woman wasn’t all bark, but was still amazed to see her in such a tender role. Odell was also a surprise, he had isolated himself from the parties and merriment during his wedding celebrations to devote his time to study. While his accent wouldn’t fool anyone anytime soon, his quick grasp of the language was impressive. If Aichlan hadn’t been forced to learn it in early childhood, he doubted he’d have been able to do so well.

  Taryn looked up and smiled. “Ya plan on jus’ standin’ there the whole time, or do you intend to come help the poor lad?”

  “You were doing so well; I didn’t wish to interrupt.”

  Odell pushed the book away and massaged his eyes; he looked like he’d been at it for quite some time. He motioned for Aichlan to join them at the table.

  “Please, have a seat General.” He said in surprisingly good Elysian.

  Aichlan obliged and took a seat opposite the young liege and his unlikely tutor. “Studies go well I trust, Your Majesty?”

  Odell sighed and looked into his empty cup. “Tedious would be a better word. Did you enjoy the festivities?”

  Aichlan chuckled. “I did, when I was free to do so.”

  “What’s so funny? Taryn asked as she refilled the King’s teacup.

  “It’s a minor point, but the form of ‘you’ used is more fitting for one above your station or elders of a similar standing. Since I am neither, a less formal form would suffice.”

  Odell blushed and slumped in his seat. “Glad I didn’t talk to anyone important recently. I’m surprised Aislyn didn’t say anything.”

  “That’s no surprise at all.” Taryn sneered as she handed Aichlan a cup. “What brings you here General?”

  Now it was Aichlan’s turn to blush. “Ashe just needed some time to herself.”

  Taryn laughed aloud for an almost insulting length of time. “Well you’re more’n welcome to hide out here till that storm passes General.”

  “Thanks…”

  Aichlan grabbed one of the books stacked on the table and absently leafed through it. They had volumes arranged that dated back all the way to the time before the collapse, and written in an unintelligible form of the language. The others, while decipherable, were no less dense and proved difficult for even most scholars.

  “You’ve read these?” Aichlan asked as he held up one of the tomes.

  “Well, mostly, only the important bits like key figures and battles.”

  Aichlan nodded, impressed, as he put the book back in its pile. “I had no idea you were a scholar Taryn.”

  “My Pa sent me to the college at Blithe upon Woe to help with the council duties. The man was a populist, couldn’t read a lick, and me brother’s worked the farms.”

  “I didn’t know they even had a college. What did you study?”

  Taryn shrugged and sighed. “Not surprising, it was a tiny little thing, mostly trained scribes and archivists. I studied to be a scribe and dabbled in a bit o’ history.”

  Odell caught Aichlan’s stunned expression and smiled. “Surprised the hell outta me as well.”

  Taryn rapped Odell on the knuckle with her spoon. “Speak Elysian.”

  “Oui Madame.”

  Aichlan chuckled; his change in station had done nothing to change their relationship. He was relieved that the sudden power afforded him hadn’t gone to his head. And with such a strong woman like Taryn guiding him, Aislyn would have a difficult task of making him a complete puppet. The doors opened behind them and he turned his head to see who had entered. He let out a sigh of relief upon noticing that it was only Siegrun, her hair back to the previous absurd shade of green.

  “I hope I am not intruding, your Majesty, General.”

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  Odell enthusiastically waved her in. “Not at all, would you care to join us?”

  Siegrun approached the table and stood at attention. “I am unworthy of your hospitality, your Highness, but am afraid I must decline. I have been sent by The Queen, she requests your company in her study.”

  Odell’s eyes lit up as he slammed the book shut and stood to leave. Taryn quickly grabbed his arm and reopened the book.

  “Not so fast, you’ve another hours’ worth of readin’ to do.” She turned and glared at Siegrun, who stood impassive. “You can tell her Highness that—.”

  “He will continue his studies when he arrives, and shall be there in a moment.” Aichlan interjected. “I believe you have some task to complete Colonel?”

  Taryn stood with her eyes afire, but after several tense moments, she submitted to Aichlan’s stern gaze.

  “Aye that I do.” She conceded begrudgingly.

  “Lieutenant, if you would escort his Majesty to the Queens study.”

  Siegrun nodded, seeming to pretend the situation was not as awkward as it truly was. “Of course. Does his Majesty wish for me to carry his books?”

  “No, that is quite alright.” He said quickly as he loaded his arms with the books.

  “General, I am afraid that the Queen sends her regrets regarding the situation with Duke Laurent.” Siegrun said offhandedly.

  “Does she.” Aichlan muttered. “Did you inform her that I’ve held up my end of the arrangement?”

  “I did, but from her perspective the issue is between you and the Duke, she has already given her blessing.”

  “So she has.”

  Odell looked from Siegrun to Aichlan puzzled. “Then perhaps I shall have to speak to her then.”

  Aichlan forced a smile at the young man’s polite offer. “The sentiments are appreciated, your Majesty, but I shall pursue other avenues.”

  “Do you have these avenues in mind?”

  Aichlan’s smile faltered. “Not presently…”

  “Then it’s settled, I shall speak to my wife on the matter.”

  Aichlan nodded politely. “Thank you, your Highness.”

  “Don’ mention it.” He replied cheerily, lapsing back to Aes Sidhean.

  After the king and his escort took their leave, Aichlan turned his attention to Taryn. She avoided eye contact as she sat with her arms crossed over her chest and bounced her foot over her leg impatiently.

  “Taryn.”

  “General?”

  Aichlan sighed and chose to ignore the snarky tone. “I know you care for Odell, a great deal in fact, and if the two of you choose to maintain a familial relationship that’s fine. But that boy you knew is now a king, and in the presence of his subjects, you must address him as such.”

  “Like you did with Laelianis?”

  Aichlan grit his teeth and attempted to remain calm, she was purposefully acting like a brat. “You’re a grown woman Taryn; it’s high time ya start acting like one. You and Aislyn never had problems before, so why the sudden animosity?”

  Taryn slammed her hand on the table, her eyes glistening. “She’s using him! This was all some big power play fer her.”

  Aichlan nodded slowly, he had reached a similar conclusion. “Be that as it may, they do love each other, you can just look at ‘em an’ see that."

  She huffed and folded her arms across her chest once more. “For now, but how long till the novelty wears off?”

  Aichlan frowned. “You’re a rather jaded woman Taryn.”

  “Coming from you?" she sneered.

  Aichlan reached across the table and poured himself a cup of the now lukewarm tea. “We are an army facing a threat that likely rivals the great collapse. When you disrespect the king and intimate nepotism of some sort, it undermines order and discipline. If our soldiers don’t have faith or respect for their commanders, we’ve lost the only edge we could possibly have in this conflict.”

  Aichlan paused to take a sip as Taryn shifted uncomfortably and averted her gaze. They sat in silence for several moments, the hum of the distant furnace and ticking of the clock providing a somber score.

  “You make it sound so bleak.”

  Aichlan drained his cup of tea and absently contemplated the leaves at the bottom. “You were at Rhode; we are far beyond being so blasé about the threat we face. This man has destroyed a nation and nearly brought an entire race to extinction. We need every ally we can get if we hope to march upon this man’s stronghold, and right now one of our major allies is Queen Aislyn. You’re a Colonel Miss Phillips, and a commoner in a country deeply divided along class lines.”

  “It’s incredibly irritating when you’re logical.” Taryn teased as she leaned back in her chair.

  “We’ve not heard from Fiora in some time and I am gathering our forces for an expedition in to Sorn. He’s there, there’s nowhere else he could be.”

  Taryn nodded as she chewed her bottom lip. “I don’t have many left, but my soldiers are ready.”

  Aichlan shook his head and set down his cup. “It’s not a full scale assault, yet. Aislyn has only authorized another scouting party; I was going to send Maleah.”

  Taryn chortled. “Have you seen her lately?”

  Aichlan grimaced and knitted a napkin in his fists. “Yes, I am aware of her current state. I was hoping you could talk to her.”

  Taryn laughed heartily before replying, “That’s a lost battle General. I can’t tell ya ‘ow many times I’ve tried to clean that sow up.” She shook her head forlornly. “Lass’ lost to the drink.”

  “I’ve seen gutter dwelling winos clean up when pressed, she’ll be no different.”

  “Aye, but fer how long?”

  Taryn stood and began to gather up the books and papers piled upon the table. Aichlan absently tapped his finger against the wood as he considered his options. Maleah had already been held in the infirmary for alcohol poisoning twice, and she was notably absent from all staff meetings and councils. Fortunately, the bulk of her unit was with Fiora in Sorn and the city of Marquez was relatively peaceful for the time being. He wondered why he should even bother with her, it would be far easier to let her drown her sorrows and stay out of the way. He quickly dismissed the thought and tried to clear the distaste of even considering it an option, one of the major tenants of any military force was to never leave one of your own behind.

  “Will you be joining us for cards again this evening?” Taryn asked as she shelved several tomes.

  Aichlan looked up as Taryn cleared away his teacup and saucer. “Oh, yes, of course. Will Maleah be there?”

  Taryn shrugged “Probably, can’t tell with that one anymore. Do you not want her to be?”

  “No, be sure that she comes. It might be easier to broach the subject in the company of friends.”

  Taryn smirked and made her way to the dumbwaiter “If that is what you believe General, who am I to shatter your lil’ fantasy?”