PART 1

Amira rode on one side of the cart, which held alderman Jebbin, locked inside. At first, Rayman had kept it secret that they were transporting him as a prisoner but once they had left Qutreth and were far enough away, he was thrown into the cage. The cart had been stored on the side of the road for this very purpose.

Jebbin was well known but his reputation was stale at best. He was a man who got things done but at the cost of other people's sufferings. Things had changed once he had relented power to Erik and relinquished the crown.

Not many realized that Jebbin had kept the kingdom of Vulkira from falling apart, but not Amira, she knew. Though he had made many decisions that were frowned upon, his desire to see Vulkira stay strong and free had driven many people to hate him. His good deeds of the past were forgotten, whereas his questionable ones were never forgotten. This gave him an unfair reputation of evil.

The old man sat quietly in his cage, shaking back and forth from the muddy road jostling from side to side. Upon hearing he was accused of treason, Amira had to rethink her opinion of him. Rayman had been frank and to the point, providing little detail as to why. She was to keep her mouth shut and her opinions to herself.

She traveled with five guards plus Rayman, silently riding down the muddy path. They were behind schedule according to Kevin and the muddy terrain didn’t help their pace.

Amira looked to the sky and saw rain clouds forming. They would need to stop for the night and take shelter.

The guards Rayman had picked were an odd bunch. They all looked to be different in many ways but an air of trust surrounded them. She could tell they have been through a lot together.

When Billy, a younger man around her own age, told her they were the ones from Vori, she gasped. This was part of the group of men that had started it all. They had become famous, though not necessarily in a good way.

Billy pointed to Kevin who was Rayman’s second. Fin was a qualified field medic in which she was intrigued by their similar profession. Wolkin and Carl kept to themselves, though she saw that their eyes were darting around their surroundings, closely watching for any possible danger.

“Psst!” a voice called to her, “Girl.”

Amira turned her head to the left, meeting Jebbin’s stare. Looking dirty and unkempt, he smiled wryly. He looked as if he’d aged ten years since he was thrown into the wagon. He was well-fed and had plenty of water but his clothes were ragged and a terrible stench wafted in her direction. It was the first time he had spoken to her.

“Do you need water?” she asked. “I can get you some food too if you’d like.”

“You're a sweet girl but no thank you. I’m quite content as is.” he chuckled. “Apart from my current circumstance of course.”

Amira couldn’t help but giggle at his comment. For a man condemned to death, his attitude was light-hearted and carefree.

“Your name is… Amire?” Jebbin guessed.

“Close. Amira.” she smiled at him. “You don’t seem upset by your current predicament.”

“I have accepted my fate.” Jebbin pursed his lips. “Or at least I think I have.”

“Did you really do it?” Amira asked bluntly. “Did you conspire against Erik to take his crown?”

She had to ask, her curiosity outweighing her caution. Amira remembered him well. He was in the tent with her when she looked after Erik after his seizure in Nolvis.

“Would you believe me if I said no?” Jebbin raised an eyebrow.

“I-I… I don’t know.” Amira admitted. “If Rayman thinks so, then you must have done something.”

“Then why ask?” Jebbin confronted her. “Why would I want the throne now? After all these years? I had Vulkira in the palm of my hand once, but I gave it away to Erik, willingly. It seems everyone has forgotten that fact.”

He paused and held onto the bars of his cage as the cart jostled him around.

“I am not one to crave power. I enjoy it, yes, but I do not lust for it.” Jebbin continued. “Rayman has been fooled. Someone has framed me but I can’t prove that either because I’m in here.” he pointed to the metal bars.

“Why is he taking you to Xerixes?” Amira asked.

“That’s… a long story.” Jebbin sighed. “But someone in Xerixes can vouch for me. I am no traitor.”

“I want to believe you,” Amira admitted. “But Rayman wouldn’t act without solid evidence. I know Rayman more than I do you.”

“You are right, of course,” Jebbin said. “Rayman is a good man and whoever framed me knew that too. He’s being manipulated. Just like I am being manipulated from behind these bars.”

“He’ll get to the bottom of this. I trust him that much.” Amira said. “Rayman will do the right thing, no matter what.”

“I just hope that when he concludes what is “right”, that will mean my freedom,” Jebbin smirked.

“For all our sakes, I hope you are innocent,” Amira said. “Rayman is still unsure but he won’t admit it. Otherwise, why would he go through all this trouble to bring you to Xerixes? Any other man would have executed you already if they had proof of treason. I know Rayman has his reasons.”

“Why do you say that?” Jebbin asked. “Is that what he said to you?”

“I spoke to him before we left Qutreth. He seemed… deeply bothered and I know now that it was you. His eyes and emotions proved him to be battling inside, he wants to believe you are innocent. He wants, whoever is in Xerixes, to prove him wrong.”

“I see,” Jebbin whispered. “That is good to know.”

“Do not fret, Alderman Jebbin. For if you truly are innocent, Rayman will find the truth.” Amira encouraged him.

“Why are you here?” Jebbin abruptly changed the subject, catching her off guard. “What is in Xerixes for you?”

“It is a personal matter.” Amira blushed.

“Ha!” Jebbin shouted, drawing the attention of all the guards.

Billy, Kevin, and Fin’s glares stopped him from talking so loud, but no one moved to intervene in their conversation. Jebbin fell silent for a moment as their stares abated and turned elsewhere. He made a note not to make a ruckus, else he drew their unwelcome attention again.

“You were the woman.” Jebbin continued. “The woman with Erik. In the tent. When he had his first seizure.” he visibly berated himself for forgetting. “I can’t believe it’s taken me all this time to recognize you. You’re going to the capital to see him, yes?”

She didn’t respond, disliking his new tone and attitude.

“He spoke of you before he left.” Jebbin’s voice lowered and took on a serious tone. “He cares for you. But you know that already. Why else would you be going?”

Amira couldn’t resist glancing over at him, which immediately made her blush like a child. She felt so stupid for feeling so gitty. Shoving the feelings down, she composed herself, keeping her face from giving up too much information.

“I do care for him,” she admitted. “And there's nothing to be ashamed of for that.”

Jebbin snapped his fingers, a thought coming to him. “What was your father’s name again? Aolis, was it?”

Amira’s heart froze, her whole body going rigid. Noticing her outward response Jebbin continued to poke at her past.

“Yes. Yes. I remember now. You are the daughter of Irine. Your father arranged a marriage between you and some lord in Rostone. Yes?” Jebbin smirked. “I’m guessing that didn’t work out too well did it?”

“I heard your father suddenly up and left without a word.” Jebbin continued. “I wonder what happened to him. Don’t you?” he smiled knowingly.

Amira looked down at him, the blood in her ears pounding. “You don’t know what you're talking about,” she said, her voice shaking.

“You’re mother swears he disappeared without a reason.” Jebbin chuckled. “Just poof. Gone.” he gestured with his hands, raising them in the air.

Jerking her head to the side she spat at the old man, “You’re cruel. A bitter old man.”

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“Ah, yes. Jebbin wiped tiny droplets of spit from his forehead. “I’ve been called worse. But I know who you are, Amira. Your past will catch up with you. Eventually.”

Nose flaring, heart racing, and anger filling her, Amira urged her horse forward past the cart and away from Jebbin. Ending the conversation.

Shivers of fear and dread shot through her, awakening the dark memories, filling her with panic. “How does he know about my father?” she thought.

Clearly flustered, Billy noticed her mood and raised an eyebrow, “Are you alright?” he asked.

“Y-yes.” Amira clambered to compose herself. “That man… he can be vile when he wants to be.”

Billy looked back at Jebbin, staring in surprise. Making Amira flustered was unlike him, even if he was a blunt man. His confused face turned to Amira.

“What did he say?” he asked.

“Nothing of importance.” Amira frowned. “An old wound. One in which I wish to forget.”

Billy looked aghast, unsure how to respond. Amira started to tear up and he just sat in his saddle, helpless to comfort her. Amira dared another glance back at Jebbin and what she saw confused her further.

He stared directly into her orange eyes, an odd feeling washed over her. A presence, powerful and unknown to her, crept in through Jebbin’s eyes. At first, it scared her but then a feeling of warmth like she hadn’t felt in so long replaced that fear. He smiled at her then bowed his head as if he regretted speaking to her as he did. Something inside her stirred, all her fears and sins seemed to wash away for an instant.

That calming, warm presence disappeared as quickly as it came.

“It’s alright. Uh. Um. Please don’t cry.” Billy shifted uncomfortably. “Whatever he said, don’t take it to heart. I’m sure he doesn’t mean anything by it. He can be blunt, yes, but he’s still Jebbin.”

She sniffed, wiping her tears, “I’m sorry. Don’t mind me.”

Inwardly, Amira didn’t know what to think. Jebbin had seen right through her, somehow knowing of her past. How he knew, Amira would never know but she felt bad for him. Perhaps he was innocent and was just simply lashing out in anger at the world that was accusing him. She sympathized with the old man. She too would lash out in anger if she was accused of something she didn’t do.

His words struck a chord in her she wished had never been strung again. In one conversation, Jebbin had become even more of a mystery to her.

PART 2

Cara sat in the throne room, her chair next to her husband’s. It was empty. The whole room was empty except for Cassius who waited patiently with her. He didn’t speak a word, only watching her anxiety rising and her mood growing cross.

She felt antsy and out of control. Her emotions were flying loops around her, each time she thought of the danger Jebbin was in. Erik’s adviser, Rayman, had been scheduled to arrive soon, but the anticipation was killing her.

She let out a frustrated groan and massaged her temples. “Where are they?”

“They have yet to arrive, your majesty.” Cassius piped his lungs, echoing his words. “The instant they arrive I will notify you immediately. I have several people looking out for them.”

Cara huffed, “Alright.” she sighed.

“If I may be so bold to ask, m’lady.” Cassius began. “What has you in such… a state?”

Cara stared at him for a long moment.

She never really knew Cassius, though he was always around. He seemed to be everywhere at once. His stature and tone always brought a smile to her face, however. He was able to lighten the room with merely his joyous voice.

On occasion she had to admit, it bothered her he always seemed to be happy and unperturbed by anyone around him. It was as if he gave no thought to how people perceived him, or how some may find him fake. The thought had crossed her mind in multiple instances.

Many belittled and spurned him behind his back, which he was astutely aware of, but still somehow didn’t seem to affect him in the slightest. He took his job seriously as the rhetorician to the king and didn’t care about anything else.

His words of elegance and pure attitude threw many off guard, though it seemed that may have been the desired effect. Cara could not place Cassius in her usual box of people.

He was unusual, to say the least. Abnormal. There were many different sorts like him, but none so true to his art.

Cara had given up on the thought that he was a fraud. For all this time he had stayed in character, as it was his primary job. She had to give him credit where credit was due. Inwardly she admired his ability to shrug off insults and gossip like it were nothing. Fake or not, Cassius held a certain air to him, something that she would never have.

Forgetting his question, Cara looked at him with a tilted head, which she hadn’t realized she was doing while she lost herself in thought.

“I-I… what?” she frowned.

Cassius smirked, a gleeful flicker in his eyes, “What has caused you such worry? They will arrive when they arrive. No need to concern yourself over things out of your control.”

Cara blinked at him, “Where have I heard those words before? They are familiar somehow.”

“Jebbin is… a dear friend. I fear for him,” she admitted to the rhetorician. “And to be honest, I’m not quite sure what I will say to Rayman when he arrives. I must say something that will convince him that Jebbin is not a traitor.”

Cara gazed at Cassius, his face always smiling but blank and unreadable as that was his normal look. If ever he gave a notion into his mind, it was through his eyes. For an instant, she thought she saw a flicker of emotion cross his blue gaze but he was too far away for her to be certain.

“What if he is?” Cassius cocked his head. “You two haven’t been close for many years. People can change.”

“No. I know Jebbin more than anyone.” Cara clenched her jaw. “He’s not capable of treason.”

“Didn’t he overthrow your parents?” the rhetorical frowned. “It seems you may be blinded by your love for him. If he is capable of that, treason isn’t far off.”

“That was different.” Cara defended. “If he hadn’t…” she trailed off, hesitating.

“If I may.” Cassius’s voice chimed again.

“Please.” Cara gestured for him to continue. “Speak freely.”

“Oh. I always do that.” he grinned. “Joking aside.” his face turned more serious. “I do not know Jebbin, but if you care for him as I think you do then your best option is, to tell the truth. Unless that truth dooms him further of course.”

“That… doesn’t really help me.” Cara sighed in disappointment.

“Ah, but you miss my meaning, your majesty.” Cassius cocked his head, a faint smile on his cheeks. “If you care for someone, what wouldn't you do for them?”

“I suppose it would depend on the person and my relationship with them,” Cara responded, unsure where this was going.

“What if it were your husband, the king?” Cassius asked curiously. “What lengths would you go to protect him?”

“I’d do anything.” Cara straightened in her seat, her tone darkening.

Cassius’s eyes squinted as if he knew something. As if he could see into her mind. It made her uneasy staring back at him.

“You carry a heavy burden,” Cassius said, his voice also darkening. “If only people knew the hardships you have endured. The pain you have kept locked away inside, never to be seen or heard from again. I believe you when you say, you would do anything to protect the ones you love.”

Cara’s heart sank, Cassius was hitting home and he knew it. “Does he know?” she thought to herself. “How would he know?” her mind raced.

“Losing a child would break anyone,” Cassius said. “Though you are strong, my queen. You endured. You pressed on and now you doubt yourself. You have overcome the hardest thing any person could face and yet you sit there, worrying.”

Again, Cassius hit home, her heart racing. Her previous worry melted away, realizing he meant her son and not her past. His words stung her, however, making her want to lash out at him. But he continued to speak.

“You are strong and brave.” Cassius praised her. “You know what to do to save Jebbin. You will do whatever is necessary like always but you must not doubt yourself. Don’t give Rayman a hint of uncertainty, otherwise, he will think you... weak. You wouldn’t want people to think you rely on your husband for everything now, do you?”

That last part stung like fire, as Cara took to heart his meaning. Yes, she doubted herself even though she had stayed strong for so many years. His advice was sound and true, giving ground to someone you sought to control would lead you nowhere. “I must not doubt myself,” she thought as Cassius’s words boosted her confidence, “He’s right.”

“Careful, Rhetorician,” Cara said sternly, though a sliver of a smile crossed her face.

“Of course, your majesty.” he bowed. “Forgive me if I have offended you.”

“No need,” Cara said. “On the contrary, I believe you are right. I do doubt myself,” she admitted. “And I have heard the rumors that I am weak and I let my husband be the rod, but not today. I will take your advice.”

“I am at your service m’lady.” Cassius nodded. “Xerath only means well, however.” he defended the king. “He may be the rod but you are his foundation. Without you, he would crumble. Two becoming one. I urge you not to dismiss his authority either. For, without him, you are but a foundation without a purpose.” Cassius spoke quickly. “Do not be ashamed when you need him, nor should he when he plants his feet upon the rock.”

Cara listened closely, speaking in metaphors and cryptic words, Cassius spoke with passion and meaning. Everyone knew of the strenuous bond between her and Xerath after the death of their son. She had run away, leaving Xerath to rule alone with no one to lean on, whereas she hid like a coward. Xerath had ruled with his rod and staff with little compassion, growing indifferent to the people's needs over time. He needed her to balance his power, a woman’s touch to his heart. That is what Cassius meant.

“You speak wise words,” Cara said slowly. “Thank you. Your words draw many meanings in which... provoke constructive thought.”

“You are most welcome, my queen.” Cassius bowed once again. “A kingdom is as strong as its king and queen. Separate the two, and it weakens to the breaking point.”

“You believe our kingdom is breaking?” Cara asked, concerned. “Xer is the most powerful kingdom in all of Isulia.”

“It’s starting,” Cassius smirked. “The death of Asar was the beginning. Your separation, not only wounded Xerath but the whole kingdom. You did not allow the people to grieve with you, nor Xerath. In doing so, not only did you break your husband’s heart, but you also fractured the kingdom because it was without its queen.”

Cara didn’t want to hear this. His words wounded her but she listened anyway. Taking it all in.

She knew he was right.

“I am but a humble servant, my queen, but even I can see, we are stronger together.” Cassius pointed at her. “Stronger with both king and queen, side by side, protecting each other, sacrificing for each other.”

“Enough.” Cara clenched her fists, not only in anger but in determination.

Cassius stopped mid-sentence and bowed again, “M’lady.”

“You have made your point and I see the truth in it, however, it is difficult for me to hear,” Cara said. “Leave me please, as I… contemplate what you have said.”

“Of course, your majesty,” Cassius said as he backed out of the room. “I will inform you immediately when Sir Rayman arrives.”

She watched as he exited from the large door, leaving her alone in the empty room.