Artemis and Caspian: The Spy

Chapter Forty Four

Arioch's fingers balled into a fist as he listened to Allister whisper incessantly with nearby guards. This was taking too long. Early that morning he intercepted a rather disturbing letter from Lady Kendra of Calatan. Somehow those insubordinate farmers had won the battle. It worried him. The duke hadn't heard from Cerberus in weeks, not since he swore to end the Lady. With that plan now an obvious failure, Arioch was overly concerned about his Lord's well being and the future of their war. He needed to hurry this along and get back to Guilamount quickly. Growling, he pulled himself together and slipped out into the hallway, making it a point to walk passively past the King. As he strode by he couldn't stop a small grin tugging on his lips when he heard Allister calling his name.

"Yes my King?" he answered regally, bowing slightly. Arioch felt giddy with delight as he let his eyes wander up the King's form, noticing his unkempt appearance. Allister's bare feet stood square against the hard floor. His pants weren't rolled. A white shirt hung loosely on his chest. He was breathing, heavily. A crown was missing from his head.

"Can you keep a secret?" Allister whispered briskly, as he pulled his confidant to one side.

"With my life your Highness," Arioch answered steadily, feigning surprise with his tone. Allister wildly looked behind the duke, scanning the passageway for any unwanted eavesdroppers. Satisfied with the now empty hallway, the King ducked his head low.

"The Queen has been poisoned."

"Poisoned?" the duke reacted mimicking shock, his eyes growing wide.

"Keep your voice down," Allister hissed, using a hand to sharply pull down on Arioch's arm. "Yes Caspian predicted it long ago but I chose to believe it wouldn't come true. My guards suspect the witch Artemis," he looked around a final time before presenting the vial of henbane to his most trusted advisor. "This was found in her room."

Arioch made a point of holding the vial up to the light, closely inspecting its contents.

"Your Majesty, we should act upon this at once."

Allister let out an inhuman sigh and ran his fingers sharply through his hair. "I'm not sure, I talked to Caspian,"

The mention of the young warlock's name made the duke involuntarily scowl.

"He made some good points. I don't think it's in the witch's character to do such a thing."

"Are you sure about that?"

Allister narrowed his eyes at the duke. He didn't like being challenged. Sensing his curiosity, Arioch let Allister straighten before feigning hesitation, biting down on his tongue. He'd bide his time. Falling into his trap, the King waved a hand.

"Speak your mind."

"How long have you known these so-called saviors?"

"They arrived shortly before you did," the King answered with suspicion creeping into his tone.

"In that time, what have they done to prove their loyalty to Meridan?"

The King cocked his head to one side considering, "Caspian has done well as the palace physician-"

"Artemis, my King, what has Artemis done?"

"Well, she did find a new spell that could help us with the war."

"A spell that if misused could reign death upon the realm."

The King furrowed his brow. Arioch hid a coy, victorious smile. He had him.

"Your Majesty," the duke started, holding up the bottle and watching as Allister's eyes tracked the liquid spinning in it. "The evidence points to the witch's guilt. Her loyalty to Meridan is uncertain. If we're not careful, she could use her newfound powers to kill again. What's stopping her from taking the warlock's life, my life, your life?" Allister's expression contorted into obvious worry.