Between the Veil and Crown

Arvek 54

The rest of the night passed in silence, allowing Arvek time to reflect on all that was said.

It was prudent not to say anything more at this point, as the Ranger was clearly showing what restraint he had. Further prodding would only cause tensions to rise, and nothing helpful would be shared.

It was shocking, to say the least, that the Rangers would even think of sending the brother of the kidnapper with the group. It was either to be purposefully antagonizing, or they had such a lack of foresight that it should be concerning the forest's wellbeing was left in their hands. There was no possible way they didn't know.

Though Kylin did admit to his sister using something on Selim. Something that Morganne had not confirmed. "The effects were temporary" . . . but what effects? Was he of sound mind when he woke from his concussion?

Before any theory could be formed, Kylin's biting words that came after replayed in his mind: "Your mother's life was not worth that price, apparently."

Arvek had to keep himself from wincing. He remembered how Kylin had studied him afterwards, even after Rovyna had stepped in. Studying him to see how sharply those words pierced.

Accusing him of perhaps not loving his mother enough.

And those words stung because Arvek had only but words to defend himself.

What did a Ranger care that it was the king who tossed Lia -no, Amelia- out as a traitor, sparing her her life as a reward and not Arvek? Arvek had done nothing to challenge his father's ruling.

Rather, like his father, he was more offended by the suggestion of possibly losing the Veil than considering the fact that the woman had traveled miles to save the queen's life and was possibly asking for her own salvation in return.

And why should Kylin show him grace?

Amelia was a wanted criminal. Yet once again, Arvek had ignored the literal destruction around him to focus on her. Even after being disgusted with the commanders of the soldiers he met.

Perhaps . . . just like his father would have done.

Arvek had done nothing for this Ranger to distinguish him from the king, save that he actually went to the Veil. And his actions in the Veil showed him just as unwilling to hear. The only chance he had of redeeming himself was taken away by Rasinod's unauthorized treatment.

The thought only caused anger to bubble in his stomach, already riled by the harsh but unfortunately true criticism Kylin had thrown at him.

He forced himself to focus on Selim's thin, faintly breathing frame, hoping to calm himself with assurance that Selim was still alive at this moment. Rasinod was no longer in charge of his treatment.

But what of afterwards?

So far, Niara had no other misfortune happen to her, but that did not mean Selim would not fall victim to another attempt at assassination. Arvek knew nothing of Rasinod's motives. He could not be certain that Selim would be safe in the castle anymore.

And Kylin had, unknowingly or not, confirmed that something bigger was in play. Arvek did not think that some random monks were sent to the Veil. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that Kendra had first sought the help of the Rangers, thus owing to their expedient arrival.

If Kendra was involved, there had to be something bigger.

He knew so little of her, of Lir, of the Myst, and yet they proved themselves more trustworthy than Rasinod. They had done more to help him find Selim and keep him alive than anyone else he knew.