The War of Six Crowns: The Vanished Knight

Callan's Decision

Callan smelled the food long before she saw it. Tables stood stacked high with delectable dishes, but no one else was present to eat. Gawain took a plate and dished up a variety of cakes and breads. Callan did the same, although she was choosier with her meal.

Gawain picked up a flagon and led her through the open doorway to a small walled garden. Tables and chairs stood scattered about, far enough from each other to offer privacy to anyone who chose to use them. He put the plate and flagon on a table under a willow and pulled a chair out for her. Once they were seated, he picked up a knife and fork that had been set on the table and dug in. Callan did the same. The food tasted almost as good as the incredible porridge from the morning.

They ate in silence. Darrion appeared and flopped down in the chair next to Gawain, slumping back and glowering at Callan. Still angry. How could anyone at school see him as attractive? He had the friendly disposition of a rabid dog.

"I'm going alone," Darrion growled in Nordian. Callan returned her gaze to her plate and waited for him to leave. His scrutiny continued to burn into the top of her head.

"Are you sure?" Gawain sounded so surprised, Callan peeked up at him. A deep frown creased his brow.

"Certain." A brief smile shot across Darrion's features. "You'd need to be diplomatic."

Gawain rubbed his knuckles to his temple. "I think I should still go. You need a witness. I'll be quiet."

Darrion sat forward, crossing his arms on the table. "That's the thing. I don't want witnesses. And I don't want you to know what I've done."

Gawain's frown deepened.

"It's fine," Darrion said, sending him a dark smile. "I won't hurt him...much."

Gawain shot him a dirty look. "Oh, thanks. So much for plausible deniability."

"If anyone asked, I knocked you out because you disagreed." He stood up and gave Gawain's shoulder a pat. "See you tomorrow."

Callan sat up and watched him leave, pushing her plate away with a scowl.

"Do you always hide in plain sight?" Gawain's question caught her off guard.

She dodged it with a noncommittal shrug. "What was that about?"

"Something you shouldn't have heard." He pressed his face into his hands for a few heartbeats, then looked at her. "Supposing a country has one blood heir... Suppose more than one person has vested interests in who is appointed his successor. So much so that they've been trying to assassinate the most obvious candidate for about...oh...say...five, maybe six years. And now the blood heir is missing."

Callan blinked, shocked at what he'd said. "If something happened to the blood heir... How bad would it be?"

Gawain's eyes lost their light, replaced by something she knew well. Fear. "If the knight doesn't come home, things can turn nasty."

"Up to the assassination of the appointed heir?"

"Up to civil war."

Callan cringed, reaching to where his hand lay on the table.

"That's not all. It's personal. To me and Darrion. The knight saved our lives. And my mother's. He's...like the only father we've known." He turned his hand and grasped hers. "And I'm terrified for Darrion."

"Darrion?"

"The murder attempts are pretty sure to continue. One might succeed."

She smiled a little, squeezing his hand. "Maybe it's just because no one likes him."

The cloud passed from Gawain's face and he burst out laughing. "Not a fan, are you?"

"Now, why would I be Darrion's fan?" Callan sent him a bland smile.

"Oh, I don't know. Some people think of him as charming."

"Some people wouldn't recognize charm if it kicked them in the face," she said, earning another one of Gawain's exquisite smiles.

"Thanks for listening," he said, his smile falling away. "It's not something I can talk to anyone about...and obviously...I needed to get that off my chest."

Miria came out from the castle and stood next to Gawain before Callan could answer. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and said something in their strange language. Callan watched the exchange with curiosity. What was it like to be part of such a deep bond with someone? From the way Miria spoke to her son and looked at him, it was obvious that Gawain's mother loved him deeply. It was just as clear that the feeling was mutual.

The conversation ended after a minute and Miria left.

Callan frowned at Miria's hasty retreat. Everyone except for Gawain was skittish around her. Even Kaela had vanished as soon as she could.

No matter. "Gawain, I was wondering. Could my father have come from this country?"

His smile slipped noticeably. "Callan..." He took a deep breath and toyed with the remainder of his meal. "Even if he was from Nordaine, you're not quite from here. So we wouldn't be able to tell you."

"But you just told me—"

"That was a mistake."

For some reason, a pang went through her heart. "Please..."

Gawain squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry. Really."

His eyes were earnest, but what did it matter? He still wouldn't help.

"Is my room ready?" she asked, pulling her hand back.

The remainder of Gawain's smile vanished and he nodded. "Tired?"

"Very." Callan stood and waited for him to lead the way.

"Come on, then." He led her through the dining room and up a grand staircase to the first floor. Once they reached the top, he guided her through a door on the right side of the corridor. She entered and took a look around. Sparse. It had an unadorned black stone floor. Not even a curtain over the one small window. The double bed had been shoved against a wall to make space for a wash table with basin and pitcher.

"Callan..."

She turned to him, fighting to keep her face neutral. "Yes, Gawain?"

He winced and hung his head. "I'll see you later," he said, taking the key out of the door's lock. He hesitated a moment longer, then headed out.

The door clicked shut.

Callan waited for a few seconds, then tried it.

Locked.

As if that would keep her in. She'd get out and then she'd find out about her past. Help or no help.

Am I the only one, or do you also think Callan's independent streak could land her in hot water? 

Just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who's been reading, voting, commenting and just being awesome. Please do keep the reads, votes and comments coming. 

And remember to come back tomorrow. Darrion's going to confront the Waernich. It doesn't turn out the way he expects. 

See you then, I hope! X