The Shadowbearer (An Aegis of the Gods Book)

Chapter 29

CHAPTER 29

Hours later, Stefan arrived at the Travelshaft’s exit. Not much of what happened made sense. Why would the Svenzar defend him? Not only that, he could have sworn it seemed as if Kalvor expected him to be there. The same as the time when the Svenzar met him in Astoca. He frowned as he tried to understand what Kalvor meant by the sword providing Nerian with what he needed. One thing was certain. He was not giving the divya to the King.

His mind drifted to the shadelings, and he considered if Nerian sent them. But that didn’t make sense. Why not wait for him to come home? Unless Nerian assumed he was fleeing. He shook the thought off. Nerian knew he wouldn’t abandon his family.

Head spinning, Stefan continued to ponder his dilemma. What if someone else was acting on their own accord? Cerny maybe? If he made the wrong choice, not only his family’s lives, but those of the other men and women who now relied on him would be forfeit. With the thought, a hollow formed in his chest where the pendant of Thania rested. Whatever he decided, he had to proceed with the utmost care. One mistake and all would be lost.

A warning gong echoed. Ahead, the exit’s white glow came into view. Self–mastery, he reminded himself. He spurred his dartan toward the light.

When he exited, the air here deep in Seti was much cooler than he’d experienced at the Crescent Hills or even Karsten. The weather carried the chilly nip of autumn. Lit up by the orange glow of late evening sun, the peaks of the Cogal Drin Mountains loomed, soaring sentinels guarding the valley in which Benez nestled beyond the hill ahead. The clamor of an army on the march and clinking armor greeted him along with the trundle of wagons and shouted orders. Soldiers accompanied by Alzari massed on other roads leading to the shaft. The smell of man, metal, pack animals, and mounts rode heavy on the air. Several people pointed or stared at his dartan. The beast eyed them, mewling its displeasure.

On the main causeway where the road to the Travelshaft ended, ten mounted Dagodin in red and blue waited—the King’s Guard—their horses as stiff as the men themselves. General Cerny led them. Back straight and chest puffed out in his uniform with its crimson scrollwork running down the sleeves, the man was all smiles. A prickle ran through Stefan.

“Good to see you’re safe. We had reports of an encounter with Svenzar within the Travelshafts,” Cerny said as Stefan drew up in front of them. His horse whinnied and shied away from Stefan’s dartan. With a deft move of his legs, Cerny brought his mount under control and threw Stefan a fur–lined cloak. A curious expression crossed his face as he took in Stefan’s dartan.

“Thank you. Glad to be safe.” Stefan attempted to sound as genuine as possible as he caught the garment and slung it over his shoulders. “The Svenzar were preoccupied with their raid. I was able to sneak by.” He nodded toward the guards. The men did not acknowledge him. “I gather the King received word from Karsten?”

“Yes.” Cerny peered at him over his bulbous nose. “An eagle arrived earlier today. The message said you reached Karsten near death … and alone.” His eyebrows rose questioningly.

“I did.” Stefan kept his face stoic but questions abounded. If the Cerny knew he left from Karsten, then he was aware of Stefan’s Dagodin escort. Why not ask after them?

“Defeat then.” Voice low but not quite a whisper, almost as if he was rolling the word around on his tongue, Cerny raised his hairless brows.

“Yes,” Stefan said, allowing his shoulders to slump and holding his head down for a moment.

“I think the King may have expected it, as did I.” Cerny’s tone carried the hint of a gloat.

“I guess that explains the numbers Nerian appears to be sending to the front.” Stefan wheeled his dartan to face the Travelshaft. He counted at least ten separate legions. Among them there were six made up entirely of Alzari. Several cohorts of men and women in flowing gold and green robes led them. The number of High Alzari was nothing less than astounding.