|[ THE FAERI'S KEEPER ]|

Chapter 26: The Two Bearers

Cedric sat at the window, staring down onto the courtyard below. Birds took flight and disappeared into the broad sky as two young boys chased each other across the pavement. They waved wooden sticks at each other, pretending to spar. Two guards stepped forwards and turned them back, taking their sticks and tossing them away. Cedric felt a pang of guilt; they had done nothing wrong but after the Assassin's attempt on his life security had been doubled and no man, woman or child was allowed to see the Prince without due cause. Not that any had asked to see him.

But as the bishop of Trinstone walked into the room and Cedric rose he knew the reason the older man was there.  He stood in purple robes, with a white hat rimmed with gold. He gave a small, but warm smile. Cedric barely concealed his grimace.

It was time for him to be king.

"Your majesty," the bishop said, "The ceremony is tonight. Do you wish to go over it once more, just to be sure? I would not blame you if you wanted to practice...?"

"No, no thank you." Cedric said softly, "I think I'm fine." The bishop nodded serenely. He was bent and old, with white wispy hair that stuck to his temples stubbornly. The Priesthood of Apvidus was one of the most prominent in the Empire, and as such were in charge of ministering important ceremonies.

"Is there anything I can do for you, my Prince?" he asked. He bore the symbol of Apvidus: a polished stone with a golden "A" inscribed on it. It shone at his breast.

"No..." Cedric said quietly. The bishop nodded.

"As you wish." He bowed deeply, "May Apvidus' grace smile over you."

"And over you..." Cedric replied, almost absent-mindedly.  He turned away and waited for the sound of the door shutting behind the bishop.

Left alone once more Cedric sighed deeply and stared back out the window. His reflection in the glass watched him sadly, like a pale ghost. Visiting guests to Trinstone has often told him he looked like his father, but he had not seen it. His father was all black and brown, while he was gold and blue. But as he looked at his colourless reflection he could see the similarities – the same high cheek bones, same angular features, and the same slightly crooked nose that was one of the few imperfections on his face.

Cedric had never really enjoyed having the beauty all Faeris did. Most women he met saw his face and became infatuated not caring for his personality or his ideas. Except Irene. Beautiful Irene, who did not know, nor would she ever know quite how much she meant to him. She had seen his good looks and pushed him away... hated him... but then she had warmed to him... and he remembered her lips on his...He stood and stretched his legs, wishing he could just shut her out of his mind, at least for a while.

Could she really be dead? Could Tanara really have spoken the truth? He ran his hand through his hair, brushing his blonde fringe out of his eyes. He remembered the feeling of her soft hands on his skin, and he was filled with grief. If she was dead... he didn't know what he would do. If Soldin had killed her... he... he would kill him. Fury filled him; blind fury with no mercy.

He had no doubt about that. If Soldin had killed Irene, Cedric would slit his throat. But she couldn't be dead... Tanara had lied... she was a liar, and a traitor.

A knock at the door woke Cedric from his thoughts and he turned his back on the window. A light wind rattled the panes.

"Come in." he called and the doors opened again. Cedric felt a sense of tiredness creep over him. He was never truly alone here... as soon as one person left another would enter – an endless stream of questions and unattainable answers.

"My prince, we have news from the forest." the guard said as he walked forwards. Cedric nodded, falling down on the throne.

"Yes?"