|[ THE FAERI'S KEEPER ]|

Chapter 29: Kings of Eltor

The day broke with clouds still covering the sky like a thick, grey woollen blanket. Cedric had woken long before dawn had arrived, his sleep plagued with nightmares of blood, demons and lies. Dark circles were smudged under his eyes like charcoal and his hair was a tangled mess as he dressed in his day clothes and washed his face in the basin. His ran his fingers through his hair in an attempt to smooth it down before he belted his sword to his waist and left his quarters. Lance and Merrick followed, his second and third shadows.

People gave him nervous glances as he walked past them and he wondered if they had heard him crying out in his sleep. There could be no other reason for their odd glances. He wondered if they thought he was mad... he wondered himself if he was mad. The servants skirted around him, as if he was dangerous. They fear me a mad man, and mad kings bode no good. He sighed, pushing the thoughts from his mind. It would do no good to dwell on those things.

 In the throne room his advisor, Mayon, waited for him, a black bird perched deftly on his shoulder.

"My king, Soldin sends word from Thalandin." He said softly, stroking the head of the bird as it snapping its beak sharply.

"Thank you, Mayon. Have Sulau or Lādēts replied yet?"

"I'm afraid not, my king. They are further from here than Thalandor; it may be a day or so yet."

"Very well. That will be all for now." Cedric said tiredly, moving to sit in his throne. His Bearers stood on either side, ready for action.

"Should I ready the horses, sire?" Mayon asked, his voice with a subtle edge to it, "I can have a party ready to leave within the hour."

"Please do. If Soldin has agreed to meet we will leave immediately." Mayon bowed shortly and departed, the bird flying off his shoulder and landing on Cedric's outstretched arm. It cawed loudly and Cedric took the small roll of parchment that had been attached to the bird's leg. As soon as it was relieved of the roll the bird cawed again, an ear-splitting sound, before it fluttered away, the feathers of its wings scratching roughly against Cedric's face. His already messy hair was ruffled further. He sighed, leaning back heavily into the throne and unrolled the parchment:

So, the new king of Trinstone wishes to meet me, does he?

I am not some dog to be called at your will... however, I cannot deny that I am curious as to why you want to meet. What questions do you wish to know, young King?

Either way, curiosity has gotten the better of me. So I agree to meet you at the Seer's Stone. I must warn you though. Even if we meet in this circumstance under friendly terms if you play any trick on me or my men I will retaliate with any measures I deem necessary.

I will see you when the sun reaches the middle of the sky two days from now. Do not be late... I will not sit and wait for you.

S

 

Cedric crumpled the note up in his hand. So Soldin had agreed to meet, even if he did sound haughty and arrogant in the note. He quickly straightened up, the tiredness leaving him. Lance and Merrick shifted slightly, moving with him. Together they left the throne room. Cedric led them down stairs, along halls, until he reached the front doors that led outside. Guards on either side moved forwards and pulled the doors open for him and he swiftly passed outside.

"Mayon!" he called, taking the steps down to the courtyard two at a time. Merrick and Lance leapt along with him. The advisor was obvious amongst the Blades, a red rose in a field of snow. He looked towards Cedric with a blank expression.