Prince of Time

Chapter Twenty-Four - The Protector's Decision

Teliwen came to collect them in the morning. She wore her hair twisted up and it made her look far more like a soldier. Maple was almost prepared to be concerned by her. She looked like she knew how to kill better than Maple did.

“There’s breakfast waiting,” she smiled. “I think it would be wise if you agreed to eat.”

“Do tell us if it’s laced with poison,” Pepper muttered.

Teliwen’s smile vanished. “Don’t judge my father so harshly.”

“It’s early on the morning,” Zeno apologised on Pepper’s behalf. “You’ll find they’re never at their best until after lunch.”

“At least you’ve got the manners to make up for it,” Teliwen grinned at him. “Does everyone wear their hair like that in Merdia?”

Zeno looked taken aback. “Um…no. A few people do.”

“But it’s allowed?” Teliwen was fascinated.

“Of course it’s allowed,” Zeno laughed. “Do you have regulation hair?”

Teliwen nodded seriously. “Length, style, everything. Hair can be dangerous, you know.”

Maple raised an eyebrow at Pepper, who returned it with a wink.

“Come on,” Teliwen said, hastily. “We should start walking.”

“So tell me,” Pepper fell into step beside Teliwen as they made their way down the street. “How does love work in Etheron?”

“Love?” Teliwen looked bewildered. “What do you mean?”

“Well, do you go in for arranged marriages? True love? Convenience?” Pepper shrugged. “Just wondering.”

Teliwen frowned. “It’s nothing to do with the city what people do in their private time. Love or marriage or anything else…that’s down to the people concerned.”

“So do you…”

“Look. Is this really important?” Teliwen rubbed her eyes. “What does it matter to you?”

“Just curious,” Pepper smiled, happily. “Let’s walk.”

They climbed the tower easily, hand over hand with practised grace. Teliwen let herself in, pushing open the door as if she had every right to enter.

“Father, I bring the Merdian Prince,” she bowed. “May I remain?”

“You may,” Mithien acknowledged.

The others filed in, automatically taking up position in an aggressive line before the Protector’s desk. By habit, they stood as if one step away from attack.

“I have considered your proposal,” Mithien steeped his fingers. “You are free to leave Etheron and go as you will.”

“But…” Pepper began.

Mithien gave her a warning look. “You are free to leave Etheron and proceed to the monastery. However, I will not risk my own men trespassing into such dangerous ground with no other agenda than the locating of one girl.”

“Not just any girl!” Tobiah blazed. “My sister!”

“That as may be,” Mithien waved him aside. “But I cannot spare the men. Etheron is permanently under siege, recently more so than ever. The threat grows for us all. Soon, Harian will be feeling the shock-waves.”

“Father,” Teliwen appealed. “Consider, I beg you…”

“Quiet, Knight-Commander,” Mithien barked.