Shadows of Wychering

Chapter Sixteen - King Fedoric

Five days after arriving home, the summons came. King Fedoric requested her presence.

Her body ached and her head throbbed, but when the Wolf summons, you go. Her bruises were on the mend and scratches were scabbed over, but what had happened to Jame, did not heal. A gaping wound in her soul, never to heal, never to be made whole.

Dressed and downstairs, honey baked ham, eggs, and black bread waited for her. "Good morning, Father."

"Oh, good morning, my dear. How are you feeling? Better I hope?"

"I am alive," she replied buttering black bread. Jame, oh Jame, why?

"I have a bit of news. Seems your tale has already reached Port Wjggann. Your brother will be in Kithskule."

"Reynfred, in Kith? He hates the capital."

"But he loves his sister. Half of the garrison will be with him."

"Father?"

"Yes, my dear?"

"Will it ever go away? This pain?" Her jaw tensed as burning sorrow clenched at it.

Her father rose from his chair, stood beside her, took her hands and looked into her eyes.

"No, it will never go away. I know Jame was dear to you. He was dear to us all and when you lose someone close it never goes away. It lessens over time, dear daughter, but a small piece of you is gone forever. I wish I could bear this for you, but I cannot and for that I am distressed. Your mother and I, we love you. Always know that."

Ameline stood and embraced her father and laid her head upon his strong shoulder for support. "I love you too."

*

King Fedoric's palace lay on the northeast side of the city. Clopping hooves echoed in her ears as they wound their way to the palace. Tightness wove a knot into her stomach and a wave of nausea made her head swim. King Fedoric, the Wolf of Havenfurst, what would he say? Had Margrave polluted his ear? She may be thrown out of the Order for disobeying her suspension.

The palace loomed up ahead. Ameline took a deep breath.

"My dear child," her mother patted her hand. "You are perturbed for nothing."

"Nothing? How can you be sure?"

"Because you did the right thing, and no matter what anyone says, that will always be yours."

Ameline looked her mother in the eyes. For many years she found the woman frustrating, but now, after all that had happened. Well, Mother was wise indeed.

"You are right, Mother."

The carriage stopped.

A man's head popped in the window.

"Ameline Harsent?"

"Yes?" she replied.

"I am Magner, I am to take you to the king." The door opened and his gloved hand reached in.

"Thank you." She took his hand and stepped out of the carriage.

Inside the castle, great tapestries with golden winged creatures, adorned the stone hallway. Others depicted everyday life scenes. Magner led her ever onward.

Hushed voices sounded from up ahead.

The hall ended at two gilded doors.

The throne room.

Two guards stood with pole-axes barring the way. At Magner's signal they stepped aside. A trumpet sounded as she entered. People stood all around, nobles, mages, even Henry was seated and bandaged but he was smiling. Guards Alton, Teodor, and Kharl waved.