Shadow of Dusk

Tristen

Over the next few days, messages were sent across Teardor about the closing of the borders and Teardor’s stance to remain “neutral.” It turned out that King William was right about one thing: the veredians and liamans began leaving. They wanted to fight with their kind—and for the humans. They had hoped that they might fight under their country’s flag; instead, they chose to leave and fight with Veredore. King William did not, however, predict how many humans would leave with the veredians. Hundreds left, not betraying Teardor, but hoping their king would change his mind.

            “Let them go,” said William. “Let them all choose for themselves, but I won’t send them to their deaths.”

            At one of the final councils before the borders closed, William announced to the council that Liam would escort “the liaman,” as he said, out of Teardor and see to it that she found her family. He was “letting her go”—as if she had been a prisoner—but Liam privately thought William was a bit scared of her mother. Liam was also to find Kip and Diana, along with the others in the group who had gone on Liam’s orders. Liam was to “clean up his mess and prove that he could stay his sword for Teardor.” His marriage would then take place when they were all safely inside Teardor. A few men would accompany Liam, and he chose Robert to go with him. He needed a friend amidst all the hostilities.

            When the council ended (Liam feeling like an idiot again thanks to his father), Liam and Robert stood in the entrance hall discussing their plans for departure the next day. They suddenly heard a shout, and as they turned they saw a man running toward them with several guards chasing him. Liam and Robert quickly drew their own swords.

            “Prince!” the man shouted. Liam moved toward him, ready to fight, but stopped short as he recognized the tall man with wavy brown hair.

            “Stop!” shouted Liam. “Tristen!”

            Tristen skidded to a halt in front of Liam and Liam held up his hand to stop the guards.

            “He broke past us, Prince,” one of the guards gasped.

            Liam looked at Tristen and found it odd that Tristen would have defied the guards—who simply would have asked his name—but put his hand on his shoulder and turned to the guards.

            “He’s a friend,” said Liam. “Please, go back to your posts.”

            After a moment’s hesitation, the guards left, leaving Liam and Robert with Tristen. Robert glanced curiously at Tristen.

            “Tristen, what are you doing here? Why did you run like that? Are you alone?” asked Liam.

            Tristen nodded to the last question, breathing heavily. “They would not let me past. I heard your father will not join us.”

            Robert looked inquiringly at Liam.

            “Come,” said Liam, acknowledging Robert’s questions. “Let’s go somewhere a bit more private.”

            He led the way to a small office next door to his room. He shut the door tightly, lit some candles, and motioned for both of the men to sit.

            “Now, please,” said Liam. “Tell me what is happening.”

            “Well, as I said, I heard your father will not fight with us, and all the veredians are leaving Teardor. I thought that might mean Cailin would need to leave, so I came to get her but she’s not at Daniel’s,” explained Tristen.