“I know none of those answers, but intend to,” I said. “More importantly, Lyra claims the Crystal’s retrieval is the reason the Depths have calmed. She believes the Stone is not safe with my father and begs me to retrieve it from him.”
“For what purpose?”
“She claims only to safeguard against an Unbalance that began when Princess Mevlida came through the Gate. Or maybe even when my father closed it.”
Dren looked me in the eyes, unwavering.
“What do you believe?”
There was just one logical conclusion.
“That she’s been sent by Galfrid, and my brother, to obtain the Stone of Mor’Vallis to reopen the Aetherian Gate.”
“Did you ask her about this intention?”
“Nay. I doubt she believes me, or a Gyorian, could work out such a conclusion.”
“Aetherians,” he muttered, as if it were a slur. Which, of course, it was. They believed, with their vast libraries and scholars, they were the sole keepers of knowledge, superior in intellect over all other Elydorians.
“The act of treason you mention,” he said, Dren’s voice lowered despite that none of our men were within range of being able to hear our conversation. “You intend to obtain it for her?”
“Retrieve our clan’s most precious relic for an Aetherian? Nay.” I gave him a look that told my right hand how little I cared for his suggestion. “But I do agree that my father’s actions have borderlined on zealousness, his lies concerning me more than even his behavior. And that having the Stone in my possession may be necessary.”
“You cannot use it,” he said, an obvious fact I’d not refute. Only my father, the most powerful Gyorian, could wield it.
“I don’t intend to try. But I will allow Lyra to come with me to retrieve it.”
That, apparently, was one step too far for Dren, who finally showed his impatience.
“I agree, as you know, your father has become dangerous, even to Gyoria. And do not disagree, taking the Stone may be wise; though if he finds out, I would not wish to be a part of that conversation. But why take her? I thought Balthor had banished her already? I assumed you escorted her from the palace?”
We resumed walking once again, the palace walls looming before us.
“She is inside my chamber.”
Dren’s jaw dropped.
“If Lyra really wants me to retrieve the Stone only to ‘rebalance the realm,’ she’ll act accordingly. If she tries to take it or use it in a way that reveals a greater plot, I’ll know. Bringing her will test Lyra’s trustworthiness and expose Balthor’s true plot.”
“Test her trustworthiness? She is Aetherian.”
I reminded my friend of words he’d spoken more than once.
“And yet, my brother has partnered with one.” I used Dren’s tone of voice. “Perhaps Prince Kael sees what you do not. A king who would damn us all. Are those words not yours?”
“Aye, but… Terran,” he argued, “if you are caught. If she deceives you and takes the Stone?—”
“I will not be caught. I know where Father hid the Stone and mean to test my theory. As for Lyra, I would not worry about her taking it from me. Do you truly believe an Aetherian noblewoman can overpower me?”
I was not fond of Dren’s hesitation to answer the question.
“If she were any other? No. I do not. However…”
His voice trailed off as I glowered at him. Dren thought better of finishing the thought.
“Your brother partnered with an Aetherian woman. They are seductive. The one inside your chamber, particularly so to you.”
That he’d noticed also did not sit well.
