“Outside of this crude display, they don't appear able to speak or communicate with us,” Lord Briscalar said. “Though they must be able to do so among themselves since this act was done in unison.” His brows furrowed. “Provocation implies they seek a response, and my assumption would be from you.” His gaze fell on Merrick.
“The last thing we need is to be manipulated by beasts in the forest, beasts that haven’t attacked this court for many generations,” Merrick said, his voice taut with frustration. “We cannot afford to play whatever game this might be, though I believe ignoring it would be unwise.”
“Exactly,” Talvon said. “Suggestions?”
“I’m open to whatever the three of you believe we should consider.”
“If this is a way of communicating, grisly as it is,” I said, “maybe we should show them we received the message.”
“Yes,” Merrick urged, leaning toward me.
“Could we project the image of the crest where they might see it? If they’re trying to communicate, this could show them we understand.” We might be traveling down the wrong road withthis, but short of increasing protection, I couldn’t think of any other way to address this.
“You’re skilled with lights,” Merrick said to Talvon. “Could you arrange for something like this?”
“Easily. I’ll project something on the outside of the wall, though I’m not sure how we’ll determine they’ve seen it.” Talvon stared at the drawing, deep in thought. “They could also be trying to instill fear and weaken us.”
The window creaked ominously as the gust of wind picked up, the chill biting deeper, wrapping around my throat. My palms went sweaty, and my pulse quickened. “They’re doing a very good job if that’s their intent.”
“This is not the act of a friend,” Lord Briscalar said. “Nothing will convince me of that. It's ominous, and I believe we must do something, though I'm not sure what.”
“Increase our patrols,” Merrick said. “This will show those living outside the walls that we’re determined to protect them. A strong presence may keep the borgons away. And tell those living outside the walls that we'll find places for them inside if that's what they need. They should keep their animals inside at all times. I know that'll be a challenge with grazing animals, so send them what they need to make this possible. Hay. Whatever they ask for.”
“Excellent ideas, my king,” Lord Briscalar said.
It felt good to act rather than wait for the next horror to descend.
“Any other suggestions?” Merrick asked, and we all shook our heads. Most of this was speculation. It was hard to respond when we didn’t understand the motives.
Talvon rose. “I’ll speak with the guard about the patrols. Since we’re expanding the guard to cover this, we’ll need to enlist volunteers.”
Merrick dipped his head. “The coffers are yours. Make it sweet enough you’ll have plenty of volunteers to choose from.”
“I will.” Talvon strode from the room as Lord Briscalar got to his feet.
“I’ll work with the farmers within the walls to procure feed and see to its delivery, plus arrange for accommodations for those who are eager for the protection of this court. If nothing else, I can put the aerie to good use.”
“Thank you,” Merrick said.
With a bow, the lord also left.
My focus remained on the attacks. Why had this escalated, and why were they leaving bodies shaped to create the Evergorne crest?
We both stared toward the empty fireplace grate for a long time, not speculating aloud.
Finally, Merrick sighed. He took my hand and urged me up from the sofa to sit on the edge of the table in front of him. He placed his hands on my hips, and I realized how quickly I’d slipped back into a comfortable relationship with him. But both of them had cared for me the past few days, and it was hard to be angry with someone who’d sacrifice their sleep and their own comfort to see to mine.
“How are the borgons related to Evergorne?” I asked, pushing aside my emotions to focus on figuring this out. I felt like vital clues were missing and if I could find them, it would all make sense.
“No idea.”
The creases around his eyes showed how worried he was about this. He had so much on his mind at all times. His thirtieth birthday loomed. His mother was being a pain in the ass. The lords and ladies appeared poised to revolt. And now the borgons.We’d tumbled over the edge of a cliff without a way to break our fall.
Merrick shifted closer, his hands sliding to the table beside my thighs as his brow furrowed. “The crest.” His voice came out heavy, like he was dragging his thoughts through mud. “Why that of all things?”
“It doesn’t make sense. Could it relate to the elder’s comment about how they may be seeking something that went missing?”
“Maybe. I don’t know.” His gaze flicked toward me before dropping to the floor, and his shoulders tightened. He released a long sigh that made my chest ache. “We’re missing something.” The words came out low and distant, as though he was speaking more to himself than to me.
