She pauses for dramatic effect. “We must sacrifice the Princess of Treland to appease the gods.”
Fury shudders through him, and he nearly snaps his best pipe in half.
Here we go: Lavinia’s angle, her motivation for summoning the Jarls.
After babbling incoherently for a few seconds, the Seer collapses into sobs on the floor. Two palace soldiers rush forward to remove the sight of her from their view. To conceal the truth. Lest her unsavory appearance tip off theothers to this game.
“My dear friends,” Lavinia stands with her back framed against the hearth and a wicked grin on her crimson lips, “It is time we take our vengeance on Treland. For stealing our prince, the centuries of denying our aid requests, and per our Seer, to appease the gods. And of course,” she sheds her thick cloak to reveal her shoulderless gown and a jagged scar along her throat and chest, “we must never forget the King of Treland’s attack on my life!”
Jarl Odo hollers, shoving his flagon into the air. Many others nod or jeer at the mention of their neighbors to the east and Calder’s true home. He would do anything to protect those in Treland, despite it having been twenty winters since he arrived on the shores of Skalor at the behest of his King.
“The ancient god of power, Makt, has visited me. He came to me in a vision and instructed us on how we shall atone with the blood of Salt. King Sigvid Thordsson,” hisses sound around the room, “has sent me a request. He intends to hold a Conclave this summer to discuss the Draemonium, which he finds more important than our withering crops and famine. The crisis has led to four winters of underproduction of grain and thousands buried with hungry bellies.”
Even Clementia nods at her words.
“I propose all of my Jarls answer his summons. Visit his land and drink from his barrels. And then bring me the Princess of Treland: Aura Sigvidsson-Redwood. We will greet the harvest with her blood!”
Calder’s bellowing roar shudders his bones as he leaps to his feet, topping his chair and drawing a warning glance from his mother, even if she holds her smile in place. His cold gaze narrows on the Queen.
“Calder!” Edmund and Gunni attune to his wrath, following his heels.
A royal guard steps in his way at the door to the corridor. “The Queen has requested everyone remain to place their reward request for the capture of- ”
He grabs the man by the neck, instantly freezing him solid. Usually, he prefers to shatter his statues to dispose of his tracks. However, a message needs to be conveyed.
Calder slams the door open, splintering it up the middle, then disappears into the Keep.
“Pack your bags!” He orders his companions. “We leave immediately.”
He was certain he had done his part at the village of Chillbury. He was positive he destroyedhim.It is not possible that so many lives have been destroyed for nothing.
One thing is sure: Lavinia will never get her hands on the Princess of Treland.
I will defend her with my flavor of evil, for they all fear me.
3
AURA
July 21st, Year 21, 10th Era
Toftlund City, Treland
The bustling of Toftlund City is a distant hum as Aura opens her deep blue eyes, gazing up at the uneven slats of the one-room home.
Today is the day.
The one she has been training for her entire life. No matter what her mother insists, the Princess of Treland has no other path.
Two winters ago, she almost abandoned taking the blood oath. It’s never been her ideal course. She much preferred the quiet of nature and the comfort of her quill to the ferocity of combat. Yet, in her heart, she is following the steps she feels are required of her as the daughter of Sigvid Thordsson, the King and Lord Commander of the Drengr Army.
Aura presses her lips to those of her bedfellow. She smirks as Isabel hardly shifts at the tender caress. Gently, she brushes the woman’s silky, raven hair over her shoulder to press a kiss on her bare skin.
“Issie.” She whispers. “I must ready myself for the final Trial.” As she stirs, stretching her arms at her side, Aura soaks up the look of her soft skin.
“That doesn’t mean you must wake me.”
Aura swats her playfully before swinging her feet over the bed to stand in Isabel’s tiny, cramped house.
