Already, she has rehearsed her explanation to Sig. While she is not shocked to hear from Bjorn that Aura would break the Drengr blacklist, she has no doubt the King will rage like never before.
And now I've implicated myself in all this mess!
And, of course, none of them have returned.
However, a reassuring conversation with her godly mother, the Goddess Maeve, suggests that her daughters are safe and have a longer journey ahead of them.
In the darkest parts of her heart, she recognizes what the end of this path may mean for her youngest daughter.
The front doors of Blackwood creak open, revealing the Salt Province Auditor.
“Your Majesty!” She curtsies. “I hoped to speak with the King on the final coin count from the Conclave.”
Before Avina can conjure an excuse for Sig’s whereabouts, the Auditor shakes her head, “I understand the King has been ill. However, the Healers have not been summoned to tend to him. If he is not sick enough to need treatment, he is well enough to answer a few of my questions.”
Avina forces a fake smile. “Contrary to what you have heard, His Highness does not wish to accept visitors at this time. I will discuss your inquiries with my King as soon as he awakens. Thank you.”
“Awakens?”
“Uh, thanks for coming! We shall call upon you soon.” She nearly shoves her out the door and locks it behind her. Glancing out the window, she sees a guard running toward the house.
With a tearless cry, she lays her forehead against one of the cool glass panes that frame the front doors.
Allowing Sigvid to fully wake from the Azure stupor would solve most of her problems.
That is, if he did not immediately rouse a crew for Kaldrgataness, leaving her to fend for herself anyway. At least at home, he is not interrupting her daughters’ divine adventure.
The back door creaks open and shut. Light footsteps draw near, and she turns with a relaxed sigh as Bjorn envelops her tightly.
“I have finished what you asked, Mum. Is there anything else I can assist you with?”
A knock sounds, signaling the guard has arrived on the porch. “Take care of whoever it is, please.” Avina flops into Sigvid’s big chair beside the hearth, where a stack of parchment and quill sits on a side table.
She reviews her daily checklist as Bjorn opens the door to a hunched Timber guard who gasps for air.
“Breathe, good man.”
“Pinewatch. Had…a fire,” he gasps, “…eight buildings destroyed in the blaze.” He stands upright. “We believe the Manchineels set the flame, which means I must speak directly with King Sigvid.”
“I am sorry, my good fellow, but my father has an ailment at present. I will instruct a battalion of Drengr to respond immediately. Here,” he digs out a small coin purse and drops it in the man’s hand. “Thank you for your allegiance.”
The guard salutes with a fist to his chest before departing.
“Mum, I must write to Varmar requesting Drengr be sent to Pinewatch.”
Avina waves in acknowledgement as he disappears up the stairs to their study to compose the letter.
Hopefully, this will be the last fire of the day.
Another rap on the front door has her shrieking. She crumbles her checklist in frustration.
There can’t possibly be anything else.
Sigvid is going to wake soon, and I must make a decision.
Queen Avina opens the door to find the little girl, Eivor, whom Aura has taken under her wing. Her tiny arms are crossed over her slender chest as she taps her foot.
“With all due respect, Aura’s Mum, there is not enough effort to bring home the Princess.”
