“Can we get rid of him diplomatically?” Ashlin asked.
Erich shook his head. “He will not leave without a fight.”
“And turning against him now will also turn everyone against us,” Onric said.
“We could arrange for an accident of some sort,” Erich said. “One in which the young king of Chendas meets his untimely death.”
“Yes,” Ian said. “But that will only solve part of the problem. We need time to sway the people’s opinion before the ‘Return of the Majis.’”
Ian used the old term for what they had all once been afraid of. History, as they understood it, said the Majis had been exiled to the island of Istroya for one thousand seasons. And the common belief was that when the Majis returned, they would do so with vengeance and a powerful, destructive magic. As it was nearing the end of harvestreign—the nine hundred and ninety-ninth season since the exile—that fated “Return” was only days away. They knew now that the Majis on Istroya were little more than slaves to the king of Chendas, and that their magic was based in harmony.
Erich took a bite out of the apple Ashlin had tossed him. The crunch sounded loudly in the quiet room.
“We do not have time,” Onric stated. “We cannot change the minds of an entire kingdom in so short a time.”
“Then we call our men to arms and publicly oust Gareth from the castle,” Erich said. “Our soldiers are far superior in strength and technique. We do not need the numbers.”
“That would mean absolute bloodshed,” Onric said. “Our men may be loyal, but we cannot ask that from them. We need more help.”
“Father sent word to Allys,” Ian said. “They are not ready to ally with us against Gareth, but perhaps we can pressure them further, send Aden and Isa to speak with them.”
Onric nodded. “That is our only hope, but I am afraid we do not have the time to let that hope play out. For now, we need to remain close to our own soldiers so that they will stand with us when the time comes.”
“We should not leave your father unattended,” Ashlin said. “In his vulnerable state, it will be too easy for Gareth to...”
“If Mother is not with him,” Onric said, “one of us will be. At all times.”
Ian stood. “Then this is the best we can do. I will pen another missive to Aden and Allys.” Ian moved toward the door, then stopped.
Onric, Erich, and Ashlin had remained seated. Staring at him.
“What is it?” he asked, turning around.
“If Father is in danger, so are you,” Erich said. His words were spoken to Ian, but he looked at Onric.
“You cannot remain here while Gareth is in charge of the castle,” Onric said. His face held such a confident authority that Ian sat back down.
Ashlin nodded, looking at Ian with concern, as though she anticipated the hurt he would feel at Onric’s words.
Ian looked back to Onric. His brother was right. “But at this point, I am in danger wherever I go.”
“Not if Gareth cannot find you,” Onric said.
“What are you saying?” Ian asked, knowing the answer but not wanting to admit it.
“You need to leave the castle,” Onric said, his voice even, “and go somewhere Gareth cannot find you.”
“You are saying that I should go into hiding?” Ian replied. “If I leave now, I give Gareth even more control over this castle. That is too dangerous.” Ian stood up again. “And now that we are done with this discussion, I am going to go execute my leadership of this castle.” He took a loud bite of his own apple.
Onric held out a placating hand. “No, we are not done with this discussion. Gareth has two soldiers present to our one. And even our one fully listens to him. Angering Gareth at this point would increase the danger you are already in. He has madetwo attempts on your life, Ian. Therewillbe a third. Tonight? Tomorrow? In a sevennight? With Father unable to open his eyes, youbeing aliveis the only hope we have.”
“Yes.” Ian almost choked as he tried to swallow the apple. “But I am not going to run off into hiding.” Onric’s words were true. Even the physicians did not know if King Frederich would survive the wound to his head.
If he did not...Ian had always known that his father’s crown would one day be his. But today was not that day. He was not ready for that weight. Nor would he ever run from his responsibility. Not now, nor in the future.
“This castle and everyone in it are in danger every moment that Gareth is here,” Ian said, keeping his voice calmer than he felt. “I will not abandon my family or my duty.”
Onric stood, stepping forward to stand face-to-face with Ian. Onric had to look up into Ian’s eyes, but it had been a long time since Ian’s little brother had been scared of him. “Actually,” Onric said, “in that, you are wrong. The safety of this castle is my responsibility, not yours. I am the captain of the castle guard, and the safety of the castle has been placed in my care as the second son of the king. You are the crown prince. Your duty is to the whole of Iseldis and all of its people and as such, your duty is to remain alive.”
