Vihaan shook his head, eyes a bit shiny. “She would have seen preventing war as a noble cause to die for.”
“What about my surviving guard?” If Vihaan released him, the guard could take word of the ambush to Niam.
“He’ll be fed, clothed, questioned, then offered a choice of remaining with you or returning to his home. As far as anyone knows, he’s your loyal retainer who speaks mostly Delletinian to ensure he will be taken for one of them on his many clandestine missions, one of which you’ve just returned from.” Vihaan’s lips quirked into a smile.
“And Gryphon?”
Vihaan shook his head, giving an amused laugh. “That magnificent steed of yours is quite well and will likely be a father a few times in the coming year. Makeshift stalls simply wouldn’t keep him away from any mare in heat. I’ve already spoken for one of the foals.”
More and more, it seemed Draylon wasn’t a prisoner. “Can I at least see him?”
“I’m afraid not. We hadn’t anticipated a battle and were delayed by injured in our party. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, we’re no longer alone. Come.” Vihaan gestured to Draylon. “Word has spread. While I’d prefer we both bathe and rest first, there are quite a few gathered who’ve eagerly anticipated our arrival.”
At least Vihaan wasn’t escorting Draylon in chains.
They stopped in a clearing, just the two of them for the first time in days. “I’d like to apologize,” Vihaan murmured.
“Why?”
“In these treacherous times, I’m sure the emperor has spies among my men. It was necessary to act as though I followed his orders.”
“You’ve not treated me or Yarif ill.”
“Nor would I. Now come. We have arrangements to make.”
They entered the same large tent where they’d spoken before. Draylon stopped short. Although they sat on the ground, three commanders from different kingdoms making up the empire peered up at him, curiosity in their eyes. Four kingdoms were represented, counting Vihaan, and five, if one counted Draylon.
The commanders didn’t appear hostile, more inquisitive than anything.
“Please be seated.” Vihaan took his own place on the floor. Chairs weren’t often brought on a campaign, so the three Draylon had seen earlier were probably the entire supply.
Draylon bit back a groan as he sank to the floor, so glad to sit on something unmoving for a change—unmoving and nonbiting.
“I believe everyone here knows everyone else, at least by reputation, so I’ll not waste valuable time with introductions.” Vihaan nodded to the commanders. “Each of our armies has sat here on the border for weeks without clear instruction. I’m hoping that, between what each of us knows, we can piece together more details. King Draylon? I believe part of your report will be the death of Captain Illa Trandores.”
“Yes." Draylon added, "Though she held the rank of commander at the time.”
Vihaan scanned to room. “I received no word of such a promotion, did any of you?”
A chorus of “no” circled the room.
One of the commanders shrugged. “How can we possibly receive word of anything buried out here in the wilds?”
“As we have not received such word,” Vihaan continued, “I recognize Commander Draylon Aravaid.”
Draylon began, “I’m not—”
Another of the commanders spoke up, a woman even older than Vihaan. “As we have received no orders to the contrary, per policy, you are the commander of the Cormiran forces. In addition, even if Illa Trandores had been promoted, her death without a deputy commander means her position reverts to the last person who held the title, if still alive, until such a time as a new commander can be selected.”
It said a lot that this woman had made the rank of Commander in an empire not known for kindness to women, though she sounded as though she quoted from a book.
Maybe she did. But what were they saying? That they denied the emperor’s orders and sided with Draylon?
“We have interrogated the prisoners,” Vihaan said. For a moment, Draylon thought Vihaan meant himself and Yarif until Vihaan continued. “There is a faction in Delletina that doesn’t want an alliance with the empire, mostly made up of nobles who’ve convinced villagers that alliance means their crops stolen, their children taken away, and their houses burned.” He fixed his gaze on Draylon. “Remember, they’ve been relatively isolated for centuries. They’re likely convinced that most Cormirans are horned, fanged beasts intent on devouring small children.”
“Except for a few individuals, I can say that’s not true.” The emperor believed in ruling by brutality, and he’d raised Illa to power.
“You and I know that, but some nobles fight change, believing it might take away their power. Fear is a powerful tool to get others to do your bidding.” No one interrupted Vihaan. Perhaps he’d become their leader by default.
