“You’re welcome!” he called, tipping his wine glass toward the ministers.
Another smattering of chuckles filled the room before Auden continued. He explained the Ephrians’ discovery of the Calders’ lies, the subsequent reveal of the Alliance, and the soldiers’ agreement to continue assisting the Calders in saving their countries. He covered their long journey through Wauld—leaving out the most dramatic parts and completely ignoring the tumultuous nature of Evylin and Deckard’s relationship, to her gratitude. Then he reported Caustin’s capture of them and Renaul’s plans to give them to Blount.
At that point, the archminister requested that Isla give her account of the events at Renaul’s. Her story matched everything Evylin already knew—she’d been working with Renaul for the past three years as her steward and personal guard, she heard of the plot to capture the Calders and Ephrians, and she requested aid from the Alliance to help rescue them from the mad noblewoman’s clutches. Emmaas and Jarrad arrived, and the plans were set into place.
Isla also pointed out that though Renaul managed to take three Relics from them—a great loss—she failed to obtain the things Blount wanted most.
“Which are?” the archminister prompted.
“The Night Relic,” Isla said, then her eyes darted to their side of the table. “And the opportunity to Bond with Evylin Deckard. The prince is quite fixated on her, as evidenced by his recent letters to Lady Renaul. He wrote, ‘Her role is more important than anything—in truth, she is even more important than the Relics.’ I believe this supports our theory of his increasing mania, suggesting early signs of the Deep.”
While several members murmured in the crowd, the ministers regarded one another cautiously. “I see,” the archminister said at last. “We will discuss that in more depth momentarily. First, how was it that you managed to retain the Night Relic?”
“It wasn’t just the Night Relic, sir,” Auden said, still standing. “Corporals Rafferty and Loxley also managed to hide the Wind Relic.”
Archminister Fishere raised his graying brow. “How?”
“During our time in Wauld, we discovered that Corporal Loxley is a Warrior,” Auden said.
Several “oohs” passed through the room.
“And Colonel Deckard is a Mage.”
Now, a collective hum gathered. Deckard drew a hand along his jaw, and Evylin brushed her knuckles along the side of his leg under the table. He gave her a half-hearted smile of gratitude for her support.
“An Ephrian Mage?” Minister Birde exclaimed.
“It appears,” Auden said, “that his grandfather was Waulden.”
While the murmuring continued, the archminister indicated that Auden should return to his explanation.
“Corporal Loxley handed Corporal Rafferty the Wind Relic,” he said, “and as a smuggler, he managed to hide it away on his person. And evidently, Caustin’s men didn’t search himthatthoroughly.”
Rafferty sniggered softly.
“As to the Night Relic, Colonel Deckard managed to alter its appearance, so they mistook it for only a common family crest. I believe he must have used some form of shroud.”
The archminister’s gaze narrowed. “If Carlile noticed Mrs. Deckard’s magical abilities—”
“Private,” Deckard, Thom, Rafferty, and Ethenn corrected as one.
Evylin pressed her lips together around a smirk as the room fell silent.
The archminister stared at them. “I’m sorry, what?”
The soldiers deferred to Deckard as he replied, “Her correct address is Private Deckard, sir.”
A wry grin split the archminister’s wrinkled face. “My apologies, Colonel,” he said, his genteel tone blithe. Then he turned to Evylin. “And to you, Private Deckard. I hope I didn’t offend.”
Approving of the gentleman’s good humor, Evylin returned his grin. “Not at all,” she said.
Archminister Fishere turned back to Auden. “How is it that there were two Warriors and a Mage in one company without Carlile’s notice? Without your or your sister’s notice?”
“The only explanation I can offer, Archminister,” Auden said, “is that none of them knew of their magic and, therefore, were not using it to where we could recognize their power.”
Immediately, Ilain’s hand shot up, the vibrant gemstones on her rings glittering in the table’s candlelight. “I have a theory,” she said, then dropped her hand as the room stared at her.
Auden gaped at his sister, but the ministers appeared amused.
