“To stand around and wait for you to arrive while they ask me why you’re late? No thanks.”
Calyn ripped her toasted rye bread apart to pair with her sausage. “Evie’s always late to everything. I’m surprised they’re not accustomed to it.”
Thom shot her a sidelong glance. “Deckard is never late to anything.”
“Which should earn me some understanding,” Deckard said as he reluctantly finished the small bowl of porridge that Evylin placed before him.
“Don’t worry,” Evylin reassured Thom. “I’m almost finished, and then we can go.”
“I still have half a cup,” Deckard countered.
“Then you’d better drink it fast,” she said with a smirk before turning to her sister. “Are you ready, Caly?”
Thom’s brow furrowed. “Will they approve of her joining the meeting?”
Evylin shrugged. “If they don’t want her listening, they can have someone show her around the palace.”
Shortly thereafter, they departed. As Thom said, Brea was there when they arrived. The ministers received their lateness and Calyn’s presence with welcome understanding. They requested that Highlady Grenwood, a Day Mage, show Calyn around the palace while they spoke. Calyn’s momentary disappointment faded as the charming blonde Mage engaged her in conversation, complimenting her pretty floral dress and offering to show her the art gallery the Ephren kings had filled throughout their reigns.
Once the doors closed behind the two women, Archminister Essen turned to the four gathered. “Thank you, Colonel, Captain, and Private Deckard, for your efforts over these past weeks. You have exceeded our expectations in everything we set out for you to achieve. Thanks to your success, we can now proceed to the next stage of implementing the Allundan rule.”
Essen rested her wrinkled brown hands on the table. “We, the Ministers of East Allund, are needed in Aulton at the Aulden Palace.”
Deckard and Thom shared a puzzled glance. Nearly two centuries ago, Aulton served as the capital of Auld. The Aulden Palace was where the eight Mages governed Auld collectively. Nevertheless, the inaugural King Ephren made it his mission to obliterate both the city and the palace as his first decree as the official King of Ephria. Stories of the devastation and brutality involved in the city’s downfall had become legendary within the Ephrian Army.
“Have you managed to rebuild Aulton?” Deckard asked in awe.
Archminister Essen shook her head. “Not wholly, but it’s on its way.”
“It was said to be brought to rubble,” Thom noted.
Essen grinned. “Terrae Mages are especially skilled in such recovery efforts. While the city lay in ruins, the palace remained mostly intact. It would have taken years for Ephren to demolish such a structure, and he didn’t have that kind of time.”
“So you’re leaving,” Deckard said, bringing it back to the point. “I take it you want us to watch over the city for you while you’re gone?”
“No, no.” Essen waved a hand to dismiss the idea. “You’ll be coming with us.”
Deckard, Evylin, and Thom drew back their shoulders in collective surprise, standing a bit taller.
Brea remained relaxed as if this was the news she’d expected. “It’s time, then?” she asked.
“Yes, it is,” Essen confirmed. “As you four accompany us to Aulton, so will Corporal and Highlady Loxley and Mr. Calder accompany the Ministers of West Allund. Here in the East, Highlady Grenwood and Colonel Geis are to be presentlymarried and Bonded. Therefore, they will join us too. We have many trusted Mages and Warriors who will help our clerks keep both the West and East stable during your absences.”
Deckard felt a spike of excitement from Evylin. Not only were they to continue traveling, but they’d also see their friends again.
Essen took a breath before continuing, “While both the Western and Eastern ministers will stay in the city for some time, this will be a short trip to Aulton for the rest of you. It is our intention to finalize the governmental rule of Allund while there. Should all go well, you shall return home within the matter of a week.”
It was as Deckard feared, then. They were going to press them into service. He wet his lips, uncertain how to proceed. “If I may ask, Archminister Essen,” he began, attempting not to sound too frustrated, “why are we necessary to this finalization of the nation?”
“We value your opinion, Colonel,” Essen said kindly, then added, “And it’s a bit of a reward. We intend to celebrate, you see. It is the dawning of our nation. Many feasts and dances will be held, and as your team was instrumental in our victory, we’d like you to be our guests of honor.”
Nudging his moonstone ring, Deckard drew in a steadying breath. It was a celebration. Yet, he couldn’t help worrying that the excursion would end up being a coronation that they didn’t want.
Evylin entwined their fingers. He felt a conflict within her. The undercurrent of excitement remained, but there was also hesitation. “When are we to leave?” she asked.
“Tomorrow morning,” Essen said.
“So soon?”
