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“I would not have expected your sympathy”—given that the ship was headed to Edingham’s shores—“but thank you for it.”

“An unfortunate turn of events, having Lord Hinton as successor.”

I watch for any indication he knows of Aldwine or connects our presence to him, but I see none.

“It is not an ideal situation,” I admit. “Much like having Lord Whitley at the queen’s heels, I would imagine.”

Stokerton’s face darkens at the mention of the queen’s brother-in-law.

“Just so,” he says, drinking.

His companion gives nothing away, nor can I ascertain from the commander how much truth there is to the rumors about the queen’s troubles.

“’Tis a shame we are on the brink of war,” I offer. And although I am not authorized to do so, I take the opportunity given, especially since Aldwine will not be returning south with me. “Perhaps rather than playing tug-o-war with the Voyagers, we could discuss terms for a truce?”

Thomas nearly spits out his ale. I will have to speak to the man about improving his ability to hide his surprise.

Stokerton puts down his mug and looks me in the eye.

“You’ve not been given leave to offer such a thing,” he states correctly.

“Nay,” I admit. “I have not.”

He and McGreghere exchange a glance, but it’s evident, despite their age difference, Stokerton is the one in charge here.

“Go on then.”

I’ve thought about this quite a bit since learning Stokerton was here in Murwood. My next words carry great risk, but the potential reward makes it worthwhile. Besides, he will learn soon enough of Galfrid’s reluctance to name Hinton his successor.

“It is true the king sent nearly two hundred men to your shores. If we’d intended a coup against your queen, I’d have been among them. The intent was a show of force at the border, nothing more.”

Can he sense the truth of my words?

“Galfrid recognizes Edingham, as his father did before him.”

The rulers of Edingham have always suspected us of secretly wishing to overthrow their “rogue” kingdom. And that may have been true at one time. But now we simply want our people to live in peace.

Unfortunately, Queen Cettina’s father did not believe it. As for his daughter, the queen has not been in power for long enough, less than a year, in fact, for her motives to be clear.

“Tsk. Two hundred men to squash a border squabble?”

“It was no squabble, but a brutal slaughter.”

McGreghere cuts in. “And now that Meria is weakened because of your tragedy, you wish to make peace?”

“Recall that we are here for the same reason,” Thomas says. A reason that has naught to do with peace.

Both men grow silent, thinking, considering.

“Galfrid is reluctant to name Hinton as heir,” I admit, “but the man is gathering support from the church. The same church that crosses the border.”

Neither kingdom is immune to the meddling of the Prima, his Eldermen, and most importantly, his Shadow Warriors.

“Hinton will be no friend to the queen.”

I can tell Stokerton is surprised I’ve offered so much, but surely he knows the king’s nephew well enough to realize I speak the truth.

“Who will Galfrid name instead?”