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“I can never go back. I’m a traitor to the crown and Loxley.”
“You did what you thought was right. No one can fault you for that.” Rekker replied, and if I didn’t know that he was a snake I’d almost believe him.
“Empathy doesn’t look good on you.” I remarked, my eyes narrowing suspiciously. “Alright, you win. Tell me why you’re really here.”
Rekker grinned then launched into a story that was both complicated and simple. My father was convinced something more was going on behind this war. He wasn’t the only one, but he was the only one with the King’s ear. He went too far and was sent to the frontline as punishment. What he discovered proved that he was right. There was more going on that the King and everyone else seemed to ignore. He went searching and stumbled upon a camp of Bruralian refugees with Einri as their leader.
“Einri confided in your father about who was really behind the war. Knowing the Thimmarian King wasn’t strong enough or keen enough to handle it.”
“Magic.” I interrupted, shaking my head.
“Together, Einri and your father devised a plan. Einri is the oldest bastard child of the late King of Brural. He never sought to lead but he was an option, so your father agreed to send him men, changed men, that were from both kingdoms. Einri would create a militia that could be used to defend the people of both kingdoms.”
“The Greenwood is an army.” I stated, feeling like the ground had fallen out from under me.
“Originally it was but it must have changed because when I took the Greenwood hostage, I was not expecting women and children.” He almost looked remorseful as he said the last part like he couldn’t quite believe it still.
“Why didn’t he tell me?” I muttered, feeling like we were back where we started, him not trusting me and vice versa.
Just when I thought we were past this.
“Look,” Rekker began, holding his hands once again. “I didn’t come here to make you question everything. I came here to deliver a message.”
“A message?” I asked, again my suspicion rose.
“Contrary to what you think, I'm not here on Asena’s orders. My work with her has ended.”
“Then who’s the message from?” I asked, frowning.
“From the King.”
“You’re working for Graeme now?” This guy was giving me whiplash.
“Are you daft?” Rekker growled, sounding more like himself. “King Rusalko.”
“Oh.” I felt like slapping my forehead for being stupid. Of course, Rekker was here for Rusalko, he’s an alley to Asena which means he ordered Rekker to Thimmaria. He was working on his orders all along. “What’s the message?”
Rekker reached into his coat and withdrew a sealed envelope from his chest pocket. He held it out for me, but I stared at it like it might be poisoned.
“Take it, Arrow.” He said, softly.
I reached out and took the letter, eyeing the coat of arms stamped into the wax. The mark of the Brural King. I swallowed, then tucked it into the inner pocket of my cloak.
“What now?” I wondered, cautiously.
“You’re free to go, with your friend.” He said, gesturing to Epione. “The potion should wear off in a day or so.”
“Potion?” I asked, turning to look at the older woman who looked as still as death.
“She’s crafty and hell to keep so I had to drug her for her own safety.” He made it sound reasonable, but I snorted derisively. Though truth be told, I wouldn’t put it past her to fight dirty.
“Can I call my friends to help?”
“Of course. She isn’t a prisoner here.” He assured me, and I wanted to ask why he took her in the first place if she wasn’t a prisoner.
“You better leave and clear the way for us.” I ordered, watching him closely to see if he’d do it.
“Yes, of course.” He said, striding toward the tent flap and pulling it aside. “It’s good to see you, Arrow.”
