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That brought a faint smile to Benedict’s face. “I expect I shall have all sorts of impressive tales to tell him about your feats here in Orthros, if—”
“Whenyou return to pull him out of his cups.”
Benedict’s snort might have been a chortle. “Let us hope he has heeded your admonitions on that subject, Your Ladyship.”
“Do you think Genie’s presence at court will be a moderating influence on him?”
Benedict’s expression became more stoic than usual. “My lord Flavian would do anything for Lady Eugenia’s sake.”
“I asked a question about Flavian,” Cassia mused, “but I wonder if I just received an answer about Benedict.”
“Of course I would do anything for her. You know my devotion to my liege lord and his entire family.”
Cassia had also seen the signs of his particular devotion to vibrant young Genie. Did Benedict know she was not Flavian’s cousin, as the world believed, but actually his half-sister, the illegitimate daughter of his father’s beloved concubine? Cassia suspected the family had trusted Benedict with the secret, but refrained from probing him. “I fear Flavian and Genie’s love for each other, not to mention their similarities in temperament, are likely to inspire both of them to acts on each other’s behalf that are rather too bold. Reckless, even.”
Benedict sighed.
Cassia patted his arm. “And they claimed your journey to Orthros with me would be a challenge! I think you have the easy task, actually. I am not likely to require you to rescue me from myself.”
“How fortunate we are in your steady character, Your Ladyship.” He took a step toward the common room.
Cassia stood where she was. “And in yours, Benedict. Do not forget who awaits your return, and that unlike some lords here, you have nothing to prove.”
Under the surprise in his eyes, there was a bitter glint. But when he spoke, his voice was kind. “I am grateful you feel I have already proved myself to you.”
“I am not the only one who values your personal merits over other lords’ ambition.”
He was silent for a moment. “Would that your judgment upon me were law.”
“I speak of neither judgment nor law, but the regard of those at whose table you have sat as a friend these many years.”
“Speaking of table, Your Ladyship, allow me to escort you to breakfast.”
Without speaking further, he guided her into the common room. Chrysanthos’s chair was empty, but Master Gorgos was busy preparing everyone’s spirits for battle.
“Remember what befell the first mortals!” the Solorum mage admonished. “Kyria disobeyed her husband and made women, those pitiable and incomplete creatures, woven only of a goddess’s weaker nature, without that strength of life which flows from the manhood of Anthros. Anthros deemed the females suitable only for serving as handmaidens of Hypnos. Then the blood goddess cheated the god of death out of that which the god of war had awarded him. Hespera stole away with the women’s corpses and revived them into a half-life to serve as her sorceresses, concocting for them their own twisted realm where they might run rampant.”
Lord Adrogan fiddled with a strip of jerky. “We are not children, mage. We do not require a review of temple stories.”
“Here in Akanthia, the world tainted by Hespera’s touch,” the mage rebuked, “it is all too easy to forget the very teachings that have been drummed into us since birth. Do not forget that Anthros forged the first men to make war and sent them down into this world to discipline the women’s wild magic and make them obedient to him. Once his men succeeded in restoring order, he promised, he would count them among his Scions and bestow upon them godhood. But the temptresses of Hespera convinced the first men to throw away their divine inheritance and partake of the dark goddess’s blood. It is women who robbed men of our right to be gods.”
Lord Severin opened his mouth to speak, but Master Gorgos charged onward without taking a breath.
“The first men forfeited Anthros’s favor and died, their souls lost to Hespera’s realm forever, but the god of war, in his beneficence, did not forget their heirs who survived in Akanthia. He promised a new reward to all who would take up his banner and return to the true purpose he had created them to fulfill. Generations upon generations of men have restored Anthros’s order in this world and driven back Hespera’s corruption. Although we have lost all hope of godhood, we may still win places of honor in Anthros’s Hall, where we shall thrive with eternal vigor. Consider the destiny of men who disappoint him. Hypnos claims those fit only for eternal sleep.”
“Or those worthy to become Overseers of the Dead,” Skleros said around the smoke between his teeth. “The Master of Dreams knows who his champions are, and that we shall relish the work he has in store for us in his kingdom.”
Master Gorgos looked offended that he had been interrupted and raised his voice. “Do not forget the worst fates of all, which befall those who succumb to Hespera. Mortals who die corrupted by her are trapped in her dark Sanctuary, banished from the sight of Anthros. Those who become Hesperines are doomed to exist here in this twisted shadow-world, never to return to the divine domains.”
The Semna’s walking stick thumped on the carpet as she entered. “Do not forget that Kyria never ceases to grieve for the lost and always looks for ways to rescue them from their own mistakes.”
Cassia helped the Semna into her seat. Kyria sometimes needed assistance rescuing people, and Hespera always needed champions to protect her world from Hypnos and Anthros’s cunning attacks.
Chrysanthos swept in, scrolls under his arm and a bottle of wine in hand. He halted to stare at Cassia’s gown.
“Basilis,” the Dexion greeted her. “No one would question your dedication to the embassy in your present attire. What a creative choice of colors.”
Cassia knew she was dancing a reel on a blade. There was no room for error. She must execute each step perfectly.
