The Four Swords

Chapter 125: Conversations

Cali looked at me with thorough slitted eyes. She seemed to be sizing me up for what she wanted to say next. I took charge before she was done with her assessment.

"I know that your brother and father clearly were the two people in the first part of the prophecy we saw from the gnomes." I started before she cut me off.

"I agree with that assessment and will not deny it," Cali said quickly as if it would hurt to prolong the admission. "But we do not know what that means!"

I scowled. "What are you trying to say?" I retorted.

"I'm saying that a lot of damage was done last time we tried to interpret and interrupt the gnomes' visions. Maybe if we had not seen King Caderyn's death and tried to stop it by different means, he might still be alive," Cali scrambled for words. I was afraid she might stop inhaling just so that she could speak faster.

I did not spend much time around court after Princess Alina's ball where the King's death was foretold. I am not sure of all the measures my brothers-in-arms took to try and circumvent King Caderyn's demise, but Cali seemed quite certain that those actions were not helpful to our country.

"What if trying to figure out these visions is what leads us to the next one? We do not know if 'the most foul brute' that the poem talks about is my father, my brother or someone close to the Autarch that rose through the ranks as my family members crossed blades." Cali took a moment to breathe.

"Are you saying we ignore the vision?" I wanted her to clarify her thoughts.

"I am saying we might never know if the words of the poem and the visions of the gnomes are connected simply because we try to interpret them that way. What if we are causing our own problems?" Lady Calista straightened her spine, stretching to her full height punctuating her point with elegance.

" I still think the queen needs to be informed of this development. She sent us to the border for news from our allies and we should not so quickly dismiss what they saw." I squared my shoulders to emphasize my point.

"I do think Queen Valerie should know of the newest Swordsman. As for the prophecy, I implore you to keep that between us for the time being. I am not saying we keep it from her forever, but let's give it some time to figure out if anything we guess at it's remotely true," Cali added the last part at a frenzied pace.

Cali took a moment to even out her pace and continued. " If the poem's words are correct and the vision was supposed to be linked to it, then someone in my family is bound to show his true motives soon." Cali took a deep breath, steeling herself for her next thought.

" If the brute is my father, then at least he is out of his position of power. If the brute is Carrion and he shows his motives are not for the good of Ensis, I will challenge him for the Sword. I make that vow to you, Lord Holden. I will not see my kingdom torn apart."

At that statement, a shiver ran down my spine before a comforting warmth spread in its wake. Feeling as though I just took a swig of a strong drink, my confidence in Cali grew. Her conviction ran deep and I believe she could defeat her brother.

"I will keep your secret for now, but if I see anything amiss I will not keep this revelation between the two of us." I tried to make my point clear but my tone verged on threatening.

"I understand," Cali finally agreed. Her eyes fixed on the ground as if she was embarrassed to have asked so much from me.

In the short time I knew this woman, I don't recall her boldness subsiding so easily. I hope she was sincerely contrite and not just trying to end the conversation. I sighed. Women had too many weapons at their disposal that had nothing to do with blade or bow.

"Come on," I added. "We need to tell Queen Valerie that Ensis has a new Swordsman."

Cali nodded and we left for the royal wing.

We approached Queen Valerie's chambers. A guard told us that she had retreated there after the petitioner's court. As we approached two guards that stood outside the door blocked our way.

"Good day, Lord Holden and Lady Calista! The Queen has asked for a private meeting. An audience with Her Majesty will have to wait." The taller man announced.

"Unless you are looking for Princess Alina. She just left." The first man's swarthy counterpart added on.

"Thank you. We will wait for the queen." I added.

Though we were behind the heavy doors, the conversation inside the queen's chambers carried. The two parties must have been close to the door.

"If she doesn't have any interest in marrying him, then we need to talk to Bleddyn. We would hate for Alina to be embarrassed in Court again." A male voice carried through the door. It must have been someone close to the royal family to so easily leave off titles.

"Although I appreciate your concern for my daughter, that's not why we needed to speak. What about my embarrassment?" Queen Valerie's voice had an edge in it I had not heard before.

"Your embarrassment?" The man's voice seemed hurt. "That was not my intent. I am sorry that I left the petitioner's line."

"I know," the queen paused as if she were sighing. "We have waited this long, I suppose we can wait a little longer. We should both get back to our duties."

"Next petitioner's court! I promise!" The man's voice grew louder as the doors to the room were opened.

Sir John and Queen Valerie stood staring at the crowd that stood on our side of the door. Surprise!