Read Blood and Steel (The Cor Chronicles Volume I) Page 44
Palius ran through the palace for his queen’s chambers, an exercise he was not used to under any circumstances. Servants, courtiers and guards watched him with astonishment as he ran past them, shouting his apologies to those he ran down or nearly collided with. They were certain they had never seen the queen’s chief advisor act in such a way, and seeing the old man who was nearly eighty years old so fleet of foot created fervent discussion and debate. The main doors to Queen Erella’s chambers were open, and she sat at her desk signing various papers and orders. He stopped before her and struggled for several minutes to catch his breath.
“Palius, perhaps you should consider taking a run every morning; perhaps run one mile with one of the guard captains,” she said, without looking up. “When’s the last time I mentioned how difficult I find the more mundane aspects of my position? As Queen of Aquis, I am High Priestess of Garod, and yet I spend far more time signing orders and releases of permission or negotiating disputes with our neighbors than I do leading Garod’s faithful. Perhaps I should create a new advisory position; High Signer of All Mundane sounds nice.
“Are you able to breathe yet?” she asked, now lifting her eyes to Palius’ face.
“Yes Majesty,” he responded. He still puffed a bit, but it was manageable. “This small scroll was brought to me by a rider from Martherus this morning. A lad on a black stallion delivered it to the Temple of Garod in Martherus yesterday. He said that he rode from the town of Hager, but we believe that to be a lie.”
“What is it Palius?” she asked, though she knew there was only one matter that had ever shaken Palius.
In answer, he merely handed her the scroll; it was made of parchment and no more than five inches wide. An unmarked red wax seal was broken open, and inside was a brief letter, written in a concise block style of handwriting. It was specifically addressed to her, and the tone of it was one that the writer clearly considered respectful. According to the date, the letter had been written approximately three weeks ago.
Queen Erella of Aquis,
I believe you have looked for me since the day I was born, though I am not certain why. Your priests watched me and taught me; of course, I have come to understand the teachings of Garod to be true only from a certain point of view. After my parents were slain by a Loszian, I escaped with a man of my own kind, a man who taught me how to be what I am. With information from a spy no doubt, your priest Jonn came after me with armed men. He killed my mentor, and I repaid him in kind.
I will be coming to Byrverus, and by the time you receive this letter, I will be well on my way. I come to see you Queen Erella, and I come in peace. Expect me within two weeks.
Dahken Cor
“Well, Palius it appears we no longer have to look for the Dahken,” she said, placing the scroll on the table before her.
“Majesty,” started Palius, a sense of urgency in his voice, “this boy, man, has already caused the death of a dozen of your loyal subjects, including a respected priest. He admits to the murder in this correspondence. He says he comes to see you; we can have the entire royal guard awaiting his appearance, and we can end this now.”
“Palius, he also says he comes in peace. This letter is no different than a request for formal parlay. I cannot order his murder, regardless of the harm he has caused,” responded the queen.
“Majesty, years ago you confided in me a fear that this one man could destroy both the Shining West and the Loszian Empire. He has shown a willingness to kill the servants of Garod. I respectfully suggest –“
“I will not,” shouted the queen, slamming her fist on her desk, then suddenly quieting her voice, “commit a murder, regardless of his crimes. We have our honor Palius; I would extend the same courtesy to the Emperor of Losz. Leave me, and I will pray to Garod for guidance.”
“Yes Majesty,” Palius said with a bow. He turned from the queen and left her chambers. Palius was as loyal as any of Queen Erella’s subjects, and he would not go against her will. But that did not mean he wouldn’t prepare for the worst.