Shadows Return - Lynn Flewelling [15]
Thero looked genuinely taken aback. “The interests of the Watchers have always been Skala’s, Majesty.”
Phoria turned to Seregil. “And are your interests those of Skala, Lord Seregil?”
Seregil drew himself up a little taller; Alec sensed his friend’s sudden flash of anger and prayed Phoria wouldn’t notice. “Yes, Majesty.”
Phoria waited for him to elaborate but he let his answer hang in the air between them.
“But you are not Skalan, and neither is your companion.” Phoria spared Alec a glance. “Your loyalty to Nysander is not in question, only your loyalty to me. You served him, not my mother.”
“Through him we served her, and Skala,” Seregil replied evenly. “I was accused of treason once, and my name was cleared. Your mother didn’t doubt me.”
“Careful,” Korathan murmured.
“And you, Lord Alec,” Phoria turned the full force of that pale-eyed gaze on him. “Whom do you serve?”
“I would never betray Skala, your Majesty!”
The queen looked less than impressed by his answer, but Alec thought he caught the hint of an encouraging smile from Korathan.
“My brother the prince tells me that you have lost your name in your own land, Seregil,” Phoria continued. “That instead of exile, you have been completely cut off from your own people.”
“That’s correct—and I trust he explained that it was because Alec and I chose Skala and the kinship I have with your family over our duty to Aurënfaie law.”
A moment of ominous silence followed, as Seregil and Phoria stared each other down. Alec held his breath, certain now of a quick journey to a Red Tower cell.
“Is it Skala you are loyal to, Seregil, or my sister?” Phoria asked at last.
“Majesty, if you please, I’ve known Seregil most of my life,” Thero interjected quickly. “I vouch for his loyalty with my own oath. He’s risked his life for Skala’s sake more times than you can imagine, and Alec with him. You have nothing to fear from them, or me. We all serve at your pleasure.”
Phoria chuckled darkly. “Be assured I fear none of you. Does he speak for you, Lord Seregil?”
“He does.”
“And you, Lord Alec?”
“Yes, Majesty!”
“Then let us leave it at that for the moment. Thero, you have taken your master’s place as the head of the Watchers?”
“Yes, Majesty. But while in Aurënen these past months there’s been little I could do on your behalf, other than help oversee the trade agreements at the behest of the princess. I hope I have served you well in that capacity.”
“Your efforts are noted. However, it is my command that you disband the Watchers. No more secrets. If I require your aid in any fashion, I will order it, and you will answer to no one except me. Is that understood?”
“Yes, but—”
“I have spoken!”
Thero pressed a hand to his heart and bowed deeply. “You have my oath, by my hands, heart, eyes, and voice.”
“Good.” Phoria sat back, regarding Alec and Seregil again. “As for you two, I am satisfied for now. In fact, I have a task for you—one you’re well suited to.”
“We are yours to command, Majesty,” replied Seregil.
“You most certainly are. You’re going to Aurënen as my emissaries to Princess Klia. My half sister is to return at once and resume her duties as my field commander. Her swift obedience is imperative, as proof of her love. You are to return with her as quickly as possible. Is that clear?”
“As spring water, Majesty. But crossing the Osiat this time of year—it’s already late enough that there could be problems.”
“I’ll give you a decent ship.”
“Am I to go with them, Majesty?” asked Thero.
“What use would you be? There’s work enough for you here. You’re dismissed.”
Thero bowed and made a hasty retreat. He didn’t look at the others, but Alec saw the angry flush suffusing his thin cheeks.
“I’m sending an escort for you under the command of Lord Traneus. And I’ve had these prepared.” She gestured to Korathan, who stepped down and handed Seregil three small, painted sticks.
Alec recognized them; they were message wands. These talismans were infused with a simple magic, usually a message of some sort, which