Page 90

“There will always be soldiers who simply follow orders because it’s easiest and what they’re trained to do. Yet keep in mind, obeying doesn’t always mean loyalty. I guarantee many are uneasy at what has transpired and would gladly revolt, but only if there is someone to lead them.”

“I’m not a leader, though,” was Avera’s quiet response.

“You will be. You have the blood of kings and queens running through your veins. You have the intelligence to see and question things. The power to invoke change.”

Avera offered a weak smile. “I didn’t realize a duchess’ role was to encourage and bolster my lagging self-esteem.”

“It is my duty to ensure Daerva prospers, and as I’ve gotten to know you, I truly believe you are the right person for that task.”

The next tap at the door turned out to not be Korr looking for dishes but Gustav. Cloaked head to toe in a raggedy length of cloth, he entered quickly and quietly before flinging back his hood.

“Korr tells me you have a meeting with the captain,” he stated without preamble.

Avera nodded. “At the peak of night in the old chapel past the pier on the point.”

“A good a place as any, I suppose. Although, Korr’s plan to render the soldiers too sotted to notice isn’t working as hoped. One of the knights has refused all drink.”

“Even if he’s sober, he’ll soon be to bed,” Josslyn opined.

“Most likely, but just in case we’ll be furtive with our departure. Take everything with you as we won’t be returning no matter the outcome of the meeting.”

“Already taken care of.” Josslyn waved to their packs by the door, including Gustav’s.

“Good thinking, unlike your visit to the taproom.” He offered a stern glare at his sister.

“No harm came of it.”

“You were lucky,” was his growled reply.

Avera diverted his annoyance. “Where will we go if the captain refuses to take us?”

“Back to the mountain, if needed, until the knights leave. Then we can return and wait for the next ship.”

“And if that takes weeks? The longer I am stuck here, the longer Benoit has to firm up his claim to the throne.”

“You mean the longer he has to make the people hate him.”

“His knights have spoken ill of him?” Josslyn tossed over her shoulder as she tightened the straps on her bulging pack.

“No. However, their behavior isn’t endearing them to the people.”

“They seemed fine to me,” Josslyn stated. “When I went down earlier, they sounded like regular soldiers. Talking bawdily about women. Discussing what they’d do if they earned the reward by finding us. Complaining about being sent to the most boring place in Daerva.”

“You eavesdropped before they began drinking. A man deep in his cups tends to reveal more of his true nature. They’re young and brash. Arrogant too. Pawns that were elevated recently despite lacking the character traits of a knight.”

At Gustav’s obvious disapproval, Avera queried, “You know them?”

“Not personally, no. I have little to do with pawns. But I heard enough to know they don’t have a qualm about this mission. On the contrary, they are hoping for a chance to return with our heads, and I mean that quite literally.”

“Then we shall ensure they don’t have a chance to catch us,” was Josslyn’s pert reply.

“We should rest while we have a chance.”

“Is that a good idea? I don’t want to miss our meeting.” Not that Avera thought she could sleep.

“Korr will let us know when it’s clear for us to leave.”

With that in mind, Avera and Josslyn lay down on the bed together despite having more rooms. Gustav sat in a chair by the door, sword across his thighs, eyes closed. A guardian even in repose.