Page 118 of The Cradle of Ice

Mikaen stepped forward, his back stiffening. “I need no such consent. I’m still captain of the—”

Thoryn cut him off, doffing his helm and dropping to a knee. He bowed his head. “We apologize for the affront. And accept any punishment.”

Reddak turned his hard eyes on the prince. Mikaen stared back, gripping Paktan’s sword as if the trophy insulated him from any reprimand. Still, Mikaen slowly sank and matched Thoryn’s pose, bowing his head. Captain or not, prince or not, there was a protocol that must be adhered to.

Wryth appreciated the general’s strict fortitude, hoping with time that it would rub off on Mikaen and temper his growing recklessness.

Satisfied at the show of respect, Reddak waved Mikaen and Thoryn up. “We’ll discuss such matters in private later. For now, what is to be done with our new guest?”

By now, Paktan had rolled to his own knees. “I’ve sworn submission,” he said formally. “I beseech you take my remaining guardsmen prisoners and into your safe custody.”

All eyes turned to the Vengeance’s rails. The roar of its dozen forges rumbled across the smoky skies. The two giant grappling bows, one on each side of the ship, vibrated and strained from the cables that ran down to the Talon.

Reddak cleared his throat and nodded to Mikaen. “You are indeed captain of the Vengeance and took the prisoner’s oath. What is your judgement?”

Mikaen narrowed his eyes, possibly wondering if this was some ruse.

“It is your decision,” Reddak assured him. “You seem more than willing to make plenty of them whenever I’m not looking.”

Mikaen nodded and turned. He glanced to the two archers posted beside the iron grappling bows. Their eyes were on him, waiting for his order.

Mikaen stepped back and extolled loudly, “We’ve carried this burden long enough.” He slashed a finger across his throat. “No more.”

Upon this command, the two archers pulled tall levers next to their bows. Thunderous twangs snapped from both sides of the ship. The grappling cables, now free of their locks, spooled away, vanishing over the edge. The Vengeance, unburdened of the Talon’s weight, thrust upward. Most everyone on the deck was thrown off balance for a stomach-churning breath before the forges compensated.

On the starboard side, the Talon fell into view, plummeting through the smoke toward the distant sea—then vanished into the pall.

By now, Prince Paktan, still on his knees, had also dropped to his hands, his head hanging low.

Mikaen lifted his captured sword again, clearly expecting another enthusiastic response from the legion, but all it engendered was a smattering of claps and a couple of cheers.

Wryth glanced sidelong at Reddak. The only reaction to Mikaen’s callous decision was a slight narrowing of one eye. Wryth gave a small shake of his head.

Only the young believe such an ignoble act is a show of strength.

Mikaen lowered his arm and turned back. The half of his face in view had hardened to match the silver on the other side. His eyes flashed with anger, maybe some embarrassment.

Reddak waited a breath, then nodded again to Prince Paktan. “As to the prisoner?”

Mikaen stammered, clearly trying to regain his footing. “We’ll take him to Azantiia. Present him as a gift to King Toranth.”

Reddak dipped his chin in approval.

Wryth spoke up. “Prince Mikaen, you’ve done the kingdom a great service. The Klashean prisoner will serve us well in prying your traitorous brother out from the imperial palace. I’m sure Emperor Makar will happily trade one prince for another.”

For the first time in months, Mikaen met Wryth’s gaze and smiled. Bloodlust stoked the prince’s eyes even brighter. It was a desire they both shared, one that could potentially repair the bond between them. Wryth recalled his earlier anger upon hearing of Mikaen’s plans to ambush the Klasheans. He had wanted to stop the prince from such a hasty path.

Maybe I was wrong then, too.

But Paktan proved exactly how wrong he was about everything.

“I do not understand,” the prince said, sitting straighter. “Why would you need to barter me for Prince Kanthe? He is the reason we set off for your lands.”

Reddak frowned. “What do you mean?”

Paktan looked up with bewilderment. “Prince Kanthe is not at our palace. He abducted my younger brother and sister three days ago and fled. We were told he was returning to Hálendii.”

Mikaen stiffened. His lips twisted into a snarl so hard he struggled to speak through it. “What … What trickery is this?”