“All right, Furball, enough of that,” Harrison said. “Youcan get to know Wyn later. Right now you have a big meal and a warm kennel calling your name.” He looked at Wyneth and stood, helping her to her feet but not releasing her hand right away. “And we’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”
Aye. Her forgetful moment of fun came to an end as she thought of her aunt and uncle, somewhere out there with Kalorians, and all that had happened in Aerity and Harrison’s absence.
Aerity wondered where the rest of the family was. She thought perhaps they would be in the king’s office, but when they’d reached it, there was only one person within. Old Duke Gulfton sat in his adviser’s chair, his hands on his staff, his eyes glazed. It took him a moment to turn his face to them and focus. A momentary look of frozen fear crossed his features.
“Are you all right?” Aerity asked him. “It’s Princesses Aerity and Vixie.”
“I know who you are.” His voice rasped.
“Good seas, sir,” Aerity said. “How long have you been sitting here? Have you eaten?” The man seemed to have aged decades in her short absence, from all he’d witnessed in the kingdom, no doubt.
“Everyone left after the king and queen were taken. Duke Streamson, even. All of the council. I didn’t think anyone would ever return.”
“Duke, why don’t you let one of the guards see you to a guest room for a rest? I will have a meal sent.” He peered up ather with the saddest glossy eyes.
“Nay. I will leave today to return home to my lands.”
Aerity nodded. “Be safe, good sir.” Then she turned to the nearest guard at the door. “Where are the lords and ladies?”
“At the Isle of Evie, Your Highness.”
“Except one,” came a sweet voice from the doorway.
Aerity looked up into the gorgeous face of Wyneth, and she rushed forward, nearly barreling her cousin over. They laughed and clung to each other, their happiness turning to a deeper joined emotion over all the things they’d felt in Aerity’s absence. Wyneth pulled back, holding Aerity’s shoulders.
“You are a sight.” Wyneth wiped her eyes and stood taller. Lord Alvi rushed into the room behind Harrison and looked about at their faces. He honed in on Aerity.
“You’re back. By the stars, Princess, something must be done around here! Your military must be brought together.” He made passionate gestures with his hands. “They need to decide a focus point and a plan of action—”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Aerity said.
Lief stopped and stared as if surprised, then dropped his hands. “Good. You’re a smart woman.”
“I need to be caught up on what’s happened and then we will form a plan.”
Harrison arrived, bringing five of the highest-ranking military officers. They informed Aerity of all that had happened, allowing her to stop and ask questions. When all was said, they took a few moments before Aerity addressed them.Her voice was strong, but inside she felt herself shaking from the weight of responsibility.
“The first thing we need to do is call in the troops from throughout the kingdom,” Aerity said. “The towns will have to police themselves for now. Send half the soldiers back here and the other half to the Kalorian border to strengthen our line of defense there.
“I am issuing a proclamation throughout Lochlanach: let them know that I am their acting monarch until my parents are returned. Beginning tomorrow, the royal lands will once again be open. We will have full military and royal guard in force. All hands will be checked—any suspicious persons will be detained. Let the people know I am seeking Lashed who wish to help others with their skills, and Unlashed who are in need of medical attention. The west commons will become a camp, a safe place for magic to be worked under supervision, but laws against magic throughout the kingdom are still intact.”
Lief crossed his arms. “What are the rules for the Lashed while they are here? Torestan camps are not allowing their Lashed to leave the premises.”
“I will not force them to stay,” Aerity said. “Some of them will have families to tend to. But no one may roam freely on royal lands, just in case Rozaria’s people try to infiltrate. Lashed must be escorted to and from the west commons and the royal gate by armed guards, and suspicious persons will be detained without question. We can take no chances, but I don’t want the Lashed feeling like criminals. The guards willbe just as much for their protection.” Shocked faces stared back at her. “We can no longer afford inaction. Am I clear?”
Slowly, everyone in the room gave resolute nods.
“Prepare the tents and tables for use inside the west commons,” she said. “Gather our warmest blankets, spare clothing, and wood for fires. Hire lads from local towns to help, if needed. Send out the proclamation.” Harrison and the officers quickly left to begin.
Aerity leaned upon her father’s desk and exhaled, allowing herself to outwardly tremble now. Lord Alvi, Vixie, and Wyneth stood there quietly.
The old adviser had said nothing the entire time, which was uncharacteristic.
“Duke Gulfton,” Aerity said carefully. “Are you certain you’re all right?”
He lifted his drooping eyes to her and said in a scratchy voice, “Nay, child. But not a one of us is all right these days, I suppose.” And with those ominous words he pushed achingly to his feet and shuffled from the office.
Aerity looked at the other three and shook her head. “I’m not sure it’s smart to leave the towns without coverage. Especially once they hear the proclamation.”
