The Truce - 22. Chapter 22

Ysabel Clarion continued to ride, eyes ahead and slightly down. A brown rough-spun cloak hid her long hair and face, and oversized sleeves masked the claws that she wore on her hands. She was heading south via a westward path to get around the mountain range that guarded her brother’s back. She had taken an inconspicuous horse so as not to draw attention to her wealth, and she had made it quite far without being accosted. This was aided by the fact that Marie Lafeye had died, and Fran La Croix had headed south towards the main body of war. The people left in the general territories were mostly citizens, and Ysabel had been able to use this to her advantage.

Just a few more days ride, she thought. She had spent the majority of her trip thinking back on her first visit to the provinces some months back. Yago had taken her through the tunnels that crawled under the mountains and connected his home to the tribal lands. The network was a labyrinth, and now Ysabel planned to voyage through it based on memory, and backwards.

At least I paid attention when I was there. Maybe I’ll be able to find a guide through one of the tribespeople that was left behind. They trust me. That much Ysabel knew for certain. The tribes didn’t care about the political machinations of Nabius. They only care for religion and fighting, and I’m as close to a goddess as they will ever get.

Ysabel sighed, trying to ignore the soreness in her legs that came with riding. I’ll get there eventually. And then I’ll get to you, my poor girl.

***

Luca tried as hard as he could to fall asleep, numbing his thoughts and focusing on all the nothingness that he could muster. He was far enough from the front line that the noises of battle weren’t too loud, sounding more like a dull roar off in the distance. Almost like the ocean.

He buried himself up to the chin in blankets, but what he had were cheap, war-rationed rags that weren’t all that comfortable. When he pulled them up, his feet were exposed to the air. He grumbled, but tried not to be too loud.

How does he fall asleep so easily at a time like this? Luca nestled his head into Eamon’s chest, which was currently bare. He was asleep on his side, arms wrapped around Luca, and was breathing deeply, slowly, and evenly. Ordinarily, this rhythm would have soothed Luca, and lulled him into peaceful slumber. But as the days passed and battle continued to rage on, the younger man’s anxieties continued to climb.

It’s not that I’m afraid we’ll lose. We’ve faced much worse odds and come out alive in the end. Plus there’s the contingency plan. Luca and Eamon had discussed an escape plan if things did get too bad. They had saved up some money, and would be able to hide in Ironia. Luca was from there already, and Eamon’s light hair and eyes would help him to blend in there.

I just have this feeling that something worse is coming. Yago’s tactics don’t make sense. Luca shifted to lay on his back, and sighed. Try as he might, it made no sense that Yago was simply matching what was sent onto the field. If Alexandre sent 5,000 men, Yago sent 5,000 men. The only surplus were the tribespeople that were collecting bodies, which was another mystery. He could have crushed us by now. There must be an end game. Or maybe he really is just mad? Ugh.

Uncomfortable and unable to relax, Luca threw his blanket off and got up off of the cot in he and Eamon’s shared tent. It was near Alexandre’s, and one of the perks that it had besides being slightly larger was that there was also a desk inside.

“Luca?” asked a groggy Eamon.

“It’s alright,” he whispered back. “Go to bed.” He pulled the blanket up over his lover, and Eamon rolled around, seeming to accept that. Luca padded quietly to the desk, and lit a candle. He wrote one schedule around camp duties that he had been putting off, and then took out a second piece of parchment.

This second letter was more out of guilt, for things left unsaid and feelings left unresolved. Though he had already apologized, the frank possibility of death put things in perspective. He addressed it to the Di Coteau estate staff, for forwarding onto the local aviary. He hoped that they would have a bird that would be able to find a ship out at sea.

Dear Adrian,

I hope that this letter finds you safely back on your journey to your home. I wanted to write you to once again let you know that I couldn’t be sorrier for having brought sadness into your life. Our war continues, and each day that passes seems bleaker than the last. I can’t say that I am confident that it will go in either direction, but in light of the danger that we face, I thought I would write to you again – like how we used to, as friends.

In the way of updates, nothing much has changed. Yago Clarion continues to mount a resistance against allied troops. We’re all puzzled as to why he refuses to mount an overwhelming fight. He’s simply matching our strength, and his troops focus half of their efforts on collecting the dead. We don’t know how long this will last, or if General Clarion intends it to end. Though we have no right to ask, any supplies that you can spare would be appreciated. If you have any merchants in the south, please let them know that we will gladly trade to be able to continue to weather this siege.

Beyond updates, I hope that you know that I value your friendship, and care about your happiness. I know that you care for me in the same way. After meeting him, I am certain that Kade will bring joy to your life, and I’m grateful for that. This isn’t a goodbye, but a precaution. If I fall, or disappear, please just know that I have always considered myself lucky to be your friend. I am truly sorry for any pain that I have caused you.

Best,

Luca

***

Jared Coyne notified his household staff that they should continue to operate as is, and that he would be extending his visit to the Monciet lands and Nabius. He briefly felt guilty about having a steward run his kingdom for so long, but everyone that he allowed into the main palace was a trusted confidant. Though taking care of his mother was a familial duty, Jared felt slight relief at not having to return to the mundane life of the Coyne lands and of acting as a caregiver.

This is more important anyway. Jared had accepted Carlisle Cathcart’s proposition for aid in battle in exchange for Nabian territory, and had been surprised that the offer had even been on the table. Gaining back Ironian soil was of critical importance during this period of unrest in Nabius, and Jared saw the forfeiture of Generals’ territories as an absolute win. It would be symbolic, and give Ironia an advantage if they had to go to war with Nabius again after their civil war was concluded.

I prefer that Alexandre wins anyway. He would be much easier to work with than Fran La Croix or Yago Clarion. Besides, he and Carl are good guys. Maybe not so much Alex, but I have a good enough feeling about him to give him a chance. And Carl is good for sure.

So, he was honoring that back and directing a coordinating a mass of soldiers to march southeast and join in the fight. While going through the documents that he had before him, he noticed another letter bearing the Cathcart seal.

That’s odd, he thought. Perhaps the prince has requested an amendment? It would be just my luck that we have to renegotiate now that we’ve got soldiers on the road. When he broke the seal and read over the contents, he was surprised to see that the letter was not from a Coyne family member at all.

Prince Jared Coyne,

I am sorry that this letter did not find its way to you sooner, for it could have prevented the catastrophe that you and your cousin have alighted. I have written to Queen Monciet as well, and hope that the two of you heed my words.

As you know, the Hallowed Order has been split, and is on the verge of war within itself – a microcosm of the rest of the continent. The incident orchestrated by you and your family has been damaging beyond repair, and I suggest that you take extra caution in defending yourself. I nor many of my Tomacian companions intend you harm, but the friends and family of the dead cannot be trusted.

After many inquiries, I have come to understand that the split in loyalty among the members of our order arose from a lack of shared information. While we regret our secrecy now, I can assure you that our intentions were and are noble. We have only operated in the shadows so as not to inflict widespread panic on the world.

In brief, I will tell you what we have discovered. Yago Clarion, in conjunction with some of the old tribes of the provinces, has resurrected an ancient evil. It comes in the form of a disease of the mind, which induces mania and extreme aggression. You’ve seen or at least heard of it before, in legends of the old tribes or of modern day figures. Ysabel Clarion surely has been infected for the majority of her adult life, and we suspect that her more gruesome traits are a symptom of her suffering.

This disease cannot be allowed to spread, as it is a terrible source of depravity in our world. It is introduced to the body by cannibalism, and subsequently encourages that trait. The trading caravans that Order members have destroyed contained tainted food product, designed to transmit the sickness. Laura Nandra’s territory was assaulted to destroy a boat ferrying product up and down the Pike, and the caravan that was destroyed and brought Queen Monciet’s wrath down upon us was also tainted.

It is of the utmost importance that Yago Clarion is stopped. While preliminary, sources indicate that large numbers ofthose who ingest the disease perish soon after. Perhaps they are the lucky ones, for they do not stay alive to experience losing control of their minds and bodies. With your family crippling the Order, responsibility now falls on your shoulders. Further intelligence about Clarion’s network and ability to propagate this sickness will be sent over. Fix this.

Sincerely,

Brian Chamberlin of the Hallowed Order

Jared reeled at the letter, reading it multiple times and putting the pieces together in his mind. He ran a hand through his hair, and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

Fuck, Marion. What have you done?

***

Adrian Fray woke slowly, his mind rousing as the first rays of light from the sun on the sea’s horizon began to shine through the windows in his cabin. I was still dark, but rays filtered in with a soft glow that let him see. He was in the massive bed at the helm of the ship, Kade at his side. The younger man was peacefully resting, clinging to Adrian’s torso. The prince didn’t want to disturb his companion by moving, so he laid still and drank in the sight and scent of his fiancé. The room still smelled like sex, but Adrian found that comforting.

I do have to remind myself that I am lucky, he thought idly. Kade is an excellent partner. And despite everything going on in the world, at least I’ll be able to return to that no matter what happens. Over the past few days, Adrian had been despairing over his duties. Three distinct paths of action were laid before him, and Adrian felt helpless at solving any of them. Come to the call of the Order. Marry Kade to do my duty to the Illjard and return home. Help Alexandre. These were the three burdens that weighed on his mind, that he had struggled to reconcile with one another.

The last one was the least pressing of his warring interests, as there wasn’t much he could do on that front anyway. Were the Nabian conflict over naval territory, he could certainly have a presence. But as it was, getting soldiers from the Illjard to the mainland would take too long. Adrian knew that he probably wouldn’t put his people through a fight anyway – they were a dwindling population, and this wasn’t their fight. It was true that an Alexandre victory would make Nabius easier to work with, but that was not worth the cost of joining the fight at all. In any case, the Illjard was not supposed to pick sides in mainland politics. For now, Adrian could only hope for his friends’ sakes that they would survive.

And Kade… Adrian thought of the young man that currently had his face buried into his shoulder, breathing slowly. He pushed a lock of soft brown hair out of his eyes, and ran his fingers behind Kade’s ear and under the jawline. He surely has interest in what happens. His family is still in Nabius, and will likely always be. What do I owe Kade, and my people? Is it fair to just pluck him away to fulfill my own political goals? He imagined asking the younger man if he was still okay with the union, but smiled, knowing what his answer would be. At least I have that going for me. And so long as we make it back before we’re cut off by snows, I’ll be able to retain my kingdom with him by my side.

That only left the Order, which was why he had turned back anyway. I’d like to focus on that, but I’m not sure how I can if they won’t even respond to me. All of my contacts have been silent, despite knowing exactly where I am. It’s a bit difficult to know how I’m supposed to be helping.

Adrian had guessed that it had something to do with his ships, as they were the most prominent asset he had. The Order would not ask for my help if I wasn’t able to provide it. They were near landfall again, and Adrian still didn’t know what he was expected to do. He sighed, and Kade began to stir in his arms.

“Ugh,” the younger man said as he rubbed at his eyes. He opened them briefly, and then closed them again and pulled himself closer to Adrian. His legs wrapped around the prince’s, and they pressed together sensually under the furs. Adrian felt himself stirring, and Kade was as well.

“Good morning. Sleep okay?” asked the Illjardi.

“It was alright,” Kade replied with his head still buried in Adrian’s bare chest. Adrian loved this sensation, still unused to the warm blood and bodies of mainlanders. He briefly thought that it would be an incredible asset to have Kade warming his bed in the depths of the Illjardi winters. “It would be nice if the seas were a bit smoother though.” Adrian smiled.

“I know. But we’ll make land in a few hours if we’re still on schedule.”

Back to Nabius.

“Do you know what you’re going to do yet? Or where we’re supposed to go?”

“I don’t,” Adrian answered with a sigh. “I guess just circle ports to look for any signs of a plague while I wait for a reply. There are only a few diseases that the Order keeps tabs on, and very few of them are spread via ports. I should know what to look for.”

“Okay. Maybe I can help too. What kind of symptoms would we be looking for?”

“They would be extreme. Like skin scaling, or removal. Anything that’s highly contagious. Or that’s really lethal. Usually, business with the Order – the group I’m a part of – is just trying to preserve public health.” Kade snorted at that.

“Great job they’ve done of it in Nabius. Have they ever been to the killing games at the yearly carnival? Not much ‘public health’ being preserved there.” Adrian had heard of the festivals that were held in the Capitol, and knew of Alexandre’s first-hand experience with them.

“I suppose you’re right. Anyhow, I wouldn’t have been asked to help if there wasn’t something I could do. I’d better get up and get through my mail. Maybe something there will indicate what I’m supposed to do.” Adrian made to flip some of the furs that were piled on top of him off, but Kade grabbed him tight and pulled him into a kiss.

“No, don’t go.” Kade reached under the covers and grabbed Adrian, who was now stiff with anticipation.

“There’s nothing interesting in the mail. I went through it in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep. We have all morning.” Adrian wasn’t exactly pleased that Kade had done so, but snooping and thieving were habits of his partner.

“You know that you’re privy to any information that you want, right? I’ll give you anything.” Kade was stroking him now, and Adrian had rolled over to be on top of the Nabian. They were grinding together, each ready to repeat the deed they had so frequently enjoyed together.

“I know exactly what I want,” Kade said breathily. Try as he might, Adrian couldn’t shake duty out of his head.

“What did I have? Anything important?” Kade frowned, and stopped stroking Adrian under the blankets.

“Not much really. You had a letter from Luca.”

“Ah.” Adrian felt awkward at that, as Kade had been second pick to the Ironian.

“Don’t be awkward,” said Kade with a smile. “It’s no big deal.” Adrian did relax some, but was still uncomfortable. He felt lucky that Kade didn’t seem to have much of a jealous streak, and had always handled conversations involving Luca well.

“What did it say?”

“It was basically an apology. I felt bad after realizing that it was more personal, and meant for you alone. But I think you should read it.”

“Okay, I will. But not right now. I have other things on my mind.” Kade’s wicked grin returned at that.

“Yeah? Good.” Adrian began to kiss the side of Kade’s neck, where there were already blooming red and purple marks in various states of fading. Kade let out a soft moan, and wrapped his legs around Adrian’s back.

“Anything else?” Adrian asked in between kisses.

“Just the usual. Reports and trade agreements and such. Some trade routes were highlighted by the Tomacian crown. Oh, and some guy named Chamberlin wrote you. That was the only anomaly, but it didn’t seem important.” Adrian stopped at that, and pulled away.

“Chamberlin? Brian Chamberlin?”

“Yeah. He just went on about how General Clarion needed to be targeted, and that he was the source of the world’s problems. As if everyone didn’t already know that.” Adrian froze, realizing what the letter had meant. To Kade, it just sounded like affirmation of a common enemy in Alexandre’s uprising. To Adrian, who knew better, it pinpointed Yago as the problem that he had been asked to take care of. “What?” asked Kade at Adrian’s pause, now looking concerned.

“Brian Chamberlin is a Tomacian that’s in the Order. He’s just told me what I’m supposed to be doing.”

“Oh… I… wow. I can’t believe I didn’t pick that up.”

“You wouldn’t have known,” Adrian replied. The pieces began to fall into place, and Adrian gradually understood that the Order, despite seeming to have messy communications, was indicating that Yago Clarion was an enabler of whatever malady they were fighting. “The trade routes from Richard and Carmine – were they in Nabius mostly?”

“I think so. Mostly along the Pike.”

“I see.” Adrian got out of the bed then, walking briskly across the room in all his nakedness. He approached the desk, and began sifting through mail. From the bed, Kade appeared to catch up as well.

“Yago Clarion is involved with the blight you’ve been asked to help with somehow?”

“It would seem so.”

“And the trade routes highlighted – they’re involved. They’re spreading it, maybe?”

“That’s my guess as well,” Adrian nodded. “Possibly intentionally. Maybe Clarion is trying to fight the war with sickness as a weapon.”

“I wouldn’t put it past him,” Kade said drily. “And...” he continued, “if that’s true, your Order wants you to take out the traders on those routes.” Adrian paused again, having not made that connection.

“What? Attack? What makes you say that?”

“I think Chamberlin pretty much explicitly mentioned you attacking. I thought it was just another sycophant trying to show alignment with you, asking but not really asking for you to join his cause.”

“Oh.”

“But now that I think about it, you’ve said yourself that the main thing you offer is naval artillery. Traders along the Pike? I’m pretty sure that this ship could blow all of the cargo carriers there out of the water.” Adrian knew that he was probably right.

“That makes sense. So I guess we sail over that way and head up the river to inspect ships there.” Adrian thought to the attack on the docks in Laura Nandra’s territory, and was even more confident that this was the answer he had been waiting for. “I’m glad you went through my stuff and told me,” Adrian said. There was an ‘even though you’re not supposed to do that’ that hung unspoken in the air afterwards.

“Hey, old habits die hard,” Kade said with a shrug. “Remember, I used to be in the academy for thievery and smuggling.” Adrian froze once more, another link forming in his mind.

Yago Clarion is the problem. The blight, the war, and Kade’s family. I don’t have to pick between goals.

“What did you just say?”

“I… was in the academy?” Kade repeated, unsure of himself.

“No, the other thing.”

“I was learning smuggling and thievery?”

“Yeah, that’s it.”

“You knew that already.” Ideas raced rapidly through Adrian’s mind, and he formed a plan pretty quickly.

The Di Coteaus have so much to teach me still.

“Kade, you’re a fucking genius.” Kade looked puzzled still, but Adrian didn’t bother to explain. He began rifling through papers, and found a blank sheet on which to address a note to Luca.

“I don’t know about that,” Kade replied from the bed. “But I am pretty genius at fucking, if that’s what you mean,” he said with a wink. Adrian went hard again, but pulled his mind from those thoughts to focus.

“I’ve got an idea, and I think that you can help me.”