could be, and knew that to this day Kalas had never embraced the myth of the heroes of the north.
"I wish you to return to service," Duke Kalas went on when no protest was forthcoming. "I tell you with all my heart that King Aydrian will lead Honce-the-Bear to greatness beyond our comprehension. But as magnificent as he is, he will need competent leaders in his ranks."
Shamus was only partly aware of the fact that a slight breeze could have blown him over at that moment. To hear Duke Kalas, of all people, so exhorting the virtues of another! It was so uncharacteristic of the proud man as to be unthinkable! "I have long retired," Shamus did manage to stutter. "I have little desire to pace the open road again, my Duke."
"I have shown you no road," Duke Kalas replied. "I seek only stability in these towns, and I believe that you can deliver that stability, for King Aydrian."
"And against Prince Midalis?"
"A fair enough question," said Kalas. "And I pray that it never comes to that, for if Midalis goes against Aydrian, he will be destroyed. But we will let them play out that drama, should it come to war. For now, I seek only to assure the folk of Caer Tinella and Landsdown that all is as it was. I hope to coax back those who have fled because of their unfounded fear. Aydrian is no conquering king, but one who loves this land above all."
The words rang hollow on many levels, but Shamus could not deny that he was glad to hear them. Whether his loyalties lay with Jilseponie or with the nobles of Ursal was not the point - and was nothing that he could investigate at this time, in any case, having seen neither the former queen nor her son. What truly mattered to Shamus Kilronney at that moment was exactly what Duke Kalas had just said to him: the stability of Caer Tinella and Landsdown.
"We have seen too much war," Shamus said.
"Then remain out of any that might march your way," offered Duke Kalas.
"Keep these towns safe and secure. Assure the folk that King Aydrian is no enemy, but an ally who will not forsake his people at any cost."
"Then why have you come in with an army, Duke Kalas?" Shamus dared to ask. "If what you say is true, then why not send a courier with the news, bidding support for the new king?"
"Because there will likely be war, and we know not when we might find it," the duke explained. "A sizable portion of the garrison of Palmaris, guided by errant loyalties, have marched out of the city. We know not when we will encounter them."
"And you wish to ensure that they are not welcomed in Caer Tinella and Landsdown through the winter months," Shamus reasoned.
"I doubt they are anywhere near here," said Kalas. "But yes, there is that small fact. I will be gone from this place soon, but I am leaving a force behind to secure the towns and to help them through the difficulties of the winter months. I would have you aid them in their cause."
Shamus Kilronney spent a long time staring at the man. He really had little choice in the matter, he knew. His loyalties, first and foremost, were to these towns he now called home, and leading them against the legions of Ursal would be nothing short of suicide and complete disaster.
A few moments slipped by, with Shamus not answering.
"Yet, you were a friend to Jilseponie, not De'Unnero," Duke Kalas did remark.
"No more a friend to De'Unnero than are you," Shamus countered effectively.
"True enough," said Kalas. "Then I can inform King Aydrian that Captain Kilronney will hold the towns of Caer Tinella and Landsdown in his name?"
Shamus thought on it for a moment, and said, "We will not become enemies to those who do not come to us as enemies."
It was enough of an assurance for Duke Kalas obviously, for the man stood up and motioned for his soldiers to lead the way out. "The force I leave with you will not be substantial," he explained. "Your duty will not be to engage Prince Midalis, if this way he rides - and surely he will! - but to send riders far and wide that we might offer the proper defense in Palmaris to the south."
"We want no fight here," Shamus assured him. "But tell me again, on your word, that you do not hunt for Jilseponie."
"Old