out on a raid like the one Lence would be leading against the Utlanders. Sylion dealt in death. Halcyon dealt in life and Byren hoped he wouldn't have to kill anyone to win the spar warlord's loyalty.
The chantry was cold and empty. Row upon row of glittering icons represented Halcyon's bounty, stylised goats heads, bulls, cocks and sheep, wheat, rye and barley, all painted in rich colours, decorated with gold leaf, lined the walls. Above the central dais a mural depicting King Rolence the First bestowing Mount Halcyon on his Affinity warder told the story of the founding of Halcyon Abbey.
From the marble pillars to the decorated ceiling above, Byren's steps echoed softly. Halcyon's Affinity warder was with his abbot, along with Springdawn and the abbess. All the representatives of the gods had been called together to discuss the number of Affinity seeps and work out a strategy for containing them. Three in under a year was a bad omen.
Byren had chosen to come to the chantry at this moment because he knew he would be alone. He didn't want to be caught by either Halcyon's Affinity warder or the healer. Both were elderly men who'd seen him grow from a babe in arms and were inclined to offer a great deal of well-meant advice.
The sacred lamp burnt under the central dome giving off its familiar, aromatic scent of vanilla and sandalwood, reminding Byren of endless ceremonies. The lamp was never extinguished and had been lit from the original flame, which was kept burning deep below Halcyon Abbey. Byren picked his way through the pews to the royal devotional box. It was only just deep enough for the chair which could seat a member of the royal family, with a single sconce to burn a devotional candle. He closed the cherrywood-carved screen and prepared to light his candle.
Soft footsteps made him stop. Had Lence followed him to apologise? He waited for the cherrywood screen to open. But no, Orrade knelt just on the other side of the screen and lit a candle, standing it in the large sconce there. As the flame flickered, a tendril of fine smoke rose in the still air, dreamless-sleep scented smoke. Orrade leant forwards to inhale it. The effect of the mild narcotic would bring him closer to Halcyon and help focus his thoughts.
Byren considered letting Orrade know he was there, then decided to wait. He'd already heard how everyone cheered Lence and Cobalt, volunteering to go on the Utland raid. He felt excluded and he had only himself to blame.
'May Halcyon protect and watch over this venture to Unistag Spar,' Orrade whispered. 'May she care for Elina and my father, may she protect Garzik and stop him from doing anything rash. May she keep Byren safe from harm -'
'How touching,' Cobalt said, his voice too soft to echo.
Orrade went very still, then turned slowly. He would have risen but Cobalt had already reached him and placed one hand on his shoulder, holding him on his knees.
Orrade cleared his throat. 'I pray to Halcyon for success -'
'You pray for the kingson's safety,' Cobalt cut in. 'I know your secret.'
Orrade went very still. 'I don't know what you -'
Cobalt lifted the smaller man to his feet, swinging him around hard so that the carved screen creaked with the impact. Orrade was pressed against it only a hand's breadth from Byren. He went to move but they blocked the door and besides, Orrade could protect himself. Byren's name had been mentioned and he feared if he came out of the devotional box now it would confirm everything Cobalt suspected. Besides, he was shocked by Cobalt's sudden violence, which seemed so out of character.
'Don't play the innocent with me, Orrade. I've seen the way you look at him, or don't look at him,' Cobalt whispered. 'Does he know why you were disinherited?'
'I don't know what -'
Cobalt silenced him with a kiss that was not gentle. He persisted until Orrade stopped struggling, then he pulled back with a soft laugh. 'Deny all you like, your body betrays you.'
Orrade said nothing. Shame for him heated Byren's cheeks. Now he could not venture out and look them in the eye.
'Good.' Cobalt all but purred. 'I want to know what Byren is planning. You will report to me. Don't deny me.' Cobalt jerked Orrade so that his head thumped against the wood. 'I could ruin you with one word -'
'And I could ruin you!'
'I don't think so.' Cobalt smiled. 'I am the