with. Of course, I don’t expect you to believe that, and frankly, it doesn’t matter. You will think my master is your enemy until the very end. But when that end comes, you will see the truth.”
“I see the truth now,” Millet shot back. “And unless you force me to do so, I will hear no more of your lies.”
“As you wish,” said Brandis. “My soldiers and I will wait outside.” He spun on his heels and left the house. Markus and the soldiers followed close behind.
“Do you think they actually intend to let us just walk out of here?” asked Maybell.
“Millet was correct,” said Malstisos. “If it serves their objectives they will. This may be a deception, but I cannot divine the purpose. If they want us, they have us.”
“We’ll know soon enough,” said Millet.
Two hours later, the door opened, and Brandis entered. Behind him was a tall, thin youth, no more than twenty, with light brown hair that fell in loose curls to his shoulders. He was dressed in tan leathers and boots, and carried a pack over his shoulders. His face was strikingly like Lee’s except a bit more rounded at the chin, and his eyes were deep green and more widely set.
“I give you Jacob Nal’Thain,” said Brandis.
Millet looked Jacob over for several moments. “How do we know this is Jacob?”
“Who else would I be?” Jacob sneered. “And who are you?”
“I am Millet Gristall, the personal assistant to Lee Nal’Thain.”
“My father?” said Jacob. “So this is what you brought me here for? You drag me from my cell for this?”
Millet cocked his head. “Your cell?”
“Young Jacob has been somewhat of a trouble-maker,” Brandis explained. “We have had to lock him away for the good of the city.”
“I see,” said Millet. He turned to Jacob. “Where is your mother?”
Jacob glared. “This dog knows where she is. In Angrääl, where they took her.”
“How many times must you be told?” asked Brandis. “She went of her own free will.”
“I’ll never believe that. And if you expect me to go willingly with these people just so they can kill me when we're out of sight, then you’re mistaken. Kill me now, for all to see.”
Brandis sighed. “For the last time, if we wanted to kill you we would have done so long before now. You will either go with these people or leave on your own. Either way, I tire of you and will no longer tolerate your presence.”
“You will come with us,” said Millet. “I was sent to retrieve you and your mother. Being that your mother is not here, I will at least retrieve you.”
“Why should I believe you?” asked Jacob. “What’s to prevent you from killing me the moment we’re out of sight?”
“As much as I hate to admit it,” replied Millet. “Brandis is correct. If they wanted you dead, they wouldn’t need such an elaborate deception. In fact, we are in more danger from you, than you are from us.”
Jacob thought for a moment. “Very well, I will go with you, for now.”
“Good decision,” said Brandis. “I’ll leave you to it then.” He started to the door. “Please tell Lord Nal’Thain that we will allow him to see his wife any time he wishes. And as for Gewey Stedding, the Reborn King still wants his friendship. Please convey the message to both of them, if you would.”
“I’ll tell them,” replied Millet.
“Good,” he said. “You will not be hindered when you leave. I’ll wait outside until you’re ready.” He turned and left.
“I’m not sure what your game is,” said Jacob. “But if you wish me harm, even your friend the elf may find that difficult.”
Malstisos stepped forward. “If I wanted you dead, I would have killed you the second that door closed. It is not we that need prove our intentions.”
“I agree,” said Millet. “You look like my lord, but I have no way of knowing for sure.”
“What do we do?” said Maybell. “Certainly we cannot trust that this is not a deception.”
“We won’t,” said Millet. “There is one way of finding the truth. But in order to do so I must contact Lord Starfinder.”
“I’ve heard that name before,” said Jacob.
“Of course you have,” he replied. “That was the name of your father before you were born, and it is the name he goes by now. I’m sure your mother has mentioned it.”
“No,” he said. “I heard it when I was in prison. The Dark One wants him. They mean to kill him.”