The Ippos King (Wraith Kings #3) - Grace Draven Page 0,131

more numerous when he's in close proximity to the monk's body.”

“Brishen,” Ildiko said softly. He held up a finger to stop her from saying anything else, making Anhuset wonder if the hercegesé had finally confronted her husband about his own visions and the azure glow in his eye.

“We'll attend to that later,” he said. “For now, Serovek has more to worry about than visions of Megiddo. The messenger who came here said while there's a military adviser controlling High Salure for now, this Bryzant you mentioned has left High Salure to speak with the king at Timsiora, no doubt to argue for a sentence of guilt and the punishment of death for his erstwhile lord.”

Anhuset growled. “That treacherous pus bucket wants High Salure for himself or a reward of equal value from the king. He set all of this in motion the moment Serovek left for the monastery. I'm going to kill that bastard just like I did his minion.” She caught Brishen's half smile. “It isn't funny, Brishen,” she snapped. “I've given my report. I need a horse and supplies so I can ride out again. I don't have time for more talk.” Her reason told her such recklessness would do no one any good, but her emotions ran high and hot at the moment, verging on an uncharacteristic panic that also made her waspish.

“Make time,” he replied, undaunted by her anger. “By the look of you, you haven't slept or eaten for a couple of days, have half the forest stuck in your hair, and you smell worse than a bog. You want to help the margrave? Start with a bath and some food.” It was his turn to offer a placating gesture at her glare. “If you march into King Rodan's court demanding an audience or worse, that Serovek be set free, it's a certainty they'll execute him. He's highborn and high-ranking. He'll be granted a trial and the right to rebut his accusers.”

“A mock court and a mockery of justice.” She paced in front of Brishen.

“Guaranteed, but a trial, even the sham of one, buys more time. Give me the chance to remind myself of the details of Beladine justice and form a plan. He's my friend too. Use the time to map your best and fastest route to Timsiora. If you want an escort, take whomever you think will benefit you best.”

“That would be you,” she said, already knowing his answer and knowing too she'd make the journey to Timsiora alone.

His eyelid slid down, covering his eye while the one over his empty eye socket fluttered. He opened his eye once more to study her, such fondness in his features, it made her heart ache for this prince of no value who had saved a world. “I only wish I could,” he said. “But we both know that isn't possible.”

Ildiko, only an observer and listener during their time in the room, finally spoke. She brushed Anhuset's elbow with her fingers. “Come with me,” she said. “I already sent Mesumenes to find someone to prepare a room for you and bring up food, drink, and water for a bath.” Her nose wrinkled to emphasize the need for the third.

“I can just go to the barracks,” Anhuset said. She was always more comfortable there than here with its echo of ancient royal Kai splendor, a splendor not for her.

“I think not,” Ildiko replied, and her voice had taken on the same resolute tone her husband's had only moments earlier.

Brishen chuckled. “Go on, cousin. You won't win.”

“Hold that thought for when I return, husband,” Ildiko said to him, and the grim promise in her reply chased his half smile away.

The two women were halfway to the room reserved for her when Anhuset said “You're going to confront him about his own visions and the light flare of sorcery you've seen with him, aren't you?”

Ildiko nodded. “Count on it. You did me a favor by describing Serovek's own experiences. If you'd told Brishen in confidence, he might not have told me, afraid I'd worry.”

“But you're already worried.”

“Such is the reasoning of men, Anhuset,” she said and rolled her eyes, making Anhuset take a step back.

She soon followed Ildiko into one of the spacious chambers usually reserved for guests at Saggara. True to her word, food, a pitcher of wine and a hip bath filled with steaming water awaited her. Towels and soap were stacked on a chair next to the bath, along with a rinse pitcher, and clean clothes