Page 17 of A Kingdom Restored

“Well, that I cannot help you with,” Rekavidur told them.

“We wouldn’t expect you to,” said Eloise. “Thank you for the time you have given us, and the information.”

Rekavidur inclined his head in acknowledgment. “Will you return now to your home? I have formed the impression you do not intend to flee the destruction yourself.”

August nodded. “We will live or die with our kin,” he said simply.

Rekavidur remained silent. He could appreciate that attitude.

“I wish you safety on your journey,” he said, already starting to propel himself up toward the surface.

He could sense the faint signature of magic as the two merpeople moved away, but he didn’t waste thought on the details of their journey. He hoped none of his kind had witnessed the exchange with their farsight. He didn’t think so. They must know from their observations so far that he spent the entirety of his time lying around on the cliffs doing and saying nothing worth observing. It was unlikely that anyone was watching him very closely while he remained in Valoria.

But there was someone else who would be very interested to learn of the visit. Perhaps it was time to pursue Heath to Bryford after all.

Chapter Six

Heath let the arrow fly, his attention too distracted to even notice as it buried itself into the dead center of the target. Training in archery was the last thing he cared about at this moment. Why had Brody insisted they meet in the training yard?

“Nice form, Lord Heath.”

The friendly voice was a little too loud, and Heath glanced over to see one of the city guards, bow in hand. Heath recognized the man—he was one of Percival’s particular friends. And not at all the archery type, from what Heath knew of him.

The guard selected an arrow from a mounted quiver nearby, but didn’t actually attempt to fit it to his bow. He just tested the fletching with his hand, his eyes on the weapon as he spoke, this time fast and low.

“A group of us are meeting to discuss Percival’s situation,” he muttered. “Your cousin asked me to show you where to go.”

Heath selected another arrow himself, stalling for time as he called on his power in the way Reka had taught him. He was getting better. It responded instantly to him this time, darting out and testing his companion. Heath could find no flavor of ulterior motive beneath the man’s words. It was hardly conclusive evidence, but it was probably as good a guarantee as he would get.

“Brody sent you?” he asked, fitting the arrow to the bow and lifting it to eye level.

The guard grunted an acknowledgment, finally copying the gesture himself. He let his arrow fly clumsily, and it clattered to the ground well short of the target.

“Guess archery isn’t for me,” he said cheerfully, his voice once again not quite natural.

“Yes,” Heath agreed. “I think I’ve had enough for the day myself.” He returned the borrowed bow slowly as the other man strode from the practice yard. Hesitating for only a moment, Heath followed at a discreet distance.

The guard exited the training yard not onto the street, as Heath expected, but into the small courtyard that attached it to the guards’ barracks. Heath continued to trail him as he walked briskly down a maze of covered outdoor corridors. Several other guards crossed Heath’s path as he went deeper into the guards’ area, but none did more than glance fleetingly at him.

When his guide disappeared around a distant corner, Heath sped up slightly, knowing he was hopelessly lost inside the labyrinth. Rounding the corner, he found the corridor deserted. But as he hesitated, unsure which way to go, a hiss drew his attention to a door to his left, standing slightly ajar. Heath slipped inside it, blinking in surprise at the crowd crammed inside.

Scanning the group, he realized crowd was an exaggeration, but the dozen people seemed like more, squished as they were into what appeared to be a sparse sleeping space designed for two.

“Heath, you made it.” Brody stepped forward, rubbing his hands together. “Good. We can start.”

“Start what?” Heath asked.

“Planning Percival’s rescue,” Brody said, as if the question was idiotic.

Bianca nodded from behind him. Even Jasmine was present, her fierce expression transforming her normally gentle face.

“Start?” Heath repeated, exasperated. “What do you think I’ve been trying to do since he got thrown in there?”

“You’re the only one with any faith in diplomatic solutions, Heath,” Brody said impatiently. “The rest of us want a real plan.”

Heath glanced around at the others, all of whom seemed to be guards. It wasn’t a surprise. Percival had many friends among the city guards. Heath sent his power out in a targeted exploration, relieved to find no sense of deception or hidden agendas in the cramped room. That was a mercy, at least.

He saw Bianca looking at him curiously, and wondered if she’d caught the use of his magic. It would make sense—his power was certainly getting stronger.

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