Page 167 of The King's Man
“I follow power. I always have,” Jann said with a grunt as if it didn’t even require discussion. “Whoever holds the throne, holds my spear.”
Karyd nodded. “I told the others you were a practical man and you’d see it that way.”
I felt the pinch in Jann, the strange mix of disappointment that his friend had seen him as so mercenary, and relief for the same. But I was grateful that it seemed like Jann wouldn’t be under deep suspicion. If he was trusted, it positioned us to get close to Gall and Istral.
And to protect Melek and Yilan.
Jann caught my eye as he turned to stoke the smoldering fire, and I dropped my eyes and acted as if I’d been chastised.
I wanted this fucker out of here so we could talk!
Thankfully, he decided to leave mid-morning to reach the traverse for high sun.
Once he’d strapped his bag and bedroll to his back and manifested his wings, Jann offered his arm for clasping and the two embraced again.
“I’m glad you’re safe, Jann, and here with the King’s ear. I’ll look forward to the stories of you interrupting the hunt—but do get back tonight. You’re needed.”
Jann tipped his head. “Needed? It seems the new King has had no trouble dominating in my absence.”
Karyd shrugged and for the first time looked uneasy. “He holds the crown tightly. Of that there’s no doubt. But we miss your influence. And Melek’s as well. With most of the warriors gone the city feels unsettled.”
“Uneasy about Gall?” Jann asked quietly.
But Karyd shook his head. “Not exactly, no. There’s no inadequacy only… an undercurrent. I can’t explain it. Only, the men are talking and your name keeps coming up. They want to see which way you’ll lead, Jann. So however you do it, come in strong.”
Jann nodded once, but I felt him tense as he smiled and clasped Karyd’s hand again, wishing him well on the hellish peaks.
Within moments he’d jogged out to the grass and launched himself into the air. And in a few minutes he was little more than a bird high in the sky, climbing towards the peaks.
The further away he drew, the tenser Jann became. Which was the opposite of what I’d expect. We both stood there, watching Karyd fly. I didn’t speak until my eyes struggled to make out his form.
“What is thehunt?”I asked quietly.
Jann sighed, his expression tense, eyes still on the distant speck of his friend. “Itusedto be a twice-yearly tradition. At each solstice, slaves were offered an opportunity to… run for their lives,” he muttered grimly.
I looked at him sharply. “Slaves? People? Women?”
Jann nodded once. “It was always painted as a mercy, but I could count on one hand how many actually escaped—and it was only to go into hiding, out here. What Neph would return them to their home?” he said, shaking his head.
“Why would Gall want to do that more often?”
Jann sighed and finally turned to face me. “Don’t you get it, Dee? It’s a game. Karyd is listening to the right people if they’re whispering that it’s a ploy—a way to identify those who haven’t truly submitted and still dream of freedom. It’s also… a way to enslave those with some modicum of power.”
“Who haspower?”I asked aghast.
“I told you, some women are highly skilled and have proven their value. They are merchants, or deal in trade. They aren’t owned. I imagine for many of them the dream of true freedom seems within their grasp. What better way to enslave them?”
I blinked. “Enslave them by giving them a chance for freedom?”
“I told you, Dee… the hunt is a ruse. The women are told that if they evade the hunters they’ll be awarded their freedom, but in reality, most merely end up in the hands of a more powerful, more ruthless Neph. And if she owns any asset, or is known for any skill… well, her things become his. It’s not a mercy, Dee. It’s a transfer of wealth—and a plot to tempt women to reveal their real hearts and minds towards the Neph. Any who haven’t truly submitted, who still believe they can be free… those are the first minds that need to be dominated. Or removed,” he ended on a growl.
“God, Ihateyour people.”
Jann sighed. “As long as you don’t hate me.”
I sank into his side, but my nerves were morphing to true fear and despair. “Even if Melek can beat him, even if he can take the throne, how will he ever shift the minds of men who think like this?” I asked plaintively.
Jann looked down on me, combing my hair back from my face with his calloused fingers. “One heart at a time,” he said simply. “He started with mine. Now we both work for the same goal. Others as well. Don’t give up before we’ve begun, Dee. This is exactly what we came here to do.”
