Page 134 of The Dragonrider and the Void
A knock at the door interrupted them. An attendant entered, bowing deeply. “Regent Lark,” he said, the new title still awkward on his tongue. “The King’s Council requests your presence. They’ll be expecting you in tomorrow’s meeting.”
Lark glanced at her companions, then nodded to the attendant. “Tell them I’ll be there.”
When the attendant had gone, Lark turned back to face the view of Astral City, taking a moment to center herself before facing whatever new challenge awaited. The copper crown ofSkol caught the last ray of sunset, gleaming like a promise, or a warning.
Venrick’s hand found hers, a faint pulse of energy coming from him that matched the rhythm of her heartbeat. “Whatever happens, I’m here, Lark. Always.”
Hardin strummed the lute, standing straighter. “Bards will sing of this day for generations,” he said, with a smile. “Though I may have to compose the songs myself to ensure they get the details right.”
Despite everything, the exhaustion, the uncertainty, the looming threat of Barrik’s return, Lark found herself smiling. She picked up the copper crown, feeling its weight one more time before tucking it away into a pouch to be delt with another time. For now, she joined Venrick and headed for their room.
31
EMISSARY
The following day, Lark sat down at the council table in the lower level of the Vermillion Keep. A noblewoman whose name Lark couldn’t immediately recall, Lady Elenia, perhaps, from one of Lamar’s prominent merchant families, cleared her throat. “I see the King is not present. How fares His Majesty this morning?”
All attention shifted to the court physician, a portly man named Merrick whose gentle hands belied his imposing stature. “His condition remains stable but concerning,” the physician reported. “The Void Drinker’s possession fractured his mind in ways we’re only beginning to understand. He has moments of complete lucidity alternating with periods of confusion and paranoia.”
“Will he recover?” Lady Elenia pressed.
“Given time, perhaps partially,” Merrick replied carefully. “But a full recovery...” He spread his hands in a gesture of uncertainty. “The mind is more delicate than the body, my lady. Some wounds never fully heal.”
Murmurs spread around the table, councilors exchanging worried glances. A king who could not consistently rulepresented a constitutional crisis Lamar hadn’t faced in generations.
“For now,” Lark interjected, bringing the focus back to immediate concerns, “King Agadorn has appointed me Regent, with full authority to act in his name until his recovery permits him to resume his duties.” She met each councilor’s gaze in turn. “I intend to honor that trust by focusing on three immediate priorities. First, securing the city against further threats. Second, beginning reconstruction efforts. And third, establishing a lasting peace with Nordraven.”
“Peace?” General Laurence’s white eyebrows rose. “With the kingdoms that just tried to destroy us?”
“Skol’s forces have already sworn allegiance to me as their rightful ruler,” Lark reminded him, her hand instinctively moving to where the copper crown remained secured at her belt. “Wintermire’s king will be difficult to negotiate with, but Fjern and Elderice will listen, given they were cut out of the deals Barrik was making on behalf of Skol and Wintermire. This is precisely the moment to negotiate peace, while the consequences of the Void Drinker remain fresh in everyone’s minds.”
“And what terms would the Regent offer?” asked another councilor, his tone careful but not overtly hostile.
“Fair ones,” Lark replied. “For starters, Skol renounces its claim to dominate the Everburning Forest. Both kingdoms agree to regular inspections to ensure corruption on the level we’ve just experienced is identified and prevented before it can reach all-out war. Reparations limited to rebuilding what was destroyed. But not punitive damages, that would cripple their economies.” She paused, ensuring her next words carried appropriate weight. “And a formal alliance against the true enemy, the rimeshade and whatever remains of their influence in our realms. This is the critical term the NortheasternKingdoms will need to see if they’re going to join the peace talks.”
Silence fell as the council digested these proposals. They were more generous than many would have offered in her position, but Lark understood what some of these lifetime politicians and commanders did not. That a lasting peace didn’t come from humiliating one’s enemies, but from giving them a path toward dignity in defeat.
“These terms will face opposition,” Cheyanne noted, but her tone reflected approval rather than criticism. “Many citizens lost homes, businesses, loved ones. They’ll want blood, not reconciliation.”
“Then we must help them understand that blood leads only to more blood,” Lark countered. “The cycle of retribution between our kingdoms has continued for generations. Someone must have the courage to break it.”
The council chamber doors opened, admitting Venrick and Hardin. Though neither held official positions in Lamar’s government, Lark had insisted on their inclusion in these deliberations. After all they had endured together, she trusted their counsel above almost all others.
Venrick took his place at Lark’s right hand. Hardin moved more carefully, still recovering from his magical exertion, but found a seat at the table without difficulty.
“Sorry we’re late,” Venrick said quietly to Lark. “Hardin insisted on checking on the sanctuary beneath the Keep before joining the council.”
“The binding holds,” Hardin added. “The tree is healthy and blooming.”
Relief flowed through Lark, momentarily easing the burden of command. At least that threat remained contained, though she harbored no illusions about its permanence. The VoidDrinker had escaped its prison once before. Given time, it might find weaknesses in this new binding as well.
“Now,” she said, returning her attention to the council at large, “let’s discuss the specifics of the reconstruction efforts. What resources do we have available immediately?”
“The Keep’s emergency reserves can support the civilian population for approximately two weeks at reduced rations,” Leona said, speaking on behalf of her and the other Paragons of the Vermillion Keep. “Building materials are limited, but we’ve salvaged what we can from structures beyond repair. Willpower is our greatest asset, every able-bodied individual in the city has volunteered to assist in some capacity.”
“And our defenses?” General Laurence asked. “The city wards were breached in multiple locations. We’re vulnerable if Nordraven regroups and decides to attack.”
“That’s unlikely given Lark’s position,” Venrick interjected, “but we shouldn’t assume that Wintermire, Fjern, or Elderice will remain content with their position. I suggest rotating dragon patrols beyond the city boundaries, with enough range to provide early warning of any approaching forces.”
