Page 54 of Cage of Destiny
“Nurrene Forest,” hereplied. “Brookfel and I had our first mission here.”
“Oh?” was all she replied,waiting to see if he’d offer more information.
“There’s a small villageabout a mile west of here.” He hesitated. “We were sent to findrecruits for the army.”
“Is this a story I want tohear?”
“No, it’s not.”
“Then tell me somethingelse.”
“How about I tell you whatI’m thinking?” He peered sidelong at her. She merely nodded,curious to hear what thoughts swirled in his mind as they traveledalong. “I’m considering the type of ruler I should be when all issaid and done.”
“You mean, whether youshould rule with an iron fist like your father?” She’d beenconsidering the same dilemma. The Russek army was like a wild beastthat needed to be contained, leashed. And Kerdan needed to be theone to do it. But how to tame the men so they followed willingly?So they exhibited the same constitution as their leader?
“To keep the nobles incheck, ensure there aren’t any more bids for the throne, and tokeep the army in line, I think I should be like my father—strongand unyielding. People must fear me to follow me.”
They walked in silencewhile Allyssa mulled over what he’d said. “When do you plan tochange your behavior?” She worried that if he acted like hisfather, he would never stop.
“After some time haspassed, then I can begin to rule the way I want. What do youthink?” He glanced at the sun and adjusted their path to theleft.
“Do you want my honestopinion?”
“That’s why I askedyou.”
She loved that he wanted toknow her thoughts on the matter. That he considered her opinionvaluable. Especially since she was not only opinionated, but alsohad an extensive education. Darmik had insisted she learn militarystrategy in addition to her regular lessons. She’d studied and readabout all the battles on the mainland. Her father allowed her toaccompany him on trips to visit different branches of the militarystationed throughout Emperion. Thinking over everything she hadlearned, what she had seen, and what she encountered in Russek, shetried to organize her thoughts.
“You’re taking an awfullylong time to answer,” Kerdan mused. “Do you not agree withme?”
“I do to an extent.However, this is also a two-tiered explanation.”
He laughed.“Two-tiered?”
“Yes, depending on whetherwe marry or not.” They still hadn’t decided what would happen ifthey married. Would she live in Russek, allowing Savenek to ruleEmperion? Would Kerdan come to live in Emperion with her? How wouldthey rule Russek? Via a regent? Or would they merge their kingdoms?There were a great many things to consider.
“Assume we marry. How wouldyou advise me to handle the situation?” He continued walking at herside.
“My father has alwaystaught me that an army should be ruled by a strong leader. Beingvicious, brutal, or unyielding does not make you strong.” She eyedKerdan to see if he’d object. When he didn’t attempt to contradicther, she continued, “Men will follow you if you lead by example andif you are fair. Now, that is not to say you should be a pansy andallow your men to wallop your arse.”
Kerdan chuckled.
“What I’m trying to say isthat you can be a strong leader without being a brute like yourfather.”
They walked in silence for severalminutes.
“I only saw you with yourcompany of the army once,” Allyssa said. “I remember your menrespecting you. You did not treat them as men beneath you. Theywere your comrades in arms, and I felt their loyalty toyou.”
“I had not considered that.I’d assumed that the rest of the army wouldn’t follow unless Iruled with an iron fist.”
“You may need to be firm inthe beginning. However, you do not need to be your father. Don’tset the precedence.” Not once did he say she didn’t know what shewas talking about, that she’d never led an army before, or that shewas only a woman. Rather, he seemed to ponder what she’d said.Something inside of her shifted, as if a door opened and revealedpossibilities. A future that she hadn’t dared imagine—one filledwith hope.
“You should talk with myfather,” she added. “After Emperor Hamen was executed, he tookcontrol of Emperion’s brutal army and molded it into what it istoday. It took him years, but he did it, and I’m sure he hasvaluable advice on the matter.”
“I had not thought ofseeking your father’s counsel. I’m not sure he’d give it tome.”
“He would. Whether we marryor not, he will be more than willing to help you.” She trudged on,thinking of the roles Kerdan would have to play once he becameking. She had a tough time picturing him in Emperion. Court lifewould stifle him. However, she couldn’t consider living in Clovek.Not where there were so many memories. Not when Russek was so harshand unwelcoming. But how to have that conversation?
As if he knew what she was thinking,Kerdan asked, “Odar planned to live with you inLakeside?”
