Chapter 542: The Burns That Shouldn’t Be
The two men, Kyren and Adam, sat comfortably in the parlour. It had been a few days since their last encounter, and this was their first meeting after the departure of Sarah and her companions, the former ladies-in-waiting, who had left for their new ’home’ with the Cilleon entourage.
"Thank you for sparing the time to meet me, Your Highness," said the admiral gratefully.
"It’s always my pleasure," Kyren replied with a gentle smile. "I’m sorry Anna couldn’t join us today. Our child is growing, and the pregnancy has begun to take its toll. She’s been rather lethargic lately and often ends up napping longer during the day."
"No worries, Your Highness. I completely understand," Adam said with a nod.
Silence lingered for a moment before the grand duke spoke again in a solemn tone.
"You probably came about what happened, I presume," he said quietly. "And I wouldn’t blame you if you felt disheartened by the outcome."
"I am not disheartened," Adam replied. "Truthfully, I’m more relieved than anything. Lady Raychard kept her promise by sparing my sister’s life and even extended her benevolence by pardoning the entire James family and our supporters. That was far more mercy than we could have ever expected, considering the gravity of the offence committed against her. So, I am here to thank both her and you for the decision made."
Kyren nodded slightly.
"Anna didn’t wish to stain her hands with blood while carrying our child. She believed that ordering executions would bring bad omen to the baby. Still, for everyone’s safety, I felt it necessary to remove any possible threat. Sending your sister away for good seemed the most rational course."
"I agree," Adam said sincerely. "Sarah’s misdeeds were grave, and her schemes nearly cost Lady Raychard her life. By the kingdom’s law, she had no right to be forgiven, but Your Highness still chose leniency."
"I only hope she learns her lesson and lives a decent life from now on," said the grand duke.
"Yes, I hope so too," Adam replied. "Though being a concubine may not be the most favourable position, the lead envoy from Cilleon has sworn to my family that she will not be harmed and will be treated fairly, as one of his wives. We’re also welcome to visit her at any time. That gives us some peace of mind about her future."
"How are your parents coping with all this?" Kyren asked.
"Not too well," Adam admitted with a sigh. "Now that they’ve hit rock bottom, it’s been difficult for them. My mother, especially, still can’t accept that Sarah will never return and has cried for days. It affected her far more deeply than my father’s loss of privilege as a minister. But perhaps this is what they need, to reflect on their actions and seek repentance."
"I haven’t seen or heard anything from Lord James since the day of the trial," the grand duke remarked.
"As of now, they’ve gone to Cilleon with the envoy’s entourage," Adam replied. A wedding ceremony for my sister will be held there, and they will attend."
"I see... Why didn’t you go with them?" Kyren asked.
Adam shook his head slowly.
"Father and mother haven’t spoken to me since the incident. All I see in their eyes is solemnness. It’s been devastating for all of us, and since I wasn’t on their side from the start, it’s been even harder to reconcile."
"They should be grateful to you," Kyren said. "It was you who saved them all. Anna mentioned many times that, whatever happened, she never wished to harm you. She treasures you deeply for believing in her back then when no one else did, not even me."
"It will take time," Adam said quietly. "They were too ambitious, and I warned them again and again, but they refused to listen. Now they see, but acceptance doesn’t come easily. Still, what’s done is done. We just have to face what lies ahead."
"I’m glad to hear that," said the grand duke. "If you need more time to rest, do let me know. I’ll inform His Majesty not to press you for duty too soon."
Adam shook his head.
"No, Your Highness. I’d rather work. The Knighthood of Neblim needs restructuring. I intend to remove every trace of my father’s interference and rebuild it properly, with discipline and integrity. I also plan to clean up whatever mess he left behind with his supporters and other factions. He said nothing of it before leaving, so I’ll proceed as I see fit."
Kyren nodded approvingly.
"That would be for the best. The James family is a renowned name in Cassian. Restore its honour without the stain of corruption, and it will once again stand with pride. The kingdom still needs you as one of its pillars."
"Of course, Your Highness," Adam replied firmly.
"Good. And remember," Kyren added with a faint smile, "if you ever need assistance, I’ll be there to lend a hand."
"I will keep that in mind," said Adam gratefully. Then, after a brief pause, he continued, "By the way, I heard from Lord Aaron Pearce that his brothers, Lord Daniel and Lord Chris, will be accompanying His Grace, the Duke of Greene, and Sir Ashburne to Ardel."
"Yes. They departed the other day, shortly after visiting here," said Kyren. "Our intelligence received word of a strange phenomenon occurring along the border between Ardel and Barges."
"A strange phenomenon?" Adam asked, intrigued. "What kind?"
"The latest scout report, sent by carrier pigeon, mentioned a vine-like barrier that has appeared across the border of the two kingdoms," Kyren explained. "It rises sky-high and completely blocks any passage between them. Given what we know of Barges, we suspect it to be a defensive wall conjured through black magic."
"Those Bargesians!" Adam’s expression hardened. "Still scheming even after all this time. They could be planning something behind that barrier!"
"Perhaps," Kyren said calmly. "But we don’t believe it poses an immediate threat. If they possessed such great power, they would have retaliated by now. Instead, they’ve chosen to isolate themselves. It seems they fear an attack from us and are fortifying their defences while they’re in a weakened state."
"So that’s their plan..." Adam muttered. "Still, shouldn’t we do something about it?"
"We are," Kyren assured him. "That’s why Lord Chris and Lord Daniel have gone to investigate further. Lord Aaron couldn’t join them since he’s been travelling constantly between the March and the Count of Medhir’s mansion, managing affairs while also tending to his father."
"His Lordship, the Marquess of Sylvere, is still at the Count’s mansion?" Adam asked.
"Yes," Kyren nodded. "His illness continues to fluctuate, and he’s not strong enough to travel. With the current weather, the family decided it would be best for him to remain there until spring, assuming his condition allows the journey then."
"I see..." said Adam thoughtfully. "If His Lordship or Lord Aaron requires my assistance, please let me know. I have always admired the Marquess. It would be an honour to serve him."
"Of course," Kyren replied.
They had only just begun to settle into a more casual conversation when a sudden, heavy knock rattled the door.
It swung open to reveal Rafe and the knights—Luke, Noah, Drystan, and Damon—accompanied by the chief of the royal guards.
"Your Highness! There’s an emergency!" Luke exclaimed.
"What happened?" Kyren rose sharply to his feet, Adam following suit.
"The three tribesmen who helped us track the fleeing Bargesians have been found at the outskirts of the forest, severely wounded!" the knight reported breathlessly.
"The tribesmen?" Kyren’s brows furrowed. "You mean... Dame Vern’s people?"
The knights nodded in unison.
"Yes, Your Highness. The last we heard from them, they found traces of the Bargesians’ movements scattered deep within the forest. They didn’t want to give up, despite the worsening weather, and told us to wait for their signal. But today, the royal guards sent to follow up found them in a horrifying condition!" Noah reported.
"What happened to them?" Kyren asked, turning sharply to the chief of the royal guards.
"They were burned, Your Highness!" the chief said grimly. "It looks as though someone tortured them with fire, but deliberately kept them alive to prolong their suffering."
Kyren’s eyes widened slightly, shock flashing across his face before his expression hardened into cold fury. His jaw tightened; the veins in his temple pulsed faintly.
"Where are they now?" he demanded.
"They’re at the royal infirmary, Your Highness. My men brought them there immediately for treatment. Two are unconscious. The other was barely conscious when we found him. He kept repeating the word ’Gerhard’s mansion’. That’s why I came to report to you on this matter."
Kyren’s chest tightened. Those tribesmen had once risked their lives to save Anna and Kiev. The thought of them suffering such cruelty made his stomach churn.
"I need to see them myself," he said firmly.
"Your Highness... I must warn you," the chief said hesitantly. "Their condition is beyond what any normal human could endure. Frankly, we’re not sure how they’re still alive. With burns that deep, they should have perished long before we found them."
"What do you mean?" Kyren asked, his tone darkening.
"Their flesh..." The chief swallowed hard. "Parts of it were blackened, yet there were patches where the skin seemed to move as if something underneath was writhing. The healers said it looked like the burns were resisting treatment."
A shadow passed over Kyren’s face. His expression turned grim and distant, as though trying to connect the unseen threads.
"That’s not natural," he said in a low voice.
"I’ll come with you, Your Highness," said Adam.
Kyren nodded. "Very well." He then turned to his men and ordered, "Security of the mansion must be heightened immediately. No one enters or leaves without proper clearance."
"Yes, Your Highness!" the knights chorused.
Kyren continued briskly, issuing commands.
"Drystan, secure the northern perimeter and dispatch two units to patrol the eastern forest route. Luke, reinforce the main gate, side gate, and checkposts at all entries. Damon, you are responsible for overseeing the inner grounds. Monitor all incoming and outgoing movements without exception. Keep every guard alert until I return. Allow Eli and Alex to investigate any suspicious activity and summon the royal knights for backup. And Noah... take the lead and manage everything."
"Yes, Your Highness!" they replied again, bowing.
"Let me come with you, Your Highness," said Rafe. "This is a medical emergency, and I may be able to help."
Kyren nodded.
"Agreed. This might take a while. Go and prepare what you need."
Without another word, the healer turned and hurried off toward the treatment room to gather his supplies.
Though the royal infirmary was well-equipped, he never left for the field without his personal treatment bag, one filled with his own salves, potions, and restorative tinctures.
"If Lady Raychard asks for your whereabouts, what should we tell her?" asked Drystan to his lord.
"For now, don’t tell her anything about this," Kyren said after a pause. "Not to Dame Verns either. I don’t want them alarmed until we know the full situation. Just say that the royal guards required Admiral Adam James and my assistance with an urgent matter."
"Yes, Your Highness," Drystan replied, bowing. "I’ll have the horses prepared immediately."
Kyren gave a curt nod, his expression grave, trailing over the leaving knights.
Soon, the grand duke and the admiral stepped out of the parlour, their boots echoing sharply against the marble floor, followed by the chief of the royal guards and Noah.
Moments later, Drystan appeared at the portico, leading Maximillian, Kyren’s warhorse, while Damon and Luke brought forth the admiral’s mount, the chief’s steed, and another horse prepared for Rafe.
The knights then gathered aside, standing at attention as the grand duke and the others mounted their horses.
Rafe soon arrived and joined the group. Just as they were about to depart, a familiar voice called out.
"Rafe!"
Callis hurried across the courtyard, her long cloak fluttering behind her.
"What’s going on? The servant said that you’re leaving!"
"I’ll explain later," Rafe replied quickly, already gripping the reins. "There’s an emergency. Several people are injured and need treatment."
"Injured? Who?"
Rafe hesitated for a brief moment until Kyren met his gaze and gave a silent nod, allowing him to speak.
"The tribesmen who went after the escaped Bargesian leader and the mage... they’ve been found burned," said Rafe in a heavy tone.
"The tribesmen?" Callis’s eyes widened in shock.
Memories flooded back of the Sunik tribesmen —Saures, Thalgar, and Vaelen —the very men who had once saved Kiev and Anna from the wolves in the forest.
"They’re hurt? Who did that to them? How badly?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"They were found barely alive, Mrs Amares," the chief of the royal guard answered gravely. "Burned beyond recognition, yet somehow still breathing."
Callis gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth. "No..."
Rafe’s expression was solemn, his heart tugging painfully at her distress.
"We need to go, Callis. I’m sorry, but I may not be able to return so soon. Please don’t wait for me."
"Hold on!" she cried, stepping forward. "Let me come along with you!"
"What?" the healer exclaimed.
"You said they’re badly burned! I can help! My healing magic can ease their pain, maybe even save them!" she insisted.
Rafe froze. The thought of the Mederian Princess’s help was tempting. The injuries sounded far beyond the reach of ordinary medicine, and her mana-infused healing might be the only thing that could make a difference. But... The healer shook his head firmly.
"No. I promised Kiev I would never endanger you. Healing magic consumes a lot of mana, especially with such injuries."
"But those men saved my brother and Lady Raychard’s lives!" she cried.
"I can’t allow it!" Rafe’s voice was firm, almost sharp. "The mana drain could be lethal to you. You could collapse, or worse. I can’t risk that!"
"They are severely hurt!" Callis shot back, her voice trembling with urgency. "Now that they’re the ones in need, how can I just sit here and do nothing?"
Rafe’s jaw tightened. Even as she pleaded again and again, his resolve didn’t waver.
"Your Highness," Adam interjected softly, turning to Kyren. "If I may... I believe it would be better to let her come. The tribesmen’s condition sounds dire. They may not survive without magical intervention."
Kyren fell silent, thinking deeply. Then he turned towards the healer.
"Callis is right, Rafe. It would be wiser to bring her along. We’ll need every bit of help we can get. Nevertheless, the decision is yours."
Callis’s eyes lit with hope, but Rafe’s hesitation lingered. The grand duke didn’t press further, understanding it was for him, as her husband and guardian, to decide.
Finally, Rafe exhaled and looked at his wife with a cautious expression.
"Do you promise not to act recklessly? No overexertion and no using mana without my say?"
"I promise," The Mederian Princess said quickly, her voice steady but filled with determination. "I will listen to your orders."
Rafe gave a reluctant nod. "Then let’s go."
He extended his hand, and Callis took it without hesitation. With a firm pull, he lifted her onto the horse, settling her securely behind him.
The group set out, their horses galloping through falling snowflakes.
Snow swirled around the courtyard, muffling the thud of hooves. Breath steamed from the horses, ghostly in the cold as they rode toward the royal infirmary, bearing the weight and concern of what was to come.