A Promise of Iron by Brandon McCoy (the reading list .txt) 📕

“Did they see a pale one, tall, with only one ear?” I asked eagerly.

The boy held his hand out expectantly.

“Alright, you little cocker,” I said, handing him a copper bit. “But tell it all.”

“Didn’t hear nothing about no pale ‘kin, but heard the scouts say they tracked more coming down from the Marches. Commander headed out this morning with a few dozen to head ‘em off.”

“They wouldn’t try to take Forhd,” Lira said, turning to me. “You said they have no means of laying a siege.”

“They don’t,” I said. “But I don’t think it’s the town they’re after.”

The boy pointed at me. “Yeah, he’s a smart one there. Boys said they was heading to Last Bridge to stop ‘em from crossing the Woad. I bet It’s the granary those long earned bastards are after… not no town.”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “Still take a lot to knock over one of those.”

The boy nodded slowly. “Yeah, bumpkin, bout two hundred would do it. That’s why the Governor called up the Imps from Gent, just in case things get a little sideways.”

“I’m sure that will be popular,” I said. “Nothing like a battalion of regulars throwing their weight around.”

The boy shrugged. “If the damned militia hadn’t headed off on that Mere raid, we wouldn’t be needing ‘em. Seeing as how they did, I’ll welcome an Imp’s spear over a Golmere one any day.”

I didn’t argue the sentiment as I waved him goodbye.

“Do you think the one that killed…” Lira said. “Do you think it’s him out there?”

“I would be surprised if it wasn’t him,” I said, looking out beyond the walls. “No reason for more Golmere to rally unless there is someone to rally behind. That prime got a taste of battle; I don’t think he’s going anywhere until he’s had his fill.”

She gripped my hand. “You aren’t going after him, are you?”

I stared west for a long moment. “If you had asked me yesterday, I would have been the first one through the gates. But today?” I squeezed her hand. “Today, I have more important things than vengeance to consider.”

Her cheeks flushed, which was as rare as watching a flower bloom.

As we neared the House entrance, the guards that flanked the door parted and opened it. I saluted both, smiling. Finally, some small measure of respect. I noticed the commissary was empty as we approached.

“Want me to wait with you?” I asked.

She shook her head. “I should do this alone.”

She slowed behind me until her arm stretched and broke from mine.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Just… just trying to find my courage is all.” She looked down at her feet.

“Courage is just the mastery of fear,” I took her in my arms, “and there is nothing to fear here.”

She buried her head into my chest. “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you,” she said. “I must have the luck of the gods.”

“We make our own luck,” I said, kissing her softly on the lips. “Are you ready?”

She took a deep breath and nodded.

Chapter Thirty and Six

Summer 1272, Cyllian Imperial Count

Goren’s Flowers and Arrangements sat along the outer circle of the House and on the second floor. Normally, a merchant would bribe his way into a place on the ground floor, needing as much foot traffic as possible, but Goren was the only florist in Forhd. That likely made him the only one in Belen. As it was, his shop was tucked away in a quiet corner, content to let his clients come to him, not that high-end flower arrangements were in great demand on the frontier.

Goren was busy clipping away at some exotic species of flowers with a pair of silver shears as I entered. The smell of the shop was as marvelous as I remembered. Sweet, green scents mixed and danced in harmony like notes in a music hall, somehow forming into an unintended symphony. I breathed in deeply as I stepped towards him.

“If you are here for the lilies, I have them in the back, allow me a moment,” Goren called from behind the counter as he clipped a few more green sprigs from his purple-flowered plant.

“Oh, I… thank you, but I was actually—”

“Your other arrangements will not be ready until tomorrow; unfortunately, the day’s commotion has disrupted my suppliers.”

I nodded. “That’s why I am here, actually. I won’t be able to receive them until at least tomorrow.”

“I assumed as much, but you’re certainly late if you are to be joining the call. I believe the group mustered out just after dawn.”

“That’s not why I need to delay,” I replied. “I have a guest staying with me.”

Goren stopped clipping his flower and raised his eyebrow. “This wouldn’t be the young Valerius girl, would it?”

I nodded.

Goren smirked. “You are certainly bold; I’ll give you that. Edrogan makes for a powerful enemy, boy. Be on your toes.”

I smiled. “Oh, come now. What’s the worst he could do?”

I meant the comment in jest, but his stare suggested I should do anything but.

“Well, at any rate, I can’t have them dropping off while she’s around. She doesn’t know I’m working with the Circle, and she is too clever for me to lie to.”

Goren resumed his trimming. “And do you plan on telling her the truth of your occupation or simply retiring?”

I shrugged. “I haven’t really thought that far ahead.”

Goren clipped another rogue leaf. “Ah, the curse of youth, all the world ahead of you, without the wisdom to see past your own boots.” He sighed. “I suppose you didn’t think to deliver the sample either?”

I smiled. “Come on, Goren, you know I wouldn’t come here empty-handed.” I pulled the waiting box Lira had given me from my coat pocket and opened it on the counter. “Three samples, as requested.”

He eyed the open box hungrily. “I will contact my suppliers and inform them to defer delivery. When will you be able to receive it?”

“Tomorrow,” I said. “Any longer, and I risk missing