Lord’s secret

Afternoon comes, faster than expected. Kael notes that time seems to speed by when he’s around Evie, especially now. With every passing moment, she’s grown more cheerful, and since last night, she’s become more bold in her obvious affection for him. They pause for a quick kiss several times as they sit and talk about Kael’s past battles, and each time Kael’s heart skips a beat. The last thing Kael expected when he accepted Evie was this sort of relationship blossoming, but now that it has, it’s like an unstoppable ****.

Unfortunately, all too soon it’s time to go. Despite Bernal’s reassurances, Kael is worried about this meeting. The quiet room is not a place used for casual meetings. Lord Greyheart uses it for sensitive, secret conversations, things that must be kept from prying eyes. A small lordship like this one can only survive if its secrets are kept secret. And why bring Evie? Is it related to her strange powers? Her mysterious past? Or something else entirely?

Kael ponders these things as they make their way through the crowded streets. Evie sticks close by him, gripping his hand tightly. She’s clearly a bit overwhelmed by the crowds of people, but when Kael squeezes her hand, she smiles gratefully at him.

Thankfully, Kael’s presence causes little stir. People move aside for him, but otherwise no one makes a fuss about Evie, despite the hand holding. It’s not long before they arrive at the palace, away from the throngs of people. It’s quiet, and palace guards and passing servants nod to Kael as they pass. Evie keeps ahold of his hand, though now it’s more pleasant than the lifeline it was in the streets.

Finally, they reach the quiet room. An iron bound, heavy oaken door, etched with all manner of arcane symbols, blocks the way. Two guards bar the way, but they stand aside as they recognize Kael. It seems they know he’s expected. He leads Evie through the door, letting it close behind him.

It’s a strange sensation, being in here. Sound is deadened, unable to leave the room with the door closed. The magic that suppresses scrying feels like a heavy blanket, weighing on him slightly. It’s not uncomfortable, just unusual. Evie seems a bit uneasy here, and Kael puts an arm around her. She leans against him, smiling gratefully. There’s no furniture here, nothing at all, simply a bare room. It’s intentional, people are not meant to stay here long.

It’s not surprising, then, that Lord Greyheart enters shortly after Kael arrives. Kael sees another of the lord’s champions joining the guards outside as the door closes. Lord Greyheart walks across the room, and puts his one hand on Kael’s shoulder, patting him in a friendly gesture. He looks at Evie being embraced, and smiles kindly.

“Prompt as always, champion Kael. And with Evie as well, as I asked. Thank you for coming.”

Kael nods, not letting go of Evie. “Of course, my lord. What is so important that we must be in this room?”

Lord Greyheart holds up a hand. “Patience, Kael. I’ll get to it. It’s good to see you two are so close already. I take it this means things are going well?”

Kael glances at Evie, who blushes a bit. “I would say that ‘well’ might be a bit of an understatement, my lord. But yes. I…we…it’s going very well.”

The older man laughs. “I won’t press for details. As you know, Evie is not a simple elf maid. But you don’t know the full extent of it. There’s a very good reason she was sent to you. You can keep her safe.”

Kael nods. “I can, yes, but why, my lord? I understand that her powers make her…valuable, but beyond that, she’s simply an elven woman to anyone else. I would never let harm come to her, but what’s so important about her to you?”

Lord Greyheart smiles. “Now we come to the heart of it. Kael, I trust you more than anyone alive, besides Bernal. And that’s why you’re here, with Evie. What I’m about to tell you must never leave this room. The only living person who knows these things is Bernal, and he would die before betraying my secret.”

Kael places his free hand in a fist over his heart. “I swear on my life, I will keep your secrets, my lord.”

Suddenly, Kael hears Lord Greyheart’s voice in his head, as if whispered into his mind.

I know you will. I know you better than you know yourself. I can see inside your memories. Fear not, I won’t intrude upon your privacy.

Kael gasps, staring. How?! He never knew Lord Greyheart had magic, but even then, how could it get past Kael’s own abilities?

How do you think we survive, as such a small nation? I always know what is needed at the negotiating table. As to how I’m able to overcome your powers…I cannot explain. It’s simply something I’ve always been able to do.

Kael shakes his head. This shouldn’t be possible. There’s only one other person who has been able to do that, albeit with his permission.

That’s it, Kael. You’re a smart man. Finish the logical leap.

Kael looks down at Evie, who seems confused at the long silence. He thinks for a moment. Her powers are similar, if a bit weaker. Does this mean that Evie is…

Yes. Evie is my daughter.

Kael stares at Lord Greyheart, dumbfounded.