Anger and answers

With Bernal out of action for the moment, it falls to Kael to stand guard over Lord Greyheart as the morning dawns. The older man is in a towering rage, in a way that Kael has rarely seen before. He paces around in the throne room, his one fist clenched, as he absorbs the news of last night’s attack. Finally, he sits in his throne, slamming the arm with his palm in frustration.

“The coward. The sniveling wretch. The absolute, complete, worthless scum! Of COURSE he hires knives in the night to do his dirty work.”

Kael approaches the throne. “My lord? You’re speaking of Rastus Malen?”

Lord Greyheart sighs. “Of course I meant him, that scum. Him or one of his little cronies.”

Kael nods. “Do you mean to take action in response, my lord?”

Lord Greyheart shakes his head. “No. Not directly. The fiend was smart enough to use a tool that couldn’t be traced back to him. But I’m no fool, there’s only one reason they were here.”

Kael nods again. “That was my thought, my lord. But you can’t just let it go, right?”

Lord Greyheart nods. “I cannot. But I’ll be going about it a different way. I’ve sent out a message, summoning the resisters back for another meeting. There will be no compromise anymore. In one week, slavery ends. They can accept that, or leave our kingdom.”

He sighs, looking at Kael. “I understand that you are likely tired, but could I ask you to stay here until the meeting is finished? It would do well to have a witness to the attack with me, and poor Bernal is likely going to be laid up for a while.”

Kael bows. “Of course, my lord. It is no problem at all.”

Lord Greyheart smiles at him. “It seems that yet again I owe you my life. Sadly, I do not have another daughter to add to your little family. My current…relationship…is not exactly the kind to produce a child.”

Kael is stunned to hear Evie referred to so openly. Even though no one else is here, normally it’s kept very quiet. “My lord? Are you sure you should be mentioning her out loud? And also, what relationship?”

Lord Greyheart waves his hand dismissively. “Things are changing. Soon, she won’t need to hide anymore. Of course, you’ll need to protect her, once the secret is out. She is technically my heir, after all. As for my relationship, well…some things I keep private. I’m sure you can figure it out, though.”

While Kael is processing all of that, lord Greyheart stands. “Speaking of, I think I’ll pay poor Bernal a visit, make sure he’s okay. Let’s go, Kael.”

With that, he strides for the door, leaving Kael to hurry and follow. It may just be lack of sleep, but everything that was just said and implied has left Kael a bit confused. Resolving to think it through later, he falls in step beside Lord Greyheart, returning to his usual vigilance.