The Four Swords

Chapter 135: Who Knows?

Queen Valerie exudes confidence and decisiveness. In all my years watching her rule, I never recall a moment that befuddled her. At times she might pause for reflection or ask for advice, but never what happened when Cali asked her question.

The queen's eye grew wide and I saw her measured breath. No one expected Lady Calista to question her family's status with the kingdom. Her Majesty instead pivoted in another direction.

"Lord Holden, do you also believe that what you saw was the gnomish vision?" The question bought the queen some time to mull over her own thoughts.

Cali's gaze drew me. Although I suspected her of being dishonest this morning, all of that suspicion evaporated. Instead of the pleading eyes I saw earlier that begged me not to reveal our secret, I saw a steady stalwart countenance of peace. There was no holding back now.

"I completely believe that the first part of the Gnomish prophecy happened in front of me yesterday. I cannot give any further insight into what that might mean for the future," I gave this problem enough of my brain power. It was time for those wiser than myself to work on the problem at hand.

"Thank you, Lord Holden." I had not given Queen Valerie enough time to fully form a response to Cali's pressing question.

"Your Majesty, I see you have a lot on your mind. Considering the topic at hand involves my immediate family, would you like me to recuse myself from the rest of this meeting whilst my relatives are discussed?" Cali sat up straighter in her chair.

Her clenched jaw let me know how much pain was in that offering. She had to be curious about the fate of her family.

"Dear Cali, please stay. Your brother distances himself from many people at court, and I know that you care for him. I think your presence is invaluable," The Queen looked at the girl who was practically her second daughter with compassion.

Calista's shoulders slackened in relief. Her head hung low for a moment. I would never want to hear others speak in a pejorative manner about Benate. I cannot imagine the rest of this meeting would be easy for Carrion's twin.

"Do you believe that your brother has been influenced by any outside force?" The Queen opened her line of questioning.

"I know our mother's recent arrival has shaken him. I truly believe that his loyalties are to Ensis. I think yesterday was a misguided attempt to show how deep that loyalty lies. I do not believe that he is 'foul brute near her power' that is addressed in the poem." Lady Calista spoke slowly but compellingly.

"So you do not think he is a danger to the kingdom if he is allowed the rank of Swordsman?" Sir John began where the queen left off.

"I do not believe so. I do also understand that removing my brother from any position of power could be a possible precaution from the company gathered. I would advise against it." The dark-haired lady offered her opinion.

"Why would you advise against such a measure?" Lord Garrison formally inquired with a stiff expression.

"If I know my brother, and I feel l am uniquely qualified to do so, he is acting like an animal cornered on a hunt. He is afraid of how the country perceives him, so he is trying to prove himself in any and every way possible. When those opportunities are denied, like yesterday's proposal debacle, he strikes out for the next way to prove himself," Cali sighed.

The beautiful twin did seem to understand her brother's misguided plight. She steadied herself before she continued.

"Anyone who has seen a frightened animal knows that it is more likely to hurt someone. My father tried to stand in Carrion's way and it did not end well. I am fearful of how he might react if he is not allowed to take up a position he thinks he rightfully earned in service of the kingdom," Cali explained.

"I am not in the business of giving into the fear of possibilities," The queen replied.

"Completely agree, Your Majesty. Maybe in your upcoming tournament, my brother will have a healthy outlet for his anxious energy. Seeing Carrion fight as a champion before the crown should appeal to the people's sense of solidarity and give Carrion the affirmation he is so desperately seeking." Cali offered.

Queen Valerie scowled deeply as she shared a look with Sir John. "Should I be worried that both you and your brother seem so eager to point to a tournament as the solution to various problems?"

Calista was caught off guard. Her face turned pale and she stammered her response. "I did not mean to make Your Majesty question motives for a tournament. I was simply trying to look toward the future."

The air in the room felt tense for a moment. "I believe you," Queen Valerie finally admitted.

"But as a precaution, Lord Garrison and Lord Holden, please remove yourselves from the champion rosters. Lord Garrison will be assigned to my protection detail and Lord Holden will be assigned to Princess Alina's. If there is a foul brute near the throne of Ensis, then they will not take advantage of the royal family being defenseless at the tournament," The queen declared.

My jaw dropped in horror. Benate would get to have all the fun. I just wanted to hit someone. I guess that was too much to ask.

"And although I know you are talented with a sword, Lady Calista, I expect you to be by Alina's side." A heated glance was exchanged between the two women. Cali's potential fun was ruined too. I doubt Sir Carrion would make the unprecedented move to name a woman as a champion, but for now we would not know.

"After consulting with my staff yesterday, I have decided that a reasonable timeline for Sir Carrion's Swordsman ceremony would be for the ceremony to take place in one week's time. I hope that Lord Bleddyn will be on the mend enough to attend to honor his son. That is all I have on the agenda. You are all dismissed."