Islana's Story
In case Kalatsu should send an unscheduled messenger through the Tunnel, the Center Room was kept guarded night and day. This was unlikely, however, so the Warrior on duty had made himself comfortable and was dozing off on one of the benches lining the walls.
He was woken abruptly by the sound of scraping stones, in time to see the Tunnel entrance opening and a man climbing out.
The Warrior stood quickly and placed a hand on the hilt of his sword, as the interloper turned to regard him. The man had the same white hair as all Knights but the Warrior also noticed the wrinkled face and cautious eyes of old age.
The Knight held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I have a message," he said. His accent was thick, but the words were clear. "I need to speak with His Holiness."
"This wasn't a scheduled message time," the Warrior said suspiciously.
"This is an emergency. There is a... situation," the Knight said. "An urgent one. I must speak with Dysis."
"It's the middle of the night; he's asleep. Come back in a few hours—"
"Take me to Dysis," the man insisted. "I am the Knight who protected him on Kalatsu; he will agree to see me. Have him woken. This cannot wait."
"His Holiness is sleeping. Perhaps I can find you quarters for the night—"
"If you do not have him woken immediately," the Knight said slowly, "when I do speak with him and explain your incompetence, the only thing you'll find yourself guarding is the holy outhouse. Have. Him. Woken."
The Warrior hesitated, unsure of what to do, but if it was an emergency and he didn't alert his Holiness... He finally nodded. "I'll have him woken," he said. "But you will not leave my sight."
"Fine," the Knight agreed, sounding irritated.
The Warrior led him through the maze of hallways and had a slave wake his Holiness; they met fifteen minutes later in Dysis' office.
"Jall?" Dysis asked, sounding surprised, and then dismissed the Warrior to speak in private.
After leaving them, the Warrior still worried. It was an emergency; apparently a bad one. So he did as he was trained: he woke and reported to his commanding officer.
[OPENING CREDITS]
Episode 27: Trust in Others
Tiernan sat outside of Kalin's room dutifully, as though he were inside, and waited. When Kalin finally returned, they didn't exchange words, but Tiernan could not stop thinking about what he had seen and if he truly should remain silent about it.
Kalin and Lady Alayrin said they had no contact but, for all he knew, they were lying. Lady Alayrin had never made a secret of her sympathies, so it wasn't entirely unimaginable that they had been in contact. And it had always been clear that the Alayrin quarter was attacked significantly less often than the other three territories. She had also refused to house the new fleet, which was subsequently destroyed; it was possible, then, that she had known it would be destroyed.
But Serissa Alayrin was one of the most respected people on the Island; she might even have more influence than Dysis himself. It was impossible to think her a traitor.
He continued to avoid speaking with Kalin in the morning. As they attended breakfast, he found himself gazing at Serissa but, if she noticed, she never acknowledged him. As the meal continued, he became resolved. They had threatened his uncle's reputation, because of his involvement. Surely, then, his uncle would know if they were lying and could be aware of any wrongdoing. His uncle could also tell him of any wrongdoing he himself might have committed. If that was the case, then as he had acknowledged the previous night, Tiernan could not do anything. Not to his own uncle, not to his own family...
But his first loyalty should have been to Dysis, Cleran, and the Church; not to a family. He had sworn his allegiance to Ocando when he took his vows as a Warrior, after all. And if he did his sworn duty, and if there was wrongdoing, then there would be a scandal that could potentially destroy two High Families. It would shift the balance of power on the Island entirely...
But, given the disposition of his own uncle and of Lady Alayrin towards peace, as compared to the other High Families, such a shift was not necessarily for the better.
Tiernan didn't like the secret, but he didn't like the implications of confessing it, either.
"Lord Uncle, might I trouble you for a few minutes after the meal?" he finally asked.
Taylin nodded, and Kalin raised an eyebrow.
"Assuming you don't mind taking the time, Sir Voice."
"Of course. And ought we ask her Ladyship to join us?" Kalin suggested.
"Caught already?" Taylin muttered in Kalin's language, and Kalin smirked a little and didn't answer.
As the meal ended, the three walked off together; Serissa joined them quickly.
"Well?" Taylin asked, as they made their way out into the garden. Tiernan looked around to make sure no one else was nearby before he started.
"Lord Uncle, I was advised that you... might have some knowledge of events that happened many years ago, when the Voice was still a slave on this manor."
"I might; Lord Elthis and I were friends. I was often at this manor."
"Events concerning her Ladyship."
"It was all innocent, Tiernan. It was harmless."
"It was illegal," Tiernan said.
"Yes, it was, but it didn't hurt anyone. They made each other happy, then he ran away—died, we thought—and she married Kieris. That was the end of it."
"He didn't die," Tiernan said
"Obviously."
"He didn't die, but if people believed he had, and with her married to a High Lord, the information she had access to—if she had been able to pass it on—"
"Be careful what you say, young man," Taylin said sternly. "It sounds as though you would like to level an accusation at her Ladyship."
"Uncle Taylin, you fought in the war, surely you understand. Any spies they might have had, any advance knowledge of attacks, or—"
"Advance knowledge?" Kalin interrupted. "If I'd had advance knowledge—from anyone—do you think I would have allowed the Kelanister family to be murdered? Kal'Hara and Kal'Harath—if I'd had such a highly placed spy, do you believe they could have happened?"
"The fleet that was burned. She and her husband refused to have it built in their port, and refused to contribute to its financing. Is that a coincidence?"
"Yes," Serissa said. "It was. My husband and I have long been opposed to the war. I suppose that much is Kalin's fault. However, nothing we did was illegal. I believed Kalin was dead, or I would never have been married."
Tiernan looked to his uncle again, but Taylin shook his head. "There was no wrongdoing," Taylin repeated. "And this peace is too tenuous to risk. Tiernan, if you have any faith in me, any loyalty to me, then believe me."
Tiernan nodded but said nothing.
He wasn't quite sure where his loyalties lay.
Dysis stared at Jall, and Jall said nothing, only waited.
"How could you be so irresponsible?" Dysis finally demanded. "To allow this, to never have it checked—" He forced himself to stop, and finally continued, "I don't understand how this could have happened without us knowing."
"Perhaps if Islana had not been tortured, her body patterns would have been normal enough for us to notice earlier."
"And what are you doing about it?" Dysis demanded.
"Me? I'm doing nothing except alerting you."
"That is ridiculous—"
"It is not my place," Jall said. "It is not my place, and it is not yours. Kaleal's law is that only the parents may decide to end a pregnancy."
"And Ocando's law forbids half-breeds."
Jall narrowed his eyes. "If I were you, I would learn to speak more tolerantly."
"You know I'm not an intolerant man," Dysis answered. "But some things are too far. Our law not only forbids the existence of this child, but forbids Cleran to have a child at all."
"And Cleran is a Prophet of Ocando; if he chooses to have a child, I do not believe there is any power in this world that could stop him. Not you, nor I, and possibly not even Islana."
"And what makes you believe either one of them would choose to have this child?" Dysis asked.
"I don't believe they will. But they need to decide. Together."
"I will not permit Cleran to see that woman again."
"Holiness—"
"No," Dysis said.
Jall raised an eyebrow. "When he finds out, do you believe you will be able to stop him?"
"Then perhaps he should not find out."
Jall shook his head. "Unacceptable, and you know that. This is not your decision to make. What will happen, however, is that our time table will be moved up. The High Lords will leave for the manor this afternoon, by way of the Tunnel. The peace accord will be negotiated as quickly as possible so that this new problem can be dealt with. You have three hours to prepare the convoy to leave."
"And what authority are you using to give me these orders?"
"Do you disagree that, given the current situation, it is important to finish these negotiations quickly?" Jall demanded. "Before rumors can begin? Before it is too late to lose the child?"
Dysis glared, but nodded. "Then I take it you will be accompanying us to the manor."
"I will," Jall agreed. "As will Jereh. It is not an ideal situation, but it will take both of us to keep the Tunnel open for long enough to transport a group that large."
"Fine," Dysis said. "But I will not be responsible for her on the manor. It's difficult enough to protect Kalin."
"Jereh," Jall said firmly, "can take care of herself."
They arrived shortly after the evening meal. It was a long, parade-like procession; three High Lords and their families and retainers, a large guard of Warriors, several Priests, and numerous servants. The High Lords and their wives grumbled about being forced to walk. However, transporting so many people had nearly caused Jereh and Jall to pass out, so moving animals was out of the question.
The manor was not quite prepared for the sudden arrival but Serissa's younger son, Kerev, expertly took over the preparations to get an evening snack organized, and room assignments put together. Still, those at the manor were surprised by the early arrival.
Jall, Jereh, Dysis, Cleran, Kalin, Serissa, Taylin and Tiernan met in the office that had once belonged to Elthis Aleann. It was crowded, and neither Jall nor Dysis wanted everyone there, but no one was willing to be left out of the meeting. The news was still to be kept secret: Cleran and Kalin needed to be told but no one else. Not yet, anyway.
Kalin raised an eyebrow at Jall. "Is everything all right?" he asked.
"Yes, Sir Voice. We merely... decided to speed up the process."
"Is there any reason?"
Jall glanced at Dysis, then said, "At King Erra's urgent request."
"Oh," Kalin said.
Dysis nodded. "We will begin negotiation sessions tomorrow. I would like them to conclude as quickly as possible." He looked at Serissa. "Ladyship, I hope I can count on your cooperation."
"Of course, Holiness," she agreed. "I will happily sign this agreement—with the clause the Holy Son and I discussed, of course."
"Clause?" Dysis asked.
Serissa shot a look at Cleran who said quickly, "I think it's best if her Ladyship explains at the negotiations."
Serissa nodded and Cleran felt nervous; he knew how badly he needed her support, but her price was so high... He pushed thoughts of Islana out of his head. Surely, between Dysis, Kalin and Jall—all of whom would oppose the marriage—she could be convinced.
"Was there no other news?" Taylin asked suspiciously.
"Only private communications from the King, to the Voice and his Holiness," Jall answered. He looked at Kalin, who nodded; Dysis and Cleran exchanged similar glances. "I am sorry we showed up with no warning, but it seemed like the best idea at the time. I must pass on some information, in private. Kalin, Cleran..."
Kalin nodded and rose, Dysis and Cleran followed suit. "I will see you all at the negotiations in the morning, then," he agreed, and they started off, Tiernan following quickly. Kalin turned to him. "I think I will be safe enough with my own chief Knight," he said. "You are welcome to take some time for yourself."
Tiernan hesitated, but nodded. "As you wish, Sir Voice."
Kalin waited for the four of them to be in the private chambers he was using, the door shut behind them, before asking, "What's the emergency?"
"The situation with Islana has become... complicated," Jall said.
"It wasn't before?" Kalin murmured.
"Islana is with child."
No one spoke for a moment, and Cleran sank into a chair. Finally, he looked up at Jall, his face blank. "Mine?"
"So we assume."
Kalin's eyes went wide, and finally he said, "I can see why we must speed up the negotiations, then. Is she..." He trailed off.
"His Majesty has extended an invitation to Cleran, safe passage on Kalatsu, to discuss the situation," Jall continued. Then, to Cleran, "There are options that must be considered, and choices which you will have to make. With Islana."
"I don't ever want to see her again," Cleran said flatly.
"Which I told you," Dysis added to Jall.
"Be that as it may, you are partially responsible for this... child. It is your duty to decide what will become of it."
Cleran clenched a fist, and finally nodded. "As soon as the negotiations are complete," he said.
[eyecatch]
Tiernan watched the four leaders walk off together, relieved to have a chance to be away from Kalin. Everything he knew was impossible to ignore, and the longer he watched Kalin, the less he trusted him. If Kalin had so expertly hidden that facet of his past, he could just as skillfully be lying about other things. And the thought of Lady Alayrin as a traitor—of his own uncle having helped her—was even harder to ignore. If she was a traitor, she should be stripped of her title as quickly as possible—before she signed any treaty or agreement. It was only right. But given the importance of peace, removing her from power could be dangerous, too.
He had been relieved to see Dysis, and had hoped the Priest could provide some counsel, but he also knew that, if Dysis learned of this, there would be consequences for his own family, and for the negotiations. And he didn't dare doubt Serissa's threat, he knew she was more than capable of arranging his death, if he interfered. But that was yet more reason to have her removed from power if she was a traitor...
As everyone else began to leave the room, he followed Jereh. "Lady Knight, so we meet again."
"I will be leaving as soon as possible. I do not wish to offend."
"I understand," he agreed. "But I'm glad to see you nonetheless."
She gave him a suspicious look. "I have trouble believing that."
"Do you have a minute to talk?" he asked.
"Why?"
"I... I'd like a chance to speak with you, before I return to my post at the Voice's side. I never thanked you for trusting me."
"Trust is not a gift," she answered. "It is something you earned."
"I'm proud to have earned it, then," he said. "And for what it's worth, you have mine as well."
She nodded, and he couldn't tell if she was pleased, or if it even mattered to her.
"And with that trust, I... I would like to speak to you. In private."
She hesitated, and he waited. Finally, she nodded.
"Thank you, Lady Knight. Your chambers should be private enough—while the Blade is still meeting with the others, at least."
They walked the rest of the way in silence, and Jereh carefully shut the door behind them. "What's the matter, Tiernan?" she asked.
"How could you tell something was the matter?"
"Why else would you talk to me?"
"I just... I have a question. I don't know who else to ask," he said. "How would you... What if you learned someone you trusted—trusted entirely—could not be trusted after all? Was... a traitor?"
"What do you mean?"
He shook his head. "I can't give any more details than that. I just... I've been told to decide where my loyalties are. I don't know anymore."
"Then this must be an important revelation," she said.
"It is."
"Then... You need to decide whose trust is more important; the person you would betray or the one to whom you would be betraying."
"How will I know if I'm right?"
She shrugged. "You won't—until you do it. Then, if you feel better, you will know it's right."
"And if I feel worse?"
"You will do what's right," she said. "You know right from wrong."
"So do you," he said softly. "No matter what you think."
"I do," she agreed. "And I know when I was wrong. The kind of wrong that can never be fixed."
"It wasn't your fault," Tiernan said. "I know that's true, I know it. He—the Voice—he told me that..." He trailed off, a half-formed thought occurring to him.
"He told you what?" Jereh asked.
"That... He told me it wasn't your fault," Tiernan said. "I—thank you. I have to go."
She nodded. "Do what is right, Tiernan."
"I will, Lady. You might not like me very much when I'm done, but... I will do what's right."
He let himself out and hurried down the hall, almost running. He saw Cleran and Dysis leaving Kalin's chamber together, and didn't care much that Jall would still be inside. It might even be better.
He let himself in with no announcement, and received startled looks. They had been speaking quietly but fell silent.
"You bastard," he snarled at Kalin. "You- you lying bastard!"
"Pardon me?" Kalin answered, as he and Jall both stood up. Tiernan stopped and didn't approach him, not wanting to cross swords with the Blade of Kaleal or to be found threatening Kalin, but he balled his fists and glared.
"You said you had no contact at all—that she thought you were dead. You're a liar, and you're a murderer, and she's a traitor. And I will tell Dysis, consequences be damned!"
"Tiernan," Kalin said. "Sit. Please. I don't know what you think I did, but she is no traitor. Jall..."
"If you think I'm going to leave you alone with him right now, you have lost your mind," Jall answered.
"This is private," Kalin said. "Between him and me."
"Not for long," Tiernan snapped.
"Sit, Warrior," Jall snapped. "And talk. But talk politely and remember to whom you are speaking."
Tiernan shot him a glare, but finally sat. So did Kalin.
"You were responsible for the Massacre," he said. "And the rescue mission that started it, to rescue an unarmed, untrained Priest. Why would you send someone untrained? Because you didn't expect him to get caught. Because you expected her to take care of him!"
"I—"
"You were exchanging information, weren't you?" he demanded.
"No."
"Why else send someone?" Tiernan yelled. "You were exchanging information, Lady Alayrin is a traitor, and when your spy got caught, you had the whole place destroyed to cover your tracks. You're a lying, murderous son of a bitch." Tiernan stood up angrily. "And unless you can give me a reason not to, I will go tell Dysis and Cleran about this right now, regardless of what happens to my uncle."
"Sit back down," Kalin said.
"I will not—"
"Sit down, Tiernan!" Kalin yelled. "Before you go running off to destroy innocent lives, which you would be doing, listen to reason! The Massacre was an accident. I never intended for anyone to be hurt, the fact that I sent a messenger who was unarmed should be proof enough of that."
"But the Massacre was your fault! My grandfather's death, all the deaths—you and Serissa Alayrin are both liars and she's a traitor, and I will not let the deaths at this manor go unpunished!"
"Deaths happen in war," Kalin said. "Whether or not leaders wish them. Discuss that much with Dysis, if you wish."
"This was not just death. The people of this manor were innocent!"
"And so were the citizens of Kal'Hara and Kal'Harath," Kalin said, as Tiernan finally sat. "Death happens in war. That is why I am ending this conflict. To prevent further death, to atone for my mistakes."
"But that doesn't explain why you would sent a messenger to Lady Alayrin," Tiernan said. "And if she had any knowledge of it, of you, she is a traitor."
"And if Lady Alayrin, her husband, or her sons had been at the manor, do you think they would have survived? I had no knowledge of where she could be when I sent the messenger; she has no idea that the Massacre was started with a messenger."
"But still. You sent him —you believed she would send you information. You believed she would turn traitor, if she hadn't already." Tiernan shook his head. "I want peace, and I want justice. If it wasn't for your affair, you would never have sent a messenger, and the Massacre would never have happened. His Holiness needs to know."
"And your uncle?"
"Is an old man. I doubt his Holiness will see fit to do more than ask him to pass on his title."
Kalin regarded Tiernan for a long moment, and Tiernan stared back. Jall stood off at the side, impassively. Tiernan wondered if Jall knew of Kalin and Serissa's history together.
"Do you really believe I would have intentionally endangered Serissa?" Kalin shook his head. "She had no knowledge that I was alive until I arrived here."
"My uncle didn't seem surprised to see you alive."
"Your uncle had knowledge that Lady Alayrin did not," Kalin said. "And he helped ensure that Serissa didn't know I had survived."
"It just doesn't add up," Tiernan said. "If she had no idea you were alive, why send a messenger to her manor? Why send a rescue mission for someone unless he could incriminate her?"
Kalin shot a look at Jall, who remained emotionless. Finally, he looked back at Tiernan. "I cannot tell you unless I trust you, Tiernan. And right now, I don't trust you to keep any knowledge to yourself."
"I don't trust you either," Tiernan answered. "It's up to you. Convince me she is not a traitor and I won't have to tell Dysis. But if you can't convince me, I will tell him what I know, which is awfully damning."
Kalin sighed and sank into his seat. "Very well," he said.
"It was the largest mistake of my life, and one I can never make right."
Ocan, as the ranking Warrior, had been afforded a bed to himself; the other Warriors were sleeping on the floor when not standing guard. He had seen too many things that day, experienced too much, to sleep.
He had seen the woman Knight with the Healer slave, training him illegally. He had seen Erolis the traitor talking freely with Shoris Alayrin, a future High Lord. He had watched a bastard born weakling be treated as a leader, and offer to share his chambers with a high-born Lady. A Knight with a brand on his arm was being afforded respect and protection, while the Voice of Kaleal, the man responsible for every death and every attack they had suffered, was hailed as a great peace maker.
His own property, the slave he had trained so carefully for so many years, had been stolen from him by these people, who had obviously lost sight of right and wrong. And he had been told by the same leader he had respected, served under, and fought for, that this was the future. This was peace.
If this was peace, Ocan would not stand for it.
[CLOSING CREDITS]