The Devil's armour

48

Gilwyn spent four days in Grimhold with White-Eye before finally leaving for Jador. He had done his best to explain himself to White-Eye, to convince her of the rightness of his plan, but she had remained unmoved throughout their time together and had wept when he’d left. After his promise to be her ‘eyes’, she could not understand why he was leaving for Liiria or why he believed he could reach Thorin, whom she was convinced was too deeply in the clutches of Kahldris for anyone to save. In truth, she had made Gilwyn doubt that he had any chance at all of saving Thorin, but she had not swayed his determination to try. He loved her too much, he explained, to let her fall prey to Kahldris again. If Lukien had failed to save Thorin, then the time had come for him to try.

Unhappily, Gilwyn left White-Eye, promising to see her again but completely unsure when that would be. Nor had his goodbye to Minikin been any better. Gilwyn could not tell what future she predicted for him, and if she had consulted with the Akari about his fate she did not reveal it. She simply looked sad, as if she doubted he would return.

Gilwyn rode back to Jador, not rushing as he had on the way to Grimhold. There was much on his mind, and he was not really eager to tell the Jadori the news of White-Eye’s blinding. Though most Jadori had never even met White-Eye, they all worshipped and adored her. She was their kahana, born of the great Kadar. They would not take the news well, he knew, for they were still reeling from the battle with Prince Aztar.

During his first day back in the city, Gilwyn tended to his usual business. He was relieved to hear that no more Seekers had crossed the desert, but there were shortages of everything still, and life had yet to get back to normal. He told no one of his plans to leave for Liiria, not even his closest Jadori friends, though he could not hide from them what had happened to White-Eye — they were intensely curious from the moment he returned. The sad news travelled quickly, and by nightfall it seemed to Gilwyn that the whole city was in mourning.

That night, Gilwyn planned his departure. In the palace chamber that had once been Kadar’s, he watched the sun disappear from his balcony. The birdcage that had housed Salina’s doves had remained empty since the defeat of Aztar, and he wondered with melancholy what had become of their unseen benefactor. Lorn had mentioned briefly that she had helped him and his friends across the desert, but he had not spoken of her since he’d come to Jador and in truth seemed to know nothing about her at all. Gilwyn leaned out over the balcony, resting his elbows on the stone rail and his face in his hands. Leaving Jador meant leaving everything behind, he realised sadly. He had already decided to leave Teku behind, fearing for the safety of his furry friend on the long trek ahead. Emerald, too, would have to stay behind. Though the kreel would be invaluable in getting him to Ganjor, he would not be able to bring her north, and leaving her in Ganjor was impossible. He would have to take a horse across the desert or a drowa, neither of which appealed to him since he had barely ever ridden either. With Ruana’s help, he was sure he could manage, but it would not be easy with his lame foot and hand. He hoped his ‘gift’ would lend him greater control of a mount.

But it would not be like riding Emerald. There would be little bond between him and a drowa, Gilwyn knew, and no sense of kinship, either. It was a long and dangerous road to Liiria, and he would be friendless. As he considered how alone he’d be, he realised that he was leaving everyone he cared about behind, not just White-Eye but all the Jadori he had come to love, and even the Seekers, so many of whom had given their lives defending the city. He began to wonder about the soundness of his plan. The prospects terrified him, but he was determined. Soon, he would leave Jador. And he would have to tell everyone that he was leaving, and endure their pleas to stay.

‘I want to stay,’ he sighed. Then he frowned. ‘But I can’t.’

He was a fool to try; they would all say so. But before he told anyone else, there was one man in particular he needed to see. Gilwyn pulled himself away from the balcony’s pretty view, mustered his courage, and left his palace chambers.

At the rear of the Jadori palace, overlooking the western mountains, stood a vibrant garden of lush plants and winding stone pathways. Because it was hidden from the rest of the city, the garden had always been remarkably peaceful, and the dead ruler Kahan Kadar had often opened the garden to his Jadori people, so that they might enjoy its green tranquility. Large enough to accommodate a mass of people, the garden remained a favourite place for lovers and playing children, though it was not nearly so crowded these days, when the deaths of so many had thinned Jador’s population. Yet the flowers still bloomed and the fountain still bubbled, and the many mosaics still caught the starlight in magical ways, just waiting for someone — anyone — to admire them.

Lorn admired beauty everywhere he found it. These days, things that cost nothing were all that was left to him, and he surprised himself by not minding at all. Lorn loved the palace garden, and tonight sat under the darkening sky with a pipe in his mouth, happily puffing while Eiriann bounced Poppy on her knee and her father Garthel slept in a nearby chair. He had spent the day at work digging wells — which were always needed in arid Jador — and his back ached from the effort. There was always work to be done, it seemed, but the lack of leisure did not bother Lorn. In Jador, he was no longer a king and did not pretend to be. He was just another Seeker, waiting for a chance to knock on Grimhold’s door.

He took a deep pull from his pipe then let the smoke dribble slowly from his nostrils. Except for the four of them, the garden seemed empty. The view of the mountains mesmerised Lorn. He knew the mountains hid Grimhold, and that Grimhold hid the hope of Poppy’s salvation, but he was powerless to change what Minikin had told him, and so could only hope that time would soften the mistress’ heart to his daughter’s plight.

Yet she is fine, thought Lorn as he looked at his daughter. A few yards away, Poppy crawled happily along the grass, feeling her way toward Eiriann. She is happy here.

Eiriann laughed and tickled the child’s nose, bringing delighted squeals from Poppy. Eiriann looked like a child herself, wholly contented now. She was happy here, too. Lorn watched her and grinned.

Because she has a child now.

They loved each other, he and Eiriann. Lorn had confessed it, finally, and Eiriann had received the news with pleasure. He was many years older than she, but the same boundless faith that had brought her to Jador had made her forget his age and see only the good in him. There was very little good in him, Lorn knew, but somehow Eiriann always found it. He was glad they were building a life for themselves in Jador, and that Poppy had a mother again. Eiriann could never really replace Rinka, of course, nor would she try. She had told Lorn that his precious wife should be a happy memory for him, no matter how long she lay dead.

Good fortune has found me, mused Lorn. True, he had lost a kingdom, but he had saved his daughter and that was enough.

For now.

Lorn’s thoughts turned suddenly to Gilwyn Toms. Like everyone, he had heard about Gilwyn’s return, and had learned the bad news about the girl named White-Eye. He knew also that Gilwyn was very fond of White-Eye and that her blindness would be a blow to him. In the short time that he’d been in the palace, Lorn had come to respect the boy.

No, Lorn corrected himself. Not a boy. A man.

Only a man could be regent of Jador. Lorn considered this as he puffed on his pipe. Gilwyn had impressed him. He had also been kind to them, generous enough to let them stay in the palace. Lorn laughed, supposing his defunct title was at least good for something.

A cry from Poppy roused Lorn from his ramblings. He sat up and watched as Eiriann lifted her into the air.

‘She’s dirty,’ declared Eiriann. ‘I’ll go change her.’

Lorn nodded, not wanting to wake Garthel. The baby’s cries did that instead.

‘What?’ croaked Garthel, his eyes fluttering open.

‘I’m going inside, Father,’ said Eiriann.

The old man coughed. ‘I’ll go with you.’

Lorn groaned unhappily. He wanted to stay, but not alone. ‘Sit, Garthel,’ he bade. ‘Sleep some more.’

‘Old men sleep ten minutes a day,’ Garthel quipped, ‘and I’ve just had mine.’

‘Stay if you want,’ said Eiriann to them both. She was about to say more when something behind Lorn caught her eye. ‘Look.’

Lorn turned and saw Gilwyn Toms approaching, unmistakable from his ungainly walk. He gave them each a smile, yet his expression seemed harried. Eiriann lowered her eyes a bit, an act of respect that made Gilwyn uncomfortable.

‘Good evening, Master Toms,’ she said. ‘We were just going inside. .’

‘Wait, please,’ said Gilwyn. He looked at Lorn. ‘Can we talk a moment?’

Lorn nodded, enough of a gesture to dismiss Eiriann and her father, both of whom said polite goodbyes before departing. Gilwyn grimaced at their dismissal, which made Lorn grin. He was not at all used to giving orders, this young regent.

‘I was hoping you’d come,’ said Lorn. He pointed toward Garthel’s chair. ‘Sit.’

Gilwyn took the simple chair, pulling it closer to Lorn’s own so that they faced each other. The muscles of his young face drooped with fatigue.

‘You don’t look good at all,’ Lorn remarked. ‘I heard about your girl White-Eye. I am sorry.’ He waited for Gilwyn to settle back. ‘What happened?’

‘To White-Eye? It’s a long story,’ said Gilwyn. He shifted as though he was hiding something. ‘I’m not sure I can explain it. It’s about the Akari.’

Lorn nodded slightly, encouraging him to continue. He knew very little about the Akari, only what others had told him. It was the Akari that made magic possible here. Gilwyn searched for the right words.

‘You already know about Baron Glass and his armour,’ he said. ‘There’s an Akari in the armour named Kahldris.’

‘A spirit,’ said Lorn. ‘Yes?’

‘That’s right. He inhabits the armour. He’s the one that gives the wearer of the armour strength. I don’t know much about him, really. Minikin won’t talk much about him.’

‘Your friend, the Bronze Knight. He went after this Kahldris.’

‘He must have failed.’ Gilwyn shook his head. ‘Ah, maybe I shouldn’t say that. I don’t know what’s happened to Lukien. But this Kahldris creature, he was the one that attacked White-Eye. He reached her somehow, bewitched her, made her think I was in trouble. He drove her out into the sun. When she finally broke from his spell she was. .’

Gilwyn stopped himself, struggling with the story. Lorn remained quiet.

‘White-Eye can’t go out into the sunlight, you see. It drove her mad with pain.’

‘And that blinded her,’ said Lorn, understanding. It was a horrible tale, and he felt for the girl. ‘This Kahldris is a monster.’

‘He is,’ said Gilwyn, ‘and it’s my fault he went after White-Eye. He was after me, my lord.’

‘You? Why?’

Gilwyn explained the happening, how Kahldris had known of his close relationship with White-Eye, and how he had attacked the girl to hurt him. Lorn listened curiously, surprised by the spirit’s vitriol. It made sense to him that an enemy should attack his foe’s loved ones; he had done the same from time to time.

‘But why you?’ he asked Gilwyn. ‘What does Kahldris hope to gain by harming you?’

‘I don’t know,’ Gilwyn confessed. ‘Minikin doesn’t know either.’

Lorn’s eyes narrowed to slits. ‘And what else?’

‘Eh?’

‘You didn’t come to me just to tell me this story, Gilwyn Toms. There is more you wish to tell me, I can see it in your eyes. Out with it. . what’s your other bad news?’

‘A request.’ Gilwyn leaned closer and lowered his voice. ‘You’re the first person here I’m telling. Minikin and the others in Grimhold already know, but nobody here in Jador. I’m leaving. I’m going after Baron Glass myself.’

Lorn gave a wolfish grin. He was not surprised at all. ‘I guessed as much. It is what a man would do.’

Gilwyn sat back. ‘You mean you approve?’

‘I do. This creature has wronged you. It is right that you should have your vengeance.’ Lorn paused for a moment, considering what he was saying. ‘But. . well, I must say this — you are hardly a warrior. If you do this thing it will be at your peril. It’s a cruel road north, and then you’ll be in Liiria, and Liiria is not the way you left it, Gilwyn Toms.’ He couldn’t help notice the boy’s clubbed hand, which suddenly stood out as if throbbing. ‘You may not be ready for this.’

‘I don’t intend to fight Thorin, my lord. I just want to talk to him, try and make him listen to reason. He cares about me; he always did. When we came south he protected me. He won’t harm me.’

‘You sound so sure of yourself, but I can see the truth in you. Your friend, Baron Glass — did he care so much for you that he stopped this spirit beast from harming White-Eye? Clearly not. What makes you think he is even in control of himself any longer?’

Gilwyn was hesitant. ‘I don’t know.’

‘And this Kahldris? Why did he attack your girl and not you directly?’ Lorn reached out and poked a finger insistently into Gilwyn’s chest. ‘You must think on these things, boy. You must think of every small possibility. Can you not see that this is what the beast wants? It wants you to come. It attacked the kahana to move you forward.’

‘I thought of that,’ said Gilwyn. ‘But why?’

‘Why? How should I know? It’s you the creature wants. Why do you think?’

Gilwyn’s face was blank. ‘I can’t think of anything. I’ve tried. .’

Lorn sighed in anger. ‘You should not go alone. It’s too dangerous. You’re not prepared.’

‘I have to go, and I have to go alone. There’s nobody else I can trust, and besides everyone else is needed here.’

They looked at each other, not saying a word. Between them they knew the choice was obvious. Lorn wondered if that was why Gilwyn had come to him. Suddenly he saw his peaceful life slipping away.

‘Ask me,’ he said, ‘and I won’t refuse you.’

Gilwyn smiled. ‘I know you wouldn’t. But that’s not why I’m here. I don’t want you to come with me, my lord. You have a new life here. You belong here with the others.’

‘Then what?’ Lorn asked, sure there was more. ‘You must want something from me.’

‘I do,’ said Gilwyn. ‘And I don’t ask this lightly. I’ve had time to think, and I think this is the right thing to do. King Lorn, Jador needs someone strong to look after it now. Without me here, the people will need a leader.’

‘And. .?’

‘And you’re the obvious choice.’ Gilwyn waited for Lorn’s reaction. ‘What do you think?’

‘I think you should think again,’ said Lorn. He laughed at the notion. ‘You see? You are too innocent for this world, boy. If you knew me you would never ask such a thing.’

‘But I am asking,’ said Gilwyn. ‘You’re strong enough, and the Jadori respect you. I’m just asking for you to look after them, that’s all. If Prince Aztar comes back or something else happens, the city will need a leader. White-Eye can’t do it.’

‘Then Minikin shall.’

‘No, she can’t do it either,’ said Gilwyn. ‘She’s changed, and this thing with White-Eye has only made it worse. She has too much to deal with, too much responsibility. I don’t know; maybe she’s just getting old.’

‘And what am I?’ Lorn argued. ‘I am old, Gilwyn Toms.’

‘But you’re a king! You know how to run a city, how to defend it if need be, how to feed people. .’

‘Learn your history, boy. Norvor was in famine.’

‘I know all that,’ said Gilwyn. ‘I know they used to call you King Lorn the Wicked. But I don’t believe any of it.’

‘You should.’ Lorn found it hard to look at the earnest boy. ‘It’s all true.’

‘It isn’t,’ insisted Gilwyn. ‘I’ve seen you here, working with the Jadori, helping us all rebuild. I’ve seen you with your daughter, and how tender you are with Eiriann. If you were wicked you would have killed Poppy yourself. They throw children like her into rivers in Norvor, don’t they?’

Lorn nodded, unhappy with this dark practice.

‘But you didn’t toss her into a river. You saved her.’

‘Because she reminds me of my wife,’ said Lorn.

‘So? If she didn’t, would you have killed her? I don’t think so. I don’t really care if others think you’re wicked. I think you’re a good man, and that’s all that matters.’ Gilwyn smiled with cunning. ‘I’m the regent, after all.’

The boy’s faith was remarkable. Just like Eiriann, he was oblivious to Lorn’s unsavoury past. What was it about the young, Lorn wondered, that made them so trusting?

‘You honour me,’ he said. ‘You may think I deserve this honour, but I do not. I was a ruthless king. And I would not do anything different given the chance. I ruled in a time of chaos, you see. If chaos came to Jador, what do you think King Lorn the Wicked would do?’

‘Whatever necessary. I had books in Liiria, my lord. I was educated and I knew all about you and your reign. I know you stole the throne when King Mor died, and I know-’

‘Stop,’ bade Lorn. ‘I did not steal the throne. It was vacant and I took it. It was Jazana Carr who stole the throne, not I.’ Then his countenance softened a bit. ‘But I take your point. So if you know so much about me, then you know what I am, deep in my soul. Not a tyrant or a hero.’

‘Just a man who did his best, I think,’ said Gilwyn. He looked at Lorn imploringly. ‘That’s all I’m asking for, my lord. Someone to look after the city, someone who’ll do his best.’

Lorn couldn’t help but chuckle, for his life had taken such meandering turns. First Eiriann and her companions had trusted him, and now this naive boy. He’d done nothing to warrant such trust, yet it intoxicated him. So did the idea of governing Jador. At last, perhaps, he could right some old wrongs.

‘Very well,’ he agreed. ‘I will look after this city for you, Gilwyn Toms.’

Gilwyn’s face lit. ‘You will?’

‘I will. But you must do something for me.’

‘What?’ asked the boy guardedly.

‘Two things,’ said Lorn. ‘First, you must promise me you will look after yourself, and not leave this task in my hands forever. You will need aid in your journey, so when you reach Ganjor you must find Princess Salina.’

‘The princess? Why?’

‘Because she will help you, as she helped me. You will be exhausted when you cross the desert. She’ll give you rest and food, and probably anything else you’ll need. Ask around in the taverns for a man named Kamag or Dahj; one of them will know where to find Salina. Tell them I sent you.’

‘All right,’ said Gilwyn, a bit suspiciously. ‘What else?’

A sly smile curled Lorn’s lips. ‘I want you to deliver a message for me.’ He stood up, digging his fingers into the pocket of his trousers. There he found his ring of kingship, the only remaining proof of his once lofty station. He never wore the ring any more, yet he always kept it with him, like a charm. He held the ring out for Gilwyn to see.

‘What’s that?’ asked Gilwyn, his eyes becoming saucers.

‘This is my ring of kingship,’ Lorn said. ‘Look, see the seal? It means that I am the rightful King of Norvor.’ He admired the ring for a time. ‘Here, put out your hand,’ he ordered. When Gilwyn hesitated he snapped, ‘Do it.’

The boy obeyed, and into his upturned palm Lorn placed the ring.

‘You’ll be going into the realm of Jazana Carr,’ said Lorn. ‘Your friend, Baron Glass — he’ll be with her, most likely.’

‘No,’ said Gilwyn, almost laughing. ‘I don’t think so.’

‘Boy, you have no idea how treacherous men are. He loved her once. And she has power.’

Gilwyn shook his head. ‘You don’t trust anyone, do you? Thorin’s not like that, my lord.’

‘It doesn’t matter. Even if you’re right, the bitch-queen will still be in your land. If you see her, give this to her.’ Lorn closed Gilwyn’s fingers around the ring. ‘Go and have your vengeance, Gilwyn Toms. Take your revenge on the creature that harmed White-Eye. But take my vengeance with you, too. Tell Jazana Carr that she has not beaten me. Tell her that I yet live, and that someday I’ll be back for her.’

It thrilled Lorn just to say the words. He stared at Gilwyn with icy eyes.

‘Will you do that for me?’

There was fire in Gilwyn’s eyes. He nodded gravely. ‘I will,’ he said. ‘If I see her, I’ll give this ring to her, and your message.’

Lorn swelled with a pride he hadn’t felt in months. ‘Good,’ he declared. ‘And one more thing — tell her not to lose the ring. Someday, it will be mine again.’