They came together then, each taking their place around the oval, Chevelle at my right. It was then, as I stood before them, that I realized this was my first meeting of the guard as Elfreda, Lord of the North. I resisted the urge to run a hand over my face. This was something I had never wanted. I forced myself to stand tall and met the eyes of each of the seven before me. The seven who would enforce my rule, the seven who would give their lives to defend me.
I spoke their names as my gaze connected with each, a tradition that outdated this castle. “Chevelle Vattier.” He was no stranger to the formalities and he stood at his post with confidence. I could almost see the promise in his eyes.
Grey waited to Chevelle’s right. I was lucky to have him. “Grey of Camber.” He gave a small nod in answer.
My eyes followed to Rhys and Rider. I knew little of them, but as I spoke their names they pledged themselves as well.
“Steed Summit.” Steed had gotten involved by chance, or so Ruby would have us believe. But he had proven himself.
“Ruby Summit.” I nearly smiled at the heat radiating from her. I would never know if it was pride at her new station or the idea of all the trouble she could get into here, in the thick of things.
“Reed of Keithar Peak.” Anvil inclined his head, shoulders straight. He, like Chevelle, understood his place at this table and held above all else his duty.
I took a slow, steadying breath and then began as if this were not a monstrous undertaking. “Chevelle tells me he and Steed were successful. However, it seems we have some convincing left to do.” I stopped. Only two of my guard were familiar with castle politics. I had a feeling Ruby would fit right in, but she presented a whole new problem. We were going to have to play this out as Asher would have, and that left a bitter taste in my mouth. “Chevelle has suggested a banquet.” Anvil nodded. The rest of the table sat silent. “A show of power,” I explained.
I deferred to Chevelle then, who outlined the details and responsibilities of each of them. Who should watch which clan leader, who should cover which areas, which signals meant what or who. Everyone had something to imply or a task to do, everyone had their role. Except Ruby.
When Chevelle finished, he glanced at me, a question in his eyes. I nodded grimly, giving him permission.
“Frey has an issue with control.” A snigger escaped from Ruby’s side of the table but my glare cut it short. Chevelle continued. “We will meet each morning to assist in her recovery.”
“Why do we not simply cast–” Anvil’s words were cut short as an intensified version of the glare narrowed on him.
“Again,” I stated as clear and loud as possible without leaving the range of civil, “there will be no use of spells on or near me without absolute necessity.”
Steed raised his hand. It wouldn’t have been funny if I hadn’t spent time in the village, but I had, and it was a struggle not to laugh. Ruby smacked him.
“If you are planning to inquire as to why, don’t,” I warned.
He nodded.
So far, this was nothing like Asher’s meeting of the guards.
I moved on. “The banquet is settled. Is there any news to table?”
Grey spoke up. “There is word of the new council. Whispers of Juniper’s plans have flooded Camber.”
“We have heard such as well,” Rider put in. “It is said she has gathered a following, not only among the villagers, but some of the rogue southern clans.”
“There is no evidence,” I said.
“You’ve seen her cloak,” Anvil said in a decidedly non-confrontational tone.
“She is no longer of Grand Council, what else would she wear?”
They were silent for a moment. I couldn’t help but defend her. Junnie was all the family I had left. She’d given up leadership in Grand Council to protect me, stayed near me in the village. Sure, she had disagreed with what they were doing. They had killed my mother when, by right, she was owed their protection. Junnie took umbrage with their attack on the North, she had suspicions about their plans, but she’d given up everything. Besides, the villages and forests were none of my business. I wasn’t Asher.
I dismissed the subject and the meeting, with a reminder of practice at dawn. As the others left the room, Ruby stopped to examine a book on the wall shelves. I sat at the head of the table, thinking of all to come. My showing at the banquet would have to be severe. Not only did my mere existence as a half-human cause issue, but now rumors of a new council were running rampant. A stronger council to replace that which nearly destroyed the North. Even I had seen Junnie’s sigil. I could not deny the possibility. I would have to assert my rule without doubt tomorrow, despite my differences.
I felt the corner of my mouth pull up.
“Ruby,” I asked, “how would you like to start some trouble?”
Chapter Four
Practice