Return to Kinthaldith

Return to Kinthaldith: Chapter 5

"You?" asked Risser scornfully, "a child of eleven? What would you know of such things?"

"We talked of it often," said Jesh.

"My father would confide such things in his valet?" asked Risser.

"Yes," he said, trying to understand why this would upset Lord Risser. Then, he remembered the tension that had always existed between Lord Demmin and his son. Hadn't he confided his fears to Risser? Suddenly, Jesh was embarrassed, realizing he had just emphasized this schism between father and son in public.

Risser glared at him.

"At first, they wouldn't let me return home," Jesh continued quickly. "Then, as I grew older and saw the danger Kinthaldith was in, I saw a chance to stop it--but for that, I needed their education. So I stayed and went to college."

"Without consulting us?" asked Risser.

It was true. Jesh could have contacted them at that point but didn't. He was afraid they'd insist he come home, and he doubted Prenth would have let him at that point.

"I am no traitor, My Lady," he addressed Lady Tireth, hoping she would see reason. "The Prenth wish to take over Kinthaldith and rule it themselves. We have a chance to stop them. I thought you would value this knowledge."

"Then you thought wrong," said Lord Risser, and he came a few steps closer. "You will die--today, immediately. That is my decision." He looked over at Lady Tireth.

"Execution?" she asked, getting out of her seat and approaching where Jesh and Risser stood. "You are certain? That is your decree?"

Jesh thought he saw doubt flicker across Risser's face for just a moment, but it quickly disappeared. "Yes," Risser said firmly. Jesh watched Lady Tireth intently, hoping she would overturn the judgment.

"So be it," she said quietly, at last.

Just like that. Jesh sank to his knees, overwhelmed. The decision stunned him--made so quickly, with no evidence. All his preparations were for nothing. It felt unreal. Jesh was scarcely aware of Lady Tireth as she walked around him, studying him.

Suddenly, Jesh remembered the wristband transmitter that Grayan had given him. His hands weren't bound. All he had to do was flip it open and push the button. Grayan had said he would come for Jesh. Almost he did it, but his rational mind stopped him. It would take time for Grayan's ship to arrive--hours or longer. By then, he would be dead, and the Prenth would discover they had killed him. They could retaliate, perhaps start a war. This would only help Grayan's cause against Kinthaldith--and Jesh would still be dead.

The ancient Lady completed her circuit around Jesh. "However," she said thoughtfully, "Jesh might be right. He has certain knowledge which may be valuable."

Jesh looked up at her, not daring to breathe. Risser also looked over at her.

"I will postpone his execution," she said.

"How long?" demanded the lord, upset.

"Indefinitely--until we can question him more on the subject."

Risser looked chagrined but struggled to control his anger. Jesh felt relief; perhaps he hadn't failed.

"I do not want him in my house. I don't trust him," insisted Risser.

At this, Lady Tireth looked thoughtful as though she could be persuaded. "Perhaps he would take an oath that he will not attempt to harm you--or forfeit his life."

It was a way out. Lady Tireth was trying to save him; he dared to hope.

Risser stared at her, calculating, and then he looked at Jesh. "I don't want him contaminating this House with his ideas. Perhaps if he also swears not to speak of Prenth matters, except to you and me, and also if he promises not to attempt to escape--or forfeit his life--then I would be willing to wait a little while."

Jesh stared at Risser. Not to speak of the Prenth to anyone? His whole purpose in coming here was to warn anyone who would listen. Then again, he'd still be alive and able to discuss it with Lord Risser and Lady Tireth.

"Yes," said Jesh, realizing they were waiting for a response. Life. He had to choose that.

"Swear it then," said Risser.

"I swear I will not attempt to harm Lord Risser'toranth or any member of the Hasson household. I swear that I will not attempt to escape, nor will I speak of the things of Prenth with anyone but Lord Risser'toranth and Lady Tirethdarra." He was careful to pronounce their full names, remembering yesterday.

"Or forfeit my life," emphasized Risser.

"Or forfeit my life," said Jesh.

Risser nodded with satisfaction.

"What will you do with him?" asked Lady Tireth.

The young lord looked at Jesh thoughtfully. "Send him to the stables. He can do little harm there, and the environment might suit him." His eyes held a little amusement and a slight look of anticipation that made Jesh uncomfortable, as though the Heir had something planned.

"Very well," said Lady Tireth, her face unreadable.

It felt like defeat, but at least Jesh would live. Then Lady Tireth nodded at Jesh slightly, and he thought he saw a little of the old warmth in her eyes- the Lady Tireth that he had known long ago. He nodded back.

At the end of the meeting, Jesh stood up. Risser looked Jesh over again, then left the room without a word.

It disturbed Jesh that Risser gave in so quickly. It occurred to Jesh that Risser now had three instances in which he could kill Jesh if he broke his oath. Was that what he had planned--to push Jesh into some rash action? The hardest would be to keep silent about the Prent. As they led Jesh from the room, he vowed that Risser would not catch him breaking his word.

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