The Case of the Commandery Princess and the Prime Minister’s Narrow Escape
Chapter 15-1
The Sura Clan was generous when they decided to be gracious. Raithion could not complain about the quiet, neat rooms assigned to Haedor, Sharian, and Dain. The food was served in a bright dining room on the east side of the building. The platters of food were brought in by two young men who were kind with their greetings but remained tight-lipped about the island.
“I tried to ask how the rest of the island is doing,” Haedor said to Raithion when Raithion came downstairs for a meal.
Yulin was in a restless sleep, his temperature controlled though still burning. Lasma had urged Raithion to eat and freshen up.
When Raithion came downstairs, it was to find Haedor, Sharian, and Dain enjoying a hot meal in the quiet dining hall.
“What about Azula?” Raithion asked, looking around the empty dining hall.
“His sister came in with him earlier in the evening,” Haedor said. “It turns out the one named Magnus is Prince Azula’s Godfather. The moment Azula asked people to assign us rooms and prepare meals, they had a small meeting in one of the backrooms. Then a team of four soldiers was assigned to the building, and they left.”
Raithion nodded and sipped the delicious tea that had come with their food. The liquid warmed him up deep inside. The gnawing worry that had plagued him since Yulin’s poisoning had eased. The tension in his shoulders eased.
“They’ll watch us for a period,” Raithion said. “It is expected.”
“How is Prince Yulin?” Sharian asked. “Is the antidote working?”
“It has,” Raithion nodded. “Lasma knows what she is doing and has communicated everything she has done without hesitation. She wants Yulin to sweat out lingering toxins. She is feeding him herbal medicine made with ginger, lemon balm, and peppermint to help him break the fever. I’m trusting her judgment. We won’t know Yulin’s true condition until morning. Try to keep the peace for now.”
“I will,” Haedor said, sitting back in his chair and crossing his arms. He looked out the window, which had a beautiful view of a bright garden. “This place makes me want to rest and relax. It’s very peaceful.”
“Then, let’s take it as a period of rest,” Dain suggested as he looked around.
“Let’s,” Sharian agreed.
“What about Princess Skye?” Haedor asked, bringing up Yulin’s little sister.
“Let her stay with the nanny on the ship for now,” Raithion said. “Have them send in daily reports for now.”
“Okay,” Haedor said.
Raithion finished his tea and stood. “I’ll return to Yulin now. Have a good rest, you three.”
“You too, Lord Raith,” they all called out.
Raithion returned to Yulin’s room with light steps. The door was open, and the gas light mounted on the walls turned low. Yulin lay on the bed covered with a warm wool blanket. He was clean and dressed in a simple white tunic. Raithion had helped Lasma get him into comfortable trousers and socks after his bath earlier. He was sleeping, and as Raithion sat on the side of the bed, he was glad to feel his hands were no longer deathly cold but warm. His cheeks were not so pale but flushed with pink. Raithion pressed the palm of his right hand to Yulin’s forehead, and almost smiled when he felt the temperature was no longer so burning hot as earlier. It was cooling, though it still needed to drop a bit further. Yulin’s breathing was no longer so shallow that he needed to lean to feel it. He was breathing normally, as he would in deep sleep.
Raithion closed his eyes and said a thankful prayer to the maker. He had no idea what he would have done had Yulin died; the tragedy was too large to be considered. Thanking the power beyond for the grace of Yulin’s life, he settled in for a night of watching over Yulin.
Yulin woke up the next morning with a small sound.
Raithion sat up and watched his son rub his eyes with a lazy, stretching motion, before he sat up and opened his eyes.
“Papa, I want to go to the toilet,” Yulin said when he saw him.
Raithion broke into a laugh that brought Alvas rushing into the room to check on him.
“He’s awake!” Raithion said, standing up to lift Yulin. He pressed his palm to Yulin’s forehead and was glad to discover his temperature was normal. “He’s fine.”
“Thank goodness,” Alvas said.
“Papa, I really need to go to the toilet,” Yulin said, leaning his head on Raithion’s shoulder, clutching Raithion’s shirt tight, tugging it to show his urgency.
“Okay,” Raithion said, elated, squeezing Yulin tight as he turned to the door. “Your Papa will take you to the toilet.”
Alvas chuckled and led him out of the room to show them where Yulin could go to the toilet.
An hour later, Raithion watched Lasma check Yulin’s pulse. She sat in silence, her fingers on Yulin’s left wrist. Then she made the boy open his mouth, she checked his mouth, his eyes, and finally his temperature.
“Alright, the antidote has worked,” Lasma said. “We now need to nourish his health, get him strong again. I’ll ask that you stay for five days to ensure he’s out of the worst of it and no infections start in his weakened state. He’ll take crushed amla fruits mixed with warm water and honey in the morning, and a soup made with astragalus root every lunch. I’ll make the soup for him as the dosage needs absolute control for a boy his age. If he can get out of bed to play, I’ll hand him over to you, and you can go home.”
Raithion smiled and winked at Yulin, who looked at him with bright, excited eyes at the prospect of going home.
“Thank you, Lasma,” Raithion said, as she covered Yulin’s hand with the blanket. “You have saved my son.”
“I’ll take your thanks and urge you not to feel so indebted,” Lasma said, touching Yulin’s mink black hair. It was long to his shoulders and currently unruly after washing up this morning. Lasma turned to Alvas, who stood a few feet away. “Get me a comb from the worktable drawers.”
Alvas hurried to the table and retrieved a simple wooden comb. She handed it to Lasma, who turned to Raithion seeking permission.
Raithion nodded, and she got up, adjusting the pillows for Yulin.
“Sweet boy, you’ve walked through an ordeal,” Lasma said, as she touched Yulin’s cheek gently. “You’re very brave. On our island, elders wish the young ones a brighter future by adding braids in their hair. I see you don’t have them, so I’ll add one, and Alvas will add one for you. Okay, Yulin?”
Yulin looked up at her and nodded. She smiled and started brushing his hair carefully. Then she sectioned a small part of his left temple and started braiding it. When she was done, she moved away, and Alvas combed the rest of Yulin’s hair straight back, smoothing the strands away from his face. Her motions were just as gentle.
Then Alvas sectioned off a small piece at his right temple and braided it. She secured the ends of both braids with small gold clamps from her apron pocket, then brought the two delicate side braids to meet at the center. She fastened them together with a third small gold clip, which held the braids firmly in place and controlled the hair to keep the entire style neat and secure. Yulin now looked very cute and neat.
Alvas stroked Yulin’s cheek. “You’re a very brave boy. May you grow stronger. As strong as your father.”
She stepped back, and Lasma nodded to Raithion.
“We made a temporary decision last night. Your people are free to move around this building and its gardens,” Lasma said. “You can use the route we used to get here to visit the beach, but don’t wander to the rest of the island before Prince Azula and the council meet with you. Everything is arranged for you here: food, clothing, if you need it. You can also return to your ship if you so wish. The guard stationed by Prince Azula will remain on the beach where you landed to keep watch. Please don’t antagonize them. We all hope this can be a peaceful process.”
“Thank you for the hospitality,” Raithion said, standing up. “I’ll make sure my people know to follow your rules.”
Lasma held his gaze for a moment, as though judging the weight of his promise, then she nodded and headed out. “Don’t forget to eat, Raith. Take care of your health. I don’t want to add a patient after I cured the first one.”
Raithion smiled at her care as she and Alvas left, and he turned his gaze to Yulin. Yulin looked up at him, and he was surprised to find that the braids on Yulin’s hair looked similar to the ones Azula had once had in his hair years ago.
“How is it, Papa?” Yulin asked, reaching up to touch the braids. “Did Lasma and Alvas do a good job?”
“Yes. It looks good,” Raithion said, patting Yulin’s head. “Next time you see them, call them Grandma Lasma and Grandma Alvas. They are like your Grandma at home.”
“Okay,” Yulin said with a small nod. “When can we go back to see Grandma again? I miss her.”
“Grandma Lasma says we can go back in five days,” Raithion said, taking Yulin’s hand. “You just got over the worst of the pain. We need to nourish your body so that you can be strong to run after Haedor again.”
“Where is Uncle Haedor?” Yulin asked.
“Probably sleeping,” Raithion guessed. “Are you tired? Do you want to rest for a while before your breakfast comes?”
“No, don’t want to sleep. Can you tell me a story like Mama used to?” Yulin asked, his voice soft. “I miss her.”
Raithion let out a soft breath at the mention of Naeri. Shifting on the bed until he sat next to Yulin, he pulled his son into his arms and searched his memory for the stories Silveren used to tell him when he was a boy. He held Yulin’s hand tight and started a story about a pirate sailing the unknown oceans.
****
Five days passed by too fast.
Raithion spent his time with Yulin, who had grown stronger through each day. He could now get out of bed and walk around the healing center, though he still got tired and needed more rest than he was used to.
“Lord Raith, I’ve brought you a tray,” Haedor said, entering Yulin’s room. He carried a tray laden with a delicious bowl filled with fragrant wild rice porridge, slices of grilled chicken, and a plate with roasted vegetables, along with a kettle filled with steaming tea. Haedor placed the tray on the writing table they had placed near the windows for Raithion’s use.
Raithion helped Yulin drink the last of his amla tea and then wiped his mouth with a soft handkerchief.
“Are you used to the taste?” Raithion asked Yulin, who sat leaning on the pillows dressed in a black tunic, a warm jacket, and black trousers brought by Alise. His hair still had the braids Lasma and Alvas had given him. His cheeks were flushed with color, and his green eyes were bright as rain as they met Raithion’s gaze.
“It’s good, but I hope I don’t have to take it anymore,” Yulin said. “I’ve had enough. I want the sweet milk tea Grandma makes at home.”
Raithion chuckled and nodded. “Okay, we’ll see if you can go back to drinking your favorite milk tea soon. Rest for a bit before you rush out of here. Grandma Lasma still needs to check your pulse.”
“Will she bring the sweet berries she brought last time?” Yulin asked.
“Maybe,” Raithion said.
“I hope she remembers,” Yulin said with a happy smile. “I like them.”
“You like anything sweet,’ Raithion said, kissing his forehead.
“I’ll sit with him, Lord Raith,” Sharian said, standing on the other side of the bed. “You need to eat to keep up your strength.”
Raithion squeezed Yulin’s left hand, rubbing his own warmth into his son’s hands. It had grown into a habit, a shadow of the harrowing hours he had spent hoping for Yulin’s good health. His heart ached at the memory, though seeing Yulin smile widely at Sharian eased the ache.
Raithion carried the empty bowl of medicine to the worktable. He washed his hands there and returned to the writing desk, where Haedor was arranging their plates of food.
“I haven’t seen Prince Azula in the last few days,” Haedor said as Raithion settled into the seat.
“I heard one of the soldiers at the beach say there are visitors who have arrived on the island. He’s probably dealing with them,” Sharian said from the bed where he was playing hand games with Yulin.
“Did you eat?” Raithion asked Sharian.
“Yes,” Sharian said. “The kitchen team cooks early, and they had laid out a very delicious meal in the dining hall. They always have food available in the kitchen when I need it, so I’m full these days. This morning, I had a meal with Dain before he hurried to the ship to take the herbs Alvas gave him yesterday. He’s afraid he’ll leave them here if we have to leave in a hurry.”
“That’s already a miracle that you’re full,” Haedor teased Sharian. “You’re an endless pit we can’t satisfy usually.”
Sharian chuckled and ignored his teasing.
“Any news from the ship?” Raithion asked. “How is Skye?”
“All is well,” Haedor said. “Dain will come back with any messages that may have been sent from the mainland.”
“Now that Yulin is doing better,” Raithion said. “We need to repay the Sura Clan’s kindness.”
“I don’t know how, when no one will approach us,” Haedor said. “Prince Azula was to find you along with his council, but there has been no sign of him. Where do we start?”
“I’ll ask Lasma when she comes to give Yulin the last of the soup she’s been making for him at lunch,” Raithion said. “In any case, it is time to pay our dues for the antidote.”
Haedor nodded in understanding and then poured Raithion a full cup of tea.
“Have breakfast first,” Haedor urged.
Yulin laughed, and Raithion turned to look at his son and Sharian playing on the bed. He took in a deep, relieved breath and focused on having breakfast.
As he ate, Raithion could not help wondering how he was going to start a negotiation with Azula Doriel. His handsome Sura Prince had refused to see him for five days. Where was he hiding?
*****
Sunlight danced across the shimmering turquoise waters of Port Marius, where a fleet of fishing boats bobbed in a rhythmic lullaby against the docks. The fishing boats belonged to locals and took up one side of the pier, while the other was filled with visiting ships.
A whitewashed building stood at the dock’s entry point. The Sura soldiers used it to register all visitors who came to the island, and the shipping team used it to track all goods that entered and exited.
Beyond the building, a road opened into a port town that had grown significantly in the past three years, filled with sun-bleached villas with terracotta roofs built into the emerald hillside. The fronts of the villas housed shops, restaurants, and inns, creating a bustling commercial atmosphere.
On a small path leading to where the fishermen docked, men and women had laid out their wares for sale in a vibrant sprawl of market umbrellas. The scent of brine, roasted garlic, and grilled delicacies drifted through the air, welcoming every traveler to the coastal sanctuary.
Azula walked along a cobbled path to a large black gate on the hillside of Port Marius. The gatekeeper opened the door when he saw him and nodded. It was eight in the morning, so Azula clasped his hands behind his back and strolled among the large earthenware pots, filled with growing flowers and trees in the yard.
The main house ahead was a two-story villa. The head of the family had lived in the Nerasa Kingdom for a year, training in clay works, before he returned to the island to start a pottery business. The family name was Gallea. The only son, Valnor, was thirty-eight this year.
A stroke of fate struck as the land the Gallea ancestors left their son contained a hidden cave with kaolinite: a soft, earthy white mineral that was perfect for making pottery. When Valnor returned to Sura Island, he was one of the people Azula had supported, helping him build two kilns: one for high-fired wares and the other for low-fired wares, such as everyday earthenware.
The pottery production had its ups and downs at the start. After all, Valnor was one man, and he had needed skilled labor that did not yet exist on the island. He needed to train and find talent on the island. However, in the past three years, the workshop at the back had grown into a lucrative enterprise that Azula valued as highly as his metal workshop hidden in the mountain.
Azula did not go to the front door of the villa. Instead, he took a side path that led to the busy workshop at the back. There, Valnor was already hard at work, helping his workers package high-fired vases that had been ordered by the Nerasa Kingdom’s court into large wooden crates.
Valnor noticed Azula first and left the crate to his assistant to run to him.
“Prince Azula, you’re here so early,” Valnor said, taking his hand when he offered it. “What brings you here? You could have written a note, and I would have met you at the prince’s manor.”
“No need,” Azula said with a smile, following Valnor to the packing worktables. “I wanted to see how you’re getting on. This order may seem simple, but it is very important for General Pearcliff. I wanted to ask you to add an extra five vases. I’ll cover the cost of them, just in case.”
“I’ve already arranged ten extra vases at no cost to you, Prince Azu,” Valnor said. “I know what it is like to ship these things to the Nerasa Kingdom. Luckily, he is using a veteran captain. Otherwise, I would be worried he would sink the shipment at the dock.”
Azula chuckled at the reference to his first trip to the Nerasa Kingdom. Yes, he had become an example to avoid when approaching their waters.
“I’m relieved,” Azula said, watching as two men nailed shut a crate filled with two vases resting on thick beds of straw and wrapped in rough white paper. “I’ll send three carriages from the manor to help you transport the crates to the Nerasa ship.”
“Thank you, Prince Azu,” Valnor said. “Come, I have a gift for you. I’ve been meaning to send it to the manor, but this order has taken up my time.”
Azula followed Valnor through the packaging section, walking through double doors that were propped open to allow air circulation. The inner workshop had ten potters working at their tables, each specializing in different orders: creating cutlery, basins, or large vases depending on the workshop’s needs. Azula did not disturb them; it was intensive work, and he knew they earned their living based on the number of wares they created. They barely spared him a glance. There was another hidden section of the workshop where potters created sinks and toilet bowls. However, that production was deep in the property.
Valnor opened a single door on the other end of the workshop, and they entered a large yard where workers were cutting firewood. Valnor’s requirement for fuel was high, so he practically ran a firewood business on the side.
Azula waved his hands at the workers, who greeted him with enthusiasm.
“They still haven’t forgotten that the last time you were here, you brought them a feast to celebrate their hard work,” Valnor said as he led the way to a building attached to the villa. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a key to open the lock. Valnor waited for Azula to enter before he followed and locked the door behind them.
Inside the building were shelves of finished pottery, ranging from common products to expensive wares. Valnor walked to a small table where a red wooden box sat. He opened the lid and smiled at Azula, who came to stand next to him.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever told you, but your support the year we returned to Sura Island helped my family survive,” Valnor said. “My wife lost family in Lyria, and she was barely functioning when we returned. My oldest daughter had to help with the house. Then, I had to go to Nerasa and leave them alone. She said your family held up the sky, bringing us grain and eggs to eat when we had nothing. Then you helped me build this place when I came back.”
“It was my duty,” Azula said, placing a hand on Valnor’s shoulder. “I’m happy your family is doing better now. Your wife has opened a shop at the port where she sells your wares, and I see your daughter there helping. All is well now, Valnor.”
“Yes, thanks to you,” Valnor said, lifting a beautiful white vase with a red rose bush drawn in a vibrant splash on the side. “This is a gift for you. My daughter has been trying her hand at painting the high-fired wares. What do you think?”
Azula took the vase with a wide smile. He walked to a window and lifted it to the light to see through the fine, translucent porcelain. The rose bush, with its blooming red roses, was like a splash of color on a clear canvas.
“It’s splendid!” Azula grinned as he admired the piece. “How many of these can you make?”
“That one is yours and is one of a kind,” Valnor said with a laugh. “The painting process requires a steady hand, and for now, my daughter is the only one who has managed such a beautiful base. The rest can only be sold for daily use.”
“Ah,” Azula nodded and returned the vase to Valnor, who placed it back in the red box. “Then I’ll take this treasure and show it off to everyone who cares to see. I’ll be happy to send you potential clients when I meet them. Perhaps you can make them as a special order.”
“We will,” Valnor said with a happy nod. “Are you hungry? There is breakfast in the main house. You’re here so early. Please, allow me to offer you some tea.”
Azula grinned. “I’d love that very much. We can plan how to get the carriages here so that they can reach the Nerasa ship.”
Azula spent most of his morning with Valnor. In the hour before lunch, he boarded a carriage with Wolfe and Sennin, leading the way for the three carriages carrying Valnor’s precious vases. They arrived at the dock and stopped where the Nerasa ship was moored. Senin went to get one of the dock soldiers to count and record the vases being boarded onto the ship.
Azula stood to the side, watching the Nerasa workers collaborate with Valnor’s team to ensure the vases were carried inside with care.
“How is it going on the other side of the island?” Azula asked Wolfe.
“It is quiet,” Wolfe said. “The team we have watching the Lyrians says there have been no major movements. The men the Draeya Prince brought occasionally return to the ship to check on things and always return without adding new people. Princess Alise asked me to tell you that you’ll need to formally meet the Draeya Prince soon. It has been five days on the island, and his son is now healed.”
“I suppose,” Azula said with a sigh. He had kept away from the Healer’s Cove because he had no idea how to proceed. There was so much to discuss, to discover, to fight over. Shaking his head, he started to return to his carriage, but Wolfe stopped him with a hand on his arm.
Azula followed his gaze when Wolfe nodded toward the Nerasa ship.
Trevan Pearcliff was walking down, dressed in a simple white tunic, dark trousers, and knee-length boots. His long blonde hair was held in a tight ponytail. He smiled widely as he waved at Azula.
Azula nodded to Wolfe and changed direction to meet Trevan.
“I thought you would be on your ship for lunch,” Azula said. “We finished our business yesterday.”
“The men said you brought the shipment personally,” Trevan said as they started walking along the cobbled path. “I had to come out and talk to you. You’ve been all business these last few days. Now that we’ve finished our business, as you say, I can ask a personal question. Why are you so preoccupied, Azu?”
“I’m not,” Azula protested, glancing at him with a frown. Trevan chuckled.
“You are, too,” Trevan said. “I would say you’ve met a problem you can’t solve, but I don’t think that’s right. Any problems regarding things that can be moved, you’ve solved. So, I think you’ve met something that is bothering your soul.”
“My soul?” Azula could not help but chuckle, too. “Trevan, you’re too much. What could bother my soul, other than you carrying on this ridiculous conversation?”
“Ridiculous or not, I think your heart is disturbed,” Trevan said. “Which makes me wonder who or what has that kind of power. And… also disappointed because I’m not the one who has such power, as I’d hoped.”
Azula stopped to look at Trevan. He thought about his mother’s comment that Trevan was in love with him, and he took a deep breath, looking away. He saw that Wolfe had joined Senin, and they were quite alone.
“Trevan,” Azula started.
“Don’t say anything,” Trevan said. “I’ve sensed your heart is closed to me for a long time. I don’t think you’re willing to return to the Nerasa Kingdom and live with me, where I can change your heart. I know you belong here on Sura Island, fighting for your people. Still, I can’t say I’m not disappointed that I could never get you to give me a pensive look just because I walked by.”
“I had no time,” Azula said honestly. “I’ve been consumed with making sure the clan is safe and stable. I’ve not thought beyond that. I’m sorry if my lack of attention has caused you pain, Trevan.”
Trevan sighed and wiped a hand down his face. “I don’t know what’s worse: you not knowing I liked you, or you apologizing to me for not having even a flicker of affection.”
“I do like you—as a friend.”
Trevan pressed a hand to Azula’s lips and shook his head. “Stop. That one is no good either. Oh, Azula Doriel. Walk with me for a minute.”
Trevan dropped his hand away, gave Azula a wistful look, then turned away.
Azula watched as Trevan started walking along the path again, his hands in his pockets. He followed because Trevan looked like he was thinking through something, and as always, he did not have to wait too long before Trevan spoke again.
“I have a solution for your Lyrian problem,” Trevan said. “The court in Nerasa does not want to claim Sura Island. We are occupied with our neighbors and have no time to seek ownership of this island. In time, though, if the island remains without clear ownership, the emperor is happy to take your island as a vassal state.”
“That would mean our money is no longer the Lyrian denari but the Nerasa Kingdom’s gold,” Azula said.
“Yes, among other requests,” Trevan said. “The negotiation would include access to the Lyria Kingdom, which would place your people in a conundrum. I know most of them had relatives in the Lyria Kingdom: relatives who still live there, where you have many unresolved issues. So, I hope you take my solution to heart. I don’t want our kingdom to fight over this island. You should find a solution with the dragon you know, rather than try to negotiate with our Nerasa Kingdom.”
“I’ve come to this conclusion, too,” Azula agreed.
“Then, I have a gift for you. I’ll give you an agreement that was drafted by my father, the Prime Minister. He said you can read the terms and decide what to negotiate before the emperor thinks too hard about what should happen to your island. This is in case your people decide to join Nerasa,” Trevan said. “Meanwhile, you can take this agreement to the Lyrian Basileus and use it to negotiate for Sura Island.”
Azula stopped, staring at Trevan. “If I take the agreement to Lyria, it will place you in an awkward position, Trevan. Aren’t you worried about taking your father’s position in time?”
“No,” Trevan said. “I’m content fighting to keep the Nerasa Kingdom safe as a general. I’m not interested in the complicated political web at court. Besides, Sura Island is too far for them to find and conquer. We have a contentious war with a state in the east of our kingdom, and the emperor is more concerned with conquering there than with your small island.”
“Or so you’ve made the Nerasa courtiers think,” Azula said with a wide smile.
“My political clout is useful for something,” Trevan said, facing Azula. “It gives you time to resolve your grievances with the Lyria Kingdom. I hope you’re able to clear your father’s name and gain the right to braid your hair again.”
Azula stared at Trevan, and because he was grateful, he stepped forward and hugged him tight. Trevan was surprised by the hug, and before he could fully wrap his arms around Azula, Azula stepped back.
“Thank you, Trevan. It was my luck to meet you on that beach the way I did,” Azula said.
“I thought it was my luck,” Trevan said, as Azula started walking again and he followed. “You saved my life.”
“I did,” Azula agreed. “But so did you, save mine and my clan. Tonight, I can only thank you with a bonfire. Are you willing?”
Trevan laughed. “I’m always willing. Sura Clan bonfires come with the most delicious grilled meat.”
“Then I’ll feed you a whole goat until you’re full,” Azula declared. “Come on, we’ll take a carriage to the manor and tell Alvas the good news.”
“What good news?” Trevan asked.
“That she has to get people to cook a large goat for your crew,” Azula said with a mischievous laugh, making Trevan shake his head.
“You’re just getting me in trouble,” Trevan said. “Your Alvas is as scary as Alise. I’m not coming with you.”
“You so are,” Azula said, reaching for Trevan’s hand and leading him to the carriage.
****
At mid-afternoon, the gardens around the Healer’s Cove were awash with bright sun, the flowers heavy with perfume.
Raithion sat on a low chair on the terrace, watching Sharian and Haedor walk around the garden with Yulin. They each held one of Yulin’s hands, keeping their pace slow as they tried to get him to exercise.
“He will recover,” Dain said, his tone full of relief. “I was really scared I would fail you, Lord Raith.”
“I was terrified I would fail him,” Raithion said, crossing his arms against his chest. “As his father, I have too many faults. I’m happy he has given me a chance to be a better one to him.”
“And Princess Skye,” Dain said.
“Yes,” Raithion said with a nod, thinking of the little girl still on the ship.
They still did not have permission from the Sura council to add more people to the island. It was just as well; he did not want to risk his daughter in case there was a dispute.
“Will you return to the palace after this?” Dain asked.
“I don’t want to,” Raithion said truthfully. “I talked to my father, and he said I could return to Draeya County and spend time at the family estate for a period. I think it is where Yulin and Skye belong, instead of the capital. What about you, Dain? Do you want to visit Draeya County with me? Or would you rather return to Genad?”
“Are you kidding me? I want to visit Draeya with you,” Dain said with a wide grin. “On my own, I could never have traveled to Sura Island. You’ve really opened my world, Lord Raith. I hope I get to see even more new scenes. Plus, thanks to our stay here, I’ve collected so many new herbs and learned new techniques from Lady Lasma. I can’t wait to discover what you’re hiding in Draeya. Life is so calm out here.”
Raithion grinned and shook his head. “Life is always quite calm out of the capital city. I prefer it.”
“You’re the Basilinna’s brother,” Dain reminded him. “I don’t think you get the choice to ignore the capital.”
Raithion made a face at him and would have retorted, but then Alise came around the terrace and stopped a few feet away.
Alise looked different this afternoon. She was dressed more formally in a beautiful dark blue dress decorated with intricate lace designs on the high collar, long sleeves, and long skirt. She wore steady black boots, and her hair was braided tightly with gold pins holding it in place. She smiled at Raithion when he stood up and approached her.
“Draeya Prince, sorry to interrupt your quiet afternoon,” Alise said. “How is Yulin doing?”
“He is well; his health has improved thanks to Lady Lasma,” Raithion said with a smile. “I’m very grateful to your people for helping him.”
“Then that is good news,” Alise said. “I have no other way but to jump right in. Our island has many grievances with the Lyria Kingdom, none of which can be easily resolved. Do we agree?”
“Yes,” Raithion said.
“If you’re on this island, it is because you had a solution to these grievances that requires a negotiation,” Alise said, holding his gaze.
Raithion looked into her green eyes, so different from Azula’s and yet similar, and nodded.
“Yes, I had a solution, but it may require considerable risk.”
“Of course,” Alise said with a nod. “If it is what I think, I also believe the solution is very risky. But I don’t have to undertake the risk; it will be my brother. Prince Azula has a past with you that has left him unable to start a conversation. I want to help him and you.”
Raithion shifted to look at Yulin, who was laughing at something Haedor had said. He returned his attention to Alise and nodded.
“I’ll do anything you want me to,” Raithion said.
“That’s good news,” Alise said. “I’ve brought a carriage with me. I would like your party to move to the Prince’s Manor. We are hosting a bonfire party this evening, which provides you with a great opportunity to meet our council members before you present your risky solution to them in a council meeting. Are you willing?”
Raithion studied her for a minute. “I’m willing, but I have a request.”
“What request?” Alise asked.
“Can Yulin return to the ship?” Raithion asked. “He is innocent, after all.”
“Certainly,” Alise said. “Protect your child as you see fit, Draeya Prince. We can drop off the ones you want to see off at the dock before we head to the Prince’s Manor.”
“I thank you,” Raithion said.
“I’ll wait for you outside,” Alise said, then nodded and turned to leave.
Raithion watched her walk away and felt his blood sing with excitement. He had always known she would be the one to open the door for negotiations. He hurried back to talk to Dain and Haedor. They returned to the room to pack up the meager belongings they had brought.
“I’ll go back with Yulin and Sharian,” Dain said. “I have the prescriptions Lady Lasma gave us to nourish Yulin’s health from now on. I’ll share them with the ship’s healer, and we’ll wait for you to return.”
“That frees me to go with you,” Haedor said to Raithion. “Do you think there will be trouble?”
“I don’t think so,” Raithion said. “As long as our legion officers remain on the ship, there should be no trouble.”
“I don’t like it,” Haedor said, shaking his head as they left Yulin’s room.
Raithion held his son tight, happy the boy was lively enough to think they were going on a new adventure.
“Well, you’re going with Lord Raith; keep him safe,” Dain said as they got outside the Healer’s Cove to find two carriages waiting.
Alise was not alone; she had three soldiers with her.
One of the soldiers opened the side doors of the second large black carriage, which reminded Raithion of the carriage he had taken with Azula five years ago. The inside was much more comfortable than the one he had used then. The benches were covered with high-quality leather, and intricate wood paneling on the sides contributed to weatherproofing. The windows had glass and a curtain that was pulled open. The interior was quite spacious; it could fit all three of them plus Yulin with no trouble.
Alise stopped at the open carriage door.
“I’ll follow behind you. The driver knows what to do,” Alise said.
The soldier closed the door, and Raithion settled Yulin on his lap. The carriage started moving, and they all braced for the physical strain of the ride, but there was no such thing. The ride was smooth; it felt like they were sitting on a smooth, gliding car with no jolts.
“I feel like Basileus Dio,” Dain said with a wide grin. “This must be what he feels like when he rides in his carriage.”
Haedor chuckled and patted the bench. “The Sura always did have the best things.”
They arrived at the dock faster than Raithion anticipated.
Dain and Sharian climbed out of the carriage when the soldiers opened the door.
Raithion kissed Yulin’s cheek.
“Yulin, you go to the ship with Uncle Dain and Sharian. I need to thank Lady Lasma for taking care of you. Then I’ll come back to be with you,” Raithion said. “Okay?”
“Will you be gone a long time?” Yulin asked, clutching Raithion’s black shirt.
“No,” Raithion said. “I’ll hurry back to the ship before you start to miss me. I promise. Be a good boy and don’t cause trouble for Uncle Dain. Okay?”
“Okay,” Yulin said, then pressed a kiss on Raithion’s cheek with a wide smile. “Hurry back, Papa.”
“I will,” Raithion said, then handed the boy to Dain, who was waiting. “See you soon, Yulin.”
“See you soon,” Yulin said, waving his hand. “See you, Uncle Haedor.”
“See you,” Haedor said, waving his hand.
The carriage waited for Dain, Sharian, and Yulin to hurry out of sight, heading to the boat that would take them back to the ship, before it started moving.
“I’m kind of excited,” Haedor said, moving so that he could look out the window. “I’ve never seen what Sura Island looks like. If the Healer’s Cove is just a small part of it, the rest must be amazing.”
“Probably,” Raithion said, also moving the curtains so that he could look out.
At first, there were just tall trees along the road, and in the distance, the shadow of the Sura Mountain. But the deeper they went into the island, the roads became wider and smoother, and the villages more dense and picturesque. They drove by a school where students were running out of the compound with excited energy, then they passed by a neat open market with traders selling vegetables under bright umbrellas and open shops built with stone, which were selling fabric and household items among other things.
Soon, they were in the middle of a small city where the streets were bustling, and more black carriages filled the roads.
“Wow,” Haedor said as they drove by an ornate blue carriage parked in a square with a crowd of young Sura teenagers standing around it as a beautiful singer stood on top of the fancy carriage, singing and dancing her heart out. “It’s no different from Genad City.”
Raithion chuckled as they left the enthusiastic teenagers behind. The carriage came to a stop at an intersection, and Raithion’s eyes widened as they saw a majestic, large, round building with a domed roof and white walls. It looked like the center of administrative responsibilities. There was a massive, coiled horn forged with bronze sitting on a stone pedestal outside the round building. The surface of the horn was carved with traditional Sura clan tribal signs, and a signboard at the front of the building called it simply the Village Hall.
As they passed the Village Hall, Raithion saw another building similar to the Healer’s Cove, except this one was busier. It looked like the main healing center. Next to this was a large square building labeled Military Office. The soldiers guarding the outside saluted the carriage passing behind them, and Raithion assumed they recognized Alise.
The carriages kept moving, and soon they were racing along a winding road.
“There’s a lake,” Haedor said. “I always thought they had enough with a mountain, but there is a lake, and we seem to be heading toward it.”
Raithion glanced out the windows, hoping to see the lake, but all he saw were handsome homesteads between the trees with well-appointed houses. For a minute, he thought he was driving through Draeya County, especially when the surroundings suddenly gave way to a vast plantation of rice. It was clear that the Sura had done their best to make sure they would be self-sufficient, even fortifying their pantries.
“Azula has worked hard,” Raithion said as they drove through a thick forest only to enter a pair of gates with stone pillars and snarling gargoyles on top.
The carriages sped along the long drive; the gardens were filled with blooming flowers and well-trimmed hedges. They entered a circular drive, and their carriage came to a stop.
Haedor opened the door before the soldiers in charge could reach them. He jumped out and stood staring at the large three-story manor with its intricately carved stone walls and soaring, sun-drenched arched windows. A lush tapestry of vibrant pink and white bougainvillea climbed the façade, flowing along balconies and clinging to walls. The manor spoke of age, having raised generations of Doriel families, and it gleamed with the weight of the family’s ancestry.
The great front doors opened without a sound; they were well-oiled, and a tall, thin man hurried down the steps to meet them.
“Welcome to the Prince’s Manor. I’m Juya. It’s good to have you here,” Juya said.
Alise joined them, and Raithion’s brow rose when Juya took her right hand, holding it tight as though to assure her. Then Juya turned to them.
“Please, let’s go inside,” Juya said, tucking Alise’s hand into the crook of his arm and leading her up the steps.
Raithion met Haedor’s questioning look, and he winked as they followed the pair into the majestic Doriel residence.
*****
Sui Writes 
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