“It will be more difficult for them to achieve that without Shikami in the mix,” Aryn said. He was no fool. There were likely still Shikami operating in the city, but they would be disjointed and scattered, private contractors now that Omashii-Kuno was dead.
“I will reserve my judgements until after I’ve met the candidates,” Ruith said.
Aryn still thought he was making a mistake by giving up the position of Primarch. They would need the support of the elves more than ever. He understood, however. If Ruith maintained the position, he’d be expected to remain in D’thallanar. The elves would never follow someone who ruled from a human city like Brucia. Better to install a loyal elf to the position, someone that would rule well, and be open to following Ruith’s lead without needing too much guidance. They’d come to D’thallanar in search of an honest politician. They might as well have gone hunting for unicorns.
They approached the walled city at the eastern gate and Aryn blew the horn, announcing their arrival. Great enchanted gates of iron and gold creaked, and the city opened to them. Wide brick streets greeted them, with merchants lining either side. Red banners waved in the wind, announcing they had entered Clan Redrock territory.
Elves cleared the way for them to pass, and shoppers looked away from browsing wares. Some of them bowed. Most looked on with curiosity and fell into bowing only once they saw the Clan Deepfrost banners.
The open markets on either side of the road quickly fell away and great tiered buildings rose in their place. Elves came out onto their balconies to watch their procession into the city. Runners broke away from crowds to carry messages to elven masters. All of D’thallanar would know of their arrival within the hour. Perhaps before they even made it to the Deepfrost clan house.
They ran into their first roadblock nearly a mile into the city, at the final intersection of Redrock territory. The Redrock clan house stood off to their right, four stories tall and taking up half a city block. A company of Redrock elves blocked the street on horseback, crimson banners waving in the wind.
Aryn lifted a fist, commanding a stop to the whole procession. Hooves halted and wagon wheels groaned to a stop. The murmuring voices in the street fell silent. There was no sound beyond the swishing of horse tails. The entire district was watching, waiting to see how the conflict would unfold.
Lord Redrock was a thin-faced elf approaching his elderly years, but not yet there. He rode away from the other two, daring to come closer.
“That’s far enough,” Ruith shouted. “Move your men out of our path.”
The lord narrowed his eyes and stayed where he was. “When I heard the Primarch was coming, I expected a proper entourage.” His saddle creaked as he turned to address the hundreds of anxious onlookers. “Instead, I see humans, assassins, and whores ride into my beloved city like conquerors.”
Aryn’s hand closed on the handle of one of his daggers. He eyed the crowd, noting those who nodded in agreement with the lord.
“Coward,” Mercia spat.
Aryn’s head whipped toward her, wide eyed. That might have been a mild insult in the human lands, but to assert cowardice to a decorated warrior like Elmon Redrock…
Lord Redrock’s lip curled. “What did you call me, human?”
“You heard her.” Emmanthe’s horse shifted forward, drawing all the attention to her. “You dishonor yourself, Lord Redrock. If Taratheil were here—”
“But he is not.” Lord Redrock snorted and spat. “Instead, we get his prodigal son, come to rule the city he abandoned to lie with humans!”
Steel sang and Ruith drew his sword. “If it is a fight you want, Lord Redrock, then let’s have it.”
Redrock paled and didn’t dare draw his weapon or climb down from his horse. Mercia was right. He was a coward.
“Enough of this!” Emmanthe growled, riding forward to come between them. Emmanthe glared at Ruith before she glanced around the crowd, raising her voice. “This caravan transports the remains of your Primarch. I come to you as a woman in mourning over the loss of a great elf, perhaps the greatest among us. I will not have bloodshed in the streets before I see him laid to rest! Put your swords away, both of you, and stop behaving like children!”
Ruith narrowed his eyes at Lord Redrock. “Move or die. The choice is yours.”
Emmanthe turned her glare on Lord Redrock. “Unless you wish to issue an official challenge to Primarch Ruith’s honor?”
“PrimarchRuith,” Redrock scoffed, but he shook his head and sheathed his steel. “I’ll leave the sparring for the assembly chamber.”
“I look forward to overseeing your defeat.” Ruith grunted and sheathed his sword.
The Redrocks cleared the road, however begrudgingly, and their procession continued, though not without lingering angry glares between Ruith and Lord Redrock.
Aryn sighed and shook his head. “Well, at least we know where we stand with them. Let’s hope the rest of the clans aren’t so combative.”
“I think you’ll find you have your work cut out for you,” Isheda mumbled, and Aryn knew without a doubt that he was right.
Four
Ahornsounded,highand loud, announcing Eris’s arrival at Ostovan.
“Finally,” Lord Niall mumbled. “Looks like we’ll have proper beds tonight after all.”