The Eyes Of A God - The Eyes of a God Part 52
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The Eyes of a God Part 52

'Yes," sighed Lukien. "You too." Then suddenly he collected himself. "Cassandra?"

'She's all right," said Breck quickly. "But we have news of her, Lukien."

'We?" Lukien glanced back at Gilwyn. "Who are you?"

Breck waved Gilwyn closer. "This is your messenger, Lukien. His name is Gilwyn Toms."

Gilwyn smiled awkwardly, unsure what to say. "Uhm, hello, Sir Lukien."

Lukien was plainly confused. He looked at Baron Glass for an explanation, but the one-armed man merely shrugged.

'I don't know what their business is with you," said Glass. "They wouldn't tell me and I stopped asking." He moved toward the doors. "I'll leave you to it."

Glass closed the doors behind him. With him gone, Lukien looked even less comfortable. He stood in the middle of the room, bewildered and exhausted.

'Lukien, you should sit," suggested Breck.

He pulled out a chair and guided Lukien toward it. The Bronze Knight sat down, took an unsteady breath, then asked pointedly, "Why are you here?"

'Cassandra sent us," Breck replied. He pulled out two more chairs for himself and Gilwyn. Before going to sit, Gilwyn retrieved the letter from the tabletop. He handed it to Lukien. "Sir, this is for you," he said. "It's from Queen Cassandra." Surprised, Lukien took the letter. "She wrote this?" "She gave it to me to bring to you," Gilwyn explained, "the second time I saw her."

'What?" Lukien sprang from his chair. "You looked at her?" "Easy, Lukien," said Breck. "Let him explain." "Did you see her?" Lukien demanded. "Did you look at her?" "Yes, I did," answered Gilwyn.

"But sir, I know about the curse. It's all a hoax."

'Hoax?" Lukien hovered, staring at Gilwyn, then dropped back into the chair. "Hoax?" He studied the letter in his hand. "How...?"

'It's true," said Breck. "Gilwyn Toms lives in the library. Remember Figgis? He's the boy's mentor."

'I remember Figgis all too well," said Lukien. "You work with him, boy?"

'Yes, sir," said Gilwyn.

Lukien pointed with his chin toward Teku. "The monkey, too?"

'In a way." Gilwyn showed Lukien his clubbed hand. "Teku helps me get things. We've both been with Figgis for years now."

'Well, Gilwyn Toms, you've managed to surprise me almost to death. This letter bears the royal seal of Luria, so it could have only come from Cassandra or Akeela, and I doubt it's from Akeela. But your story makes no sense. It's impossible for you to have seen Cassandra; her curse is no hoax, I assure you."

'But it is, Sir Lukien, I swear," said Gilwyn. "Figgis had it all wrong. I've seen Queen Cassandra with my own eyes!"

Lukien frowned in frustration. "That just can't be. The amulet she wears..."

'The Eye of God; yes, I know about it," said Gilwyn. "She still wears it. She was wearing it when I met her. But there's no curse on it."

'Lukien, you should believe the boy," urged Breck. "He's telling you the truth. He happened upon Cassandra one night by accident. He looked right at her, talked to her."

'More than once," Gilwyn added. "And she's as young and beautiful as when she first put on the amulet. It's amazing, Sir Lukien."

Lukien grimaced at Breck. "You know the whole story, then?"

'At first I didn't believe it," admitted Breck. "But Gilwyn convinced me otherwise." 'And we both know about your trip to Jador with Figgis, too," said Gilwyn. At last he sat down, watching Lukien carefully. "The amulet you brought back for the queen-the Eye of God-it's done its job. It's kept her young and healthy."

'I'm glad for that," said Lukien. The relief on his face was obvious. "But no curse? I can't believe it."

Breck reached out and tapped the letter in Lukien's hand. "Read her note, Lukien. I'm sure it's all in there."

Lukien looked at Gilwyn. "You came all this way because Cassandra needs me," he surmised. "Tell me why."

'Lukien, read the note," Breck repeated.

'I'll read the damn note once you've told me why you're here!" flared Lukien. "Now one of you, please, tell me what Cassandra wants!"

His outburst startled Gilwyn, but Lukien's countenance didn't soften.

'All right," said Breck easily. "I'll let the boy tell you. It's his mission, anyway. Gilwyn?"

Gilwyn didn't know where to begin. "Well, it's like Breck told you," he said. "I met Cassandra one night by accident. That was back when she still thought she was cursed."

'When was this exactly?" asked Lukien.

'About a month ago, I guess."

'Go on."

'Well, it was night when I saw her. She didn't see me that first time, but I arranged to see her again."

'Really? Why'd you do that?"

Gilwyn shifted, embarrassed. "Because I liked her, my lord. I thought she was pretty."

Finally, Lukien smiled. "She still has that effect on men, eh?"

'Yes," Gilwyn replied. "But I didn't know she was the queen, you see. She looked so young, I thought she was my age."

'Gilwyn, get to the important part," said Breck gently.

Lukien put up a hand. "No, let him tell his story." He grinned. "I'm enjoying this."

So Gilwyn continued, carefully recounting all that had happened. To his surprise, Lukien listened quietly as he spoke of his meeting in the garden with Cassandra, and how she had hit her head against the tree limb trying to escape. And when the tale turned to Akeela's madness, Lukien grew pensive. He did not interrupt Gilwyn, though. He didn't utter the smallest sound, not even when Gilwyn told him about the second Eye of God.

'Now Akeela's after the other amulet," said Gilwyn. "Figgis told him it's in Grimhold. He's raising an army with General Trager to find it. He wants to live with Cassandra forever, Sir Lukien, and he thinks the amulet will let him."

'And Cassandra hasn't told him about the curse?" asked Lukien. "Akeela still thinks it's real?"

'Yes," said Gilwyn. "She's afraid to tell him. If she does, then he'll..." Gilwyn stopped himself. "Well, you know."

'Come to her bedroom," said Lukien. "But the other Eye isn't in Grimhold? You said you saw it in Koth?"

'That's right," said Gilwyn. "At least I think I saw it. I told Figgis what I'd seen, and he's convinced the Witch of Grimhold has it. He believes she really exists."

'So why is she in Koth, then?" asked Lukien. Gilwyn shrugged. "We don't know. But Figgis didn't tell Akeela about her. He was afraid of what the king would do if he found out the Witch was in Koth."

'He'd tear the city apart looking for her, Lukien," said Breck. "I'm sorry to say, he's not the same man he used to be. Ever since you left-"

'I was banished, Breck," spat Lukien. "I didn't leave." Breck merely nodded. A sudden silence overspread the chamber. Gilwyn stroked Teku's neck, wondering what he could say to put the miserable knight at ease. He had hoped that Lukien would be pleased at the news of Cassandra's well-being, but bringing up her name had only stirred a cauldron of bad memories.

'My poor friend," whispered Lukien. "I'm sorry that Akeela's gone so mad. I still blame myself for that sometimes. I betrayed him. I've had a lot of time to think about it, and I know what I did was wrong. Iknew it even back then, but it didn't stop me." He looked at Breck for reassurance. "I loved Cassandra. I still do."

'Is that why you're partnered with Jazana Carr?" asked Breck.

Lukien frowned. "What do you know about that?"

'We know enough," said Breck. "You're in league with her, you and Glass both. She's planning to invade Luria someday, and you intend to be right there by her side."

'A dream," scoffed Lukien. "Jazana Carr's been talking about it for years, and she's never done a thing about it."

'Baron Glass says otherwise," said Breck. "He says that Carr is close to defeating King Lorn, and that when she does she'll turn her appetites toward Luria." He was ruthless in his accusations, barely giving Lukien room to escape. "I'd rather you didn't deny it, Lukien. I'd rather you just admit your treachery."

'Treachery?" Lukien laughed. "You can call it that if you like, old friend, but you weren't the one sent away from his homeland. Akeela let you retire, remember? He gave you a farm and promised to forget your association with me. He let you live." With a grunt of disdain he rose and went to one of the many windows. "Was I granted any of his famous mercy? No. Instead he banished me, practically a death sentence. If it wasn't for Jazana Carr, he'd have gotten his wish."

'You betrayed him, Lukien," Breck reminded. "You said so yourself."

'Both of you, stop, please," said Gilwyn. He lifted himself awkwardly from his chair and stood between them like an official at a tourney. "You can argue all day, but none of this matters anymore.

Forget the past. We have to figure out what we're going to do."

'You still haven't told me what Cassandra wants from me, boy," said Lukien. Then he added sourly, "Though I suppose I can guess."

'Cassandra wants you to come back for her," said Gilwyn. "She wants you to take her away from Lionkeep and keep her safe from King Akeela. Then you can ride to Jador and warn them about the invasion." Gilwyn grinned. "Simple."

'Oh, yes," said Lukien bitterly. "All in a day's work for the great Bronze Knight."

Breck got out of his chair. "Lukien, we need you. Cassandra needs you. Great Fate, you said you love her! Won't you help us?"

Outside, the sun was hot on the rocks of Norvor. It dappled the rugged landscape, holding Lukien's attention. When at last he answered, his voice was soft.

'This is the only home I've known for sixteen years now. Jazana Carr may not be perfect, but she always accepted me. Now you're asking me to betray her. Believe it or not, it's not that easy."

Gilwyn stepped closer. "If you don't help us, Cassandra may die. I can't take her out of Lionkeep by myself, and neither can Breck. She needs you to protect her, Sir Lukien. And the Jadori need you, too."

'The Jadori! Now there's a people I'd like to forget." "I know what happened with them," said Gilwyn. "I know how you killed their queen to get the amulet."

Lukien seemed shocked by this. "Figgis told you about that, too?"

'Yes," said Gilwyn. "To be honest, he wanted me to remind you about it. He hoped it might convince you to help them. Something about owing them a debt."

'That old man is a devious bastard," said Lukien with a grin. "But he's right. I do owe the Jadori a debt. And it's plagued me for years."

'Well, then maybe you'll help us," said Gilwyn. "Or maybe the letter will convince you."

'Yes, Lukien, read the blasted letter," said Breck. "Stop dallying over it, for Fate's sake. We haven't the time for-"

'No," said Gilwyn, gently interrupting. "Please, Breck. I think we've given Lukien enough to think about. Sir Lukien, Cassandra told me that you're a man of principles. And me-I'm just a kid.

he had composed himself by the time Thorin Glass opened the door. The old Lurian poked his head inside the room. Spotting Lukien seated by a window, he announced himself very softly. "Ryon, it's me.

May I come in?" Lukien nodded. "Close the door behind you." Thorin did as he asked, shutting the big door quietly before drifting over to the window. He saw the note in Lukien's hand and immediately guessed at its contents. "From Cassandra?" Again a nod. "She wants me to come back for her, Thorin. All this time, the curse has been a hoax."

'So they did know about it, then," said Thorin. "I thought they might, but they wouldn't tell me. Nor did I tell them what I know."

Lukien handed the note to his old ally. A long time ago, he had told Thorin Glass everything about Cassandra, including the remarkable tale of . It took a while for the baron to read the note, so surprised was he by its contents. When he was done he simply lowered the note and gazed at Lukien. "What will you do?"

'Go to her," said Lukien. The answer came without hesitation. "She needs me and so do the Jadori."

'You're certain? The letter speaks of Grimhold, Ryon. This may all be some wildness of Akeela's mind, some symptom of his madness."

'No, I don't think so. Akeela may be mad but Figgis surely isn't. You don't know him, Thorin. He was a brilliant man and I trusted him. I trust Breck, as well. If they believe this tale, then there's truth to it."

Lukien folded the letter and put it into his shirt. "I'm going."

'Then I'm going with you," said Thorin. Surprised, Lukien looked up at the older man. "You can't."

Thorin sneered, "I don't take orders from you, remember?" "Thorin, there's no reason for you to take this risk. You don't owe the Jadori anything."

'No," agreed Thorin Glass, "but I owe you my life. That's a debt I've never been able to repay until now. So don't argue with I can't force you to help us. I've delivered my message. I've done my part. The rest is up to you."

Satisfied, Gilwyn turned and limped from the room. He did not look back, not even to see Breck's stunned expression. As he left, a little smile crept over his face. He was proud of the way he'd handled Lukien, sure he'd laid on the guilt in just the right amount.

Working with Figgis had taught him a lot.

_L,'ukien remained in the council chamber for another hour. Breck had not stayed with him; the old friends had nothing more to say to each other. When he was sure that he was alone and would not be interrupted, Lukien sat down in one of the dozen chairs and opened Cassandra's note. Seeing the gentle penmanship erased all his doubts. Cassandra's lilting style was as memorable to him as her voice or flawless face. And when he read her words, Lukien wept.

He had not wept for years, not when he lost his eye or saw comrades die in battle. Even when he'd been banished he had not wept, for to weep like a woman was a sure weakness and the toothy jackals of Norvor would have devoured him. But he wept now because he could not help himself. His past deluged him.

Cassandra had been succinct in her note. She had quickly confirmed everything Gilwyn Toms had told him, how she was still young and how the amulet's curse had been a horrible jest and how Akeela still longed to be with her. He was mad, Cassandra said, and his madness might mean the doom of the Jadori. Unless, of course, he helped her.

Strong as always, Cassandra had not stooped to begging in her letter. She had asked Lukien to come to her. But only if his love for her was still alive. If not, she claimed, she would be unable to face him.

Come and I will know you love me, read the note.

Lukien read those same words over and over, amazed that she had harbored love for him these many years. He hadn't thought himself worthy of such loyalty.

By the end of an hour he had stopped weeping. Thankfully, me, Ryon. You need my help and I'm going. And if you say i'rn too old I will poke out your other eye!"

Lukien laughed. "A one-armed baron and a half-blind knight, led by a crippled boy. Great Fate, help us!" He rose and faced Glass, grateful to have his aid. "You're right, I will need your help. But remember, Thorin, we're outlaws in Luria. If Akeela or Trager or anyone else discovers us, we're dead." "I've been dead before," said Glass with a shrug. "And what of Jazana Carr? Doesn't she frighten you?" Glass grimaced. "I admit, that will be more difficult." "She loves you, Thorin." Lukien grinned at his friend.

"Don't ask me why, but she does. If you leave her..."