Brandt acknowledged the point.
Ren put the subject to rest. “We don’t know why our approach was as easy as it was. It may be they lie in wait here, where it is more difficult to protect Regar. Assassination isn’t common, but they might resort to such means if they feel desperate. But I fear their plan is even more devious.”
The end of that conversation left a bitter taste in Brandt’s mouth.
Eventually, though, the talk turned to other, lighter matters. They finished their final round and remained for a while longer, allowing the effects of the drink to fade before beginning their return journey. Leana pointed out that traveling up and down hundreds of stairs while unsteady might not be the wisest course of action.
When they felt confident in their abilities, they left together. Ren and Leana insisted on escorting Brandt back to his quarters, even though he was reasonably certain he could find them without help.
As they neared Brandt’s quarters they ran into imperial guards. Both Ren and Leana appeared uncomfortable with the guards’ presence, so Brandt informed them he could make it the rest of the way on his own. After their farewells, Brandt continued on, uncontested by the guards.
He found the reason for their expanded presence soon enough. Regar stood on a balcony overlooking the valley. Brandt approached and looked out with him.
“You’ve been drinking,” Regar observed, no judgment in his voice.
“Ren and Leana introduced me to a new tavern, one where warriors gather.”
“Sounds nice.”
Completely sober, Brandt wasn’t sure he would have had the courage to ask, but at the moment, the question seemed pertinent. “You and your father knew what this visit would mean to the Falari, didn’t you?”
Regar’s smile was grim. “My father is an exceedingly clever man.”
“You sound bitter.”
Regar sighed. “Perhaps.” He paused and turned to Brandt. “Tell me, what do you think of the Falari?”
Again, had Brandt been sober his answer might have been more reserved. “I admire their focus. Now, more than ever, I understand why the empire never conquered Falar.”
Regar nodded. “I feel the same.”
“Even after your capture?”
“Especially then. I’d been taken by surprise, and didn’t fight well against their ambush. So when I was taken, those first few days were hard.”
Brandt thought of the victims the Falari had left behind. His imagination easily filled in the sufferings Regar had endured.
“One day,” Regar continued, “they threw me in a circle with another captured warrior. An empire soldier. I fought and I killed the man with my bare hands.”
Regar didn’t need to say any more about that either. Killing with a bow was easier than killing with a sword, and even that was easier than killing with bare hands. Even veterans shied away from such killing. To have it be one of your own allies, Brandt didn’t even want to contemplate the horror.
“I threw up afterward,” Regar said, his eyes staring off at a memory long in his past. “But when the time came to do it again, I did. And it was easier. And they treated me better. I learned from the Falari, and eventually challenged them to the trials to leave. Grappling, sword, and board. I won all three.”
“And that’s how you escaped?”
“I didn’t escape,” Regar answered. “After I won the trials, a war party escorted me to the border.”
“That why your father knew you’d have the best chance with the Falari.”
Regar’s laugh was sharp and bitter, almost a cough. “I’m the only one who has any chance with them. My father and Olen are obsessed with knowledge and philosophy. Neither of them understands the value of struggling for what matters, or the strength that results from overcoming adversity.”
Brandt frowned. “Governor Kye said something similar outside Landow. He believed he acted in the empire’s interest. He wanted it to suffer so it would become strong.”
“Kye was a fool, but I sympathize with some of his thoughts. The empire is weaker than it once was. I’ve tried to suggest changes to my father and to Olen, but both are so rooted in what Anders I commanded there’s little opportunity to make changes.” Regar let out a long, slow breath. “I believe we can learn from the Falari, and the Etari, and even the Lolani. But we need to abandon the ways that have locked us in place.”
“Just like Ren believes the Falari must do.”
Regar smiled at that, but Brandt didn’t understand why. “We all reflect one another, don’t we?”
Brandt didn’t know what to say to that, but Regar turned aside and walked back to his quarters.
Brandt knew he shouldn’t ask the question, but he felt closer to Regar than before, and he’d never have a better opportunity. “How did you surpass the cost, back when we were first ambushed?”
Regar stopped and turned back to Brandt. “I didn’t.” He patted his stomach. “After I was captured, my father insisted that both Olen and I have gatestones like the Etari.” He turned and kept walking, calling over his shoulder, “It’s like I said. Learning from others will make us stronger.”
Brandt remained on the balcony a while longer. Something about Regar’s tone, or the words he spoke, bothered him. But he couldn’t put his finger on why. After a few moments, he pushed the thoughts aside. He had to believe that if they had a chance at succeeding, it lay with Regar.
30
“How do you know?” Alena asked. They kept walking, not wanting to give away their knowledge of the ambush.
“Just a feeling,” Jace answered. “Someone is watching us.”
Jace stopped, reaching for his waterskin. Toren joined them. His eyes studied the landscape carefully. “I believe we are being watched,” the Etari whispered.
Jace gave Alena a knowing look.
Alena glanced between the two men, then tried to see what they saw as she took a sip from the offered waterskin. She saw nothing that made her wary. As far as she was concerned, they were alone.
But she didn’t doubt her brother or Toren.
“Where?” Alena asked.
Jace
