Jason and Jerrol were seated in Jason’s study, deep in conversation when the Sentinals arrived. Once Birlerion was safely seated, Tagerill went off to get him some food. Jerrol inspected him. He was still pale. “Are you sure you should be up yet? Tyrone will have a seizure if he sees you. He was saying you would be bedridden for at least a week.”
“I’m fine. Tagerill’s sentinal healed the worst. I can’t remember when I last ate; I’ll feel even better after I’ve eaten.”
Jason leaned back in his chair. “We were just discussing this Mentiserium. Chryllion and Tyrone worked up a list to try and remove the compulsions. Jerrol was just explaining it to me.”
“At least you Sentinals have some idea of what it is and how to use the keywords,” Jerrol said.
“Yes, the Ascendants were good at it back then, as well,” Birlerion said, twisting his lips.
Jason continued. “We’ve been checking the men each morning by getting them to swear the Lady’s Oath. That’s how we could tell who’s been affected, but we’re down to the bare minimum. I drew all the patrols in to guard the garrison.”
Jerrol leaned forward. “I think they plan to cause civil unrest. Incapacitating you and the Watches prevents you from intervening, means the King can’t protect his people.”
“The Ascendants intend putting their people in power. That is the bigger game,” Jason said. “Just as you said. Corporal Danilesh tried to put a bolt through me. That’s why we clamped down so fast; we had to know who we could trust.”
“Mentiserium is rife through the Watches, Velmouth and the towers. Where councils have new advisors, you can be sure they will be affected. We need to get word to Bryce and Jennery, warn them to be careful.”
“Tagerill was saying you wanted to get on the road. I imagine that will be you carrying that word?” Jason asked.
Jerrol nodded, concern clear on his face. “I fear the King is in graver danger than we first thought. I can’t delay, not with everything that is happening in the Watches. You should be able to get Stoneford back on its feet, even clear Velmouth. Councillor Sellins was unaffected; he holds the Lady close. Work with him to remove the spell.
“At least we can foil their plans here and in Old Vespers. I have the list for Old Vespers and the court up here,” he tapped his temple, “once we get the King back on his throne.” He shifted in his chair, easing the aches. “The Watch Towers are out of our control for now. The King will have to address that, maybe send you some more men to help. We can’t risk the Watchers, they are more important than we realised, and the Ascendants control them.” He paused as Tagerill entered with a plate of food, followed by a maid with a tray of mugs.
Jerrol reached for a mug of coffee, relaxing as he took his first sip. His face tightened as he watched Birlerion struggle to eat a pastry.
“Until we clear this Mentiserium,” Jason said, “the garrison is at half strength. We’ve not been able to shut down the smugglers as we planned. If we can get these men back on duty, we can address that.”
“Trealt removes free will. It is certainly part of the puzzle. If you could shut down that supply, it would help,” Birlerion said, looking up from his coffee. Jerrol saw he had given up on the pastry. He met Birlerion’s eyes and recognised the deep weariness behind the façade of the speedy recovery he was trying to convey. He needed to get Birlerion back to his sentinal even if Birlerion was going to pretend otherwise.
“How virulent this mind spell is at court, I dread to think. Hopefully, they haven’t got that far yet. Though the more I think about it, it would explain much. I don’t know how they got to the King. I’ll find out more when I see him.” He placed his empty mug on the desk. “Jason, I am sorry to leave you with all this, but I need to get on the road. Silene can fill you in on the Guardians and their responsibilities.”
“Thanks, I think. Just you be careful on the road; make sure you look after him.” Jason glared at the Sentinals.
“With my life,” Tagerill promised solemnly. Birlerion just twisted his lips.
Chapter 30
Greenswatch
The day of Simeon’s confirmation as Lord of the Watch dawned grey and miserable. The rains sifted down as Reid ordered the servants about, setting up awnings and sheltered pathways to shield the guests from the inclement weather. He scowled up at the sky. It was supposed to be summer.
Lord Aaron and his entourage arrived mid-morning, causing a welcome distraction from the tension brewing between Simeon and Alyssa. Alyssa stood at the bottom of the steps waiting to welcome Lady Olivia as she dismounted from the carriage, which pulled up behind the men. Shaking out her skirts, Lady Olivia turned to greet Alyssa, her face drawn and pale. Alyssa exclaimed over her as she drew her in. “Lady Olivia, you look half frozen; please let me escort you to your room.”
Aaron gave her a keen stare. “Lady Alyssa, exquisite as always,” he said with a gleam in his eye.
Alyssa kept a smile on her face. “Why, thank you, Lord Aaron. It is a pleasure to see you. I’ll return after I show your lady mother to her room.” She led Olivia away, trailed by her maids.
Alyssa’s maid, Millie, hovered in the corridor and Alyssa was quick to put her to work. “Millie, please escort Lady Olivia’s maids to their rooms. Let them decant their things and direct them back to the Pink Room, where they may attend Lady Olivia.”
“Yes, m’lady,” Millie said as she bobbed a curtsey. “This way, please.” She led the way down the corridor to the back stairs.
Alyssa led Lady Olivia into the room and closed the door behind them.
Lady Olivia removed her cloak and gloves. “What a relief
