“It would be my honour, my lady.” He gave her a brief smile. Lady Olivia nodded, satisfied. She moved to stand beside Captain Bryce, outstaring her son.
Aaron retreated with Peverill. “You will allow me to leave,” he commanded.
“Of course,” Jerrol said, and Tagerill stepped aside. Aaron hesitated at the sight of a second, intimidating Sentinal in the corridor, but strode on regardless. Peverill scurried behind him.
Jerrol raised his voice. “Ladies and gents, I apologise for the disruption. Please enjoy the festivities. You are free to leave whenever you choose.” He turned to Simeon and Reid. “Gents,” he indicated the door, “after you. I believe we are using the drawing room.” He waited for Lord William and Lord Marcus to precede him before turning to Garrick. “Garrick, could you hold the fort here? I’ll explain everything before I leave,” he promised. “Your men are not hurt; we’ll release them from the spell, as soon as we have recovered Lord Simeon. Captain Bryce’s men moved your men to the barracks, so your guests won’t be alarmed.”
Garrick gripped his arm. “Thank you, Captain,” he said as he turned back to face what were now his guests. Jerrol fell in with Jennery and Bryce as they walked down the corridor.
“Well,” Jennery breathed, “you do like to make an entrance, don’t you?”
Jerrol grinned. “It was the best way to get everyone’s attention.”
“You managed that,” Bryce agreed. “I’ll speak to my sergeant, and I’ll be in.”
Chapter 32
Greenswatch
Jerrol paused to speak to Tagerill before entering the room, slipping the notebook Tagerill handed him into his jacket pocket.
He stopped on the threshold as seven pairs of eyes swivelled to him. He took a deep breath and entered the room. “Please sit. ‘Black Door,’” he said smoothly, watching Simeon slump in his chair.
“What did you do?” Alyssa leapt up in concern.
Jerrol walked forward. “Maybe Reid would like to explain? No? ‘Blue Stone.’” He waited as Reid collapsed to the floor.
“What you are seeing is the result of the mind spell that the Ascendants are casting all over Vespiri, removing free will and planting suggestions that support their requirements. In this case, the neutralisation of Greenswatch.”
Alyssa gasped, and Lady Olivia sat back in shock as she realised the ramifications.
“You mean Aaron is affected in the same way?” Lady Olivia turned haunted eyes on Jerrol. “Why did you let him leave?”
“I don’t know his keywords. I couldn’t release him as I hope we can Simeon here. But let’s hear from Simeon what he has been persuaded to do, though I expect his speech earlier pretty much summed it up. Please let me ask the questions. I don’t want to confuse him with multiple instructions.”
He walked around in front of Simeon. “Lord Simeon, tell me what Councillor Meritas instructed you to do.”
Simeon sat up and opened his eyes. “I believe in the right of the Ascendants’ claim to power. I will support their every edict and defer to Brother Mer’iteras or Seneschal Reid for all decisions within Greenswatch. I am to ensure that Greenswatch is held ready for the Ascendants, prepare for the arrival of our new leader and take every opportunity to disavow the Lady.” Simeon stopped speaking and stared straight ahead, unblinking.
Jerrol glanced around the room at the stunned faces. “Who is your new leader?”
“He will be revealed when the Ascendants’ rule is confirmed.”
“What of the people in your Watch?”
“They will support the council and the Ascendants.”
“Who are the Ascendants?” Jerrol asked.
Simeon looked at him, confused.
“What are their names?” Jerrol clarified.
“I’ve only met Mer’iteras and Var’geris. But many others are waiting to be called.”
“What happened to King Benedict?”
“Prince Kharel took him to New Vespers and he will accede the throne on his father’s death.”
Jerrol’s voice deepened. “How does Kharel intend to kill the King?”
“I don’t know. But his death will be the signal for the councils to rise.”
“Lord Simeon, what happened to Lord Hugh, your father?”
“Lord Hugh was killed on the battlefield. I am his rightful heir. I am confirmed as Lord of Greenswatch.”
“What are your intentions towards Lady Alyssa, your sister?”
“Alyssa is to be Aaron’s prize for taking Deepwater,” Simeon intoned as Olivia gasped.
“Well?” Jerrol faced his dumbstruck audience. “Is that enough?”
Lord William shook his head in disbelief. “More than enough. Is that what they intended for us today?”
“Yes, or a variation to enthral you. I expect they planned to instruct you individually once they had control.”
“Lady’s blessings,” Lord Marcus breathed. “It would be unbelievable if I hadn’t seen it myself. What happens next?”
“I’ll release Simeon. Jennery, Bryce, be ready. He will convulse; hold him still until it passes. He won’t remember anything of the period he has been under their spell, so be warned. This isn’t pretty, but I haven’t found a way to avoid it. He is unlikely to realise Lord Hugh is dead, or that he had his confirmation today.”
Alyssa held her hands to her face in horror as she watched Jerrol release Simeon. Her brother convulsed off his chair, but Jennery and Bryce caught him and held him down until he stilled.
After a moment, Simeon groaned. “My head, what did I drink last night?” Jennery helped him sit up. Simeon saw Alyssa staring at him. “Alyssa? What’s going on?” He looked around the room and paled as he saw the other lords. “Lord William? Lord Marcus? What are you doing here? Where’s Father?” he asked, bewildered.
Jerrol walked into view. “Lord Simeon, I think you should rest for a moment. Bryce, help him to the settee. You’ve had a bit of a turn. You’ll be alright in a moment, and we’ll explain. Jennery, is there any water in those jugs?”
Jennery checked the jugs. “It’s all wine. I’ll request some.” He went to open the door and bumped into Tagerill, who was blocking the entrance. “Tagerill, we need some drinking water, could you get some for us?”
Tagerill raised his hand and a young page came running. “We need some water, young sir,” he requested
