“They could try,” Jerrol said confidently, standing up. “They’ve failed so far, and now my guards are awakening I think they’ll find it even more difficult.”
“Guards?” Liliian asked, staring at Tagerill. “Just how many guards do you have?”
“How many Sentinals are there?” Jerrol replied with a grin.
“Jerrol!” Liliian exclaimed in exasperation. “What exactly is going on?”
Jerrol took pity on her and explained. “Well, we are under attack from within and without. The Lady needs our help. The Sentinals are awakening to support her cause. I need to see the King, reinstate his control. Then we can focus on securing all the Watches and deal with the Ascendants.”
“How can I help?” Liliian watched Jerrol as he paced. He had changed much since she had last seen him: thinner, yes, but it was more than just appearance. His manner was more authoritative, more decisive. He had a purpose, and he was driven by it.
“I have five Sentinals with me. I had intended disguising them as scholars to get them through Old Vespers, but I think we’ll dispense with that idea and just retake the city. The King will want to come home anyway.”
Liliian gaped at him. His supreme confidence was astounding. Jerrol grinned at her, his silver eyes lighting up boyishly and reminding her more of the old Jerrol she knew. “I’m not mad,” he reassured her, his grin widening. “I sent Jennery up to contact Nikols. If what you say is true, I am the excuse Nikols has been waiting for. He’ll take action to depose the Chancellor and reinstate the King.”
Liliian smiled in appreciation. “Oh, to arrest the Chancellor for treason, what irony!”
Tagerill spoke up. “My Captain, we ought to send a message to the others. We have been here too long. I fear their enthusiasm may overrule their caution.”
“The Sentinals are a little excited to be back in Vespers,” Jerrol explained to Liliian.
A shout at the bottom of the stairs preceded the clatter of feet as someone stumbled up in a hurry. Taelia burst into Liliian’s office, a look of horror on her face. “Jerrol?” Her hands reached for him.
Jerrol grabbed her flailing hands and brought them up to his chest. “Taelia! What’s happened?”
“The Chancellor’s men are coming. He knows you’re here; he’s coming for you. You have to leave,” she said, an edge of hysteria in her voice.
Jerrol looked at Tagerill. “Go get the others, bring the horses inside; there is more chance of defending from within.”
Tagerill left.
“No,” Taelia moaned, “he mustn’t find you here. He bought Kirshan assassins, and they accepted payment.”
Jerrol stilled.
Liliian’s face paled, reflecting the horror he felt. She reluctantly put her fear into words. “They won’t stop until they’ve killed you, not if payment has been accepted.” Liliian swallowed. “They don’t care who gets in the way. They destroy towns because of their single-minded purpose. You need to leave. They will destroy everyone and everything here to get to you.”
“The only way to stop them is your death. What should we do?” Taelia gazed at him in concern.
“Hush.” He hugged her close. “Let me think.” He inhaled deeply as he gently rocked her in his arms.
“It’s not only my death that will halt them, but also the death of the person who paid them,” he murmured into her hair. “The question is, is it the Chancellor or the Prince?”
Taelia heaved a shuddering breath. “I don’t feel the Prince in this,” she said, a little breathlessly; then she hesitated. “I’m not sure it’s the Chancellor either, though he is aware.”
“Well,” Jerrol said, his eyes flashing, “I think I ought to have a little chat with our Chancellor. I’m sure he’s missed me.” His voice had an edge to it as he contemplated their meeting.
Taelia shivered. “I can’t see him,” she said, gripping Jerrol’s arms.
“Don’t worry.” Jerrol kissed the top of her head. “We’ll find him. We’ll try and lead them up to the palace. Give Isseran a dose of his own medicine,” he said, his face brightening at the thought.
At that moment Liliian’s secretary burst into the room, followed closely by Scholar Torsion. “Deane, soldiers are approaching, lots of them,” he gasped, eyes wide in panic. “What should we do?”
“Nothing,” Jerrol said without hesitation. “Stay within. They are not here for you.” He stared at Torsion, trying to see if he looked any different. He had tied his black hair in a queue, drawn off his narrow face, and his black eyes darted around the room; Jerrol had the impression he was searching for someone. “Torsion, thank goodness.” He released Taelia to grip his friend’s shoulder. “I’m so glad to see you.”
Torsion hugged him in return, his severe expression relaxing. “Jerrol, where have you been? We’ve been so worried. The rumours flying around about you are beyond belief.”
Jerrol grimaced. “Never believe all that you hear. How long have you been here?”
“He returned about two weeks ago,” Liliian said, watching Jerrol in concern.
Jerrol scowled at the thin scholar. “I’ve been trying to find you. I tracked you up to the Watch Towers.”
Torsion raised his eyebrows. “I can assure I’ve been here. You do not need to chase me anywhere,” he said, his voice bored, though his dark eyes burned at the sight of Taelia in Jerrol’s arms.
“He’s been here all along. I can vouch for him. Go, do what you must. We’ll distract them here for as long as we can,” Lillian said.
“Don’t take any unnecessary risks; there is no point losing a life over this,” Jerrol cautioned.
“What, like you aren’t? What do you take us for? Go.” Liliian shooed him out of her office. Jerrol hugged Taelia and released her before leading the way back to the ground floor. There was a commotion outside the gates, and as he crossed the grand hall and out into the courtyard, Tagerill appeared, dragging an unconscious sentry through the gate, the remaining Sentinals fanning out behind him.
“Change of plan,” Jerrol said. “We need to go to the palace. It seems
