Rise Read Online Free PDF

stood watch over Mercer. She asked Bosque to stay with Alistair, confident that Bosque would have no trouble loosening Mercer’s tongue. And how much the better for young Alistair to bear witness. Eira had great confidence in the boy. Trust burgeoning into affection. If she’d ever had a nephew—or perhaps even a son—she imagined he would be much like Lord Hart.
    That thought settled her mind a bit as she focused on the problem at hand. Eira stopped her pacing and glared at Cian. “I’ve asked you to tell me their names. Never mind that you’ve spoken them before.”
    Cian answered wearily. “Lukasz, Kael, Barrow, and Ember—all from the Guard. Fitch and Mercer would have made their party six.”
    “And you’re certain no others supported them?” Eira asked. “None of the clerics or craftsmen?”
    If the traitors had taken a cleric capable of weaving, Eira dreaded the possibilities. Lukasz and his band of fellows could already be in Asia.
    Cian crossed to Eira, placing her hands on her sister’s shoulders. “Calm yourself, Eira. The few who fled did so suddenly and in the dead of night. They had little time to plan, much less win allies.”
    Eira twisted out of Cian’s grip. “We can’t be too careful. This is a delicate time.”
    “Now that they’re away, what do you have to fear?” Cian asked. “You have the greater force, not to mention the security of the keep.”
    “Are you such a fool?” Eira snapped. “Those who are away are the best of the Guard. For God’s sake, the commander is among them.”
    “And what is it that you fear Lukasz will accomplish?” Cian frowned at Eira. “Is there anything he can do, given the power you’ve already demonstrated?”
    “If I know Lukasz, he’ll seek aid from other Conatus strongholds,” Eira told her.
    “But we will infiltrate those fortresses before your commander has even left this shore,” Bosque Mar interrupted as he entered the hall with Alistair Hart at his heels. “Conatus is yours to rule.”
    Eira noticed the tightening of Cian’s jaw when she answered Bosque. “And is that my sister’s fate? To rule Conatus?”
    The tall, dark-haired man’s reply was serene. “Eira’s fate is whatever she wishes it to be.”
    Cian turned to Eira. “Are you to rule us?”
    “We will rule, just as we have before,” Eira told her calmly. “But without suffering the petty whims and greed of those we once were beholden to—like Abbot Crichton.”
    “Do you doubt your sister’s vision?” Bosque stepped to Eira’s side, but leveled his gaze on Cian.
    “My sister will always have my love and loyalty, Lord Mar.” Cian spoke through gritted teeth. “But what’s happened constitutes a revolt and will carry heavy consequences.”
    “The consequence for those loyal to Conatus will only be a great reward,” Eira told Cian. “But for those who stand in our way—”
    “Will you truly make war on your own?” Cian broke in. “Can you take the sword to Lukasz, who has so long been our friend?”
    Eira pursed her lips, giving Cian a measured look. “I hope that our commander may yet see how shortsighted his actions are. If he repents, I will gladly welcome him home.”
    “My advice is that you bring him home before he is lost to us completely,” Bosque interjected.
    Cian’s brow knit. “And how will you find them? Dawn is still hours away.”
    “The dawn is of no consequence,” Bosque said. He turned to Alistair, who was standing quietly aside.
    Eira noticed that while Alistair’s back was straight and his shoulders set with strength, his face was pale and his eyes were empty.
    “Has Mercer revealed the route they’ve taken?” Eira asked Bosque, though a new concern for Alistair’s health unsettled her.
    “I would give this task to Lord Hart,” Bosque told them in a quiet, soothing voice. “For though the commander’s flight threatens our cause, it is this young knight who suffers the most from his companions’