Chapter Text
Three months after their return from Sarthe, Rakel crossed the parlor and answered Oskar’s knock. “His Majesty is looking for you, Princess. He said there is a new mage he wants you to meet.”
“Very well, Oskar. Where is he?”
“He is in the throne room, Princess.”
***
As Rakel and Farrin entered the throne room hand in hand, Rakel felt Farrin stiffen. After one glance around the throne room, she trembled and tightened her grip on her husband’s hand.
King Steinar said, “Lord Guesson, this is my sister, the Snow Queen, Princess Rakel of Verglas and her husband, Prince Consort Farrin Graydim. Snow Queen, it is my pleasure to introduce Lord Misha Guesson and his wife Kaleeah, their son Kolin, and Kaleeah’s father, Kyron Zurtio.”
Rakel swallowed hard and looked at Farrin, his face several shades lighter than usual. King Steinar had smiled when he introduced his sister, but his smile faltered a bit when he saw the mages’ reactions.
The wife curtsied and the men and little boy bowed formally. Lord Guesson spoke, “Thank you, Snow Queen, for welcoming my family to Verglas. We would swear fealty to you and to your fair country.”
Rakel tried to keep her voice from trembling as she asked, “Is someone in your family a mage?”
Lord Guesson looked a little mystified. “Mage?”
Rakel nodded. “Magic user.”
The man nodded. “Oh, of course. My son is a--mage--as you say. His magic manifested almost two years ago. We were greatly concerned for his welfare. Many children disappear from our area every year.”
Rakel thought, How ironic that Master Zurtio’s family are magic sympathizers. She looked at the little boy. “What is your magic, Sir?”
Kolin smiled shyly. “I run really fast.”
Rakel smiled. “I’ll bet that is a lot of fun.”
“It is, Mrs. Snow Queen.”
Rakel smiled at the boy. She turned her attention back to the parents, carefully avoiding eye contact with the slave master. “Welcome. I hope you will be comfortable in Verglas.”
The mother looked worriedly at Rakel and Farrin then flicked her gaze to King Steinar. “Is it true that Verglas welcomes even those who had mistreated Verglas citizens?”
Rakel looked up at Farrin. He still looked pale, but he nodded and squeezed her hand. Rakel said, “Yes.”
The woman stared in wonder at the royal couple. Lord Guesson stepped close to his wife and touched her arm. He said, “We did not believe that it could be true.”
King Steinar spoke up, “To what do you refer, Sir?”
Lord Guesson looked abashed. He gestured at Zurtio. “My wife’s father was a member of the slave management team at the arena up until very recently.”
King Steinar’s face lost its color, and he looked at Farrin.
Farrin took a breath, and said, “Master Zurtio unlocked a dozen charmed gates so that Halvor and his soldiers could enter the arena. He’s the reason the Princess is alive.”
King Steinar nodded. “Then it seems we owe you a debt, Mr. Zurtio.” The king smiled at the little family. He gestured for one of the palace guards to escort them to their next destination. Then he gestured for Farrin and Rakel to follow him.
***
When the royals had retreated to the king’s office, Steinar said, “Tell me everything.”
Rakel spoke first. “That’s the master that had us put into the arena. He’s also the one that beat Farrin the second day we were there.”
King Steinar balled his fists.
Farrin traced his scar. “There’s something else. The day I got this–.” He hesitated, he hated to hurt Rakel, but she and Steinar needed the facts. “He–.” Farrin tried again. “I once refused to kill a target, a small boy. I was punished severely.”
Rakel dropped her forehead to his shoulder as she listened. Farrin knew no easy way to tell them. He finally forced out, “Master Zurtio administered the punishment.”
“The man we just welcomed to Verglas?” Steinar confirmed.
Farrin nodded.
Steinar slumped into his chair and groaned. “I’ll go back and tell him his family may stay but he may not."
Farrin shook his head. “No, Sire. I’m the one who told him he was welcome.”
Both royals looked at him as though his hair had suddenly turned purple.
King Steinar said, “Why, Farrin? We could have compensated him well for his help without bringing him here.”
Though his stomach roiled at the thought, Farrin said, “I'm not sure that's true since Sarthe is after him. He helped us. We must help him. Besides, my wife taught me that everyone deserves a second chance, even those with bloody pasts.”
Rakel spoke softly. “I understand, My Love, and I admire you for what you’re trying to do, but can we trust him? How can he possibly be a magic sympathizer and work at the arena?”
Farrin chose not to tell the royal siblings everything. There was no need. Both knew or could surmise enough to understand why Zurtio should be kept out of Verglas, but Farrin knew Zurtio must be let in. Right now, strategy must outweigh emotion. “I believe we can trust him. Most of the masters would have simply laughed at me if I’d asked them to take you to the king. He really tried to help. He did help. Getting those gates open without a key would have been nigh unto impossible. By the time Halvor had forced those doors, the bout would have been over, and we would not have been the victors.”
Rakel grimaced. Steinar looked positively pained.
Farrin continued, “I knew him before and after he had his grandson. I think having his grandchild become a mage changed his thinking.”
“If that is true, why did he continue at the arena?” Steinar asked.
Farrin thought about that. “Maybe he didn’t know how to get out without raising suspicion. After all, he’s worked there for twenty years or more. If he quit when his grandson turned six years old–.”
“Someone would have figured it out,” Rakel finished for him.
Farrin looked at her and nodded.
“Farrin, I trust you and your judgment. If you want to give the man a second chance, that is what will happen. However, what about the Sunshiners?” the king asked. “Will they share your view?”
“I’ll inform Woqhine that Zurtio and his family are under my protection.”
“Our protection,” the king corrected.
Farrin bowed slightly. “Of course, Sire.”