Free The Shadowed Throne by K. J. Taylor Page B

the Night God’s holy name! An’ the one who did this will feel her rage—but not before she’s felt ours.”
    Yes,
she thought privately.
Whoever “she” might be.

5
Riven
    T he council met in the small hours of the morning, as the sky outside began to turn grey. It was a messy and undignified affair—nearly all the councillors were bleary-eyed and had obviously dressed in a hurry. The griffins were irritable and kept shifting in their places, eyeing each other distrustfully.
    Only Laela and Oeka looked calm. The Queen wore a beautiful black gown with a gold sash sewn with jewels, and the crown rested neatly on her head. She probably had had even less sleep than everyone else, but she looked possessed by some energy that kept her alert. Beside her, Oeka was as glossy and quietly smug as always.
    The mere sight of them made Saeddryn sick with hatred. She had intended to approach the situation as calmly as possible, but when she saw the half-breed standing there, radiating triumph, it was too much.
    She ignored all protocol and spoke out before everyone was in place. “My Temple is destroyed. I demand justice.”
    From the way the councillors reacted, it was obvious that they all supported her. Saeddryn felt some of her confidence return. “Who did this? Who’s the filth that committed this crime?”
    â€œCalm down,” Laela smoothly advised. “The poor lunatic was caught. I’ve just had a report from Commander Garnoc.”
    â€œI know that!” Saeddryn spat. “I want t’know
who
! Who is she?”
    â€œOne of our people brought from Amoran,” said Laela. “Went by the name of Tyria, or so I’m told. Seems she converted to worshippin’ Gryphus. Got all sorts of mad ideas. Garnoc’s men have been trying to get information out of her, but she ain’t sayin’ much that makes sense. Looks like the whole thing was just a sorry accident. But don’t worry—she’ll be dealt with.”
    â€œEnough about that,” Torc interrupted. “Our Temple is in ruins, no matter why it happened. What are we going to do about that?”
    â€œRebuild it, of course,” said the Master of Building.
    â€œYes, an’ I’ll be happy to provide all the fundin’ yeh need,” said Laela, while looking straight at Saeddryn.
    Saeddryn gritted her teeth. “I’d expect nothing less.”
    â€œWell of course,” Laela smiled sweetly. “Anything to help out my dad’s beloved cousin. Now then, I’m sure our friend the Master of Buildin’ Stuff here can start organisin’ everythin’ the moment the sun’s up.”
    â€œI certainly can,” the Master of Building said stiffly. “As soon as I’ve rounded up the manpower.”
    â€œAn’ I’m sure we can rely on yeh for that,” said Laela. “Fundin’s up to me, an’ I’ll see what I can do. Of course,” she added, “all this means there’ll be some trouble with my womanhood ceremony. An’ me an’ Saeddryn were just plannin’ it yesterday an’ all.” She shook her head sadly.
    â€œI’m sure we can find somewhere else, my lady,” said Iorwerth.
    Laela looked thoughtful. “I’m sure there are other sacred places that might be right for it. Lady Saeddryn, what d’you think?”
    Saeddryn’s eye burned. She opened her mouth to say no—to
shout
no. To curse the half-breed for the traitor and blasphemer she was. But an inner voice stopped her. It was the same voice that spoke up sometimes, when she was in trouble. The voice of reason. It was always the voice of her mother.
    Stop. Think.
    Saeddryn made herself breathe calmly. She bowed slightly and fixed a respectful look on her face. “My Queen,” she said. “I know a perfect place.”
    The others there looked curious.
    â€œGo on,” said Laela, watching her through