Chapter 15: The Value of a Lie

Chapter 15: The Value of a Lie

Liam OShea took his hand off his sons shoulder and stood unaided. With another flick of his wrist, he ordered the boy back into the castle. Connor retreated a few steps, but no more.

I ordered no such thing, the king said.

The fox arched its back and shook itself again. Traps, iron and heavy, clattered to the paving stones.

I ordered no such thing, the king repeated.

The fox stared into his face. The king, like his eldest son, did not flinch.

Pity, the great beast said. If it had been you, Id have my tail before sunrise. You know what youve done, dont you? I think you do.

The fox pressed his face close and the king wavered on his feet. It wasnt bravery that kept him from retreating, or stupidity either. Aaron realized that if the man took a step, he was going to fall. That was all it was.

We will fight you, the king said.

The fox ignored him. Now Ive got to hunt you all, every one. I cant be sure of my vengeance until every man in your city is deadexcept for you, I suppose. Do you have any conception of how long that takes? It was thirty-nine yearsto my fourth tail and that was a piddling little village. When will you humans learn the value of a lie, OShea? So much can be saved. My time. Your city. The beast heaved a sigh that sent every fire shuddering. His words sat in the night air, their meaning growing as men exchanged looks.

Next to Aaron, Lochlann swallowed thickly and raised his voice. I did it. I was the one who

The foxs head swung towards the wall. Finish that sentence, redcoat. Please.

As hard as Lochlann tried, he couldnt seem to force those last words out of his mouth. Under the foxs black gaze, the young lieutenant was still.

I ordered it, Prince Orin spoke into the silence. Youre arrogant, fox. Prideful. Spiteful. It was only a matter of time until you turned on us. If not in fathers reign, then in mine. You will never have the respect for me that you do for him. I see it in you, every time we speak.

The fox threw back his head and laughed, a long yipping howl into the night air. That! I can believe that. Well said, Prince.

When it lowered its muzzle again, it was no longer laughing. Well said, indeed. Anything else youd care to say?

Some men go pale in the face of their death. Some stutter or run. Orin was the type whose face darkened with anger. The fox advanced, luxuriating in each step. The king was trying to say something, but his breath seemed to have failed him. Lochlann was readying his sword, as were the guards on the ramparts. Chereau was edging closer, to where she could get in a proper hit.

Aaron tilted his head.

Orin wasnt going to die. The crown princes Death, with all his bored yawns, was nowhere in sight. All the Deaths had gone.

The bell on the royal tower tolled six times, in rapid succession.

Six, six, Late Wakes tricks.

There was no fox down there. There never had been.

Dont stab me, Lieutenant, Chereau edged away from them all. We both know Im not the one who took your officer out. All I did was not leave an opportunity to lie.

It took longer than it should have for Aaron to understand. By then a black fox was standing where the guardswoman had been, four white-tipped tails fanned behind it, its forepaws shoved into the arms of a red coat rather too large for it. It leapt lightly to the top of the battlements, trying to keep as many of the guards in its sight as possible.

My people leave in safety, it said, in a voice most definitely not Chereaus.

Of course, the Lady agreed. I assume theyll wish to go immediately. Our guardsmen would be pleased to escort them to the city gates.

Around them, the last of the blue flames faded. A familiar yellow light returned to the lanterns on the battlements. Many of the animals simply vanished. Some, like the mountain lion next to him, proved to be very real under it all. The fox gave no signal Aaron could see, but the creatures began backing off, edging towards the nearest stairs or simply making the leap down.

Now would be a good time to

Lochlann wrapped a hand around his arm. Going somewhere?

Apparently not, Aaron said.

Lady, the lieutenant called. When youre done, theres a minor matter for you to attend to. It can wait until morning.

The womans gaze shifted to them. To him. Aaron saw a flash of recognition in her eyes, quickly hidden. It will be my pleasure, Lieutenant Varghese.

* * *

They found Chereau behind the woodpile, where Aaron had left her. She was struggling her way back to consciousness. Lochlann tucked one of her arms over his shoulders and stared at Aaron until he did the same.

Little fey? Why are you? she started the thought, but lost it somewhere.

They made for the front doors of the castle. There, Lochlann had them wait politely as the royal party showed their guest inside.

How much of my city is really on fire, fox? the king asked, his arm resting on the Ladys as he walked.

Only a tiny bit, the foxs grin was smaller in this form, but no less wide. My people may have kicked over a lantern or three on our way in. Purely on accident, Im sure.

Chereau focused on its voice, squinting hard. Is that fox wearing my coat?

Aaron saw no need to correct the conclusions she was drawing.

Neither, it seemed, did the good lieutenant.