The Hollow Crown (Kingfountain #4)(21)

Lord Amrein nodded. “We have two eyes on him, actually. There are some concerns, my lord, that he’s attempting to woo Lady Morwenna.”

The king nodded. “So she told me. That won’t be a problem after tomorrow. Best if the lad cools his head across the sea in his own lands. And it seems like someone else might need to dunk his head in the icy river by Dundrennan.” The king smiled at Fallon to mark it as a joke. “Your ear looks painful.”

“It’s nothing at all, my lord,” Fallon said glumly. “I apologize for making a scene. It won’t happen again.”

Drew straightened and continued pacing. He glanced at Owen. “Should we tell them now, or later?”

Trynne looked from her father to the king, and then back. Were they going to share the secret after all?

“I think now, Your Majesty,” Iago said. He rocked back on his heels, smiling broadly.

Fallon sat up, his eyes widening with interest.

“It was Lord Owen’s idea, so he should be the one to tell it,” the king said, gesturing for him to speak.

Trynne’s father seemed abashed to take the credit. “It was just a suggestion that serves multiple purposes.” He paused, and Trynne’s heart raced with anticipation. Whatever he was about to say would change everything; she sensed it. “We know we are going to be invaded. We need warriors to defend our realm. There is a new generation rising—young men like Prince Fallon and Prince Elwis. In the past, they have always fought one another for fame and land. Now we need them to fight for a common purpose. Princes are ambitious by nature, so glory is a common motivator for many. My idea is to create a custom that unifies our people. We have different languages, different food, different coins even.” Owen walked over to the Ring Table and placed his hand on one of the chair backs. “To earn a seat at this table, a man must pass through an ordeal of sorts. A test not just of fighting prowess and endurance, but also of wisdom and self-discipline. We want clever and judicious warriors to defend our realm, not brute soldiers. My suggestion was that each duchy should create its own ordeal—a rigorous and difficult series of challenges to set apart the champions. Young men from throughout the realm will compete against each other in each of the duchies before earning the right to try their might at the challenge at Kingfountain. The challenges can change and improve from year to year. Only the best will be allowed to progress from one duchy to the next. Accomplishing the trial will earn a badge of honor. Any contest can be attempted more than once, and they’ll be held at varying points during the year.” He paused before continuing. “It will provide the young men a chance to live, for a short while, in the other duchies and learn something of their customs and attributes. It reminds me of something Myrddin once told me. We only hate those whom we do not truly know.”

Owen fell silent for a moment, looking across those in the room. Trynne felt a sort of hunger begin to rise inside her. For as long as she could remember, she had longed to travel, and the thought of visiting Atabyrion, Legault, Brugia, or Occitania in order to meet the challenges there was intensely appealing. Her arms were still sore from training with Captain Staeli, but she relished the idea of competing for such an honor.

Fallon came to his feet with fascination. “And a prince could participate alongside a common man?”

Owen nodded. “Precisely. The seats at this table would not be confined to those of noble blood. Some of the tests would be a trial of arms. But some would also be skills required of soldiers in battle, like climbing siege ladders or lifting heavy weights. As I said, each duchy will create their own. Within a few years’ time, we’ll have created a tradition that will strengthen and unify the people.”

“It’s bloody brilliant,” Iago said with a grin.

“It’s bloody dangerous,” Lady Evie countered, looking worriedly at her son.

“It is that, Madame,” the king said, walking over to her. “But so is war. And if we are going to be invaded by a stronger force, we will need to meet it with a generation of strong men. Owen will design the contest for the palace, the culmination achievement. And I think even Prince Elwis will be motivated to achieve a place at this table. Perhaps he will temper his resentment and desire for retribution in order to have the glory. I think many young men will do the same.” The king smiled kindly at Fallon.

Trynne felt the hot burn of ambition inside her own heart. She found herself speaking her thoughts aloud. “What about others participating?” she asked, looking at her father. “Could I compete as well?”

Fallon looked at her and snorted. “Of course not, Trynne. Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Why is it ridiculous for me to wish to defend my own kingdom as you do?” she challenged. “Father, please! Cannot others be given a chance? The Maid of Donremy fought in battle alongside her men. She wore armor and carried that sword.” She stared at him imploringly, pointing at the blade belted at King Drew’s waist. The other women in the room were looking at her with concern. She knew she was being too passionate, but she could not help herself. If she started now, if she continued working with Captain Staeli . . .

“Trynne,” Genevieve said, rising from the bench. She came and put her hands on Trynne’s shoulders. “Your courage is commendable, but perhaps we should give this more thought. What king has ever summoned an army of women to fight in battles? It’s never been done to my knowledge.”