Ally by Anna Banks

Author:Anna Banks
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

22

TARIK

Tarik does not take comfort in the fact that Cy is without a clue as regards the madness overtaking the kingdom. Each day, there are more and more reports of Strays upturning normal lives, daily routines, the goings-on of a once-functioning Anyar. Tarik walks along with Cy through the courtyard of the Lyceum, full of the less violent strays, and although Tarik has come as the Falcon King this day, heavily guarded, he doubts his face paint hides the disappointed expression he wears when witnessing firsthand what his citizens are becoming.

Some talk to themselves, some bicker with each other over nonsensical things, some sit at the fountain and rock back and forth as though they’ve lost the will to stand. “And where are the aggressive ones being kept?” Tarik asks as they pass a man licking his hands so fiercely that his fingers have become prunish and wrinkled at the tips.

“As much as I hate to say this, Highness,” Cy admits with a grimace, “they are being detained behind locked doors for their own safety and that of the kingdom.”

“The kingdom?” Commander Morg says as he strolls behind them.

Cy nods. “Some of their madness is not born of lunacy, but of conspiracy. They speak openly of overtaking the throne.”

Startled, Tarik places a hand on Cy’s forearm, but Cy seems hesitant to bring his eyes to meet his king’s. “And how seriously should we be taking this threat?”

“Seriously,” Morg answers, a scowl darkening his face. “Madness is one thing; treason is quite the other.”

“But they are one and the same, I’m certain of it,” Cy says. “They must be treated as patients, not criminals.”

Morg snorts. “This is not a decision for a boy Healer to make.”

“Master Healer,” Tarik corrects. “Cy is a Master Healer, and I will take into consideration his opinion in the matter.”

“My apologies, Highness,” Morg says, but he still looks at Cy as though the Healer himself is in need of medical care. “Madness or not, we cannot allow these delusions to leak into the minds of the strong, giving them ideas that perhaps the throne is weak.”

“Which is exactly why these people are being detained,” Cy snaps.

“But how many are not being detained?” Morg presses. “How many roam the roads and pathways wreaking havoc on the reputation of His Highness?”

Tarik cannot help but agree. Ill though they are, their threats are very real. It is the most inconvenient time to be preparing for war with Hemut. Tarik lowers his voice when he says, “Send soldiers throughout Anyar disguised as mere citizens. Find these ones who escape detention, and bring them in to receive treatment.” He turns to Cy. “You do not care to treat ones without consent, I know. But this is a royal command. You will treat every Stray you come across the best you know how.”

Cy is clearly alarmed. “But nothing has truly worked, Highness. All I can do is treat symptoms until the cure is found.”

“Do what you can.” Tarik shakes his head. “Cy, do what you must.

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