The Smoke Thieves Series, Book 1 by Sally Green

Author:Sally Green
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2018-05-01T04:00:00+00:00

AMBROSE

THE BRIGANTINE–PITORIAN BORDER

“THIS IS madness!” exclaimed Ambrose. “It makes no sense. Why invade Pitoria? It’s Calidor that Aloysius wants—it’s always been Calidor.”

“Perhaps he learned his lesson after the last war and is looking for easier pickings,” Tarquin replied.

“But relations with Pitoria have been improving. Catherine is about to marry the heir to the throne!”

“Which means every lord in the kingdom will be in Tornia for the wedding. Perhaps Aloysius’s plan is not so ludicrous. What better time to invade? Get a foothold in the north, then move south. The marriage is a wonderful diversion.”

“But . . . they’ll think Catherine is part of the plot.”

“Are you sure she isn’t?”

Ambrose had to remind himself that Tarquin didn’t know Catherine at all. “She’s not. I’m sure of it. She’ll be imprisoned—or executed! I have to warn her!”

“Careful, brother. Communicating war plans to a foreign power is treason against Brigant.”

“I’ve no intention of communicating plans to a foreign power, only to Catherine. I swore an oath to protect her and that remains my duty and . . . and . . .”

“And you love her,” finished Tarquin simply.

There was no point denying it.

“I do.”

“Then you must go. Find her. Warn her. The invasion is set for the day before the wedding. That’s only a week away. You have to reach Tornia before then. Take the letter to show her.”

Ambrose nodded. “What about you? Noyes’s men will have noticed your absence from Tarasenth.”

“I’m carrying on my normal duties, making a tour of our villages,” said Tarquin, shrugging. “I’ll do so briefly, then return home and warn Father.”

“They’ll have a description of the man who stole the orders. I don’t think it will take much for them to realize it was me. That will lead them to you.”

“Stop worrying about me. I can handle their questions. But, Ambrose, whatever happens, even if you warn the princess, a war is coming. Aloysius will invade. I hope at the end of this you’ll be able to come home, but for now we must part, and I fear it will be a long time before we see each other again.” Tarquin embraced Ambrose. “Be careful, little brother.”

This parting was so sudden. Even if Ambrose succeeded in warning Catherine, he was fleeing his native country as a proclaimed traitor. It seemed unlikely he’d see Tarquin again, and at the thought of that he pulled his brother tighter. “You’re the best of brothers. The best. I will make you proud.”

He felt Tarquin kiss his forehead and then release him, saying, “Remember us. Remember Anne too.”

Ambrose nodded. He couldn’t speak.

Tarquin swung himself into his saddle. “I’ll miss you more than you realize. I know you’ll act with honor.” And he wheeled his horse round and rode away.

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