Jory Lanfear's Arc

Chapter 6 of 7

Mordaunt did not withdraw far. Within a week word came south: the North had risen. Caspian Mordaunt had raised his banners, and lesser northern lords unjustly rode under him. He called it a just war. He said the King had promised him Eleanor, then let a purple-eyed upstart court her instead. Betrayal, he named it. He meant Jory. Now the whole border rallied over a bride. The King summoned the court. Jory stood next to Eleanor, holding her hand, as her father read Mordaunt's demand aloud. Eddard Penrose set the page down and did not shout. He spoke so the whole hall would hear it and carry it north. "Mordaunt claims I broke faith," the King said. "I dissolved the betrothal the hour I held proof he murders his wives. I'll not hand my daughter to a man who schemes and murders brides." He lifted the worn, cracked letter sealed in red wax. Mordaunt's own confession, written to his cousin Lord Egan. "He poisoned the first," Eddard said. "He pushed the second down a stair. I have it in his hand. He ruined this match himself. No suitor of hers undid it. Caspian did." Eleanor stood up straight beside Jory. She did not weep or soften. “What will you do about the Rebellion?” The King looked at his daughter, then at Jory. The old skepticism was still in his face. But he had chosen a side, and the side was against Mordaunt. "We end it with men," Eddard said. "My Lords and Ladies, I call you to raise your banners! Gather your levies and your militias. Meet my army at Moanroe’s Ford." He turned to Jory last. "You wanted into my bloodline, Lanfear. Earn it on the river." It was not a blessing. It was a price. Jory bowed. "I'll be there, Majesty." Outside, the yard filled with the noise of a kingdom going to war. Grooms ran. Horns called the muster. Eleanor walked him to his horse. "He'll make me the reason you die," she said, visibly upset. "I don’t want that." "You're not the reason," Jory said. "Mordaunt is. He made this when he killed his wives and lied about why he came." She touched his cheek. "Come back from the Ford. That's all I ask." Jory promised he would. Before he mounts his horse, she kisses him. Jory rode north with the King's command behind him. The obstacle had broken open at last. Mordaunt's grudge was no longer a threat whispered in a courtyard. It was a rebellion with an army, and the King had named the field where it would be answered. He had wanted Eleanor's hand for his children, their futures, his legacy. Now, her father had set the toll. There would be no marriage without a battle first. Jory bent to the wind and counted the leagues to the North Ford, where Mordaunt's purchased host , and whatever Northern lords showed up, already waited.