The King's Course: The Paladin's Path, #2

By Jessica M Dawn

It takes more than one man to save a kingdom.

 

Peleb is a Paladin. The only people he trusts are his teammates - Kres, Jest, and Aon-Je - and the man he has sworn to protect with his life, Cheka. With both Cheka's heritage and Peleb's own revealed, Peleb's end goal is clear: Get Cheka on the throne of Lanivi. To do so he will need the support of as many of the gods as possible, both to back up Cheka's claim to the throne and to protect him from the villainous god Malaa.

 

But not every god is as willing to aid Cheka's succession as the gods of Chaos and Medicine, and Peleb's team must pass trial after trial to prove their cause is just. They will travel from the highest of mountains to the depths of the sea, and even face off against time herself, to succeed.

 

Loyalties will be tested, plots uncovered, and secrets revealed before their fight is done. And Peleb will find there is more to his story than anyone ever realized.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica M Dawn
• Release date: Sep 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393943631

Book preview

Chapter 1

Secrets and Plans

The royal child who lived farthest from the capital city of Kierwater was Prince Sai-Jon, the youngest except for Me-Sai and the only male heir other than Hyon-Wii. According to Commander Orhi, he lived in the city of Chanson at the base of the Prism Peaks, a range of rainbow colored mountains that separated Lanivi from her neighbors to the west. According to Cheka, he was a little bit spoiled and the most classically educated of the royal children.

Though there was a book in his hands, Peleb's eyes were pointed out the window of the train, taking in the Prism Peaks, which had just become visible on the horizon. They truly were rainbow colored. As the rock climbed skyward, the mountainside shifted through bars of browns, reds, greens, blues, and yellows, repeating over and over until the sparse trees grew thick and hid the colors from view near the peaks. The Gemstone Mountains where Peleb had grown up might have produced glittering stones for industry, but their plain forest-covered sides could not hold a candle to this view.

—Councilwoman Bordan to have been working alone, Kres said, dragging Peleb's attention back inside the train. He was leaning forward in his cushy chair with his eyebrows drawn low and a deep frown on his youthful face. There were too many insurgents at the party for that.

Aon-Je, ever the courtly Lady, with her back as straight as her long hair and her hands folded neatly in her lap, replied, And yet when the insurgents were questioned, she was the only one whose name came out. She kept her eyes lowered, and Peleb would have thought it in deference to Kres if he didn't know her personality better. He narrowed his eyes at her but no one noticed, least of all her.

Including every would-be assassin at Prince Hyon-Wii's birthday party—those in the ballroom, the halls, and waiting outside by the carriages—seventy-three people had been arrested and questioned about the plot. Many others were killed in the fighting—the first being the one Peleb took down with his emei piercer, now hidden in his Paladin uniform sleeves once more. The insurgents had pointed to Councilwoman Bordan as their organizer, leader, and the source of their funds and weapons. She had been arrested immediately and currently sat in a jail cell as the Queen's Wardens investigated further. She would likely be dead before the end of the month for treason. Her family might follow soon after her.

And yet, Jest chimed in, imitating Aon-Je with a grin, we are traveling to see a prince because he was nearly killed and might have more information that outs more traitors among the council. She propped her feet up in the seat next to her own and let her arms flop dramatically over the edges of her chair. I wonder if he's still in turmoil from his near death experience.

If he is, we have brought medicinal herbs to calm him. Cheka's voice was clipped and serious, so different from his usual lilting tones. Though everyone looked to him when he spoke, Cheka kept his eyes out the window. We won't question him about the party until we know he's emotionally stable. And then we'll give him Hyon-Wii's apology gift first.

The party had been almost a week ago, and Cheka's shoulders had grown tighter with each passing day. His siblings—both the fakes and his real brother and sisters—had gone home before he could personally check on them. The palace was in chaos. His mother had sent a scathing letter about his stupidity and weaknesses as a leader but wouldn't come see him herself until Commander Orhi and her own commandant could assure her the rebels had been eradicated.

[I'm sure your brother is fine.]

Though he tried to keep his tone gentle, even mentally, Cheka jerked in his seat. A dozen jumbled thoughts ran through Cheka's mind—none of them biting but none of them reassuring—and Peleb lowered his gaze to his book when Cheka looked at him, unwilling to make eye contact. The message had been meant to calm Cheka and yet it only seemed to make him tense further.

I'm sure the prince is fine, Jest said, waving her hand about lazily from where she was lounging and drawing attention away from Cheka, breaking the tense silence between him and Peleb. He won't need any magic tea before he can talk to us. She sent Cheka a cheeky grin. And are any of the royal children emotionally stable? Ever? I'd be surprised.

Watch yourself, Aon-Je accosted. If the wrong person heard your teasing, you could end up just like Councilwoman Bordan.

Though she was lying down, Jest did her best to shrug. Then she closed her eyes and seemed to immediately drift off to sleep. Peleb doubted she ever really slept. She was the god of chaos after all. But then again, he was the god of spring himself and he had to sleep, so who knew?

What do you think, Peleb? Kres asked. The prince spoke to you directly, right? Did he say anything?

Having all the attention on him still made Peleb uncomfortable, and he couldn't meet anyone's eyes. Instead, he focused on the stitching on the couch cushions across the small train car. He asked what I knew, not the other way around.

The fake prince had asked if Peleb knew who he was, and seemed duly impressed when Peleb had called him Saong Hi instead of Hyon-Wii. Then, sitting across from Peleb while a fire crackled in the hearth between them, Saong Hi had interrogated him.

What had happened that night in the courtyard? Why had no one else come with him to face the man who had taken Saong Hi? When did he learn that Cheka was Prince Hyon-Wii? Had he told anyone else? How could he prove that they could trust him with this secret?

The train rolled onto a bridge and the faint clacking from outside grew loud and penetrating during the long seconds it took to cross to the other side. That was the last physical barrier between Bird Squad and Chanson. In just a few minutes, they would pull into the Chanson Station.

When the noise of the tracks had dulled once more, Peleb met Kres's disappointed gaze. If someone else was involved, they'll be found soon enough, with or without me knowing anything.

Kres sighed, flopping back in his chair like a deflating balloon. I suppose. I just feel like I'm missing something obvious. I don't like it.

It was doubtful that knowing a god was behind the attempted assassination would bring any of them peace, so Peleb kept his mouth shut. The truth of what happened on the Prince's birthday would come out to Aon-Je and Kres someday, but Peleb didn't want to be the one to tell it. That wasn't his responsibility and he was glad to sit back and watch for once. He was already dealing with Cheka's unpromising reaction to the secrets that had previously been revealed. The disguised prince would not meet his eyes.

As the train began to pull into the station, Cheka said, Remember, after we visit the prince we're visiting the Temple of the Sky. He cast a brief look to Peleb before focusing on the room as a whole, where Kres had paused halfway out of his seat to listen. Appeasing Runge is as important as ensuring the prince is safe.

Visit a prince. Pray to a god, Jest said from her spot still sprawled over the chairs with her eyes shut. She even pat her chest in a Paladin salute. Got it, boss.

Peleb frowned and looked out the window once more. He didn't like being the center of attention, but he also didn't like being ignored. Especially not by Cheka, who had always included him in his plans and asked his opinion on decisions to be made.

Even Saong-Hi knew how close he and Cheka had become. He had interrogated Peleb about it, too, after the party.

What were Peleb's intentions toward the prince? Would he protect him with his life? Was he aware that the prince had feelings for him? What was he going to do about those feelings? Did he return them? Was he willing to stay by the prince's side for the rest of his life?

Peleb's answers had been succinct and Saong Hi had not approved of any of them. But it wasn't any of Saong Hi's business what Peleb felt and what he and Cheka would do from here on out. That was up to them. Peleb had only been allowed to leave when Cheka had come to retrieve him for their turn at guard duty.

For the past several days, it seemed that 'what they would do from here' would be nothing. Not after the night of Cheka's birthday.

[CAN YOU HEAR ME?]

Cheka jolted back, hit his legs on the edge of the bed, and clumsily sat down. One hand reached up to tentatively touch the side of his head while the other gripped a cup of tea. His wide eyes were fixed on Peleb. On Peleb's mouth, with hadn't moved at all.

[Can you hear me?]

Though he shook his head, Cheka said, Yes. I don't—How?

Only yesterday, the ballroom had been filled to bursting with party guests for Prince Hyon-Wii's birthday celebration. Only yesterday, the courtyard had been lit by lightning and a glowing dagger aimed at Cheka's heart by the god of war. Now, everything was dark. The deep blue of Cheka's walls looked like a midnight sky with no stars in sight. Now, everything was still and silent.

Waking in the temple of Naeth after his fight with Malaa, Peleb had realized Cheka's most closely guarded secret: he was actually Mon Hyon-Wii, the heir to the throne, crown prince of Lanivi, and Queen Hyajen's first born son. Cheka hadn't tried to lie when Peleb confronted him. Instead, he trusted Peleb to help him keep his secret.

It was only right to reveal a secret in return. And slipping into Cheka's mind was as easy as feeling the warmth of the sun in an open field and as wonderful as the taste of the season's freshest blueberries blossoming on the tongue.

Peleb crossed his arms, sitting in the desk chair by the window, moonlight draping over his left shoulder and half of his face. Though a steaming cup of tea sat on the desk for him too, he made no move to drink it.

I've been able to do it since I was young. The words were quiet enough that Cheka might have thought they were in his head again, a breath in the night. When I want to—When I...open my mind...I can send my thoughts to others or hear theirs.

Cheka's hand dropped from his head to the edge of the bed. He gripped the sheets tightly. You can read my mind? A nod. Are you reading it now? A shake of the head. The grip on the sheets loosened minutely. Their gazes remained locked, though. Have you read my mind in the past?

It was a tense, hard question. Never before had Cheka spoken in such a tone with Peleb. It hurt, having even that hint of mistrust thrown at him. Closing his eyes, Peleb inhaled deeply, calming his racing heart. Despite Serinu sewing him back together and healing him, the place where Malaa's knife had pierced him ached.

Only really at the party, he admitted, then opened his eyes. He clenched his fingers on his arms. He should have taken the tea cup, just to give his hands something to do. I didn't want to. Not with anyone. Not after Aneilu— He shook his head.

Across the room, Cheka's gaze had softened from suspicious to curious. He looked Peleb over from head to toe as if he could see evidence of his psychic gift in the wrinkle of his clothes or the angle of his pose. Peleb remained quiet and simply let him look.

After a short time, Cheka took a deep breath and finally sipped at his tea. Biding time. Collecting his thoughts. Then the silence was broken by, Does anyone else know?

Nodding, Peleb answered, Kres. And Jest. He shrugged. It just...happened.

But not Jaing Aon-Je, Cheka verified with a frown, his eyes on the darkness within his cup rather than on Peleb.

No.

Standing from the bed, Cheka placed his empty tea cup on the desk next to Peleb's full one, passing close enough that Peleb could have touched him simply by uncrossing his arms. He began to pace from one end of the room to the other, his arms tight over his chest and his eyebrows drawn low in thought. Usually, Peleb would be willing to watch Cheka for hours, no matter what tiny action he was doing. Now, he was anxious. Was the pacing a good sign or a bad sign? Would Cheka cast him out for this? Was Peleb too different for Cheka to accept? Finally, he could stay quiet no longer.

Pacing isn't very kingly.

Cheka jerked to a stop. The laugh that burst out of him was so much louder than the hushed conversation that came before it that Peleb jumped.

No. I suppose it isn't. When Cheka turned to face Peleb, he wore a gentle smile that calmed some of the anxiety in Peleb's heart. Smiling was a good sign. This is all new for me. I have met gods before, but to have someone I—well, to meet a human with such a gift. It's a little overwhelming.

Peleb shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Jerkily, he turned to the desk and retrieved his tea cup. That's something else I have to tell you. He downed the tea in one huge gulp, despite how it burned his tongue. Only when both cups were empty on the wooden desktop did Peleb meet Cheka's eyes once more. Cheka wasn't smiling anymore. Peleb could read his unhappy confusion clearly on his beautiful face. A deep breath didn't calm Peleb's heart or stop his palms from sweating, but it gave him the breath to say, I'm not...actually...Peleb Duveas. I'm the new god of spring.

AS IN FLORAISON, BIRD Squad was met at the palace in Chanson by another squad of Paladins. With them was a young man wearing flowing robes similar to those worn by the Queen's heralds, but he wore the quill of Mother Tashes, the god of learning, on his shoulders. His wavy black hair curled around his ears and the nape of his neck. He had dark eyes similar to Cheka's that held a spark of mischief in them, and the only jewels he wore were green tourmaline earrings. He gave a low bow when they stood before him.

Welcome to Chanson Palace, Paladins.

He motioned with one arm to the palace as if presenting it to a potential buyer. Unlike Floraison Palace, there was a wall around Chanson Palace. It wasn't as thick as the one around Kierwater Palace, but it was just as tall. The palace itself was more circular, built around a large central courtyard, with sprawling grounds that stretched out behind it to the base of the mountains. Chanson Palace's most distinctive feature, however, was the immense, imposing tower that rose up above the entry hall—a silent watcher over the city. Peleb had spotted the tower before he ever took in the details of Chanson city itself.

My name is Chemu, the boy introduced with another quick incline of his head. It is my honor to welcome you and to be your guide during your visit. Let me guess— and he pointed to each Paladin in turn, Lady Jaing Aon-Je, daughter of Councilman Jaing. You specialize in knives. Kresteun Weldar, son of Queen Hyajen's most notable jewelers. I don't even need to guess your specialty, given the bow across your back. Jest Uhtric, quarterstaff. Peleb Duveas, son of Doctor Miru Duveas. You train under Commander Afa Orhi himself with emei piercers, if I've heard correctly. And Ji Cheka, best friend of Prince Hyon-Wii himself and, if rumors are to be believed, already a master swordsman.

None of the Chanson Paladins reacted, so this sort of greeting must be common for Chemu, but what surprised Peleb was the exactness of his knowledge of them. Where had he gotten his information?

Cheka bowed, and knocked his elbow into Peleb to make him bow too. Hopefully our reputations paint us in a positive light.

Positively enough, the herald agreed with a grin. Now, allow the servants to take your bags to your rooms and please follow me. Prince Sai-Jon awaits you in the library.

Chapter 2

Chanson City

Through the marble hallways, Chemu kept up a stream of conversation. He told them the history behind every tapestry and mural adorning the walls, which master architect had created the molding around the ceiling and built the tower itself, and explained the part that the arts played in Chanson's economy. A devotee of Mother Tashes, indeed. He talked more than Jest and Kres combined, and though Cheka seemed amused, Peleb's eyes had begun to cross long before they reached the library. Paladins stood guard on either side of the room and Chemu greeted each of them by name, proving he knew about more than just Bird Squad. Did he study everyone who became a Paladin?

After a brief knock on the library's grand wooden doors, Chemu led them into the library, not even waiting for a call to enter. Your Highness. Bird Squad has arrived from Kierwater Palace.

The man Chemu was bowing to was clearly younger than any member of Bird Squad. From what Commander Orhi had told Peleb, Sai-Jon was only seventeen, a year older than his little sister Me-Sai. His face was thin, almost mousy, with phoenix eyes. His dark hair was pulled back in a tiny ponytail at the base of his neck. He leaned back in a cushy chair that almost swallowed him, and was surrounded by tall stacks of books that looked one wrong breath from collapsing. On top of one shorter stack sat a plate with what appeared to be the leftovers of lunch on it, and a cup of tea sat on top of another. He wore a pale suit, with twelve bracelets of different stones on his left wrist and three golden ones on his right, a sapphire ring on his right index finger, and sapphire earrings crawling up the shells of his ears.

He was fast asleep.

Chemu took a deep breath and let it out in a loud, exasperated sigh. Stepping closer to the prince, he tapped his foot against the prince's, again, again, until finally Sai-Jon jerked awake. He saw Chemu first and opened his mouth, but paused when his eyes landed on the visitors.

Oh. Standing, Sai-Jon straightened his clothing and ran his hand over his hair, cleared his throat. My apologies. I thought your train wasn't due to arrive until the afternoon.

No one mentioned that it already was the afternoon. Chemu rolled his eyes behind the prince's back and began to retrieve the dishes from their precarious positions.

The prince's eyes caught on Peleb and narrowed. You, he said, pointing. Aren't you the one who killed that rebel at the ball? The one who was about to murder me? The first of the would-be assassins to die. Peleb nodded and Sai-Jon's face lit up. You saved my life, Paladin. How would you like to leave Kierwater and come work for me instead?

Beside Peleb, Cheka choked on air and began to cough. One of the stacks of books fell over, a cacophony of thuds and clattering as each tome tumbled to the floor. Chemu bowed deeply from where he stood next to the mess.

Apologies, Your Highness.

Sai-Jon waved his apology away. Get some of the servants to clean up those books. We need to entertain our guests. Turning back to Peleb, he asked, What do you say, Paladin?

Peleb shook his head. Uh. No thanks.

The prince's face twisted, confused by the manner of rejection as much by the rejection itself, but Aon-Je was already jumping into the conversation. He is honored by your offer, but we have all already been sworn to the Prince's palace. If you wish for new Paladins, please formally request them through the usual channels.

There was a formal way to ask for Paladins? Peleb thought the Queen just decided which Paladins went where and that was it.

Regretfully, no Paladin in Bird Squad is available for relocation, Cheka added, his eyes lowered in deference but his voice strong and brooking no argument. But I'm certain His Highness would be willing to transfer as many other Paladins as you require, if you're feeling unsafe since the attack.

For a long moment, Prince Sai-Jon stood in silence, uncertainty flickering over his face. His fingers clenched at the waist of his suit jacket, released, and clenched again. Finally, he let out a strained A-ah. Yes. Of course. A shake of the head. No, no. I have plenty of capable Paladins at my disposal already. But please tell my brother that I am happy with the offer, should a need arise.

Cheka inclined his head further. Of course, Your Highness.

Sai-Jon broke the awkward silence that followed with a loud clap of his hands, making Kres jump. We should go on a ride through Chanson before the feast tonight. It is a wonderful city with lots to do for entertainment. I'm sure you'll find something to enjoy. Chemu!

Stepping forward, Chemu said, I'll alert the stables to ready the horses. Then he was through the library doors and gone, the scattered books left on the floor where they had fallen.

Now, Sai-Jon said once they were alone, standing up straighter, Tell me what's been happening since the ball.

WHEN CHEMU HAD SAID he would 'ready the horses,' Peleb had thought everyone would be riding their own steed, as they had in Doverplem. Instead, to tour the city, the Paladins of Bird Squad and Prince Sai-Jon rode in a closed carriage. Prince Sai-Jon sat on one side of the carriage with Aon-Je and Kres, the two smallest Paladins, while Peleb, Cheka, and Jest sat on the other. The prince pointed out the theaters, jewelry stores, and tailors they passed, as well as a temple or two, but the carriage never stopped to let them out.

Oh, what about there? Kres asked of a raised platform in a small park.

Prince Sai-Jon shrugged. Street performers use it mostly. No one of note. He grinned. But if you're interested in music, I can call on the best Chanson has to offer and they'll be at the palace within minutes to perform for me.

Frowning, Peleb focused on the people walking along the street outside. There were two bakeries side-by-side, but their storefronts suggested they sold different kinds of baked goods and were not in competition with each other. They reminded him of the the Honey Home Bakery in Kierwater. Where had the owner moved to? Were Wardens still bothering her?

There was an herbal remedy shop, where plants were growing from the very bricks of the building's facade. There were labeled opaque jars in the window like the ones in the Kierwater Palace kitchen pantry. Would there be time to visit the city by himself to pick up ingredients for tea? Perhaps he should just ask Cheka to order the ingredients once they were back in Kierwater. They would be freshest then, without traveling across the country to the capital in his suitcase first.

A weapon shop sat between a bank and a post office, it's odd placement striking. Unlike the shop in Kierwater, this building did not give off an air of warning. It probably wasn't hiding the god of war, skulking around the shadows and licking his wounds.

Do you know anything about the rebels who attacked at the ball?

Prince Sai-Jon's chatter about a shoe store cut off abruptly. Excuse me?

Shifting upright in his seat so that he could imitate how Aon-Je and Cheka sat when meeting with people of importance, Peleb said, The rebels nearly killed you at the ball. Did you hear anyone say anything or see anyone do anything that would tell us who was behind it?

For the first time, Sai-Jon narrowed his eyes at Peleb in displeasure. You all told me that the responsible party was apprehended. Councilwoman Bordan, you said. Were there others?

Aon-Je cast her eyes away from the prince. Kres opened his mouth to respond but Cheka beat him to it.

We have no proof there were other conspirators, Cheka explained. It simply seems unlikely that one person arranged an assassination attempt on such a scale, so we need to ask.

He didn't gentle his voice or attempt to reassure the prince, and that was all Peleb needed to know

Reviews for The King's Course

[geoffhabiger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The second book in Jessica Dawn’s Paladin’s Path series, The King’s Course, picks up right after the events of the first book. Peleb, Cheka, and the rest of Bird Squad are slowly making the rounds of the other royal children, ostensibly to check on them after the assassination attempt on Prince Hyon-Wii during his birthday celebration. In reality these trips allow Cheka – the actual Prince Hyon-Wii – to ask the gods to back him as he prepares to challenge Queen Hyajen for the throne. But intrigue seems to be around every corner. As Check tries to convince the gods to support his claim to the throne, Peleb has his own secrets to keep as the new god of spring, and his own mission to kill the Queen. Peleb soon learns that a member of Bird Squad may also be plotting to kill not only the Queen, but Prince Hyon-Wii too. Through all the political machinations and threats, Peleb also struggles with his budding relationship with Cheka, which had seemed to flourish, but then goes cold. When Peleb is promoted to Warden, to serve as part of the Queen’s personal guard, Peleb must make choices that may affect not only the royal family, but the pantheon of the gods as well.So many secrets have been bubbling just under the surface in the previous book and they all explode to the forefront in The King’s Course. I won’t give you details – no SPOILERS – but sufficient to say that pretty much every member of Bird Squad has a secret, and as these secrets come out they create tension and allow the characters to bond together. Peleb’s story is the main character arc, and his development undergoes a lot of growth in this book. Peleb is a man who has only just recently discovered that he is a god, the reborn god of spring. But he can’t seem to manage some of the simplest godly powers like making flowers grow or teleport from one location to another. While struggling with developing his powers his relationship with Cheka first blossoms, then grows cold, and blossoms again. I love the dynamics of their relationship, especially the ups and downs, as it mirrors what we mere mortals go through in our own relationships. Peleb’s growth as a character is well-developed and you can feel his struggle.The other thing that I love about The King’s Course is the role that the gods play in it. The world that Jessica has created has a pantheon filled with multiple gods, who hearken to the ancient Earth pantheons of the Greeks, Norse, and Chinese. These are gods who meddle and interfere in the mortal realm and are very present in the people’s lives. The gods have depth to them as well, and you can see the world-building craft Jessica brings to the story though the small backstories given to the gods. You get a sense for why Cheka (a.k.a Hyon-Wii) must seek out their support, and also why the gods are reluctant to give it and put Cheka, and Bird Squad, through their trials to see if he will be a fit ruler. The history of the world comes to life through this interaction.This is also a strong LGBTQIA+ story. Every member of Bird Squad is a member of this community in some way. Peleb and Cheka are gay, Aon-Je is lesbian, Kres presents as female but identifies as male, and Jest is the god of chaos, so they are pretty much any and every gender that they want to be. It was great to see the romance between Peleb and Cheka grow in this book – the kiss that didn’t happen in The Paladin’s Path finally happens – but for me the most memorable interactions come when Peleb and Bird Squad emphasize to others that Kres is a man, despite outward appearances. Their support for him not only show the inclusivity of the group, but the friendships that have developed among the team.The King’s Course is a wonderful fantasy story that blends intrigue, romance, and action into a seamless whole. It is a great follow up to The Paladin’s Path.