Forest Kingdom Trilogy 2 - Blood and Honor

longer sure who is who and what is what. Some have even declared themselves uncertain as to who I am. I should have thought myself easy enough to recognise, even if I have been . . . away ... for a while. But, to set the faint-hearted at rest, I shall prove to you all here and now that I at least am who I say I am. With your permission, Regent?'
    Count William bowed formally, and a path opened up in the courtiers as Jordan strode towards the throne. He held his head high and hoped he looked a damn sight more confident than he felt. Sir Gawaine moved quietly forward at his side, as they'd arranged, ostensibly as an honour guard, but actually to make sure no one got too close and saw something they shouldn't. Jordan stopped before the bloodstained Stone, took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Just another show, Jordan. Say your lines, make your moves and don't trip over the furniture. He could sense Lewis and Dominic watching him closely, confused by the unexpected turn of events but not sure what to do about it. Knowing him to be
    an imposter, they'd been sure he'd try to bluff or bluster his way out of the Test. His volunteering had shaken them. What was supposed to be their finest moment looked like becoming Viktor's. Jordan smiled slightly and got down on one knee before the Stone. Better get on with it while everyone was still off balance. Give them time to think, and they might remember why candidates were supposed to be naked to the waist ... He pulled back his left sleeve till it was rolled up just below the hidden glass vial, and then drew his knife from his boot. The Court stood still and silent.
    'I, Prince Viktor of Redhart, swear allegiance to the Stone of Redhart.'
    Jordan mimed making a cut with his knife, and opened the hidden vial by pulling gently at the slender string tied to its stopper. Viktor's Blood ran down his arm, and dripped steadily on to the Stone. Jordan licked his dry lips, and then placed his palm firmly on the Stone. Nothing happened. After a long moment, Jordan let out his breath in a quiet sigh, along with most of the Court. Jordan put away his knife and stood up, holding his left arm tightly as though to stop the bleeding. An old trick, simple but elegant. So simple it went right over their heads.
    Lewis and Dominic were looking at him uncertainly. Jordan grinned at them both, and dropped them a wink. Lewis flushed angrily and started forward. His guards stirred around him, hands reaching for weapons. The courtiers between Lewis and Jordan backed hastily out of the way. Jordan glanced at his own guards, and saw they were a lot further away than he'd thought. The Monk and Ironheart pressed in close beside Lewis, apparently arguing with him, but his face was mottled with rage and he wasn't listening. Jordan wondered if the wink had perhaps been a mistake. Even though it had been good theatre. Beside him, Sir Gawaine had drawn his axe. Jordan's guards finally arrived, and formed a defensive shield around him. He glanced quickly across at Dominic. It was hard to read expressions in the ruined face, but he seemed to be content just to watch, for the moment. Jordan let his right hand drop to his sword, and watched Lewis's approach with the best cold sneer he could manage. It would have to be the sword or a smoke pellet. He couldn't get to his flare pellets while his left sleeve was still rolled up.
    'That's enough!' roared the Regent. 'Stand where you are, or I'll have my men open fire!'
    Everyone looked at the Regent, and then followed his pointing finger up to the spectators' gallery that overlooked the Court. The gallery was lined with dozens of archers, each with an arrow ready to fire.
    The Court grew very still.
    'You wouldn't dare,' said Lewis flatly. 'Attacking a Prince of the Blood is treason. The nobles would have your head.'
    'My position protects me from any such charge,' said William evenly. 'While I am Regent, my word is law. Believe me, Lewis, I'm quite ready to order one or all of you killed, if that's what it takes to prevent a civil war.'
    'I don't know about the rest of you,' said Jordan, 'but I believe him.' He ostentatiously took his hand away from his sword, and gestured for his men to put away their weapons. After a pause they did so, Sir Gawaine last of all. Jordan bowed formally to the Regent. 'My apologies for creating a disturbance in this Court.'
    'You always were the gracious one, Viktor,' said Count William. 'Well, Lewis, Dominic?'
    'It'll be a cold day in