by J. M. Ivie
“They do on Oceland. Royals marry anyone they please.” I turned my head. All I saw were her dark curls on my shoulder, and the tip of her nose. “Anything is possible. I’m unsure if we will see Luxterra bend in our lifetime. But, perhaps the next generation. Perhaps there is a way for us to pave the path for their future. To witness the end of selfishness.”
She smiled and looked up at me with those haunting green eyes. Silence was between us, but, it was as if we were speaking. Comfortable… pleasant. I found myself lost in her gaze. “Zahra…” I kissed her temple and brushed away the hair that was in a frenzy about her face. “You are… a gem.”
She laughed, as if not taking me seriously.
“I’m speaking the truth! You’re as rare to find as…” I paused, searching for the perfect word. “A hummingbird.”
“Oh, stop! Honestly…” Zahra pursed her lips, though, I saw hints of red under the dark copper tone of her cheeks.
“I mean it. You’re as rare as they come. It’s a miracle I found you.” I paused. “Perhaps you’re the one who found me. I’d never have found you on my own.”
Zahra pressed her finger to my lips, shaking her head. “You’re flattering me too much. It’s all going to get to my head, I swear!”
I laughed. She nestled up closer as we took in the clean and fresh night air. The danger was real. If Azu caught us, it would end badly… It loomed in the air. But, we stayed still. Comfortable in each other’s presence.
“Zahra…” I leaned my head on hers, looking up at the sky speckled with stars. “You’re my hummingbird.”
She shifted. “Is that my nickname now?”
I looked at her, “Only if you wish.”
“What else is there? I like options.”
I kissed her temple again, releasing a breath. I remained in thought for a moment. Finally, I smiled. “What about goddess?”
“Oh, I do like that one,” she mused. “Will you bow when you say it?”
“If it would please you, my deity.”
“That one too… I think I like them all. Let’s put them into circulation.”
I laughed, utterly content sitting with her in the garden.
There was the snap of a twig. It echoed so loudly in the night silence that Zahra and I were both jarred from where we sat. My heart raced. Everything became blurred as my nerves leapt on edge. We both stood and looked toward the bushes.
“Ah, well, looks like I interrupted something.”
The hairs on my neck rose. Ryanne.
His pale, ghostly white face emerged from the shadows, rivaled only by his snowy white hair. Eyes, like two icy-blue spheres, stared at me with bloodshot whites. His bottom lip tucked below his upper lip, yet, it only added to his animalistic appearance.
“Who are you?” Zahra asked in an even tone, though, she gripped onto my arm—too tight for her to be unafraid.
“Ah, forgive me, I’m a friend of Apollo’s.” His voice sounded like a rusted metal grate opening. “I require a few moments with him alone.”
I turned to Zahra before she could protest. “It’s fine. Go on… It’s getting late.”
I could tell she wasn’t comfortable, but, she nodded and left.
“Beautiful creature,” Ryanne whispered, stepping closer.
“Where’s Barak?”
“Ah, he’s a bit caught up right now. Something about Talismen… or Anarchists… I don’t know. Jensen sent me to gather your report.”
I let out an uneasy breath, tilting my head to the side. “I’ll fetch it.”
Within a few minutes I retrieved the report and brought it back to Ryanne.
“Ah, this will do just fine.” Ryanne folded the papers and placed them into his breast pocket. Against the black leather of his coat, his skin looked sickeningly white.
“Good. Now leave.”
“Sensitive…” Ryanne grinned, placing his finger against his oddly shaped lips. “Were you fraternizing with the Countess, Faithe?”
“Do you expect me to be that foolish? I’ve been gaining her trust. I’m certain you can see the value in that,” I lied.
“I don’t doubt. You look like you were very professional.”
“Nothing you haven’t done before, Ryanne,” I said in such a tone I surprised myself.
I struck a tender chord with him. He pulled his knife and pressed it firmly against my throat with a speed that rivaled Barak’s.
“Speak like that one more time, I dare you,” Ryanne seethed. “You remember how that ended. If you don’t watch it, you’ll have to watch the blood slowly drip from your precious Countess. I wonder if you will marvel as I did at the sight.”
Rage pulsed through my veins, and I thrust my forehead against his. I spun out of his grasp, knocking him in the mouth with my elbow.
He stepped backward, nearly unfazed. Blood trickled down his lip as he twisted them upward into a grin. “I’m surprised. When did you develop such a backbone?” I watched as Ryanne straightened his body and sheathed his knife. “And if you’re worried, I won’t tell Jensen… you never have to fear me tattling on you. Just remember, you are playing with fire, Faithe—” he stopped, a smirk surfacing in his demonic eyes. “If you’re not careful, you’ll drown in the blood of those you love.”
TWENTY - THREE
BARAK
THE WIND DANCED OVER THE the mountains which towered out in the distance. The air seared through my tunic as if Dracul breathed out among the valley. The sky bore semblance of fire as streaks of yellow and red cleaved the heavens—cascading intricate blue and orange on the horizon as the sun rose. It was times like this I felt vulnerable—standing amid the vast expanse of land and sky. Just a human overpowered by the misty mountains and great pines who demanded respect.
Drawing back my hood, I stared at the still-lingering darkness. There seemed always to be darkness, even amid the light. Tendrils of shadows crept along the earth, preserving the secrets only known by nature. The air smelt sweet, of pine and honey, begging me to drop my Fiermontian pride and lay in the glen of green grass. What a scene this would have been to paint. Vivid memories of joy resurfaced. Nothing compared to guiding a brush with your fingers, or the smooth sound of the wet paint as it met canvas.
The smell of turpentine mixed with the atmosphere… I had gone too far into the past. It is unfair to enjoy anything when your family is all dead. I should not find happiness, not when theirs had been taken. I deserved the same fate. No, worse. The dishonorable death as a secret officer—an assassin—is the fate fitted for me.
Onward forging, putting the past back where it belonged, is what I needed to do. The bones in my shoulder writhed and tightened, signaling the change of pressure in the air and reminding me of the injury—reminding me of the mission. I steeled my nerves and set my jaw straight once more. Distractions were the last things I needed.
Tightening the straps on my leather tunic, I tried to ease the pain in my shoulder. I needed to get the map, get out, and return to the rendezvous point. Three days left. It seemed generous when I received the mission two weeks ago.
Apollo would return to Siege Veil soon. The thought alone made me smile. It had been too long without him in the barracks. Though, he could be a grand nuisance, he always brought light into the dark, sunless halls.
I climbed up the side of the blue mountain, cautious to keep my feet from slipping or kicking a loose rock. The large pines shaded the path, casting their lean figures across the stones and moss. Their roots dug into the earth, holding on to the sloping land. The soft murmur of the breeze weaved through the needles and limbs, rubbing against the auburn bark of the trees. As long as the Anarchists had put no Tego Runes around their base, I should be able to find it with ease. Tego Runes seemed too much trouble to install. They required a source of power usually gained from lightning. I stood on the edge of Bouldarcaven, not Dahkhall. The possibility of a base surrounded by those Runes seemed slim.
Rounding the corner of the mountain, I saw it. A humble tower b
arely jutting out from the landscape. It held a gentle power of dread and excitement. I had been eager to get out and do something. Here it was. My opportunity.
___
The retrieval of the ledger seemed less like a mission and more like a menial task. Few Anarchists stood in my way, and it took little time to address my roadblock. The metallic tang of blood clung to my nose and tongue. My mask, I dared not look. My gore-covered fingers told me enough. I retrieved what Jensen wanted and exited the building. But, that was not all I came for.
Grabbing the arm of a young Anarchist, I drug him along with me. “Where is Han-Zul?”
The creature shook his head, eyes wide. “Who?”
“You heard me.”
“I don’t know who that is!”
“Lies, Vinadi. You do.” I grabbed him by the throat and pressed him against the tree. It was a release… squeezing his warm flesh below my fingers. Every muscle in my body stood alert; ready to act when I commanded.
“I—swear!” he choked, sputtering below the pressure.
I dropped him, letting him catch his breath. “Then you tell me you are of no use?”
The Anarchist looked up. “None.” His gaze looked like steel. Cold and indifferent to the inevitable death that awaited him. “Do away with me.”
I shrugged, pulling out my knuckles I kept slung on my belt. Three-inch daggers on each side accompanied the sharp points. It was an effective weapon. One: it struck fear into the heart of those who laid eyes on it. Two: it killed quickly—and painfully. But, this? I would not kill him quickly. I would wait until the sky filled with his screams. I would wait till the grass died from his blood.
___
Jensen flipped through the papers, nodding and mumbling as he inspected it. “This will work. I believe I have narrowed down the exact coordinates. I’ll send someone to scout first, but, prepare yourself for an autumn assignment.”
I nodded. Keeping my mouth shut always worked better when interacting with Jensen, but, this time I opened it.
“Signi,” I began, bowing my head. “I have served the Rangers for ten years. How long till I may request… my leave?”
His face remained the same as always. It was his eyes that glared at me. “Never. You—you’re tied here. Did I not make that clear? Once a Ranger, always a Ranger.” Jensen leaned back in his chair. He fingered the ring on his finger… my soul, tethered to that ring. “You hold too many secrets. Welkinia cannot risk you running loose and doing whatever the Lapp you please.”
My stomach became a flaming forge. “Understood, Commander.”
He nodded, pointing toward the door. “Go now. Ryanne needs a sparring partner and you look like you need an outlet for that pent-up aggression.”
The only outlet I wished for was to be let out. But, it appeared the only escape I could ever have was death.
PART FIVE
TWENTY - FOUR
THE FIRST MONTH OF SUMMER came and passed too quickly for my liking. I packed my bags on the twenty-fourth day, dreading every minute. I would return to the damp, dark barracks with Barak, and would miss the daily near-catch experiences with Zahra. As I folded my last garment into my duffle bag, there was a gentle tap on my door.
“Come in.”
Zahra’s head poked around the barrier, followed close by Nora. I was happy to see them despite the pang in my chest. This would be the last day I’d have with them here.
“So, you’re leaving tomorrow…” Nora began, keeping half of her frame behind the door.
“And Nora and I thought it might be nice if we did something for you…” Zahra nodded to Nora who scurried into the room. She had a brown paper bag behind her back. What is going on?
“You two are acting awful suspicious…” I laughed, sitting by the urging of Zahra.
“Just close your eyes.”
“Will I be surprised?” Nora’s frown made me raise my hands in defeat. “Fine. I’ll close my eyes.”
The bag crinkled as they rummaged through it. The tapping of their feet on the floor told me where they were standing. “Okay, open your eyes.”
I did as Zahra said. Nora held up a leather duster-jacket. The double-breasted design of the piece made it look fierce, although, the overall look to the jacket was simple. Nora must have made it.
“Zahra picked out the design, the leather, and the buttons… I just… pieced it together.” Nora sputtered, handing over the jacket.
“Oh please, Nora did all the work!”
“No way, it was your idea!”
I grabbed hold of them and hugged tightly. “Thank you both. This is the best present I’ve ever received!”
The only present I’d ever received…
Zahra smiled, and Nora laughed.
“We want you to know we will miss you,” Zahra muttered. “I’ll miss you.”
My heart stirred, and I kissed her temple. “I’ll miss you as well.”
After a moment of staring into her eyes, I felt a sharp pain in my ribs. A cry of surprise shot from me, then I turned, seeing Nora.
“What am I? Huh? Chopped Akushu meat?”
I shook my head, grabbing her to hug her tightly. “Did you give yourself a new nick-name, Nora?”
She jabbed me in the ribs again, laughing. “I can’t wait till you leave.”
“I’ll miss you too.”
___
Barak thrust his fist into my shoulder, ruffling my hair. My body felt heavy, still somewhat under the effects of the potion.
“Nice attire,” he commented, stroking the sleeves of my new leather jacket. “How much do you want for the coat?”
“Back off!” I laughed. “Zahra and Nora gave it as a going away present.”
Barak grinned, pulling off his blood-stained shirt. I didn’t dare ask whose blood that was. “Good for you. While you were off receiving gifts, I had to put up with Ryanne, smack sense into Niall, and single-handedly save the life of the Priest himself.”
“You saved the Priest’s life?” I raised a brow. “How did that happen?”
“It is a long story, but, he had a few Anarchists after him. They were swiftly killed.”
“A long story, indeed!”
Barak laughed, shaking his head, “The Luxterrian spit-fire rubbed off on you.”
“You seemed to enjoy Nora’s company lots.”
“I enjoy women in general…” Barak winked as he grabbed hold of the pole protruding from the wall with both hands. Every muscle in his arms and back bulged. I hadn’t realized it before—not till that day—his appearance was statuesque. Every cut and edge of his figure was defined. A nervous chill ran down my spine. It made me grateful I was not his opponent, but, his friend.
“Like what you see?” Barak winked at me, tilting his head to the side jeeringly.
I offered him an uncouth gesture. “You wish.”
“You are not good at complimenting others.” Barak walked over to the wash basin, splashing his face. Blood dripped from his hair and into the water. “What are you thinking?”
“That I’m grateful we are not enemies. I would be in turmoil if I were pitted against you in battle.”
Barak looked at me with a grin. “Winsdale had been good to you,” he said.
“Has it?”
He nodded. “The sun, it has kissed your skin.”
“Ah! The Destroyer has returned!”
Niall entered the room before I could muster up a good remark for Barak. I rolled my eyes. “Good to see you again, Niall.” I’d barely said the words before he grabbed me and squeezed tight.
“I missed sparring with you, Destroyer!” His voice mirrored his person. Deep and colossal.
“Niall—release me?” I asked as I tried to wriggle from his grasp. I wanted far away from his sweaty body.
“Oh, my bad.” Niall let me go. “I killed so many men, Destroyer! You would have been jealous!”
My stomach tossed and turned. What is this? I’ve never been in this state before.
“All right
, Niall. Out and let Apollo rest.” Barak shoved the beast from the room. It was entertaining seeing these two men fight over the ground on which they stood.
“Don’t push me, Hound!” Niall’s rough Luxterrian accent came out clipped. He bucked against Barak’s shoving, raising his arms to fight.
“I will push who I want.”
“No, you won’t. Push Destroyer then!”
“But I do not want to push him. I want to push you. Now out!” Barak barked out the last words, and the air suddenly dropped in temperature.
Niall turned around, his hands balled into fists. Veins bulged from his thick neck, protruding and throbbing with his anger.
A smirk pulled at the corners of Barak’s mouth, “We can do this if you really want, Vinadi. It has been a few days since our last brawl.”
Niall stepped back, scowling. “Watch yourself, Hound.” His heavy footsteps thundered as he left.
With a deep sigh I walked over to the dresser and pulled out a notebook, shuffling through to find a quill.
“You are an odd person,” Barak muttered. “Why do you fight with one hand, and… kamasu… with your left?”
I laughed, “Kamasu? You mean, write?”
His face puckered, but, he nodded.
“I like to keep my fighting hand and writing hand separate.”
He shrugged, looking up at the ceiling. “It is a useless skill.”
I closed the journal after finishing up the few lines I had written, hoping to better collect my thoughts later. “Well, Barak, if you don’t mind, I think I’ll be going to bed.” I took my jacket off with care. “I’ll miss the room I was in… but, I think I will sleep well tonight.”
“Miss your feathered bed?”
“Cut your mouth.”
Barak grinned, patting me on the shoulder, “Goodnight, Apollo. May Dracul’s eye watch over you and give you rest.”