Wardens of Archos

by Sarina Langer

  “She’s well,” Lon said. “Kiana has taught her some formal manners for royal appointments.”

  Rachael insisted they call her by her name. She didn’t like her title, and the Sparrows loved her even more for it.

  “I watched her after the coronation. She carried herself well.” It was a hideous understatement. She’d been beautiful in her dress and her smile. Her new luxuries made her uncomfortable, but he doubted her guests noticed it. They didn't watch her as closely as he did. He could still protect her from the shadows, without her knowledge. He shouldn’t be complaining while he could keep an eye on her.

  Oren smiled. “She asks after you, too. And she’s watching you.”

  Cale froze. “You mean she wonders why I’ve abandoned her.”

  “Rachael doesn’t think you’ve abandoned her. She wonders why you won’t talk to her.” Lon lowered his voice so the others wouldn't hear. “She misses you. This isn’t easy for her, either.”

  His cheeks flushed, but he shook it off. “It’s the same thing, Lon.”

  “It’s n—”

  “Have there been any more assassins?” Rachael hadn’t been such a good change of subject after all. The more he pretended not to care, the harder it became to stay away from her. His hands were clammy and his heart sped up just from hearing her name. His whole body pulled away from the courtyard and toward Rachael, but he wouldn’t give in. His mind was stronger. He refused to be weak.

  After Rachael’s victory over King Aeric, they had sent out invitations to all important figures of each neighbouring country. Under Rachael’s rule, Rifarne faced a future that was long overdue; a future where the gifted were no longer criminals by default. Under her rule, the gifted could have a life. They no longer needed to hide and live in fear. Midoka and Krymistis supported the change, while Tramura and Vistria were more complicated. The Tramuran king was outspoken against magic, and crueller than King Aeric could ever have been. Many gifted had sought refuge in other countries now, but somehow, he still managed to have weekly public executions.

  Vistria was the most pious place Cale had ever been to, and the people there had an entirely different view on the gift. They revered it, held festivals to celebrate it, and accepted it as their religion. Their lives were devoted to their god, and serving him with their gift. It would be easier to convince them to continue trading with Rifarne, but he worried Tramura might close its trading routes. If it did, Vistria’s only chance to trade with Rifarne was by sea. While the people there were accomplished seafarers it would take longer, and Vistria might not deem them worth the effort.

  “No.”

  “And the last man we caught—”

  “He died.”

  Cale nodded. There had been four attempts on Rachael’s life since they had sent out the invitations. All assassins had been caught before they could get close, and all of them had died before they could be questioned. Cale suspected poison. Nothing else could kill as surely or as quickly, and each assassin had died after being captured. No physical injuries were present. Poison was the only logical option. Whoever had sent them wouldn’t want them to be questioned, and had likely ensured they wouldn’t give up incriminating information. A bit of nightshade was all that was needed. It was easy enough to conceal, but did it kill fast enough? He had to consider that the assassins had been sent by someone outside Rifarne, where different poisonous plants were available that he wasn’t familiar with.

  Cale suspected Arnost Lis, the Tramuran ambassador. Midoka and Krymistis were on Rachael’s side, and Vistria was too devout to the gifted to kill someone in cold blood. Its people’s beliefs didn’t allow it. Tramura was the only viable option, and it had a history of blood and treachery.

  “Come on,” said Lon. “You’re too hard on yourself. Take the rest of the evening off.”

  Cale didn’t want to admit it, but he was tired. The new recruits had to be exhausted.

  Men made poor soldiers if they didn’t get enough sleep or food.

  “We’re done for today!” His strong voice carried over the courtyard, and made everyone look up. “We’re meeting back here tomorrow morning. Don’t be late!” The Sparrows smiled and waved, and slowly the square emptied out.

  “Make sure you get a good night’s sleep.” Lon patted him on the back.

  “You can’t protect Rachael if you’re too tired to stand straight,” said Oren, and Cale forced a smile.

  His new family needed him, and he wanted to be alert for their sakes. He wouldn’t allow them to be butchered, like his last brothers and sisters had been.

  “I’ll come in a minute. You go on ahead.”

  He waited until Lon and Oren had left, and drew his sword. He was too angry with himself to sleep just yet. He swung his sword a couple of times, felt its weight in his hand, then pivoted and struck. Aeron. Videl. Gullible fool of a king Aeric. The memory of their faces was enough to keep him training until the moon stood high above the White City, and his joints burnt. Every ache, every sore spot, was less than he deserved. He screamed, cut a training dummy in half with one clean swing, and went to his knees next to it. He leaned on to his sword’s hilt while he recovered, feeling every sting his exhausted lungs caused.

  Cale sheathed his sword when his breathing had calmed. He left the courtyard and the faces of his dead enemies behind. He didn’t need them. There were plenty of nightmares ahead of him to fill the rest of the night.

  Chapter Six

  “Faster!”

  Rachael blocked Kiana’s attack just in time. The garden’s cobblestones made moving a challenge, but that was why they had picked it for their training sessions. Kiana was a tougher opponent than Cale had been, and insisted on using real weapons. Rachael couldn’t afford to make a mistake. She had several bruises and a small cut on her left thigh, but she was learning more from Kiana than she’d learned from Cale. Cale’s training had been safe. Kiana’s training was survival.

  Kiana stepped back, spun around, and aimed for Rachael’s legs. Rachael deflected the blow with her sword. Her movements were still sluggish compared to Kiana, who was at home with two daggers in her hands, but she was proud of her progress. Only two weeks ago Kiana wouldn't have chanced aiming so precisely.

  Kiana smiled, and wiped sweat out of her eyes. “You’re improving! How’s your leg?”

  Rachael grimaced. Kiana’s blade hadn’t cut deep, but the wound still stung, even a week later. Kiana had made her train through the pain, and had only taken her to get the wound treated after another hour of merciless fighting. In a real battle, Kiana had said, she wouldn’t have time to take a break. In a real battle, she needed to be strong enough to ignore the pain, and fight despite it. Rachael agreed. She had experienced firsthand what real battle was like when she’d fought her way through the White City, and had challenged Aeric. He’d been ready to give up his crown, but he hadn’t made it easy on her. She had earned a throne she didn't want.

  A sharp pain raced up her right leg.

  “Don’t let your guard down. Your enemy might try to trick you. You’d be dead if I were a real opponent.”

  “If you were a real opponent I wouldn’t let my mind wander.”

  “Of course not. But not every enemy will identify himself. We’ve avoided four attempts on your life, Rachael. One of the assassins was a scullery maid here. If Lon and I hadn’t been with you, you’d be dead now.”

  Rachael swallowed. The first two assassination attempts had been by people she didn’t know, but the third and last attempt had been a maid in her kitchen. She’d been a timid and shy person, who had avoided meeting her eyes and who had blushed when Rachael had spoken to her. Rachael hadn’t expected the young woman to be a danger; the scullery maid could easily have killed her. She had food tasters now, and a Sparrow accompanied her wherever she went. As long as she could still have privacy in her own chambers, she would bear it.

  “The wound isn’t deep,” said Kiana. “We can get it bandaged and treated now, so you don’t feel the pai
n as much.”

  “No. I’ll take the bandage, but no pain medicine. It was my own fault. I can take it.”

  Kiana smiled. “That’s my girl! How is your other leg doing?”

  “I’m not limping anymore. It’s fine.”

  “Can I look?”

  Rachael nodded, and pulled up her trouser leg while Kiana carried over her backpack.

  “You’ve come prepared?”

  Kiana grinned. “I thought if I’m going to hurt you again I might as well fix your wound. It’ll happen more often until you can defend yourself properly. We’ll save time if I can do it here.”

  Rachael gritted her teeth when Kiana cleaned the wound and pressed the bandage to it.

  “Does it hurt?”

  “You cut my leg.”

  “A real enemy would have cut a lot more. This is a minor wound compared to what you can expect on the battle field.”

  “But the war is over,” Rachael said. It had been a small fight compared to full-blown war, but it was over. The city and its people were still recovering, but the fighting had stopped.

  Kiana tied a knot into the bandage and looked up at her. “Not everyone is happy you’re on the throne. Smaller fights might break out all over the country. We already know someone is after your life, Rachael. You can never be too careful.”

  Rachael frowned. A year ago, no one would have needed to remind her. She couldn't trust anyone. Sooner or later, everyone left her for their own gain. Cephy had left her to be with Aeron, and even Cale had distanced himself.

  Kiana was strong, confident in her abilities, and dangerous with one dagger in each hand. She was also the best friend Rachael had ever had. Kiana stayed with her through most of each day. Rachael was grateful Cale had appointed Kiana to be her guarding Sparrow; most of the others were strangers to her. At least she could trust Kiana.

  Someone screamed, and both women shot up. A man came stumbling out of a nearby bush, his leg and shoulder thick with blood. He spotted Rachael and ran toward her. Kiana stepped in front of her, daggers drawn.

  Before he could get close to them, he burst into flames. As he panicked, he screamed, but his struggle only lasted a few seconds. What was left of him fell into an ashen heap on the grass.

  Someone stood behind him, and she was smiling.

  “How did you get in?” Kiana gripped her daggers, ready to pounce.

  “Would you rather I let him kill your new queen?” Kaida’s voice was soft as silk, her tone serious. The smile on her red lips betrayed her amusement.

  Kiana hesitated. “The guards have orders not to let anyone interrupt.”

  Kaida took a few steps forward but stopped when Kiana mirrored the movement.

  “You would be dead if I hadn't interrupted.” When Kiana didn't move, Kaida remained in her spot. She didn't seem to mind from where she addressed Rachael. Her presence filled the space regardless of her position; Kaida could have stood in the shadows of a crowded room and she would still have drawn everyone's attention if she didn’t intend otherwise. “I was merely taking a walk nearby when I saw a man become one with the shadows and sneak past the guards. They are not to blame for the oversight. He did a good job concealing himself.”

  “And yet here you are, aware of his steps.” Kiana's voice was a low, dangerous growl.

  “I am a Mist Woman. His borrowed magic may have fooled your guards, but such simple tricks will not fool me.”

  “It’s okay, Kiana,” said Rachael once she found her voice. “I don’t think she’s here to kill me.”

  Kiana made no attempts to step aside. “You can never be too sure.”

  “She burnt the man to ashes within seconds. I don’t think you’re in her way.”

  Kiana hesitated but sheathed one of her daggers. She took a step to the side, and Rachael’s eyes met Kaida’s. She was beyond a doubt dangerous, and Rachael didn’t like the timing of her appearance. She doubted Kaida wanted her dead—she didn’t strike Rachael as the kind of woman who sent assassins in her place—but Rachael didn’t believe the Mist Woman had just happened upon the assassin in the right moment, either.

  Kaida smiled. “You are a clever girl, Rachael. And you are lucky, too, to have someone so devoted to your safety as Kiana. Rest assured, you have nothing to fear from me.”

  “You’ve saved Rachael’s life,” said Kiana. “You’ve done what you came here to do.”

  “I was hoping to speak to you in private.” Kiana’s hand dashed back to her sheathed dagger. “You can stay, of course.” Kaida turned her full attention to Rachael. “It is not my intention to make you or your friend uncomfortable.”

  “What do you want to talk about?” asked Rachael.

  “I came to give you a gift, a warning, and an offer. Would you hear me out?”

  Rachael nodded. “We can sit over there.” She pointed toward the other end of the garden. The white fountain surrounded by three benches was her favourite place in the palace. It was private and serene, and one of the only spots where she could be alone.

  Kaida sat on the bench adjacent to Rachael, while Kiana remained standing.

  “I know who you are,” Kaida said.

  Kiana frowned. “Everyone knows. It’s hardly a secret.”

  “Of course, but I meant beyond that. When Aeron died she released a darker evil into the world. I have come to warn you.”

  Rachael shivered. “How do you know how Aeron died?”

  “I did not say I did.” A sad smile clouded Kaida's eyes. “I am the one who killed her. I took no pleasure in killing one of my own, but it had to be done.” She sighed. “Had I known Aeron took precautions, I would have done things differently. I am afraid I am partly to blame for what she has released.”

  “You killed Aeron?” Rachael had believed Aeron to be the most dangerous person alive until Cale told her someone had killed the Mist Woman. Now the person who had achieved this impossible feat was sitting before her, offering her help. Rachael’s insides were twisting into a tight knot at the revelation.

  Her mind was racing. She refused to be tricked twice. Aeron had manipulated Rachael into thinking she’d been harmless, and now Cephy was dead because of it.

  “Then I owe you my thanks. You’ve done us a great service.” Rachael considered her words. She couldn’t be too cautious around someone as lethal as this.

  Kaida lowered her eyes. “You give me too much credit. Aeron’s death released a force so ancient and dark into the world, I do not know if I can mend it. That is why I am here. To protect you, to warn you of the dark days ahead, and to offer my help.”

  “I’m her protection,” said Kiana. “She has an army of Sparrows behind her for the same purpose.”

  “That man could have killed her if I had not stepped in. The Sparrows are a group of inexperienced soldiers.” She turned to Rachael. “They will not be able to protect you from what is to come.”

  “And I suppose you can?”

  “Yes. There are other Mist Women who could protect you, but they would not be able to do it as well as I can.”

  Rachael swallowed. “And why is that?”

  “I am an old woman, Rachael. I have seen and done things nobody else has. I have the knowledge and the power you will need to stay alive.” Kaida nodded to Kiana. “I do not doubt your ability. I hear you are Cale Spurling’s second-in-command, and I do not doubt you have earned your position. He would not trust you with Rachael’s life otherwise. But the things Aeron has loosed upon this world are beyond your ability. They are beyond the ability of most people. I can protect her, but I will not force my services on her.”

  Rachael’s stomach was twisting so hard it hurt. This was the woman who had killed Aeron—the most dangerous person Rachael had ever known. Her vision was swimming just thinking about it, but Rachael believed her. Her instincts had saved her many times. They told her now that Kaida was dangerous beyond measure, but they didn’t tell her to run.

  “What dark things are you talking about?”

  �
��When I killed Aeron, her skin was covered in cuts that had not healed. Only one spell can do such a thing. I researched my fears in great depth before coming here and can assure you that I am right. Aeron has released the Dark One and his forces into our world, and they will slaughter every living being if we do not stop them.”

  Kiana's blades touched Kaida’s throat before Rachael could blink.

  The Mist Woman didn’t flinch.

  “You don’t make threats in front of her highness Queen Rachael of Rifarne.” Kiana’s voice was the eerie calm before the storm; a dark, controlled growl promising swift destruction. Rachael didn’t dare breathe, but Kaida didn’t look worried.

  “I am afraid it is too late for threats. The end of the world is coming, and you will need my help to stop it.” Kaida turned as much as the knives at her throat allowed her. “I do not threaten you, Queen Rachael. I am warning you.”

  Rachael swallowed. None of Kiana’s lessons had prepared her for a situation like this.

  “Sheathe your weapons, Kiana.” Rachael tried to sound soothing and self-assured, but her voice was trembling and her hands were shaking.

  Kiana glared at Kaida, but sheathed her daggers.

  “What do you propose?”

  Kaida smiled, and it sent goose bumps over Rachael’s skin. “I thank you. May I ask that we speak somewhere private? If news were to reach the ears of gossip, it would spread panic among your subjects.”

  Rachael nodded. “Follow me.”

  Kiana took her place behind Kaida, flanking her.

  Rachael led Kaida to her room. Kiana asked Elyn to give them privacy, and then closed the door. Kiana sat at the vanity, and Rachael took a seat on her bed. Her chambers weren’t made for meetings, but for comfort—there was nowhere left for Kaida to sit.

  “You say the end of the world is coming,” said Rachael. “Why would I believe you?”

  Kaida didn’t pace. She simply stood before Rachael, her authoritative figure taking up the entire room.

  “I have studied all kinds of different magics my whole life. As I mentioned before, I am old. Older than any other Mist Woman alive. The others could protect you, to an extent, but they do not have the knowledge I have. I know what I saw. The markings that covered Aeron’s body mean one thing, and there is no room for doubt or mistakes. She has freed the Dark One upon our world, and if we do not act fast He will enslave us all before granting us the mercy of death.”