Wardens of Archos

by Sarina Langer

  “Old coins, chalices, and a couple of amulets and rings. They might be what the old sorcerers came here to hide. If there is nothing else, I would like to see the books you found.”

  Rachael turned to Kiana. “Keep an eye on Reeve and Ludo. And be careful.” Something unspoken happened between them. Kiana nodded, looking more serious than he’d ever known her to be. Then her smile was back, and she winked at him.

  “Oh, I think they'll be watching each other plenty!”

  At least he wouldn't be alone with Ludo. He fought the overpowering urge to punch the smile off his face.

  Shadows moved everywhere as Rachael led Kaida to the books. She felt safer with the Mist Woman around, and the feeling that something was wrong had passed. Still, she couldn’t help feeling nervous.

  “It’s just through here.” Rachael climbed back into the small room.

  Kaida began leafing through the tomes right away.

  “Ah, yes. This is interesting indeed.” Kaida laid her hands on to the pages and whispered something in a language Rachael didn't recognise. Nothing happened. “There is something here, but coaxing it out will take time. It has been a long while since I have last encountered magic like this. I will take them with us, and will study them at the palace.”

  Rachael nodded, doubting it made a difference to Kaida’s decision. Mist Women seemed to be above the law.

  Kaida studied the books. Her silence made the shadows seem larger, and Rachael’s stomach clenched. “The demons were here.”

  Kaida froze. “A Mother was here? Inside this temple?” Rachael nodded. “Then we need to leave. It is not safe.”

  “I thought they couldn’t find me?”

  “I do not have an answer, Rachael. I fear they are gaining strength. If that is the case, I cannot predict their next move.”

  Rachael swallowed. “So, I won’t be safe anywhere?”

  “Midoka and Krymistis have sacred temples capable of repelling dark magic, but they are out of your reach right now.”

  “I won’t run.” Rachael's heart hammered in her chest, but she meant it. She’d sworn to protect people who had the gift, and that’s what she was going to do. The people of Rifarne already doubted her enough as it was. She wouldn’t give them another reason.

  “I know.” Kaida smiled. “I found something else. I believe it is what the ancient sorcerers came here to hide.”

  “What is it?” This was it, Rachael could feel it inside her. The reason she'd had the vision.

  “An old set of armour. It is beautiful, and of intricate design with runes woven into the material to protect the wearer. More important, its magic is intact. It will need repairs, but it should protect you.”

  Rachael’s head spun. “Armour infused with magic? Here?”

  “Rifarne was not always opposed to magic, Rachael. You know that. This armour was worn by the war prophets of the old empire. And now it is calling for you.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  In the short time Rachael had been queen, Cale had thought of her as the rightful ruler. Even before her coronation the palace had suited her, in the same way her sword—his gift to her—suited her. She wasn’t comfortable with the dresses and the court etiquette, and looked a little clumsy no matter what she did. She tried, but she hadn’t been raised for a life of royalty.

  Even so, the palace fit her.

  Cale didn't trust Kaida. Mist Women only ever worked for themselves, and information on her was as unattainable as she was powerful. Kaida hailed from Midoka. Kaida was the royal advisor in the Krymistian court. But who was she? It was disturbing how little else he’d been able to find. Had Rachael asked him to stay because she thought it best, or because she didn't want to see him? Either way, there was nothing he could do about it now. Reeve and Kiana were with her. Ludo was new but eager to prove himself, and Reeve would never let his personal feelings affect his duty. Rachael would be fine without him. While he didn’t trust Kaida, Rachael did, and he trusted her.

  In the meantime, Cale could protect her by finding the person responsible for the assassination attempts. He’d set up a meeting to question his prime suspect without the man suspecting anything. Cale needed proof. His instincts were sharp; he owed his life to his observational skills several times over. A hunch was all he had, but he was certain it was correct. All he needed to do now was end the threat before Rachael came back.

  Even so, Cale had a bad feeling about the meeting. It was on his terms, a friendly chat between countries, but he couldn't shake the feeling he was the one being set up. He’d gone alone, as a sign of goodwill. Lon and Oren knew what he was up to. If he didn’t return, they’d know where to start looking. Now he wondered if they should have accompanied him, or at least have waited nearby in case he needed backup.

  He stopped in front of the two guards watching over the ambassador’s room. He straightened and looked them in the eyes. They couldn't sense his worry. He had to be in charge through every word of the meeting.

  “Ambassador Lis is expecting me. Please tell him I’ve arrived.”

  The men nodded, and one of them disappeared inside the room. Moments later, he waved Cale inside.

  Every room in this wing of the palace had a comfortable double bed and a private washroom. The only things they had provided in addition was the sweet incense Cale could smell now, on behest of the ambassador's wife, and the doubled security, on behest of the ambassador himself. Cale had been assured Arnost Lis cherished his privacy, but was that the only reason for the additional guard? Cale’s instincts told him the ambassador was hiding something, he just needed to find it. The thick scent of incense was so overpowering it could have covered up the smell of blood.

  Cale wanted to keep an open mind, on the off-chance he was wrong. Since all assassins had committed suicide before he’d had a chance to interrogate them, he hadn’t learned anything that could help him now. He could only guess, and he hated it.

  “Cale Spurling, how good of you to pay us a visit.” Arnost Lis and his wife sat on a violet plush sofa Cale had always disliked but which the ambassador seemed to enjoy. The man treasured wealth and possessions more than people; Cale had been able to tell as much the moment they’d met. The heavy choker he’d put on his wife was an excellent example of his values.

  He offered both a courteous nod, and saw the bruises on Erimentha’s arms and neck. She noticed and pulled her fabrics tighter around herself, her eyes flitting to her husband, who didn’t react.

  “It’s my pleasure, Ambassador Lis. My lady. Thank you for welcoming me into your chambers.”

  Arnost Lis made a dismissing gesture with his hand, and smiled. He was well practised, but not good enough to trick Cale. The smile on Erimentha’s face was an act, too. Cale couldn't tell if she tried to show him how uncomfortable she was without her husband noticing, or whether years of pretending had worn her thin.

  “Please, it's no trouble. I understand this is your palace now. We could hardly refuse your offer.”

  Cale offered his best smile in response, and hoped the ambassador wasn’t as skilled at reading people as he was. “It’s my Queen Rachael’s palace. I merely lead her Sparrows.” A shadow dashed across Arnost Lis’s face, but Cale saw it. He noticed Erimentha tensing up, too. The ambassador wasn't used to people talking back at him. Cale needed to be more careful if he wanted information; this wasn’t the time to wind Lis up, much as he enjoyed it.

  “Of course. May I offer you a drink? We have brought teas from Tramura—the best you’ll ever taste. Might I interest you in a cup?”

  Would the ambassador be so bold as to poison him during their first meeting? Cale had taken several strong antidotes in preparation, and more were stashed in his pockets. He couldn’t seem concerned.

  “Thank you, ambassador.”

  “Desma! Make all of us a cup of tea.”

  A Krymistian girl nodded and rushed off, but Cale saw the fear in her eyes. Even Erimentha had flinched. Cale was surprised to see a man as outspoken agai
nst the gift as Arnost Lis keep Krymistian servants. Had she been his wife's handmaiden at first, or did he take pleasure from putting the gifted to mundane tasks? Did he beat her, too, to keep her in line and stop her from using her gift? Slavery was outlawed in Rifarne, but Tramura clung to its traditions. If Cale could get a moment alone with her, and make her feel safe enough to tell him the truth, he might just get her to talk.

  “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

  Cale hoped he looked as calm as he ought to. “As I’m sure you're aware, there have been numerous attempts on the queen’s life. I was wondering if you had heard or seen anything.”

  Arnost Lis hid his emotions well. Erimentha, however, tensed at his words. Cale hoped for her sake her husband hadn’t noticed.

  “Ah, yes. It’s an ugly business, that. I take it you have no leads?”

  “We have a couple, but nothing conclusive. I'm afraid the assassins know how to cover their tracks.”

  Desma served their cups of tea and offered sugar. Cale declined, and took a sip. It smelled sweet, but normal. Perhaps he’d been wrong. He’d never been a great fan of the drink, but Ailis had loved the herbal fragrances and tastes. She would have loved this flavour.

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Arnost Lis took a sip from his own cup, but his eyes never left Cale’s. “Is there anything we can do to aid your investigation?”

  “That won’t be necessary. I have professionals committed to the queen's well-being working for me. I admit we’ve encountered difficulties, but I can assure you we’ll find whoever is behind the attempts.”

  “Of course. Please let us know if you require anything else.”

  Cale finished his tea, and got up. “Thank you for your assistance, and your offers of help in the matter.” Arnost Lis hadn’t given anything away, but his wife had tensed and flinched at all the right moments. If he could talk to Erimentha alone perhaps she would speak out against her husband, but that was impossible. Arnost Lis never took his eyes off her for long. The servant girl was his best chance for information, but he needed to be careful. If he asked to speak to her in private now, the ambassador would know Cale suspected him.

  He needed to get back to his Sparrows, and discuss his next steps with Lon and Oren. He now knew beyond a doubt the ambassador had sent the assassins, but it still wasn’t sufficient proof. He needed more. If a healer could extract enough of the poison from his bloodstream and find the same poison in Lis’s chambers, the visit would have been worth the risk.

  “I will leave you to enjoy your afternoon. Please let us know if you hear anything.”

  “Certainly.” The ambassador’s smile had lost its pretend politeness. “A good afternoon, Sparrow.”

  Cale nodded, and hurried toward the training grounds. His vision had begun to blur and his limbs were weak, but he needed to get to his Sparrows before he passed out.

  Whatever poison Arnost Lis had used, it was nothing his Sparrows had encountered before. His antidotes weren't enough.

  Cale wasn’t far from the Sparrows' training session when the poison won. Over the last few years he’d taken small doses of different poisons to build up an immunity, but only one cup of the ambassador's tea had been enough. If they could isolate the poison, find a dose in the ambassador’s quarters, and compare the two, it would be the evidence he needed, but he had a feeling they wouldn’t find anything. Arnost Lis didn’t take chances.

  He could hear Lon shout orders at the new recruits. If he could just lift his arm to the window, perhaps someone would see it in passing.

  But he didn’t have enough strength left, and his arm fell to his side. The floor was cool against his burning body. When had he laid down? Everything was swimming before his eyes.

  Cale thought he could hear Arnost Lis laughing at his victory as everything went black, and the poison overpowered him.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Are you all right?” Kiana leaned against the ship’s railing next to Rachael. They had left the island soon after Rachael had returned with Kaida, and now a cold breeze caressed her skin. She didn't mind the chill. Tramuran winters were harsh; the sea breeze was nothing compared to snow covering her toes every morning. Kiana welcomed it. If she was cold, she was still alive.

  Rachael was shivering. Kiana took off her coat and placed it around Rachael's shoulders.

  “Does that help?”

  Rachael didn't look at her. “You need it.”

  “I'm used to worse temperatures.” She shrugged. “Besides, the cold is exhilarating.”

  “If you say so. Thank you.”

  “You didn't answer my question. Are you all right?”

  Rachael sighed, but didn't take her eyes off the sea. “I'm the queen of Rifarne. It's my job to be all right, isn't it?”

  “That doesn't mean you have to be fine in private.”

  “This isn't private. There are so many people everywhere, watching me. They can't see me weak, you said so yourself.”

  “It's late evening, Rachael. Where do you think everyone is? Kaida is in her cabin, Reeve and Ludo are below deck somewhere, and the few sailors are getting drunk. The captain is busy making sure we don't go off course. It's just you and me right now. So, let me ask again. Are you all right?”

  Rachael looked at her. “There are assassins, demons, and Kaida believes the Dark One Himself is after this world, too. One of the demons nearly killed me down there. How am I supposed to save the world if I’m this vulnerable? It was stupid of me to think I was safe. I thought I’d left the assassins behind, but Reeve suspects Ludo regardless. Kaida removed the demon’s trace on me, but still they found me.” Rachael sighed. “I’m not all right, Kiana. I don't know what to do. Everyone expects me to save the world, but I can barely stay alive myself.”

  Kiana hesitated as she tried to figure out who Rachael needed more: her advisor, or her friend. She decided for a bit of both.

  “I wouldn't call you helpless. You fought one of those vile things by yourself, and won! I should have been there to protect you, but I wasn't fast enough. Turns out, you didn't need my help.” She smiled, hoping to coax something other than an empty stare out of Rachael. “Just don't tell Cale you had to defend yourself. I'll never be allowed near you again.”

  No success.

  “How am I supposed to do all this? I thought I could rely on Cale, maybe even trust him, but I've lost him. I don't know if we can repair what we had.”

  Kiana raised an eyebrow. “What did you have?”

  “I don't know.” Rachael shrugged. “You'd need to ask someone who's used to having friends around them. I’m still trying to make sense of all this.”

  Kiana was getting tired of their behaviour. She’d seen how Cale and Rachael looked at each other. Why was this so difficult for them? All he had to do was grab her and never let her go.

  But it wasn't up to Kiana to bring it up. Although, if they stopped being children for just one second, she would shove them into each other and lock the door until they'd had a grown-up chat.

  “Cale just needs time, Rachael. He's lost a lot.”

  “How much longer does he need?”

  Kiana closed the gap, and hugged Rachael. “He'll get there, Rach. If he doesn't I'll kick my boot up his butt myself.”

  It won her the smile she’d been trying to earn. “Do you think I can do this?”

  “Of course! You've already killed one demon with fire, you can kill another. I'll be right beside you for the rest of the horde.”

  Rachael returned her hug. Kiana smiled; she knew only too well how much Rachael had needed it.

  “What do you think happened between Reeve and Ludo?”

  “What do you mean?” said Rachael. “I don't think he tried to kill me. He's had plenty of chances, and he hasn't made his move. It's possible Reeve lied, but why would he? Is he hiding something?” Her eyes flashed from the sea to Kiana. “What if Reeve is the assassin? Or what if Ludo is supposed to spy on me before he kills me?”

  Kiana snort
ed. “You're overthinking it. Don't you think the position we found them in was a little odd?”

  “Odd?” Rachael's eyes went wide. “You don't mean—”

  Kiana laughed. “Romance isn't Reeve's strong point, but I don't think he'd just jump Ludo like that. But I do think there's something between them.”

  “They've only known each other for a few weeks.”

  “So? Physical attraction and genuine feelings aren't the same thing. I'm not saying Reeve is in love, but I am saying he wants to—”

  “Please stop.”

  They laughed, and the rest of the tension disappeared.

  “You'll be fine, Rachael. Kaida is going to fix the armour, and nothing will be able to touch you. We'll find a way to hurt the monsters, too, and then we'll take the fight to them.”

  “I don't even know if I can trust Kaida.”

  “I get that. I don't trust anyone here, either. Apart from you and Cale and Lon, that is. Oren is all right, too. Sometimes I even think Reeve is a good guy behind that scowl. Kaida saved your life twice now, that's good enough for me. What does your gut say?”

  “My gut says to trust her, but it said the same about Aeron.”

  “Aeron never tried to help you. Kaida's offer was sincere.”

  Rachael nodded. “That's what I thought.”

  Kiana gave Rachael's hand a squeeze, and stepped away just as a small pigeon landed on the railing. She froze.

  “Carrier pigeon. The Sparrows sent it.”

  “What does it mean?” Rachael looked worried, but it didn't match the icy grip it had on Kiana.

  “Something’s happened.” She removed the small piece of paper attached to the bird’s leg, and unrolled it. She read the message once, twice, trying to spot the mistake but not finding a hidden message. It was exactly as the note said. Her hands were shaking when she spoke.

  “Cale was poisoned. He's dying, Rach.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Rachael dashed through the corridors of the White Palace, barely keeping up with Kiana, who was leading the way.