‘Simple arithmetic,’ said Kelsey. ‘If the entire navy and all of the marines have left, then the forces under your command must be depleted. And if I, an untrained civilian, know this, then I’m sure the Rahain do also.’
The governor frowned.
‘So you can forget about sending us back,’ said Keir. ‘You need me.’
‘You’re what, sixteen?’ said the governor.
‘I’ll be seventeen in the autumn.’
‘His age doesn’t matter,’ said Kelsey. ‘He looks older to most people, and I’ve seen him in action. Our father was training him every day before he was killed.’
Keir felt a pang of guilt, and his composure faltered. How he wished he hadn’t treated his lessons as a boring waste of time. If only he had known it would be the last thing he would ever share with his father. The dreamweed had allowed him to bury his feelings over the voyage; with their effects worn off, regret had risen to fill him. If he hadn’t ran away that day to avoid training, then his father might still be alive. He lowered his head and started to cry. He knew that Kelsey and the governor were watching him, but he couldn’t help himself. For once, he had no one else to blame.
‘I’m very sorry about your loss,’ said the governor. ‘I didn’t know your father, but I knew of him. He was truly a remarkable man by all accounts. Your mother, however, I have met several times, and my heart goes out to her. It is imperative that I let her know that you are both safe.’
‘No,’ said Kelsey. ‘We’ll send a message another way.’
‘How?’
‘Did I forget to mention? My brother’s also a vision mage.’
Within an hour, Keir and Kelsey had been escorted to Madden’s Tower, a large fort astride the wall separating the Old Town from the Imperial Harbour. The building was quiet, and rooms were found for them on an upper storey. Their quarters had running water and views over the town, and each was appointed a guard to see to their needs. The governor had entrusted their safety to those marines that had remained in the city when the fleet had departed – a mixture of the ill and old. Clothes had been requisitioned for them, and several sets were delivered to Keir’s chambers. They ate a large meal, and were taken on a tour of the building, stopping off at the bar. They ordered ales, no one asking how old they were, and got settled into a booth. The bar was almost empty, with just a few seats occupied. Their guards remained close by, but Kelsey ensured they were out of earshot.
‘That went well, I thought,’ she said to Keir.
‘He thinks we might have killed our father.’
‘No, he doesn’t, unless you went into his head to check. Did you?’
‘No.’
‘Then you’re just guessing. Look, he didn’t want to admit it, but I could sense his joy when I told him you were a fire mage. Now, about the other thing, do you think you can manage it?’
‘You mean reach mother from here?’ he said. ‘I don’t know.’
She nodded. ‘You did well in there. Normally I cringe whenever you speak in these sorts of situations, but you did alright.’
He shook his head. ‘I cried my eyes out. I must have looked a fool.’
‘Don’t be silly,’ she said, a sad smile on her lips.
‘It was my fault, wasn’t it? I know you haven’t mentioned it, but you must think so. If it weren’t for my actions, father… he would… maybe, I don’t know.’
Kelsey sat in silence for a long while, sipping her ale.
‘Say something,’ he said.
‘Alright, it was partly your fault. But, and this is important, that assassin was coming for us. She would have found us at some point, maybe in the Great Fortress, who knows? It is what it is, Keir. What matters is what we do next. How do we live up to what our father wanted us to be? How would we make him proud? What would he want us to do?’
‘I don’t know.’
‘Neither do I, brother, but it’ll require bravery, and honesty. Our family is threatened. I know we’ve never got on with Karalyn, or Corthie for that matter, but when it comes down to it, they’re our blood, our family. We’re Holdfasts, and we can never forget that.’
Keir frowned, his deep-seated animosity towards his older sister sparking a desire to reject what Kelsey had said, but in his heart he knew it was true.
‘Excuse me,’ said a voice.
They turned. A woman was standing by their table.
‘Are you Sanang?’ said Kelsey.
‘I am, yes,’ the woman said. ‘My name is Acorn. Did I hear you say that you were Holdfasts?’
Keir and Kelsey exchanged a glance.
‘I was sitting in the next booth along,’ Acorn said. ‘I wasn’t prying, but I could hear what you were saying. I met your sister, Karalyn, on the ship that brought us here. Do you mind if I join you?’
‘Take a seat,’ said Keir, gesturing.
Acorn squeezed onto the bench beside Kelsey. A Kellach soldier emerged from the neighbouring booth and sat down next to Keir.
‘I’m Bryda,’ she said. ‘Don’t mind me, but I’m sworn to never let Acorn out of my sight.’
‘We have our own guards,’ said Keir, nodding at the two soldiers standing a little further away.
Acorn gazed at him. ‘Is your name Keir?’
‘It is. How did you know that?’
‘My sister mentioned you.’
‘Your sister? Have I met her?’
Acorn shook her head. ‘No, but she believes that you will meet.’
‘Where is she?’
‘Taken by the Army of Pyre,’ said Acorn, ‘along with my other sister, and my mother.’
‘In the raid that just happened?’ said Kelsey.
‘Yes. I was lucky. One of them shot me, but I survived it.’
Kelsey lit a cigarette. ‘And your sister believes that she’s going to meet Keir?’
‘Yes.’
‘Did Karalyn speak to her?’
‘Yes, she did. It was after that, in fact, that Thorn, that’s her name; it was after meeting Karalyn that she started talking about Keir Holdfast.’
‘If Karalyn told her that,’ Kelsey said, ‘then it’s going to happen. Let me ask, is she very beautiful, this Thorn?’
‘Yes, she is.’
Kelsey turned to Keir. ‘I think I’ve seen her, through your eyes.’
‘Are you a mage?’ said Bryda.
‘Is Thorn still alive?’ said Acorn. ‘What about the rest of my family? Can you tell?’
‘I’m not that kind of mage,’ said Kelsey. ‘I can’t see what’s happening now.’
‘Where do you think they were taken?’ said Keir.
Bryda silenced Acorn with a look. ‘Sorry, but I’m suspicious of everybody these days. We know your name, but nothing else. What are you doing in Rainsby?’
At that moment an officer entered the bar, a Kellach Brigdomin sergeant by his side. The sergeant walked forwards, her eyes scanning the alcoves.
‘I’m looking for the fire mage,’ she said.
‘Is that a sick joke?’ said Bryda.
‘Not that fire mage. A Keir Holdfast. Is he here?’
Acorn and Bryda’s eyes widened.
‘That’s me,’ said Keir.
‘Excellent,’ said the sergeant. ‘The governor has assigned you to the captain standing behind me. You’re wanted at the front immediately, sir.’
‘Immediately?’
‘Aye. The Rahain are assembling before the walls. It looks like they might be shaping up for a night assault.’
Keir swallowed. ‘And they want me to go?’
The sergeant frowned. ‘Are you a fire mage or not?’
Keir squeezed past Bryda and stood. He glanced back at Kelsey, who was sitting with her mouth open.
‘I am,’ he said to the sergeant. ‘Lead on.’
Chapter 25
The Quadrant
Rahain Capital, Rahain Republic – 8th Day, Second Third Summer 525
Joley Holdvale had a very particular tea ritual. Three time
s each day, he would go to his small office within the Lord Protector’s residence, light a solitary candle and make himself a cup of the Holdings drink, infusing the leaves for precisely four minutes, before sitting in silence to enjoy it. Karalyn imagined that he did it out of nostalgia, as a way to honour and remember the land of his birth that he hadn’t seen in decades. It was only at those set times that he would allow the muscles in his face to relax, his eyes staring into the distance while the light from the candle flickered. Afterwards, he would blow it out and return to his job.
He was loathed by everyone, she had noticed. The other Holdings within the compound despised him for his lack of zeal for the cause, and his reluctance to socialise with them; while the Rahain staff under his authority hated him because he regularly took out his anger and frustrations on them, berating them for the slightest error, and reducing the younger ones to tears with a tone that bordered on malice.
For four days Karalyn had tracked his movements, using her dream-vision powers to hide inside his mind as he went about his daily tasks. She had witnessed the Lord Protector humiliate him, deriding him in front of his inner circle of obsequious followers, and she had also watched as Ghorley had read Joley’s thoughts on several occasions, ransacking his mind to check for any signs of disloyalty.
She had also been exploring the caverns and tunnels of the capital’s central district, getting a measure for how the life of the city pulsed and flowed. Calder and Belinda had remained back in the abandoned cavern; as Karalyn wasn’t risking any mistakes. They were bored and irritated, she knew, but if her plan worked, then they would all be able to leave soon. She had set off that morning, prepared and alone. Her nerves were heightened, but she felt no fear; so used to travelling unseen that her confidence had grown. Once into position, she sent a faint signal to Joley’s mind and waited.
On his final tea break of the day, Joley walked right past his office, his feet carrying him down to the basement of the residence. Rahain servants bowed as he strode along the corridors. He reached a cellar and unlocked the door, letting himself in. He lit a lamp, closed the door behind him and glanced around at the dust-covered crates and boxes. In the corner of the room was another door, low and almost hidden by a pile of folders and faded, old documents. He heaved them aside, and took a different key from his pocket. His eyes blank, he fitted the key into the lock and turned.
Karalyn pushed the door open and stepped inside.
‘Thanks, Joley,’ she said, unlocking his memories of her from where she had hidden them.
The man blinked, and gazed around in surprise.
‘What the…? How…?’
‘Everything’s fine,’ she said, calming his mind. ‘I have a job to do, and you’re going to help me.’
He nodded, his eyes wide.
She brushed the dust and cobwebs from her cloak. Her limbs were stiff from having sat in the cramped and dark tunnel for half an hour, and she was glad to be standing again.
‘What are you going to do?’ said Joley. ‘I can’t abide violence.’
She gazed at him, sensing the turmoil in his mind. Half of him wanted to go to his room and hide under the bed, while the other half wanted to burn the building to the ground, with the Lord Protector inside. Fear fought with frustration and bitterness.
‘Stop hating yourself,’ she said, impressing the words into him. ‘Be brave.’
His expression altered, and he seemed to stand a little taller. ‘Tell me what you need me to do.’
‘I want you to take me to the Lord Protector,’ she said. ‘You are due to be in his rooms in a few minutes to give him your daily briefing. When we get there, you will lock the doors and keep everyone else out. Ghorley and I require some time alone. But first,’ she said, raising a hand. She went into his mind, and found the traces of the Lord Protector’s most recent foray into Joley’s thoughts. Compared to the subtle use of her own powers, Ghorley’s footprints were like those of a child trampling over a flowerbed. She set a trap, then withdrew.
‘Are you ready?’ she said.
Joley smiled. ‘Will I die today, do you think?’
‘I hope no one dies today.’
‘You want to win a war without causing any death?’
‘No, I want to stop a war.’
He shook his head. ‘You know, if it was your mother here instead of you, she’d probably kill everyone in the building, just to be sure.’
‘Aye?’ said Karalyn. ‘I’ve heard lots of rumours about what she was like.’
‘Rumours? My dear girl, I was here when she was assassinating members of the Council and Senate. I read the reports. I know what she did.’
‘And now we’ll do it my way.’
He nodded. ‘Alright, follow me.’
‘I shall be invisible to all but you,’ she said as he turned back to the door. He unlocked it, extinguished the lamp, and they left the cellar. Karalyn kept a pace behind him as he went back along the corridors and up the stairs to the ground level. Guards, servants and officials bowed or saluted as he strode past, his chin held high, his face set in its usual, unapproachable glare. He went into his office to collect a folder filled with papers, then ascended a grand staircase to the first floor. The street lanterns were being dimmed for evening as they reached the Lord Protector’s private chambers. Soldiers in steel armour moved aside to let him pass, and Karalyn sneaked through behind him.
A small number of servants were inside the reception room, and Joley waved them out, then closed and locked the door. He gave the slightest of nods to Karalyn, then went through to an large office, where Ghorley was sitting behind a desk, his feet up on a stool as he smoked a cigarette, a glass of brandy in his free hand.
‘Ah, there you are,’ said the Lord Protector as Joley bowed in front of him.
Karalyn walked to the shadows in the corner of the room, watching the two men.
‘Good evening, Lord Protector,’ said Joley.
‘It is indeed,’ Ghorley said, grinning. ‘Sable’s plan is blossoming wonderfully. I cannot wait to meet my new fire mage, not to mention the hedgewitches; and Rainsby will be ours by tomorrow. A perfect evening, one might say.’
‘Quite, your Eminence.’
Ghorley frowned. ‘No sarcastic remarks? How unlike you. Are you well?’
‘Just yearning for retirement, your Eminence,’ he said, attempting a smirk.
Ghorley snorted. ‘I’ll get a few more years’ work out of you first, I hope.’
Joley shook his head, then glanced at Karalyn. ‘I’m sorry, I can’t keep it up.’
‘Whatever are you muttering about?’ said Ghorley.
Joley turned back to face him. ‘It’s over,’ he said. ‘I have betrayed you. Ahh, yes. No matter what happens now, it was worth it for that look on your face.’
Karalyn sensed Ghorley unleash a stream of power at Joley. He entered the man’s head, setting off the traps she had laid. He made a choking noise, his fingers clutching his face, and Karalyn entered his mind, seizing control of it as she walked into view. He stared at her, the rest of his body frozen at her command.
‘May I introduce Karalyn Holdfast?’ said Joley. ‘I don’t think she likes you.’
Ghorley’s eyes widened, but no sound came from his mouth. Now that she had him, Karalyn paused. It would be easy to scour him, but then someone else would take his place; Yosin, or another fanatic. If she had the time, she could remodel his mind completely, turn him against the war or force him to issue commands that would lead to the collapse of the Rahain state, but that would take all night.
Ghorley, she said in his mind.
Holdfast? If you’re going to kill me, then do it.
I don’t want you to die, she said. I want you to end the war.
The war will end when the empire bows before the Creator, and when those who usurped the throne are vanquished forever. Do what you like with my flesh; my heart will belong to the Creator for all eternity.
There is no Creator, Ghorley.
> Your pathetic lies have no effect on me. I spoke with the Lord Vicar, and with the Prophets who heard the voice of the Creator, before the usurpers killed them. And what about your dear mother? Didn’t she once speak to him? I know the truth.
You know some, but not all. The Creator did exist, but no more. He entered the body of the old Emperor, and when he died, so did the Creator.
Karalyn pushed all of her power into him, showing him everything that she remembered, and all that she had been told; the memories of her mother, and of the others who had been on the roof of the Great Fortress over seventeen years previously. She felt his mind strain and struggle against her, but in a moment he was overcome, and she saw that he knew the truth.
She released him from her mental grip, and he sagged in his chair, all energy gone from him. His eyes remained on her, despair etched into his face.
‘No,’ he groaned. ‘You have destroyed me.’
‘What did you do to him?’ said Joley.
‘I showed him the truth,’ Karalyn said.
‘And now what?’
‘Nothing, that’s it. I’ll wipe his memory of my being here, and of your involvement, and then I shall leave.’
Joley’s eyes narrowed. ‘You mean after all that, you want me to carry on as if nothing’s happened?’
‘The truth will do the work for us. You’ll see.’
As she turned back to face Ghorley, Joley cried out in anger and pushed her to the side, sending her falling to the floor. As she tried to rise, Joley leapt at Ghorley. He pulled a knife from the Lord Protector’s belt and stabbed him in the chest. Ghorley screamed in agony as Joley pushed the blade in to the hilt.
Karalyn jumped to her feet and grasped Joley’s arm, hauling him off the bloody form of the Lord Protector.
‘You fool,’ she cried.
She sent her vision out to Ghorley, but it was too late. Behind them, she heard shouts from beyond the closed doors. They burst open, and soldiers ran in.
You do not see me.
Karalyn backed off as the soldiers charged into Ghorley’s chamber. Joley had the bloody knife in his hand, and was standing next to the body of the Lord Protector, his face beaming with joy. Karalyn reached the back wall of the room, and closed her eyes as the first soldier hacked him down with his sword. She heard Joley’s cry, then turned and ran, rushing between the soldiers and out of the room.
The Magelands Epic: Storm Mage (Book 6) Page 36