The Tenets in the Tattoos (The King's Swordsman Book 1)

by Becky James

  I flexed the lock, snapping it in my hands.

  Ellesmere gasped. “Are you manipulating the dreamland?”

  “I… Perhaps?”

  She patted her chest, her blue eyes wide. “Because of the Earthian connection. This… This might work. You two might just be able to do it.”

  Helping her out of the cage, I held her hand steady as she stepped down. “Be careful,” she said, voice ringing. “I am not sure what happens if you are hurt in the dreamlands.”

  “Probably nothing good,” Evyn muttered. The ground rumbled.

  “Evyn! Stay positive,” I said. “You’re going to affect the dreamland.”

  She gave me a hopeless look. “You really don’t understand, do you? I can’t fight this. It’s how my brain is wired.” She took a deep breath. “I might not believe in myself, but I believe in you, and you believe in me. So hopefully, that will do.”

  I nodded. “I do believe in you. We can do this. Your Majesty, I’ll imagine somewhere safe for you, and we’ll rescue Gough and Gadamere.”

  “And Aubin. He came with us as well,” Evyn added.

  “Yes. In fact, we will get him first. I wonder what Waker sent to ensnare him.”

  “Thorrn, that’s prying. Dreams are very personal.”

  “Indeed. Wonder what he’s personally into.”

  “Thorrn!”

  Ellesmere took our hands, kissing them and pressing our fingers closed. “Go well. Look after each other.”

  I saluted and imagined a door. One appeared in the middle of the street, as thick as the one at the foot of the Last Tower. Ellesmere walked through it, throwing one last look at us, and vanished.

  “Onwards,” I said. “Let’s go find Aubin.”

  We walked hand in hand through eerie empty streets. Gibbets swung creaking on street corners, the walls festooned with corpses. We heard snatches of crying, but when we investigated there was nothing there. “I really don’t like this place.” Evyn shivered.

  “It’s merely a dream, Evyn. Recall we can manipulate it and change it. Remember the dream we had last night? You were disarming and knocking down soldiers! This will be entirely like that.”

  She squeezed my hand. “I hadn’t really realised how much of an optimist you are. I suppose that here, how you see the world really does change how the world reacts.”

  “Thoughts and dreams can change. You can change them if you like.” I snapped my fingers with a grin.

  Another Aubin appeared, this one dressed smartly in formal wear. He fell to his knees in front of Evyn. “Please, I beg of you, take my heart! My love is yours!” His voice trembled.

  “Thorrn, that is just embarrassing. Shoo.” She went Special Forces red, waving her arms at the Aubin. His eyes welled with tears, and then I made him disperse. “He would never do that,” Evyn muttered, wringing her hair in her hands.

  “Flowers in the train station notwithstanding.” I grimaced. “And negotiating your blood for his soul. This will be interesting. We’re going to find out what he’s really like.”

  Heading toward another bridge took us down and into the hillside, where it gradually became a tunnel. I imagined a torch for us, and flickering flames lit gems and jewels, sparkling back a multitude of dazzling colours.

  The tunnel opened up into the Academy. I scanned the small, cramped streets and solidly carved canals. Wisps of smoke curled up to the cavern stalactites, spiralling around their fierce lengths. Glowstones marked every other wall, lighting the path and making the town a sunset-drenched gold, shining under the deep darkness of the cavern above.

  “This is beautiful,” Evyn murmured.

  “Eh. It’s much too hemmed-in for me. I prefer the wide-open sky. It’s replete with mages and mancers either face-deep in books for turns on end or killing each other. Like a library, but with the occasional murder.”

  “That’s a bit too exciting for me.”

  I led Evyn toward Aubin’s shop, reasoning that if this was his dreamland, it was a good place to start. I pointed out the homes and mercantile buildings cut into the rock for her to marvel at. It was quiet; sounds were muffled and drowned in the interconnecting web of canals weaving along the streets.

  Aubin’s shop sat in the basement of a set of apartments, paint peeling off the walls but scrubbed free of lichen at least. We navigated a crooked stone staircase down, clinging onto a cold metal railing. Cheery light spilt onto the steps in welcome, and the door stood ajar with a polished bell poised to announce our entrance.

  Evyn slowed, putting her finger to her lips.

  “Now who’s prying,” I whispered. She shushed me.

  Through the crack of the door, I marked heaping sacks of ground, colourful grains, crowded pigeonholes filled with dried plant life and shelves upon shelves of neatly lined-up jars, bottles, vials and tubes stoppered with wax or stretched paper. The doorway let through an assault of so many smells that they amalgamated into a heady mix of cinnamon and lyneal, which put me in mind of the infirmary.

  We could hear noises. Passionate noises. I raised my eyebrow at Evyn, who looked somewhat pale.

  Then we heard, “Aubin, I have to stop. I came here to tell you… the king has made a more suitable match for me. It’s a strategic move on his part, and it brings a lot of benefits for the crown.”

  Now it was my turn to pale. That was Evyn speaking.

  “What do you mean?” I heard Aubin say. “You’re marrying someone else?”

  “Yes. I have to pay mind to the advantages that marriage can bring. It could be that this brings nations together.”

  “I… that does sound… very sensible. Yes. I… I suppose I can’t compete with… with that sort of arrangement.”

  There was a ruffling sound, like fabric being moved. “Indeed. You are just an apothecarist, after all, with nothing to offer.”

  “I wouldn’t say that… Tuniel has lands, she is the heir to North Hold, she has a house on the outskirts of the city, and she has reams of seams of precious metals and minerals that she has bought up all over the world.” His voice was even and calm.

  “Those are all her assets though, aren’t they? What have you got to your name?” Another rustle.

  “I have this shop, and I have a thriving business—”

  Laughter. “An apothecary? When I am practically royalty? No, that will not do. And you’re no noble either, are you? You might have picked up the airs and graces and learnt how to behave, but your blood is mud. You’re the son of a whore.” Evyn startled at that, her eyes widening.

  “She… my mother did what she had to, to provide for us.” I nodded; it was a common story in the city. Aubin’s voice throbbed quietly with pride mingled with shame.

  Footsteps moved toward us at the door. “Wait!” Aubin cried, all pretence stripped away. “I can offer more. I can be more. I have skills, I have my trade, there must be something I can say to convince you… Please!”

  “Begging? Oh, Aubin! That’s disgusting. Besides, you’re only after my blood.”

  “I… I only said that because he never would have believed me. Your soul would not have entertained the possibility. How ridiculous, he would have said. You can’t possibly want to save her because you didn’t think it was right. He… He would only have accepted a reason he could understand from someone like me. And I needed him to help me save you. I… I think I love you.”

  Evyn’s face immediately lit up beside me, her mouth falling open and cheeks aflame. I snorted. She smacked my arm, still smiling so wide her cheeks brushed her eyelashes.

  But the Evyn inside said, “I don’t need saving, Aubin. I have all the brutes of the castle to protect me. I can ping across worlds and wander at will between both. I fit in to both. You are an outcast.

  “The castle barely tolerates you for your services. Soldiers and Special Forces hate you because they think you dabble with poisons, and that’s beneath them. Tuniel has to ignore you so you don’t become a target. The denizens of the Academy think you’re a flunky for
fawning over the castle. Magic users spurn you as a memory of what they freely cast off, and mundanes only want to see you when they need something.

  “You have no one. You’re alone in this world. I want someone who has connections, who can show me places and people of interest. Do you think I’m going to be happy here as a little apothecarist’s wife? Me, the daughter of the soul of the king? You can keep your ‘love’.” The dream Evyn laughed, a sound that cut rather than cheered me.

  The door banged open, and I jumped. My Evyn had flung it open. “Get off your high horse, missy,” she shouted, storming in and wagging her finger. “I know you’re not real because my god, the amount of conceit in here is cloying. Almost as much pride as Thorrn.”

  “Excuse me!” I stuck my head in through the door. “That was uncalled for.”

  “Evyn.” Aubin looked between the two, stuck in the middle of his shop between them. They did look very similar except…

  “That is a very daring cut in that bodice,” I pointed out.

  “Thanks, I was wondering what was up,” Evyn said. “You, out. Aubin, you’re in a dream. We’ve been tricked by Waker, and—”

  “Are you truly here? Are you, the real Evyn, here in my dream?” Aubin put his hands over his eyes. “Oh gods,” he exhaled. “How much did you hear?”

  “Definitely not the kissy bit, definitely the ‘I wanted to save you from the tower because I love you’ bit,” I supplied.

  He nodded. His hand moved to pinch the bridge of his nose, still keeping his eyes firmly closed. “I knew I shouldn’t have let anyone in my head.”

  Evyn touched his hand, gently pulling it down from his face. “Hi. Um… hello.”

  “Hello, Evyn.” His long fingers turned to hold her small hand in his. “I… um. Yes.” Pink trickled up his neck to his ears. “Well. We’d better escape from this dream, yes?”

  I slapped him on the back, making him leap forward. He scowled at me. I laughed, saying, “And work on that confidence. Running a small business is hard. You need recognition for that.”

  “I have plenty of confidence,” he snapped. “I’m also a realist.” He let Evyn’s hand go. “The scenario still stands. You… You would be better off with someone… more connected.”

  “I don’t care about connections, Aubin,” Evyn said. “In fact, none of what that dolly said was anywhere near the truth. You think I’m going to let Gough decide who I marry? Think again.”

  I hummed low in my throat. “A moment, Evyn. That’s not a bad idea, it could be really strategic and all.”

  Evyn flung a bushel of herbs at me, and I dodged it. “Stop teasing him,” she scolded.

  “I’m not actually teasing, it’s a good – stop it!” I ducked another plant.

  “Can you not throw my stock around, please?” Aubin said, frowning.

  Evyn lowered her armaments. “Of course, but this is just a dream, Aubin.”

  “Even so, I’m itching to put it back.”

  “Let’s get out of this dreamland, and then we can go from there.”

  “Please. And then…” Aubin screwed his fists closed, his usual aplomb deserting him. “Do you want to go to the library together sometime? Or collect some plants?” he blurted. “I can make us some peche, unless Thorrn is going to be precious about that.”

  “I’m going to be precious about a lot of things, Tabreksson,” I said, cracking my knuckles.

  “I don’t know what peche is, but it sounds lovely.” Evyn’s quiet voice was clear, her hand wavering along the table toward him. Aubin met her eyes, and her smile widened. “And ignore him, you should have seen where I found him and what he was doing with your soul.”

  “Ah, Evyn, that’s private and personal.”

  Aubin’s sharp eyes speared me. “Not if it involves my soul, it isn’t!”

  We left the Academy, walking back into Ellesmere’s spirit-ridden city. I kept everyone’s pace brisk through the haunted streets, Aubin and I on either side of Evyn. “We seem to be able to manipulate the dreamlands. You definitely can’t do the same,” I told Aubin as an update.

  “Why not?” he bristled.

  “Because Evyn’s clothes haven’t fallen off yet.”

  “Thorrn!” Evyn gasped.

  “It’s happened again. I’m lost for words,” Aubin lamented.

  “We’re on the lookout for something that looks… Gadamere-y,” I said, bringing everyone’s attention back to our objective.

  “I don’t know much about the queen’s soul,” Aubin admitted, ears pink and unable to quite look at Evyn. “Aside from his magic being able to touch on the surface of multiple disciplines.”

  “Gadamere is a generalist mancer,” I explained. “He has travel magic, some healing” – I touched my shoulders ruefully – “but he mainly dabbles in small drams. I overheard Shard once say he would never apply himself to anything seriously. Shard has respect for people who work hard and Gadamere never would.” I corrected myself. “Had. Had respect.” Evyn squeezed my hand, and I clutched hers back.

  “Is he originally from Skien?” Aubin went on.

  “His family is from Skien, but they moved to Oberrot before Gadamere and Ellesmere were born. He still likes to think he’s Skienien. Wears the furs everywhere,” I said.

  “He’s funny and nice,” Evyn added. “He can be a bit gruff and bluff, but that’s bluster for show. He’s a teddy bear, really.”

  I snorted. “I’m not sure what a teddy bear is, but I accidentally backed into him spilling his wine once. It stained his furs and he threatened to have me whipped.”

  “He never would have done it. I think.” Evyn bit her lip.

  “What would he be afraid of?” Aubin asked.

  “Hard work? Mayhaps I’ll see my father running him up and down the fields,” I said. Evyn felt the spark of pain in my heart, and she touched my forearm.

  We came to another bridge, this one wide and huge considering that it spanned a small stream. “This must be the connection between Ellesmere and Gadamere,” Aubin observed, looking over the side. “Their deep and strong soul bond.”

  “Yeah. As I said, Freud would love this,” Evyn said.

  “Who is Freud, and does Aubin have to compete with him for your affection?” I asked.

  “Ah, no. Psychologist. Believed that dreams meant something.” Evyn really did go a darling shade of pink when she was flustered.

  A flicker on the horizon made me drop into a guard stance. “They do. Heads up, incoming.” Ahead of us patrolled a platoon of Skienien border guards, and they started to group together when they saw us.

  My father’s sword materialised in my hand. “Here.” I tossed another sword to Aubin.

  He grabbed hold of it with a grimace. “I can swing it around, but it’s not my first choice.”

  “I’ve got you covered.” Evyn materialised two sets of Skienien Battlemistress blades, handing one pair to Aubin. “And, actually, if I can just get close for a second…” Placing her hand on the back of Aubin’s neck, she tipped his head towards hers. His eyes went wide. She went on her tiptoes, putting her forehead against his.

  When Evyn broke off, he stood up straight and patted his clothes, nearly pricking himself with the blades.

  “Did you get it?” I asked her.

  “Yeah.” She grinned, and then spun in the air, landing with her legs in a classic ready pose, one blade protecting her floating rib and the other her forehead.

  “That’s…” Aubin stared.

  “Really interesting,” I finished for him.

  “Provocative, is what I was going for,” Aubin breathed.

  “Hey!” I growled. “Never mind.” I cleared my throat. My Skienien was rusty. “Ahoy. We come in peace.”

  “We are here to find Gadamere Gadameresson,” Aubin said smoothly with a flawless accent. I glanced at him, and he shrugged. “It’s ‘peace’, not ‘pieces.’ And I had to do something while Tuniel was at the Academy.”

  The guards jogged up to us. “Eh? Do you sp
eak Oberrotian?”

  “Yeees,” I told them. I turned back to Evyn and Aubin. “I suppose Gadamere can’t speak Skienien.” Evyn giggled at that.

  Overhead the blue skies turned cloudy, a brisk wind rushing in. “I tried being nice,” a woman’s voice rang out. “Giving you everything you ever dreamt of if you would just reach out and take it. If you insist on this course of action, there will be consequences.”

  “Waker MasterMage,” Aubin confirmed.

  “I assumed a voice out of the sky like that in the dreamlands would be her, yes.” I drew my sword.

  “Prepare to enter the realm of nightmares,” Waker said. “I have the entirety of your imaginations and experience to draw from. You will face horrors and terrors that tear you apart, eating you while you scream. You will come face to face with impossible beasts and terrible monsters. You will try to run, but you will not be able to.”

  I swung my sword. “They cannot affect us, Waker. Give us your worst!”

  She chuckled. “Oho, someone is overconfident.”

  “Yeah, he comes like that as standard,” Evyn said.

  “You… You’re interesting,” said Waker. When Evyn sighed, she carried on, “No, beyond the Earthian blood. Oh, I know who you are, daughter of Rose. Another Earthian for my collection.”

  Evyn bristled. “You do have Mum! Where is she? Is she okay?”

  “She’s alive, if that’s what you mean.”

  Evyn bit her lip. “I would like her back. What do you want in return?”

  “Evyn, that’s not going to work,” I said.

  “There’s nothing you can give me that I would exchange for her blood, little girl. And if you continue on your path, then we will come into conflict. I will simply take you as well. You have a chance to live a wonderful life here in the dreamlands. I suggest you take it.”

  “It’s not real,” Evyn argued.