Channon saw Kellan as a feckless rogue, but that could not be further from the truth. Well, Kellan, might have been a rogue, but he was more than that. He was a man of principles and a true friend, no matter how much he tried to hide it. His being there for her, risking everything to help them, proved that.
She only hoped she could prove worthy of such loyalty.
“I can feel your eyes on me,” Kellan called. “Go to sleep, Red. Talk to your Priestess.”
She rolled over, focusing her mind on Marielana instead, calling out to her sister seer as she passed under the veil of sleep.
Alvo stood beside Rayna, grasping her hand.
They were in a huge room with a vaulted ceiling. Rayna remembered the name 'ballroom' from her time in Anhorde, but this ballroom was far larger and grander than Rhael's had been.
Bright marble floors shone beneath the shadows of ornately decorated columns. There were fountains filled with sparkling water dancing as if by magic, giant chandeliers casting warm candlelight, and music—such beautiful music.
Alvo led her to the center of the room.
Rayna's doeskin shirt and leather leggings were replaced with a flowing white gown, glittering with red and gold embellishments.
As Alvo led her through the steps of the dance, he leaned in and whispered in her ear. “This moment has not yet come to pass, if it does not, you may yet succeed in saving the white wolf from the darkness in his own good intentions.”
Good intentions. That meant Kado was innocent, as she had hoped. “But how can I help him?” She asked him as Alvo spun her in a circle.
“I cannot help you.”
“Why not!” Was it blasphemous to shout at a god? Right now, Rayna did not care it if was.
“Terayan needs the white wolf and a twice-blessed seer to enact his spell.”
“Terayan doesn't need me. He needs my blood.” She dropped his hands.
Alvo considered that. “Yes.”
“I bled all over Halmstead. Chances are, he already has it. So you see, I cannot abandon Kado. So help me stop him so I can save us all.”
“I cannot—”
Rayna growled.
“Wait.” Alvo took her hand. “But you know who can.”
“Marielana. If I can convince her”
Alvo released her with a gallant bow. “For all our sakes, I hope you succeed.”
The ballroom melted away and Alvo with it. Darkness filled Rayna's vision, but gradually green pinpricks of light appeared and disappeared. Fireflies.
Shapes formed in the increasing light—trees, flowers, and a stone footpath. The air was sweet with magnolia blossoms.
One floated down, landing by Rayna’s boot.
Her usual clothing had returned. When she looked up, she was no longer alone.
Marielana pulled back the semi-transparent veil covering her face, revealing a smile. “Rayna, my dear. This is a surprise to see you pass into my dreams.”
Surprising the Alvornian priestess was no small feat, But Rayna had no time to dwell. “Marielana, I need to get to Halmstead quickly. Going through the Pass of Kiriathin will take too long and no Maenoren ships will take us—”
“Rayna, slow down.” Marielana steadied her. “You remember what I told you.”
“I spoke with Alvo.” Rayna pulled away. “He said you can help me. Ask him yourself if you don’t believe me!”
“I do believe you, but we also know there are two ways of stopping Terayan’s plans. You either prevent Kado from reaching Halmstead, meaning there is no way Terayan can perform his spell, or we ensure none of our sisterhood fall into his hands.”
Rayna exhaled. “You would really sacrifice Kado? Besides, Terayan already has my blood”
“Kado made his decision. We cannot be certain Terayan has enough of your blood, and cannot risk him possessing the rest.”
“You said we were sisters,” Rayna spat. “Have you so little faith in me that you won’t give me a chance to save this world?”
Marielana closed her blue eyes. When she opened them again, they were bright with tears. “Not every choice borne of love is the right one.”
“But no choice borne of cowardice is.”
Marielana touched her chest. “Someone else once said something very similar to me. There was a time when I sought to escape my role as Priestess. It took the man I loved to make me see there is no escaping who we are meant to be. Very well. If your heart tells you this is the right choice, Alvo forgive me, I will help you.”
“Thank you.”
“I know of one way to get you to Halmstead quickly enough to intercept Kado, but before I tell you, you must make me a promise.”
“Anything.”
“If you arrive too late. If Kado is already in Terayan’s clutches, you must not go after him—”
“Marielana—”
The Priestess raised her voice to a shout. “The others—Mina, Kellan, Katrine, Channon, they may go if they choose, but not you. You will not risk falling into Terayan’s hands. Do you understand me?”
Rayna bit her lip. “Yes.”
“Swear it.”
Rayna took Marielana’s hands. “I swear by our sisterhood, by Wolnor and the Four Wanderers, I will do what you ask.”
“Swear on Channon’s soul.”
Rayna balked. “Is that really necessary? Hasn’t his soul been through enough?”
“I’m sorry, but it’s the only way I’ll believe you.”
Rayna took a deep breath. There was no going back now. “I swear on the soul of the man I love, Channon Lyallt, that I will do all in my power to do as you ask.”
“Very well.” She led Rayna to the creek running through the dream-glade. “The only one capable of getting you to Halmstead in time is Sudmaris.”
Disappointment’s sour taste coated Rayna’s tongue. “I’ve already tried that.”
“I’m sure you have, but I know something you do not. Sudmaris is the last of his kind. His brothers Baleen, Erelim, and Ketos—the being who once protected the bay you seek to cross—were all slaughtered during the Kyrean invasion.”
“Sudmaris told me that,” Rayna said impatiently.
Marielana continued. “My ancestor created the spell that allowed Sudmaris to become invisible, only presenting himself to those he deemed worthy. In doing so, she saved his life ,and achieved protection for the Peninsula. But this spell only works when Sudmaris is in his home ocean—the southern seas. In order to hear your call for help, for your Awakened seer’s blood to call him through the veil as it once did, he would need to remove himself from this protection temporarily.”
“And you think he would agree to this?” Guilt spread through her chest. Could she really ask Sudmaris, the last of his kind, to risk his life?
“For you, I think he would. I can speak with him using Amne Vena here in my dreamscape, but it will take time. Try to summon him at sunrise and you will know his answer.”
Rayna weighed the options before her. Every choice felt like a betrayal. “How likely is it that something could happen to him?”
“The mages that hunted his kind are all but extinct. Only the Scalthe remain. If you are quick, then I believe the risk to Sudmaris is minimal. But you must realize, this would be a one-way journey. Finding a way home will be up to you.”
“I understand.” Rayna placed her arms around Marielana in a tentative embrace. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome. I hope to see you soon, sister.”
Rayna bolted upright as she returned to her senses.
Mina looked up from her watch. She must have had the final shift.
“You all right, Wolfie?”
Rayna rubbed her eyes. To her, no time had passed between the conversation with Marielana and the present moment, but it was already sunrise.
“I might have a way to get us to Halmstead in time, but it’s risky.”
Mina laughed as she fished a pear from her bag. “Everything we do is risky. Breakfast?”
“You
might want to rethink that.” Rayna stood, and walked toward the shoreline. “I recall you becoming quite seasick last time we did this.”
Mina jogged after her. “I thought you already tried the sea monster trick?”
“I did.” Rayna unsheathed Coer’s knife from her belt. “But after speaking with Marielana, I know why it didn’t work.” She pricked her fingertip with the blade and dripped her blood into the tide. Sudmaris. She called out to him in her mind. If you can hear me, we need your help.
Rayna and Mina squinted at the horizon.
The rising sun painted the water pink and gold. A few stubborn stars hung in the hazy sky. There was no movement in the water besides the cresting waves and soaring seabirds.
“What are we looking for?” Kellan asked as he, Channon, and Katrine joined them.
Rayna swallowed. “He didn’t come.”
A voice resounded through her skull. Have you so little faith in me, Rayna Myana?
A massive water spout exploded a hundred tail-lengths offshore. A great forked tail splashed into view and with it, Rayna’s hope returned.
“Sudmaris!” Rayna shouted.
The massive, barnacle-encrusted leviathan rose up like an island along the horizon.
Mina laughed, waving her hands. “I can’t believe you’re here!”
“Razorn’s blood!” Kellan cursed. “What is that thing?”
Katrine’s usually warm complexion paled. “Is it really a Sea Guardian? Like the stories Thera used to tell?”
Sudmaris lifted a great flipper out of the water. I am Sudmaris, Guardian of the Southern Seas. But today, we venture into enemy territory. Swim forth, my friends. Time is short.
The next morning, Silver and her companions woke early. Heavy rains had passed through overnight, and Silver had little rest. Over a quick breakfast of berries and deer jerky, Silver noticed Marielana's blue eyes were bloodshot.
“Priestess, are you well?”
Marielana set aside her ration. “I spoke with Rayna last night, in a dream.”
Arlo and Haerian looked up from their tea, their interest clearly piqued by Marielana and Rayna's abilities.
“Is she all right?” Silver asked.
Roxen swallowed. “Did something happen?”
Marielana shook her head. “Kado is en route to Halmstead. I only pray Rayna and her friends will find him before Terayan does.”
“She's going back to the capital?” Silver stood, though she was not sure why. What could she do to help from here?
“I'm afraid so. But Rayna knows it's imperative she not be caught.”
Silver sighed. She needed to focus on their defense strategies, but how could she when her niece was in such danger?
“Alphena Silver,” said Arlo. “We best be off if we want to arrive before midday.”
Grateful for the excuse to run, Silver agreed.
But half a day later, as they came to be within a few leagues of the capital, Silver stopped, sniffing the air currents.
Is that— Roxen trotted to her side in his huge auburn wolf form.
Blood, Haerian finished for him. What’s going on?
There’s something wrong. We have to hurry! Silver quickly shifted and explained the situation to Marielana.
“We have to get a closer look. Hyah!” Marielana's horse galloped ahead
Silver ran as fast as her four legs could carry her.
As they crested the next hill, Anhorde’s great walled fortress spread out in the valley before them. The main gates stood open, and a massive crowd flooded through them. Shouts and whinnying horses filled the air. The smell of blood intensified. But that wasn’t what made Silver’s chest seize.
Atop the castle, a banner hung, bearing the black and gold viper of the Demetrian line.
What is this? Arlo growled.
A coup. Silver shifted, shielding her eyes from the sun. “Demetrian loyalists have risen against Seperun and the Resistance.”
Roxen took his human form as well. “What do we do?”
“We didn’t see any other signs of rebellion on the way here. Maybe it’s an isolated incident.” Silver gripped her knife. “It looks like there’s still a fight. Without Maenor as our allies, we don’t stand a chance against the Kyreans. We have to help Seperun—if he’s still alive.”
Let's scout ahead and see if we can find some allies. Arlo bounded down the hill with Haerian.
Silver turned to Roxen. “Are you ready?”
He exhaled a shaky breath. “I didn’t think we’d be fighting yet. But you’re right, Seperun needs our help. He saved us in our darkest hour. It’s time we return the favor.”
Silver squeezed his hand.
Together, they shifted and raced toward the uncertainty ahead.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Kado's plan still had many holes when Halmstead’s harbor appeared on the horizon. Once he arrived, Isaac would meet Kado with the papers, and they would take charge of the goods the small vessel held, pretending to be Ketosi traders. The rest was difficult to foresee.
All Kado knew was that they would find their way to the upper city, to Tenavar Palace, and to Terayan. Nothing would stop Kado from helping the only father he had ever known, and avenging all the evil done to them by Terayan.
But as he coasted into the harbor, Kado's plans turned to ash.
The harbor was overrun with council guards bearing the twin raven crest.
Isaac was nowhere to be found.
Posters bearing Kado’s likeness littered the docks. There would be no deception.
“Isaac!” Kado shouted into the ring.
“I'm afraid not.” Terayan's voice burned like acid in Kado's ears. “My men know your vessel's description. Surrender and you won't be harmed.”
“What did you do to Isaac?” Kado demanded.
A pitiful, mewling sound answered him.
Kado could barely recognize his mentor's voice in the terrible vocalization.
“Stop! Don't hurt him. I'll cooperate!”
Terayan chuckled. “See you soon, Kado Aronak.”
Before Kado could formulate a response, a shout came up from the soldiers nearest him. “There! It’s him!”
At least a hundred crossbows pointed his way.
Kado raised his hands.
“I’m going to tie off the ship!” Kado shouted. “Don’t shoot.” He crept toward the starboard side and threw the anchor into the deep waters, before looping the vessel to the dock.
As soon as he did, the soldiers boarded the vessel, and dragged him ashore.
Kado felt a fool.
It had all been too easy.
Of course Terayan discovered the plot.
A Monil clanged around his neck, and Kado fell to his knees in shock and pain.
Kado leaned his head against the metal bars. The snap of leaking water against the stone floors beat an irritating rhythm. The hood that had been thrown over Kado's head had kept him from tracking exactly where he'd been brought, but he had some idea.
This was not Krymammer—they had moved to a higher elevation than that. This was more like a holding cell, like the ones in Tenavar's dungeons.
He was in Terayan's palace, or under it, anyway.
A light appeared in the darkness surrounding him.
A door had opened to a chamber beyond, and a figure came through, holding an oil lamp.
Kado did not recognize Terayan at first. He stood with a start when he did.
The Councilor was without his usual accoutrement. He wore simple cotton robes, no circlet, and only one ring.
Terayan set down the lamp when he reached the cell, throwing his square face into unflattering shadows. He snapped his fingers, and the cell block filled with light.
Kado shielded his eyes. Once adjusted to the sudden brightness, he raised his gaze. He had been right. They were in one of several small holding cells in a dank dungeon.
“Kado Aronak, welcome to Tenavar Palace.”
“Can we skip the pleasantries
?” Kado asked. “Where is Isaac?”
“Ah, Isaac. Of course.” He slipped the ring from his finger, bringing it into the light.
Kado gasped. “That’s mine, Isaac—”
“No dear boy,” Terayan laughed. “This one is mine.” He pulled a second, identical ring from his pocket. “This one was yours.”
“That’s how you spoke to me through the ring,” said Kado. “You stole its counterpart?
He examined the ring. “Delian artifacts imbued with word and blood magic. Quite useful. But enough about that, you wanted to know of your tutor, Kado?”
Kado gripped the bars. “Where is he?”
“You like riddles, don’t you, Kado?”
“I—”
“You thought all those lessons from Isaac were private?” Terayan laughed. “You were getting quite good. So here’s another one. How can a man be neither dead nor alive?”
“Just tell me!” Kado slammed into the bars. He tried to remember the symbol that had given him the power to unlock the cell, but his mind was a blank wall of rage. He did not understand his abilities, let alone control them. He roared at his own uselessness.
Terayan tsked. “What would Isaac think of your impatience?”
Kado growled. He broke down the words, as Isaac had taught him. If Isaac were not dead, but were also not alive, what did that leave? Was he somehow in between?
“I can all but see the smoke coming from your ears.” Terayan smiled. “Enough, shall we put him out of his misery, Isaac?”
“What?” Kado scrambled for understanding as the door to the cell block opened.
Isaac entered. His white hair was smoothed and he wore fine, dark robes. His wrinkled face bore a wide smile and his bright blue eyes twinkled with laughter.
“Come, come, Kado. You were such a promising pupil. Not alive, not dead.” Isaac gestured to his healthy body. “Clearly not undead, either. So what does that leave?”
Kado trembled. What was happening? Why was Isaac behaving like this? “I don't—I...”
“How can a man be neither dead nor alive?” Isaac's grin widened as his face and body changed. They morphed into the form of a smaller man, with thin dark hair and close-set eyes of black and gold. “When he never existed at all.”
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