“Calm down,” Kezem commanded, drawing her gaze back to him. “I warned you not to marry him. That you ignored my good advice is hardly my fault. Now, tell me if the dead-man potion worked.”
“You gave it to her?” Deanna’s question held horror and anger. “Why? You didn’t even know what dose—”
“Is she alive?” Kezem interrupted.
“I’ll need to touch her to tell.”
Despite her stiff words, Deanna suspected her legs might have turned to jelly. A new wave of horror descended as she realized he intended to kill her and convince Taytron both she and Elia had died. Relief that the villain would let her daughter live battled dread at knowing Elia would remain at his mercy.
At a nod from Maledek, one man released her and the other twisted the wounded arm around behind her back, forcing her to kneel.
Deanna moaned and bit her lip to distract herself. Her teeth tingled, and her vision clouded. Blood found its way into her mouth. Her temple throbbed anew, and she sensed the end drawing near.
Kezem knelt and unwrapped the blankets from around Elia, cradling her gently.
Slowly, Deanna brushed trembling fingertips along Elia’s icy cheek. She dared not breathe. The cold seeping through her fingers chilled her soul. Slipping her hand behind the baby’s head, Deanna used her thumb to feel along the tiny furrow behind Elia’s right ear. Tingling warmth met her fingers. Closing her eyes to increase concentration, Deanna felt behind the child’s left ear as well. Finally, she rechecked the right ear and reported her conclusion.
“She’s alive.”
“Good, then you’ve earned your rest.” Kezem’s gaze softened. “When her part in this is done, she will be safe here.”
The relief consumed Deanna so much that she barely felt a needle prick the back of her neck, just above her left shoulder. The poison spread as fast as her blood could take it. A deep weariness swept over Deanna. She spent her last moments caressing her daughter’s frigid cheek.
We can stop this, promised a solemn young voice. Once we know a poison, it is forever ours to command.
Strangely aware that her heart and lungs had ceased functioning, Deanna fought the fog slipping over her brain.
If you wish to live, say the word, and your life will be ours.
Deanna saw an ashen, skeletal form cloaked in black robes, standing in a pool of blue light. The hood was thrown back, revealing a face she hardly recognized as her own. The hairless caricature grinned. Smoky wisps entered and exited the figure wherever it pleased.
No! The thought embodied Deanna’s disgust at perverting the natural course. Breaking the mental connection was the last thing she ever did.
Chapter 3:
Unsettling News
IDELA (JANUARY) 5, 1538
Four days after the formation of the RT Alliance
Prince Terosh’s Office, Royal Palace, City of Rammon
“Excuse me, Dulad Prince, but Lord Kezem Altran requests an audience,” the servant said.
Startled by news of a visit from his cousin, Prince Terosh Minstel stared at the man for two seconds before responding.
“Send him in.”
These rare encounters with his older cousin always proved intriguing. Terosh checked to make sure his outfit befitted a meeting with Lord Kezem. The outfit consisted of fitted black pants and a matching tarphan shirt with a militaristic cut. His father would disapprove, but Terosh didn’t want to delay the meeting solely because his cousin might have out-dressed him. He stood as Kezem entered.
Dressed in red and gold cantlebaun silks, Kezem cut an imposing figure. A black half-cape covered his left shoulder, partially hiding a weapons belt. Terosh saw a silver handled kerlinblade, but the famed electrified banistick eluded him. Curiosity made him wish to see the weapon few non-Rangers could handle. Most banisticks had shock nullifiers so they could stand up against energy-based weapons, but Kezem had commissioned a scientist to make his banistick capable of delivering shocks.
What reason could he have for a weapon like that?
“I apologize for the unexpected visit, Highness. I bring a request and bear distressing news,” Kezem announced, bowing deeply.
“Then unburden yourself, Governor General,” Terosh said, using Kezem’s nicest rank.
Calling the man “Third Lord of Idonia” could be taken as a shot at his birth status and diminished political station. Terosh had always refrained from treating his cousin inferiorly, even when he’d become an adult at age sixteen. Now, at eighteen years of age, Terosh still couldn’t talk down to the man. He felt irrational guilt about the bad blood between their families.
If grandfather hadn’t disowned Aunt Mavis, she would have become queen when Aunt Uria and Uncle Uel were assassinated. Where would that leave my brother Tate and me?
The way Kezem towered over Terosh left him feeling insignificant. He was grateful to not be facing all three of his Idonian cousins. Governor Lord Eldon Altran and Governor Judge Mitrek Altran—respectively First and Second Lord of Idonia—possessed broader shoulders and higher ambitions than Kezem.
“May we speak in private?” Kezem asked.
Unease gripped Terosh, but he shook off the feeling.
“Of course, let’s speak in the gardens.”
A brisk walk brought them to the gardens. The place promised more solitude than Terosh’s office, but Palace Security and Royal Guards still roamed everywhere. Terosh led the way through a maze of exquisite plant life from around the planet. He had been here so many times that he barely noticed anything they passed.
Fireblooms from the Ash Plains formed intricate swirling patterns amidst a sea of green colbies modified to survive at an altitude far lower than the Talmeth Mountains. Delicate, glowing dayde flowers from the Felmon Forest lit the path wherever the foliage grew too thickly to allow for much sunlight.
Terosh wondered if the Felmon Forest was as dangerous as tales claimed. He had often ventured into the Calsol Forest, but the brief visit to Fort Eradon when he was fourteen had not left enough time to explore the Felmon Forest. Brief regret for the lack of traveling followed Terosh as he led the way to one of the twenty-nine fountains. When they neared, Terosh waved Kezem to a seat on the Fountain of Nouvirn’s wide stone bench.
“The water will keep the conversation private,” Terosh assured Kezem. “What is your request?”
“I would like two divisions of Royal Guards to aid my search for Maledek,” said Kezem.
The rumors had started three years ago attributing hundreds of illegal activities to Maledek. The Ranger dispatched to investigate had disappeared and the rumors faded. Maledek’s return had been subtle, and he operated mostly in the southern and eastern regions, far from Rammon. Terosh suspected that the name had become an excuse for every unsolved crime east of the Clear River.
“Two divisions is more Guards than most outlying cities have,” Terosh pointed out, after a long pause. “How do you expect to use that many men?”
“My agents believe Maledek’s hideout lies between Twin Lake and Fort Uria,” Kezem reported.
Terosh smiled and pictured the area on the mental map Master Sedir had etched upon his brain.
“Well, that narrows it down to half the east coast. Such a search would take months. Unless you can offer stronger proof, I’m going to deny your request. Now, what news did you bring?” He hoped his tone left no room for argument. In truth, he could authorize the transfer of manpower, but Terosh felt uncomfortable doing so on Kezem’s word alone.
“As I said, distressing news.” Kezem frowned. “You had a scientist here by the name of Belcross, correct?”
Terosh nodded.
“And this Dr. Belcross had an assistant, did he not?”
“You know it is so.”
Kezem held up his hands innocently.
“I had to ask. She is dead, and I think Maledek murdered her.”
“What makes you say that?” Terosh asked. “And why are you telling me instead of my brother?”
&nb
sp; Something—besides the young scientist’s untimely death—felt wrong.
Terosh knew his brother had loved the fair-haired scientist.
“The police found her body outside the North Gate this morning. It must be Maledek. The scientist died from comaladon.” Kezem’s deep blue eyes flickered yellow, indicating his irritation. “Few have access to that toxin, but Maledek is one such person.”
Terosh’s stomach lurched. His mother—Queen Kila—had been murdered by the rare poison almost three years ago.
“None of this makes sense,” he grumbled.
I could access comaladon, and so could you. How do you even know who can access comaladon? Why would anyone kill Dr. Koffrin?
“I will present your news and request to the Crown Prince and contact you by comm when I have his answer.”
“I’ll come, too. There’s more but it needs to be shown,” said Kezem.
A quick conversation with his brother, led the pair to the center of an impressive courtyard where Prince Taytron Minstel knelt before a white package. His expression told Terosh that he was probing the package with anotechs.
A flash of envy shot through Terosh.
“Your Highness, please let me open the package,” said Aster Captain Gina Kelter. “And stand well away while I do so.”
She phrased the orders as requests, but Terosh heard the authoritative undercurrent. In matters of safety, the Melian Maiden commander technically outranked Tate. Normally, Melian Maidens shadowed the queen, but even before the assassination, Captain Kelter had been Tate’s personal guardian. His brother had probably spent more time with her than he had with their mother.
Reluctantly, Tate retreated a few steps.
“Further, if you please, Highness. Airborne toxins can leap more than that distance,” the captain insisted, not even bothering to see how many steps he had taken.
Tate grinned and took another grudging step backward.
“There’s nothing dangerous about that package,” Kezem called. “But it should be opened in private.”
“How do you know?” asked Tate, turning to face them as they approached.
“Because I prepared it myself,” Kezem answered.
A short, polite argument later, Captain Kelter took the package to a modest meeting chamber. Kezem insisted on complete privacy—meaning family only—and the captain basically told him over her dead body.
While waiting for someone to break the resulting awkward silence, Terosh amused himself by placing odds on who would win a stubbornness match, Kezem or the captain. He knew the captain better than his cousin, but something about Kezem’s eyes declared him a very dangerous opponent.
“Look, if no one’s going to open it, I will,” Terosh said, reaching for the large package.
Three pairs of hands stopped him.
“Not yet,” Tate pleaded.
“Not you,” said Captain Kelter.
“No,” said Kezem. “It was prepared for Taytron.”
“Why can’t you tell us what’s in it?” Terosh demanded.
“The contents were found in the dead woman’s arms,” Kezem explained.
“What dead woman?”
Terosh heard the dread in his brother’s voice.
“A friend of yours.” Kezem lowered his voice as if that would lessen the blow.
“Dr. Koffrin,” Terosh said.
Stunned silence fell.
“Where is Elia?” Tate asked hoarsely. “Where is my daughter?” He hit the activation button, and the capsule opened with gentle whirrs. The sides folded down and displayed a tiny body.
Daughter?
Terosh had a hard time processing the word. He couldn’t take his eyes off the baby. She looked perfect.
Tate sank to his knees and touched the small face. Despite his frozen expression, Terosh could see the agony rolling off his brother.
“I will arrange burial details,” Kezem offered.
“No, I will,” Terosh said. “Captain, would you see Lord Kezem out?”
Tate needed some time alone, and Terosh determined to let him have that time.
Chapter 4:
New Masters, New Trial
IDELA (JANUARY) 7, 1538
Six days after the formation of the RT Alliance
Asrien Sea, Below Dark Man’s Bluff
Wake! Wake! Wake!
Feeling the command inside his head, Dr. Atien Belcross blinked against the stinging salt water. Panic gripped him then vanished. Sleeping in fitful spurts over the last few days had conditioned him enough that being completely submerged didn’t disturb him. A dozen clams floated in the water, struggling against some unseen current.
Eat.
A sharp pain pierced his head as his left arm rose of its own accord. Belcross fought for control until the pain grew so intense he almost passed out. As soon as he stopped fighting, the pain eased. His chest rose and fell with remembered reflex. He formed a fist, and one of the clams shuddered. He squeezed hard enough that his palm ached, then squeezed some more until the shell shattered, sending fragments in all directions. Belcross opened his hand. The naked clam writhed, stretching itself in one direction and then the other before collapsing into a shivering mass of gray flesh.
A thought brought the clam closer, and Belcross opened his mouth to receive the slimy morsel. The clam tasted of the saltwater flowing into his mouth, and he immediately wanted to spit it out. His jaw closed tightly, and soon, the clam crawled down his throat. Belcross shuddered, and his stomach heaved rebelliously. Against his will, he consumed more clams, several jintals, and dozens of small sea snakes.
What am I? His eyes searched the clear blue waters around him.
The sun’s rays shone down dimly, partially blocked by the cliff. Spotting a turtle watching him, Belcross hurled an invisible punch, creating a fist-sized hole in the turtle. Blood and flesh stained the sea before firalas and convies cleaned it up.
Remorse swept through Belcross. He stared down at his hands in wonder and horror.
How did I do that? It’s not possible. What am I?
You are us. We are Dalonos, and now that you are us, the impossible is possible.
Dark Ones.
He found the title fitting. Fear and excitement made his heart pump pointlessly faster, while guilt and anger battled in his mind. He regretted killing so carelessly and hated his new masters.
LANOLIN (FEBRUARY) 14, 1538
Forty-three days after the formation of the RT Alliance
Ranger Compound, Riden Mountains
Reia Antellio’s steps slowed as she approached Master Niklos McGreven and Master Kale Corida. They stood in the center of the Crossroads Chamber facing each other as if their discussion would soon morph into a banistick contest. Guessing their conversation concerned her, Reia halted a respectful distance away. She didn’t want to eavesdrop but couldn’t help it. The acoustics carried sound effortlessly.
“She’s not even a guardian, Niklos,” Master Corida stated. “This is important!”
“She’s one of the best healer apprentices, and Lucas is right, she’ll blend in with the Kireshana derringers,” Master Niklos responded with crossed arms and a stubborn expression. “Few know these mountains better than her.”
Kireshana? That starts in Rammon.
Reia had not seen a city for years, though many considered her well-traveled. Feeling dazed, she thought back over the hundreds of trips through the Riden Mountains, starting with the level-one apprentice trial. Her team had included her sister—Kiata—and Todd Wellum, who volunteered to guide her. Reia recalled scouring the mountainside for three weeks collecting corlia, mintas, wuzle roots, alipo leaves, and crela dust. She enjoyed the experience so much that she volunteered for more quests to gather healing substances.
Kiata could sit in a cave and talk combat techniques with Todd, but Reia preferred the open air and sounds of nature. She loved the sweet morning call of colana birds and the faint, sharp scent of mintas sprigs. The happy thoughts fled as Master Corida’
s jaw flexed.
“That’s only part of the journey and you know it,” Master Corida argued.
“You asked for my recommendation and I agree with Lucas,” Master Niklos said.
“So I did. Well, we need somebody. James won’t heal in time.” Running a hand through his thick brown hair, Master Corida grunted.
“What happened?” Reia inquired.
“Reia!” Master Niklos greeted, smiling at her warmly. “You’re early. I told Calvin to tell you not to rush.”
“He did, Master.” Reia bowed politely.
“I thought for sure you’d at least visit your sister and her new husband.” Master Niklos’s eyes sparkled.
“Husband?” Surprise and irritation warred within Reia. She knew who her sister had married, but it still shocked her.
Why didn’t they wait for me? I’ve only been gone a month!
“Love cannot wait, my dear,” Master Niklos said, chuckling at her expression. “Oh, they tried. Todd asked her soon after you left, and she made him wait two weeks for the ceremony. Nearly drove the man mad. I encouraged them to get on with it because they were both miserable. Kiata was beating the stuffing out of the practice dummies, and Todd—”
“Was about to burst with anxiety,” Todd Wellum finished from behind Reia.
Whirling, Reia shot a critical gaze at her new brother-in-law. He wore a contrite expression.
Kiata’s brilliant, silver-blue eyes begged for forgiveness.
Anger dissipating, Reia threw her arms around the pair. The embrace was slightly awkward. Not to be outdone, Todd and Kiata hugged her back fiercely.
What will I give them for a wedding gift?
“We’ll finish this conversation later, Niklos,” Master Corida said. “Let’s leave them to their reunion.”
“That’s not necessary, Master Corida.” Kiata pulled out of the embrace and nodded to the two masters. “We were on our way to the evening meal and heard about Reia’s return. We can catch up later.” With that, Kiata tugged Todd back the way they had come.
Reia watched them leave then focused on the masters. Uncertain of what to say, she folded her hands and barely resisted the urge to stir the dust at her feet.
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