by Bryant Reil
He let Aethelwyne tap her fingers impatiently as he finished his tea. He then set the cup on the night-table and stretched before speaking.
“And how may I help you this fine afternoon? I take it you aren’t here on official business.”
“When I take the throne, I need to make some adjustments to my Advisors and Ministers. I wanted to know if I can count on your full support, else I may have to give your position to someone more loyal.”
Imel chuckled. “I suppose you have Samessil in mind? She was pleased at your appointment as Heir.”
“She has been supportive where you have not.”
“Well, if I’m being honest, I’m on the cusp of retirement anyway. Assign whomever you will to my position.”
Aethelwyne looked disappointed at the lack of conflict. “Very well. I shall have a declaration of appointment written up for Samessil to become High Seer when you are gone. Your retirement, or my coronation. Whichever comes first.”
“Well done, My Lady. Well-prepared, as always.” She was, at that. She had the mind for leadership; she lacked only the heart. “I’m sure Samessil will be pleased.”
“Should you change your mind, of course, I may consider keeping you on. With a contract of support, of course.”
Imel waddled to his cupboard and pulled out a biscuit. He held it out for Aethelwyne, who waved it off. He took a bite and spoke as he chewed. She predictably cringed, and he chuckled inside. “I will bear that in mind.”
He exhaled and stretched out on his bed as she shrank to her sprite-sized self and flew out the window. He was happy enough knowing he wouldn’t live through her reign, but his heart ached for those who would.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Trysts and Turns
Kyla watched as Sophrosyne disappeared back down the street and rounded a corner. Once her footsteps disappeared in the distance, Kyla headed the opposite direction.
The glass walkways were becoming scarcer, and the strange symbols that marked the guest area had disappeared. Kyla came to a silver-railed stairway which spiralled down. Curious, she took it. It led to a lower level of flooring. There was less lighting than the level above, though of course the transparent walkways let in some light.
A high-pitched voice eked from a small round window nearby.
“You have Erebus’ stone?”
Another voice, lower and roiling with thunder, replied. “Of course. Who else would I trust with it?”
Kyla crept to the window, remaining in a crouching position to keep below the frame. She didn’t dare peek inside, and allowed herself only short, infrequent breaths. One of Erebus’ stones? Here? It would explain Sophrosyne’s presence. But why hadn’t she told Kyla?
The high voice continued. “Nyx has been gathering the stones. Protecting them. We thought she worked to awaken Chaos, but it seems to not be the case. She works against us, and we still don’t know what happened to our Lord.”
“In hiding, perhaps.”
“What! How dare you suggest such cowardice on the god of darkness?”
“Cowardice? It is not cowardice to hide. He works from the shadows. So do we. He waits until the time is right to strike. Or perhaps he tests us. We need to recover the rest of the stones.”
“The other Avowed could help.”
“Bah. They have become common bandits. I shall protect the one I have, and you shall recover the rest.”
“It’s my stone, and I want it back! You’ve kept it long enough and done nothing!”
There was the sound of a gale, and Kyla felt a gust of air from the window above her. “Skulking weasel! You aren’t fit to keep it. By Erebus’ own appointment you work for me, Alonquis.”
The second voice replied with some shakiness. “You’ve done nothing with it. I’m the one still working to finish the plan, while you play politics and…and get married, of all things!
“Fool. Once I have wed Ukko’s daughter, I will have access to his resources. While you scamper about on the ground following the scent of dung, I shall have an army at my command.”
Kyla held her breath. She was listening to Calam! He was an Avowed? She couldn’t let Aura go through with the wedding. But how could she stop it?
Brisk footsteps tapped from the floor of the building and turned into a hollow clunk as they stepped onto the walkway. Kyla kept herself low to the ground, fully aware how un-hidden she was. She dared a peek as the figure walked past. One glimpse her way and she would be found. A small brown-skinned man with shaggy hair, a bushy moustache and long nose marched past, grumbling to himself. He didn’t glance her way: his eyes barely rose from staring at his own elongated feet. She listened as his footsteps moved to the upper levels.
She could feel the vibrations of her pounding heart in the floor. He was looking at his feet! And walking onto the level above, which had transparent walkways. He would see her for certain if he passed above.
She held her breath. Where was Calam? He had said he was getting married. It was Aura’s betrothed, for certain. An Avowed? Had Aura known? Was that why she held him in such distaste? No. She would never agree to marry an Avowed.
Kyla wanted to stand and run, and tell Aura what she had heard, but she didn’t know where the air spirit might be. If he were anything like Aura, he could turn invisible. She would have to wait.
It was several minutes of silence before Kyla found the courage to stand and tiptoe away from the building. No one had come for her yet, so perhaps they hadn’t noticed her.
This might be too dangerous to get Aura involved. But who else? Kyla bit her bottom lip. She would have to speak with Sophrosyne.
Kyla marched into the kitchen to catch Sophrosyne sink her teeth into a piece of cheesecake. Kyla waited for her to swallow before speaking.
“I guess you expect me to get the stone. You could just get it yourself, you know.”
Sophrosyne held up a knife. “Like me to cut you a slice? It’s quite good. Just learned the recipe. Zen, cut her a piece.”
Kyla jerked her head to the side to see a brown-haired elf smiling at her. He was handsome, and finely dressed.
“Certainly. This is Kyla, I take it?” He placed a small slice on a plate and brought it to her.”
Kyla planted her feet. “What? No! Who is this?”
Sophrosyne raised her eyebrows and grinned. “I suspected you’d fancy this one. He was a stray. Lost his home and family in Monarch during Erebus’ assault. I took him on as an assistant. Thought you might like having another elf around. Especially one you find this handsome.”
“I…what? No, I don’t!”
“She does,” Sophrosyne nodded at Zen. “I can read your mind, Kyla. Anyway, I already know why you’re here. Would you give us a minute, Zen?”
Zen nodded and smiled at Kyla as he walked out. She felt a bit flushed, and she wasn’t entirely sure which of her two dominant emotions was causing it.
As soon as he was gone, however, the rage took over. “You knew. That’s why you’re here. Why don’t you just do your own dirty work and get the stupid thing yourself?”
“It’s honestly a coincidence. A great stroke of fortune, though, isn’t it? The only stone I couldn’t locate, and your roommate’s Betrothed has it. Anyway, Calam’s quarter is in the Old City, which is warded against Chaos and his children, so obviously I can’t fetch it myself. Besides, you’re on a work-for-credit program for your school. I can’t, in good conscience, sign you off for completion if you don’t do it yourself. I have, however, read the minds of a few of the guards and drawn you a map with directions to Calam’s chamber in the barracks.” Sophrosyne slapped a large piece of paper on the counter. “This is the map of the floor on which Calam resides. There are no walkways to that part of the city, so you’ll need to fly.”
“Coincidence. Yeah, right,” Kyla muttered. “Too many coincidences with you.” She rolled the map and searched her body for a place to stow it.
“There’s a flying horse named Uzun in the stable. I gave her some fond memories of you. S
he’ll be the one that doesn’t buck you off when you mount her.”
Sophrosyne reached under a counter and plopped a brown satchel in front of Kyla. It was neatly sewn and had shiny buckles.
“Here. Got it in Paris. That’s a human city, known for its fashion.”
“I can’t take your bag.”
“It’s a purse. And do take it. I don’t want anyone to see the parchment, and you’ll need something to carry the stone.”
Kyla nodded and stuffed the map inside. “I’m going to get it, but I’m not giving it to you.”
Sophrosyne picked up another piece of cheesecake. “I understand why you’re so fond of these human desserts.”
“I’m going to take it straight to the Queen and tell her all about you.”
“I’m sure you are, though don’t forget you want to stop the wedding as well.”
“I’m not kidding. You can read my mind. Look in there and see how serious I am.”
“You are determined, indeed.”
“This is my last job with you.”
Sophrosyne smiled and raised the uneaten portion of her cheesecake as though making a toast. Kyla’s stomach knotted in anger, and as soon as that happened she thought she saw Sophrosyne fighting a smirk. The goddess wasn’t taking her seriously.
Well, Kyla was determined. Determined to rid herself of the manipulations of Sophrosyne. She turned sharply on her heel and marched out, wanting to eat her piece of cheesecake but not wanting to ruin the strength of her departure by turning back into the kitchen.
“Are we going to steal that stone?”
Kyla shot up. It was dark, and she looked about with her blanket clutched to her bed. Where was she?
Oh, yes. Her chamber in Aeolis. For the wedding. Hajar was leaning over her, her face so close that Kyla could feel her breath. Kyla’s last memory was Hajar singing her to sleep. There had been pleasant dreams, and Kyla was upset over being pulled from them, though now she couldn’t recall what they had been about.
“Oh. Right. Yeah, we should go get that thing. Wait a sec – how do you know about it?”
“You told me last night, right after I sang to you. You told me I could help but I’d have to get up early. Actually, I never went to sleep. I didn’t know if I should wake you, but I thought maybe you forgot.”
“Oh. I said all that?” The music gave Kyla great peace but was perhaps making her too agreeable.
Hajar, perhaps expecting a change of mind, crossed her arms. “Yes. You promised.”
“Sure. Whatever.” Kyla yawned and stretched before whipping off her blanket. She slept in a robe Ninlil and Ne-o-gah had brought her. She had no reason to change, as her only other clothing was formalwear for the wedding. The cold floor bit her feet, and she winced before settling into the slippers under the bed.
Hajar seemed happy to follow in her evening gown. She hadn’t changed since coming back to the room. Her slippers were an odd match, looking like a young child playing dress-up.
Kyla grabbed the purse Sophrosyne had given her, which she had set by the exit so as not to forget it. She grabbed one of the light orbs from the room and pressed open the door. Peering both ways, she crept through and beckoned for Hajar to follow. The air spirits could turn invisible, and Kyla assumed there were guards posted and watching unseen. She walked with light steps and peered around every corner until she came to the long walkway that led to the landing pad and the stables.
She froze as a gust of air whipped her hair to the side. Her heart sank, and her mind raced for excuses. She was just taking a walk. Nothing wrong with that. If they didn’t see the map, she’d be fine.
“Do you require anything?”
“Oh, crap-apples,” Kyla exhaled. “You scared the pine nuts out of me.”
Ninlil and Ne-o-gah - Kyla still didn’t know which was which - hovered several feet behind. They stood with hands behind their backs.
“We were told to watch you and serve your every need,” said one.
“You did not see us, as your mortal eyes lack the perception to see wind,” added the other.
“What do you require?” they said in unison.
“Oh…nothing. Just taking a walk. Looking around.”
“You are looking for the handsome young elf that came with the caterer?” one asked.
“No! What? Of course not!” Kyla protested, perhaps too strongly.
“Do not fear. We recognize that creatures of flesh are weak, and your shame prohibits you from expressing your desires openly. It is a common occurrence among our guests from the ground, and we shall not break your trust. However, we felt it prudent to inform you that his room is the other way.”
“I’m not going to visit anyone!”
“Of course not. But it’s that way. Shall we guide you? Do not fear. The other servants in the quarter know not to ask questions.”
“I’m not going to see the elf! If I were, why would I bring her?” She pointed at Hajar, who looked confused.
“That is not our concern. However, we have been ordered to stay close to you, and it will be difficult for us not to comment on your directional incompetence.”
It was apparent that Kyla was not going to be able to ditch the servants. Even if they left, they could just turn invisible and come back. And she could use their help. If they turned her in - well, damage control was Sophrosyne’s job.
“Look, I need to break into someone’s house and steal something.”
“Ah, yes,” one of the air spirits nodded. “A token of affection.”
“Something that reminds you of him,” the other added. “Too shy to confess your heart, you shall pine away in your room over a mundane object, not realizing that, in the long run, you will be happier with the object than the man. Steal something useful, at least.”
“No. Look.” Kyla pulled out her map. “I need to go here. Calam’s house.”
She expected some dissent here, but Ninlil and Ne-o-gah appeared intrigued. “You choose an air spirit over an elf? You are wise indeed. The groom, nonetheless.”
“Yeah. Whatever. Are there going to be guards?”
“Of course! We shall distract them as you approach. We assume you are here for the horses?”
Kyla scratched her head. “You two - uh, you’re willing to help me break in?”
They both nodded. “Of course. This sort of thing happens at every wedding.”
***
“Are you sure you want to quit?” Carmin asked.
Marik put on his deer-hide jacket. It bore the emblem of the prison where he had formerly served as a guard. He had no plans of going back, but the jacket they had given him for ten years’ service looked sharp.
“No reason to keep working here.”
Carmin pursed her lips. For some reason, the look annoyed Marik.
“I like it here. Perhaps you could teach?”
“Doubt I have the patience for it. Besides, you can’t be too attached. You haven’t been here that long, and you don’t remember much else of the world. I can take you to some of the most amazing places.”
Marik did his best to smile, but Carmin’s responding smile was weak and insincere. This was a replay of last time. Sophrosyne had botched the job making this new Carmin.
“We can stay for a bit,” he said, “until I figure out where I want to go next. But I’m still going to quit. I have nothing to gain working for Anh-Bul anymore.”
Information, of course: Marik had seen everything passing to and from the Director’s office. But Equinox was a small place of little consequence.
“Fine. Wherever you go, I go,” Carmin said and leaned forward to give him a peck on the cheek. He allowed it before exiting.
The campus was busier than it had been during the weeks prior. Though it was the middle of a term, many of the students were returning. Perhaps for many it was simply a place to stay. Marik whistled to himself as he walked by a group of dwarves and orcs sitting on blankets and debating politics.
As he turned the corn
er to the Admin building, he found his way obstructed by a lizard-woman. He was familiar enough with the Royal Court to recognize the glittering black and yellow sash of one of the Seers. He assumed she was passing by, and stepped aside to let her go, but she only looked at him, flicked out her tongue, and licked her eye.
“Can I help you?” he finally asked.
“Yes.” Her voice was raspy. “I come on behalf of Aethelwyne, protégée of Queen Titania and heir to the throne of High Haven. She wishes to speak with you.”
An interesting development. Marik was deathly curious but did his best to appear nonchalant. “Oh? I suppose I can pop by the palace later tonight. I have a brief appointment with the Director first.”
The lizard-woman chuckled a sequence of hisses. “It is regarding an appointment with the Director that she wishes to discuss. No need to come to the palace. She is here. Follow me.”
The old woman turned and waddled away from the Admin building in the direction of the Golden Gates that marked the entryway of Equinox.
“She is in the forest?” he asked.
“In the Assembly Hall.”
The Assembly hall was nothing but a charred husk. It had burnt down during Erebus’ assault on campus, and not yet been repaired. A portion of it still stood, blackened but intact, and it was to this section the lizard-woman led Marik.
The woman pointed him at a doorway down a burnt corridor. “There. I shall wait outside.”
This was suspicious, and Marik half-expected he was being set up to be assaulted. If this were the case, his cries for help would certainly be heard, so that seemed unlikely. Yet why would Aethelwyne want to meet with him, and why here?
He rapped on the blackened door before slowly pushing it open. It stuck halfway, and he squeezed through into a room of collapsed timber and a gaping hole in the ceiling, which led up to the second level, which was burnt away. Sure enough, Aethelwyne was inside. She was sitting on a cross-board, in her sprite-sized form, but fluttered to the floor and grew to Marik’s height as he entered.
“Pleased you could join me,” she smiled.