The Dark Disciple (The Daybreak Saga Book 2)

by Dan Neil

  “Not like this. Not against—whatever this is.” Keia took a deep breath. “Ever since I was a kid, for as long as I can remember—I knew I’d have to face it eventually. And I knew I’d be alone. I’d forgotten, but since—since the vault—”

  Devin turned pale. “Since the vault, what?”

  Images of Carter and Aliya’s bodies in the snow, her nightmare standing victoriously over them, flashed in her mind. Keia frowned and then took a sip of lager. “I know what I have to do.”

  Raya said, “The soonest you can put in for missions is after Gladios. But Captain Alrick might veto that one. I doubt he’ll let you go to Greerwood.”

  Keia sighed. “I don’t have a choice. My family is out there.”

  Devin nodded. “I know it’s important to you. It’s been eating you up this whole time. But I don’t want you to throw your life away after how hard you’ve worked to get here.”

  Keia stared at her reflection on the mug. “I have nightmares every night that I let myself dream—about what’s after Aliya and Carter, and what might be after me. I worked this hard to get here so that I could keep the people I care about safe. And that’s what I’m going to do.”

  Devin’s hands fidgeted with her glass. In a low voice, she said, “Keia, you’re a long way from taking on the forces of evil. You—we, both of us, need more training before we even think of something so—reckless.”

  Raya piped up, “You know how dangerous Greerwood is, right?”

  Keia spoke in a low voice, dreading her eventual journey. “All too well.”

  “Well—” Raya frowned. “You’re here until after Gladios at least. So—for now, we should celebrate.”

  “I agree!” Devin raised her glass. “We should be happy that we’re all together—right here, right now like the captain says, right? It’s all we ever have.”

  Keia smiled and took another sip of her beer. Her worries stayed in her head, but she ignored them for now. “Dammit, Devin—you’re right.”

  Twilight set in on her first day as a soldier, and they drank and talked until the bartender closed shop. Keia made sure that everyone made it home safely with portals before casting one more. She fell through onto her bed.

  She stared at the photo of the Atlos family on her desk. There they were: Aliya and Carter. Even with how far she’d come, Keia missed them more than ever. Not wanting to dream that night, she took a sip of Moonshake.

  Chapter 23

  The Drawing

  Day 4 of the Season of Life, 1020 YAR

  Endless darkness surrounded Keia. Ulrich Staedtler stood before her, his body still but his eyes cold and focused. The darkness retreated, revealing a familiar room lit by a fire in the center. Ulrich was left with two shadows.

  A wave of cold jolted down Keia’s spine. I know this place.

  Ulrich reached forward, attempting to speak. Mismatched whispers came out of his still mouth. He reached out as his body melted away and gave form to Carter. One of the shadows that Ulrich had cast morphed into Aliya. The other had disappeared.

  “Aliya! Carter!” Keia cried out and ran toward them. Ancient voices whispered from their unmoving mouths, and their eyes were glassed over.

  Shadows rose from the ground and enveloped everything. Keia was left in perpetual darkness. She reached for Carter, but at the last moment, a hand emerged and grabbed her. She was dragged into the endless depths, screaming, fighting, kicking, and biting at the shadows.

  Keia gasped for breath until she emerged in space, hovering above the world of Alea. Two flags covered two continents; then, more flags appeared as the realm descended into chaos. Symon’s crown was upon the first flag, and upon the second was a strange sigil—a bloody sword. A third flag showed a hero on horseback hailed by a starving people; the fourth featured a proud drake shedding chains. Finally, one with the Sigil of Aion was raised, and then two flags Keia knew not—their sigils each depicted a woman.

  The flags twisted and contorted, tangling with each other and tearing each other apart; tendrils grew from each and seeped over the realms of humanity. Ulrich’s second shadow returned and raised a bloody ‘X’ as its symbol. From the north, past Greerwood—there, just south of the northern ocean, was a flag raised above a dark temple. It was ancient and rotting, and it featured a skull surrounded by runic patterns and symbols, all enveloped by a circle. With a flash, this flag scorched every other except the bloody sword and X. The world burned away as Keia bore witness.

  The Dark Lord. Like Axl said—right?

  The ruins faded into dust. Nothing but empty space surrounded Keia in every direction. Then, she was thrust into a brightly-colored cage, which was reaching toward the sky. The haunting notes of a familiar melody filled the air, one she had heard long ago but couldn’t place. It sounded exactly like Gaea’s song, but—different. That was internal, and this was something else. Piercing the sky itself, a pair of hands gently reached toward her.

  A sharp rapping sound blurred the entire world around her. She was ejected from the vision with a startle and took a moment to collect herself, thinking it best not to dwell on what she had witnessed.

  Shaking her head, she stood to answer the knocking at the door.

  Devin and Gilfried greeted her in full gear. Gilfried wielded a silver trident attached by a chain to his bracer, while Devin had Thorn in a wand-sheath. Devin wore her soldier’s coat over light armor, while Gilfried wore the standard set of heavy Brightsteel armor for the Third Royal Brigade.

  Keia’s head tilted. “What are you two doing here?”

  “We’re here for you!” Devin said, a look of amusement on her face. “Why aren’t you ready?”

  After rubbing her eyes, Keia yawned and stretched out her arms. “What are you talking about? I saw Captain Alrick this morning. He said that there’s no training today.”

  Their expressions became confused. “You—you actually showed up this morning?”

  “Yeah, why?”

  “Keia, did you forget what day it is?” Devin asked. “It’s Gladios Day! Remember?”

  Keia slapped her hand against her forehead. “Oh! Shite, I can’t believe I forgot!”

  Gilfried chuckled. “We’re not rookies anymore—we can actually go now.”

  “Don’t worry, there’s still time,” Devin said. “We have two hours ‘til the drawing. The Grand Procession should come in just beforehand. We should go together!”

  “Of course! Let me get ready.”

  Keia threw on her uniform, light armor and all, and went back into the common room. Gilfried smiled upon seeing Valiance.

  He said, “We’re all soldiers now.”

  “Almost,” Devin said. “After Gladios, we’ll be true soldiers.”

  Keia nodded. “Who do you think you’ll draw?”

  Devin held up her hands. “As long as it’s not any of the captains, I’m fine.”

  “I’m hoping for a challenge,” Gilfried said. “I’d love to face a captain and measure my skill against theirs—or even a master knight.”

  “Of course you would,” Devin said. “No one can turn into a giant wolf in your bracket!”

  Gilfried smiled. “I wouldn’t mind fighting a giant wolf; it’d be fun.”

  “You say that until you’re face to face with the thing.”

  Gilfried chuckled. “I thought you’d want to face the Young Virtuoso.”

  Keia and Devin gave him a blank stare.

  “Your captain? Captain Alrick?” Gilfried said.

  A wicked grin took over Devin’s face. “That’s his nickname?”

  Gilfried nodded. “That’s what Sir Siegfried calls him.”

  Keia smiled. “Oh, he’d hate that.”

  Devin said, “We have to call him that if we see him at the drawing!”

  As her friends carried on the conversation, Keia’s thoughts turned to th
ose she was missing. How could she sit here, having fun with friends when Carter and Aliya were alone and scared in Greerwood—or worse, already dead?

  “Keia?” Devin’s words snapped her out of it. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, fine,” she said. “Why?”

  Devin was smiling, but her eyes were wracked with concern. “Worrying yourself to death again?”

  Keia gave a half-smile. “I am. I just wish things were simple again—like when we were young. Carter seemed invincible, you know? Aliya, too. Now—I don’t know.”

  “I understand.” Devin nodded. “But you can’t make a decent future for yourself in the past.”

  Keia changed the subject. “So, who do you least want to fight in Gladios? They don’t have to be in the tourney.”

  As Devin and Gilfried answered, Keia pondered her own answer.

  Lorinal, for sure. Luckily, I don’t have to deal with her.

  They discussed the tournament and the arrival of the foreign lords until the time came to make for the Grand Procession. Jisaazu emerged from her room and meekly tagged along.

  The sky was a deep blue, only partially obstructed by clouds. Flowers were in full bloom alongside the streets, and the leaves were deeply green. A light breeze carried the sound of merriment from the inner walls of the palace to the marketplace.

  People were everywhere. Kids littered the skies with magical kites, buying desserts from the smart vendors who had set up shop early that morning; other merchants were cursing at themselves and everything in sight as they hustled to open for the day.

  Keia closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. The sweet scents of caramel apples and pineapple strudel filled her nostrils. Much as her worries weighed on her, it was nice to be here with friends. There was nothing she could do for her family right now. If she had to be here for the moment, she might as well enjoy her time.

  The cobbled streets flew by in a pleasant, celebratory blur. A massive wooden arch marked their entrance to the marketplace. Upon it was a banner that read, “WELCOME TO GLADIOS DAY!” Here, people were more tightly packed in, and the commotion was almost deafening.

  Vendors aggressively pushed their wares, priests called for repentance, and common folk flocked to find a better view of the foreign procession. Gamblers made bets on anything possible, drunks happily danced, and former soldiers sang old war songs. Many people ate fragrant skewers of roasted vegetables or fish as the merriment abounded.

  It had been many years since Keia last celebrated Gladios Day. She’d been far too busy with training to even think about Gladios six months ago. For two years before that, she’d been a thief in the underground—not exactly the type to show her face in public venues. And before that, she’d been too busy training to get into Crown’s University.

  Keia chuckled. The last time that she came to see the Grand Procession, she was too short to see anything. She strained to see over the sea of people in front of her, standing on her toes.

  Dammit, I’m still too short.

  Keia shouted so that her friends could hear, “We should probably find a better view!”

  Devin tilted her head and cupped one hand to her ear. “What?”

  “I said, we should probably find a better view!”

  Devin shrugged. “All right. How about over there?”

  “What?”

  Devin pointed to the roof of a nearby spell shop. Keia’s cheeks filled with warmth as a grin crept over her face.

  She knows me so well.

  The four of them fell through portals. Jisaazu opened her mouth to protest but was stunned into silence by the view. The marketplace was filled with people scrambling about. Banners decorated every wall, welcoming the foreign lords and ladies. Two iron fences led from the marketplace to the Sothron Gate—no doubt to give the arriving aristocracy some space. The crowd’s murmuring intensified; there were shapes just beyond the Sothron Gate of the Kingswall, becoming clearer with each step.

  Devin pointed. “Look! They’re here!”

  The first to step through was a gray-haired woman, though she looked no older than forty. Her cheeks were thin, and her chin sharp. Her pale skin contrasted against her harsh violet eyes. She wore a simple black leather tunic and slacks. Her sword was sheathed, but the magnificent Violetsteel Guard was still on display. She walked with three men armored in emerald-hued steel.

  Gilfried whispered, “That’s Lady Lazara Egon of Nar’ith!”

  Following Lady Egon’s retinue was a man with long brown hair and pale skin. His expression was friendly, but the scar running across his face suggested another side to him. He carried a medium-length Valkyrium blade on his back.

  Trotting beside him was a younger girl, light of hair and dark of skin, with spellstones embedded in her eye sockets. She appeared slightly disoriented by the crowd. Behind her was the largest man Keia had ever seen, fully armored in Opaniran Greensteel.

  Jisaazu, awed and a little disturbed by the girl, asked, “Who are they?”

  Gilfried pointed and said, “That’s Lord Locke Halcion of Opanira. And that must be Sir Kalais Tallbold. He’s as big as they say. And that’s Nevii Dannicos, one of the mages you don’t want to fuck with in Opanira. They’re on his Honor Guard. He’s got a legendary lineup—aside from these two, he’s got Sir Malionn Graves and Lady Esther Mennion. I’d imagine that they’re with his wife back home.”

  Devin stared at him, awestruck. “How do you know all this?”

  “How do you not? Sir Malionn Graves is the premiere drake rider in all of Gaddeaux.”

  Next through the gate came Lords Aoras Anarda of Vertan and Haik Larkkson of Jur’Anan, with bottles of liquor in each hand. Their retinue surrounded them as the lords went about their drunken merriment. Their wives walked behind them, embarrassed by their husbands.

  Following them were the stoic Lady Katarinerva Vandor of Greislav and the frowning Lord Stern Keenig of Vordenheim. Lord Keenig’s retinue surrounded his wife, son, and daughter while he walked ahead. Lady Vandor had only her retinue behind her. She wore Brightsteel armor lined with fur, and a ragged burgundy cape hung from her shoulders. Her long, brown hair was drawn up in a knot, and her piercing green eyes observed the crowd cautiously.

  The shifty Lord Virgal Osu of Velshamsphire walked through behind his Honor Guard. He wrung his hands and scowled at the crowd.

  Keia furrowed her brow, her attention caught by the man’s sour expression. What’s his problem?

  Lord Jaqu Sylbian of Lazreis arrived next. His long hair flowed as he sat atop a large black stallion. He seemed to enjoy the people’s cheering, raising his hand and giving knowing smiles. His wife walked just behind him, protected by his retinue on foot. She regarded him with adoration.

  Last through the Sothron Gate was Lady Hilayna Granneux of Quantaine, a woman roughly forty years of age. She was stunningly beautiful and wore a dress of shining magical fabric. A spear rested in a special sheath on her back. Her Honor Guard was dressed more for a vacation than protection. Based on her confident walk, she didn’t need their help to handle herself.

  Once the procession was over, Keia stretched out and took one last look at the marketplace. They had some spare time before the ceremony.

  A new voice carved through their reverie.

  “Hey.”

  Devin jumped, nearly falling off the roof. Gilfried turned and readied his fists, while Jisaazu drew the Jaaza Greatsword. Keia froze, bracing herself for the possibility that it was Lorinal.

  Please tell me it’s not.

  After a moment that seemed to last an eternity, Keia turned.

  Lesteria, their comrade and fellow inductee, was before them. Her lips were curled into an immovable frown, and her bright green eyes were cold and calculating. She casually raised a hand in greeting.

  Everyone relaxed. Jisaazu sheathed her blade. Gilfried waved and said, “Hi, I�
�m Gilfried. And you are?”

  “I’m Lesteria.”

  Keia’s eyes narrowed as she scanned Lesteria up and down. Would this end like it had with Devin? Or Lorinal?

  Keia said slowly, “Hey, Lesteria. Did you have to sneak up behind us like that?”

  “You were having so much fun that I didn’t want to stop you.”

  Devin chuckled. “Well, what were you hoping to see us for?”

  Lesteria’s eyes darted between Keia and Devin’s for a few seconds, as if weighing their worthiness. Sighing, she said, “I need to ask a favor of someone—preferably two or more people. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.”

  Keia and Devin shot a glance at each other. This was weird, and they both knew it. Lesteria had barely ever spoken much more than a sentence to the both of them, if that. As they thought about it, they realized that Lesteria never really talked to anyone. Here she was, opening up to what amounted to four strangers.

  Keia’s eyes narrowed. “What do you need?”

  Lesteria shook her head. “I need you to agree beforehand. I don’t need people knowing things about me if they don’t need to.”

  One of Jisaazu’s eyebrows had shot up, and the other eye had narrowed. Her mouth fell open, unsure of what to say or what to make of Lesteria.

  Devin asked, “Why all the secrecy? What, are you the king’s lost daughter?”

  Keia snickered. “Maybe she’s overthrowing the government!”

  “Maybe she’s from another planet, sent here to observe us!”

  “Or,” Keia continued her and Devin’s back-and-forth but added a slightly serious inflection, “are you working for someone else?”

  Lesteria stared blankly as they awaited an answer. When it became clear they were waiting on her to respond, she said, “Do you agree or not?”

  Devin turned to Keia and shrugged. “I mean, the worst that can happen is we get lured into an alley, drugged, and our organs harvested for spares.”

  Keia gave her friend a strange look. “Fuck, Devin.”

  Jisaazu said, “I won’t let that happen to any of you.”