by Kacey Ezell
“Yes, Magistrate. I’m here with the authority to speak for the Order and in the name of our Mother Superior. She is unable to leave the Order to speak at this trial.”
“That is outrageous! Sister Amelia is a Delsarte, a child, a former Source!” Remy Elidon cried out as he surged to his feet. The past two days hadn’t treated Elidon well. Dark bruises stood out like half-moons under his eyes, and the rest of his skin looked gray and pale. Someone, presumably his legal counsel, tugged ineffectually at his hand. A servant had made sure his doublet was clean and pressed, but his hair was lank and looked as if it hadn’t been washed in days. Madness lurked around the edges of his eyes, and Lucia had to suppress a shudder as his gaze came to rest upon her.
“Duke Elidon, is something the matter?”
“That woman is the Delsartes’ creature!” Remy shouted, completely ignoring both his counsel and the magistrate. “She cannot be trusted to speak for an entity as powerful and good as the Eventide Order! Or has the Order, too, been seduced by the Immortals’ filth?”
“Duke Elidon! You will sit down and be quiet, or I will have you removed in shackles again!” the magistrate shouted, banging her gavel against the bench. A murmur rippled through the crowd. Two burly men in the livery of the city guard came forward and roughly pushed Remy back into his seat. Throughout it all, Amelia stood straight, her face calm.
“Magistrate, if I may, I would like to address the duke’s comments,” Amelia said quietly. The magistrate leveled a sharp gaze at her.
“You do not need to do so,” the magistrate said. “The Order has great autonomy in this city. It is enough for this council that the Mother Superior has authorized you to speak, in writing, over her official seal.”
“Yes, Magistrate,” Amelia said, “But Duke Elidon has maligned my personal honor, and I would like to address that.”
The magistrate raised her eyebrows. “Girl,” she said, “this council is not interested in your personal honor.”
“With respect, Magistrate, I am a full Sister of the Eventide Order. I am hardly a girl.”
The magistrate stared at Amelia for a moment. Amelia returned her sharp gaze with her own calm, serene countenance and waited. Finally, the magistrate gave a “harrumph” and waved a hand for Amelia to say her piece.
“Thank you,” Amelia said, and half turned to face Remy, and, consequently, the majority of the council chamber’s occupants.
“My name is Amelia Delsarte, and I am, as has been noted, a Sister of the Eventide Order. Though I bear the Delsarte name, I am here to represent the wishes and needs of my order. As everyone here knows, we of the Eventides are no strangers to the perils of life as a Source. With the coming of the NightShips, the slums near the docks have grown crowded. Young men and women flock to the Immortals, seduced by their beauty, their exoticness, and their bite.”
As she spoke, Remy straightened and began to nod.
“The Immortal bite is a heady drug,” Amelia went on. “It’s as addictive as poppy’s milk, and twice as dangerous. It can lead to exhaustion, depression, anemia, as well as other, darker ills. We of the Eventides have made it our lives’ work to care for those seduced by the Bite. We’re the ones who see it take its worst toll.
“But we alone cannot do much. Without medicines or supplies, without the generous donations of food and clothing and blankets, our Order would be ineffective at best in combating the Bite-borne perils that threaten our city. Let alone the horrendous plague we’ve recently suffered. And where do you think we get those supplies? Who do you think pays for the things we need to care for the Sources and indigent down near the docks? Especially now that their homes have gone up in flames because of one man’s ambition and deceit?” Amelia didn’t look at Remy as she said this.
Her voice never changed as she delivered this charge in such a matter-of-fact way. Nearly everyone else looked at him, though, and watched as his complacent nodding stilled, then stopped altogether as Amelia’s words began to sink in.
“The fact is, Magistrate, the Eventide Order cannot continue to care for the sick and afflicted without the goods and capital the NightShip trade brings. Even if the number of Sources dwindles to nothing, there will still be plagues, sickness, starvation, and orphans. Likely more of all four, due to a lack of resources if trade is restricted. The city will suffer if the NightShips don’t sail. The Order has weighed these matters and would like to propose a solution.”
She turned again to face the magistrate, her carriage erect, her bearing proud.
“The Eventide Order proposes the embargo against the NightShips be lifted in its entirety. We propose the trading contracts with the Immortal captains be reinstated, and our great trading houses be encouraged to enter into new contracts. Furthermore, we propose the dockside district be rebuilt at the expense of the Elidon estate in penance for his crimes against the people who live and work there.
“As to the Source trade, let us make it a true trading operation. The Eventide Order proposes the NightShips who call upon our port be welcomed to seek sustenance from the members of our population who choose to work as Sources. In exchange, the Sources and ships will agree to pay a percentage of their annual gross earnings into a fund. This fund will be managed by someone jointly designated by the city and by the Order, with the charge that the monies be used to support quality of life and health improvements for those involved in the Source trade. The fund will be used to finance medicines, shelters, care, and support systems for those who give of their own life’s blood to sustain our Immortal trading partners, even as they sustain the financial lifeblood of our city.”
At this, Amelia nodded respectfully to the magistrate and took her seat. The room erupted into talk and argument once again, and once again, the magistrate made liberal use of her gavel in regaining order.
Remy shot to his feet again.
“Magistrate! Her proposal makes no sense! How am I expected to bear the burden of building a new dockside complex? My estate is bankrupt, a victim of the depravity of the degenerate Immortals!” Remy said, even as the two burly guards “helped” him back into his seat.
“Duke Elidon, perhaps you should have considered that before sending your son to light the previous complex on fire,” the magistrate replied. Low laughter rippled through the council room.
The magistrate turned her gaze back to Amelia.
“Thank you, Sister,” she said. “And our thanks to your Order for this…interesting proposal. The council will take it to a vote. But first, the matter of Duke Elidon here.” She gave a nod, and the guards who had helped Remy to sit now took hold of him by his arms and dragged the disgraced duke to stand.
“Duke Elidon, after considering the evidence presented in this room two days ago, as well as the words from your own lips, I find that you bear much responsibility in causing our city’s current predicament, but you show a shocking lack of any remorse. You will, indeed, be responsible for rebuilding the dockside complex, and I think it will be a nice touch to see that it’s done to the Eventides’ specifications. I know of your financial straits, but that doesn’t relieve you of your civic duty in this case. For your crimes, your business assets and all of your property is hereby seized by this city. Your house will be sold. Your assets will be liquidated. The proceeds from those sales will be put toward the dockside complex project, as recommended.”
“You, my fine, blustering duke, will be sentenced to work in the northern hills, mining iron for the project until such time as the project is completed to the satisfaction of the Eventide Order. At that time, you may return to the city, but know your title is forfeit in perpetuity. You are no longer the duke of Elidon, nor may you ever again own property within the lands controlled by this city. By my hand and authority as elected magistrate, I so order it done!”
She brought her gavel down twice as tradition dictated, and the two guards picked up the now speechless Remy and hauled him out of the room. Silence followed in his wake until he’d been taken beyond the co
uncil room doors, presumably to a cell, where he would await transport to the mines in the northern hills to begin his sentence at once.
The magistrate looked around. “Now,” she said. “My fellow councilors, since we’re gathered here, I call for a vote on the Eventides’ proposal regarding the Source trade and opening the docks to the NightShips once more. What say you all?”
Lucia closed her eyes in joy and thanksgiving as the resounding “Aye!” rocked through the Council chamber, followed by a chorus of cheers. She felt herself lifted and hugged, hard, by her father. She threw her arms around him in return, then turned and hugged Amelia.
“You were so magnificent!” she whispered to the cousin who had always been more of a sister.
“Ah, Luce! I was so nervous,” Amelia whispered back. “I was just glad to have you beside me!”
“Always,” Lucia promised. “Even when I’m not actually there, I’m always beside you in my heart, Amelia. Always.”
“I will have ORDER! My word, this has been an absolutely chaotic crowd,” the magistrate roared and brought the gavel down again and again until the council chamber quieted. She huffed out a breath and spread her gimlet glare around the room.
“Captain de Graaf!” the magistrate called out. Behind Lucia, the captain came to his feet.
“Captain, how is Matthias Elidon?”
“He lives, Magistrate. He remains in the care of my medic at a location I am not inclined to disclose, for Matthias’ safety. I would like to continue to keep him under my protection. The Eventides are overworked, and I can at least lighten their load with this one man.”
“Yes, fine,” the magistrate said rather irritably. “He won’t inherit his father’s title, as the title has been stripped. Take him and be done with it. He’s not entirely innocent in these proceedings, either. For his crimes, and by my hand and authority, I sentence him to exile of not less than five years. After that period of time, he may return to the city as he chooses, or not. It matters not to me. And with that, I order this session closed! I’m going to my favored tavern. I pray none of you bother me further on this matter.” She brought the gavel down three times, then got to her feet and left the room as if she couldn’t wait to be elsewhere. Lucia watched her go and couldn’t stop a snort of laughter. The poor woman had so obviously not wanted to be there today.
Lucia turned to de Graaf, exultation bubbling through her. Only the presence of her parents kept her from throwing propriety to the wind and throwing her arms about her lover. Her face, however, creased in a wide grin.
A grin that faded when de Graaf didn’t answer with one of his own.
“What is it?” she asked softly.
“Matthias,” he said, his eyes dark with concern. “He’ll neither eat nor drink. He just lies there, as if all the life had been taken out of him. I must make amends.”
“His heart is broken,” Lucia said, compassion flooding through her. “He’s always needed someone to follow. That was you, and he feels you betrayed him. Now he has no one. No one but his memories, and they’re likely not helping.”
De Graaf blinked, then straightened, his eyes taking on an intensity. “What did you just say?”
“Matthias needs someone to love, even if it’s unrequited. He needs a linchpin around which he can center his life. He feels as if he’s lost it all. Now he has no one but terrible memories.”
Finally, de Graaf’s lips stretched in the grin she’d been awaiting. “My dear,” he breathed, softly enough so as to be discreet. “You are a genius. I know exactly who can be Matthias’ center…and help him forget the worst of his memories, if it comes to that.”
Lucia’s eyes widened. “The Buyer?”
De Graaf nodded. “His telepathic talents have many uses. I know he can blunt the force of painful memories in mortals, and I suspect he could possibly remove them entirely if necessary. And Matthias was an educated boy; the Buyer would likely find him fascinating. The solitude of the Chateau would be good for his soul.”
Lucia, too, began to smile slowly. “Yes,” she said as she reached out to take de Graaf’s fingers in her own gloved hand. She shifted her body slightly so as to block the view of any nosy someones watching, but in this moment, she felt she had to touch the captain. “He likely would.”
“Can you come with me for a few more days?” de Graaf asked, looking down at her. “You and your cousin? Matthias will need your care, and you can help me convince the Buyer to take him in. I don’t think it will be difficult, but we must ask properly, or we risk offending him and having him refuse out of spite. He liked you. You could probably persuade him better than I ever could.”
“I’ll ask my parents, and Amelia…but yes. Yes, I, at least, will go with you. Because you’re right. This is too important. Matthias’ life might depend on it.” And it’s an excuse for another journey, another few days aboard the Leeuwin, another few nights with you.
* * * * *
Chapter 24
Lucia’s parents agreed quickly enough, especially when they found that Amelia was to go along as well. Lucia worried about asking her cousin to join the trip. Based on her history, she could hardly have blamed the Eventide sister for refusing to go. But when she asked, Amelia simply nodded her assent and continued trying to coax Matthias to take a little broth as he lay on his bunk aboard the ship.
Amelia didn’t have much success. In fact, in the days since Matthias had been taken aboard the Leeuwin, he hadn’t eaten a thing. He took water, but when offered food, he simply turned his head to the wall and let his eyes drift closed.
On the day of their departure, Lucia went below to tell Amelia that the ship was about to cast off, and saw Matthias refuse yet again to eat. Frustrated, Amelia set the bowl down a little too hard on the table beside the bunk, and a bit of the broth splashed out onto the varnished wood.
“Ammie, come,” Lucia said softly. “We’re departing. Come above and wave goodbye to Mother and Father. The fresh air will do you good. We’re taking Matthias to someone who will help him. He’ll be all right for a few minutes.”
Amelia let out a deep sigh and nodded. Lines of weariness creased her face. She’d provided nearly constant care to the young man in the bed, and the strain of it was showing on her. Since the trial, she’d only left his cabin long enough to gather her things for their journey. As far as Lucia knew, she hadn’t seen any of the rest of the ship. Lucia thought for a moment about giving Amelia a running commentary, something like a tour. But she kept silent, not sure how to help her cousin through this mood.
The cousins emerged from below onto the main deck of the ship. The sun was just setting over the water to their right. The mirrored surface of the sea tossed sparks back at them as red and orange tongues of flame painted water and sky. Out of nowhere, Lucia felt Amelia’s fingers twine tightly with hers.
“I never thought I’d see the ocean this way again,” Amelia said softly. A breeze floated by, lifting their hair gently. Lucia looked at her cousin’s face and saw the careworn look replaced by a faraway expression of equal parts joy and pain. “The way the sun sets, the ocean aflame, and the near glowing green of the coast. I didn’t let myself think of how much I’d missed it, even if it frightens me still.”
Lucia said nothing, all too aware that if this was to be her last journey, she would miss it, too. Instead, she squeezed her cousin’s hand in silent support. Amelia turned to her and wrapped her in a hug.
They stood in silence like that for a moment longer before the languid breeze carried the sounds of voices to them. Amelia let go and stepped back, a smile on her face. For the first time in days…maybe weeks, she looked peaceful. Lucia returned her smile and took her hand again, then led her to the railing to wave goodbye to her parents.
* * *
Though they hadn’t been gone more than a week, returning to the Chateau d’Annees felt to Lucia as if she were seeing a well-loved friend after a long absence. As before, the building nestled in its green hills like a shining white dia
mond resting in the bosom of a beautiful woman. That mental image pulled at Lucia’s mind, and caused the corners of her mouth to turn up in a smile.
Is that you, Elder One? she thought, whimsically. Are you putting silly and slightly risqué images into my head?
If he was, he wasn’t telling her so. She got no answer at all as the ship coasted gently to a stop next to the top floor gallery, and the mechanical walkway began to extend out to meet them. The crew extended the gangplank, and Lucia walked across without looking down at the gap between ship and chateau. Below her feet a sheer rock face plunged away to the ground.
She would have liked to have escorted Amelia across, so she could point out the interesting features of the gallery and the chateau’s gaslights, but the Eventide Sister was wholly occupied with Matthias. After three more days of not eating, the young man was predictably emaciated and weak. He had to be carried out of his cabin, up onto the deck, and down the gangplank by one of the crew, with Marit and Amelia following along behind. When Lucia caught sight of his wasted face, she couldn’t help but gasp and cover her mouth with one hand. Poor Matthias!
“In here, please,” Madame Devoir said, her soft voice carrying down the marble corridor. She stood in the open doorway of a suite of rooms that looked remarkably similar to those Lucia had occupied earlier. The main difference seemed to be the color and style of the furnishings, and the color palette. These rooms were far more masculine in tone than the light, airy space Lucia had occupied before.
Adrienne waited inside, along with several others Lucia did not recognize from her earlier visit. Adrienne pointed to a large, four-poster bed with rich brocade hangings and luxurious sheets and blankets. The crewman and Amelia obediently moved to place the weak, semi-conscious Matthias among the cushions.
“We will take over from here,” Adrienne said, speaking to Lucia. “We know well the symptoms of bliss withdrawal and are equipped to assist him in healing.”