by B. K. Boes
“We can’t reveal the baron’s crime yet,” Moloch said. “We need irrefutable proof. I’m going to ask Bram to follow your cousin, hopefully to find out where the baron is buying the poison. Keep ordering the soup, but don’t eat it. Your cousin can’t know something is off. The baron will come see the cook once more in four days’ time, in the fourteenth hour. We must figure a way for your father to witness the exchange himself, in secret.”
Bram raised a finger from where he lay on the sofa. He opened his eyes and stretched. “I might have an idea for that.”
Chapter Forty-Five
Jabin
The City of Nomika, Eikon
8th Cycle of Chenack
989 Post Schism
The Northern Emerald Inn sat on the bank of Emerald Brook, a small tributary of the Chava River. The brook wasn’t deep but very wide, and the rocks beneath the clear waters were smooth, glossy, and richly colored with various shades of green. Its current was swift, but it sang a gentle song. In the dwindling light when they’d first crossed the bridge, Jabin hadn’t paid much attention to it. But now, in the early morning as the sun shimmered over the whole of the brook, the beautiful sight demanded some admiration.
Jabin and Mae stood on the bridge, mesmerized. Neither had said much that morning. Until now, all Jabin could think of was the impending journey to find a building Mae could barely remember from her vision. His thoughts bickered among themselves. Oracle Lan had given him tools to decipher visions. Jabin was simply refraining from using them, from asking the right questions. If they found the building, Mae would refuse to seek help, and they would have to save this woman all on their own. A growing frustration had built in Jabin all night; he could barely sleep.
Why must we carry this burden alone when help is so near?
But the brook, for just a moment, carried some of his anxiety away in its current. He pulled his mind out of the darker places and rested in the quiet morning with Mae by his side. Her hands rested lightly on the bridge’s wall. Jabin leaned against it as well, placing a hand over Mae’s. The warmth of her so close to him was comforting, and when she inched even closer and rested her head on his shoulder, she stole his attention away from the brook.
Jabin’s emotions waged a war inside him. Mae was frustrating in her stubbornness, and yet, that fierce independence which eluded Jabin so often was one of his favorite things about her. She was brash, to be sure, but also brave. Rebellious but loyal. She was faithful to her convictions. Even when Jabin vehemently disagreed with her, something inside him couldn’t abandon her.
Mae took a deep breath, lifted her head, and smiled at Jabin. The way the breeze played with her hair, the excitement in her hazel eyes — more a shade of green today, like the rocks beneath the brook… she was truly beautiful. A personification of the brook below.
“Are you ready to go?” When she spoke, the weight of their situation came back to Jabin full-force, punching him in the gut.
Jabin cleared his throat and nodded. “I’m ready,” he lied.
As he spoke, his struggle retook his heart. No matter how he looked at it, there was no clear right or wrong action. Jabin knew the wise path to take. He should go to an oracle now, with or without Mae. But what was wise was also betrayal. On the other hand, the reckless path Mae insisted upon was dangerous. But, if it all went well, if the Sustainer rewarded her efforts, how could Jabin look down upon her? Tamonn may be outdated, but it was a respected tradition for a thousand years or more.
Mae didn’t seem to struggle at all. She faced the sprawling city and walked into it with determined steps. “Let’s go find this building, then.”
Jabin followed, his head down and his heart in his throat.
At the center of Nomika Square was a platform with a brass bell four times the height of any man. A few thousand people could fit comfortably in the square, and Jabin guessed it was crammed full with twice that many now. The buildings surrounding the square were huge, each at a minimum of three stories high with sprawling widths Jabin guessed held hundreds of rooms.
To the south of the square, the Duke of Nomika’s estate stood as the most intricate building, meant to draw the eye and foster a sense of awe. Colorful tiles formed murals of historical events set into the stone wall of the estate, no space left bland or gray. The wrought iron gates facing Nomika Square bore the duke’s family insignia at the center, a dove with wings outstretched, which symbolized the ability of law and order to bring peace and protection to the people.
To the east was Nomika’s School of Law, made up of several buildings, each one connected by a series of covered walkways. Advocates and peacekeepers came here to study the King’s Law, and to better implement it in their local communities. Advocates had visited with Jabin’s father to talk about the running of the Yllin Estate. All lords, both minor and major, were subject to an ethical code laid out by King Shamylle. The common people were to be paid well, not overtaxed, and were ensured basic comforts such as access to a sanctuary and an apothecary. The School of Law trained the hands and feet of the king’s legal philosophies.
To the north was the High Court. This building was rectangular with a portico and pillars stretching around its perimeter. There, the king’s judges sat over cases left undecided by the lower courts across Eikon. These judges also allowed family members to appeal their loved one’s judgments if certain conditions were met. Jabin had only heard of one instance in his lifetime where the High Court was overturned by King Shamylle.
And to the west of the Mercy Bell was the Nomikan Archives. Here records of the laws of the Eikonian people, both current and ancient, active and overturned, were kept in written form. Legal scribes traveled Leyumin learning the intricacies of laws in other places, gathering information and ideas. It was here advocates and judges and scribes conspired to create detailed proposals to the king concerning changes in law. Scribes also drafted proposals for lords like Jabin’s father when they wanted to change their local policies.
Nomika Square was the heart of everything the city stood for; Jabin wasn’t surprised it was the heart of the Festival of Pardons, too. Streamers of all colors hung from the pillars of the High Court. Three banners ran the height of the Nomikan Archives, each one depicting the name of a man to be pardoned. The square was filled with booths offering games, food, and entertainment. Even more booths lined the streets that connected to the square. Every inch of cobblestone was occupied by vendors and celebrants.
Jabin and Mae stood near the center, by the Mercy Bell, trying to process the overwhelming crowd and noise. People were talking and laughing. Off to their right a small stage was set up. Actors and actresses portrayed the scene of a man being pardoned and rejoining society as a grateful citizen. The ending brought its audience to their feet as they clapped and shouted for an encore.
Children squealed in delight as parents bought them candies or chocolate or let them toss rings to win a prize. Others cried in dismay as their parents dragged them away from the festivities. The sound of thousands of men and women chatting at the same time made it difficult for Jabin to think.
“Do you see anything that looks familiar?” Jabin shouted over the crowd.
Mae was surveying the surrounding buildings, glancing back at the Mercy Bell every few seconds. “I think she fell from the top of the High Court building, but I’d need to get to the roof of it to be sure. I remember pretty clearly the angle of the view.”
Jabin held back a sigh. Because there were only four giant buildings surrounding the square, their options had been narrowed. Still, if Mae wasn’t confident in the location of the woman’s fall, he might have a way to convince her to seek help.
“Let’s go,” Mae said. “I need to see what the square looks like from the rooftop to be sure.”
Mae grabbed his hand and pulled him through the crowd to the steps of the High Court. City guardsmen stood between each set of pillars, surveying the area with intense focus. Jabin followed Mae up the steps, but when they reached the
top, the guard there held up a hand and approached them, his face stern and unforgiving.
“You’re not allowed beyond this point. The High Court is off limits during the festivities.” He blocked their way.
“But, we need to get to the rooftop,” Mae said. “I’m an oracle-in-training, and I saw something I need to confirm. I think a woman—”
“Look, that’s a clever excuse, kid, but I’m not going to fall for it.” The guard shook his head. “There are plenty of other places you two can, you know…” He motioned between them and raised his eyebrows.
“What?” Jabin and Mae said at the same time. They both instinctively took a step away from each other.
Mae’s face turned red, whether from anger or embarrassment Jabin wasn’t entirely sure. “I’m sorry, sir,” Mae said. “But you’re wrong. I’m an oracle-in-training and—”
“If you were an oracle-in-training, you’d have an oracle with you,” the guard said.
“I’m seeking Tamonn.” Mae tapped her foot on the tiled floor.
“I’m getting tired of this.” The guard waved them off. “Unless you want to spend the night in a jail cell, I suggest you go find your parents and stop bothering me.”
Jabin tugged on Mae’s arm before she could say anything else. She opened her mouth anyway, but Jabin quickly interjected as he pulled her down the steps. “Sorry for disturbing you sir,” he said. And then to Mae, in a whisper, “I think he’s serious. We have to back off.”
Mae finally turned around with a huff and walked down the steps without Jabin tugging her along. “I can’t believe him!”
They navigated the clumps of people sitting on the lower half of the grand staircase. The noise added to Jabin’s frustration. He grabbed hold of Mae’s hand and shouted so she could hear.
“We have to go to the sanctuary, Mae! They didn’t believe us, and we’re not getting into that building without an oracle.” Jabin pointed at the rooftop. “Short of sneaking inside somehow, we’re not getting in there. We have no other choice but to go to the sanctuary.”
Mae’s eyes brightened, and Jabin relaxed. Finally, she’s seeing reason.
“You’re brilliant!” Mae said.
“Good,” Jabin said. “Let’s go find—”
“I know how we can sneak in,” Mae said. “And it would definitely have to be at night.” She put her hand to her chin and tapped her lips with one finger as she paced.
“What?” Jabin leaned forward. Surely I misheard her.
“I have an idea,” Mae said, dropping her hand and turning into the crowd. She looked over her shoulder. “Come on!”
Jabin felt the blood drain from his face. “Wait!” he said as Mae slipped between two tall men. He followed her as closely as he could as they made their way to a less crowded portion of the festivities. Mae stopped when they reached a smaller street with no booths. People were still coming and going from the Festival of Pardons, but it was quieter here. Mae led him into an empty ally.
“All right,” she said, eyes wide as she bounced from heel to toe. “I think I know how we can sneak—”
“Stop!” Jabin held up his hands. “Slow down, Mae. I never said we should sneak in. In fact, I was saying that’s obviously not an option.”
“Why not?” Mae tilted her head.
Jabin nearly exploded. He’d tried so hard to give her way a chance, though it went against every instinct he had. But this was too far. He pushed down his growing frustration and spoke as calmly as he could. “Why not?” Jabin repeated. “Are you insane? We’ll be locked up!”
“Not if we don’t get caught.” Mae shrugged.
“Do you hear yourself?” Jabin couldn’t keep his voice down any longer. “We have no idea what the punishment for breaking into the High Court would be! What if they sentenced us to years in jail? Or… they could send us to the Prison Islands of Thanytos!”
Mae laughed. “Jabin, they only send the worst criminals there. Like, murderers and foreign mercenaries. They’re not going to send us there.”
“This isn’t funny.” Jabin crossed his arms, and then uncrossed them again. He began to pace. “We must go to the sanctuary. It is a thousand times the right decision. There is no world in which it’s a better idea to sneak into the High Court instead of asking an oracle to help us.”
“Jabin—” Her voice was a little shaky.
“No!” Jabin pointed at her. “I’ve let you drag me across Eikon. I’ve left home for you. I’ve spent my father’s coin for you. I’ve traveled with strangers for you. But this is too much.”
“Jabin.” Mae’s shoulders tensed, her eyes wide. “I didn’t ask you to come after me.”
“Oh, really?” Jabin scoffed. “Like I would let you get thrown out of my father’s estate?” He continued to pace. His voice was getting louder, but he didn’t care. “Do you think I would let you be sent back to Sozo where I’d never see you again? I was alone before you came, Mae. You’re my best friend. I couldn’t let someone I love be all alone in a strange place! You might as well have asked me to come after you when you left me that note!”
Jabin stopped mid-stride. Did I just say what I think I said? He drew in a sharp breath and closed his eyes.
“Did you just say you love me?” Mae asked.
He opened his eyes and looked at her, all the frustration dissipated in a moment of panic. “Um, no. No, I didn’t,” he said.
“Yes, you did.” The corners of Mae’s mouth turned upward.
“I meant… well, you’re like family. Of course I care about you.” Jabin swallowed hard when Mae’s eyes narrowed.
“Like you care for your sister?” Mae crossed her arms.
Jabin nodded. “I… um… yes, that’s what I meant.” He laughed nervously.
She breathed in through her nose, her eyes boring a hole through Jabin, and kept her arms crossed. “Fine. But, I don’t need a brother, Jabin. I need a friend.”
“I am your friend.” Jabin stepped closer, but the look in Mae’s eyes made him hesitate.
“I appreciate all you’ve done,” Mae said. “But, I’m not going to the sanctuary.”
I can’t let her do this. She’ll be caught and imprisoned.
“Then, I’ll go by myself,” Jabin said.
“You can’t! It will ruin everything!” Mae dropped her arms.
“You promised me if we couldn’t find the building, we would go to a local oracle.” Jabin said, frustration lacing his tone. “How is this different? We found the building, sure, but we can’t get inside.”
“We could if—”
“If we break the law.” Jabin shook his head.
Mae frowned.
“I’m going to the sanctuary with or without you.” Jabin turned on his heel and said over his shoulder, “I’ll meet you back at The Northern Emerald.” He was at the end of the alley and ready to step into the street when Mae cleared her throat loudly behind him.
“Wait,” Mae groaned. “I guess… I guess it’s fair. But, we must get his word before we tell him anything that he’ll let me come with him to seek Tamonn. Deal?”
Jabin nodded. “Deal.”
The main sanctuary was situated near Nomika Square, diagonal to the back end of the duke’s estate. Here, the Oracle Preeminent of Nomika would reside. He was the man they would need approval from, the man that could call on the peacekeepers to help them save the woman in Mae’s vision.
“Are you sure this is it?” Mae asked as her eyes swept over the ornate building. It was massive, made of white alabaster and crowned with a golden dome.
“I think so,” Jabin said. “It’s a lot different from the sanctuary at home.” He’d seen sanctuaries in Patriphos that were bigger than the small one where Oracle Lan resided, but even those in the capital city of Eikon were made of more humble materials — gray stone, mostly.
Jabin looked across the street to the Duke of Nomika’s estate wall. The murals were so colorful, and on this side of the estate, they depicted the Sustainer’s blessing
s on the city and on the duke himself. The sanctuary was in the background, light from heaven shining down on the city, and the duke standing in front of the city gates, a glow about him.
I guess humility isn’t Nomika’s strong suit.
“Well,” Mae said. “Let’s go in.”
Jabin and Mae went together up the steps and passed the oversized wooden doors, carved with scenes from the Holy Book and polished to a shine. They stood wide open for the people to come and go as they pleased. There were three aisles between rows of cushioned stone benches. Jabin and Mae walked slowly up the main aisle toward the front.
A few parishioners sat on the benches, praying or lost in thought. As they approached the rich, reddish-brown wooden podium at the front, Jabin’s eyes grew wide at the lavish golden trimmings that accompanied the pure white stone of the building. The vaulted ceiling, with great beams of expensive taurret wood, also boasted chandeliers of gold and sparkling crystal. Never had Jabin seen anything so beautiful.
“Excuse me,” said an oracle in brown robes. He had been polishing the ornamentation on the edge of the platform at the front, bent down so Jabin only saw him when he stood to address them. “Can I help you?” he asked, an eyebrow raised, his tone more suspicious than anything.
“Yes,” Jabin said. “We need to speak to the Oracle Preeminent.”
“My name is Oracle Mattle,” he said, pasting on a smile. “I’m sure I’ll do just fine.”
“No, you won’t,” Mae said. “We need to speak to the Oracle Preeminent.”
“He’s occupied,” Oracle Mattle said.
Jabin took a deep breath and tried to explain. “My friend here has had a vision, and we need approval for the peacekeepers to—”
“Where is your mentor, child?” Oracle Mattle looked down his nose at Jabin. “If you are oracles-in-training, your mentor should be the one to address the Oracle Preeminent.”