I looked to Zofie who shared my puzzled look. “But you told me what to do when I removed Zofie’s Abeyance charm.”
True. But I was going off past experience. Like a blind person knowing a clear sky is blue, even if they’ve never actually seen the color. If you’ll recall, I told you to look for what was different. I have no idea what a charm looks like. You figured that out on your own.
I was kicking myself for not spending more time with Abe since his capabilities had been unlocked. “If you can’t see myst, then how do you know what a curse is to steal it?”
I smell them, he said proudly. And I can only steal them after tasting them.
My eyes went wide in realization. “Which is why I have to touch the person to steal the curse. You have to taste it.”
Exactly. Now, Coren, I’m actually quite impressed. You followed along, so your monkey brain must be getting smarter. I might have to promote you to ape.
Fumiko interrupted. “I’m not exactly sure what is going on between you and Abhulengulus, but do you think you can get it off me? I won’t be able to sleep tonight knowing they are watching me.”
I sighed. “I would love to, but the problem is I don’t see anything different on you. Could you turn around?”
Fumiko turned slowly in front of me, but all I could see was the same pale green lines. I shook my head. “I don’t see anything different.”
Zofie pursed her lips. “It’s probably disguised to blend in with her existing myst lines.”
I remembered the Imperial Advisor saying something about it activating when Fumiko used her myst.
I nodded. “Fumiko, try using your myst. Maybe if the charm activates, it will come out of hiding.”
The young woman paled. “He’ll be able to see me.”
I touched her shoulder. “Better now when you’re among friends.”
She nodded, still a little unsure. She extended her arms out from her side, closing her eyes in concentration. A moment later, I felt myst gathering, and Fumiko rose about two finger’s breadth off the floor. She was levitating. It must have been how she had been able to do that strange backward leap when fighting Lilith.
Zofie and I looked at each other in surprise. Fumiko said she was an average myst user. But from what Zofie had told me previously, it took a lot to physically move an object. While likely not near as strong as Zofie, she was not exactly a weakling.
As I watched her myst lines, they vibrated around her like the plucked strings of a harp.
Fumiko settled back down.
I looked to Zofie. “Did you see anything?”
Zofie shook her head. “I’m in the middle of my curse cycle, so I can’t tap my myst. I can get some vague images, but not with the detail you’re seeing.”
I looked back to Fumiko. “I’m sorry. I can’t see what I need to remove. Everything looks the same.”
Fumiko nodded sadly and looked away.
I felt so bad. I wished there was something I could do. Then a thought occurred to me. If her lines of myst vibrated like strings in a harp, wouldn’t she be able to feel them?
“Fumiko, I’d like to try one last thing.”
She turned back hopeful. “Please, go ahead.”
I reached out and gently stroked one of her lines of myst. I felt it vibrate under my hand.
Fumiko jumped. “What did you do? That felt very strange.”
“Am I hurting you?” I asked.
She shook her head. “I wouldn’t call it hurting me. More like someone tickling you.”
I leaned forward and touched another. She jumped again.
I ran my hand across them, causing them to all vibrate. Fumiko sucked a breath in surprise.
All moved as I expected, except for one on the outside of her thigh. And as I looked closer, I could see it didn’t exactly duplicate the pattern on her other leg. I touched it, and Fumiko gave no indication she could feel it. Could this be it?
I pulled on it—
Fumiko collapsed, falling to the floor. She clutched at her throat.
Zofie rushed forward. “What did you do?”
I knelt beside her in panic. “I just touched one of her lines. It seemed different.” Her back arched as she writhed in agony. “What have I done?”
And just as suddenly as it started, Fumiko was released. She fell back panting, her face covered in sweat.
“I’m sorry, Fumiko. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
She rolled her eyes at me and nodded weakly. “I asked you to.” Then she winched in pain. She quickly pulled her dress up enough to expose the thigh where I had seen the odd line of myst.
My eyes went wide, and Zofie gasped. Tiny letters formed there in Fumiko’s language. They stayed in place for several heartbeats and then faded.
Fumiko sighed. “I should have known it wouldn’t be that easy.”
She looked up at us. “It said, next time... you die.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Presents from
Friends
The next morning we all awoke tired and groggy, none of us having slept well. Fumiko had been so distraught at the threatening message that Zofie had insisted she pass the night in her room. And I slept on the floor in front of the door, fearing another attack from Risten or Lilith or whatever she wanted to call herself.
Naturally, Spraggel awoke refreshed and full of energy. We quickly sent him to the library before we collectively attacked him for his cheerfulness.
But a kingdom waits for no one, and whether you’re rested or not, its business must proceed. I helped Zofie as much as I could throughout the morning as she pondered the empire’s offer. She wanted to quickly reach a decision.
Mid-morning, Zofie’s advisors gathered in her study. She hadn’t held court since so much had happened. As they gathered, she stood by the open window deep in thought. She had undone the myst charm that kept the chill out and stood by it, gazing into the distance as she basked in the cold air and sunshine. She wore one of her more formal dresses, and I was struck by her profile as she stared outside. I could almost feel the weight on her shoulders as she considered her decision.
I wanted to take her in my arms and tell her everything would be all right. But now was not the time. Zofie was in her queen role, so the best I could do was offer support.
I went to stand beside her. She glanced up at me with a brief smile before returning her attention to the view outside. After a moment, she started humming. It was a tune I didn’t recognize.
She caught herself and gave me a sheepish grin. “I hope my humming doesn’t bother you.”
I shook my head. “Not at all.”
She turned back to the window and touched her shoulder against mine. The contact spoke volumes of how worried she was. “It relaxes me to hear it. It’s a lullaby. Father used to sing it to me when I was a young girl.” She smiled. “It was the only way he could get me to go to sleep.”
“Are there words?” I asked.
She smiled. “I’ll sing them for you when things settle down.” She patted my arm.
“I look forward to it.”
She looked up at me like she wanted to say more, but Rourke, the last to arrive, burst into the room panting—like he had run all the way from his quarters. He was clutching a small wooden box.
With a touch, Zofie re-sealed the window against the chill and turned to Rourke. “Were you able to make it?”
Zofie had sent for Rourke at first light, and together we had come up with a plan to deal with Fumiko’s problem.
Rourke smiled. “It was a bit tricky, but I think this should work.” He held the box out to Fumiko. “For you, my lady.” He grinned like a teen giving his first love a Day of the New present.
Fumiko rose slowly and formally took the offered box with both hands. She bowed deeply. “Thank you for making this. It will greatly ease my mind and let me stay by Zofie’s side.”
She opened the box and pulled out a strip of leather with a single unpolished crystal tied within it.
Rourke leaned forward. “I’m sorry the necklace is so simple, but it was the best I could do in a hurry. I hope it’s not too crude.”
Fumiko’s expression did not change. She bowed again. “It is a great gift. May I put it on now?”
“Of... of course,” Rourke stammered. “Please do.”
She took out the necklace and tied it on. As the jewel touched her throat, it immediately gave a flash of white light then faded.
Rourke closed one eye and looked at her, no doubt using his myst sight. “It appears to be working. That should give the bastards something to wonder about. While I couldn’t remove the tracking charm, this at least will suppress it so it can’t reveal anything.”
“Suppress?” Zofie asked. “I didn’t think a charm could stop another charm.”
Rourke smiled. “Suppress might be too strong of a word. The necklace continuously feeds a harmless image and sound through to the person on the other end.”
“And what image is that?” I asked.
“The inside of my toilet closet.”
We all chuckled. Rourke shrugged. “It was the most harmless thing I could think of.”
Spraggel patted him on the back. “I would not call it harmless. You haven’t cleaned it since you got here. They’ll die in horror.”
As we all got another chuckle, Rourke blushed and moved to his seat.
Fumiko then turned to me and bowed. “And thank you Coren, for coming up with the idea.”
I shrugged. “I had one that suppressed Abe until he broke it. I just thought it might work for a charm too.”
Then she turned to Zofie and gave her a bow too. The deepest one of all. “And you Princess for allowing it to be made. I am once again in your debt.”
Zofie smiled. “I’m just glad we were able to figure something out.”
The princess then stepped forward, signaling it was time to start. She remained standing and took a moment to look at each of her small group of advisors: Spraggel, Fumiko, Master Rourke, Captain Milner, and of course, myself. Historian, Secretary, Myst Adept, Commander, and Knight. It was such a small group. To complete the traditional council, Zofie needed to fill at least three other positions. But she just hadn’t had the time.
She cleared her throat. “As you know, we’ve received an offer from the Kuiojia Empire to provide us with supplies in exchange for the Griffin’s Key. I wanted to get each of your opinions on it before I make my decision.”
Rourke perked up. “I think we should accept. The food is too good of an offer to pass up.”
Captain Milner frowned. “I disagree. I’m afraid it would make us beholden to the empire. While I agree it would make things easier, we don’t know the condition of the supplies or if they will even follow through with their offer.”
Zofie turned to Spraggel. “What about you?”
Spraggel nodded. “I don’t think we know the value of the Griffin’s Key. We could be giving away the kingdom for a pittance. We need more intelligence on exactly what it is and what it does. My advice is to ask for more time.”
I chimed in. “I agree with Spraggel. We just don’t know enough.”
Zofie turned to her secretary. “And you?”
Fumiko shifted uncomfortably. “I will abstain. I might be biased.”
Zofie crossed her arms. “There’s something you haven’t told us, isn’t there.”
Fumiko looked up in surprise. She gave a fleeting grin. “You read people so well.” She looked up at Zofie. “Yes, there is.” Fumiko shifted uncomfortably. “I owe you an honest assessment. But it’s complicated. I... I am afraid of what you’ll think of me.”
Zofie gave a gentle grin. “After your outburst last night, I thought there might be something more. And you don’t have to tell us everything. But you’re most familiar with the empire. What do you think of this offer? Can we trust Imperial Advisor Tusita Yonge? I honestly haven’t been impressed with the way he’s treated you so far.”
Fumiko nodded and gave a deep sigh as she collected her thoughts. “I’ve interacted with Yonge before. And I have no doubt he will do exactly as he said. In the empire, he is known for his honesty and integrity. The common people love him. They even have a festival to celebrate his birthday. He will provide you with food and other necessities, and it will likely be quite generous. But...” She paused. The hands resting on her knees curled into fists. I could see the conflict on her face as she fought with her personal demons. “But to me, the man is pure evil.” She looked down. “He did something I can never forgive. And he knows it. Which means his confession about the tracking charm and revealing my heritage are all somehow part of his plan. To discredit me in your eyes is only part of it.” She shook her head. “There must be another reason he wants the Griffin’s Key. Something that he’s not telling us. Something important.” Fumiko’s gaze rose to meet Zofie’s. “Princess, whatever you decide, be careful. Be very careful. There’s only been one time that he didn’t get his way.” She pushed her hair back from her face. Her hand was trembling.
“And I caused it.”
After Fumiko’s confession, Zofie let her council go their way. She promised to have a decision before noon.
So I guarded the door while Zofie stood by the windows and contemplated her kingdom’s fate. And true to her word, she had me summon Fumiko a little before the appointed time. I didn’t ask her what she had decided. She would tell me when she was ready.
And with a knock, Fumiko eased the door open and came to stand before Zofie, her hands rigid at her sides. I think she wished she had brought the giant ledger.
She looked over to Fumiko. “I’ve decided.”
Fumiko reached for the necklace, but Zofie touched her shoulder making her pause.
“I appreciate what you told us earlier. Your words had more impact than you realize. And have no doubt, I trust you. I consider you my friend.”
Fumiko nodded. “Thank you.” And with that, she took off the necklace. I felt the slight tingle of power as Fumiko activated her myst. “You should be able to deliver your message now.”
Zofie then spoke. “Imperial Advisor Tusita Yonge, I hope you’re listening. I have reached a decision concerning your offer of supplies in exchange for the Griffin’s Key. While we greatly appreciate the emperor’s generosity, we feel this is not the time to begin a search for the artifact. Please give my regards to the emperor and let him know we wish to have good relations with the empire. After things settle down, we may be in a position to look for it.”
Zofie looked at Fumiko. “How will we know he received the message?”
Fumiko shook her head. “I’m not sure. I...” Then her face screwed up in pain. She hiked up her dress to examine her thigh. It was the same one that received the message from the previous night. Fumiko looked up at us wincing in pain. “It’s burning.” As we watched, a new series of characters formed on her skin.
As they had previously, the characters only stayed on her skin briefly before fading.
Fumiko sighed. “I think your message was received. Loosely translated, it says the offer stands.”
Zofie nodded. “As I expected. I’ll continue to think about this. When the time is right, we might even be able to search for it.”
Zofie then turned her attention on me. “And for us... I need to change my clothes. We have a ceremony to attend.”
Fumiko replaced her necklace and left for the library. No doubt to see if she could assist Spraggel.
As soon as the door closed, Zofie stepped closer and wrapped her arms around me in a fierce hug. I returned it, and we stood for a bit in the middle of the room.
“Do you think I made the right decision?” she asked. “I may have committed the kingdom to starvation.”
I considered a moment before answering. “That may be true, but I don’t think so. You’ll figure out something. I do not doubt my princess.”
I released her. “Now, hurry up and change your clothes. You’ve been looking forward to this since you started plan
ning it. I’m sure they’re waiting on us by now.”
She looked up. “You’re right. I started this, so I shouldn’t be too late.”
“I’ll call your maid.”
She shook her head. “No need. This is the dress I’m wearing.”
“But you said...”
She put a finger over my lips. “That, my future husband, was an excuse to be alone with you. I... I have something I need to tell you. I was going to tell you at the picnic.”
I looked into her eyes and smiled. “And what is that, my dear.”
She opened her mouth, but a loud knock sounded at the door. She sighed and muttered, “I should have known.” And then louder. “Enter.”
Her chamberlain, Eallair, poked his head in. He scowled when he saw me but quickly turned his attention to Zofie.
“I’m sorry, your majesty, but the guests are waiting. I’m not sure I can put them off much longer. They’ve become a little rowdy.”
Zofie nodded. “We’re coming.” She put her arm through mine and dragged me toward the door. “I’ll have to tell you later.”
I grinned at her. “All right, I’ll be waiting.”
The recent events had put a damper on what Zofie had planned for today, but I was glad she was mustering up some of her enthusiasm. We had a lunch to attend. It was the start of her first project in the kingdom, albeit a small one, but still important. And she hoped it would set the tone of her reign.
Myst users were needed for any kingdom to prosper, but Wynn had depleted ours. And we desperately needed myst users. With the state of things, recruiting them was going to be difficult, which left Zofie with no other option but to train them.
So Zofie was starting a school. Something she had been wanting to do for some time now. And I knew how important this was to her.
Zofie was smiling but looked a little worried as we made our way toward the dining hall. I had been around her enough to know she was composing her thoughts. She would have to address her guests. I had been afraid she would not be able to pull this off, especially with everything else that had been going on in the kingdom. But as I learned, Zofie was a master of organization and had made it happen.
Assassin of Curses: (The Coren Hart Chronicles Book 3) Page 5