Between Luck and Magic (Chanmyr Chronicles Book 3)

by TJ Muir

  “You can go. Go ahead.”

  “What is wrong with you?”

  “I have to do something before I can leave.”

  “What can be more important than your life?”

  “I sent a messenger. That messenger had just flown in before we saw you. I need to go and get the message.”

  “You can send someone for it, later. After we are both on safe ground.”

  “No.”

  Kirrin blinked, looking surprised. He reached out to take Jedda by the arm.

  Jedda shook him off.

  “You are a marked target in this city. Let’s go.”

  “Of the two of us, you are the one who stands out. You’re the one who got caught. I can move around just fine. Have you noticed? This is not Tatak Rhe. I am not the minority here.”

  Kirrin opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again.

  Jedda felt bad, but it was true. And he was determined to get that message before he did anything else. “Tell you what. We can split up. I’ll grab Gherant’s pony and run up the ridge to find the messenger. You can head around and up to the northern road and get Destryn. We’ll need his help crossing the boundary. We can meet…” He paused, considering the northern area of the city. “There’s a big statue, but that’s kind of public. What about the apple grove across from where Destryn is staying?”

  “I know where it is. It’s a good spot.”

  “We can meet there. And,” he added, “you’re probably safer if I am not with you.”

  Kirrin grunted, but nodded his agreement.

  Jedda gave Kirrin directions and sketched a quick map, outlining a few short cuts and back routes that would let him get to the northern quarter without crossing many public places. He trusted Kirrin could keep himself safe, now that he knew he was being hunted. Jedda suspected Kirrin might remain safer without Jedda there. Hak’kar wanted them both. And these men would have an easier time finding Jedda if he was with Kirrin.

  Kirrin clapped Jedda on the shoulder and looked him in the eye. “Stay safe.”

  Jedda nodded. “You too.”

  Kirrin looked out toward the square, and, assured no one was watching, ducked down the lane, turning up a narrow stairway that would cut north.

  Jedda waited, counting to one hundred, slow breaths, practicing patience. Then he followed, but turned west at the top of the steps. He ducked through a few alleys, making a few wrong turns before he came out near Gherant’s work studio.

  He slipped inside and headed for the workbench, and scrounged around for a piece of paper to leave a note.

  Gherant,

  Emergency. Borrowed the pony to find Hawk. In a desperate hurry. Will find a flier to return the fellow. Thank you for being a friend. Maybe we will meet up again for a game of qwatcha.

  J

  He hoped Gherant would understand his meaning, and wished he had something he could leave to thank Gherant and Flint. He slipped the bridle and lead off the hook and got himself on the pony. He was grateful for all the lessons Cham had forced him through, especially bareback, as he felt himself slip a bit on the pony’s chubby back. He pulled the hood of his cloak up and kept his head down as he meandered down the west road. But once they were on the Pindar road, he kicked the pony into a run, wrapping every bit of magic into the pony, for speed and safety and luck. Despite his bravado and assurances to Kirrin, he could feel larger forces flowing. The sooner he had his message and got to safe ground, the better he would feel.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Jedda brought the pony to a jog, and then a walk, once the lane circled around toward the meadow. He got off and walked the pony the rest of the way, letting him cool off and dry out. The pony had run its heart out for him.

  Jedda led the pony behind him as he made his way through the meadow. There were quite a few rigs in stages of assembly and disassembly. He looked around for Hawk’s flier. It took him a while before he spotted a wagon parked off the side. It actually was close to the place where he had first found Hawk. Jedda wondered if it was a designated spot for him, or if it was just chance.

  Hawk was sprawled out in the sun next to his wagon with a blanket tucked under his head for a pillow, snoring.

  Jedda stood there, feeling stupid. He really needed to get any return message the man might have for him. But Hawk was kind of scary, and Jedda didn’t want to wake him up.

  Jedda cleared his throat. Not even a flicker of response. He coughed louder. Nothing.

  “Hsssssst,” he said. “Hawk.” He tried to use the man’s name without raising his voice above a low hiss. Nope, hearing his own name didn’t work either. He tried dropping something nearby. No response. He looked around, hoping no one was watching him.

  He tried bumping against the wagon, glancing over at Hawk for any sign of rousing.

  “You ain’t gonna get him like that,” a voice said from right behind him. Someone walked up from the other side of the wagon.

  Jedda jumped, startled, and spun around. It took him a moment to recover himself. "By the nine hells!” Then his brain caught up with his senses. “Marrick?!” The discovery that Marrick had flown in to Treyu caught him off guard. Then the panic set in. “What are you doing here? What’s wrong? What happened to Diya? Is she okay? Is she hurt? Did Hak’kar do something to her? What about Trey? Did he get my message? Hawk didn’t tell anyone else, did he?”

  Marrick grabbed Jedda by the shoulder. Shook him, one quick shake. “Stop. Just stop.” He held Jedda’s gaze and waited until Jedda had stopped speaking. Then he let go of his shoulder and took a tentative step back.

  “What are you doing here?” Jedda asked. He opened his mouth to ask about Diya, but Marrick held up his hand, cutting him off.

  “One question at a time. Understood?”

  Jedda opened his mouth, saw Marrick’s expression, then closed it, and nodded.

  “First- just to shut you up - no one is hurt or dead. Okay?”

  Jedda opened his mouth. Marrick’s hand shot up. Jedda closed his mouth.

  “I got the message and the letter for Trey two days ago. I will fill you in on details. But given the content of the letters, and the responses, I chose to come personally.”

  Jedda sighed, relieved, hearing nothing extreme had happened. Knowing that, it was easier to let Marrick spoon feed him the details and wait for information of what was happening to his friends.

  Jaybird

  The city isn’t the same without you here. I miss our late night adventures and your council. You really helped me see things in a way I never could have on my own. I never knew there were so many people in need right here in the city. You’ll like this. I’ve learned there are several empty buildings the House owns. I’ve converted one and set a dozen people to work repairing it. I intend to use it as a cidery. Is that even a word? Well, it is now, I declare it as such. I will name one of my first brews in your honor.

  There hasn’t been enough rain this season, and grain is expensive. Listen to me, who would ever have thought they would hear me talking about such things! But, I am trying to listen to my people, and lighten their burdens and create opportunity-- so long as it meets with Uncle’s desire for economic practicality. Will the Red god please save me from the man! In truth, he is invaluable, if difficult to control sometimes.

  I tell you this because I want you to know I hear what you have taught me, and the things you told me. Immediately after your departure, I summoned Findal to the House. I put her in your rooms. I hope that is okay. It was mostly for show, however. I took your other advice to heart. And I trusted her with what you told me.

  We announced her pregnancy within a few weeks of her arrival. In truth, it took a few extra months, an easy lie to fix. But it allowed events to be hurried. Events Uncle would otherwise have niggled over, argued against, and tried to prevent. The alternative was for him to try to navigate the public shame. The man is so easy to maneuver, knowing what motivates and worries him.

  Additionally, I have brought seve
ral of Findal’s relatives into the Household as support. That rankled Uncle no small bit. I had to tell him the situation as well. I am learning how hard it is to keep a secret. Every time I turn around, it seems there is someone else it is needful to tell. And each time, I cringe in the fear of information finding its way back to Hak’kar. But, in this, at least, there isn’t much to be done. And not much he could do, even if he was apprised of internal politics. I have publicly declared and sworn documents that Findal, and then Findal’s brother, is to be my heir should anything happen to me. In this regard, it is in Hoster House’s very best interest to assure I remain in good health. It is a new and strange alliance, as their ties traditionally have been to Pavan and Matra. But Findal is the best thing I have ever done. I keep her at my side at all times, for her own safety. I do not deceive myself into thinking Hak’kar is without plans and further deceptions. I declared that if anything happened to her, I would not marry, and would abdicate the seat to another, un-named heir. But there will be a marriage between us. I wish you could be there for it. You are my friend and my brother. And my promise to help you in any way I can holds. I am not without considerable resources.

  And I owe you a debt. The horses came back looking better than they have been in their entire lives. And Jespen has a spark and spirit now I never saw in him. He is no longer a safe ride for children. But that is okay. You will have to teach me how to play this qwatcha game when you return. And I have to thank you for the stunningly gorgeous Tajynal horse that accompanied the return of the others. I am truly in awe of that fellow, and the envy of every So’har in the city. The Tajynal do not sell their horses to us, or to anyone. The occasional halfling is a gift beyond measure.

  I fear I am rambling now. I have so many things I want to tell you about. Little things. Funny things. But the messenger is waiting for me. I trust Marrick is a reliable man, or you would not have sent him. (Hopefully, they will locate Diya soon, and she will be brought safely home.)

  At your service

  Da’har Zo’Trey Zayam

  Trey

  Jedda laughed as he read parts of the letter. He could hear Trey’s voice, mocking Uncle, or springing up and bouncing on his toes at his excitement over the horse. He was reassured, feeling Trey was doing okay. His heart ached for the friend he never expected to find in the young ruler. And he thought Trey had forgiven Jedda for his deceptions. Or at least, Trey might consider them secondary to larger events.

  Jedda looked through the envelope, expecting to find a second sealed letter. But it was empty. He looked up at Marrick, who waited patient, implacable. Marrick was the senior flier for Diya’s father, her family House. And he had a protective fondness for Diya. That was why he knew he could trust Marrick-- even if he weren’t a guilded flier. Jedda didn’t know enough to be absolutely certain about their rules. But he remembered the devotion and affection he saw between Diya and Marrick. Granted, she mostly had the poor man wrapped around her finger-- but Jedda suspected there would be a limit to that indulgence. Anything that risked her well-being or safety.

  “Where is Diya’s letter?” he asked.

  Marrick glanced sideways, stuffing hands into his pockets.

  “What’s happened to Diya?” Jedda asked, his voice rising in near-panic. His imagination began to go into high speed- all kinds of scenarios flashed through his mind instantaneously. Diya dead. Diya force-married to Hak’kar’s son. Diya being held prisoner or hostage by Hak’kar himself against her family’s cooperation.

  “Where’s Diya?” he asked again, getting angry now.

  Marrick again held up his hand. He looked like he was considering what to say. “Diya is gone.”

  “What?!” he shrieked. “Gone where? What happened to her?”

  Again the hand. “Nothing has happened to her. She ran off. That is the official story. She is missing, and the family is searching for her. There are large rewards offered for her safe return, or even for information on her whereabouts.”

  Jedda listened, his mouth dry and heart pounding, fists clenched, making his knuckles white. This was a level of deep terror he could never have imagined. He forced his hands to relax. Deep breath. His brain backtracked over Marrick’s words. He gazed at Marrick, looked into the man’s colors. He did not look distressed on any level. Jedda stood there, processing.

  “You said, ‘the official story.” Jedda looked closely at Marrick, who nodded at Jedda’s words. “Does that mean there is another story, something unofficial?”

  Marrick tilted his head, watching Jedda, eyebrow quirked up. “You are not the young fool who ran less than a year ago. If you ever were a fool, which I begin to doubt.”

  “So you know where she is?”

  Marrick puffed out his cheeks. Jedda thought he was wrestling with something.

  “I know you barely know me. But believe me, I would do anything to keep her safe, protect her, and help her. That was why I left Tatak Rhe!” It wasn’t entirely true, but it was enough truth for Marrick, for now.

  Marrick looked at him sharply. Jedda chewed on his lip. He could tell Marrick didn’t believe what he had just said. “I know precisely what the situation was,” he said, his tone accusing Jedda.

  Jedda swallowed, unsure what to say next. “I’m not that person. I couldn’t be the person Hak’kar planned me to be.” It wasn’t my fault! Was what he wanted to scream. “Diya and I don’t have any secrets.” That, he thought, was true enough. At least he had told her most of the truth in his letter. “Is she angry with me? Did she refuse to speak with me? Did she tell you I was never to contact her again? Are you here to threaten me?”

  Marrick shook his head and blinked at Jedda. “By the nine hells. You’re like a squirrel chasing the wind.”

  “Huh?” the strangeness of Marrick’s comparison brought Jedda’s brain to a halt.

  “Just. Stop. You’re making me dizzy trying to keep up with you. All over the place like a squirrel chasing something. It’s cute when Diya does it. On you? Not as much.”

  Jedda frowned and puffed out his cheeks.

  “Now. First, Diya has not come to any harm. And unless you did not hear me clearly. Diya is fine.” He said, pausing before adding, “More or less.” He held up his hand before Jedda could get a word out. “She is fine. Stop. Just. Stop. Easier if I just update you, from the time you left.”

  Jedda nodded, satisfied he was about to get information.

  “Diya did get your letter, and heard the message you gave me for her.”

  “Was she upset?”

  “You might say that. Slightly upset, yes.”

  Jedda had a feeling there was a lot Marrick was leaving out. “Was she upset because I had to leave? Did she cry?”

  Marrick blinked, looking strangely at Jedda. “This is Diya. Yes, she was upset. She was downright prickly you didn’t tell her the truth about who you really were.”

  Jedda felt his heart skip a beat. What if she only liked him when he was rich and exotic. What would she think of a homeless beggar and spy? Fear constricted his chest, making it hard to breathe. “What did she tell you?”

  “I’ve served her and her family since before she was born. She told me what I asked. She told me the truth. All of it.”

  Jedda looked down at the ground, overcome with guilt and shame. “I’m not good enough for her. I know that. But even if I can’t ever have her, or be with her again, I still wouldn’t want her to come to any harm, or get caught up in Hak’kar’s mad scheming.”

  “We were aware of So’har Hak’kar’s plans. The Household was not entirely blind to circumstances.”

  Jedda nodded. Of course, they weren’t. Hadn’t Hak’kar bought the family debt or something? Hak’kar had a hold over them. So they had to know what the man was like, or at least guess.

  “But you certainly tossed all the carefully laid plans into the air,” Marrick said.

  Jedda couldn’t tell if that was intended as a compliment or an insult. “So what happened to Diya?”

 
; “Actually, it was Diya’s idea. Mostly,” Marrick said.

  Jedda wanted to reach into Marrick’s throat and pull the words out, but he forced down his impatience.

  “Diya was flown out of Tatak Rhe that night, under cover of darkness. And it was put out that she had disappeared, possibly in your company. It was hinted she may not have been acting of her own free will.”

  “You made it sound like I kidnapped her??!!!”

  “Essentially. We did not rule it out, in the official story. But that gave us the cover to have fliers and men out looking. We had word of you on the north road -our men are very good- and we used that as cover, so anyone watching us would assume we were searching for her, frantically. All our men were put out into the search.”

  “So. Where is Diya?” Jedda’s mind began to race. Diya was safe, and she was out of Tatak Rhe. He could go to her.

  “She is safe,” he repeated. “That is as much as I am at liberty to share.”

  Jedda pounded his fist against the wagon. Hawk grumbled in his sleep, threw an arm over his face, and began snoring again.

  Marrick looked over at Hawk and laughed. “That man could sleep through an earthquake.” Then he looked back at Jedda. He sighed, and shrugged, looking helpless.

  “Can you at least get a message to her? Is anyone in touch with her?”

  Marrick took a moment to consider what Jedda was asking. “Technically, yes. A message could be gotten to her. But right now we cannot trust that a messenger, even one of the fliers, might not be followed.”

  “But I’m not being followed,” Jedda cried, realizing the lie for what it was. He was being hunted, and right now he was most definitely being followed. Or he soon would be. He looked away, guilty, catching himself in his own lie. “What if I could offer a place where she would be absolutely safe. Without a doubt.”

  Marrick's eyes narrowed.

  “A place Hak’kar’s men cannot reach. Could not touch her.” Jedda watched Marrick closely and caught a hint of doubt mixed with hope in his eyes. At least that was what he thought he saw.