“The Empyreans cannot help us,” she told him. “They do not have knowledge of this magic.”
“Be careful, Amaréya. We should not use this word lightly.”
That night, Corintus had left Gordion, traveling southeast until he reached Rastoopa where he took lodging at the Three Pleasant Pheasants and asked for a guided tour of the local swamps. The following day, his guide arrived and they departed for a boat tour of the swamps which were reputed for their alligators. Midway through the trip, Corintus told his guide how he liked alligator meat for breakfast on a bed of salad and a cold mug of goat’s milk. His guide responded that this was the wrong season for alligators. Corintus sighed deeply three times. His guide then blindfolded him and they followed a meandering path that led him to the Black Robes’ camp. King Domin, the present ruler of Gordion and Amaréya’s father, had been a longtime supporter of the Black Robes and Corintus was his representative. Corintus met with Ashod and told him about Aquilina.
“I have never heard of such a place,” said Ashod. “This is amazing.”
“So, you believe her?”
“I have no reason not to. You said the little one does not lie. She is of an upright character. She has Empyrean blood coursing through her veins and is courageous. She could tell you precisely what she heard, and she suddenly disappeared and reappeared next to you. Given your background as a Silent, I doubt a twelve-year-old could take you by surprise. All of these facts lead me to believe she is sincere, and that this place is real. What did she call it again?”
“Tyrulan.”
“The name of a child’s game, how fitting.”
“What shall we do then? I fear for her and the entire city of Gordion.”
“You had better fear for Teshub,” corrected Ashod. “The Temple would rather level the entire kingdom than let her survive.”
“What shall we do?”
Ashod grabbed Corintus by the shoulder and leaned forward. “You must prepare for exile,” he said with his usual measured tone of voice.
“Exile? What? Where? Where would we go?”
“Salem. You must reach Salem before the Temple finds her.”
“Salem? Why Salem? What is in Salem?”
“Get there and you will find out. So, she has never met anyone there?”
“In Salem?”
“No, in Tyrulan.”
“You’re confusing, Ashod, you know that? That is what she told me.”
“This would explain why the Temple has never heard of such a place. I wonder if … well, never mind.”
“What?”
“Nothing. I need to think about this a bit more.”
“Ashod, how shall we explain the disappearance of my wife? She is the heiress to the throne. She—”
“You do not explain,” said Ashod abruptly. “You disappear. The kingdom will have to take care of itself. Your wife would never be able to rule, not with your child. Therefore, the good king will have to find another suitable heir. The Temple, no doubt, will offer its services, but it cannot not be helped.”
“But the Temple of Baal will—”
“Conclude that Empyreans can never be trusted. The Temple must be convinced that Amaréya crossed over to the Empyreans and that you went with her to stay close to your daughter.”
“Is this really happening?” asked Corintus, crestfallen. “I mean, my own father will be so angry to learn that—”
“You shall not say a word to your father. As an Ophirian, your father will simply not understand and will think you a coward. You shall not tell King Domin either. You will wait for me to send two trusted messengers to Gordion. They will bring you a small box and when you open it, you will know how to use its contents to shield your daughter from the searching eyes of Baal. Once my messengers reach you, relay what I have told you and they will realize the extent of their mission. They will help your family evade the Temple until you reach Rastoopa where you will join a large caravan to the Kingdom of Marada. I will alert my contacts among the giants. They will help you reach Salem.”
“This is insane, Ashod. I cannot do this to my family. My wife will ascend the throne in a few months. Can you imagine the consequences if she were to suddenly disappear?” Corintus had said, almost pleading.
“No, but I can imagine all too well the consequences if she does not. The Temple will capture your daughter. They will torture her and kill her. They will raze Gordion and destroy Teshub. Baal will take no survivors. This unprovoked act of violence will lead neighboring kingdoms to rebel, sparking a regional war, or worse, a global one. Baal will commit atrocities in an ever-widening circle until it has restored order. The Black Robes will not survive. All of this because a Solitary refuses to listen to reason. Do I have to spell out your choices, Corintus?” Ashod had been resolute.
Corintus threw another log into the chimney. The fire protested by fizzing, crackling, and then licking the sides of the log, like a dog lapping the bottom of a bowl. “As crazy as this may sound, my wife and I have been preparing for our departure.”
“Amazing,” said Hoda. “I can just imagine how hard this must be for you, but as survivors of the Temple’s massacre,” she added in a low voice, “I can assure you this is the better option.”
“Absolutely,” concurred Karadon. “You must avoid bloodshed at all cost. The Temple is ruthless… Hoda and I have seen it countless times.”
“And they don’t stop,” added Hoda. “Just four or five weeks ago, the High Riders raised Wrok-Atul…”
“So the rumors are true,” said Corintus. “It was hard to believe because Wrok-Atul was one of the High Riders’ favorite place.”
“They will kill their own kin if ordered,” added Karadon. “Keeping the Pit closed is the only thing that truly matters to the Temple. And your daughter would be considered a worse danger than Wrok-Atul.”
Corintus sighed. “I knew all this … I guess it is different when you hear it from … those who witnessed the Temple’s atrocities first-hand.”
Hoda smiled. “We will do whatever in our power to help you, but you must leave as quickly as possible. You are in danger here. The Kingdom is in danger because of you.”
Karadon looked at his wife. “Now we have a real mission on our hands. I didn’t understand why Ashod asked us to deliver a simple package,” he added for the benefit of Corintus and Amaréya. “After hearing your story, it all make sense.”
“Your Highness,” asked Hoda, perturbed by the Empyrean’s lack of reaction, “are you willing to leave everything behind? Are you ready to leave without a word to your parents? Forgive my disbelief,” added Hoda, “but this I find hard to believe.”
Corintus eyed his wife with a triumphant gaze. See, I am not the only one who finds it difficult to believe.
“Empyreans are not so easily troubled by strange turns of events,” explained Amaréya. “They think of life as an endless sequence of battles leading them to véréya, serenity. I understand the need to disappear. Either I suffer to save many, or sit on the throne and watch the multitude perish. My path is straight. I have no reason to doubt what must be done. The Temple is after our daughter. By running away, we are declaring war on Baal. This war is worth every sacrifice.”
“So, I take it you have a plan and are ready to execute it?”
“Yes,” confirmed Amaréya eyeing her husband. “Unless Corintus …”
He shook his head. “If you say you are ready, then so am I,” he said quietly. The matter was settled. I won’t pretend to understand you, Amaréya, but I will never doubt your resolve.
“Great,” said Karadon. “Now, back to the box and the key …”
Corintus shook his head. “I am baffled. Where could this key be?”
“Did I hear you correctly when you said Ashod touched you when you were speaking with him?” asked Hoda.
“Let me think …” said Corintus. “I walked into his hut, he was sitting there and I was sitting here, then there was tea, we talked …” he fell silent for a short
while. “Yes, when he told me I had to go into exile, he placed his right hand on my left shoulder. I don’t recall anything else.”
“Can I look at the cowl you wore that night?”
“Sure.” Corintus walked into his bedroom and came back with a dark blue, full-length cowl with two large pockets. The seam was cut into a red velvet cloth with thick gold stitches, and a large moon crescent with two stars—the emblem of Gordion—was stitched on the right side.
Hoda took a small ring with a lone ruby stone and slid it onto her left index finger and waved her hand over the cloak. A key appeared on the right shoulder, then fell silently onto the carpet.
“Has it been there for the past two months?” asked Corintus.
“Hum … yes and no. I don’t fully understand how this magic works but somehow, Ashod attached this key to your cowl and kept it there until I released it with this ring. I don’t understand how the ring works, but Ashod told me to use it in cases such as these.”
“Remarkable,” said Corintus, but his eyes betrayed his discomfort.
Hoda picked up the key and handed it over to him. Reluctantly, he slid it into the small keyhole. He gasped when the small box vanished, taking the key with it. It was Hoda’s turn to gasp when she saw Ahiram’s medallion. Ashod had given it to Corintus without telling her. She remembered vividly the day Ahiram had yanked it off when it suddenly became burning hot on his skin. He left in on the shore before hiding in her boat. Hoda picked it up before rushing back to the village to warn her parents of danger, moments before her village was burned to the ground and its inhabitants all murdered. She had kept Ahiram’s medallion. A year later, Ashod had asked her of its whereabouts, and when she told him she still had it, he offered to keep it safe for her. “This medallion has powers we do not understand. I have a box that will keep it safe from Baal. Hoda had consented, thinking that Ashod believed her brother to be alive, and he would be keeping it for Ahiram.
“I must ask,” she said with an altered voice, “did Ashod mention to you that we would be bringing a special medallion for your daughter?”
“No,” replied Corintus. “He told me that when I see the content of the box, I would know what to do with it to keep Aquilina hidden from Baal. I suppose he wants her to wear it?”
Hoda struggled to keep her emotions in check. There was no room left for doubt. I am certain this little girl has seen Ahiram. How, I don’t know, but somehow, they are connected. Ashod is giving her Ahiram’s medallion. She has to run away from Baal and she is twelve years old. That’s the same age Ahiram was when he had to flee. I must talk to her.
As if on cue, the door opened and Aquilina barged in with Vily in tow. “Father, we have been waiting a long time. I’m getting sleepy,” she said teary-eyed. “You said I should stay awake, but I’m sooo tired, and afraid I will break my promise.”
“She told me to slap her if she closed her eyes,” said Vily softly. “I don’t want to slap her.”
“Some friend you are,” said Aquilina, pouting. “If I fall asleep, I’ll break my promise, and I can’t do that.”
Corintus embraced his daughter and held her close to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his shoulder.
“I’m so tired, Father. I want to sleep.”
“Look, Aquilina,” said Hoda, “We have a gift for you. Do you like it?”
Aquilina lifted her head and saw the medallion Hoda was holding.
“It's nice,” she said with a yawn. “But I want you to give it to Vily.”
“I don’t want it,” replied Vily. “I have everything I need.”
Aquilina yawned again. “Nobody gives her gifts,” she said, glancing quickly at her father and mother. “That’s not right. She deserves a gift.”
“Aquilina?” interjected her mother.
The young girl sighed. “Fine, Mother. But that is not right.”
Karadon smiled. He produced a small object from his pocket. “Here,” he said, “Please receive this small gift from me. Blow in it.”
Vily looked at him with fearful eyes.
Aquilina perked up. Nimbly, she pulled away from her father’s embrace and stood by her friend.“Come on, silly, Take it and blow.”
Vily shook her head vehemently. Karadon took her hand, placed the object in it and said, “You don’t have to worry, Vily. This one comes from Master Kwadil’s caravan.”
The eyes of the two young girls became as wide as a full moon.
Vily looked at the object in utter disbelief, wanting to blow but still afraid to do so.“Is this true?” she whispered.
“As true as the day is day and the night is night,” replied Karadon. “Go ahead, try blowing in it. You’ll be happy you did.”
Vily looked at her friend who nodded energetically. “Go ahead, Vily, I want to see what it does.”
Vily blew. The small object brayed, as if a donkey were in the room. The two girls shrieked in delight.
“Shake it and do it again,” said Karadon.
Vily shook the strange object and blew once more. They heard a plaintive meow, as if a kitten were walking by their feet, hungry and lonely. Vily’s face brightened and she clasped her hand on her chest while Aquilina jumped and danced around her. Vily looked at Karadon as though he were a heavenly messenger. Unable to contain herself, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
“She accepts your gift,” said Aquilina in a loud voice. She bowed before him. “Sir Karadon, you are my official hero. I am in your debt.”
“Well thank you, Princess Aquilina,” replied Karadon, “I shall most certainly call on your services in time of need.”
Hoda sat next to Aquilina. “Now, Princess, I would like you to hold my right arm with your left hand.”
Aquilina, instead, snuggled close to Hoda. Hoda laughed. “You can sit here, but I need you to hold my right arm with your left hand.”
Aquilina did as told. “You are running a fever,” exclaimed Hoda.
“True,” confirmed Amaréya. “Some Empyrean children run a fever for a few years. Even though our daughter is only one-quarter Empyrean, running a fever is not abnormal for young children of our kin.”
“I’m tired,” moaned Aquilina. “I want to go to bed.”
“Yes, Princess,” answered Hoda, turning her attention back to the young girl. “Let us do this little exercise quickly then.” Hoda held the medallion in her left hand and presented it to the young girl. “Listen carefully, Aquilina. I want to make sure this medallion will be nice to you. It does have a tendency to behave like a wild dog. It is a bit unpredictable. So I want you to bring your index finger as close as you can to it, but do not touch it. Can you do that?”
Instantly, Aquilina’s index finger hovered just a hair’s-width above the medallion. The movement was perfect.
“Very good,” said Hoda. “Do you feel anything? Any tingling in your toes? Do you hear a high-pitched noise, or feel like sneezing?” Aquilina shook her head.“Very good. Go ahead and now place your index finger on the medallion, but be ready to take it off if you feel any odd sensation.” Aquilina felt nothing. She yawned, leaned her head on Hoda’s shoulder and gently fell asleep.
“Aquilina is sleeping,” whispered Vily.
Hoda touched the girl’s forehead. “Her fever is gone,” she said with a strangled voice. Unable to contain her tears, she released Aquilina to Amaréya’s care and abruptly left the room.
“What is wrong with the lady?” asked Vily. “Did I upset her?”
Amaréya and Corintus looked to Karadon for an explanation. He looked at Vily, winked, and tousled her hair. “It’s a long story,” he said, smiling. “No, Vily, you did not say anything wrong. This whole thing is bringing back some painful memories for Hoda, but not to worry. She will be her usual self tomorrow.”
“Very well,” said Corintus. “Drobna will lead you to the guest room.”
“Certainly.” Karadon bowed. “Good night, Your Highness. Good night, Master Corintus.”
After his departure, Corintus brought his daughter to her room and sent Vily back to hers. He sat by his daughter’s bed and watched her sleep. He could tell something had changed. Her breathing was steady, and she did not toss and turn as she usually did. For the first time in a long while, Corintus felt like any father would when watching the peaceful sleep of his child, and it moved him to tears.
The door opened and Amaréya walked in. She sat on the side of the bed, facing her husband.
“Our daughter is strong,” she said. “No harm shall befall her.”
He nodded. “Amaréya, as a Silent, I know what it means to disappear. I know how to live as if I am someone else, but you are an Empyrean and you are royalty. You are used to commanding people. What would you do if I were to give you a direct order? What would you do if, say, a stranger were to insult you?”
“You think my behavior will betray us?”
Corintus nodded. Gone was the playful, carefree man. Her husband had always liked to hide great strength behind a veneer of weakness; a Silent technique apparently. She knew he was now his true self, the one who could defeat her in combat if he set his mind to it.
“What do you think I would do?”
“You would lop his head off without a moment of hesitation, and you know it as well as I do. Do you understand now what it means to disappear?” he added with a pained voice. “It means I will have to take your blades away from you and you will not get to use them again. Ever.”
Amaréya blinked. He had just told her he would have to take her honor away and force her to live like a slave. Even less than a slave.
“This is why I thought it would be best if I left with Aquilina,” he added softly. “Frankly, I am not certain you can live like that.”
She looked at him squarely, placed her hands on his shoulders and said with a firm voice. “I will yield my blades to you, but to no one else, and you shall return them to me when it is the right time. Further, if I place you or our daughter in danger, in any danger whatsoever, I give you permission to kill me with my blades.”
Wrath of the Urkuun (Epic of Ahiram Book 2) Page 26