Taking Aiva’s hand in his, Gadiel squeezed it, nodding to her in understanding. He opened his mouth to speak, his voice cut short by the sound of someone approaching. Immediately drawn to the sound, Aiva frowned, recognizing the familiar face of Lorand making his way down the hall. “Lorand,” Gadiel gave a brief bob of his head in greeting. “Is everything alright?”
Pulling her hand free of Gadiel’s, Aiva ran her fingers through her hair, suddenly uncomfortable. How much had Lorand heard? She knew Gadiel could be trusted to keep her secret, but if Lorand had become aware of the troubles between her and Callum, there was risk of the other men finding out. While some of the men were trustworthy, there were others who were not. And Aiva wasn’t sure yet which of those categories Lorand fit into.
“The Captain sent me to check on you,” Lorand looked between the two of them, his own discomfort obvious. “The Feh Noq leader is waiting on the Princess. The Captain says she must come presently.”
“We were just on our way,” Gadiel smiled half-heartedly, motioning Aiva forward down the hall. “After you, Your Highness. You might want to walk quickly. Business should not be made to wait.”
Gadiel and Lorand escorted Aiva inside the throne room, taking a position at the door. Embarrassed by her delay, Aiva bowed to Phaezut who was already standing, hands clasped patiently behind his back. “There you are,” he smiled, gesturing for Aiva to rise. “I was beginning to think the wine had proven too much for you.”
She let her eyes drift to where Callum stood at Phaezut’s side. Though he appeared tired, there was a smile on his face, moving to stand next to Aiva. Grateful to find him in pleasant spirits, her own smile widened, some of the weight lifting from her shoulders. Gadiel’s arrival to her room that morning had sent her into a panic, fearing the progress made between her and Callum might have been lost. It was easier to focus on business when there was no lingering animosity. “I hold my alcohol rather well, however, I must admit, your wine collection was far more enjoyable than any other I have experienced in quite some time.”
“That is because it is Feh Noq wine! You will never find anything so rich in flavor anywhere else,” Phaezut drew his shoulders back proudly. “Nothing so potent, either. We take our drinking seriously. Come,” he motioned for them to follow. “Now that you are here, it is time we conclude our negotiations. Walk with me.”
Callum offered his arm to Aiva, the umber glow of his eyes brightening as she accepted. Regardless of what transpired between them that morning, she was determined not to let it get in the way of their friendship. There was no harm in staying at his side while in the presence of others. She would just have to be more careful in the future when they found themselves alone.
They gave no pause in following Phaezut. He led them through a narrow door, the frame smaller than most, requiring Callum and Aiva to duck their heads in order to pass under. In the depths of the palace, they found themselves standing on a platform attached with several sturdy pieces of rope that dangled from above on a strange metal ring, heavy weights strewn about the area. Snapping his fingers, Phaezut directed his servants to take up a position at the ropes, their hands gripping it securely, using the device near the ceiling to help support the platform, lifting it higher off the ground with every tug. Aiva tightened her hold on Callum, uncomfortable with the strange contraption which now moved them along an open path, passing several levels of the palace until they reached the flat, solid surface of the roof. When the platform stopped, Aiva stepped from it quickly, anxious to have her feet back on more secure ground.
From their vantage, the view was breathtaking, looking out over the seemingly endless expanse of desert, visible now from their height over the walls of the city. For the first time since crossing the Palinoen border, she found the landscape beautiful. Worthy of being put to canvas. The horizon transformed into various shades of reds and oranges as the sun began its descent. Phaezut shielded his eyes from the light with his hand, using the other to motion at their surroundings.
“You will have to follow the river to the west, but be wary of your proximity to the western border,” he explained. “The desert is a dangerous place within an arrow’s range of Vaeduec. I will send a couple of my men to guide you through the safest path. I insist you listen to their counsel. If they tell you to stop walking, do so. They know every trick these sands can play, and they will not let you fall prey to any of them.”
“You are very kind, Sir,” Aiva nodded, grateful for his assistance. Her heart beat excitedly at the thought of moving again. She wanted to see Edric. To be back in his company and free of the desert heat, leaving the cruel, burnt lands behind her. She had seen enough sand to last a lifetime. “How far do you estimate we are from the southwestern shore? We are supposed to meet a ship there, to sail onward to Luquarr.”
“If the desert favors your travel, you will find yourself at the water’s edge within a few days.”
“A few days?” Aiva gasped at the thought. It sounded too good to be true. “Are we really so close?”
“No,” Phaezut chuckled, patting Aiva on the arm. “I will explain later. First, there is more to tell.” His jovial demeanor shifted to a sense of somber calm, his eyes staring up at Aiva. “My scouts returned to Lemahic this morning. Their search was hasty, but no boats were found at the coast. Pirate or other. The people you seek have likely already taken to the water. I would exercise caution, though. The signs found by my men indicate a possible contingent left behind.”
A feeling of dread filled Aiva’s heart. While Phaezut’s words lingered on the air, her mind couldn’t move past a single detail that caused her inconsolable distress. No ships at the coast? Edric should have been there by now. The path from the western border of Tanispa through Mialan waters would be a lengthy trip, though lacking obstacles found in the Nahpoa Sea to the east. What if the pirates attacked? Her stomach clenched. Would Edric have taken chase after the pirates if they saw them depart the shore? She didn’t want to think that her brother would abandon them.
Concern was noticeable in Callum’s eyes as well, his hand sliding to rest over Aiva’s in attempts to comfort her. “We will be on our guard. My concern is the lack of ships. Our supplies are minimal. In the event that we must turn around, we will never survive on our current provisions.”
“If your ship does not arrive, then remain at the coast. I will send some men to check the water in a few days. If you are still there, my troops will see you safely returned to the city so we can arrange a means for you to get to Luquarr.” Phaezut pointed toward the west, his long arm distracting Aiva from what he was directing them to see. “There are other cities between here and the sea. If anything should happen, you will find water and bread for sale there.”
Not wanting to consider the possibility of anything having befallen Edric, Aiva tried to distract her mind with other details. She needed to stay positive. If she allowed herself to lose focus, it heightened the chance of something happening to her and the others as well. “I cannot move beyond your gauge of travel time,” she commented. “You say we can be to the water within days, yet you claim we are not close enough to manage that feat. This is a contradiction. I must request an explanation.”
“Ah, yes. My dear, I nearly forgot.” Phaezut’s smile returned, his long legs carrying him along the roof toward the platform on which they arrived. Picking up one of the ropes, he gave it a tug until he was content with the tautness of it, waving them forward once again. “Let us return to the throne room. From there, I will provide the details you seek.”
Tentative, she allowed Callum to lead her onto the platform, clinging tightly to his arm. She hated this contraption. If going up had been so terrible, she dreaded to think how the descent would be. Her stomach lurched, twisting from the unusual sensation as they began to lower. She wanted off. The bottom couldn’t come fast enough.
They had barely reached the ground when Phaezut stepped from the platform, his commanding voice giving orders to those around him. �
��Have our guests brought out front. Ashoec, prepare for departure. Kehprit will be along shortly to assist. You will need to take these fine people to the shore, and make haste.”
Aiva watched the men jump into action at the orders, hurrying from the room, leaving Phaezut to guide her and Callum back to the throne. Gadiel and Lorand remained by the door, seeming to relax at the sight of Aiva and Callum coming into view.
“Captain,” Lorand came to attention with a stiff salute. Callum turned to face him, nodding sharply in acknowledgment.
“Yes, Lorand?”
“Might I have a word with you?”
Callum glanced between Lorand and Aiva, his hesitation evident. After a moment of contemplation he waved Gadiel forward, offering Aiva’s arm to him. “Gadiel, take the Princess wherever Phaezut requires. I will be along shortly.”
“Of course, Captain,” Gadiel stated calmly, taking Aiva’s hand. He gave a deep bow to Callum, turning to move with Aiva toward the door.
Something tugged at Aiva inside. She could tell Gadiel shared her discomfort at Lorand’s sudden request for an audience with Callum. Neither one dared to question the reasons. Obligation required Aiva continue after Phaezut to the doors of the palace while Gadiel’s lower rank granted him no rights to challenge his Captain’s command. “What do you think they are discussing?” Aiva whispered, her head tilted inward to avoid being overheard by Phaezut.
Gadiel shrugged, casting a glance over his shoulder to where the others remained. “I don’t know,” he frowned. “There is no way to know how much Lorand heard from our earlier conversation. Though our exchange would have no bearing on him. I can think of nothing we said which would require Callum’s attention.”
“Perhaps it is nothing, then,” Aiva tried to comfort herself, wishing Callum would hurry. She preferred to have him by her side while in Phaezut’s company. He eased her nerves, which now tingled frantically at the thought of being alone with the Feh Noq. She had no fear of danger, but she questioned her ability to conduct further tactical discussions without Callum there to assist. Strategic planning was his field of expertise.
Stepping through the door, Aiva’s breath caught in her throat. The circumstances of their arrival prevented her from retaining any imagery of the city while their stay at the palace yielded no reason for them to venture outside the palace walls. To see it now was impressive. The streets were filled with the strange Feh Noq creatures, halting their quick pace to kneel before Phaezut as he exited the palace. Phaezut met his subjects with a proud respect, bowing sharply, a wave of his hand signaling them to return to their business.
The buildings were positioned close together along the wide streets, constructed of a mud-based brick, many of which were damaged from wear over the years. A market could be seen down the road, stalls arranged with merchants out front, calling out to the passersby, peddling their wares. From the racks, she could see colorful fabrics, some silken, though most looked to be more durable, yet light enough to tolerate the extreme heat. Glasswork was arranged in a wide array of colors and shapes, ranging from blues to reds, bowls to glasses, and artistic sculptures. If time weren’t of the essence, she would have enjoyed a stroll through the streets to take in the wonders of it all. If the alliance between Tanispa and Palinon remained firm, she could arrange a more leisurely visit when pirates didn’t threaten her sister’s life.
A commotion came from around the side of the palace, drawing Aiva’s attention to where Ashoec appeared, riding on the back of a strange beast. She recognized it instantly, the image ingrained in her mind from their first encounter with the Feh Noq. The same animal had been used to draw the wagon that imprisoned her and Callum to be brought before Phaezut. A shiver coursed down her spine at the memory, swallowing hard in fear that they might suffer the same fate again.
“This is the secret behind the speed of your journey,” Phaezut grinned, beckoning Ashoec closer. Ashoec steered the animal with practiced ease, directing it to pause in front of Aiva. With a strong leap he dismounted, his hands solidly gripped on the bridle to prevent the creature from running away.
Overcome by curiosity, Aiva reached out to touch it, afraid to find that it was nothing more than a hallucination caused by some lingering effect of the wine. To her amazement, the animal was quite real, her fingers sliding over the smooth surface of its fur. “What is this?” she questioned absently, unable to look away. It was beautiful in its unusual appearance. Powerful. She didn’t require seeing it in motion to know it was capable of incredible feats. Muscles bulged from the hind legs, designed for speed and agility.
Stepping to Aiva’s side, Phaezut lifted a long arm to pat the animal’s back. “It is our most prized creature in all of Palinon,” he smiled. Holding out his hand to Gadiel, he nodded to him, waving him forward. Gadiel did as directed, glancing at the beast with obvious uncertainty. “The aneakt will see you to the coast with ease. Unlike the horses of your people, it requires less water and care in the heat. It can overcome the fastest of men. A fierce predator, and a loyal companion to any Feh Noq on a long journey across the sands.” Phaezut cocked his head to one side, peering at Gadiel quizzically. “Are you going to help your Princess into the saddle?”
“I’m sorry,” Gadiel stammered, clearing his throat, embarrassed. “I was not aware that we would be… riding it.”
“It does nothing to improve your time by walking alongside you.” Phaezut chuckled.
Forcing a laugh, Gadiel offered his hand to Aiva, shifting his gaze between her and the creature. The aneakt. Aiva liked the sound of the name. Harsh to the tongue, like most words she’d come to expect of the Feh Noq, yet somehow graceful and fitting of such a regal beast. With Gadiel’s help, she swung her leg over the saddle, surprised to find it much higher from the ground than she imagined. It took a step, adjusting to the weight upon its back. Lightly, she rubbed her hands along its soft fur, speaking to it in soothing tones.
From the saddle she could see Callum and Lorand exit the palace, their eyes immediately drawn to Aiva. She recognized the confusion in their expressions at the sight of the creature. Excited by the novelty of it all, she waved to Callum, smiling exuberantly. No one in Tanispa would ever believe her if she told them of this experience. Although she wasn’t one to keep a journal, she wished in that moment that she had some parchment to put her thoughts to ink. To describe the incredible feeling she found herself overwhelmed by. Never had she thought it possible to experience anything like this. The adventure. Danger. And wonder at the unimaginable things she’d witnessed while in Palinon under Phaezut’s care.
“I will provide an aneakt for you and the Prince to ride. The other men will have to share,” Phaezut watched as his man Kehprit brought another of the beasts around from the stables. “Ashoec and Kehprit will accompany your party to the sea. Two of your men can ride with them. We will arrange the rest accordingly by size once they are assembled.”
Ashoec relinquished his hold on the reins to Aiva with a sharp nod. Taking them in her hands, she drew in a deep breath, prepared for the worst. She had ridden many horses in her time, but never anything of this size. It was almost frightening, unsure if it would obey the commands she gave. Giving a click of her tongue, she signaled the aneakt to move, her sense of wonderment growing to feel the smoothness of its gait as it pranced proudly around the street.
Catching sight of Kaemin’s bewildered face by the palace door, Aiva rode over to him, the smile still stretched across her lips. He stared in awe, hands extended out in caution toward her. “Aiva, be careful,” he warned, looking to the other men as if hoping they would add their own concerns with his. She laughed at him, hurrying away to where Callum was being assisted onto his own mount. His features revealed less joy at the experience than Aiva felt. It disappointed her to think that he took little pleasure in it all, but she knew he had an image to uphold in front of his men.
While the others paired off and ascended the creatures presented to them, the rest of their belongings were br
ought forth from the palace and strapped securely onto the backs of the animals. Their water flasks were replenished. Extra bread packed away to avoid risk of hunger if their trip extended longer than planned.
“I cannot offer you enough thanks to properly convey our gratitude for all you have done,” Aiva brought the aneakt to a halt before Phaezut, gazing down at him, her expression filled with sincerity. Without his assistance, they may have perished in the desert long before ever reaching the coast and reuniting with Edric. Despite the rough welcome, it had become a fruitful meeting. One that would benefit both Tanispa and Palinon.
“It has been my pleasure to entertain your company, Princess. You and the Prince will have to come to Lemahic again some time. I insist on another game of Losuvas to redeem my loss.” Phaezut nodded to Callum respectfully. “Do as Ashoec and Kehprit say and you will find the remainder of your trip more agreeable. Remember – Avoid getting too close to the western border. The Syet are on a constant move and I cannot guarantee they will stay on their own land if they take notice of you. I will await word from my men on your safe arrival to the sea. We will keep watch to make sure you reach the water safely. Now… off with you,” he gestured toward the high gates at the entrance of the city. “You will find the night easier to travel than the day. Do not waste it.”
Chapter Fourteen
Aiva felt the all-too-familiar sensation of fatigue start to creep over her as the sun began to rise. The night had passed without event, the aneakt proving faster than she expected. Within only a few hours they were out of view of the city walls, surrounded once again by nothing but barren stretches of dried and cracked sand.
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil Page 36