Tinderbox Under Winter Stars

by Emma Sterner-Radley

  He opened it and Elise saw a vial of clear liquid and a small syringe.

  “What is that?” she whispered breathlessly.

  The sergeant held the already filled syringe up to the light. “A powder. Well, it was a powder but now has been mixed with liquid. Like the water we gave you in the carriage, yes?”

  Then, lightning fast, he stabbed her in the neck and pushed the plunger on the syringe down before she could move away. She didn’t have time to even shout until he pulled the syringe out. Then, she screamed at the top of her lungs. In fear, in pain, but most of all, in rage.

  “Screech all you want, Mrs Glass. The people on this ship have been told that you’re mentally ill and likely to wail and make up strange stories. Soon you will feel dizzy, yes? Then tired. I suggest you sleep. The trip will be so much nicer for us all if you only eat, sleep, and use the… what’s the word… commode. Nothing else, yes?”

  She bellowed with primal rage and threw a pillow at him, but he simply dodged it and continued speaking. “And no talking to Under Lieutenant Dahl. He’s young and soft, you’ll confuse him, yes? I said he was wrong for this mission, but they wanted him to learn. He does well on smaller tasks but is not ready for this. Still, if I keep you from talking too much to him, he should be fine.”

  He said something after that as well, but Elise struggled to make it out. Everything was growing dim. A panicked part of her fought the calm and drowsiness that was filling her. She fought the slowing of her heart and the relaxing of her muscles, but to no avail. Before she knew it, her eyes were closing, and everything grew black and warm.

  The last thought in her mind was, Did I tell Nessa that I loved her this morning?

  Chapter 23

  The Viss Embassy

  Nessa caught up with Anja and Hunter on the steps outside the embassy.

  “Gosh, the Viss have impeccable taste,” Hunter whispered while admiring the round building.

  Anja grunted. Then she took a deep breath and strode up the stairs. Nessa and Hunter followed her up and through to a reception area. Nessa heard her speak in a language that to her sounded more languid than Sundish.

  After a brief discussion, Anja waved to them to join her in following the male receptionist.

  Anja whispered, “We’re being brought to Diinna’s office. Apparently, she was about to go home for the day. However, the receptionist said we could go see if she’d take a meeting with us, as long as we leave without a fuss if she can’t.”

  “Fair enough,” Nessa conceded.

  They walked in silence until Anja stopped dead in her tracks. She looked like she was barely breathing. Nessa followed her gaze. It was fixed on a well-dressed, short woman with a long mane of greying platinum blonde hair. As the woman turned, Nessa was met with a pale, open face boasting piercing grey eyes and a dimpled smile.

  This must be Diinna. Yes, I can see why she would have an effect on Anja.

  The diplomat’s smile died as she spotted Anja. Something wary and troubled replaced it. She strode towards them and greeted them in near-perfect Arclidian.

  “How may I help you?” she asked, clasping her hands behind her back.

  Anja blinked quickly a few times and then cleared her throat. “Can we go somewhere private?”

  Diinna inclined her head in agreement and led them to a room at the end of a corridor. The room was sparse but cosy, with a table and several padded chairs in the centre. On the wall next to them was a coat rack, which they all used to hang their snowy outerwear while Anja raced through the main parts of the story. She started with Elise upsetting the Queen by spurning her in Nightport and ended with the fact that they planned to rescue Elise but had no idea how.

  Throughout all of it, Diinna looked Anja straight on, a wrinkle between her intense eyes. Diinna looked intelligent and reassuring to Nessa. Someone you would trust and respect. A leader.

  “I see. Well, Marianna Hargraves is known for her blind determination. She is also known for assuming that everyone can and will adore her if kept in her presence long enough. My spies tell me that she claims that was how she got such a close relationship with Joiners Square. However, we both know that’s not the reason, don’t we, Anja?”

  Anja only grunted, clearly feeling she had done her part of the speaking.

  “What is that?” asked Hunter.

  Diinna peered at him before replying. “They believe she has the answer to a question, one which is of great importance to them. That is why a Joiners Square delegation is at the castle now. Officially, to discuss trade. Unofficially, to get their burning question answered.”

  Impatience was niggling at Nessa, but she tried to keep it out of her voice. “Anja mentioned that. What is the question?”

  In her own language, Diinna shot a question at Anja who replied in Arclidian, “Yes, they can be trusted.”

  Diinna bored her intense gaze into Nessa’s. “If magic exists.”

  “Oh. I didn’t expect that. Um, well, does it?” Nessa asked.

  “And why would the Queen know the answer?” Hunter added.

  Diinna smoothed the back of her dress and sat down while she answered. “Because there’s always been rumours in the higher echelons of Storsund society that the Arclid monarchy had access to magic but kept it to themselves. Kept it hidden, only using it when they had to in order to maintain their power. Who knows if it’s true.”

  Anja sat down opposite Diinna, a table between her and her former betrothed. Nessa and Hunter flanked her. While Anja scowled, and Hunter adjusted his hat-flattened hair, Nessa sat forward to ask the only important question.

  “So, will you help us find a way to free Elise? Please? We can give you information on the Queen and maybe even on Joiners Square in return.”

  Diinna ran her hand along her jaw and up to her mouth, tapping her lips with her fingers. “I wish to help you. Not merely because you are friends of Anja and,” she hesitated for a moment, “I owe her any favour she wants. But, also, because it would give us an opportunity to prove to the world that Joiners Square and your Queen are as corrupt and criminal as we’ve claimed. Joiners Square kidnapping a young woman and Queen Marianna holding her prisoner… now that’s something people can revolt against.”

  Nessa’s palms were sweating. “You want to use Elise as some sort of warning sign?”

  “More like a match,” Diinna said. “To light the fire that is so far only sparking feebly.”

  Hunter giggled, and Nessa stared over at him. He looked apologetic as he said, “Elise as a match. When everyone says she is a fire-starter. It is funny that she appears to have come full circle, linguistically at least.”

  When no one answered, he slumped into his seat. Nessa tried to smile to put him at ease, but the smile wouldn’t come.

  This is taking too long. I need to locate a ship over there and help Elise. Now.

  Breaking the silence, Diinna said, “Back to the subject at hand. We’ve been wanting to oust Joiners Square, or at least to make people question the amount of power they have. If that happens, we can replace the puppets we call a government and get real leaders in. Ones that have been chosen through democratic vote and have no ties to a corrupt organisation which paints its leaders as gods.”

  “Real leaders. Like you?” Anja said, bitterness dripping off her voice like cold, congealed coffee.

  Diinna blinked at her a few times, then quietly replied, “You know this is not about my ambition. It’s about what is best for Storsund. Yes, I am one of the suggested Viss. However, there are also Wayfarer ambassadors and politicians, one that I believe to be distantly related to you. Others suggested are part of the Sund underground movement, who have bravely spurned Joiners Square’s propaganda and bribery.”

  “A real government? Actually made up of representatives from all three groups?” Anja queried.

  Diinna started at Anja’s tone but still met her steely gaze. “Yes. Lately, our society has, despite Joiners Square’s best efforts, taken steps towards equality.
But one obstacle even bigger than Joiners Square is always there; the Sundes still have more coin, more land, and thereby more power than the Viss and the Wayfarers. If we’re to start over, that issue will be addressed. Power can be redistributed fairly and used to improve life for us all.”

  Nessa was tapping her fingers against the table. “I applaud that idea. However, how’s that relevant to our problem?”

  Diinna turned to her. “Joiners Square’s greed for power doesn’t end with Storsund. They want to know about magic because they believe it is the ultimate tool for them to achieve world domination. They want to rule not only our continent but the entire orb. Starting with Arclid.”

  “I doubt the Queen would allow that,” Hunter said with a scoff.

  Diinna hummed. “She may not have a choice. You know better than anyone how shakily she sits on that throne. Revolts always spring up due to her new laws, strange whims, high taxations, and tendency to hold her country’s development back to maintain her own power. Not to mention that her lack of heir causes some to say that the Arclid monarchy itself is in danger.”

  “Not only Arclidians complain,” Anja murmured.

  “No, her leadership is being seen with unfavourable eyes everywhere,” Diinna agreed. “Ambassadors in Obeha and the Western Isles have been discussing possible replacements to lead your continent. Someone who’ll negotiate without silly games. Someone that can be trusted not to start a war to soothe her own ego or because she’s in a foul mood.” Diinna curled her upper lip. “Thus, the Viss and the Wayfarers have reached out to lend support to that cause. Sadly, we cannot speak for all of Storsund as the Sundes follow Joiners Square’s line of supporting Marianna.”

  “But there’s no one to take her place,” Nessa said, exasperated. “Arclid’s revolts always die down for lack of decent options. Any government we elect starts to fight internally, all wanting absolute power. And when we try to decide on a new monarch, well, different parts of the land back different Noble candidates and wars ensue. In the end, we always end up back with the cursed Hargraves.”

  Diinna sat forward, some blood in her cheeks now. “Yes, but we’ve found a candidate. Someone we’ve all discarded as subdued. Listen, reclaiming power from Joiners Square will be a long process for us, requiring proof of corruption and months of arguing in court. Then elections.” She pointed to Nessa and then Hunter. “You, however, can be rid of your Queen much faster. Your people want a new ruler, and there’s a contender standing by. All you require is the support from the Noble families and the royal guards, then the contender can take the throne with a mere change of crests and a new royal portrait.”

  “Who is this person?” Nessa asked.

  Diinna hesitated. “I’m not sure how much I am allowed to divulge, for the contender’s safety. Considering your situation, it’s important that you’re aware that this person is already in Highmere, waiting in the wings, ready to step up if the Queen is taken off the board.”

  “Off the board? You sound like you are playing a children’s game and not dealing with people’s lives,” Anja said, disdain in every word.

  A muscle twitched in Diinna’s jaw as she ground it shut and stared at Anja, who glared daggers back at her.

  “Do you two wish to talk alone before we get back to rescue plans?” Hunter asked softly.

  “No time for that,” Anja snapped. “We need to help Elise now. She’s the only reason I’m here.”

  Diinna bared her teeth before countering, “I’m sure she’s a very worthy cause, but I must look at the bigger picture. There’s a devious organisation using coin and brainwashing to control the biggest nation on the orb. And a Queen in a neighbouring land who bleeds her nation dry and chokes its development by spreading rumours that new inventions, like trains and steam, are dangerous. Not to mention—”

  Nessa held up her hands. “Enough! You said you could use what happened to Elise to prove that Joiners Square and the Queen must be removed. So, let’s focus on getting Elise back so that she can testify. Then you’ll have proof for your court case against Joiners Square. And Arclid will have something solid to accuse Queen Marianna of – imprisoning a Noble. So, how do we free Elise?”

  Diinna clasped her hands on the table. “Well, I should like to wait until we’ve contacted the other embassies and discussed if now is the time to start this process. I fear we need more proof than just Elise’s testimony. We need all the details of the coup against Joiners Square ironed out. As well as the succession in Arclid.”

  Anja banged her fist on the table. “There isn’t time! We don’t even have time for the bloody speeches you’ve been spouting these last few minutes. Elise was taken today and is probably already on a ship. In six weeks she’ll be in Arclid and in the hands of the Queen. She could kill her.” Anja gave the table another whack. “I, for one, won’t sit here and wait while you… iron out details. Help us now, or we go in on our own. Probably getting ourselves killed and ruining your plans to use Elise for your revolution.”

  Hunter cleared his throat. “I cannot speak to what is happening here in Storsund, but Arclid is ready to rebel right now. You mentioned Arclidians being unhappy with the Queen? I heard the crew on the boat over say that people are talking about a revolt over Arclid’s lack of trains. They see how trade and manufacturing blossoms in the other three continents and do not want to be left behind. Now is the time, I am sure of it.”

  Diinna looked unconvinced and so Hunter pushed on. “Arclidians are especially irate now, because of the coin spent on Prince Macray’s wedding and this secret manhunt of the Queen’s. Arclidians have had enough. If you do not want to strike now to save Elise, do it to make the best of the momentum building in Arclid.”

  Diinna stared into space for a while. Then she sighed. “I suppose we might as well begin the process while Joiners Square are practically leaderless. They do seem quite helpless without him. All those blustering joiners, blowhard aristocrats, and old soldiers who are more used to drinking wine than making national decisions.” She said the words so quietly that Nessa wasn’t sure if they were meant to have heard them or not.

  “Who is ‘he’? This leader you mentioned?” Nessa asked.

  Diinna glanced towards the door. “Naming names is not good practice. You do not need to know.” She sat forward and caught Nessa’s gaze. “All you need to know is that I shall contact people and make plans while you are on the ship to Arclid. I’ll set all the wheels into motion and spread the news of what Marianna has done and how Joiners Square assisted. Perhaps we can even uncover the spies who found Elise and reported to the Queen.”

  Nessa nodded. “They must’ve found her pretty quickly. We’ve only been here a few months.” Her laugh was hollow. “We were so worried that her fame from making the scented oils and that bloody interview would alert the Queen to her whereabouts. The witch was already aware and planning Elise’s kidnapping.”

  Anja put her hand over Nessa’s on the table. “You couldn’t have known. You weren’t even sure if she was chasing you.”

  There was a pause, during which Diinna glanced down at their hands. She cleared her throat. “We’re all agreed, then. You’re to travel to Arclid and fetch Elise back to testify about what happened to her. No passenger ships leave this late at night, but I can locate a ship that leaves first thing tomorrow morning. Your biggest problem, however, is what to do when you get there.”

  “Yes, Diinna. That’s why we’re here,” Anja said through clenched teeth. “If it were simply a matter of getting on a steamer, we could’ve achieved that ourselves.”

  Diinna held up her hand. “Calm down, I hadn’t finished. I was going to suggest that I find you some backup, some volunteer Viss and Sund underground rebels who look like they could be Joiners Square soldiers. Partly in—”

  “Great. I’ll be the too-dark-too-thin odd one out,” Anja interrupted with a sneer.

  Diinna threw her a glance before carrying on. “Partly in case there’s violence, and partly so you can ent
er the castle under the guise of reinforcements for the soldiers stationed at Highmere for the talks between the Queen and Joiners Square’s High Captain Nordhall. The problem is that I can’t easily procure uniforms.”

  Hunter sat forward. “Uniforms?”

  “She means Joiners Square uniforms that we and her underground rebels can disguise ourselves in,” Anja answered him, her gaze still fixed on her former lover.

  “Exactly. Copies are easy to get wrong and take too long to make, so that’s out. I’m afraid I’m not aware of any Joiners Square staff whom I trust to betray their leaders by delivering a set of uniforms and then keep the secret,” Diinna said, sounding truly apologetic.

  A thought struck Nessa. One that was equal amounts amusing and terrifying. Albert. The pompous chatterbox, with his loud family, the man who had grated on Nessa’s shy personality from day one… he might be the key to helping Elise escape.

  “I think I know someone who can help,” she said slowly. She turned to Anja. “Remember Albert Lindberg? He and his family adore Elise, and he works for the Joiners Square branch in Charlottenberg.”

  Hunter slapped his thigh. “Superb! That is where we have to go to catch a ship to Arclid anyway.”

  Anja ran a hand through her unruly hair. “All right. We go to Charlottenberg tonight. We talk to Mr Lindberg and ask him if he can sneak back to work, steal some uniforms, and hand them over to us. If he can’t or won’t, we rent rooms for the night and then get on a ship to Arclid with the underground fighters tomorrow morning anyway, hoping to figure out a plan while we travel. Correct?”

  “Anja, your Arclidian is vastly improved. Must be the company you keep these days,” Diinna said with a nod to Nessa and Hunter.

  Anja ignored her. “Did I get that right?”

  Nessa scratched the back of her neck. “Hm. Well, before we go to Charlottenberg, we must return to your house to fetch some coin and essentials for the trip. Otherwise I think you covered it. Oh, and whether he helps us our not, I’m sure Albert will lend us a room for the night. No doubt their residence could fit the entire Arclid navy.”