by Drew Wagar
‘Scallia, Amar and Drayden,’ Vandare said, looking around at the three of them. ‘Quite the mix. But no reason not to be rid of you all.’
‘We have all been wronged by the priestesses,’ Zoella said. ‘Don’t you see? We share a common enemy. Fighting amongst ourselves will only aide them. Amar, Scallia, Taloon, even Drem … together we have a chance to stop then, apart we will all die. Don’t be a fool.’
Kiri and Meru looked around at Zoella in surprise. Vandare stepped back apace.
‘A fool?’ he asked.
‘Yes,’ Zoella continued. ‘You know well enough what the priestesses are. They may have retreated for now, but they will be back. Can you stop them?’
Vandare’s eyes narrowed.
‘No,’ Zoella said, shaking her head. ‘You know you can’t. But we can. Kill us and your chance to save your land from them is gone.’
The men about them shifted uneasily, waiting to see how Vandare would react.
‘A princess of Scallia you say,’ he said, looking over Zoella’s dirty and torn clothing. ‘We heard that your city had been sacked, but not that any escaped.’
‘Some did,’ Zoella said. ‘Some remain. There is strength to resist, if we work together. Amar has defied them. Scallia could rise again, Taloon …’
‘Taloon will no longer bow the knee to Drayden,’ Vandare growled, looking at Kiri.
Zoella stepped forward. ‘Kiri is not your enemy,’ she said. ‘She herself was betrayed by the priestesses, she serves us now. She slew Rihanna and we intend to stop the high priestess Nerina. Will you hear us out, or not?’
Vandare regarded her for a long moment, glancing at Kiri and Meru. Then he gestured to his men. They lowered their pikes.
‘It seems we have allies unlooked for,’ he said. He turned to Kiri. ‘You truly slew Rihanna?’
Kiri nodded. ‘She was trying to capture Zoella and me … trying to take our powers.’
‘But your ship,’ Vandare said. ‘It sank …’
The three companions looked downcast.
‘You lost friends aboard,’ Vandare said. They nodded.
‘I am sorry for your loss. And our part in it. We were given orders to capture it by Rihanna under pain of death. And there was much death when we failed to please her.’
‘We’re sorry your ships were destroyed too,’ Zoella said. ‘And the loss of those aboard.’
‘You said there were only three priestesses?’ Meru asked. ‘The others were gone?’
‘Yes,’ Vandare said. ‘Three was trouble enough it seemed, but now … Taloon is free, at least for now.’
‘We must speak urgently,’ Zoella said. ‘but we are hurt and tired …’
Vandare nodded.
‘Yes,’ he said. ‘We will return to Airea. There we will decide on what is to be done.’
‘There is one more thing,’ Zoella said. ‘Please … does Liana still live?’
‘Liana?’ Vandare said, looking at her. ‘What is she to you?’
‘Our cousin,’ Zoella replied. ‘Mine and Kiri’s.’
‘Your cousin?’ Vandare said, looking at Zoella and then at Kiri. ‘She was supposed to have been a queen of Scallia.’
‘She was once,’ Zoella said. ‘It is a long story we don’t have time for now. Does she …?’
‘She lives. If you can call it that. I will bring her to you once we are within the city.’
‘Thank you,’ Zoella answered.
Vandare frowned. ‘Sisters, cousins, allegiances, royalty. Many stories need telling,’ he said. He looked over to the flying machine. ‘And what manner of device is that?’
‘It is a flying machine,’ Meru said. ‘It is damaged, but fixable. We must …’
‘We will bring it back to the city,’ Vandare said, gesturing to his men. ‘For now, the three of you are coming with us. Take them and guard them closely!’
* * *
Zoella, Kiri and Meru had been escorted into the city of Airea. There they were taken into the central palace and assigned individual rooms and instructed to wash and dress. They were soon summoned back.
Kiri remembered the great dining hall where she had eaten with Karquesh and killed his cousin Taryen. Now Vandare sat in his place. Alongside him was Liana.
‘Liana!’ Zoella said, running towards her. Liana did not respond.
‘She says nothing and does little,’ Vandare said. ‘She will eat, wash, dress and sleep … and that is all.’
Zoella stepped across from her.
‘Liana … it’s me. It’s Zoella.’
For a long moment Liana didn’t move, but she raised her gaze until it locked on to Zoella.
‘Zoella?’
Vandare gasped. ‘But, how …?’
‘Yes, Liana,’ Zoella replied. ‘It’s me.’
‘Zoella,’ Liana’s voice was soft but sure.
Zoella stared into Liana’s eyes, but there was nothing there, no soul, no connection, no life. Ever since the attack on Viresia, Liana’s mind had retreated and retreated until …
Zoella looked at Kiri. She saw her sister swallow and look away.
I know she never intended to take Liana’s powers the way she did, and Liana tried to take hers and kill her … but now we know she’s our cousin, how can we just leave her like this?
Zoella remembered how intimidated she’d been when first meeting Liana. The woman had been poised and confident. She’d grown up in the palace of Viresia, used to the trappings of the rich, never having had to do a stretch’s manual work in her life.
How I envied her, and she was Queen of Scallia … yet now …
Liana was still a physical beauty, her skin toned and flawless, her blonde hair immaculate, but there was no life, no vivacity, no essence left of the woman she remembered.
Vandare coughed, Zoella looked up.
‘Please sit,’ Vandare said. ‘We have much to discuss.’
He clapped his hands. Food and drink was brought in by servants and placed before them. The three companions were ravenous, tucking into the food.
‘You did Taloon something of a service in the past,’ Vandare said, looking at Kiri. ‘Karquesh was quite relieved when you despatched Taryen. Stories of that altercation still make the rounds in our society.’
‘Taryen?’ Meru asked.
‘The King’s cousin,’ Kiri replied, offhand. ‘He challenged me. I killed him.’
Zoella and Meru looked at each other.
‘And in doing so, ensured Taloon would align itself with the interests of Drayden,’ Vandare continued.
‘That was my mission,’ Kiri said.
‘And yet,’ Vandare said, gesturing to Meru and Zoella. ‘You are no longer working for the priestesses. Doesn’t that make you a traitor?’
Kiri put down her knife and fork, and glared at Vandare.
‘The priestesses betrayed me,’ she said. ‘They wanted only to ensure the destruction of Amar. Once that was achieved they planned to take my own power and kill me. Only their plans went awry.’
‘There was a flare,’ Meru said. ‘During the attack. That’s what swung the battle our way.’
Vandare nodded. ‘We saw it here too, but we knew to take shelter from it. So what was your ship doing in our waters?’
Zoella spoke before the others could.
‘We were scouting out your lands,’ she said. ‘We feared another attack. We wanted to know how long it would be before Taloon would be ready with another fleet to attack Amar.’
Vandare scrutinised Zoella for a long moment.
‘So why did you enter the vortex?’ Vandare asked.
Zoella swallowed.
‘It is no use lying to me,’ Vandare said. ‘If you wish to live, tell the truth. It will serve you better.’
Zoella took a deep breath.
‘The truth then,’ she said, looking around at Kiri and Meru,
Vandare nodded.
‘We sailed to the far sunward, through the vortex,’ Zoella said. ‘I was summoned there
by a … complex machine called the Obelisk. It defends this world from Lacaille’s flares. It needed to be fixed so … we fixed it.’
Vandare looked at her for a long moment.
‘Perhaps I shouldn’t have asked for the truth,’ he said. ‘I’d find your lies much more palatable.’
‘Our ship was damaged by the return journey,’ Zoella said, her expression pained, tears coming to her eyes. ‘Our friends lost.’
‘Though we did intend to pass Airea,’ Meru said, in a whisper. ‘To see the strength of your fleet, to see if Amar was under threat again.’
Vandare considered their words for long moments.
‘And,’ he said.’ As you can see … we are not ready for another attack, much to the late Rihanna’s chagrin. The delays, all instigated by me, almost cost me my life.’
‘We appreciate your efforts,’ Zoella said.
‘So,’ Vandare said, sitting back and folding his arms. ‘What do you intend to do now?’
Meru and Kiri looked at Zoella.
‘The priestesses must be stopped,’ Zoella said, her voice calm. ‘Once and for all.’
Vandare’s eyes narrowed.
‘By just the three of you?’
‘We have allies,’ Zoella said. ‘Amar … more of these flying machines, and crews for them. Scallia will fight for us too, they have men at arms still in our city, Viresia. It is there we will go.’
‘Should I let you,’ Vandare said.
‘You would be wise to,’ Kiri said. ‘You know my strength well enough … and Zoella’s is greater.’
Vandare pursed his lips.
‘I do not trust you, Priestess Kiri,’ Vandare said. ‘Your loyalty has switched at whim from what I can see …’
Kiri bristled, but Vandare raised his hand and looked at Zoella.
‘But you,’ he said. ‘I could trust you. You’re not a good liar, which commends you to me. Scallia and Taloon have much in common, maligned by these priestesses as we both have been. I would aid you to that end. We of Taloon know we cannot resist these priestesses on our own, and we have seen first-hand the disregard with which they have treated our people and lands. Thus, allying ourselves with those that would stand against them would seem to be the right course, if a dangerous one.’
‘We require only that you let us go,’ Zoella said, venturing a smile.
‘It is not that simple,’ Vandare replied. ‘The priestesses will doubtless learn that we aided you in your escape. That will come down upon my people and I.’
‘It will,’ Zoella said. ‘So it is best that you don’t know what we plan to do.’
Vandare grinned.
‘You are wise, Princess Zoella,’ he said. ‘But I need to weigh that choice against the risk of letting you go. Peace for Taloon might be better served by keeping you prisoner and handing you to the priestesses.’
Kiri bristled and Meru almost got to his feet. Zoella gestured for them to remain calm.
‘I already know you won’t,’ Zoella said.
Vandare chuckled.
‘And you are right,’ he said. ‘If you would tell me your plan, or as much of it as you can risk being found out.’
‘Will you let us go?’ Zoella asked. ‘Regardless?’
Vandare smiled.
‘Yes, Zoella of Scallia,’ he said. ‘I will.’
Zoella looked at Kiri and Meru, both nodded at her.
She took a deep breath.
‘The priestesses are driven by their power,’ Zoella said. ‘Above all else, that is what they seek. It is an addiction. Nerina, the high priestess, seeks to take ours – we are the last ones left with power even close to her own. We intend to use that to entice her in.’
‘To where?’
‘To my city,’ Zoella answered. ‘To Viresia. Kiri and I will defend our warriors as best we can against the priestesses as they attack. The Amarans know how to use the flying machines to counter their dachs. That leaves only Nerina.’
‘And then?’
‘Then …’ Zoella said. ‘That part I cannot say, for risk of Nerina knowing.’
Vandare rubbed his chin.
‘You place us all at stake for this purpose,’ Vandare said. ‘If you win, the priestesses’ reign is ended. If you lose, none will ever be able to stand against them.’
‘Exactly,’ Zoella said. ‘We all win, or we all lose.’ She folded her arms and looked at him.
Vandare let out a deep sigh.
‘So then. How might we aid you?’ he asked. ‘Viresia is hundreds of marks from here. Even if we began marching an army there now, we could not reach you inside a couple of passes at the earliest.’
‘This will be decided long before then,’ Zoella said. ‘Nerina will be searching for us already, she may know that we are here. The best thing you can do is to delay her if she comes looking. The more time we have …’
‘Dangerous indeed,’ Vandare said. ‘I have met this woman. She is brutal and callous. Once she sees deception. She will punish it.’
‘I do not want you to risk yourselves further,’ Zoella said.
‘But I did ask,’ Vandare said with a smile. ‘Taloon will play its part, for good or ill. If the priestesses come here, we will do what we can to occupy them.’
‘We must contact our people,’ Meru said. ‘The flying machine, will you allow me to go to it? I need to fix it.’
‘I will,’ Vandare said. He looked at Kiri and then at Zoella. ‘Will you vouch for her behaviour?’
Kiri gasped and looked outraged, but didn’t say anything.
‘I will,’ Zoella said. ‘She’s my sister.’
Vandare frowned, but then inclined his head.
‘I must ask one more thing,’ Zoella said, looking at Kiri before turning to Vandare. ‘On behalf of both of us.’
‘Ask away,’ Vandare said.
‘Liana is of my people,’ Zoella said. ‘She is Scallian. She should return there, but we cannot take her with us …’
‘She was the wife of King Karquesh,’ Vandare said. ‘Here in Taloon she will be given all the honour that position requires, until the after calls for her. She will be well cared for.’
‘I can ask no more of you,’ Zoella said. ‘I served her once and made a vow to defend her from harm. I would not like to break it.’
‘I will see to her welfare personally,’ Vandare replied. ‘Do not fear.’
‘I would like to see her before I go,’ Zoella added.
‘Of course.’
Zoella smiled. ‘When … when all this is over,’ she began. ‘I should like to visit Taloon once more.’
‘You will be very welcome,’ Vandare replied, bowing low. ‘I hope we will meet again, Zoella of Scallia.’
* * *
Janaid and Henoch were in session with the senate of Amar when the call came through.
‘Senator Henoch!’ an aide called. ‘Your son has made contact via the machine …’
Janaid and Henoch made their apologies to the rest of the senate and made their way to the large vessel that now stood within the courtyards of the senate grounds.
The Amaran pilots who had been trained by Ren were clustered around the doors, peering in and trying to overhear what was being said.
‘Make way!’ Janaid said sharply. The crowd pulled aside to let the two older men in.
‘It’s Meru,’ one said.
‘Meru?’ Janaid called. ‘Can you hear us? It’s Janaid. I’m here with your father. Are you alright?’
‘I’m alive,’ Meru’s voice was faint but audible. ‘Zoella is with me. We have been able to fix the Obelisk, Esurio is safe …’
Cheers drowned out the rest of Meru’s words. Janaid could hear he was still talking, but couldn’t make out the words. He gestured for quiet. Henoch stepped forward
‘Son, it’s good to hear from you. Your mother will be so pleased. Are you coming home? There is much to be decided.’
‘Yes,’ Janaid agreed. ‘We’ve felt Coran’s absence most keenly in the senate
discussions.’
For a moment there was nothing but a crackle on the radio.
‘Coran is dead,’ Meru said, his voice breaking. ‘The rest of the crew are dead too.’
Gasps of dismay came from all around them. Janaid and Henoch looked at each other, trying to assimilate what Meru had told them
‘This is the saddest news,’ Janaid said, shaking his head. ‘What happened?’
‘The Mobilis was damaged by the storm that rages around the Obelisk,’ Meru replied. ‘It was crippled. We were attacked by the priestesses, fought them off, but not before the ship sank … only three of us got away.’
‘Three?’ Janaid asked. ‘Which three?’
‘Myself, Zoella and Kiri.’
Further gasps of dismay went up around them.
‘Coran, Mel, Fitch … the girl Ira? Daf and Creg?’ Janaid asked. ‘None of them escaped?’
‘None,’ Meru said, ‘It’s a long story …’
‘Wait a spell,’ Henoch exclaimed. ‘Kiri? The witch girl! But she …’
‘She helped us fix the Obelisk and fight off the priestesses,’ Meru said. ‘Coran accepted her as part of the crew. She is one of us now.’
Janaid looked at Henoch. Henoch looked grim.
‘You trust her?’ Henoch asked.
‘We do,’ Meru answered.
‘Yes, Meru speaks the truth,’ they heard Zoella’s voice say. ‘I’ve also learned that Kiri is my sister, she has given us much useful information about the priestesses. She is on our side, she will fight with us against them.’
‘Fight against them? What are you planning on doing?’ Janaid asked. ‘You’re coming back to Amar, surely?’
‘No,’ Meru said. ‘The priestesses are planning to invade Amar again, we have to stop them before they do. Coran had a plan …’
Janaid and Henoch, along with the pilots around them, listened in as Meru explained. When he finished, there was silence.
‘Attack them?’ Henoch said. ‘Take the fight to the priestesses? If they overwhelm us we’ll be defenceless.’
‘But a better chance of defeating them if we combine forces with these Scallians,’ Janaid replied. ‘They can’t come to us, but we can come to them. Force the priestesses to fight on our terms. They’re weak now, perhaps the weakest they will ever be. We could put an end to them once and for all.’