Season of Sacrifice (Blood of Azure Book 1)

by Jonathan Michael

  “Why? Why do we need to take care of them? Why do we even need boys? What good are they for?”

  My mother laughs. It’s a delightful laugh. Her smile too. It’s contagious and forces me to laugh as well, even though I know not what I’m laughing at. She has the most beautiful and memorable smile I’ve ever seen.

  “That’s a very good question, Jay, and one I don’t have the answer to. You’ll have to find the answer to that yourself, I suppose.”

  She gives me a kiss on the head and slips the lilac into my hair. I inhale the beautiful aroma. Lilacs are only around for a short time just before the solstice. My mother loves them. And she loves spreading the fragrance wherever she can while it’s available, such as my hair.

  “Glassware, please,” she requests.

  I shrug my shoulders and do as I’m told without further complaint.

  “Okay, can I go outside and play now?” I ask eagerly.

  “It’s late, dear. I really don’t like you playing outside this late in the evening. The forests are filled with critters that can snatch you up. How about you run and fetch the boys for me. By the time you get back, our snack will be ready.”

  “But, mother?”

  “Please, dear, just go fetch them. It’s a special treat. You’ll enjoy it and won’t want to miss out. I promise.”

  “Fine.”

  “Stone!” I call when I get close. “Mother—” The boys come rushing past me before I can finish, leaving me in the dust. I sprint after them, trying my hardest to keep up. Trying not to be left alone by the dark woods. The three of us trample up to the stone patio and straight to the table where my father is already seated and my mother has a covered silver platter awaiting us.

  “It was a wonderful Summer Solstice, if I must say,” my father announces.

  “And what better way to cap it off than a seafood platter?”

  My mother pulls the lid from the platter to reveal a variety of shelled, insect-looking—maybe still alive—animals I have never seen before. And they’re all whole, with legs, claws, eyeballs, and everything. We don’t eat whole cows or whole pigs, so why are we eating whole seafood? Whatever it is, it doesn’t look appetizing.

  After being detained indoors while the boys were free to do as they pleased and being rewarded with a treat as nauseating as this one, I let my mouth fly. “What is this? It looks disgusting.”

  “Jay. That’s very rude. This isn’t an easy meal to prepare, and your mother deserves a little appreciation,” my father says, clearly appalled by my reaction to the creepy-crawling snack laid before us.

  “They are shellfish, dear,” my mother interjects, trying to keep the mood calm. “They thrive in the delta where all the nutrients of the Scarlet flows. The men and women of Greenport eat them regularly. Up here in the northern forests, we don’t have the luxury of that everyday pleasure. Try some.” She hands me a tool that looks like it’s used for breaking knuckles, not eating a meal.

  “I’m not eating this. They still have legs and eyes. Are you sure they’re even cooked? If this is what the people of Greenport eat, then I never want to go there.” I toss the knuckle-breaker toward the center of the table.

  “Enough, Jay,” My father says. “You know your mother was born and raised in that village. Why would you so carelessly disgrace it? Apologize to your mother.”

  “No!” I shout.

  “What? You’re excused, Jay. See yourself to your chambers.”

  “No. I’ve been trapped here with mother while Stone has been off playing in the courtyard. How come I never get to go do what I want to? Stone is always out having adventures and free to do as he pleases. And I always must help cook his meals and clean up after him. I want to do what I want to do, not what I need to do to take care of the lazy boys. I don’t want to be like mother!”

  “Sweet Jay…” She voices concern. But it’s Elder’s voice I hear, not hers.

  “Jay…” Elder’s voice brings me back. “Where are you?” He steps up behind me and stands next to Nayettѐ. His reflection smiles at me. When did he enter the room?

  “Err…sorry.” I respond once I realize Ellia has left my quarters. I promptly look back at my own reflection to avoid eye contact and see myself this time. A relief. How long was I in my own head? “It just reminds me of someone I used to know.”

  “Your mother,” he correctly adds. “You’re just as beautiful, you know.”

  “No. Not my mother.” I get up and storm to the opposite side of the room.

  “Err…sorry, Jay.” He rubs at his brow. “I didn’t mean to—"

  Ellia steps back into the room and cuts him off. “The Taoiseach awaits.” She places a hand on my shoulder.

  I press my lips tight. Did she hear me speaking?

  “One more thing.” She looks me up and down. “Well, three actually,” she articulates and hands me a pair of flats that match the color of the dress.

  I let out a soft breath. No. My secret still holds.

  I slip them onto my feet, and as I rise, she fastens a gold necklace encrusted with an amber amulet around my neck. The necklace is beautiful. I want to give her my gratitude, but…

  “It is only for the evening. It does not belong to you.”

  Argh… I let my thoughts slip, and she smashes all gratitude I felt.

  “And last…” She pulls out a gold barrette and, without word, demonstrates the lethality of it. She pulls on the end to reveal two dagger-like points, then promptly conceals it before fastening it into my hair.

  “It’s laced with a neurotoxin, the same toxin that tips my darts. A lady can never be too careful. He might be the only man whom I hold above myself, but I always protect myself first. And so must you.”

  My callous stare must say more than I intend, for she explains further. “It’s merely a precaution and a habit worth gaining. Your talents alone are lethal, but that is expected. A surprise up your sleeve can turn the tables quickly if you’re ever in need.”

  A rap sounds on the door to my quarters. Nayettѐ scurries over to open it, and in steps Sasha, the Taoiseach’s mute hand maiden. I have a better appreciation for her burden now. She works under a man she despises to unlock the secrets of his world.

  “The Taoiseach is ready for your company, Lady Jaymes.” Nayettѐ speaks for her.

  Lady? Since when am I a lady? Maybe it’s the attire.

  “Jaymes…” Ellia starts and pauses to look at me vigilantly with the one green eye she reveals to the world. “Tonight is a test. Whether or not you succeed will be based solely on your perspective. He’s feeling out your competence to see if what I believe to be true is. The outcome will be the beginning of the end of a relationship for you. Whether it be mine or his, you will get pulled in one direction and will not have a choice to look back. Is that clear?”

  I give her a nod.

  “And…” Ellia adds, “…know the energy of those around you is contagious. And do chew with your mouth closed.”

  “It is time, Lady Jaymes. We must not keep him waiting,” Nayettѐ comments. I take Sasha’s hand, and we exit together.

  Cunning. Confident. Disciplined. Seductive. These are the traits he found appealing in his Shadow. A trusting relationship with him is the only route to my success.

  Sasha guides me into the dining area where the Taoiseach has already planted himself with a tall glass of red wine and some parchment in his hand. He studies it rather intensely. The setup is more intimate than I would have anticipated. An oversized chandelier lined with tallow candles hangs high above the center of the table, along with an ambient light coming from near-exhausted thunder lanterns bordering the dining hall. The charcoal, granite table, edged in an elaborately etched dark wood, is large enough to seat twelve and is accompanied by two high-back, dark wooden chairs upholstered with a deep crimson fabric. And there is one shallow tallow candle placed in the center of the table, emitting a dull, cambered glow over the surface of it.

  As I approach the dining table, I’m grate
ful Ellia provided me with flats, rather than those taller, uncomfortable shoes. A lasting impression of clumsiness is the last thing I want. Stop it, Jaymes. There’s no reason to be intimidated. I am more than capable of handling myself. Focus on the moment. Focus on the end goal. Cunning. Confident. Disciplined. Seductive.

  The hand maiden pulls out the chair across from the Taoiseach. He hasn’t even bothered to acknowledge my presence yet. I thought maybe the beautiful gown would take the room as I entered. I seat myself in the chair, and Sasha lifts the decanter sitting in the center of the table and offers to fill my glass.

  “Please.” I accept her offer with a lisp. The Taoiseach raises an eyebrow and looks at me from under his brow.

  “Jaymes.” He greets me in a deep, stern voice.

  “Your Divineness,” I say politely with an airier tone than I realized I was capable of. But the words that come out are rather butchered.

  “Sasha, don’t make this more awkward than it needs to be. To the kitchen please. Have them bring the first course.” He demands his handmaiden in a firm yet kind manner. She disappears with haste. “Jaymes, my apologies. When I have text in front of me it tends to drown out my surroundings. Please forgive my lack of manners. And thank you for joining me this evening. As I’m sure Ellia has informed you, I summoned for you because I believe our acquaintance has grown stale, and it is overdue for us to become more familiar with one another. You’ve been residing in my home for several months now, and I hardly know who you are. Would you agree?”

  “Yes, Your Divineness.” Referring to him as someone above all the rest of mankind makes me dig my fingers into my palms.

  “Please, that title is tasteless and nauseating,” he replies as if he was reading my thoughts. “Harris is fine.”

  “Yes, Harris,” I reply gently without hesitation, trying to inflate my confidence.

  “Ellia has praised your abilities and believes your improvement to be remarkable from the last time we spoke. Is that true?”

  “Yes, sir, it is true.”

  “How so?”

  “I have improved my control. Control over my talents, sir. I no longer let them rule me during emotional outbursts. And Ellia has had me sitting in on courses at the Academy. She has given me several of the extracurricular assignments the students are also responsible for. She has me learning or training during every waking moment. So yes, because Ellia has instilled discipline as the number one priority and because I’ve allowed it to be the backbone of my training, I have improved all around. And…I am no longer a virgin of the blade. I have had to wipe crimson stains from it many times over.”

  “I see,” the Taoiseach replies, followed by a cadenced rap on the table with his forefinger and thumb. Then, he lifts his glass of berry wine and takes a large sip.

  I’m losing him already. What do I say next? Do I wait for him to speak, or am I allowed to speak freely? I’m not sure how to proceed.

  The kitchen doors swing open, and the first course is served just in time to bail me out. Two young boys enter the room, each carrying a covered silver platter. They’re placed in the center of the table and the covers removed, revealing a savory and fine-smelling feast. An uncommon scenario for me anymore.

  On the platter closest to me is a variety of rolls. But the further one draws my interest. A slab of seared red meat simmers in sweet-smelling sauces and spices. The meat is coiled in a circular pattern sliced in small finger-width portions. It could be some type of snake. Although, I’ve never heard of a snake having red meat. Regardless, my mouth waters.

  The two servants each dish up a plate and serve us. “Seared trunk and honey rolls. Enjoy.” They both turn and retreat into the kitchen.

  Trunk? Elephant trunk? I dip my finger in the sauce and stick out my nub of a tongue to lick it off. Then I proceed to put my entire finger in my mouth, sucking all the savory juices from it. The Taoiseach clears his throat forcefully and stares down at me with vexed eyes. Manners. Right.

  “I apologize, sir. I forget my manners sometimes. I have many improvements still ahead of me, I must admit.” My words are hardly perceptible.

  “Your tongue. I thought Ellia had it removed, yet you speak, and you are capable of enjoying the sweetness of the seared trunk.”

  “Yes, sir, she did have it removed when I failed my first test. But you house a Healer within your walls. Or, rather, a Healer in training. It didn’t fully grow back. And a speech impediment lingers, as you can hear.” I hesitantly stick out my tongue once more to reveal the forked tip. “If I had peers, I’m sure I would have a surplus of nicknames by now. I’ve accepted it, though. I see it as a reminder of my failures, my successes, and my further improvement.” I reply to be dutiful, but all I want to do is dig into the food. I look to the Taoiseach for approval, and he stares back at me in disgust.

  “A Healer, yes…” His eyes shift to the shadows where Sasha stands attentively. I nearly forgot she was here. “How is it I’m not aware of this? Is Ellia holding back or…” he pauses. “Or are you?”

  I reply quickly and as confidently as I am capable. “I haven’t spoken around Ellia since my tongue was removed, sir. I thought it better to keep to the silence to prevent any further punishment. It has been beneficial thus far, and I plan to stick with it.”

  “Deceitful,” he replies.

  Not deceitful, it’s cunning. It’s brilliant to keep an everyday, common skill hidden from those around you. How could a man with his natural ability to be a spider possibly think it deceitful?

  The Taoiseach reaches for his glass of wine. He empties it and holds the glass out, waiting for a refill. Sasha swiftly makes her way to the decanter and fills it. She is a master at silence and invisibility, and she does it in plain daylight. Although, this is a dark room. But there is much more to learn from her.

  Finally, the Taoiseach picks up his fork and knife and cuts into his meat. I follow suit with a bit more enthusiasm.

  “How is it?” Harris asks. This conversation is so dull. It’s forced. It’s an obligation for both of us. This is not going to win over the Taoiseach. I must impress. Cunning. Confidence. Discipline. Seduction. Maybe I should try being seductive. He’s easily three times my age, maybe more, it’s hard to tell, and more of an absent fatherly figure, but maybe he’s into that kind of thing. I must try. I must get closer to him. It’s the only way. But how? I’ve never tried to seduce anyone before. Ellia has only thrown me out to the hungry dogs who don’t need that kind of attention. Throw them a piece of meat, and they attack in packs without hesitation. They’re interested in humping anything they can, even if it’s a delicate kitten. I’ve never had to seduce a man.

  I look down at my chest. A tool pillow girls flaunt willingly. Maybe I ought to start with that.

  After devouring the small portion of meat—because that’s my priority—I swipe my finger across the plate, lathering it in sauce. I slide my finger between the fork in my tongue and close my lips tight around it. A drip falls on my cleavage. Unfortunately, Harris has not looked up from his meal.

  “Whoops,” I exaggerate girlishly to get a glance. Then I accentuate my breasts by squeezing them between my arms, and I rub my fingers across my chest to get his eyes roaming where they ought not to.

  “What are you doing?” He grimaces. “Did Ellia not teach you any manners? You are eating like an animal. You might as well be feeding out in the sty with the hogs. I see you’ve dressed to impress, likely part of Ellia’s scandalous wardrobe, but please, if you’re not going to dress like a lady, then at least eat like one. Sasha, please have them bring out the main course. We need to speed this along. I have more obligations I must attend to before the night has fully swathed us.”

  Damn. This isn’t working. I have none of those qualities he mentioned about Ellia. Maybe I ought to just take him out right now. I don’t need these games. I can pull the blade from my bun when he bids me good night and put it right through his neck. The thought of seeing him choke on his own blood is appealing
, but I know it wouldn’t work. Otherwise he would have been assassinated ages ago. I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody has already attempted it. Ellia, perhaps. I need to be patient. What will get his attention? What will impress him and win him over? Think, Jaymes, think.

  Ellia said the energy of those around you is contagious. What does that mean? That the energy of the Taoiseach is rubbing off on me? He is a dreary man. Seems emotionless, dark, angry, and anything not pleasant to be around. Ellia isn’t so different, and it has probably changed me.

  I wonder what Stone would think of me if he saw me now. His kid sister, the one who he has devoted his life to keep safe and raise like a lady. And now I’m slaying slum dogs and hood rats and trying to befriend our nemesis. He would be disgusted. Even if I do end up assassinating the Taoiseach, I would never be the same person to him. Eh…who cares what Stone thinks. He abandoned me. Regardless, this is something I must do for myself. I must make sacrifices.

  Now, how do I grasp his attention in a way that will gain his interest? No, I don’t want him to simply be interested, I want him to appreciate and respect me. What energy is the Taoiseach exuding that I can use against him?

  My first impression of the dreadful man, the tyrant, was fear. That’s it. When I first stepped onto his compound, it was fear that crept into my bones. Not just fear. Power. Elegance. And fascination. The man’s entire aura radiates that energy. No wonder he has achieved such a great status. How do I take that and make it my own?

  Maybe I’ve already demonstrated some of that energy and that’s why I’m still here. There must be a reason I have been invited to dine with him. I’ve heard it over and over that my potential for power and greatness is why he latched onto me in the first place. That first encounter we had with him four seasons ago, that is when I first demonstrated my power. I cut through a solid slab of ironwood, the densest and most indestructible organic material known to man. And the Taoiseach watched me do it.