A King's Ransom

by Lia Black

  Crow sighed. "It's noth—" again, a look from Lucania shut him up. He took several deep breaths and started again. "I do not understand my own thoughts."

  The big man let out a staggering breath and rolled onto his back, staring up at the sky, "I'm sorry if I said anything that troubled you. I don't know how to say anything but what's in my heart, which is why I resorted to being alone and saying as little as possible."

  "Silence and lies don't change what one feels. I understand this now with Klimri." Crow felt Lucania's tension weight the air when he said his old lover's name.

  "You still love him too, then." The big man sat up, staring into the forest.

  "No." Crow shook his head.

  Lucania nodded. "Well, I guess that's some small consolation." He heaved himself up, making sure the blanket was covering his lower half, and began busying himself with what Crow knew were just distractions disguised as tasks.

  "Consolation?" He asked. He watched the muscles moving beneath the Dulath's tawny-hued skin as Lucania moved around the campsite. He was made of power and surprising grace, like a mountain moved by a gentle breeze. Everything about him was solid and warm, and the more Crow noticed these things, the more confused he became. Lucania was nothing like Klimri—nothing like anyone he'd ever met or had ever known existed, but it was not this novelty alone that made him interesting. Even the fact that he could shift from man, to bear, to somewhere in-between was not what intrigued Crow the most. It was just Lucania's way—his gentle demeanor despite the ferocity of what he was. It was this and so many other things that he could not name; this defied his logic, and caused him worry.

  "Consolation that the reason you shy away from me is not because you love him…" Lucania frowned, "Although I'm not so sure that it's so much of a relief after all…that means you don't like me because of me."

  "What?" Crow's eyes widened. "Don't like you? Is that what you think?"

  Lucania shrugged and crouched near the fire, unnecessarily shoving in a few sticks. Crow rose from where he'd been sitting and came to sit next to the big man.

  "I…I am confused about my feelings. I do…like you. Very much. I am just…hesitant."

  Lucania turned to face him, those expressive blue eyes seeking to share whatever knowledge Crow would offer him.

  "I have not once considered that I would ever meet another person who would desire me. I have been alone for six years." The reality weighed heavily upon him and Crow's shoulders slumped under the weight. "Six years of not touching, or being touched, by another." He let out a heavy sigh, feeling suddenly drained. "I do not know how to relate so well to others."

  Lucania chuckled, "You're doing just fine with me."

  "I am not…too quiet?"

  "Am I too talkative?" Lucania raised an eyebrow. He was smiling now and that made Crow feel a little more at ease.

  Crow shook his head. "I like to listen to you. I find your voice very soothing."

  "Really?" the big man asked, purposefully making his voice lower.

  Crow felt himself give into a little smile. Smiling was a rare thing and it always took him by surprise when he did it; he realized that he was doing it a lot more since he'd met Lucania.

  "Um, Crow…" Lucania took in a deep breath and licked his lips. Crow felt his own mouth go dry in response as he waited for him to finish what he was saying.

  "Can I…I mean if it's all right…"

  Crow's ears filled with the sound of his blood pounding as his heart hammered hard against his ribs.

  Lucania reached out and gently brushed a lock of thick brown hair from Crow's forehead. His big hand cupped Crow's cheek and Crow's eyes slid shut. He felt the big man's breath hot on his face as his heart stuttered through his anticipation. A moment later Crow sighed as Lucania's lips pressed softly against his own.

  The kiss was soft, and sweet and fleeting, but Lucania remained hovering with just a hairsbreadth between them. Crow opened his eyes, drawn into the sky of Lucania's blue depths. His tongue came out to taste the flavor of the kiss from his own parted lips.

  "Was that all right?" Lucania's voice was deep and husky.

  Crow nodded slowly, feeling strangely stirred by his proximity, but not wanting him to move away.

  "Gods, you smell good." Lucania dropped his head, nuzzling against Crow's neck.

  "I—thank you, Lucania." Crow slid his arms across that wide expanse of back, pressing his cheek against Lucania's shoulder. His skin was warm and Crow found himself breathing in this man's distinctive fragrance as well. The scent was spicy, slightly musky from his sweat, and very, very male. And Crow inhaled it, exhaling with a comfortable sigh.

  "I want to take things slow," Lucania rumbled against him. "I want to take every minute I can like this. Just like this."

  Crow felt a lump rising to his throat, making it impossible to speak, so he nodded his agreement. Yes. Six years of solitude had earned him some slow comfort. There was no rush. Right now, the soft kisses and warm hugs were enough.

  "If you'll let me, I'll be your voice and you…you can be my quiet peace." Lucania's words moved through him, soothing his beating heart.

  "I think I would like that." Crow felt himself smile once more.

  *~*~*

  It was dusk on the third day that Kaidos and Engel reached Crow and Barlan's campsite in the forest, bringing with them a few new faces. Among them were the Archduke Raedburne DuFallier, his second son Duke Renwal DuFallier, Captain Mallig of the Archduke's army and three other soldiers.

  They made their introductions, shared a light meal, and then spent several hours talking about what was to occur once they reached Dandre. Kaidos excused himself before too long, feeling overwhelmed by the entire discussion.

  "Vailinn," someone said.

  Kaidos raised his head as Engel came to him. It had become apparent to Kaidos how real and dangerous this could be. He'd been so worried that something would happen to Veyl and he'd never see him again, that he never considered the danger to himself. It was beginning to settle in. The guard captain had impressed him with his skill both in politics and strategy. It was easy to see how he might have been a war hero. But people died in wars, regardless of how good their leadership.

  "Ahrn." Kaidos greeted softly.

  Ahrn crouched down, his features fraught with concern. "We're nearly there. Crow has mapped us a good route. We're planning to get within two miles of Dandre by tomorrow dusk, so we can surprise them well before first light."

  Kaidos nodded with a sigh, hearing his own breath stagger through his lungs. The plan was that Kaidos and Crow would try to locate Veyl. They would sneak up through the dungeons with Barlan, Renwal, and an archer named Kel. At the same time, the Archduke would arrive at the front gates as a diversion with Engel, Captain Mallig, and the remaining two soldiers. If the old king was dead, once they were able to reach Veyl, he should have the power to make the army stand down. If not, the archduke had sent messengers to contact his allies in the east and west before they had even left Parthus, and it was believed that they would reach Dandre by dawn.

  That was something they all wanted to avoid. A peaceful resolution was the best option—the safest. But there was still the matter of a mage to deal with somewhere.

  The only one who had any information at all on the mage was Barlan, but he could only tell them that the man was small, young, and apparently suffering from some mental instability. Small was a given where Barlan was concerned, but young and unstable were definitely worrisome. Kaidos had a sick feeling that where he found the mage, he would find Veyl. What if the mage had done something and Veyl didn't recognize him? What if Veyl called the king's army down on their heads?

  There were escape routes mapped out and contingency plans, but Kaidos already knew he would not be leaving unless Veyl was with him. He would rather die by his lover's hand than try to go back to living without him.

  "Kaidos," Engel's voice jarred him back to reality, "you need to get some rest. You have to be at your best
for this."

  Kaidos again nodded. As Engel must view their mission with the mind of a soldier, Kaidos needed to focus on this matter with the mind of a thief; stealing the most beautiful, rare jewel.

  CHAPTER FORTY THREE

  Transference

  It was after midnight when Aegeus was roused from his sleep by two very nervous-looking guards. He'd only just fallen asleep, Finn's nightshirt clutched close to his face as only the boy's scent could soothe him.

  "What." He glared at the men who stood over his bed.

  "The chamberlain says it's time." One of them said.

  "Fuck." Aegeus sat up slowly, his bones sliding painfully back into place. "You need to leave so I can prepare," he said without looking at either of the two men.

  "But—"

  Aegeus cocked his chin, "That does not require a verbal response." He flicked open one hand and produced a sparking blue ball of energy.

  The two guards scrambled away and Aegeus closed his fist around the ball, ignoring the scent of burning flesh and the violet goo that squeezed between his fingers. In a way, it was good that Finn could not be here now. He didn't need to see this—what Aegeus' mind and body were going through from the magick flowing through him. Aegeus stood up slowly and swayed in his spot. He began a soft chant—nonsense words meant to focus his noisy brain. Then he moved through the room, touching each of his bed posts three times. His hand stopped at Finn's bed and he stood frozen.

  This was beyond just a simple break in his routine. He was reminded that Finn—who would have gently guided him through this lapse—was not here. Aegeus felt dizzy and closed his eyes as his world turned to panic.

  "What is taking so long?"

  The chamberlain's voice from the main room reached him, but Aegeus heard it as though it were miles away. His own breathing was loud and hollow in his ears, the air—or his brain—crackling with magick that sought release. It hadn't been this way since he'd been a child—since he'd first tasted that power, yet not understood how to hold it. At eight years old, he'd burned an entire village to the ground and hadn't known it until the witch-mother took him to see the smoldering remains of what had once been people. Perhaps she'd thought it a good lesson to teach him how to restrain his emotions—how to repress the fear so that he could control the magick that he called and cultivated. What it had achieved, however, was the sensation of a small piece of his brain shattering, and nightmares so vivid, that he couldn't remember his waking hours for years afterward.

  "Elf—look in on him!"

  Aegeus felt Melina's presence before he was able to open his eyes and see her. He understood that the others were terrified of him, and rightly so. That was why they sent her in—let him discharge his anger onto her, the one who meant nothing to them. Aegeus longed to be so ignored.

  Melina looked frightened, but she began to count. It was only a whisper, and Aegeus read the syllables on her lips more than heard them.

  "I've seen Finn," She chanted in the same rhythm, "He is well. I will protect him. He will be safe."

  Aegeus let out the breath he'd been holding. It moved like shards of glass through his lungs. He gave another little cough, swallowing the black residue as he felt the grip of his own mind let up, allowing him to move once more. Even if what she said was a lie, he'd take it.

  Melina continued to chant softly nearby, tears running down her pale cheeks as Aegeus methodically stripped off his bedclothes, then dressed in only a pair of breeches.

  It was time.

  *~*~*

  Four guards stood in the room along with the chamberlain when Aegeus stepped out from behind his curtain. Between each pair of guards was a stretcher; one held the whithered, wheezing body of the king, the other, the sleeping prince. Aegeus felt his stomach cramp with nausea.

  "I'm sorry," he murmured to Melina, "I need you to stay or I won't be able to do this." He doubted she had a choice either way. It was a damned inconvenient time for him to have developed a conscience. Although he doubted Melina would be able to save Finn, he believed that she was sincere in her belief that she would. Finn liked her. Perhaps if things were different, Aegeus would have taken her away from this tyrant and offered her a place in his home, or helped her to return to her own people.

  She gave a small nod of her head, stepping back to be as unassuming as possible.

  Chamberlain Rheton curled his upper lip in disgust as he looked at Aegeus' emaciated and disfigured body, but he said nothing. Aegeus for once was glad to know his appearance caused someone discomfort.

  "There...and...there." Aegeus swayed slightly as he tried to indicate where each man's body should be placed within the circle. "Don't smear the lines!" he snapped at one of the guards who dragged his feet too much. Necessity and his own obsession forced the ritual to a temporary halt. "I must redraw the sigil…"

  "No time!" Rheton snapped. "The king is dying!"

  "Then he'll die." Aegeus retorted. "If I cannot redraw the sigil, then we'll simply wait for him to expire, because I cannot do the ritual with that mess!" He pointed to the smudge in the chalk line.

  Rheton hissed. "Fine—but know this, magus: your precious child's life depends on this going well. The guards outside have my instructions that should any harm come to His Majesty, the prince, or myself, that your boy will be killed."

  "I am well aware of your pusillanimous threats, Rheton." Aegeus barked and swayed as nausea coursed through him again. "Turn around—don't look at me, I can't do this with eyes upon me."

  Grumbling, Rheton turned his back to Aegeus, signaling the guards to do the same.

  Aegeus, his hands shaking, moved to one of his work tables, touching everything in its prescribed order before grinding the powders to mix the chalk, and priming it with his blood. Mixing in his blood would take less time than having to place it at each compass point again, and unfortunately, time was of the essence. Once he'd finished, he returned to the sigil, compulsively circling and pausing at each point three times before he crouched and began to redraw the marks on the floor.

  Already he was shivering as he spoke the words of his spell, and his breath came out in a cloud of frost. The magick filled him with ice, though the marks on his flesh burned as they resonated and became connected again with the arcane.

  Both the king and Veyl brought vibrations into the circle. Veyl's was high, pure, and clear like bells, though muted by the poisons Aegeus had introduced to his system to make him sleep. The king's was a weak, crawling thing that made Aegeus feel even more nauseous. He dreaded the thought of taking that feeling inside of himself. But only for a little while.

  "I am turning around now, magus," the Chamberlain announced just as Aegeus finished the last stroke of the seal.

  "If you must." Aegeus muttered and pointed to the small black box where he had tucked the crystal prison. The arrogant swine was a fool. Although he knew that Aegeus was capable of destroying him and everyone he'd ever known, he used this leverage with Finn as if it were a magick shield. Unfortunately, in this case it was.

  Melina dutifully brought the box to Aegeus, just as Finn would have done, reaching over the markings while standing well outside the chalk lines that had changed from a pasty rust color to violet-black once more. He gave her an appreciative nod, hoping that she would fulfill her promise to care for Finn. Aegeus had done little to deserve her kindness, but then that was probably nothing new to her. He wished he could apologize, but what was done would stand. As a final gesture of thanks, Aegeus touched the back of her hand gently, and placed a ward on her. It was temporary, and would only last as long as he lived, but perhaps that would be long enough to let her escape and—hopefully—save his Finn. Melina recognized what he'd done and met his eyes with a conviction he both envied and appreciated. Maybe things would be all right. Maybe Melina would return home with Finn and act as his mother to replace the one that Aegeus had so cruelly stolen from him all of those years ago.

  With these thoughts, Aegeus tried to soothe his fear. He tried to im
agine Finn growing into a fine young man under Melina's gentle guidance. Perhaps she would even make his sacrifice seem heroic, and not the truth that it was: that he'd taken the offer out of selfishness, and then turned around and ruined everything because of pride.

  Aegeus slid open the box. The crystal hummed with a frequency that made his teeth ache, and turned the blood in his veins thorny. When he picked it up, the crystal began to glow and pulse in time with his erratically-beating heart.

  Focus.

  The King's wheezing hitched as he struggled to breathe and Rheton took a step forward.

  "Stop!" Aegeus barked at him. He made a fist, squeezing hard enough to pierce the skin with his nails, and then used the visceral ink to draw a mark of containment on the dying King's forehead. It would not keep him alive in the corporeal sense, but would block his spirit from leaving before Aegeus was ready.

  He pressed the crystal to the hollow just below his own throat and winced as he felt the threads of magick slither through his flesh and sink their barbs into the place where his own spirit resided. The crystal began to hum to his frequency, filling his blood with icy needles that prickled through his veins, sending the acid cold through every muscle, bone, and organ.

  The pain kept him focused on the task at hand rather than his worry about Finn. He blinked to clear the film of blood that had formed over his eyes as he pressed a tentative hand to the prince's forehead.

  Out of curiosity, he gave a testing pull to Veyl's spirit. It was like warm grains of sand rushing through his fingers. The spirit was potent, but caressed his magick with a gentle, thrumming warmth, even as he let it go. It was beautiful, so clean; a magick untainted by a lust for power. He enjoyed the mystery of it and thought how someday he would like to learn to successfully draw such a powerful, cleansing essence, then realized, sadly, he would never have the chance.

  "I will begin now." Aegeus announced, more for his own benefit than that of his undesired audience. His lungs burned from the effort of speaking and he fought back a cough.