The Daath Chronicles- The Complete Series

by Eliza Tilton

  “Never.”

  “Good.”

  He shut off the hologram and leaned across the table. “I will stay here and make sure The Council does not intervene further. If they could have their way, they would control Tarrtainya.” My father’s eyes narrowed. “I do not know what changed, Lucino. You have never been interested in our people. Power, yes, but not this mission. You may finally be ready to be king.”

  Pride bloomed in my chest, warm and solid. Not only would I be able to free Jeslyn’s bird, but I would honor her by proving I was not a monster.

  My people, her people, would live together.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Jeslyn

  Sunlight warmed my face. Blinking my eyes open, I glanced at the grotto waters. I pressed against the soft moss on the ground, lifting myself to a sitting position. My limbs were sore like I had worked all day on the farm, but my vision and mind were clear, though a dull ache lingered through me.

  The grotto sparkled with sunlight. Mossy banks adorned the gnarled trees, their branches dripping into the clear pond. Flowers dotted the area, sprouting near the cave where the mystical, blue butterflies lived. No butterflies fluttered through the air now, but hummingbirds buzzed around the big white flowers surrounding the trees. Music drifted from their flapping wings, a soft melody that made me want to dip my toes into the pond and close my eyes to dream.

  Where had my savior gone?

  “Lucino?”

  I searched the area for signs of him or the black tiger. My heart sank. Had I imagined it? The rope around my hands sat in a pile on the grass. I picked up the shredded strands. They were torn apart, ripped from the knots.

  An all-white nightingale sat on a nearby tree branch whistling and singing. Its magnificent song made me smile. This grotto held a mysticism I’d never experienced anywhere, a haven in a strange wood. While I knew I could stay in this place and be safe, I had to get up. Using the nearby tree for balance, I stood.

  “Lucino?” This time I called out in a whisper, fearing it had all been a dream.

  What was I to do? Where would I go?

  After the fight at the temple, I stayed at a man named Jericho’s. He was Raven’s cousin and Avikar’s friend. If I could find my way to his home, I was sure he would help.

  I had to believe that Lucino would come for me.

  Before leaving, I drank from the grotto’s waters, filling myself with the refreshing, crisp water. My body needed food and more rest, but I knew walking through the forest unarmed was dangerous.

  Creator, help me.

  Using the suns and my memory as a guide, I retraced my steps from the grotto back to the village. The forest had no main path, but I wouldn’t let that stop me. I didn’t survive the sea, the island or Krischa to die alone in the woods. All day I traveled, only stopping to catch my breath. By the time the suns disappeared and the night sky sprinkled with stars, I cleared the forest.

  The surrounding area panned out like a meadow. Far in the distance, the twinkling outline of Daath’s village sparkled through the night. My destination. From there, I could find my way to Jericho’s home. The village had to be at least half a day’s journey, too far to walk in my current condition. The poison was gone, but remnants of its passing caused my muscles to ache with exhaustion. Surely, I would faint before making it to the safety of Jericho’s home. The meadow was too open, so I headed back into the thick forest to find some type of shelter. Large leaves and brush made for good cover. I risked the chance a snake or some other slithering insect would crawl on me, but the fatigue raking my body gave me little choice. I found a section of large leaves that had fallen off an old kiri tree and gathered them together on the ground for bedding, put my back against the tree, and prayed to The Creator that nothing would attack while I slept.

  Tomorrow, the journey to Jericho’s would surely take an entire day. Tonight, I would rest.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Jeslyn

  My feet throbbed from the walk and every muscle in my body ached, but by nightfall I reached the edge of Jericho’s land. I hid by a tree some ways away from the house. How would I explain my presence? I’d been so focused on making it here, I never thought of what I would say. Lucino was his enemy. They tried to kill him, and Lucino tried to kill my brother. Jericho would never understand Lucino had changed, that he wasn’t the monster they all believed him to be.

  At least, not anymore.

  Every explanation I could think of made less sense than the one before. I would just have to lie. Jericho and his family had been so good to us. There would be a time when everyone would know Lucino and I were together, but with the war, his past mistakes, Grandfather missing … now was not that time.

  Smoothing out my tattered dress, I walked to Jericho’s house. The two-story cottage was just how I remembered it: a garden to the side, blue shutters and a thatched roof, everything down to the apple pie scent that filled most afternoons. I knocked on the door and anxiously waited.

  Even though my heart raced faster than I could breathe, I smiled when Anna opened the door.

  “Jeslyn!” She wrapped me in a warm hug. Her hair smelled of cinnamon, and flour dusted the front of her dress. “What a surprise. Is Avikar here with you?” She glanced behind me, searching for my brother. “We’ve been worried since he hasn’t sent word.”

  “No, just me. Did Avikar return home?”

  Her smile faltered. “No, but Jericho will fill you in. I’ll get him. Sit, have a piece of pie.”

  She took out a plate and spoon and left me at the table. Hunger gnawed at my belly, and I couldn’t pass on this delicious treat. I cut myself a slice bigger than I normally would and dove in. The sweet taste of warm apples melted me from mouth to toes.

  Jericho walked in wiping his wet black hair with a rag. “Hello, Jeslyn.”

  “Hello.” I covered my mouth, trying to keep the crumbs from falling onto the table.

  “What are you doing here? How are you? Anna said Avikar isn’t with you.” He didn’t sit, and his unwavering glance made my hunger disappear.

  “It’s a long story,” I said, clearing my throat. “But first, where is my brother? Is he okay? Did something happen to him?”

  Anna left the room and Jericho pulled out the chair across from me. “He left weeks ago, with Raven and her friend Cael. They were heading over the mountains. We haven’t heard from them since.”

  “Nod Mountains? That’s impossible. Why would they go there?”

  “Lucy was after Avikar.”

  Why would Lucy be after Avikar? It was strange I hadn’t seen her in Mirth, but I assumed she was busy controlling Daath in Lucino’s absence. What would she want with my brother?

  “I’m sure they’re fine,” Jericho added. “Cael knew a safe passage. Now, tell me how you came here.”

  “I was shipwrecked.”

  “Shipwrecked?”

  “After I returned home, I went to stay with my grandfather in Luna Harbor. He was searching for an ancient gem called the Blue Eye when mercenaries hired from the Nomad King kidnapped him. I gained passage on a ship, but we were attacked by Ravagers, and I was lost at sea.”

  Jericho’s mouth hung open in disbelief. I went on to tell him about the big blues, and how they magically navigated the deadly whirlpools. Even though my adventure had been on the western shores, Lucino had mentioned the dangerous waters surrounding Daath had similar whirlpools.

  “Who is the Nomad King?”

  “A bandit king from the Twelfth Land.” I twisted my hands into my dress under the table, my heart racing with fear. What would I say if Jericho didn’t believe me? Lying wasn’t my strong suit, but I held my chin high and acted the part.

  He smirked. “Maybe there is some truth to The Creator. There’s no other explanation for that story. You will stay with us until we can safely return you home. The current regent
of Daath has been seeking out rebels, and we’ve seen more guards of his showing up every day. They must be entering from one of the tunnels, but we’ve yet to find out which one.”

  “Can I help?”

  “No. It’s too dangerous.”

  “I know the palace,” I said, pausing to gauge his reaction. “What if I return there? I was supposed to marry Lucino once upon a time.”

  He shook his head. “You’ll be safer here.”

  I frowned, but resumed eating my pie. I was tired of being held captive every place I stayed. The only time I hadn’t felt helpless was when we were on the ship and I worked as one of the crew. I yearned to be treated as an equal.

  If Jericho refused my help, I would search for Lucino on my own. I simply needed a plan.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Jeslyn

  For two days, I sat around Jericho’s, helping Anna in the garden, and baking too many pies. I could remain idle no longer. I needed to find Lucino, and I wasn’t going to do that while weeding plants.

  “Anna, I need to get a few things at the market.”

  Anna knelt on the ground, scrubbing the wood floor. “There’s a basket of fresh produce you can go trade.”

  I grabbed the woven basket full of carrots, wild strawberries, and celery bushels off the table. “Thank you. I’ll be back soon.”

  “Be careful.”

  My dress from Mirth had been tattered during the romp through the forest, but with a little scrubbing, the fabric had returned to its silky glory. From what I remembered of the women of Daath, they wore brightly colored dresses with even more extravagant needlework and trim. This dress would sell well enough to buy what I needed, along with a new dress for myself. None of Raven’s boy clothes fit me well, and Anna’s dresses were too big. I would need to buy myself one decent outfit while at the market.

  Last night, I asked Jericho about the current situation in Daath; he was more than willing to share his distaste for the current regent, Daago, and about the coup Jericho’s men were planning.

  I decided to create a necklace and visit Lucino’s under the guise that he had previously commissioned the piece. From there, I would try to discern anything about his return, or possibly request an audience with the prince.

  Colored cobblestone created artistic walkways in Daath’s market. Homes sang with rainbow roofs, and not a speck of garbage flittered down the main street. Before we left Daath, Derrick had escorted me through the village’s secret back alleys and tunnels covered with rose bushes.

  My heart clenched. It would be so hard to face Derrick … and Avikar. Neither of them would approve of Lucino, and I understood why. How could I explain what we went through together, how he changed? Somewhere between the churning sea and deadly creatures, Lucino and I found love.

  Derrick would be hurt beyond repair. I knew he still held hope that I would return to Lakewood and accept his proposal. I did care for him, but I loved Lucino, and that wasn’t going to change.

  Stalls lined the cobbled street, and vendors shouted about their wares as I passed. I stopped by one table full of rich colored corsets and a myriad of cotton day dresses.

  “Good morning,” said the vendor, a sweet old woman with gray curls that hung past her shoulders.

  “Good morning.” I picked up a long amber dress with vines stitched along the sleeves. “This is beautiful.”

  “That would look wonderful on you.”

  “How much?”

  “Two coins.”

  I chewed my bottom lip, running my fingertips over the smooth fabric. Having not sold the produce yet, I had no coins. The only thing to barter with was the dress hidden within my cloak. Glancing around the table, I spotted an array of beaded necklaces and bracelets. “I have some fabric you might like.” Extending the dress to her, I waited, fingers crossed that she’d approve a trade.

  “What is this?” She ran a hand across the cloth. “I’ve never seen this material.”

  “It’s from over the mountains,” I whispered. “But I need something more in return.”

  She held the dress in her hand, laying it across the table, examining the seams. “Ask.”

  “I need beads to make a necklace. This is all I have to sell.”

  “Wait.” She ducked under her table, rummaging through things, and popped back up, holding a box. “Look.”

  I took the carved wooden box and opened it. Different colored beads filled half the box. Some were opaque, others sparkled vibrant green. There were even a few tiny, white, pearl-like beads.

  “Take the box. I think there’s even some threading in there.”

  I closed the lid, hugging it to my chest while she folded the amber dress. “Thank you so much.”

  She smiled. “You take care, dear.”

  Hope filled me. I brought the basket of produce to another vendor and traded for a wheel of cheese, a few apples and two large jars of fresh milk.

  My feet couldn’t take me back to Jericho’s quickly enough. The entire walk back, I thought of the designs on the light boards. While I wouldn’t be able to create such an extravagant piece here, without the magic of the light board, I could make an elegant prize, one that would gain me entrance into Lucino’s home.

  I already had the perfect image in my head, a double stranded choker with a mid-section of pearls in the shape of a sun, the beads a mix of white and pale blue like the sky, bright yellows for the sun emblem.

  A few days, and I’d be ready.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Jeslyn

  Strolling up to the expansive grounds of Lucino’s home in Daath, I hesitated, slowing to stall beside some vendor carts that lined the street leading up to the palace. Would it be odd that I arrived on foot? No, I was a simple jeweler; a carriage would be too much.

  My amber dress brushed across the path leading to the massive doors as I walked. Pausing at the entrance, I wondered what the proper etiquette would be. As a humble jewelry merchant, did I knock? Would someone announce my presence? I was unprepared. My heart began to flutter. I twisted the beads in my hand.

  A servant exited, nearly colliding with me as I stood in a stupor.

  “Hello,” I quickly said. “I’m here to see Daago. I have an item for him.”

  The servant hesitated only briefly, then turned on her heels. “This way.”

  I followed the girl through the familiar home. Each step made my pulse race a bit more. Memories of wandering the halls, roaming the gardens, and running through the maze, flickered through my mind. If Avikar and Derrick hadn’t stopped the wedding, this would be my home.

  What would happen when Lucino returned? I didn’t think he would reside anywhere but Daath, which meant soon, I’d return here with him.

  “Your name?” the servant asked before opening another set of doors.

  “Miss Aurora.” Nervousness made my mouth dry. The worst that could happen would be for them to dismiss me, but at least I’d know I tried.

  She swung open the doors to the throne room. A black stone throne sat where Lucino’s golden thrown once stood. Jagged pieces stuck out at the top, resembling fangs. The man sitting on the throne read from a parchment. The room was empty except one man standing in front, waiting.

  “Lord Daago. A Miss Aurora is here for you.”

  “Come forward.” Daago waved me ahead.

  Jeweled rings dangled off his long fingers. The dark black of his dress matched his slicked back hair, which made his pale face a sickly white. A trimmed mustache, the only facial hair present, reminded me of the old barber in town who always smiled strangely at me. Darkness shrouded over Daago, an invisible cloud that sent a chill through me and silenced the room. How many of the servants knew he wasn’t human? Lucino’s people would never have put a human as regent. Daago had to be Reptilian—a thought that made me quickly regret coming.

  Lucino was d
ifferent from his kind because he was half-human. But what were the others like? The Queen, cold, but slightly accommodating, and Krischa, well, she tried to kill me. Then there was Lucy. She was half-human and hated me. The only time she was nice was the day of the wedding, and I’m still not sure why. I doubt it was because she was excited we would be sisters.

  I waited while Daago continued reading, sweat forming at the nape of my neck. How I wished I’d worn my hair in a bun.

  “So,” he finally said, rolling up the parchment and handing it to the gentleman who waited. “Who are you and what do you require?”

  I curtsied. “It’s an honor, my lord. I am a jeweler. Lord Lucino commissioned a piece for his bride. While he is no longer here, the item was paid for in advance, and it would be wrong for me to keep it.”

  I held out the folded piece of fabric, keeping my head bowed.

  Footsteps clamored against the stone floor as Daago made his way to me. He took the necklace and held it up.

  “Exceptional work. Willis.”

  My eyes widened at the mention of Lucino’s butler. I should have assumed he’d still be employed. Willis would surely remember me. I swallowed hard, my gaze locked on the floor.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Take Miss Aurora to the cottage.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  “The cottage?” I dared to look at Daago. He had strong, rugged features and sharp green eyes. “What’s the cottage?”

  “I could use someone of your talents. You’ll stay here.”