Bastial Steel

by Narro, B. T.

  He expected it to be hot, as that’s how it appeared—like a burning ember—but the steel was cold just like any other sword.

  Though it didn’t feel like any other sword.

  “It’s so light,” Cleve marveled.

  “It’s about half the weight of iron,” Danvell said. “This is how we won the Bastial Steel War ten years ago.” He pointed at the weapon and then folded his arms. “And with it, you’ll get back my son and wife.”

  Chapter 15

  After receiving the dreadful news about Queen Vala and Prince Raymess, Lisanda was first out of the room. Suddenly, she let out a shriek that pulled everyone’s gaze.

  She must’ve seen something, Cleve figured. But instead of running away from it, she was darting farther into the hall.

  Cleve walked up to see what it was. Lisanda’s lips were locked with some young man’s. Must be that Sartious mage. Looks like he’s made it back safely.

  Lisanda separated from him, a wide smile giving sight to her teeth. “You’re filthy. You need a shower.”

  “So, let’s go.” He started pulling her down the hall. Around his shoulder was a giant sack making sloppy squishing sounds with each step. The desmarl eyes.

  She tugged on his arm to stop him. “What do you mean?”

  “You can get in with me.”

  She laughed and squeezed his cheeks with one hand. “With the amount of dirt on your body, I’m more likely to come out dirtier than I am now.”

  “Oh, I can guarantee you will.” He leaned down, and they kissed again.

  Danvell cleared his throat.

  They stopped, looking up with guilt.

  “I apologize, my king,” Jek said, now with a flat line across his mouth. “I didn’t see you there.” Jek took a step forward and then kneeled, bowing his head and presenting the sack to Danvell.

  “Please, stand up straight.” The King’s eyebrows arched, and a smile formed. “There’s no need for that. I have an apology as well. I should’ve trusted you more. Instead, I sent you to the desmarls.” The King let the sack rest in front of him without looking inside.

  “I understand. You didn’t think my feelings for Lisanda were genuine, and you were worried hers weren’t, either.”

  “You’ve proven your allegiance. You proved it before you even left. I just failed to realize it. There will be no more tests. I promise this.”

  Jek seemed to be holding in a laugh.

  “Is something funny?” Danvell asked, now deciding to open the sack for a glance, anger forming in his tone.

  Cleve peered into it for a look at the monstrous eyes. They were easy to see, as the sack was nearly filled to the brim with them. They had an oval shape, like a head turned on its side. In fact, they were about the same size as a Human head as well. They were mostly white with a tall black pupil, each one ruptured and somewhat disfigured.

  Jessend had told him that chemists used desmarl eyes in mixtures with different plants for several potions, the most valuable heightening eyesight for a brief time.

  “No, my king. Nothing’s funny.” Jek answered. “It’s just that your mention of a promise brought back memories.” He looked to Lisanda. “Fond ones.”

  “I see.” The King’s smile returned. “You must be hungry for a decent meal. I’ll have someone prepare something for you. But first, you must bathe. I can smell you from here.”

  “You do stink,” Lisanda added with a giggle.

  “One last thing,” Danvell said. “The party that was sent with you—in your letter they were all uninjured. Where are they now?”

  “They made it back with me. We got held up in Waywen, but everyone survived. I dismissed them once we were in the palace.”

  “We sent an army to retrieve you.”

  “Yes, they found us when we were already in Goldram. They’re back as well.”

  “Very well. You can tell me the rest after you bathe.” The King walked by Jek, placing a hand on his shoulder for a squeeze.

  Micah took that as his cue to approach Jek. “I’m very glad you’re back.” They shook hands.

  Lisanda clung to Jek’s other arm, using her feet to fiddle with the marble floor.

  Jessend approached next, and Cleve felt as if he should go with her. “I’m sorry about what happened last time we met,” she told Jek, though Cleve didn’t know what she was referring to.

  Jek bowed. “I understand, Jessend. I’m just relieved you’re not upset with me anymore. You can be quite scary, especially with a knife in your hand.”

  Lisanda laughed, and Jek smiled wide. Jessend poked him in the chest. “That’s right,” she said facetiously. She gestured toward Cleve. “This is Cleve Polken. Cleve, this is Jek Trayden.”

  Cleve didn’t know if he should bow or what, so he waited to see what the Sartious mage would do. Jek extended his hand with a warm smile, and Cleve shook it.

  Jessend continued, “Cleve came back with me from Kyrro. He saved not only my life, but Lisanda’s and our father’s as well.”

  Surprise struck Jek’s face. He looked to Lisanda, and she nodded to him.

  “It’s true,” Lisanda said. “He’s quite the warrior, and he’s going to help retrieve our mother and brother.”

  The surprise deepened. “What happened?”

  “I’ll tell you everything,” Lisanda said. “But you must shower first. I’m starting to feel faint.”

  Jek laughed. “Alright. And I like your hair.”

  Lisanda ran a hand through it. She was glowing with glee. “Thank you.”

  Later that night, Cleve couldn’t get to sleep. The dread of being sent after the Takary Prince and Queen when he knew so little about the land had started to creep back into his body. It was a physical feeling, this dread, like his muscles were in constant use.

  He tried to relax, but he was hungry as well. He hadn’t eaten much during dinner. He figured no one had, not with the conversation that had taken place.

  Getting up, Cleve decided he needed to eat something before he would ever fall asleep. And it will get my mind off these incessant worries as well.

  Reluctant to disturb Gerace, he made his way to the pantry on his own, using a lamp to light the dark hallways. Moving about in low light always reminded him of Effie. The white glow from her wand as she paced around the dark house they shared would dance around the hallway in what seemed to be an aimless route. Many nights Cleve had fallen asleep listening to the soft patter of her feet traveling back and forth outside his closed door, her light brightening and dimming as she went.

  A few times, he’d gotten up himself, and they’d shared a conversation. She had a lot on her mind during those nights—maybe she always had, he realized now.

  Usually it was easy for Cleve to bury his worries, but as he came close to the pantry, he felt more similar to Effie than to his old self. If this is what her mind is like every night, I feel sorry for her.

  The pantry was well lit, he saw as he approached the door. He blew out his lamp but stopped in the doorway when he heard voices.

  Lisanda was seated on the counter, her bare legs wrapped around Jek as he stood before her. She wore a man’s buttoned shirt. Cleve figured it was Jek’s, as he had no shirt on himself.

  The mage was average height, maybe a little taller. His body was muscular but lean, with scars and even fresh cuts that Cleve figured were from the desmarls.

  Cleve hadn’t noticed his eyes before. But now, among the light of several lamps around the pantry, he could see how blue they were—distractingly blue.

  The two of them didn’t seem to notice Cleve yet.

  He froze, reluctant to enter but too hungry to leave. Jek was feeding Lisanda a strawberry, each giggling. He leaned in for a kiss, but she playfully pushed him away. “You have strawberry all over your mouth.”

  “You love it,” he joked, puckering his lips and looming toward her.

  She let out a squeak and leaned back. “I do not.”

  “How is it not all over your mouth as well?
” he asked, looking for something to use to wipe his mouth.

  “Because I know how to eat without making a mess, unlike you.” She handed him a cloth.

  He used it. “Clean enough for you, Princess?”

  “Much better.”

  Her light giggling died down as they leaned in to kiss each other. Soon the motion became fierce, their lips wrestling, their mouths opening wider. They separated, and Jek urgently started unbuttoning the shirt covering Lisanda.

  The moment Cleve realized she had nothing on underneath it, he turned and left.

  He took a different route back to his room, still trying to figure out how to fill his stomach without bothering a servant.

  He passed by a room with two guards stationed outside. It was strange because they weren’t there during the day. A quick peek inside gave insight as to why they were there. Cleve found Danvell Takary scribbling away, hunched over a table with a lowly lamp beside him. The King looked up and then pushed himself to his feet.

  “Cleve.” He motioned for Cleve to come in, then sat back down and returned to his writing before Cleve could even reply.

  He entered, sat, and waited, deciding not to speak until Danvell said something first. But his stomach wasn’t as obedient, grumbling loudly as the King wrote.

  Danvell looked up. “I didn’t eat much, either. Let’s have a small meal, shall we?” From the way Danvell was smiling, it was clear he already knew Cleve’s answer.

  “That would be wonderful.”

  Danvell turned to his guards and barked some orders. One of them walked off.

  “I’ll be done soon,” the King told Cleve, switching his gaze back to the scroll and murmuring words. Soon, his pen was dancing again, the scratch it produced echoing off the walls.

  The monarch whistled, and the other guard approached with a hand extended. Danvell handed him the scroll, took a culminating breath, and turned his focus to Cleve. “Were you wondering why I write in here?”

  Cleve glanced around the room for the first time. There were no windows on the stone walls. The room was a rare dead end unless there was some hidden passage behind the hearth where the fire crackled.

  “I do now,” Cleve admitted.

  “Dank, isn’t it?” The King wafted his hand as if he could feel the wetness in the air. “I get my best writing done in here. I’m not sure why. You’d think I’d hate it in here, but I like how bare the walls are. I like the sound the fire makes bouncing off them.” The crackle was dull, like someone tapping fingernails on a table.

  Cleve nodded. “We can’t help what we like, only embrace it or suppress it.” He thought of Reela, wondering if she’d smile if she’d heard him just now. Of course she would. She’s always smiling.

  “You’re very wise. Anyone tell you that?”

  Cleve shook his head. “It must be a recent development.”

  The King laughed, thinking Cleve was joking. Both guards had returned to their post. The one who had been sent off first leaned in and announced, “They’re cooking now, my king.”

  “Thank you.”

  Cleve’s stomach rumbled again.

  “What’s going on between you and Jessend?” Danvell asked. “Did she tell you to claim you love someone else back in Kyrro, or is that the truth?”

  “That’s the truth—well, I’m not sure about love. But I care for her deeply.”

  “Don’t you care for Jessend deeply?”

  Cleve’s mouth opened before he knew what he was going to say. Then it just hung there, waiting for his mind to catch up. “I do,” he finally uttered. “But more as a friend.”

  “What did she do for you to feel this way? She can be quite crude. Is that it? She needs to learn some better manners.”

  “Her behavior has nothing to do with it. And I actually like the way she’s straightforward. I don’t think she should change anything about herself.”

  “Then what is it? Do you not think she’s beautiful?”

  What kind of question is that from a father about his own daughter? There is ever only one answer. “Of course she’s beautiful.”

  “Too short for you?”

  Cleve let out a frustrated laugh. “She’s quite short, but it has nothing to do with that.”

  The King leaned back in his chair. “So, everything you said before is really true? In another life, you and Jessend could’ve been together, but not now—not with…what’s her name? The one back in Kyrro.”

  “Reela.”

  “Not with Reela waiting for you?”

  “Yes. All of that’s true.” Cleve was beginning to feel frustrated for Jessend’s sake…to not have her own father believe her.

  “I understand. Please don’t tell Jessend I asked. She used to make up stories about other people when she was younger, and she still tends to exaggerate the truth. But I think you bring out her best side. Can we really ask for anything more than that?”

  “That’s the finest reason I’ve heard to be with someone,” Cleve admitted.

  “Well, I hope Reela does that for you, and you do that for Reela. I know my wife only makes me stronger. I feel like half of me has been missing since she left. I’m sure I would’ve made better decisions with her here, especially involving Jek.”

  “She’ll be back, along with your son.” Cleve let his tone reflect his responsibility. He would make sure of it.

  “Thank you, Cleve. I hope we hear from them and the Elf soon.”

  Two servants stood in the doorway with trays of food. “My king,” one said, lowering her head.

  “Come in.”

  As they ate, Danvell told Cleve more about his wife and son. At first Cleve thought the information he was sharing would be helpful for their retrieval. But soon it became clear that Danvell just wanted to speak of them. The way his eyes looked when he gazed up from his food was as if he was picturing them as he spoke.

  By the time they were finished, Cleve felt that sleep might take him before he made it back to his room.

  He thanked the King and left.

  Back in his room, he was surprised to find someone was already in his bed. Jessend sat up and covered her mouth as she yawned.

  “How’d you get in?” Cleve was sure he’d locked the door.

  “I have a key, silly. Do you not want me in here?”

  He removed his pants and slid his feet under the covers. “You’re always welcome to share my bed.”

  “Always?” She put her arm across his stomach. “Even if Reela’s there with you?”

  “If she’s fine with it, then I am.”

  Jessend giggled. “She definitely wouldn’t be.”

  “I realize that.”

  “So you’re not worried about what she’s going to think about all the nights we’ve spent together? You told me she’s a psychic. Won’t she know?”

  “She can’t read direct thoughts. No psychic can—though she might be able to pick up on some guilt if I feel it strongly enough.”

  “But there won’t be any, right?”

  “No.” Cleve knew many people suffered from guilt over the smallest things, but not him. If things had gone further with Jessend that night Kasko came, then I would.

  “Good. Because I don’t want to leave this warm bed.”

  They were silent for some time. Cleve was phasing in and out of sleep when Jessend blurted something that woke him up fully.

  “I think I’m going to kiss Silvie tomorrow. When is a good time to kiss a girl?”

  Cleve would’ve been surprised if it weren’t for all the hours atop Nulya’s back that he’d spent noticing their flirtation.

  “I’m sure you know better than me. I’ve only ever kissed you and Reela. And both times I practically had to be begged.”

  Jessend scoffed. “I wish Silvie would beg me to kiss her, or she would just do it herself.” She sat up suddenly. “Don’t tell anyone about this.” Her tone couldn’t have been more serious. “My father would force me to marry the next man he saw.”

  “Does Lisa
nda know you feel this way about Silvie?”

  “Of course. She’s seen me out there almost as much as you have, and she’s not stupid.”

  “Does this mean you aren’t interested in men anymore?” The moment Cleve asked his question, he wondered if he should have. He’d never had any conversation like this before, and he didn’t know how she would take it.

  Jessend was silent, her hand tracing Cleve’s abs.

  “I still like men,” she said. “I don’t really know what this means, to be honest. All I know is that I can be who I am around Silvie—I like who I am around her. She makes me feel safe, but also weak, like how you’ve talked about Reela. But this isn’t a real weakness. I think you’re mistaken about that, Cleve. It’s more of a yearning. Sometimes we desire things that we shouldn’t, and that makes us feel weak, but this desire is healthy. I can feel it. It’s like craving food when we’re hungry, and I’m always hungry around her. Do you know what I mean?”

  Cleve hadn’t thought about it in that way. I’ve always been hungry for Reela as well, since the moment I saw her.

  More out of curiosity than anything else, Cleve thought to give Jessend the same compliment that her father had given him, just to see how she would react.

  “You’re very wise. Has anyone ever told you that?”

  She scoffed once more. “Don’t be stupid.” She twisted up to peck his cheek. “Now let’s get some rest. In the morning, you’ll help me think of some way to get Silvie into the back of the stables. That’s where I’ll kiss her. Out of view.”

  Chapter 16

  That morning, Gerace delivered their food along with a note for each of them from Danvell. The King still didn’t know Cleve and Jessend had been sharing a bed, and Gerace knew better than to tell him. The note said they were to meet in the throne room after breakfast.

  “I hate meeting him in there,” Jessend stated, swallowing completely first. She never spoke with food in her mouth. Cleve figured it was one of the many lessons taught to her. “When he’s sitting on the throne, I never feel like he’s my father, only my king.”

  They were the last to arrive, Micah told them as he waited in the doorway. Then he left to retrieve Danvell Takary, who usually waited until everyone was there before entering his own meeting.