Karel stopped and studied him for a moment. His black goatee twitched several times as he tilted his head and scratched his ear.
“I’m going to offer you a proposition,” he finally said. “But if you tell the chancels, I swear I will kill you faster than you can blink.”
Peter stared. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. Breathe a word of this and it won’t matter what the chancels decide because you’ll be dead. Am I clear?”
With some effort, Peter stood. He disliked threats as much as the next man, but the thought of defying the chancel was a chance he couldn’t pass up. “Completely.”
“Good. Now shut up and follow me.”
Peter looked over his shoulder as they exited the tunnel. Katy was nowhere in sight. Please, he prayed as he followed the other prince down toward the village, remind her of the truth. Whatever they’re doing…don’t let them turn her against me.
Karel led him down a dirt path from the arena to the village, but unlike the last time Peter had come to the village, they stayed close to the edge. When Karel pulled the hood of his cloak up over his head, so did Peter. They passed dozens of cottages and shops, the light casting oblong shadows as the sun crept lower in the sky. As they walked, Peter hoped Malachi and Firin Reaghan had stayed out of trouble. His original plan to keep the boy with him constantly was growing much more difficult than he’d first supposed. He said another prayer as they turned down a dark alley, hoping they wouldn’t worry when he didn’t immediately return.
Peter’s boots became dirtied by the mud and puddles in the alley as they walked. What was in those puddles, he didn’t want to know. Halfway down the alley, Karel stopped behind one of the larger cottages and tapped on the window. If it weren’t for the appearance of a slight breeze on a curtain behind the nearest window, Peter wouldn’t have known anyone was even in the house. A few seconds later, however, the door opened, and Peter followed Karel inside. Karel turned and pointed him to a chair, waiting until Peter was seated before sitting himself beside the cold fireplace.
There were only three candles lit, so Peter’s eyes took a moment to adjust to the low light. But when he could see again, he realized that at least two dozen people sat in chairs, leaned against the wall, or reclined on the floor around him. Some were familiar, such as Shauna, who wore her usual smirk as if she were enjoying her own private joke. Several fae and humans he was rather sure belonged to the Lower Chancel were there as well. But many were completely unfamiliar, at least half. Malachi walked in from the next room over, his mouth full of bread. He ambled over and plopped down between Peter and Karel as if he attended secret meetings with princes every day.
Maybe he did. The boy never ceased to amaze Peter. As if reading his thoughts, Malachi leaned toward him.
“Our number is much larger than this. We just can’t risk having too many in one place at the same time. It would look too suspicious. We had to even turn away some of the palace staff.”
“And where is the firin?” Peter whispered.
Malachi sighed and pointed to Firin Reaghan, who was seated in the far corner of the room. “Over there.”
“And who is we?” Peter asked.
“Those of us who have been searching for a new kind of king,” Shauna answered from the divan she was sprawled across.
Peter scratched his head. He had been forced to grow accustomed to being the center of attention on his own isle, but that didn’t mean he liked it. He liked the idea of being the center of attention of all five isles even less. “I take it you’ve all been watching me.”
“Don’t be arrogant.” She snorted delicately, not looking up from her nails, which she was filing. “We’ve been waiting for a long time. You and your fairy are simply the first to challenge the chancels and remain alive.”
“Then why meet in secret? Isn’t that what all the isles are waiting for?”
“The chancels have always had strict rules,” Karel said. “But over the last decades, they’ve grown exceptionally so. Adding laws where there weren’t any before, creating tests like the ones they put rhins and their intendeds through. We’d hoped they’d see something in you.” He raised an eyebrow. “Unfortunately, you don’t fit their picture of an ideal High King.” He smirked. “Or a king of any sort, for that matter.”
So he’d been right. After all they’d put him through with that test, they were still unsatisfied. He tried not to show his disappointment. Instead, Peter cleared his throat.
“I’d read as much in the Chronicles.” Or rather, he’d read about the lack of regulations.
“Not long after the new rules were added, this society was formed.” Karel gestured at the faces around him. “Rhin, fairy, village worker, servant, whoever wanted to see—”
“Every year, the villagers start planning everything months before it begins!” Malachi jumped in before realizing whom he’d cut off. “Oh. Sorry,” he mumbled to a scowling Karel.
“Anyhow,” Karel said, still frowning at the boy, “our ranks are much larger than they appear. But we must take care that the majority of the chancel members don’t find out. There would be dire consequences if they did.”
“But you’re on the Higher Chancel.” Peter looked at Shauna. “Both of you.”
“In case you’ve forgotten to count,” Shauna rolled her eyes, “there are eight other members as well, and Donella and Ethemu have run the chancels with an iron grip for long enough now that everyone knows it.”
“So…” Peter said slowly, looking around at the two dozen silent faces staring back at him, “let me make sure I understand this correctly. The Higher Chancel is directed by Donella and Ethemu, though there are eight other members on it.”
“Correct.”
“And why are they so determined to do…whatever it is they’re dead set on doing?” He looked at Shauna. “They know Katy is the most dangerous individual on this isle, do they not?” After her performance at the test, Peter didn’t know how they could even feign ignorance.
“They do. They also know now that Katy will do anything to keep people safe, and they’ll use that to their advantage,” Shauna said. “To them, she’s the safe one, and you, my dear Peter, are the threat. Besides…” She gestured at Karel. “Ethemu is his father, not mine. You should ask him.”
For the first time, Karel looked slightly uncomfortable. “As I’m sure you’ve begun to notice, Fae and human relations are less than genial.”
“That did occur to me.”
Karel nodded. “Relations have been growing steadily worse over time. This year has been particularly dour. Blood has been shed more times than I care to count. Of course, it’s all been made worse by the recent failures in agriculture.”
“But they told us they would help with our farming troubles. Now you’re saying everyone else is having the same problem?” So much for that promise.
“All of the others, yes, to a certain degree. But the First Isle more than any.”
“But why would they tell us—”
“If you knew the truth, they wouldn’t have been able to use it as a motivator for sweet little Katy now, would they?” Karel sneered. “My father is desperate to find the High King.” His jaw twitched, and Peter could only imagine that he was thinking of his own failed trial at the tree.
“When we learned that I was clearly not going to be the High King,” Karel continued, his voice tight, “my father set his sights on you.” He met Peter’s eyes, his expression dark. “And you have turned out to be everything he hoped you would not be.”
“Oh.”
Shauna closed her eyes and wiggled down into her seat as though she were taking a nap. “You’re strong-willed, short-tempered, and you don’t like being told what to do.” She grinned slightly. “There’s also the matter of your mark.”
“I can’t change what I am,” Peter growled.
“We’re not asking you to.” Karel stood and leaned against the wall. “But you need to know that you’re fighting a war right now, wh
ether you want to or not.”
Peter rubbed his eyes with both hands. “I’m tired and not currently able to understand cryptic threats. Be frank, will you?”
Shauna huffed. “He means Donella has convinced Ethemu and the others that you’re a threat to their plans. So Donella wants you gone so you can’t get in her way, as she’s convinced she needs Katy for herself, and at this point, Ethemu is just following along. Donella’s persuaded the others that Katy will complete the seasons and prepare the isles and the Tree of Diadems for the true High King’s return. And Donella is convinced that the true High King is not you.”
Peter folded his arms and studied Karel. “As much as I’m grateful for the information, I can’t help wondering why your allegiances are here instead of with your father.” Could he trust Karel? Shauna's defiance made sense. Rebellion seemed to be part of who she was. Peter had seen her whispering and giggling often with Queen Carmen, King Sebastian’s wife, and ignoring Donella completely whenever she ventured back to sit in on a session. But what about the son of the most powerful man on the Higher Chancel? What was Karel’s stake in all of this?
Karel’s eyes darkened. “I’ve never been as hard-nosed as my father.” His voice softened infinitesimally. “But suffice it to say my priorities have changed.”
Peter sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. He turned to address the silent faces that filled the room. “I’m grateful for your help. And I can understand why you would disagree with the chancels, but,” he shrugged and shook his head, “I’m not really sure what you want me to do. At this rate, I’ll never kneel before the tree.”
“Let me put this simply,” Karel said, leaning forward in his tall chair. “The Higher Chancel is going to fail you.”
“But?” Peter asked, dreading the answer.
Karel’s eyes were hard. “They’re going to pass her. Then they will forbid you from matrimony and will endeavor to make your life hell when you try to resist.” He sent Peter a small, menacing smile. “We need you to resist.”
“When you do, we’ll get more support on the Higher Chancel,” Malachi piped, fairly bouncing in his seat. “Just you wait.”
“Not enough to sway the vote,” Shauna said, finally sitting up and stretching, “but enough to change the tides. And most likely more individuals will follow once they see that you’re in earnest.”
“And which members would these be?” Peter asked, still unable to believe it could be quite so easy.
“King William from the Fifth Isle,” someone from the back called out.
“King Sebastian from the Fourth Isle,” someone else added.
Peter gave a hard chuckle. “I’ve hardly seen William outside the sessions, and I’ve tried to speak with Sebastian on multiple occasions, but he never seemed too keen about it.”
“William knows only what Donella has told him. But if he hears more, he’ll be quick to investigate and slower to make his decision.” Shauna gave a small, triumphant smile. “And don’t worry about Sebastian. He might be Ethemu’s friend, but he is William’s friend, too. And Carmen, his wife, is already skeptical of the chancel’s dealings.” Her eyes gleamed mischievously. “She’s also my closest friend. It won’t be difficult for her to convince her husband to think similarly.”
Slowly, more and more of the near little group began to quietly list supporters they believed would be loyal to Peter. This gave Peter a stomachache as fear mixed with admiration and even vague hope.
“I need to be honest,” Peter finally said after several minutes. All eyes turned toward him. “I admire all you’ve worked so hard to achieve, and…I’m honored. But…” Ugh. How did Katy make talking to strangers politely look so easy? “I really only came here for Katy. And now all I want to do is protect my kingdom and keep her safe. I didn’t come to be High King.”
“Horse ackers, boy!”
Everyone looked to the far corner to see a little old fairy glaring daggers at Peter. He was probably only half of Peter’s height, his back curved and misshapen.
“We all make plans,” he continued. “And those plans last as long as a flame on a wick.” He pulled out a little knife and an apple and began to slice it as he spoke. “Imagine you stayed on that isle of yours and never came here. Do you really think you would’ve been left alone? The other isles have been watching your people through the fairies since you were banished four hundred years ago. Sent boats out to sail just out of sight so we could take a better look. I was one of them in my youth.” He stuffed a slice in his mouth. “You’re in love with the only autumn fairy these isles have ever seen. Do you really think you’d have been allowed to live in peace, unaffected, even if you’d stayed home?”
Peter ground his jaw. This was not what he wanted to think about right now. But the man kept going.
“Pull your head out of the sand and see the truth for what it is. The chancels are terrified of you. And they want her. And unless you do something about it, you're going to lose her.”
“Katy wouldn't do that.” Peter crossed his arms. Even as he uttered the words, however, he recalled her words from the tunnel. She had entertained thoughts about what life would be like if he had never been there. She seemed to think such imaginings insignificant, but that she was thinking them at all made him feel like someone had ripped a hole in his chest.
“But she is young and lonely, is she not?” The man waved an apple slice in Peter’s direction as if he could hear Peter’s thoughts.
“We have each other.”
“And that might be enough…for now.” A human woman in the far corner stood. She stared at the ground and worried her hands as she spoke. “Many pardons, Your Highness, but she needs friends. Friends that aren’t you. Every woman does. How many of those does she have at your castle?”
“More than that.” The old fairy wagged a finger at Peter. “She’s a fairy among humans. The girl will want companions like her. She may act human, but deep down…” He thumped his chest once. “She’s still a fairy.”
“There’s also the problem of—” one of the girls began, but Shauna, Karel, and several others shushed her.
“What?” Peter asked, looking around. But everyone else either looked at Shauna or at the ground. “Well?” Peter looked at Shauna too.
Shauna merely shook her head. “There isn’t time. He’ll learn soon enough. Right now, we need to focus on resisting Ethemu and Donell, and keeping Katy out of their grasp.” She glared at the girl, then the others. They nodded and mumbled agreements.
“We need to get you back,” Karel said, standing.
Peter hesitated. It was tempting to stay and demand answers, particularly about what the little girl had brought up. Karel was right, though. If Peter wanted to keep his new knowledge and allies secret, he needed to return. But his determination to protect Katy from the wiles of the chancels was stronger than ever.
24
Take It Back
Karel led Peter back to the arena. Then he directed Peter up to the pavilion where the chancels sat during the test. By now, their seats and the stands were empty.
“Wait here,” Karel said. “Donella’s going to find you, and she’s going to prepare you for what the chancels have decided.” He fixed Peter with a suspicious glare. “Remember, not a word. And Peter?”
Peter faced him warily. “What?”
Briefly, the suspicion left Karel’s face, and his eyes momentarily softened. “When they tell you what they expect, remember what you’ve read in the Chronicles. You’re going to need it.”
Peter nodded as Karel left. Silently, he prayed that he would be able to do just that. Whatever secret they were keeping, he could feel in his soul growing, though what burdened him yet, he didn’t know.
Finally, he heard the dreaded voice. “Peter.”
Peter made sure his face was a mask of apathy before turning toward her. “I thought you were supposed to be with Katy.”
“She’s getting changed.” Donella pursed her lips. “The chancel asked me to
speak with you both…to explain our position and the reason for our decision.”
Peter’s jaw clenched. “I can only imagine why.”
“We think it will be best for both of you.” Donella frowned down at her hands, in which she held a folded, sealed parchment. She handed him the parchment.
Peter took it, his throat tightening even as he broke the seal.
“I thought reading it might make this…it might make this easier.”
Peter paused before opening it. “Which is just another way to say we failed.”
“Failed isn’t the correct word,” Donella said slowly. “It’s more an issue with…circumstance. You both did the best you could in the short amount of time you were given.”
“Oh?” Peter went to stand at the edge of the platform, where he could grip as hard as he wanted. “Then what would you call it? Because you gave us your word that if we didn’t fail, we would receive—”
“It’s not that simple!” Donella cried. “IF you would just read the letter, you would understand!”
For just a moment, Peter considered reading the letter. He was morbidly curious to see what other excuse they had come up with to separate him from Katy. But the longer he stared at it, the more he couldn’t bring himself to play their game. He wouldn’t give them the upper hand by allowing them to place doubt in his heart. For whatever was in that letter was sure to create despair of the worst kind.
“No,” he said quietly.
“I beg your pardon?”
“No. No, I refuse to accept this.” He thrust the parchment back at Donella. “Take it. I don’t want anything to do with this.” When she stayed still, he thrust it at her again. “Take it back!” he shouted.
“I know this is difficult to accept,” she said in a tight voice, carefully avoiding his eyes. “But it’s for the—”
“Don’t give me that! I know what you’re at, and it won’t work here!”
“The chancels spent a great deal of time discussing this. It wasn’t taken lightly. If you would only listen—”
The Autumn Fairy of Ages Page 21