“Welcome to Aunty Flora’s Beauty Shop, can I help you find anything?”
Jade could feel her face burn red. She kept her eyes to the floor. “Um . . . I’m just looking for . . . some stuff for my face . . . and maybe something to make my lips look red,” she muttered shyly.
“Is there any product in particular? Any tones or textures you prefer?” asked the lady.
Jade felt her heart beating against her temples, “I’m . . . well . . . I’m kind of new to this sort of thing.”
The young lady smiled and put her arm around Jade’s shoulders. “No problem, darling. Just follow me; I’ll get you what you need. You’ll be absolutely radiant by the time I’m through with you. I promise.”
Jade pressed her face closer to the mirror, she was sure there was some sort of trickery in the works. There had to be. How else could she explain the dazzling princess staring back from the mirror.
The lady at the beauty shop had spoken the truth—Jade was absolutely radiant. Her cheeks had been powdered; her wretched freckles had been covered. Her eyelashes were dark as they shaded her green eyes. Her puffy lips looked brilliant in dark red. Her hair had been put into an up-do, which was, as far as she could remember, the first time in her entire life she had ever worn it any way other than straight down. Jade smiled, Cinderella had nothing on her; she felt gorgeous. What will Cody think? Thinking of Cody made her nervous. She didn’t know if she was ready for people to see her like this—especially not Cody. Would he just laugh? Was she trying to be something she wasn’t?
No. Jade smiled, allowing her face to shine. I’m not letting that ditz steal my best friend without a fight. This is war. I’ve been an ugly duck for far too long . . . I’m ready to be a swan.
The cool shade of the garden foliage comforted Cody as he went over his idea in his head for the thirteenth time. He had been asked by Foz to perform a special act of creation at the funeral to honor the King. Cody realized he only had one shot at it and that there would be no better time to win the much-needed confidence of the disoriented citizens. He picked up a wet cloth and pressed it against the side of his face. The soreness had decreased, but there was still a solid bump reminding him of the colossal failure that was his landing. He took a deep sniff, sucking the comforting scents of the garden through his nose. Randilin’s words outside Sally’s diner had finally sunk in; Cody, too, missed the feeling of fresh nighttime air and seeing real stars. He even missed the awful smell of horses that permeated Havenwood in the spring. How many rainy days had he complained and been miserable? Thousands of miles underground, he would welcome a bit of rain, or any weather for that matter. It was odd how some of the most wonderful things in life had been right in front of his nose.
“Hey, Cody,” came Jade’s soft voice from behind him. Cody turned his head around to greet his friend—and froze. Jade was standing at the entrance to the garden. At least he thought it was Jade. She was wearing a long flowing white dress that sparkled like stars. Cody felt an odd sensation come over him. He stood up slowly and took a step toward her. He was speechless. Jade’s eyelashes fluttered up and down as her eyes gazed deeply into his. For a moment they both stood still, silently staring at each other. Jade’s glossy lips rose into a smile. When Cody finally spoke his voice was flustered, “Jade, you look . . . I never thought . . . I mean . . .”
Jade giggled. “You mean what, Cody?” she asked teasingly, “go on . . .”
Cody shook his head, rubbing his eyes, “I mean . . . what’s wrong with you?”
Jade shoulders fell and her face turned light red. “What do you mean? Nothing’s wrong with me,” she stammered, her chest rising and falling rapidly as her face darkened. “You don’t like it?”
“You just look so . . . strange,” said Cody as he reached his hand to her face and rubbed his fingers across her cheek. “What’s all this on your face? It looks like you fell into a jar of cake icing.”
Jade opened her mouth to speak but no words came out; her lips quivered as she fought to control her breath.
“And your hair,” continued Cody, “Why isn’t it down like it always is? I like it down. It looks like a beehive all scrunched up like that. Here, you can use my cloth; let’s get you cleaned up.”
Jade grabbed the cloth and threw it in Cody’s face before turning and running out of the garden. Cody looked with confusion to the cloth and back to the door where Jade had exited. What’s gotten into her? He shrugged. Girls can act so strangely.
Jade pulled the clips from her hair and threw them out the window. She looked in the mirror; her tear-stained face was smeared with make-up. Who was she kidding? She was no princess. She was just Jade. Ugly ol’ Jade. The one no boys ever noticed; not even her best friend. She grabbed the leftover make-up bottles and dropped them into the garbage. Did she really think she could compete with a girl like Tiana? Her mother was right; she really was nothing more than an ugly duckling.
Jade crawled into her bed. She wanted to go to sleep and never wake up. She didn’t want to face Cody, not after tonight. He was right after all; she did just look weird.
She pulled her blankets over her head; she didn’t want Cody to hear her sobbing.
Randilin Stormberger’s Secrets
The crowd expanded like rising bread. The number of grievers arriving from other parts of Under-Earth increased tenfold. Cody wondered how they would manage to house such a growing crowd. As the elevator brought Cody back to ground level, he spotted Tiana. “About time, hero, I’ve been waiting,” she teased, gracefully gliding toward him and wrapping her hand around his. Cody’s pulse picked up speed. He felt slightly awkward. After their sunset experience, Tiana acted like nothing had changed between them. Was it not a big deal to her? Did she have other boyfriends? Was I just a really bad kisser? All these thoughts filled Cody’s head.
The truth was that Tiana had given Cody his first kiss; although he would always brag to the boys at school about other kisses he supposedly had shared with make-believe girls. Cody had been a late bloomer. He had never really differentiated between boys and girls growing up, which was perhaps why he and Jade had struck up such a quick and easy friendship. With Tiana, everything was different.
She was free-spirited. She was dangerous even. Every time she spoke to him he felt exhilarated, never sure what to expect. In his mind, a kiss represented a relationship; although Tiana seemed in no rush to declare commitment. “Tiana . . . am I your boyfriend?” he asked awkwardly, hardly aware that he had verbalized his thoughts.
Tiana laughed and squeezed his hand. “Oh, you silly boy; you’re a darling.” With another laugh, she continued walking.
A darling? A yes or no would have been appreciated!
“So, where are you off to today? As the Book Keeper I assume you have been put to important work?” she asked as though the previous conversation had never occurred.
“Actually, with the funeral tomorrow I’ve been pretty much left alone. I was going to go talk to Randilin; haven’t seen him since they hauled him away from the gallows. It’s probably not a good idea for you to come, but I can meet up with you after and . . .”
“Oh, don’t be ridiculous. I’m coming with you.” It was not a suggestion. The two walked hand-in-hand to Randilin’s original cell where he had been returned following the arrest of Kantan and Levenworth. Stepping into the cell Cody sensed that he was not alone.
“Oh, hey, Cody . . . Tiana” said Jade with free-falling enthusiasm.
Cody quickly let go of Tiana’s hand. “Hi, Jade . . . didn’t know you’d be here . . . just wanted to check on Randilin,” Cody stuttered dumbly.
Jade rolled her eyes. “How thoughtful,” she spat back venomously.
“Hey now, what’s gotten into you lately? Too much sitting around unneeded by everybody? Bet it sucks to not be the one in charge anymore doesn’t it?” Cody shot back. He watched helplessly as his words stung into Jade. The injured look on her weary face made Cody instantly regret speaking so haughtily. What’
s happening to me? She’s my best friend! He didn’t get a chance to apologize.
“Hey! I didn’t die on the gallows last night, remember? Quit talking like I’m not here, you cowpies!” called out Randilin from his cell. He stuck his face against the bars; his neck was scabbed from where the noose had stripped away the skin.
“Sorry, how are you doing?” asked Cody slightly embarrassed.
Randilin grabbed the iron bars of the cell. “Oh, just peachy. Nothing gets me more emotionally juiced than being hanged! Although, I guess I owe you a thank you.” He finished with a softened voice. Looking to Cody, Randilin caught sight of Tiana for the first time. He stumbled back a step. His head tilted to the side as his eyes strained toward her. For a moment the wrinkles on his rough face seemed to soften. He looked back to Cody as though in a trance, but Cody quickly shook his head.
“Don’t mention it. It’s all good now. The funeral is tomorrow, Kantan and Levenworth are in prison, and Cia has become queen. I’m sure we can persuade her to release you of the charges.”
Randilin held up his finger. “Hold on, did you say that General Levenworth was imprisoned as well?” he asked tentatively.
“Yeah. Turns out he was working with Kantan the whole time. The two were scheming to keep Atlantis’ troops away from the borderlands. You were there, surely you heard all this?”
Randilin rubbed his swollen neck. “I passed out. The next thing I knew I was back in this cell. I thought it was the afterlife until Jade started filling me in. But I hadn’t heard the general was involved. Hmmmm . . .”
“Why is that troubling? We have the letter that Kantan wrote him, it’s physical proof,” insisted Cody.
Randilin retreated back into the shadows of his cell. “It’s just that I never would have believed Kantan or Levenworth capable of such a horrible deed. They’re flea-picking, royal elitists, but murderers?” pondered Randilin. “I agree the proof is substantive. I just don’t know what they hoped to accomplish.”
“Well, from what I’ve heard, the Prince seemed to be the most ready to accept the reality of another Great War. Perhaps he felt the only way to get Atlantis to defend itself was to eliminate a passive King?” suggested Tiana, speaking for the first time.
“If he wanted to defend the City, then why did he refuse to send the troops to the borderlands?” challenged Cody. “I think he knew a war was coming and he wanted to make sure he was on the winning side.”
“Maybe . . . but that doesn’t explain Levenworth’s role. I’m telling you; I’ve known Gongore a long, long time.
Since before the discovery of Under-Earth. He was as loyal to the King as anybody in Atlantis. He was like a son to him,” said Randilin.
“Well, after Kantan’s actions, I don’t know that that’s such a compliment,” added Jade pessimistically.
“I have a bad feeling about this. There must be more to the story,” asked Randilin. “I’m obviously not going anywhere for a while,” he said raising his arms and clinking together the chains bound to his wrists, “so you three need to keep your eyes open. And be careful.”
“What do you think about what Randilin said? About there being something else?” asked Jade as they left the prison. They found themselves engulfed in a crowd of hooded mourners slowly walking the streets. Cody looked up at the man beside him; a tall man wearing all black. A glimmer reflected into Cody’s eyes, blinding him. He rubbed his eyes but the man was gone. There was something unusual about the man, but Cody couldn’t place it. Another wave of mourners surrounded him. Cody headed away from the crowd and toward Jade and Tiana who were waiting for him against the wall.
Jade raised her hands. “Well? What do you think?” she asked impatiently.
Cody shook his head. “I don’t know. I have to admit; I don’t feel good about the situation either. But I don’t know what else there could be?” he responded as they turned down another road toward the palace.
Tiana took a few quick steps ahead and turned, blocking their path. “Has it occurred to either of you that perhaps it’s your friend who’s playing a role in all this himself, and just trying to lead you down the wrong road?”
“Randilin? Impossible. He’s our friend. He’s the one who brought us here safely,” countered Jade firmly.
Tiana pulled Cody and Jade against the wall. “He also conveniently brought the Book back underground for the first time in a thousand years. He just happens to reappear from his banishment at the same time as the King’s murder? And brings the Book within the Golden King’s grasp on the dawn of war? Do you guys even know why this close ally of yours was banished in the first place?” Cody bit his lip. Jade stared at the ground not making a sound.
Tiana sighed. “I didn’t think so. Would it help open your mind to my possibility if I told you that Randilin was banished because he switched sides during the Great War? That he leaked Levenworth’s strategies to the Golden King. It was because of him that the Golden King managed to out-maneuver Levenworth and enter Atlantis.”
“I don’t believe you,” stammered Jade.
Tiana rubbed her lips together. “The Golden King marched right through an open gate; a gate opened by Randilin himself. You see, your friend has a long history of switching sides. And that was only the beginning. That same night he committed his dark deed, an act so terrible they refuse to even tell us the details in school. Only that it resulted in the death of many. What makes you so sure he isn’t willing to sacrifice innocent lives again for his cause?”
Cody leaned against the wall and slid down to the ground. Was it possible? Could Randilin really have been tricking them the whole time? It seemed there was still a lot they didn’t know about Randilin Stormberger.
A Fateful Mourning
Cody inhaled guilt as he took a deep breath of city air. Is there a more humbling and unworthy action than breathing in a waft of clear morning air on the very same day you should be mourning the undeserved death of a good man? Cody had never met King Ishmael, but somehow he felt like he knew him well; as though they were somehow similar frayed threads to the same rope. Every time Cody touched the Book and felt its power surge through his fingers, he understood more than anybody the fear that led Ishmael to forsake his privilege and entrust it to Wesley. Although thousands of miles of dirt had separated Cody from the King, he still understood the King’s greatness. Perhaps that is the very thing that made the King so noble.
Cody pulled on the black mourner’s robe that Poe had dropped off the night before. There was a knock on his door, startling Cody. He opened it and immediately raised his hands into a defensive position.
“Relax man,” said Xerx, dressed in a matching black robe. “I’ve been sent here by Master Stalkton. Lady Cia has requested that The Code be kept in the Monastery during today’s events for safe keeping. I am here to retrieve the Book.”
Cody instinctively stepped to his bed and pulled the Book out from under his pillow. “I’m sure you’d just love to get your hands on this,” said Cody, holding it up, “but you can tell Stalkton that I will be dropping it off myself.”
“Sure, whatever.” Xerx turned to leave but paused. “Tiana. . . . She’s not the girl you think she is,” he added unexpectedly before disappearing from sight. Cody craned his neck. What did he mean? What could he know about Tiana? Cody grinned. Oh, well, what was Xerx’s opinion worth anyways?
Cody had slept in later then he had wanted to. By the time he was out of bed, Jade’s room was empty; she was already out preparing for the service. Cody headed toward the Monastery. Mourners were packed into the courtyard while thousands filled the streets. There was a solemn feeling in the air; today would be a big day.
“I don’t know why I have to part with it. I don’t like leaving it out of my sight,” complained Cody, his fingers clutched tightly around the Book.
“I agree. But Cia feels that it is best left in the Monastery and, as she is now the Queen, we don’t have much of a choice. When Prince Foz stopped by to relay her orders he seem
ed to share our concern for the Book’s defense. But I assured him, as I assure you now, that The Brotherhood is more than adequate to ensure its safety,” replied Lamgorious Stalkton. “It will be kept hidden on the upper floor. Only you, me, and the royal family will know of its location.”
Cody stood still for several seconds before reluctantly handing the Book over to the elderly master. “Fine. But the moment the ceremony is over, I’m coming back here to get it.” Cody turned to leave, but stopped, remembering something. “Master Stalkton,” he said, turning back to his teacher, “You knew Randilin well. Do you think it’s possible that he has something to do with the murder? Do you think he could have been working with Kantan and Levenworth?”
“Randilin is a flawed man,” replied Stalkton simply, “as are we all. In each of us is the desire to commit evil. We all hear her seducing call lure us to action. Only for some, the call is too strong. Randilin is just as able as you or I to have done such a deed.” Glad I asked.
“One second,” Stalkton held out a book which looked identical to The Code, its large scarlet ‘A’ shining bright. “A decoy. It will be important for the people to see their new Book Keeper with the Book. Oh, and Cody . . .”
“Yes, Master?” asked Cody attentively.
“Make sure not to lock your knees when you’re on stage. I’ve made a terrible habit of fainting at ceremonies . . .”
Legend of the Book Keeper Page 27