by Boone Brux
“Excellent. Shall we say eight o’clock?” said the Ascendant.
“We will be there, my lady.” Ravyn gave her a brilliant smile.
Somebody called the Ascendant’s name and Jade could have sworn the woman gave a tiny eye roll.
“If you’ll excuse me.” She curtsied and pivoted to gracefully drift across the room in a cloud of white robes.
“I like her,” Rhys said. “Not at all like the other Superiors I’ve met in the past.”
Bagita harrumphed. “If you’ll excuse me, I have other guests to attend to.” With a flip of his robe, he spun and stormed out of the hall.
“Don’t think that went quite as he had planned,” Luc said.
“I’m not sure what he’d planned,” Jacob agreed. “But if you can capture the Ascendant’s ear, you may have yourself a powerful ally.”
“I can’t believe she touched you.” Jade reached and covered Ravyn’s hand, wondering if it now felt different. It didn’t. She pulled back. “And you’re still alive.”
“My first impulse was to yank my hand away, but insulting an Ascendant would have been just as bad.” Ravyn glanced around them and then leaned in. “That whole exchange was very odd, don’t you think?”
“Odd,” Jade agreed. “But maybe something is finally going in our favor.”
“Perhaps we’ll find answers during dinner.” Jacob pointed to a table filled with food. “Until then, let’s enjoy ourselves and socialize.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“Jade?”
She turned to see Beatrice weighed down with a huge silver tray containing goblets of wine. “Bless the Sainted Ones, let me help you.”
Jade picked up the two nearest goblets and handed them to Jacob and Rhys, continuing to pass them around until everybody had a drink. Beatrice set the tray on the Superior’s table and rejoined the group.
“Sorry it took me so long.” Red tinged her cheeks. “I waited until Lord Bagita was gone. Otherwise, he would have found another task for me and we’d never get the chance to chat.”
“Smart girl,” Jacob laughed. “Well, I will leave you to it. Lots of elbows to rub.”
“I will find you later, Father,” Luc said to his departing back. Jacob waved a hand in the air to signal he’d heard. “Rhys and I have a few things to take care of.”
“Fine, go,” Ravyn said. “I’m sure we can keep ourselves occupied without you.”
Rhys leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Stay out of trouble.”
Jade gave a snort, but quickly covered it when Ravyn pinned her with a stare.
Where the men were going or what they had planned, Jade didn’t know, but most certainly it was to ferret out any information about the missing Bringers and Lord Bagita’s pact with the Order of the Saints. Suddenly she was grateful for their simple task of exploring the Council chamber.
She turned. “Ravyn, this is my friend, Beatrice.”
The two women exchanged greetings. It felt strange to make introductions in such a civilized manner. It was almost as if she were a real lady.
“It’s so good to see you,” Jade said. “How is your mother?”
Beatrice’s smile slipped. “She died two years ago.”
“Oh, no.” Jade reached out and touched Beatrice’s arm. She knew a lot about the loss of a parent, the void it had created inside her, and all the years wasted trying to fill it. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you.” Her friend gave a little shake of her head and sniffed. “I’m getting along. Everybody here has been very kind and supportive. I’ve built my own life now.” She paused, her eyes quickly roaming the people standing near. “But there is something I’d like to speak to you about.” Her gaze cut to Ravyn and settled back on Jade. “Both of you.”
“Of course.” Their childhood connection pushed Jade to answer without considering what Beatrice might want to talk to them about, already deciding that if it was within her power to help, she would. Though they hadn’t seen each other for more than a decade, it seemed like only yesterday. “Is there some place private we can talk?”
Beatrice smirked. “Probably not, especially with the Order here, but perhaps I could give you a tour of some of the less crowded areas of Illuma Grand.”
“That would be wonderful.” Ravyn folded her hands in front of her and donned an innocent smile. “I’ve wanted to show Jade the amazing doors on the Council chamber.”
“Right,” Jade lied. “I hear they’re amazing.”
They both stared pointedly at Beatrice. The corner of her mouth quirked as if resisting the urge to smile. “Well then, follow me.”
Beatrice worked her way through the crowd smiling and introducing them to various people whose names Jade was certain she’d never remember. One thing could be said for their hostess, she was a consummate actress. In a slightly louder than normal voice, Beatrice described the massive paintings depicting grand celebrations inside the Great Hall. She regaled them with forgettable details about the people for whom the statues were carved, all the while leading them toward the staircase that spiraled to the lower levels.
The crowd of people spilled down the first level of the steps and milled about on the landing. Disguise was one of Jade’s fortes, but acting was not. She lifted her skirt to avoid tripping and tried to wrestle the yards of material under control without appearing clumsy. Seemingly one with her gown, Ravyn stopped to contemplate an alcove that was lit from above by a hole running two stories above.
“How does the light get this deep? Aren’t we below ground?” Ravyn asked.
“Mirrors.” Beatrice pointed up inside the tube above a small statue of a scholarly figure holding a book. “They are angled to reflect all the way down. There are several of these light tubes throughout Illuma.”
“That’s amazing,” Jade said, truly impressed with the ingenuity.
Ravyn turned and flinched. Jade spun, expecting to see someone suspicious following them, but the area behind them was empty.
“Is everything all right?” Beatrice asked.
A shudder rippled through Ravyn. Jade gave her a questioning look.
“Sorry.” Ravyn glanced around and lowered her voice. “Ghosts.”
Beatrice’s eyes rounded. “Ghosts?”
“Yes.” Ravyn rubbed her arms as if to get warm. “You have quite a few of them here, and one in particular seems very interested in what we’re doing.”
Jade looked around but saw nothing. She didn’t know which part of being a Bringer gave her friend the ability to see spirits, but she was glad she hadn’t been gifted with that talent. “What does he want?”
“She,” Ravyn said. “And I believe she wants us to go to the Council chamber.” She stared into empty space for a second. “Yes, definitely the chamber.”
They turned to Beatrice, who hadn’t seemed to recover from the initial ghost announcement. She blinked a few times and nodded. “All right then.”
She turned and continued down to the next level. The crowd began to thin and it was easier for Jade to catch snippets of conversation. Nothing seemed too nefarious, just complaints about who was receiving more attention, excitement over the festivities, and the impending dinner. By the third level only the occasional gray-clad Bringers were present, bustling in and out of a pair of solid wooden doors.
“That’s the back entrance to the living quarters,” Beatrice said, indicating the slowly closing door. “We rarely use them unless there’s a gathering. It’s easier to avoid the crowds.” She lowered her voice. “And avoid more chores after your shift is over.”
Jade snorted and nodded in understanding.
They spiraled down the next flight of stairs, which was empty. Beatrice held her arm out, blocking their descent, and slowed her step. She crept to the bottom and peered around the corner, then motioned them forward.
“It looks empty.” She descended the last step and stopped, turning to look at them. “I wanted to speak to you about the missing Bringers.”
Ja
de tried to keep her face passive, but couldn’t stop herself from glancing at Ravyn.
“You’ve heard about them?” Beatrice looked over her shoulder to make sure they were still alone. “Do you know anything about their disappearance?”
Unsure how much to say, Jade waited for Ravyn to take the lead.
“Only that they’re missing,” Ravyn said.
Beatrice’s expression fell. “Nothing more?”
“No, I’m sorry.”
“I was afraid of that.”
“What’s happened?” Jade said, sensing this was more than just curiosity on Beatrice’s part.
“There’s a man.” A flush crept over her friend’s cheeks. “He’s missing.”
“Your beau?” Ravyn asked.
Tears gathered, magnifying the woman’s doe-like brown eyes. She nodded and swallowed hard, wringing her hands together. “Marcus Tobin.” She sniffed. “I’ve asked around and all they tell me is that he’s left Illuma.”
An uneasy feeling slithered along Jade’s spine. “And you don’t believe them?”
“He wouldn’t have left without saying something.” A tear ran down her cheek and she brushed it away. “The night before he disappeared, he asked for my hand.” She shook her head. “At the very least he would have left me a note. He wouldn’t have just abandoned me.”
Ravyn pulled Beatrice into a hug. “We’ll do whatever we can to find him. I promise.”
Jade rubbed her friend’s shoulder. “We promise.”
“Thank you.” Beatrice stepped out of Ravyn’s embrace and wiped her tears. “I know there’s more going on than anybody is telling me.”
Jade and Ravyn exchanged glances.
“We agree,” Ravyn said.
Beatrice straightened. “You do?”
“That’s why we need to search the Council chamber.” Ravyn paused. “But it must be kept a secret. If somebody is trying to cover up the Bringers’ abductions, it means there’s a traitor among us.”
“A traitor? I don’t understand,” Beatrice said.
“Neither do we.” Jade took her friend’s hands. “But I promise we’ll do everything we can to find out.”
Her conviction to go through with Luc’s plan strengthened. People’s lives were being affected by Bane, and whatever she could do to stop the growing threat, she would do—starting with her sister’s deadly alliance with Icarus.
Ravyn cocked her head, peering at Jade with clear pale blue eyes that seemed to see into her soul. Too late Jade realized her mistake. Though Ravyn may not have been able to read her exact thoughts, it was obvious from her friend’s expression that she had gleaned enough understanding about Jade’s intentions.
“We’ll talk later,” she said and moved past Jade.
Jade propped her hands on her hips and exhaled, cursing her wayward thoughts. Hopefully she hadn’t botched Luc’s plan. She turned and followed the two women.
The clip of their boot heels echoed around the cavernous area. The air carried a nip, the few lit braziers doing very little to add heat or light. Black soot climbed the polished walls behind the sconces and the acrid tang of tallow and pitch hung heavily on the bottom level. The outer chamber was devoid of the grandeur that had been displayed on the levels above. Only deep alcoves with carved benches adorned the walls.
Shivers ran along Jade’s arms. There was something off about this place, as if it watched them and knew the reason they were there.
Beatrice held up her hand and tiptoed forward. From where Jade stood, the Council chamber appeared empty. Awareness ruffled against her and she suddenly had a sense of being drawn forward. She grabbed Ravyn’s arm to steady herself, stifling the urge to drop all her defenses and plunge into the room.
Ravyn looked at her. “You feel it too?”
She nodded. “What is it?”
“The presence I told you about.” Ravyn slid a glance toward Beatrice. “When I burst into flames.”
“I’ll go in first,” Beatrice said.
Jade tensed when she entered the chamber, expecting some reaction, but there was no hesitation in her friend’s step. Jade leaned toward Ravyn. “She seems unaffected.”
“Interesting.” Ravyn moved forward. “Guard your mind.”
Guard her mind? The urge to giggle bubbled up inside Jade. She snickered, but quickly tried to suppress the impulse.
Ravyn looked over her shoulder and scowled. “Guard your mind. Trust me, bursting into flames is not pleasant.”
That thought instantly sobered Jade, pushing any urge to laugh to a tolerable level. She inhaled and closed her eyes, visualizing a solid wall around her mind and body. The strength of the presence lessened. She opened her eyes and nodded. “That’s better.”
“Psst.” Beatrice waved them forward. “It’s clear.”
Wasting no time, they walked toward the chamber. Large doors stood open. Jade’s step slowed and stopped, her eyes rounding. Carved in the bottom panels of the doors was a forest surrounding an arched doorway, its doors flung wide. Above it spiraled a phoenix and a dragon. She looked at Ravyn, her mouth hanging open.
“What do you think?” Ravyn caressed the phoenix. “Coincidental, or a direct link to the full-powered Bringers?”
Jade touched the dragon. “This cannot be coincidental.”
“No.” Ravyn ran her hand across the door and smiled. “I don’t think so either.”
Dry heat fluttered against Jade’s skin when she stepped into the Council chamber. Energy swirled around her, raising the hair on her arms. She stopped and looked at Ravyn, who was staring at her as if to gauge her reaction. Jade nodded.
“If you can feel it, I suggest you don’t step into the center of the circle.”
The shape had been laid out in an intricate arrangement of tiles. In the center was a smaller sphere and above the circles soared four stone arches. The hair on Jade’s legs prickled and a buzzing sensation ran through the bottoms of her feet and up her body. She shimmied her shoulders and rotated her head from side to side, trying to fend off the subtle attack from the presence in the room.
“This ghost is very persistent.” Ravyn skirted the circle for several yards and stopped. Her hands stroked the polished stones as if searching for something. Though Jade couldn’t hear her, she could see Ravyn’s lips moving, obviously chatting with the spirit. After a second she continued around the room, staying close to the wall and away from the tiled circle.
Jade examined the room. Nine portraits hung above corresponding chairs. Fromme Bagita’s painting was quite a bit larger than the other Council members’ portraits and held the center position. Jade grimaced at his pretentious pose. “I thought Fromme’s painting had been destroyed.”
“I’d heard rumors,” Beatrice’s gaze slid to Ravyn, but spoke to Jade. “Are you like her?”
Jade smirked. “No, there is nobody like Ravyn.”
They moved in a counterclockwise direction to Ravyn, but Jade wasn’t sure what she was supposed to be looking for. She ran her hands along the stones, but felt nothing odd.
“That’s too bad.” Beatrice said from behind her. “We could use all the help we can get.”
“’We’?” Jade asked.
“Those who think my uncle is becoming dangerous.”
Jade stopped at the Council table and turned toward her friend. “Uncle?”
“Fromme Bagita.”
“I remember you talking about him when we were girls.” Her brow furrowed. “But I never realized he was your uncle.”
“He is my father’s brother, but there is no love lost between us.”
Ravyn approached from the opposite direction. “But you’re family.”
“Fromme never approved of my mother.” She shrugged. “Or of me.”
“I’m sorry,” Jade said. “I didn’t know.”
“Because it never mattered.” She looked at her uncle’s portrait. “Until now, I think.”
“What do you mean?” Ravyn stopped beside Jade.
“
My uncle has always been very concerned about appearances and power. That’s the reason he never approved of my mother. She was from the wrong family.” She turned and leaned against the table. “That’s the reason for all the pomp since the Order has been here.”
Ravyn crossed her arms over her chest. “Do you know why the Order was invited to Illuma Grand?”
Though Ravyn’s face held nothing more than mild interest, Jade knew that her abduction by the hand of one of the Order still weighed on her. Perhaps she and Luc weren’t the only ones with a personal agenda.
“None of us know why my uncle would host the Order. It’s never been explained and from what I understand, many of the Council opposed it.”
“We’ve heard that as well,” Ravyn said.
“I have a theory.” Beatrice frowned. “It may be nothing.”
“You probably have better insight than anybody else,” Jade said.
“I agree.” Ravyn’s stare turned intense. “The things you hear may have different meaning for you than somebody who doesn’t know Fromme Bagita as well.”
Beatrice glanced toward the door and lowered her voice even more. Jade and Ravyn leaned in. “I have another uncle who is a superior in The Order of the Saints.”
“Is he here?” Jade whispered.
“No.” Her scowl deepened. “That’s what struck me as odd. It’s possible he was too busy, but Uncle Feildon rarely passes up the chance to compete for attention with Fromme.”
“What are your thoughts?” Ravyn said.
A whiff of compulsion brushed past Jade. She slid a glance toward Ravyn, who ignored her.
“Quite a while ago, I was clearing the noon meal from my uncle’s desk. There was a parchment lying partially open and I saw Feildon’s signature.” A blush crept up her neck. “I opened it, curious to see what news my uncle had sent, but all the message said was Support guaranteed.”
“Any idea what it means?” Jade couldn’t help but feel the message had a direct correlation with Jacob’s theory about restoring the crown.
“None, but I don’t trust either of them.”