“He’s just a man,” Cassie said. “He still lives.”
“Good.” Rena said.
“You don’t wish him dead?”
“No. He does…things that are wrong…evil. And yet, he is still my father.” Rena looked Cassie in the eye. “How did you do it? How did you stand up to him?”
“I used Chaos, Rena. You can do the same thing.”
Rena’s eyes grew round in realization. “You’re right. I can do magic and…he is just a man.”
The room seemed to morph, bend, shrink, and suddenly, the bubble popped. Cassie found herself in the void, surrounded by bubbles. Turning, she found the blue light of Order and moved toward it, willing herself through it and, then, she opened her eyes.
Pale twilight now filtered through the gap in Cassie’s curtains. She sat upright and rubbed her eyes. It was nearly morning, but she was exhausted, as if she had not slept at all. Sliding out of bed, she grabbed her robe and wrapped it around herself. As she exited her room, Rena emerged from hers. The two girls stared at one another.
“I had the weirdest dream,” Cassie said. “You were in it, but you were younger and playing with dolls that had their mouths sewn shut.”
Rena’s hand covered her mouth, her eyes blinking in surprise. “You were there? You were really there?”
“What?”
Rena moved closer and whispered. “My father.” She turned away in shame. “You know…his secret…my secret?”
“It was real?” Cassie blinked, her mind racing. “I guess I do…but it’s horrible. Oh, Rena. It’s not your fault. I’m so, so sorry.”
Rena embraced Cassie, rested her head on Cassie’s shoulder, and began to sob uncontrollably. Cassie held Rena tight, caressing the girl’s hair and telling her it would be all right. In the back of Cassie’s mind, she realized what had happened. I have done it. I visited another person’s dream. I wonder if I can do it again.
6
A New Order
A scowl crossed Tenzi’s face when she entered the captain’s cabin on the Razor. The cabin had been her home on the sea for years, and it would be again once it was repaired.
Sunlight leaked through the patchwork boards that covered the hole in the back of the room. Her old bed still lay on the floor, broken and shattered. The cabin door was noticeably absent, destroyed in the same attack that had rendered the six-foot hole in the wall. She should thank Issal that she had not been hurt, but the bitter taste of defeat lingered and would likely remain until she delivered retribution.
“Captain,” Parker’s voice came from behind her. “We approach the harbor. Do you wish to take the helm?”
With one last survey of the room, Tenzi released a sigh. “I will pilot the ship.” She eyed his tall, lean frame, his brown hair aglow with the sunlight behind him. “Thank you for thinking of me. I know…I haven’t been the best company of late.”
He smiled. “You know how I feel about you. I know you better than anyone, so I understand how deeply it irks you to see your ship damaged.”
She gripped his hand and stared into his dark eyes. “At least…at least you were not killed. That would render damage I could never repair.”
Parker stepped into the shadowed doorway, his palm cupping her cheek before his fingers slid into her hair. He bent forward, their lips meeting, the kiss lingering. Heat smoldered inside Tenzi, a spark come to life. Their lips parted, and he stared into her eyes.
“You are forever the captain of my heart,” he said softly.
“I had better be.” Tenzi grinned. “Now, let’s get this vessel docked.”
“Aye, Captain.” Smiling back at her, he moved aside to allow her past.
When she emerged into the sunlight, the gusting wind forced her to pull her wide-brimmed hat down. A look toward the harbor revealed the ship’s position.
Tenzi’s gaze swept over a bay highlighted in bright turquoise – a beautiful contrast to the cerulean blue sea surrounding the ship. A wide river emptied into the bay a short distance from the docks of a walled city. Trade vessels were moored along the two primary piers, busy as dockworkers loaded and unloaded cargo. Seeing it was time to prepare for landing, Tenzi cupped her hands to her mouth and shouted.
“Up the masts! Tend the lines! Make ready for port!”
She turned, climbed the stairs to the quarterdeck, and found a tall, thin man at the helm. A dark goatee framed his chin, and a gold ring dangled from one nostril. “Thank you, Joely. I’ll take it from here.”
The man nodded and stepped aside as Tenzi gripped the wheel. The smoldering fire kindled by Parker’s kiss began to burn hotter as she reconnected with the ship, feeling the force of the wind in the sails above, the draw on the rudder below, and the rush of the waves against the hull. Despite twenty-six years on the sea, sailing remained her passion – a life she loved more than anything. Save, perhaps, Parker.
The pale walls of Wayport hugged the coast, beyond the long docks that stretched into the bay. Built upon a shallow slope, rooftops throughout the city appeared above the walls, none higher than the citadel, which was tucked in the city’s corner. The tall citadel wall stood only strides from the sea to the south and the river to the east.
Gulls flew past and dove into the water as they hunted the fish swimming in the ship’s forward wake. A cloud briefly eclipsed the sun and continued northeast, carried by a cool sea breeze. Tenzi smiled to see the wind coming from the southwest. Thank Issal. This city is stifling without that breeze.
The ship crested the breakers and slid into calmer waters. Tenzi called for the upper topgallant sails to furl, followed by the topgallant sails. She turned the wheel and the ship slowed as it headed toward an open slip at the end of the western pier. A narrow-bodied cutter sailed past and Tenzi tipped her hat to the opposing ship’s captain, the man wearing a bright red rag over his scalp, his dark blue tunic loosened to expose his chest. Deiter has always thought too much of himself.
Moving at half-speed, she directed the ship toward the pier and called for the mainsails to drop. The crew – fifteen men and Shashi, whom Tenzi considered tougher than the men – performed their tasks with efficiency and without prompting. Sails were bound. Lines were pulled tight and secured to cleats. Men made ready at the rail with coils of rope in hand, pier posts in focus.
When a collision with the pier seemed imminent, Tenzi cranked the wheel and brought her about. The bow came within an arm’s length of the dock and slid past harmlessly. Loops were tossed to the thick pier posts. As the slack lessened, the ropes grew taught, straining for a long moment before the ship settled.
Tenzi descended the quarterdeck stairs and crossed the deck to find Dalwin Pretencia climbing the stairs that led to the crew and guest cabins. The king had changed much, particularly during the journey. He was now clean-shaven, as Tenzi had grown used to over the years, his shaggy beard nothing but a memory. The twisted nest of hair he had sported when boarding the ship was gone – his long, gray-streaked, black bangs were greased back without one hair astray. Whatever he used to hold his hair in place shone in the sunlight and made it appear wet. Tenzi had known Pretencia a long time. Yet, she had seen more smiles on his face over the past few days than she had during the prior nineteen years.
“Well done, Admiral,” Dalwin said with a grin.
Tenzi winced. “Stop calling me that. The Kalimar Navy is gone, and this ship is all that remains. I am now simply a captain.”
The thin man arched a brow. “Captain Red Viper?”
Tenzi rolled her eyes. “That name is even worse. Please, not while we are on shore and absolutely not while the Razor still needs these repairs. There is a risk that someone might recognize the ship because of the hole. I tried to have it repaired when we were last in Wayport, but Delvin appeared and forced us to leave before the repairs were complete.”
Pretencia nodded knowingly. “When you brought young Talenz to Sol Polis.”
For a king, he has an annoyingly loose tongue. Rather than try to sile
nce him again, Tenzi changed the subject. “If you are ready, we should head to the citadel.”
“Yes. Let’s be off. The sooner we notify Chadwick, the better.” He cupped his hands to his mouth and yelled, “Master Thanes!”
Parker turned from his conversation with Shashi and strolled toward them. “What is it, sir?”
“We wish to be off to the citadel…and to consume a hot meal while we are there.”
Longing reflected in Pretencia’s eyes. Tenzi understood. Food on her ship left much to be desired. Worse, whatever he had eaten during his last weeks in Sol Polis had to have been pitiful at best.
“Hex,” Tenzi called out, the big man’s shaved head turning toward her. “Arm yourself. You’re coming with us.” When Hex stalked off, Tenzi turned to Pretencia. “Let’s be off.”
Shashi pushed the boarding plank beyond the rail, the far end bouncing off the dock before settling. With the plank in place, Tenzi descended, using the boards nailed across the plank to keep from slipping. She then crossed her arms and stood on the pier, waiting for the others to join her. As often happened when she had a quiet moment, Tenzi found her gaze drawn to the water.
The varying aqua and deeper blue colors of Wayport Bay was a sight that never grew old. She cherished the soothing rhythm of the surf, the soaring gulls in the distance, the whisper of the breeze – it was a symphony of nature at her favorite port. In the distance, she spotted a ship coming from the west, its course set for Wayport. She wondered if it had originated at Sunbleth, the nearest port in that direction, or if it came from somewhere more distant, such as Port Choya, Kantar, or even Nor Torin.
When she turned toward her own ship, she found Pretencia carefully descending the plank, followed by Parker, his bow slung over one shoulder, quiver over the other. Hex – armed with a longsword – came last.
Led by Tenzi, they walked the length of the pier and crossed the open yards of the warehouses that lined the shoreline. Uphill, they went, directly toward the south gate and into the city.
Tenzi found herself thankful that the weather had turned, the stifling humidity of summer now gone and the temperature moderate enough that she was comfortable in her loose tunic and black vest. Her other vest, the red one, remained on the ship – an article she only wore when at sea since it was a mark of her secret identity. She wondered when she might next find the opportunity to become Red Viper. The thought drew a smile. Surprisingly, she had discovered a pirate’s life to her liking.
The group turned east, following the street that led to the citadel. As she passed clusters of people and weaved through the oncoming foot traffic, Tenzi considered what she should tell Chadwick. She had always found the duke affable, and most often, reasonable. Illiri was another story. The duchess was pretentious and thought far too highly of herself. While Tenzi had to admit the duchess was pretty, she believed that most men – at least the men she respected – would balk at Illiri’s self-centered personality. It left her wondering how Chadwick suffered the woman. Perhaps I would understand if I were a man.
At the end of the street, they reached a guarded gate standing between two tall, rectangular towers. The citadel wall extended from each tower, running north and south. Without pausing, Tenzi approached two guards she didn’t recognize.
“Good afternoon. I’m Captain Tenzi Thanes, requesting an escort to the citadel. We need to meet with Duke Chadwick.”
The female guard glowered at Tenzi, while her male companion’s jaw locked tight. After a moment, the female guard replied, “I’ve heard the name, but how do I know you are who you claim to be?”
Tenzi glared at her. “Do I match the description?”
“You do, but many women might do the same with a simple change of clothing.”
Tenzi sighed. “Fine. Just escort us to the citadel. Someone there will know me.”
The female guard returned the glare and then turned her attention toward Tenzi’s companions. “You are armed. No weapons allowed inside.”
Fighting her urge to sigh again, Tenzi said, “That is why I am requesting an escort. We keep our weapons, at least until we reach the castle, and you follow us to make sure we don’t cause trouble.”
Glancing toward her companion, the woman said, “Wait here. Let nobody pass until I return.”
She waved Tenzi and her companions forward but waited until they all passed through the gate before following from the rear. Heading toward the palace, Tenzi crossed an open plaza, toward a wide set of stairs standing two stories tall. Climbing the stairs, Tenzi led the procession across the top landing and approached the main entrance. A guard who stood outside the door nodded toward the female escort as the others entered the building.
The receiving hall was spacious with a domed ceiling three stories up and a pale marble tiled floor below. In the middle of the room, she found a cluster of guards surrounding a familiar face.
Captain Sharene, who stood as tall as the men encircling her, finished issuing commands and the guards dispersed. When the captain noticed Tenzi and the others, she crossed the room, accompanied by a tall male guard.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite admiral.”
Tenzi snorted. “I’m not sure I consider that a compliment, Sharene. How many other admirals do you know?”
“I admit, none. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, regardless.” She stopped and addressed the female guard who had escorted them from the gate. “What is this about, Aruna?”
“Captain,” Aruna bowed her head. “This group requested an escort…and to remain armed. They wish to see the Duke.”
Sharene arched her brow. “Armed? You know we must disarm you before you see Chadwick.”
“Yes, of course,” Tenzi agreed. “Is he busy? And what’s with all the security?”
The captain of the guard glanced toward the door across the hall. Four armed guards stood beside the doors, two with swords, two with crossbows.
“The Duke has increased his guard of late. Why, I do not know.” Sharene’s tone made it clear that she would speak no further on the issue. “He is currently in court, issuing a dispatch. Once the messenger comes out, you can see him.” She glared at Tenzi. “Assuming you have surrendered your weapons.”
While she felt naked when unarmed, Tenzi assumed they would be in little danger based on the number of guards present.
“Do it.” Tenzi said as she pulled daggers from the sheaths strapped to her thighs and held them, hilt first, toward Sharene.
The woman accepted the blades with narrowed eyes. “I know you, Tenzi. Give me the others.”
Allowing a smirk, Tenzi pulled knives from the sleeves of her tunic and from both boots.
Sharene accepted them. “And the one from your back…”
Tenzi’s smiled twisted to a frown as she drew a knife from the small of her back, hidden beneath her vest. When she turned, she found that Hex had surrendered his sword, Parker his bow and quiver.
With an armful of weapons, the man turned and walked toward an open door to one side of the hall.
“I recognize Parker,” Sharene said as she handed the seven knives to a guard. “Who are the other two?”
Tenzi gestured toward Hex. “The big man is with me for protection.” She gestured toward Pretencia. “This gentleman is my guest…an old acquaintance with a story that Chadwick will wish to hear.”
The woman scowled at Pretencia, her eyes measuring him. The door to the courtroom opened and a man emerged.
Sharene turned toward Tenzi. “Come along, then.”
They crossed the room, the guards parting as Sharene approached the doors. She opened one and held it while Tenzi and her companions entered.
Light streamed through tall, arched windows that faced the bay on one side, inland on the other. A tree stood just outside one of the bayside windows, nestled between the castle and the tall wall surrounding the citadel. Inside the room, rows of benches faced a dais at the front. Although the room could seat hundreds, it stood empty save for two gua
rds stationed beside the dais and the two people seated upon it.
Chadwick was as Tenzi remembered – middle-aged, with flowing brown locks and a matching goatee. Dressed in a silver-trimmed midnight blue doublet with lace at the collar and at the wrists, he appeared nearly as vain as his wife. Illiri sat beside him, wearing a dark red dress that exposed her shoulders, the revealing neckline making her sizable chest impossible to ignore. The woman’s black hair was piled atop her head with stray curls dangling at the sides. Illiri’s outfit, her thickly applied makeup, and her dark lipstick gave Tenzi the impression of an expensive escort rather than a duchess. Perhaps, that description is more accurate anyway.
With Sharene in the lead, the small procession strolled the length of the carpeted aisle that split the benches. Chadwick was leaning toward Illiri, listening as the duchess spoke quietly in his ear. When Sharene stopped five strides from the dais and the others settled beside her, Chadwick’s eyes grew wide.
“Dalwin?”
Pretencia walked past Sharene and gave Chadwick a nod. “Thank you for seeing us, Duke, Duchess.”
Illiri’s white face paled further. “How did you escape?”
Tenzi frowned. “Escape?” I thought everyone believed him dead.
The duchess briefly grimaced at her husband, the expression fleeting. “Yes. Escape…death from the attack on Sol Polis.”
“Varius,” Pretencia’s face twisted after saying the name, “thought I might be of value at some point. Rather than execute me, she imprisoned me in my own dungeon and allowed the world to believe me dead.”
Chadwick asked, “How did you escape your cell?”
“Two enterprising young people came to my rescue, freed me from my cell, and brought me to Admiral Thanes.” Pretencia gave Tenzi a nod. “We left Sol Polis in the dark of night and sailed directly for Wayport. We landed today and came directly to your court.
“Although King Brock is not here,” Pretencia dipped his head in deference, “I appeal to you as the local ruler. I formally seek asylum in Kantaria until I can find a way to reclaim Kalimar.”
An Imperial Gambit (Wardens of Issalia Book 3) Page 6