Shadow Fate (Silver Ones Curse Book 3)

by B. W. Catt

  She looked at Elin, his green eyes hypnotizing. “Let me help you with your seat.”

  She nodded. Elin helped push her seat in before sitting down himself.

  Sebial glanced at the place setting. She noticed there were only three. “Is Woldiniar and Denias not joining us?”

  Carthin tapped the table. He looked annoyed. “They will not be. Woldiniar has yet to step foot in the palace, and Denias said he has too much work to do with the mages.”

  “I see.” Sebial fiddled with her dress. Denias said he would be here.

  Elin reached over and tapped Sebial on the shoulder. She looked up at him, her smile soft and filled with worry.

  “What is bothering you, Sebial?”

  “Nothing, I am just exhausted from the last few days. It wasn’t easy getting here.”

  “Elin and Denias informed me of your encounter with that necromancer. And what you did.” Carthin picked up his glass and took a sip.

  Sebial’s eyes widened as she remembered killing him. He sat the glass down and smiled.

  “There is no reason to fear. Your actions were just, and you saved my people. Thank you.”

  Sebial looked at them, she nodded. “Thank you. I just wish I remembered everything that took place. That day is blurry.”

  “That is to be expected. You used a lot of magic. You passed out shortly after.” Elin stared at her, looking for a reaction, but she remained solemn.

  “Denias said that man gained power from Nalenero. Which means at some point he was here in this castle.” Carthin cleared his throat. “Which has me thinking of where he liked to go during my time serving under him. He was a secretive king, but there is a passageway attached to his chambers in case we were ever attacked. There are a few rooms that you can only access from that passage, in case both exits were sealed. Would you like to explore them and see if you can find anything on his dealings with necromancy?”

  Elin glared at Carthin, tightening his fists. “Why didn’t you inform Denias and Woldiniar about this first?”

  Carthin leaned back. “I just remembered about it. It has been a stressful time learning how to rule a kingdom.” He looked at Sebial, “Do you wish to go?”

  Sebial looked at Elin, his body tense. “I would love to, but we should wait until the others return.”

  “No harm will come to us. It is just books and notes we will find.”

  Elin laughed. “Just ‘books and notes.” He scoffed. “If it was something as simple as writings, we would not have dealt with the undead, or the orcs, or the villages trapped in time. That creature can set any trap he wishes. It is best we wait for Woldiniar. He knows his traps well.”

  “Elin is right. We are not skilled enough to handle anything Nalenero left behind.”

  Carthin pouted. “Fine, I got excited since I want to see what this man did while I swore loyalty to him.” He laughed, “Can you believe it? I swore loyalty to someone who didn’t even believe in the words he had us say! Protect! Ha! My last twenty years have been a joke.”

  Sebial and Elin looked at each other uncomfortably while Carthins rants continued. They began to drink the wine that was given to them. Elin whispered to Sebial. “Maybe he won't even notice we snuck away?”

  Sebial shook her head and whispered back. “We can't do that. He is the king, and we are guests.”

  She tapped the table, trying to think of how to stop Carthin without upsetting him further. She looked around, noticing the maids standing at a table with covered trays, waiting to come over.

  Sebial smiled as she waved them over. The maids picked up the trays and walked towards them. The trays shook as they approached the screaming king.

  Sebial mouthed ‘thank you’ to them as they placed the trays on the table.

  “OH, LOOK OUR FOOD!” Sebial yelled over Carthin.

  Carthin paused to look at the silver trays. His voice disgruntled. “It is about time.”

  Sebial rolled her eyes.

  The maids lifted the covers revealing a colorful assortment of sweets. They quickly walked away.

  Elin laughed. “Wonderful idea. Food always hushes a man.”

  Chris grabbed a fork and quickly began to eat his food. Talking in between bites, he looked to Sebial. “So tell me, is silver hair like that common in your Homeland?”

  Sebial sat down her fork. “It is slightly common in the land of Pasuria but not as common as you might think. I often got made fun of for my hair.”

  “I see, but why would someone make fun of your hair? I find it refreshing. It is nice to see.” Carthin smiled.

  Elin glared at Carthin. He stabbed his food, slowly bringing it to his mouth and ripping it off the fork. He glanced at Sebial, her cheeks red from the compliment. “Her hair reminds me of the moon. It guides us in the darkness.”

  Carthin smiled at Elin’s words. “It sounds as if you are doing more than complimenting her. Or am I mistaken?”

  Elin became flustered, “You are mistaken. As a guard of the realms, we travel mostly at night. The moon keeps us grounded within our surroundings. Sebial’s hair reminds me of the moon.”

  Carthin shoved food into his mouth and nodded. Sebial slowly ran her fingers along her hair. Smiling at their words.

  They sat there quietly, eating. A few mages wearing white robes entered the garden. Elin watched them intently. Carthin smiled. “Do not worry about them. They are simply lighting the paths as they do every night.”

  Sebial looked at the mages. “How do they light the paths?”

  Carthin cleared his throat. “If I understand correctly, they place a small orb that can only glow at night into each of the lanterns. When the sun rises, the orbs disappear. At least, that is how I understand it. I will not lie, I cannot use magic. I am just a normal man.”

  Sebial laughed. “A king is not normal.”

  Carthin leaned back, he rested his chin on his hand. “A king is of higher stature, but he is normal. He is easily replaced, just like the baker in the village. We are all given a role, and when the time comes, whether by death or force, it is passed on.”

  Sebial thought back to Pasuria. She balled her fists. Her green eyes began to turn blue. Elin quickly jerked her shoulder. She calmed down and looked at him.

  “Are you okay?” Elin looked at her with concern.

  “Yes, my apologies. I was just thinking about people being forced from their roles when they did nothing wrong.”

  “You are speaking of the royal family being overthrown.” Carthin glanced over at her.

  She nodded.

  “I remember when that happened. Even though time stopped for us, we were not without information. Woldiniar spoke of it as well. He said that is when you are both left out of fear of the new ruler killing those with magic. I found it odd, however, since at the time Nalenero ruled, and he stated he was helping overthrow the king and queen due to them suppressing magic in their kingdom.”

  Sebial slammed her hands onto the table, causing the glasses to shake. “That is not true! They were a kind king and queen who supported the magic. They even used magic! I do not know who took over but now that I know Nalenero helped, I must return and save that kingdom. It is my home. I must—-”

  Her hair began to move without wind. Sebial’s eyes turned blue. Her glass of wine had flames slowly appearing on top of the liquid. “Sebial, enough.” Elin’s hand was holding hers. She jumped from his touch. Her body calmed down and returned to normal. “I know it is hard hearing what he is telling you, but it will help if you understand their side. That way, you can fix their views to have more supporters when the time is right.”

  Carthin nodded. “Your magic is impressive. Those eyes, they were magnificent.” Sebial looked away while Elin glared at Carthin. He cleared his throat and nervously began to talk. “Elin is right. After meeting you and your companions, I can say I would love to assist in fixing whatever Nalenero did wrong. But I need to know the truth first, and I believe you will tell it to me. Your emotions live on your face.”<
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  “Hello, King Carthin,” Mathious looked over to Sebial and smiled. “Hello Sebial, how are you enjoying our kingdom?”

  They jumped from his sudden appearance. Mathious leaned against an empty chair. His back to Elin.

  Elin huffed. I see. I am invisible to you. That is fine. Sebial is mine. I have nothing to fear.

  “I am enjoying it. The garden is beautiful. I wish I could see more.”

  Mathious leans in closer to Sebial. His hand on the back of her chair. “Then how about I take you for a tour later?’

  “Mathious, I appreciate you coming to offer. But that is not your job.” Carthin spoke with his mouth full.

  Mathious cleared his throat. “I helped Denias and Woldiniar. Why is it different now?”

  “It just is. They were helping with fixing the foundation of the kingdom. I couldn’t just have anyone do that. We still do not know if there are spies for Nalenero within these walls.”

  Mathious placed his hand on Sebial’s shoulder and looked down at her. She nervously sat still. He doesn’t feel right. There is something wrong with him. Maybe it is just how they feel from the curse Nalenero put on them all.

  “That is all the more reason, King Carthin. They deserve to have the safest guide.”

  Elin laughed. Mathious glared over at him. “You are the safest? If that is the case, we would be safer in the woods sleeping with mythical beasts.”

  “Why would you say that, elf?” Mathious stood up and walked up to Elin. His hand tightly gripping Elin’s shoulder.

  Elin looked to Mathious and smiled deviously. “You couldn’t even protect the people. You have no magic. You are weak. How will you protect us from one of his followers? They use magic and sorcery. Do you?”

  Carthin cleared his throat. “Elin and Mathious, that is enough. Elin, he does not use magic. He is my best soldier. Mathious, I had already planned to give them a tour myself since you have many things to attend to. Our military is still small after losing over half in the fall of the castle. I need you to continue to train the new ones and see that the injured soldiers are continuing their therapy. The sooner those men heal, the better.”

  Mathious bit his cheek. “understood my king. Farewell Sebial, maybe we can walk together another time.”

  Mathious walked off. Sebial sighed. She glared at Elin. “Why must you provoke him? We are guests.” She whispered.

  Elin cleared his throat. “Thank you for the food, your highness. I apologize for my behavior just now.”

  “Do not fret over that. Mathious has been different ever since that day. He is trying harder than ever, but his distance from me seems to grow. Maybe I gave him too much responsibility.” Carthin sighed.

  “No, do not think that way.” Sebial placed her hand over Carthin’s. “You wouldn’t have done that if you did not think he could handle it.”

  “You are right.” Carthin smiled. “Thank you both for joining me. I will have the maids escort you both to your rooms, and we will meet tomorrow morning for a tour.”

  “Thank you.” They spoke in unison.

  “Sebial, stay away from Mathious,” Elin whispered to her as he gave her a hug.

  She ignored his words and walked away. “Good night Elin, King Carthin.”

  Elin, I already know he is dangerous. But I cannot remain idle. I must learn more about him before he has an opportunity to hurt us.

  Thirteen

  “Are you sure it is this way? The last tunnel almost turned us into charred meat.” Raqee bickered at Woldiniar. “Besides, could we not stop and rest a little? No one goes through here. If they did, we would have been found by now.”

  Woldiniar slowly exhaled as he turned to look back at Raqee. “If you have this much trouble after only an hour, you will surely die within the next few. This is a labyrinth. It is not just one turn, and you are there. These places hold many traps. Unless you created it or have a map, there is no shortcut. Now, for the love of The Damned Flame, shut your mouth!”

  Raqee laughed. “You really despise our creator, don’t you? Why is that? She is a loving Goddess. Without Her, we would not exist.”

  “She is a selfish goddess who only cares about the love her creatures will give her. She cares not about their suffering. And that is why She is in her current predicament. Serves her right.”

  “What predicament? What is wrong with Her?”

  Woldiniar smiled deviously at Raqee. “Her desire to remain in control caused Her destruction. She still lives, just not in Her former glory. That is all I will say. Now, let me focus. We have two options, and I need to sense which one is right.”

  “Like you did the last four times?” Raqee mumbled under his breath as he sat down. He began to pick thorns off his cape. He stuck a finger through one of the holes caused by darts from a trap they fell through. He looked up at Woldiniar. “I know you hired me, but you will need to compensate me when this is done. My shoes are slightly melted. My cape is covered in holes. My pants have tears from nearly falling to my death when the floor fell away.”

  “But did you die?”

  He glared at him. “No, but in these last couple of hours, I have come close too many times. How about I pick the next tunnel? It seems a warlock cannot sense another warlock’s traps. Maybe a ‘snitch’ as you called me could?”

  “No, I am not letting you pick. You might send us down one filled with poison gas. That would be harder to escape from. Now, we are going this way!” Woldiniar pointed to the tunnel in the middle.

  “Why this one? Are you trying to finish me off, so you do not have to replace my wardrobe?”

  Woldiniar laughed. “I feel strong magic from this one. If it is a trap, then we might die. If it is not, we will find whoever is here and what they are doing.” He walked ahead, swinging his arms and humming.

  Raqee looked at the other paths. His face filled with concern over Woldiniar’s reasoning. He shrugged his shoulders and followed.

  The path bent more than once, with small tunnels diverting off into dead ends.

  The walls began to widen out as they continued. Woldiniar walked with his shoulders back. “It seems we are going the right way after all.”

  “why is that? We are still in a cave. We haven’t found a trap, but that could happen at any moment.”

  “Hush. I hear noises. They are still a way away. Their voices are barely carrying on the rock.”

  Raqee gave him an unsure look. “Voices carrying on the rock. Are you some form of an animal?”

  “It is a long story. We will just say I have experience in these situations.”

  “Like the traps earlier?” Raqee glanced at his clothing. “Or do you have good reasoning for that as well?”

  “I do. I was listening for sounds and trying to sense magic. It is not my fault it turned out to be a trap. I never stated my magic was perfect.” Woldiniar held a hand up. He whispered. “be quiet from here on out. The cave floors turn to carved stone up ahead. And it seems they are using orbs to light the path there versus these useless tiny torches.”

  Woldiniar and Raqee crept ahead. The stalactite above disappeared. Now above were archways made of purple ore. Pillars swirled upwards made of white stone, lining the walls.

  Woldiniar thought to himself.

  It seems this once belonged to the dwarves of the great war. This must be the last remaining purple ore on this planet. I wonder if those half-breeds know of this, and that is why they stay. This stuff is incredible when turned into an elixir. It can easily change the tide of a battle.

  He looked down the hall. It opened up further with numerous dark wooden doors. Woldiniar sighed. “This is a fortress beneath a fortress. This will take some time.”

  Raqee stood in awe at the place they had found. “Woldiniar, how did they make something like this?”

  “Dwarves did this before the great war. I thought they were all destroyed by the- never mind. We need to find out where to go from here. It is not heavily guarded. I see a few walking on the banisters ab
ove. They have the same black aura as the one on the street. That tells me Nalenero is at work here.”

  Woldiniar’s eyes went black. Raqee stepped away from him. “Are you okay? Why do you look like that?”

  His eyes changed back. “Nothing. Just thinking how I cannot wait to destroy my brother. He escaped last time. But if he is here, I will destroy him. He will be unable to escape.”

  A figure approached the stairs on the first floor. They backed just out of view to watch. Mathious. I knew that bastard was involved somehow. He seemed too eager to help me find Sebial. I should have used a different name for her. He probably figured out who she was based on her name.

  Woldiniar balled his fists as he watched Mathious walk up the stairs. The guards bowed to him as he walked to the left on the second floor before heading down a hallway out of view.

  “I need to follow him.” Woldiniar went to walk to the stairs, but Raqee pulled him back. He scowled down at him.

  “Listen, as much as I would enjoy seeing you get beat up after all these injuries I have endured, it wouldn’t be worth it. You cannot just charge in there without a plan. We don’t know where these lower doors lead. We do not know what sort of power those guards have. You said it yourself, they have a black aura. I am not a good fighter, which is why I question your judgement in bringing me.”

  “Give me a moment. I can turn us invisible. They won't even be able to hear our footsteps. I brought you for my amusement. You are good at gathering intel. I want to see how you work, knowing your life is in danger.” Woldiniar smiled deviously.

  “That look makes me want to take my chances with the traps again.”

  Woldiniar rolled his hand. Dark green lines appeared on his arm. He put his hand against Raqee. Green smoke escaped from Woldiniar’s hand, wrapping itself around Raqee. He snapped his fingers, allowing the smoke to disappear. Leaving a tiny insect flew before him. Woldiniar smiled. “You look good like that.”

  The little green bug flew around him. Woldiniar went to swat but stopped. “If I hit you with my hand, you will die. Now stop. I need to change as well.”

  Woldiniar took a deep breath in. He slowly exhaled as black smoke circled around his body and expanded. Within a flash, it was gone leaving nothing in his place.