She supposed she could have pressured Talon for more information when Talon came forward with additional details regarding the Coruscalli, but in doing so Jan feared she would have only driven Talon further away. The trust between them was tenuous at best. Jan did not want to put further stress on the already fragile relationship she had with perhaps the only Astraeyu Nouvin willing to assist them.
Talon undoubtedly had her own reasons for being so elusive, but she seemed to genuinely care for the world of Lythril, including the Four Kingdoms. It was obvious Talon wanted to put a stop to the Coruscalli’s plans, no matter what the cost. If not for Jan, Talon would probably take the knowledge they’d gained to Kalvatin and slay Morgsten in his sleep. What was most unnerving was that Jan didn’t think Talon would have any trouble eliminating Morgsten and then disappearing before anyone was the wiser.
As if summoned by her thoughts, Talon appeared before her in the courtyard. Jan saw her, seated on the handrail encircling the garden. Her back was turned toward Jan, so she seemed unaware that she was not alone. Enthralled by whatever task she was about. Jan was able to get very close, close enough to peer over Talon’s shoulder to see what was so interesting that not even the seasoned warrior would sense her approach.
In Talon’s hands she held a book, its cover worn and faded by extensive use. Talon balanced the book against one knee, her head bent as she studied its contents. Jan leaned closer, and nearly gasped from shock when she saw an image of a flower, sketched in ink but looking no less lifelike than the flowers growing in the gardens on the open page.
“How long are you planning on standing there?” Talon asked. The sound of her low voice made Jan jump. She was grateful that Talon’s back was still turned, so that she wouldn’t see her embarrassment at being caught.
“I was taking a stroll through the courtyard when I happened upon you,” Jan explained. She hoped her words did not sound too rushed, or her voice too shaky. “I didn’t realize you were here.”
“You don’t have to sound so apologetic. These gardens are more for your benefit than mine.” Talon closed the sketchbook with an audible thud. “I have no business here.”
Jan wondered at the sudden change in Talon’s mood. She moved forward until she was standing next to her. “That’s not true at all,” she said. “As an ally of the Arbitrary Order, you have as much right here as any of the Arbiters.”
“So you say,” Talon said, “but I’ve seen the way some of the Arbiters look at me. To them, I will always be an Outlander, a wild savage from the north.”
“I think you are more than capable of improving the image of your people,” Jan said. “Give it time. People will eventually see you for who you are, instead of an Outlander to be feared.”
Talon said nothing, but only continued to stare at the book on her lap. Jan could scarcely contain her curiosity. It was unexpected for her to learn that a woman like Talon would enjoy something as serene as drawing.
“I noticed your sketch of a flower,” she began, gauging Talon’s reaction as she spoke. “Is it a part of your training, a way to improve concentration, perhaps?”
Talon met Jan’s gaze unwaveringly. “What’s wrong, Jan?” she asked with a wry smile. “You don’t think a savage like me capable of anything other than death and destruction?”
“That wasn’t what I meant.” Jan felt her face grow hot. “The question didn’t come out the way I intended to ask it. I never meant to imply that you were a—”
“A fearsome brute?” Talon finished for her. She then laughed. “No worries, I’m not offended easily. A means to improve concentration, you say? I suppose you could call it that. But the main reason I draw is because I like it, simple as that.” Talon glanced toward Jan and laughed again. “You look so surprised, Jan. Surely you did not believe my entire existence revolved around my training as an Astraeyu’s Talon.”
“No. Of course not.” Actually, Jan had believed that. Now she felt a fool for being so blind. It made sense that Talon would have other interests outside of her line of work. Her body might be a finely honed, deadly weapon, but she was still a living being, a person with a mind of her own.
“I don’t blame you,” Talon said. “It must be difficult to imagine someone like me sitting in a garden and sketching flowers and birds like my life depended on it.”
“Flowers and birds? Both are in abundance at Fort Solitude.” Jan was quiet next to Talon for several minutes, leaning on the handrail as she watched a cloud pass overhead. “I would like to see your work,” she said. When Talon only stared at her curiously, she added, “You don’t have to show me if you are uncomfortable.”
Without saying a word, Talon opened the sketchbook to the front page. Jan nearly gasped aloud at the detail of the bird. Although it was only an ink drawing, the bird looked so lifelike Jan half expected it to move. The following pages were filled with equally impressive sketches of birds and flowers. Jan recognized many of the subjects from the gardens of Fort Solitude.
“They’re all so beautiful,” she said. To her astonishment, Talon’s caramel skin reddened.
Again, Talon hastily closed the sketchbook and put it aside. Jan hoped she hadn’t offended Talon by complimenting her work. The drawings truly were beautiful, but it was obvious that Talon was unaccustomed to having her work praised. From what Jan observed of her so far, Talon seemed awkward in any social situation. She was clearly more at ease with a sword that she was with small talk. Jan didn’t want Talon to feel more alienated at Fort Solitude than she did already. If Talon did not wish to speak of her passion for art, Jan would not force her.
“I’ve been thinking about what you said,” Jan began, offering a much welcome change in subjects. “About my scar being a blessing from Astraeyu.”
“You still don’t believe it?” Talon arched an eyebrow.
“I’m not sure what to believe anymore. I am a Mainlander, a woman of Lythrillian faith. Yet…” Jan placed a hand over her heart, where the glowing mark still pulsed in rhythm with her heartbeats. “Whenever I come in contact with the light emanating from within the scar, I feel a sense of tranquility and strength like never before. The scar possesses magical properties, of that I am certain. I only wish I understood what sort of magic it is, precisely.”
“I’m afraid I can not answer that question. Many priestesses in the High Temple of Astraeyu search their entire lives for a trace of the power of Astraeyu’s Light.” Talon regarded Jan thoughtfully. “No one understands the exact nature of the Light of Astraeyu. The only truth that is known is that the Light is a blessing from Astraeyu herself.”
“That still doesn’t explain why I was chosen,” Jan insisted.
“Maybe you should stop worrying so much about why you were chosen and just learn to accept that you were. Astraeyu makes no mistakes.”
“Do you truly believe that?” Jan wondered how Talon could be so adamant in her belief that she was blessed by her deity.
“There must be a reason why you were chosen,” Talon continued. “Only a select few ever see the Light of Astraeyu. Of those, even fewer bear the mark as you do. Obviously Astraeyu has great plans for you, Jan.”
Jan considered Talon’s words. Maybe she was chosen for some momentous role. Maybe her fate was decided before Astraeyu’s Light was branded into her flesh, when she was promoted to Grand Arbiter. That all forty-three Arbiters ahead of Jan for the position would perish in the fire at Sonastra seemed more than a mere coincidence. Whatever fate Astraeyu or any other deity held in store for her, it appeared that Jan had little say in the matter. All she could do was play her part in the coming battle and hope that her decisions did not bring about the end of all things.
SEVERAL DAYS AFTER Jan’s conversation with Talon in the gardens, a letter arrived for her from Orsela, the capital of Kalvatin. The letter was from none other than Morgsten himself, inviting Jan to Orsela to attend a masquerade being held at the Institute of Thaumaturgy.
“I don’t
like this, Arbiter Sterling,” Rhys said. He paced the floor in front of Jan’s desk, a deep scowl on his face. “An invitation to a masquerade in Kalvatin, and from Morgsten, no less? Something is not right. It all seems like a trap to me.”
“I agree with you.” Jan did not like this latest development any more than Rhys did. Perhaps Morgsten was aware that she had agents in Kalvatin spying on him. If that were the case, Jan feared for the safety of those men and women. Morgsten had a lot of sway over the Board of Thaumaturgists, the ruling body in Kalvatin. In addition to that already impressive power, he also had the Coruscalli standing behind him.
“Receiving an invitation from Morgsten after recently connecting him to the Coruscalli is unsettling,” Jan continued. “However, I can’t just ignore the request. I am the new Grand Arbiter. It is not so uncommon for someone of my status to attend banquets and masquerades.” It still felt strange for Jan to speak of herself as someone so important. To her, it seemed like bragging to say that she would be expected to receive invitations to prestigious events. Jan wished she could slink back into the shadows of the archives and lose herself in the shelves and shelves of books, but she knew she couldn’t run away from her responsibilities. Not now, when the fate of the world might depend on her.
“I must accept,” she stated matter-of-factly. “If I refuse Morgsten’s invitation, no doubt he will use my actions against the Arbiters. If he knows of our agents’ presence in Kalvatin, he probably wishes for my refusal so he can say that the new Grand Arbiter has insulted Kalvatin with her casual dismissal of an event that is held in high honors by the Kalvats.”
“You are correct, Arbiter Sterling.” Beatrix sat on the edge of Jan’s desk, her legs crossed as she pondered over this new dilemma. “While the Arbitrary Order of Lyth holds a presence in Kalvatin, it serves a somewhat different purpose than it does in the rest of Lythril. Some would argue that the Kalvat chapter of Arbiters is merely symbolic, a cadre of warriors meant to represent the achievements our Order has accomplished throughout history and nothing more.”
Beatrix had studied the Kalvats and their history with the Arbiters well. It made Jan proud to have such a capable woman as her Arcane Advisor.
“Kalvat Arbiters are trained in the usage and control of the arcane,” Beatrix continued, “but their authority is severely restricted by the Board of Thaumaturgists. Kalvatin is a land that reveres magic and so doesn’t regulate the use of arcane practices as strictly as the rest of Lythril. Once in Orsela you must tread carefully, Arbiter Sterling. Although you are Grand Arbiter over even the Kalvat chapter, your power isn’t limitless. While in Kalvatin, you will be expected to observe Kalvat law and tradition, both of which allow the Board of Thaumaturgists to overrule the Arbiters.”
“I’m aware that I will be little more than a guest at this masquerade,” Jan said. “After all, we’re not traveling to Orsela to accuse Morgsten of having ties with the Coruscalli.”
“We?” Rhys asked.
“Of course. I wouldn’t dare think of going into Kalvatin without the company of the commander of my soldiers and my Arcane Advisor. A Grand Arbiter is surely expected to travel with an entourage of her most trusted Arbiters, but we’ll have to keep our numbers small. Otherwise, Morgsten might think we mean to exercise our might. No, we have to make it look as though the Grand Arbiter isn’t attending this masquerade in her official capacity. I am merely accepting the invitation as a show of trust and good relations between our kingdoms.”
“How many will be permitted to travel with us?” Rhys asked. Obviously he was still uncomfortable at the idea of Jan going into the heart of the enemy’s territory.
“In addition to the two of you, I’ll take along a small number of your finest soldiers. Only as many as would be expected of accompanying the Grand Arbiter. After the events in Sonastra, I don’t think it would be suspicious to travel with added security.” Jan thought for a moment, trying to put into words an idea that was sure to cause some concern, especially with Rhys. Finally, she decided it was best to just be out with it. “Also, I think we could benefit from having Talon along.” Before Rhys could protest, Jan held up her hand. “So far, Talon’s advice on the Coruscalli has been invaluable. I dare say we wouldn’t even know about the cult if not for her help.”
“But Talon is so impulsive and unpredictable.” Rhys stopped, gave a defeated look, and said, “And you’re right, Grand Arbiter. She does seem to be an expert where matters of the Coruscalli are involved.”
“The Astraeyu Nouvins have had many years of experience of dealing with the Coruscalli,” Jan said. “The cult has only managed to keep its existence a secret for so long because it has been conducting most of its activities to the far north, beyond the watchful eyes of the Arbiters.”
“Talon will undoubtedly be of great help in identifying any cultists we might happen across,” Beatrix agreed. “Having a live Astraeyu Nouvin as a guest will also be a rare treat for the Kalvats. Located as far south as it is, Kalvatin has had little experience with Astraeyu Nouvi. In a land that reveres the arcane, an Astraeyu Nouvin will be quite the sight.” Her whiskers laid back, she continued, “Personally, I look forward to traveling to Orsela. It is, after all, the magic capital of the Four Kingdoms.”
Jan noticed that Rhys still looked uncomfortable at the idea of attending the masquerade. Doubtless he was unnerved at the prospect of being surrounded by so many who viewed the arcane as the ultimate gift from Lyth. In fact, most of those in attendance would be accomplished sorcerers, or at the very least students who showed exemplary aptitude for the arcane. Magic in any form made Rhys uneasy, just as it did many people in the Four Kingdoms. Kalvatin had unleashed its sorcerers in the past.
Other than the Coruscalli, the Kalvats were the only ones to openly challenge the Arbiters. Jan knew they would have to be wary while in Orsela. Many potential enemies could be lying in wait for them.
“I’ve heard Orsela is a city of great wonder,” Jan said. She hoped to lighten the mood by being optimistic.
“Travelers come from miles around just to walk the Path of Lights,” Beatrix said. “Magical fire that never goes out illuminates the city, a testament to the Thaumaturgists’ arcane mastery shining from every streetlamp.”
Beatrix appeared to be delighted at being invited to travel with Jan to Orsela. She supposed someone who was as fascinated with magic as Beatrix would be exited at seeing the city that legends claimed was built with magic. The Kalvats would be interested in seeing someone like Beatrix, as well. Not many Shifters practiced their art openly. Even fewer wore the evidence of their work as prominently as Beatrix. Considered an oddity in most places, Beatrix would probably be labeled as an arcane genius in Kalvatin.
“We should leave as soon as possible,” Jan said. “Is two days enough time to prepare my entourage for the journey?”
“I can have my finest soldiers ready by the day’s end,” Rhys said.
“I merely await your command, Grand Arbiter,” Beatrix said.
“Excellent,” Jan said. “Have everyone ready to move out by tomorrow morning. We don’t want to be late for the masquerade, do we?”
JAN AND HER entourage were prepared for the journey to Kalvatin the following morning. The weather was fair and they made good progress before nightfall, passing beyond the border of Rider’s Vale into the kingdom to the east. They made camp in the mountainous region of western Kalvatin.
It came as no surprise to Jan that Talon would volunteer for first watch. Talon was so eager to reach Orsela, it made Jan uneasy. Once they were in the capital and so close to their enemy, Jan would have to keep a close watch on Talon. Some of Talon’s apprehension must have been wearing off on the others, Jan noticed. As she strolled through camp, she saw Rhys was checking their armor and equipment one last time before retiring for the night. Even Beatrix was outside of her tent, staring up at the sky in the direction of Orsela. Jan followed her line of sight and saw the glow of many colorful lights on the
horizon. Jan had seen magical fire before. Indeed, her training as an Arbiter prepared her to counter such an attack. Never before had she witnessed magical fire used for the purpose of beauty and elegance. It usually was employed as a means of offense or as a way to provide light when there was none. As she wondered what such lights would look like up close, she leaned against a tree and continued watching the shimmering glow on the horizon. That was when she noticed Talon, mostly concealed by shadow, moving stealthily along the perimeter of the camp. Talon could be merely making a patrol, guarding their camp against any enemies hiding in the dark, but it made Jan nervous. Talon was all too eager to reach Orsela and the lair of their enemy. Jan might be being overly cautious, but she decided to follow Talon and observe her actions.
It took Talon little time to become aware that she was being followed. Jan had Talon in her sight one minute, the next she was gone. Before Jan had time to realize what happened, Talon doubled back on her trail and was behind Jan.
“Jan,” Talon rumbled in her low alto, causing Jan to jump, “it is only you. For a moment I thought our camp had been infiltrated. Shouldn’t you be getting some rest? We still have another day’s journey ahead of us.”
“I appreciate the concern, but this isn’t the first restless night I’ve had since becoming an Arbiter.” Although it was the first time Jan had so much responsibility resting on her. This was her expedition. She decided to travel to Orsela, even against her better judgment. If things ended badly with Morgsten, it would not only reflect negatively on her, but it could also tarnish the reputation of the entire Order. She did not mention any of her worries to Talon, instead focusing on the progress of their journey. “At least we’re making good time. If our luck holds out and travel conditions remain as pleasant as they have been so far, we should reach Orsela before sundown tomorrow. It will certainly be a welcome change, to be inside the walls of a well guarded city instead of out in the wilderness.”
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