DarkSkull Hall

by Lisa Cassidy

  “Finn,” she spoke. “Why does Shivasa hate Rionn so much? I mean, I know it has to do with an old war, but why such hate so many years later? I don’t understand.”

  “You really want to know?” he asked.

  “I do.” Alyx glanced over again and saw Galien’s dark gaze still watching them.

  Tarrick caught her glance. “Galien’s issues are far deeper than an old war. It’s you that he hates, even more than he does the twins.”

  “I know.” She fought back another shiver. “But I’m still curious. Even back home, Rionnans don’t trust or like the Shiven. Dashan is only half-Shiven, and he’s dealt with it all his life.”

  “Well, yes, that bad feeling has its origins in the war.” Finn pushed his bowl away and placed his forearms on the table, leaning in towards them animatedly. “It happened over two hundred years ago, before Shakar and the mage war. Shivasa attacked Rionn; as is still the case, they’d like our rich farming land very much. Their countryside is only conducive to farming in very small areas, and so they’re forced to import much of their produce. If they had Rionn as part of their territory, they could be almost entirely self-sufficient.”

  “History lesson, not trade lesson, Finn.” Dawn nudged her brother.

  “Right.” He smiled. “So, Shivasa was led at the time by a very charismatic leader. His name—ironically—was Galien. He had been a Taliath before becoming the ruler of Shivasa, and the people adored him. The Shiven people adored his war leaders too; they were strong, decisive, and the Shiven have always been proud and nationalistic.”

  “If that was the case, why wasn’t Rionn overrun?” Despite himself, Tarrick had been drawn into the conversation. “Militarily, Rionn is much smaller.”

  “According to what I’ve read, Rionn held its own against the invading Shiven army because they had the mages and many of the Taliath behind them,” Finn said. “Despite Rionn’s small size, two hundred years ago they were rich in mages and Taliath, more so than any other country. Rionnan mages were involved in all areas of mage culture, and the same for the Taliath. Because of that, the Rionnan king was able to draw on the resources of the Mage Council to help them fight back.”

  “Keep going,” Tarrick urged when Finn paused to take a drink.

  “Okay, well… the war went on for over ten years, but because of the mages, the Rionnans won. The Shiven army was beaten back to a very small area of land along the Rionnan border. They were surrounded, the leaders of the army trapped. Most accounts written afterwards agree that Galien formally surrendered, accepting that he’d lost and wanting to withdraw and rebuild Shivasa after years of war.

  “The king of Rionn accepted the surrender and sent a message instructing Galien and his war leaders to emerge from hiding, leave their soldiers and come out into the open. The king told Galien that when he did that, he and his soldiers would be captured without harm and returned to Shivasa under Taliath guard.

  “On the chosen date and time, Galien and his senior commanders emerged from the area of land where his army was trapped, and walked out, unarmed, into open ground.”

  “And?” Dawn said impatiently when Finn paused for effect.

  “The king of Rionn ordered his archers to open fire on them. Galien and all the war leaders of Shivasa were cut down, killed to a man.”

  Alyx stared at Finn in horror. “The king of Rionn killed them in cold blood after they surrendered?”

  “He probably thought if he let them go alive, they’d only invade again once they’d rebuilt their strength,” Tarrick said.

  “No. The way I understand it, the Shiven army had been almost totally destroyed in the final battles.” Finn shook his head. “Most scholars concur they didn’t have the capacity to invade again for decades.”

  “I can’t believe a king of Rionn did that.” Dawn looked disgusted. “No wonder they hate us so much.”

  Alyx looked over at Galien with a new understanding of his attitude towards her. Finn’s tale didn’t excuse what he’d done, but she certainly understood now part of the reason he hated her.

  “I think that Galien, despite his invasion of Rionn, was a good leader in Shivasa, and the people adored him,” Finn said quietly. “They were devastated by his loss, and they’ve hated us with a fervour ever since.”

  “It was a dishonourable thing to do,” Tarrick said gravely.

  “The Shiven weren’t perfect either though,” Finn said. “During the war, they deliberately targeted Rionnan healing centres and attacked Rionnan civilians. And that is the source of Rionnan hate for Shivasa.”

  “So much hate,” Alyx murmured. “And for it to last over two hundred years.”

  “It’s a long time,” Finn agreed. “And why the disputed area is still such a sensitive issue.”

  “If a foreign king killed our emperor in that way, Zandians would never forgive or forget,” Tarrick said, eyes glittering.

  “And where does that get everyone?” Alyx asked him, annoyed by his words and tone. “Mage students hundreds of years later trying to kill other students because of the place they came from? Trade so limited that rural people in Shivasa almost starve because they can’t sustain themselves? Border skirmishes where young men and women are killed and families lose brothers, fathers, sisters, wives for no good reason?”

  Tarrick and Dawn looked taken aback by her outburst, but Finn looked at her with interest. “You have been paying attention in class.”

  “No,” she said, getting up. “I have a long-time friend who is distrusted wherever he goes just because he’s half-Shiven, a friend who could easily be killed one day in a border skirmish because of this hate that is two hundred years old. It’s stupid and unfair!”

  That said, Alyx turned and walked away. She was unreasonably upset and she didn’t even know why.

  Dawn returned to their room a little while after, smiling at Alyx, who was already in bed. “You okay?”

  “I’m fine.” Alyx sat up, returning her smile. “I’m sorry for walking out on you. I just don’t understand why people still hang onto things that happened so long ago. I mean, it was awful what this Galien did, what the King of Rionn did, but they’re not alive anymore. The men who rule Shivasa and Rionn now are very different people.”

  “You’re right.” Dawn sat opposite her. “Despite the stark difference in our worlds, we both grew up in Alistriem amidst this cultural dislike of the Shiven. You hear it everywhere you go; to insult someone you tell them they’re just like a Shiven. But I’ve never thought to question it. I wish I had.”

  “Neither have I,” Alyx said quietly. “And it seems so wrong to hate, or to listen to hate, without even asking yourself why.”

  “You must have thought about it, at least a little bit.” Dawn said. “Being Dashan’s friend for so long.”

  “I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t.” Alyx looked down at her hands. “I’ve always just ignored the fact he was half Shiven. I’ve known him so long, it never bothered me, but at the same time I just accepted the way he was treated by everybody else. I didn’t even try to stop it, Dawn.”

  “I never have either.” Dawn reached between their beds to take Alyx’s hand. “How about we make a promise to each other now to stop doing that? From now on, we don’t hate or distrust without question, and we don’t accept it from others?”

  “Deal.” Alyx squeezed her hand.

  All four of them were infected with excitement at breakfast the next morning. As Alyx watched Tarrick spoon up his oatmeal with enthusiasm, she felt a slight pang at the realisation she’d probably never see him again. She had been so focused on how badly she wanted to go home, she hadn’t thought about what that would mean.

  “What? Do I have food on my face?” Tarrick asked when he caught her staring.

  “No, it’s nothing.”

  “Then quit staring and hurry up and eat.” His white teeth flashed. “It’s time to go.”

  As soon as they were done eating, Tarrick collected his bag and they all went out t
o wait at the top of the steps at the entrance to the main hall. From there they had a direct view of those entering the grounds. It was a warm, sunny morning, dispelling the air of gloom that sometimes sat over the valley. Some of the apprentices and initiates were already leaving, intending to make their own way back to their homes. Others, like Alyx and her friends, stood around waiting in small groups.

  “I hear tell you’re not coming back?”

  Alyx turned to see the handsome Adahn stopping behind her, his duffel slung over his shoulder.

  “That’s right. I’m no mage.”

  “I figured.” He smiled easily and offered his hand. “I guess we won’t see each other again. Best of luck, Alyx.”

  “You too.” She shook his hand. “I hope you pass your trials.”

  “It’ll be a breeze.” He winked at her. “Bye.”

  She watched him go, still uncertain about whether she actually liked him or not. He’d been friendly enough to her over the past months, but he was also a friend of Galien’s. Speaking of the Shiven, he was over by the lake, in deep conversation with Rothai. Being an orphan, he didn’t have anywhere to go for the break between study years. Finn had heard he planned to stay at DarkSkull and continue his lessons with Rothai. Alyx almost felt sorry for him.

  Tearing her eyes away from her nemesis, Alyx sat down on the top step. She was still wearing her initiate uniform with her hair plaited neatly. As much as she longed for her clothes back home, she knew these were the most sensible for the journey ahead. Her staff was slung over her back, her knife tucked away in her right boot, and her remaining coins in a bag at her waist. That was all she had.

  “Look, they’re here!” Finn said as the Bluecoats appeared on the road.

  Dawn tossed an almost unbelieving glance at Alyx. “I guess this is it.”

  “Yes, it is.” Grinning, Alyx rose to her feet.

  “Come on,” Finn said.

  After a moment, Alyx and Dawn started making their own way down the steps. They turned as Tarrick hefted his bag and followed.

  “You’re bringing your bag along to wish us farewell?” Finn teased him.

  “No. I’m coming with you,” Tarrick said as if it had already been discussed and decided.

  “Us?” Finn pointed at his chest.

  “Well, Alyx in particular, but yes.”

  “I’m confused,” Alyx said.

  “You are a mage of the higher order. You need a protector, whether you declare yourself or not,” he said.

  “You’re serious?” Her eyebrows shot upwards.

  “Completely.”

  “Tarrick, you can’t come with me. I’m going to miss you, but you know I’m not coming back here.”

  He shrugged. “Then I’ll come back with the twins in three months’ time to complete my training. Once that’s done, I’ll return to Rionn as your protector.”

  “Tarrick, that’s ridiculous. I’m going home, back to my life. I’ll have the protection of the Blue Guard and the rest of the Rionnan Army. I don’t need you as well.”

  “My life’s path is chosen,” he said solemnly. “This is my duty as a Tylender.”

  Finn snorted, and Dawn tried to cover her smile with a hand. Tarrick caught both and scowled.

  “Be sensible, Tarrick. I’m not going to be a mage,” Alyx said patiently.

  Tarrick looked away and let out a long breath. “Look, the truth is… I’m not exactly going to be welcomed with open arms back home, you understand?”

  “Oh.”

  “Spending months being told what a waste I am, and how I’ve ruined my time at DarkSkull isn’t what I’d call fun,” he said. “I’ve never been to Rionn, and your company isn’t too awful.”

  “Why, thank you,” Finn said.

  Alyx looked helplessly at Dawn, who shrugged and had no help to offer. Alyx looked back at Tarrick, who was now staring at his shoes.

  “All right.” She nodded slowly, then offered him a smile. “I really was sad at the idea of never seeing you again. You’re more than welcome to come back with us, as long as you’re clear that I am not coming back to DarkSkull.”

  “Absolutely.” He nodded, then grinned, white teeth flashing.

  “Hey, are you planning to stand around all morning, Lady Egalion?” A shout accosted them from below.

  Alyx turned, rolling her eyes. Dashan sat his horse at the head of a rich carriage, and another nineteen Bluecoats sat their horses around it. Alyx, Tarrick and the twins continued down the steps.

  “You sound like a nagging wife, Dash.” Alyx smiled as they crossed the gravel driveway towards the carriage.

  “My, we’re in a good mood,” he noted, dismounting in one smooth movement and leaving his horse to graze.

  “You’re here to take me home. I’m close to even liking you at this point,” she said. “Although, I am half-surprised you’re not still hiding out in the orchard.”

  His grin flashed. “It only took me two days to sneak out. Piece of cake.”

  “Initiates?”

  Alyx turned at the sound of Howell’s voice and Dashan stepped back.

  Their master was walking towards them from the direction of the stables. Behind him came two grooms leading the horses that had belonged to Alyx and the others during the year.

  “I wanted to say farewell and good luck.” He came to a stop before them. “You four have been the most promising initiates I’ve had in a long time. These horses are yours, my farewell gift.”

  “Sir?” Finn gaped.

  “These horses are battle-trained. They can protect you when your strength and your magic fail.” Howell’s eyes lingered on Alyx as he said this. “You’ve done well with them, despite your initial difficulties. They are yours.”

  One of the grooms deposited Tingo’s reins in Alyx’s hand without a word, nodded at her, and strode away. Tingo snuffled happily in her hair and she couldn’t help her smile as she ducked away from him and ran an affectionate hand over his nose.

  Howell smiled cheerfully at their stunned surprise. “As I said, you’re a promising group. Not that you’d know it, just looking at you.”

  “Thank you for your help this year, sir,” Dawn said.

  “You don’t mean that,” he said cheerfully. “I quite deliberately didn’t help you at all. I’m sure Alyx here is still furious at me.”

  She looked at him for a moment; she was still angry at him, but there was still something about him she liked. “It’s not an issue of anger, sir. It’s an issue of trust.”

  “Ah.” He nodded, looking momentarily sad. “And that I can understand too. Alyx, I wish you the best. Finn, Dawn, Tarrick, I look forward to seeing you next year.”

  As Howell walked away, Alyx stared at Tingo. While she loved the big horse, and was proud of how she’d learned to ride and control him, she hadn’t really wanted to take home any reminders of DarkSkull Hall. She’d almost left her staff behind in her room earlier.

  “Alyx! Come on, what’s taking so long?”

  She turned to see Dashan waiting for them by the carriage, a slight scowl on his face.

  Pleased by the fact she’d irritated him, she smiled. “What do you think of my horse, Dash?”

  Dashan’s eyes widened in appreciation as he strolled over and studied Tingo before giving the other three horses a once-over.

  “They’re as good as any in the Blue Guard, maybe even finer.” His brown eyes turned back to her. “Are you all right?”

  “I just want to go home.”

  “I can reassure you on that point.” He tipped his hat at the others. “We received confirmation three days ago of the safe passage agreement through the disputed territory the king negotiated for your return home. Ready to go?”

  “Absolutely,” she said, then spotted Tarrick hovering nearby. “We have an extra traveller, though.”

  “We do?” Dashan raised an eyebrow.

  “Tarrick Tylender, this is Lieutenant Dashan Caverlock. He’s one of the Bluecoats in my escort.” Alyx waved Ta
rrick over.

  “You’re the half-Shiven Alyx was so upset about last night,” Tarrick noted, coming over.

  Dashan flicked a confused glance at Alyx, who shrugged and levelled a scowl at Tarrick.

  “He’s been good to me this year, Dash,” Alyx told him. “And he’d like to come to Rionn with us.”

  “He has?” Dashan asked her quietly.

  “He saved my life more than once,” she said, just as quietly.

  Dashan’s eyes darkened at her words, and she knew she was going to be questioned later about why her life had needed saving. For now, he turned back to Tarrick with a smile.

  “Call me Dash.” Dashan shook Tarrick’s hand warmly. “You a friend of Alyx’s?”

  Tarrick’s eyes lightened. “We’re working towards friendship.”

  Dashan chuckled. “I know the feeling. Can you ride, Tarrick? I’m not sure if there’s enough room in the carriage.”

  “I’d prefer to ride,” Tarrick assured him.

  “A man after my own heart.” Dashan grinned. “Be welcome. Now, let’s get moving.”

  Alyx and the twins clambered into the comfortable carriage while Tarrick rode his stallion ahead with Dashan. With a lurch, they were off, trundling out of the grounds of DarkSkull Hall, crossing the bridge and turning in the direction of home.

  Alyx didn’t look back.

  Chapter 30

  The first part of their long trip home was uneventful. The Tregayan roads were wide and not too busy and the weather was warm and fine. Alyx spent a large part of her time in the carriage, alternately sleeping and watching the countryside go by.

  Finn and Dawn split their time sitting in the carriage and riding outside with Tarrick. When they were in the carriage, their light chatter helped distract Alyx from thinking too much.

  As before, Dashan and his Bluecoats were efficient and practiced, setting up a camp each evening without fuss. Alyx was surprised to notice on their first day that Dashan appeared to be in charge of the unit.