The Ghosts of Blood and Innocence

by Constantine, Storm

  But any shadowy emanations from Darq’s surakin were kept at a distance by the love of his parents. Caeru was like summer sunlight, an open door into a beautiful landscape. There was no way Darq could be anything but comfortable in Caeru’s presence. He might veer strongly towards a soume aspect, but he had a she-cat’s instinct to protect his young. If Pellaz and Cal were prepared to protect Darq, then so was Caeru, and when the sheaths came off his claws, he would be an unexpected force to be reckoned with. I am blessed, Darq thought, and the only thing that marred this gathering, apart from the hot murky presence of Geburael, was that Tava-edzen wasn’t there to share it, nor all those who’d been a part of Darq’s childhood and adolescence, including Phade; a realisation that surprised Darq.

  Thiede returned after about half an hour, bringing Abrimel with him. He was, of course, much older than Darq, nearer in age to his parents than to his brothers. Life had not been kind to him, Darq could see that. But Abrimel politely inclined his head to Darq when he was introduced and gave him a brief wry smile. He’s not all bad, Darq thought. Whatever he’s done.

  The meal was over and it was time for serious discussion. Before Darquiel related his own story to the gathering, Pellaz gave everyhar an account of what had occurred in Shaa Lemul. Listening to it, Darquiel became conscious that he was somehow reassured. He wasn’t sure why this was so, but perhaps it was because somehar else was confirming some of the extraordinary things Darq had learned from Divozenky. When Pellaz finished speaking, he asked that nohar questioned him until they’d heard what Darquiel had to say.

  ‘Where shall I begin?’ Darq asked nervously.

  ‘Tell us everything,’ Pellaz said. ‘We’re in no rush. We want to know about you.’

  Darq drew in his breath. ‘OK.’ He grinned uncertainly at Cal and Thiede. ‘You’ve both heard all this before, but…’

  ‘I have no objection to hearing it all again,’ Cal said. ‘This time, I want more details.’

  Darq sent him a quick mind touch. You won’t get that. Not here! You want lurid details? We talk privately.

  Cal responded instantly. Oh, we will!

  Darq related the main points of his life story again, this time with more temerity. He was conscious of Pellaz’s stern view of Velaxis for a start, and there was also the uncomfortable dynamic of the shamed Abrimel to deal with, not to mention the hot scrutiny of Geburael, who appeared to think that Darquiel might sprout horns and breathe fire at any moment.

  Darq took comfort from the fact that his parents had welcomed him freely and with genuine relief to have him back among them. Not once throughout his admittedly short life so far had he ever considered how they might have felt about his abduction. The excision of his pearl was a wound that had never truly healed. The Aralisians had done something special and new to create him, and he was to them a miracle. He knew they did not feel quite the same way about Loki, no matter how much they loved him, and their feelings for Abrimel were difficult to intuit. He had been dragged from prison for this reunion, but surely this would only be acid in his throat; seeing how another son of the family was so favorably regarded. For this reason, Darq found himself addressing Abrimel more than anyhar else. In a subtle way, he was trying to apologise for being preferred. He didn’t care what Abrimel thought of him, but was strangely moved to care about what Abrimel thought of himself.

  At the end of his story, Darq simply grimaced and displayed his palms, his eyes upon Abrimel’s face. He would wait for reactions.

  Everyhar began talking at once, but Abrimel regarded Darquiel steadily. When he spoke, his voice was soft, but somehow it managed to silence every other har in the room. ‘Geb and I have spoken in great depth about you over the past week,’ he said. ‘When you made your desperate call into the ethers, you were heard. Geburael heard you, even though at the time he was in Thanatep. He and Loki heard from the Hashmallim that you were a threat – an abomination, to use their words. They said you would become a tyrant. Geburael said to me he’d only know whether this was true once he’d met you. Now, his voice should be heard.’

  There was a silence as all eyes turned to Geburael. Darq’s mouth went dry. This was Geburael’s moment. He wondered how his surakin would use it.

  ‘His life force is different to any other har’s,’ Geburael said. He’d considered that opening remark carefully, Darq could tell.

  ‘Of course it is,’ Pellaz said in an even tone. ‘That doesn’t make him a danger.’

  ‘What do you see, Geb?’ Caeru asked. ‘Speak honestly.’ He was obviously of the impression that nothing dark could stain the wondrous soul of his son.

  ‘It’s my talent,’ Geburael said to Darq, by way of explanation. He narrowed his eyes. ‘I don’t see bad in you, Darquiel. In fact, I see very little other than surface beauty. You hide a lot inside yourself.’

  ‘That’s not intentional,’ Darq said crisply. ‘Do you wish to establish mind touch? I’m quite prepared to allow you in deeper, if that will prove my ‘innocence’.’ He could not keep a sting from his voice.

  ‘I’ve not been able to read you, Darquiel,’ Geburael said, ‘as Velaxis hasn’t been able to, nor Thiede. Perhaps they blind themselves to this fact, because they have their own plans for you, and emotions are involved, but you’re a sealed tomb to them.’

  ‘Thank you, Geburael,’ Pellaz said. ‘Your assessment was interesting.’

  ‘But true,’ Cal said.

  Pellaz shot him a dark glance.

  Cal shrugged. ‘But it is. Believe me, I don’t see that as an aberration.’ He smiled at Darq. ‘I admire it. Because of how he is, he can communicate with entities beyond our understanding or perception. Aren’t we all overlooking this most salient fact? This is obviously why you were driven to create him, Pell.’

  Pellaz nodded. ‘That makes sense. So, what do we do now? How does Darquiel end this conflict around us?’

  ‘There is no conflict,’ Darquiel said.

  Pellaz raised his eyebrows.

  Darq shrugged. ‘Well there isn’t, not for you. There is for me. I have to combat whatever the Hashmallim have done to Loki. It’s not my responsibility to reactivate Thanatep, and we have to hope those involved in the task will be successful. My job is to safeguard the resources of our realm, but first I have the personal issue with Loki to resolve. I bear no ill will towards him. He’s my brother. I want to undo what’s been done to him.’

  ‘Darquiel,’ Thiede said, ‘we can’t assume Ta Ke and Lileem will automatically succeed. Given our combined strengths, we should attempt to assist them. I think you’re focusing too much on Loki. He is only a har. Look at the broader picture. If Thanatep isn’t reactivated, the Hashmallim can still do as they please. That might mean you’d always have to be on your guard.’

  ‘Do you think we should speak with the sedim?’ Pellaz asked Thiede.

  Thiede sighed through his nose. ‘If we don’t, they’ll simply have their agents crawling around Phaonica. Pell, you, Darquiel and I should do this.’

  Darq had no desire to confer with the sedim. Instinctively, he distrusted them.

  ‘There’s something else you should consider,’ Geburael said.

  ‘Yes?’ Pellaz asked him.

  ‘Darquiel says there is no conflict. I disagree. Well, it’s not a matter of conflict, but of interests. Before you speak to the sedim, in my opinion you should be sure whether you still wish them to harvest this realm.’

  ‘We’d hardly want the alternative,’ Pellaz said.

  Geburael leaned back lazily in his seat. ‘Why? Isn’t it obvious that if Darquiel wasn’t set against the Aasp, the Hashmallim would not regard him as a threat? Isn’t that what you want, your unusual son to be safe? You should speak to representatives from both sides. Whatever you think of the Aasp, the fact is that the Zehk would prefer to stifle Wraeththu’s advancement. Personal issues aside, are the Zehk really what you want for the world?’ He looked again at Darquiel. ‘What does the world itself want, for that matter?’
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br />   Darq was surprised by the eloquence of Geburael’s speech. He wondered if he’d underestimated the har. ‘She’s left that decision to us,’ he said. ‘I doubt the Hashmallim are willing to speak to me, in any case. I had to face the murderous wrath they’ve put in Loki. Once Thanatep is reactivated, both factions will have to abide by the contracts. The Thanadrim passed guardianship of earth to us. I don’t think either the Zehk or the Aasp would have that much influence over us afterwards. We might not have the benefit of their superior knowledge to evolve, but we could do it ourselves, naturally. Are you still loyal to the Hashmallim, Geburael?’

  ‘I’m loyal only to myself and those I love,’ Geburael answered, smiling icily.

  ‘Then do what’s best for them,’ Darquiel said shortly. ‘And if that puts us on opposing sides, so be it.’

  ‘Stop it,’ Cal said. ‘We’re going round in circles. Let’s just concentrate on Loki for now.’

  ‘I know what has to be done,’ Darq said, looking Geburael straight in the eye.

  ‘Tell me,’ Geburael said.

  At that moment, Darq realised he didn’t want to speak aloud. What he had to say was for Geburael’s ears alone, and now everyhar in the room was quiet, waiting for him to speak. ‘I think, maybe, you should return to Thanatep.’ And at the same time, he sent an arrow of thought: There is more we should discuss.

  Geburael regarded him steadily. ‘I’ve tried, Darquiel. The Aasp are now taking more precautions regarding security.’

  ‘That avenue is closed to us,’ Pellaz said. ‘I think perhaps I should summon Galdra back from Freygard.’ He glanced at Cal. ‘What do you think?’

  ‘You should try to work with him, yes,’ Cal said. ‘You should do whatever you can.’

  ‘There’s little more we can discuss now,’ Thiede said. ‘We know that the Hashmallim might well use Loki to move on Darq, and we should be prepared. I still think we should try to give Lileem our assistance, but…’ He raised his arms. ‘How we do that, I’m not sure yet. I’ll have to think about it. What do you think, Bree?’

  Abrimel appeared to have been lost in private thought and was clearly surprised Thiede had addressed him. ‘Perhaps you should discuss these matters in the Hegalion.’

  Thiede rolled his eyes. ‘Your personal thoughts, Bree. Come on!’

  ‘I have no idea. All I can say is that I think both the Hashmallim and the sedim are untrustworthy.’ Abrimel pulled down the corners of his mouth. ‘What difference does it make what I think?’

  ‘You’ve been invited here,’ Pellaz said, ‘so what you say makes a difference.’

  ‘Thank you, father,’ Abrimel said coldly. ‘In that case, I stand by whatever my chesnari thinks.’

  Pellaz ducked his head from side to side. ‘Well, I don’t disagree with Ponclast’s thoughts.’

  Caeru put his hands on the table in a businesslike gesture. ‘Big concerns aside, we should let this rest now. I want to show Darquiel around Phaonica, and then take him into the city. Does anyhar have an objection to that?’

  ‘No,’ Pellaz said. He smiled at Darquiel. ‘This must all be overwhelming for you. Take some time to find your feet. We’ll meet again later.’

  ‘I’ll return Abrimel to his accommodation,’ Thiede said. ‘I’d like to spend some time with you, Bree, if you’ve no objection.’

  ‘Not really,’ Abrimel said. ‘I’m quite interested in hearing about your life since I last saw you.’

  ‘That’s settled then,’ Pellaz said. ‘Today, I have to inform our beloved Hegemony of recent developments. Of you all, I have the least enviable task.’

  Immanion was an impressive city, but as Darquiel explored it with his hostling, his mind was only half on his environment. He wanted desperately to see Geburael again, and this time alone. Fortunately, he already knew how to behave affably while feeling in turmoil. He did not think that Caeru suspected his attention was anywhere but on the wondrous sights he was being shown.

  ‘Every har in Immanion will throw themselves at your feet,’ Caeru said. They were walking through one of the market districts, palace security unobtrusively in tow. Darq noticed he and his hostling were attracting a lot of attention from hara in the street, but because these hara were Gelaming, they were discreet about it.

  ‘Looking at everyhar here, I doubt that,’ Darq said. ‘They are far too composed to throw themselves anywhere.’

  Caeru chuckled. ‘Perhaps, but you have to be the most beautiful creature ever born. You’ll be fighting off admirers all your life.’

  ‘I already have a chesnari,’ Darq said.

  Caeru frowned at him. ‘Oh? But you’re so young.’

  Darq shrugged. ‘It just happened.’

  ‘Who is it? Why didn’t he come here with you?’

  Darq paused for several seconds. He already knew that Caeru’s feelings for him were the most intense he had ever encountered. It was frightening, because his awareness of it brought a responsibility that he had never thought he would feel.

  ‘Please answer me,’ Caeru said. He sounded afraid.

  ‘All right. He was a leader of the Uigenna, and now lives in Anakhai. His name is Tava-edzen, but he used to be Manticker. He doesn’t want to leave Anakhai. That’s it.’

  Caeru stopped walking and tugged on his son’s arm. ‘Darquiel! No! Now I wish I hadn’t asked. Manticker, as in Manticker the Seventy? You can’t be serious.’

  ‘I am. He’s different now. Cal met him. He’s my love, Rue. Hara in Immanion will have to accept that.’

  Caeru had gone very pale. ‘You didn’t mention any of this back in Phaonica.’

  ‘Of course I didn’t. I knew what the reaction would be.’

  ‘Do you intend to return to Anakhai to live with him?’

  ‘I don’t know.’ Darq took hold of Caeru’s hands. ‘Please don’t worry about it. You’re not going to lose me again, I promise.’

  ‘I couldn’t bear it,’ Caeru said. He took a deep breath. ‘If you go back to Anakhai, I’d have to come with you.’

  They both laughed and continued their walk, but an uncomfortable feeling stole into Darq’s heart. Very soon, he would confront Loki and no matter what Cal or anyhar else thought, it would be a fight. He hoped he could keep his promise to his hostling. If he should die, he had no doubt it would kill Caeru too.

  Throughout the day, Darq was simply waiting for the evening. He presumed Geburael would be at the meal and that they might get the opportunity to speak in private. Caeru had insisted that Darq take up residence in his apartments, so after their walk Darq was forced to pretend he cared about which rooms he took. Caeru’s affection and enthusiasm were endearing, but he was beginning to get on Darq’s nerves a little. A great deal of fuss was made over what Darq should wear to dinner; again a subject in which Darq had little interest. Caeru brought his dresser, his hairdresser and his beautician to Darq’s bedroom, all of whom were clearly itching to get their fingers on him.

  ‘Line your eyes with kohl,’ Rue advised, standing behind Darq as he sat glaring at himself in his dressing table mirror. ‘Perhaps some golden dust upon your eyelids.’

  ‘For Aru’s sake, why?’ Darq snapped. ‘I’m fine as I am.’

  ‘Oh…’ Caeru sounded wounded.

  Darq felt guilty and relented. ‘Sorry, do what you like. Just don’t make me look…’ He shrugged. ‘I just want to look like me.’

  Caeru hugged him from behind and kissed him on the side of the head. ‘Forgive me, Darq. I just want you to have everything, I suppose. Even Cal, whose idea of dressing up is to run cold water over his head for some minutes, wears kohl. It makes your eyes stand out.’

  ‘What, on stalks?’ Darq couldn’t help laughing.

  Caeru clicked his fingers and a dresser swooped forward, holding out a garment of sumptuous fabric that spilled from his arms. ‘How about this outfit in dark green?’ Caeru asked. ‘It’s almost black, but there are gold threads in the material too.’

  ‘Fine.’ Darq sighed. ‘Will t
his take much longer?’

  Caeru shook his head. ‘I’m afraid there’s too much of Cal in you. You should want to look good tonight. Members of the Hegemony will be there.’

  Darq’s fear was that Caeru would make him look ridiculous. He cared a lot that Geburael shouldn’t see him that way.

  Eventually, after what had felt like a mighty battle over the minutiae of his appearance, Darq accompanied Caeru to the Tigron’s apartments. As Caeru had warned, the dining room was full and hara were no longer discreet about submitting Darq to close inspection. He was introduced to so many hara, he couldn’t remember their names. He met new members of his family, such as Raven and Terez, and was asked dozens of questions he was too tired to answer. His face hurt from smiling.

  At one point, before they sat down to eat, Pellaz came up to Darq and drew him aside. ‘You’re bearing up well,’ he said. ‘I can see you enjoy this kind of function as much as I do, which is to say not very much. Keep smiling. You can plead exhaustion and leave after we’ve eaten.’

  Darq smiled gratefully. ‘Thanks. I won’t have to do this sort of thing all the time, will I?’

  Pellaz raised an eyebrow. ‘Sadly, yes you will. It’s your fate, Darq. You’re Aralisian. But you’ll learn how to cope with it.’

  Darq sighed dismally and thought longingly of Anakhai. ‘Is Geburael here yet?’

  Pellaz scanned the room. ‘No, but that’s not unusual. Why?’

  Darq experienced a moment of envy that his surakin wasn’t forced to attend the gathering. ‘I just wondered.’

  ‘He’s your own age, of course,’ Pellaz said. ‘You’ll meet others, Darq. You’ll soon have a host of friends, and you can be picky about who you let close.’