by Joni Green
“You left out young and drunken,” said Perdix.
“So, I did,” said Dyryke. “Which reminds me. Shouldn’t we be at least half quashed by this hour of the afternoon?”
“I have work to do,” said Perdix.
“And so do I,” said Dyryke. “But with the crashing dong of that bell that has been going on all afternoon, how can we be expected to get anything done? Who has died? Who has been born? What the fyke is all the noise about? Do they wish to drive us all insane?”
“I think a cardinal or some such is expected,” said Perdix. “Word was received by a messenger who was dispatched. A surprise visit or something.”
“Surprise,” said Dyryke. “When a messenger is dispatched to give word of imminent arrival, where is the astonishment when he rolls through the castle gates?”
“Well,” said Perdix, “Perhaps surprise is the wrong word. It is a spur-of-the-moment trip, but I’m sure His Grace wishes the dung to at least be swept from the drawbridge, don’t you?”
“It’s never swept clean for me, Perdix. I wouldn’t know what it was like not to wade through the swill. And I will never know.”
“Stop complaining,” said the alchemist. “You know what I am saying.”
“I do,” said Dyryke.
“Are you going to help me with this experiment or not?”
“What,” said Dyryke, “and share the laurels of success? The answer is ‘not.’ Now, put away your herbs and powders.”
“I’m not going drinking with you,” said Perdix. “My head already pounds, and my skull threatens to explode.”
“Come on, then,” said Dyryke. “We’ll get away. Just for a few days.”
“You do not want to be here when His Grace blesses the holy union?”
“Why would I care? I am not the lucky sot who has been chosen to join as one with the Queen. Neither are you,” said Dyryke. “Come on. We’ll head out and see what kind of mischief we can get into.”
“Dyryke,” said Perdix, “you don’t even like me. Why on earth would you think I would want to go on a journey with you?”
“Because,” he said, “the place where I am going is magical. And did I mention it’s the home of the Celestial Intelligence?”
Chapter 33
The Dare
I would be lying if I said I worship you.
I would be dying if I could not have you.
*****
“Rotou? Are you crazy? That’s just a myth,” said Perdix.
“How do you know?” asked Dyryke.
“Those stories have been floating around for ages.”
“Have you ever been to the caves?”
“No,” said Perdix. “Of course not. It’s too dangerous. No one who ever attempted to climb those peaks to get to the caves has come back alive.”
“Huh. So what. Like you, I am strong and very young,” said Dyryke. “I’m going to be the first to come back.”
“And what if you’re wrong?” asked Perdix.
“I’m not.”
“But what if,” said Perdix, “you climb to the caves and return. But they are only that.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“I’m saying,” said Perdix, “what if the caves are just caves. Holes in the mountain. Nothing more. Nothing less. What if no celestial anything lives there? What then?”
“Are you mad? Who cares who lives in those grottoes? I will be the only man on the face of the earth who lived to tell everyone what they looked like. I will be famous. Rich. I dare you to come with me.”
“But why ask me? Then, there would be two of us who scaled the mountain and lived to tell about it.”
“You are yellow,” he said.
“Not at all,” said Perdix.
“You are the perfect one to ask, Perdix. You’d shun the glory. You know you would. Stuck up here in your hole in the tower. Mixing and experimenting. It’s all you care about. As for me, I’d be singing the wonders of the caves. Of course, I’ll never mention the fact that you came along unless I’m pressed. If the King thinks I’m lying, all I have to do is drag you before the realm as my witness.”
“I see. A win-win for you.”
“Exactly.”
“Alright, I’ll come along, but not for the reasons of fame like you. If the Celestials are indeed there, I will garner the wisdom of the universe. There’s sure to be enough to divide between us two with ample left over. Besides, I’m getting nothing done here. My pounding head refuses to let my brain do any work. Yes. I will go. If only to escape this intolerable bell that threatens to deafen me.”
Chapter 34
The Fall to Earth
Sleep comes at end of day.
Close your eyes and dream.
Dream of me outside your window.
I am never far away.
*****
Near the top of the peak, Dyryke reached for a handhold. The rock gave way, and he slipped and almost lost his footing.
“There is no other way up,” said Dyryke.
“Yes, there is,” said Perdix, slithering to the other side. “I will go up and send you a cord for you to climb up.
The way was treacherous. Several times, Perdix held all his weight by his fingertips, dangling in midair like an acrobat. At last, he made it to the ledge of the great cave’s entrance. Winding his cord around a large boulder, Perdix fed the line down to Dyryke.
Dyryke caught the rope and inched his way toward the ledge.
“Give me your hand, Perdix,” he said.
Perdix reached for Dyryke, but instead of allowing him to be pulled up, Dyryke jerked Perdix hard.
He tumbled forward headfirst. Perdix screamed but was saved from sure death because he had tied the other end to his waist. Perdix climbed to the top of the ledge and bellied over the lip. When he stood up, Dyryke was laughing.
Perdix hit the man as hard as he could. Dyryke tumbled backward into the cave’s entrance.
Rubbing his jaw, Dyryke said, “I guess I deserve that, but you lived, and I’m first to enter Rotou.”
“I will kill you if we get down safely,” said Perdix.
“Do I look worried? No. You don’t have it in you,” said Dyryke. “You’re a healer. Not a murderer.”
Perdix’s fury was dying. The two men stood before the entrance of the great caves. They were as beautiful as they were frightening, as magnificent as they were dangerous.
“My brain tells me my eyes are lying,” said Perdix.
Dyryke was like a child. He went rushing through the entry and grasped a beautiful rock column and danced around it in a circle.
“You should not act so,” said Perdix.
“And why not? Do you think the Celestials frown upon frolic? I think they would smile and be happy along with me,” said Dyryke.
“I do not presume to know how the Celestials might react. Therefore, I will remain solemn and in awe of the magnificence that spreads out before me.”
“Frightened old maid,” said Dyryke.
Dyryke ran down a vaulted cavern. Sunlight lit his way from a hole in the rock ceiling.
“Come back,” Perdix cried.
Dyryke disappeared into a tunnel that veered off to the left.
Perdix stood there looking at dark entry. A brisk wind blew through the cave, pushing him toward the edge of disaster.
“I’m heading back down,” he yelled.
His voice bounced off the cave walls, echoing until the sound dissolved into nothing.
“Dyryke!”
Still no answer.
Just as he took one step toward further, a mysterious film unfurled like a curtain from the top of the entrance to the ground. The entrance to the caves was blocked. Perdix could not break through it. He tried cutting it with his knife. He chanted every spell he knew. Nothing worked. There was nothing to do but shimmy down the rope and try to descend down the treacherous slopes.
Seven days later, a disheveled and ragged Dyryke entered the castle gates.
Chapter 35
House of Cards
You work.
You slave.
You try to save.
For what?
One bite.
I take it all away.
*****
The King declared Corlac would have a festive holiday and a feast to commemorate Dyryke’s return. The young man told fantastic tales of the splendorous and magical sights he’d seen. Everyone gathered around him. No one tired of his tales. People were coming in from near and far to see the man who had conquered the mountain.
The glimmer of light from Perdix’s window could be seen deep into the night.
There was a knock on the alchemist’s door.
“I have waited for you,” Dyryke said. “You did not show up, even for free food.”
“I have much work to do,” Perdix said.
“Work, work,” he said. “I swear Perdix, you will grind your body into the ground with all your work. And for what?”
Perdix lit a flame under a beaker filled with a rosy liquid. It bubbled and turned a brilliant hue of lavender.
“Nice trick,” said Dyryke. “But does that get you the awe and fervent love of the people? I dare say not. Come with me. The King is serving the finest wine. Everyone is there. There is music, dancing, and so many beautiful women. You may have your pick. Heaven knows I’m totally exhausted.”
“I can imagine you’ve been rutting nonstop since the festivities began,” said Perdix.
“Suit yourself,” said Dyryke. “I only came up because the Queen asks for you.”
“The Queen?”
“Yes, little busy bee,” said Dyryke. “Why on earth she misses such a worm when she has me there is a puzzle I cannot solve. But who can explain a woman? Unfathomable creatures, they are. And full of mystery. She asks for you, Perdix. What hold do you have on her? I would give a year of my life to know.”
“I have no hold on her,” said the alchemist. “She merely asks because I am working on a salve to relieve the pain from a back tooth that has been bothering her.”
“A likely story,” said Dyryke. “Deceive me if you must. Uncovering the secrets and intrigue of the court has always been one of my favorite pastimes. I will get to the bottom of the Queen’s interest in you. And mark my word I will turn it all to my favor.”
Dyryke left Perdix sitting on his workbench. The alchemist stared into the flame. He absently rubbed the stubble on his chin with his thumb and forefinger.
Dyryke was clever. More subtle than he’d thought. Perdix made up his mind. He would have to watch out for that man. One wrong word and the whole house of cards could come toppling down on Perdix’s head.
Chapter 36
A King’s Ransom
Do I confound?
I make no sound.
I come to you on silent wings.
I leave you pale, anemic.
Cold and barely breathing.
*****
“Your Majesty sent for me,” Perdix said, standing before the Queen.
“What have you seen? I simply must know?”
“I have been to anyone who might help. I’m afraid that the news I bear is not good news, Your Highness.”
“Is there anything that can be done?”
“I think not.”
The Queen paced the room.
“I simply must do something. Money is no object. I will put up my jewels, my half of the kingdom,” she said.
“A King’s ransom means nothing. They do not want lucre, I’m afraid.”
“Then, what can I give them to stop this?” she asked. “Here, take this.”
She handed him a small locket on a chain.
“What is this?” he asked.
“It holds a lock of my hair and all my children. Take it. You must.”
He reluctantly took the locket and put it about his neck.
“It will not help. You know that as well as I,” Perdix said. “There is only one thing the barbarians want, and you know what that is.”
“The head of the King,” she said.
Chapter 37
Destined to Be Mine
Call it Fate.
Call me obscene.
I come to you
And am a dream.
When you awake,
For sure you will.
Do you feel?
Does your heart still
Inside your bewildered bosom?
*****
Kelda tapped a stick impatiently on a nearby rock.
He looked out over his band. Coarse and dirty. Still, no braver group ever walked the earth. One chewed on a turkey leg. Another worked on his spear. They were only a handful in number, but Kelda knew of no others he’d rather take into battle.
The men were getting restless. It had been many days since their last raid on the village near the Garrako River. If he did not provide them with somewhere to pillage soon, they would leave him.
He knew he had to act quickly. Bending down and gathering up six smooth creek stones, he tossed them into the sand at his feet. The stones fell into an almost perfect circle. He took a dirty root from the pouch he wore about his waist with a leather string. Biting off a chunk, he chewed. A pained look spread over his face. The root was as bitter as gall, but it was the essential ingredient for seeing into the future.
Kelda swayed. He must sit down. The portent of his vision was astounding. If he read the signs correctly, all of Megara would soon be his.
He ordered his men to pile their weapons in a large mound. They were told to strip and go to the nearby field. The men grumbled, but Kelda had led them into many battles. He was sly and smart and ruthless.
They obeyed.
The sky was a blanket of twinkling stars. The air was warm and caressed them with a gentle breeze. The crickets and frogs filled meadow with a chorus of night sounds. The full moon shimmered against the indigo universe. It was one of those pristine nights where it seemed possible to gaze into infinity.
Kelda ordered his men to square off, head against foot. The meadow looked like a patchwork quilt of virile manhood. Precisely at midnight, he blew into his antler horn. It was a jarring sound, shrill and piercing. The crickets stopped chirping. Silence overtook the entire meadow.
In the cloudless sky, a dark shadow bled across the horizon, advancing over the hills, and heading straight for the meadow. Several of the men gasped in astonishment, but none dared to move.
It was a swarm of Ichor.
The sharp prick of fangs, followed by the slurp of greedy tongues and the sucking sounds, like starving infants at their mothers’ tits, filled the air. From above, it looked like an orgy of arms and legs squirming underneath winged demons intent on the frenzy of quenching their bloodlust.
Kelda rubbed his neck and smiled.
Soon all the battles that had come before would be but a distant memory.
The castle and Megara were destined to be his.
Chapter 38
The Clock Ticks
A baby dreams on stardust’s velvet bed.
Such a tasty morsel.
How can one resist?
*****
Perdix was in a frantic race against time. Fye had told him long ago there was only one way to ward off this type of oncoming peril. The Ancients had told her so in a dream. He dug through notes and slung jars off the shelf. His hands were a blur of frenetic movement.
The danger was imminent. He asked for Dyryke’s assistance. Dyryke turned him down. The King wished to hear the fantastic stories of the caves again.
“But I’ve listened to your yarns,” said Perdix. “They are entertaining, but they are far from the stuff of legend.”
“I think the old man grows mossy in his head,” Dyryke muttered. “But I didn’t say that. Besides, how do I know that you’re not planning some devious assassination plot?”
“I would never hurt His Majesty,” Perdix said.
“Not him,” said Dyryke. “Me.”
“The coming peril is too great f
or me to waste my energies on such a foolish thing.”
“What about the laughing powder you slipped into my wine,” said Dyryke. “I made a perfect fool of myself in front of the Count. He thinks me daft.”
“You must admit,” said Perdix, “you were quite entertaining.”
“You think me a jester, as well as a fool. No, I won’t help,” said Dyryke. “I don’t know what all the fuss is about. I see no evil omens. I have consulted at least half-a-dozen of the court’s wisest sorcerers.”
“That lot is a sham,” said Perdix. “Their ears are stuffed with wax, and their eyes are gauzed with animal fat.”
“You put too much stock in those witches outside the castle walls. Outcasts. Pissants of purgatory. And to think, I once considered you a wise man. I was wrong. Nothing is going to happen, Perdix. Nothing. Your efforts are for naught. A frightened titmouse always crying, ‘The tiger comes.’”
Perdix ignored Dyryke’s taunts. He worked night and day, determined to stave off the scourge he knew was headed toward Corlac.
On the night Kelda and his band decided to attack, Perdix stood on the top of the western wall. As the sun set, he raised both hands high in the air. When his arms dropped, Perdix bent at the waist.
It was the signal.
The water in the moat that surrounded the castle began to boil and bubble. The air grew charged. Everyone from around the nearby villages was cloistered inside the castle walls. The great drawbridge was drawn up. The castle doors were locked. A pink haze coiled from the north tower of the castle, shooting from a window and covering the entire structure.
As Kelda and his band ran over the hills, they saw nothing but barren wasteland. The men stopped in their tracks. They began arguing with their leader. One man threw a rock, striking Kelda on the head. He fell to the ground. Others threw punches at random, and an all-out brawl began in earnest. A thick cloud of dust rose up around the fighting men. Kelda crawled off behind a bush. He was dizzy and groggy. If he dared to show his face to the crazed gang, they would lop off his head.