“The flag has a nice style, but we are in danger here if someone heralds your arrival and draws attention.”
The brothers shrugged. “You must understand,” Jon explained, “we have been to this fine establishment only twice, and I have not seen a single familiar face yet. We have these flags hanging in dozens of inns around the countryside. It is a small fee for publicity.”
Wren looked warily over the table and across the room. “You are right, Andor, there is some risk in this, trying to stay hidden this close to danger. But you are walking straight into it. You could instead escape to a nice estate in the country. Marry Lorien and raise a family. We have a few parcels of land that would serve well. Either declare yourself or do not, but please do not let yourself be caught unaware.”
I listened again to the temptation of escapism. This was not the first time Wren had challenged my plan. My mind drifted to Lorien. Her face had been one of the last hopeful visions that had sustained me in the Gloaming. I had overcome my desperate desire to see her before departing on this journey. My love conquered my duty only in the form of a letter for now. We would be reunited soon enough, if all went according to plan.
My thoughts were cut short by a subtle tightening in Wren’s eyes. His stare followed something in the room. Jon began to stand. My hand went instinctively to the dagger concealed in my cloak.
“Dragon brothers!” a woman’s voice exclaimed. “Welcome again to Scarlett’s Embrace! You were here for too short a time on your last visit, and now you have been away too long. Will I have to send for the Emerald twins again? They said you left without proper goodbyes on your last visit. We can fix that. I will have your usual suite prepared—third floor, front right corner of my inn.” Her eyes shifted to me. “And who is your friend here?”
I considered remaining silent, but it would have been too suspicious. “My name is Walt, my lady.”
“Why, Walt, you are a fine looking traveler. I will not hold your company against you.” She laughed and sat down close beside me. “Perhaps I could show you a proper welcome to Valemidas?”
The woman’s unbridled demeanor was matched by her wild red hair. She was gorgeous, with green eyes and bronze skin, though she looked a couple years older than I. She also looked like a woman who knew what she wanted and how to get it.
“Madame Scarlett,” Wren said, “it is good to see you again, very good. Our last stay was a pleasure, and we would not have missed an opportunity to visit your Embrace again.” Wren’s voice trailed off, as his eyes seemed to be crowding out his other senses.
“All true,” Jon added. “And you look lovely as always. I am afraid this will be a short visit as well. We leave at first light tomorrow.” He nodded towards me. “Walt here is our cousin. He was visiting us in Valemidas, trying to learn the secrets of our success. Now his bride waits for him in their small town at the foot of the Targhee Mountains. They are due to be married in days. We are traveling west with haste.”
“Why no, no, dear Wren and Jon. You have your flag flying here—you must consider my Embrace home, for you and your cousin. I insist that you all stay at least two nights. You must know that our prince will be arriving in Albemarle tomorrow?” She was emphatic, and charismatic.
The brothers nodded, and she continued. “But did you know that he will be staying here, at my very own inn? I have added a room that spans the entire top floor—the whole floor is new since you last visited. The prince will be there for at least one night.”
She leaned over the table between us, exposing more skin and lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “A few of the men here tonight are new knights in the prince’s court. I am not sure why they would travel in advance of the army’s march, and without their arms, but I cannot complain about their spending habits. They welcome pleasure, even if they are a placid lot for alleged warriors. You of course know that there is usually more merriment here at the Embrace.”
Scarlett smiled widely at the two brothers. She put her hand on my right shoulder and stared closely, too closely, into my eyes. I returned the stare with my greatest effort at calmness.
“Have we met before?” she asked. “You look very weary, but there is a golden fire in your eyes. Stay two nights here, and you will arrive in time to marry your bride. My embrace is rejuvenating, and these are your last days unyoked.” She finished with a whisper, just inches from my ear, and brushed my cheek as she stepped back from the table.
“Now, fine men, what will you be having tonight?” she asked. “We have roasted lamb and fine pork tenderloins. If I remember correctly, you will want some of the Embrace’s ale, no?” Before we could respond, she spoke again. “Wonderful, I will have three tankards delivered to you right away. Sionell will be serving you tonight.”
She turned and sauntered across the room. Jon and Wren’s eyes followed her figure as she walked away, until their attention locked on a new target, another woman who approached our table.
“I am Sionell,” she introduced herself like it was an invitation. She might have been Scarlett’s younger sister, but with darker hair and open eyes like a doe first spotting a man in the forest. As she took our orders, she held a hand on Wren’s shoulder. The brothers ordered the tenderloin and ale, and I followed their lead.
It was hard to think straight with these women pressing so close. I had forgotten what it was like to be around the fairer sex. Everything in the Gloaming had been so cold, hard, and flat.
Sionell flashed a siren’s smile and glided away with our orders. She returned with delicious food in short order. Warmth and energy returned to my body as I ate, but with that came a restless sense that the room was closing in on me. Tryst would be here tomorrow, and some of his men were already in this very inn. I surveyed the patrons again. It seemed Tryst had surrounded himself with soft sycophants. None of them would last a day in the Gloaming, and they posed no challenge to the throne.
It was the nobles, not the soldiers, who held the key to unseating Tryst without a complete break in the political order. Even knowing that, I was tempted to challenge him directly when he arrived at the inn. He might accept the challenge. He was always arrogant, and he had always won—except against me. But I had to take power from within the system.
“We can move to another inn,” Jon said, studying me with concern. “This is cutting it very close. Scarlett is an inquisitive woman, and influential in this town. She has a talent for extracting answers.” Wren nodded agreement.
“This place will be fine tonight,” I said. “I need to get out of this room though. The lute, the comfort, the dresses—it is all too much for me. Our guard is down and we are in the enemy’s den. Let’s go.”
I stood and walked to the stairs. Jon and Wren had risen to follow, but Scarlett cut off their path. Her arms were folded and her posture was stubborn. They would have to answer her questions as well as they could. It would do no good for me to linger, so I retreated up the stairs to seek out the suite that Scarlett had mentioned. On the third floor I found what looked like the right door, and to my relief, it was unlocked.
The suite was well-appointed for a town inn. It had a small antechamber with a fire already crackling in the hearth. I pulled off my filthy tunic and gazed out an open window over the square. The night’s air was cold, a remnant of winter, chiseling my focus.
I could almost feel Tryst approaching. I imagined that he was empty and afraid, behind his mask of confidence. He had never led this many men, and had never fought in a battle of this scope. That did not mean he would lose; his gifts and numbers would go a long way to securing victory. But it did mean he would be on edge, without the kind of attention he would need to uncover my plot.
A sound behind me cut off the thought. I turned from the window and froze. Sionell stood in the room. Her posture was innocent, but her open silk robe was not. Auburn hair tumbled down her lightly freckled skin.
“Scarlett asked me to give you this.” She reached down to the garter on her right leg. The move
ment set off alarms in my mind, fearing a dagger or some other threat.
Before she pulled out anything, I dashed to stop her. I grabbed her arms and pinned her down to the couch in the room, with my knee at her chest. She felt frail, and hardly resisted, but I could not take any chances.
“Who do you think I am?” I regretted the question as soon as I asked it. She looked up at me, a blend of fear and curiosity in her eyes. I could not help but notice the smell of jasmine.
“I think you are an honored guest of the Scarlett’s Embrace.” That was not an answer, so I waited for more. She paused and stared at me before going on. “You must be honored, if Scarlett sent me to you, and especially if you are the recipient of the sealed note that you are crushing down there.” She smiled and looked down the length of her body.
I moved both of her wrists to my right hand and ran my left hand along her thigh. Her words were true. A crumpled piece of rolled paper was tucked into her garter.
When I looked up again, she plunged her lips onto mine and pressed against me. I recoiled and stood, dizzy from the ale and the kiss. She hardly moved, except to appear more relaxed, her head resting on her bent arm.
“I did not request your company,” I said, “but I am thankful for the delivery.” I bent down to pick up the note, keeping my eyes on her. “See, the note is safely in my hands, you may go now.”
“You have a beautiful way of speaking,” she said, “and I did not ask whether you requested my company. I offered it, and will again.”
I had been through so much pain and suffering since anyone had looked at me like that. But the feeling was met by a greater discipline. I had saved myself before, and for Lorien. If I could not hold to that promise now, then what was the point of my prior patience? This was not the Gloaming, where instinct prevailed. A stronger force had brought me this far.
“I am promised to another, Sionell. Goodnight.”
She rose slowly, seductively. “Very well, your wish is my desire. Whoever led you to deny me, she must be something special.” She pulled open the door, the light of the fire making her slim figure glow. She turned back and spoke in a whisper. “I will leave now, but give me at least one thing before I leave. Please tell me your real name.”
“My name is Walt,” I said.
She smiled knowingly, but did not press further. She bowed and blew a kiss before leaving and pulling the door closed.
I breathed deeply, my blood still rushing. Only then did I glance at the note. I fell back to the couch upon seeing the seal—a stark, black letter “T”—Tryst’s seal. Terror clamped me like a vice. How could he know of me already? I pried it open and was surprised to see an unfamiliar, refined script.
A.,
Do not think you can keep this hidden for long. Some suspicions already circulate, but he does not yet know. His helpers will uncover the truth, no matter what you do. Trust me, I am seeing these things from his right hand.
We can find an agreement that gives you time and serves both of us. I believe you can and should succeed, especially with my help and on my conditions. You must swear on your life and your love’s life that you will save him if you prevail. He has changed for the worse because of dark guidance. Bring him back and restore him as if he were your brother. If you promise that, I will work for your interests. If not, you and the ones you hold dear will die. You are in no position to bargain.
When you leave the inn tomorrow, paint a black T on your room’s windows, and tell Scarlett, “Her word has touched me.” I will trust your pledge, as you will trust mine.
My sister cannot know, but her love for you is stronger than ever.
R.
I read the note one more time, flung it into the fire, and sank into the couch. I was shocked, torn by Ravien’s request and excited about the prospect of help from so close to Tryst. I would need the help, for tomorrow I would join the Lycurgus.
Chapter 11
JOINING THE SOLDIERS
“But each person is tempted
when he is lured and enticed
by his own desire.
Then desire when it
has conceived gives birth to sin,
and sin when it is fully grown
brings forth death.”
A sense of dread felt like a knife at my throat when I awoke. I had not slept much, and my dreams had been fitful. The sky was showing its first light, which meant the prince and his army would be approaching today.
That meant thousands of soldiers and hundreds of knights under Tryst’s command, just a few miles from me. My blood boiled at the thought of seeing him, of being this close to revenge. Part of me yearned for him to suffer in the Gloaming, as I had, but it could not be that simple.
I stared out an open window and sought calm. The air was heavy and carried with it a chill. Drawing in a deep breath, I used a coal from the dead fire to draw T’s in the window, left the brothers sleeping, and walked downstairs.
Several maids were working methodically in the kitchen. There was something established and warm about it—a comfortable routine in the quiet of the morning. The smell of fresh bread filled the room. I pointed at two loaves that had just been taken from the oven, and one of the maids nodded and winked her consent. Grabbing the bread and a jar of fresh milk, I turned back into the hall.
I had taken a few steps when a door popped open in front of me. Scarlett stood inside and beckoned me with her hand. She was hardly awake and hardly clad. It seemed the women had little use for clothing in this inn. I took a reluctant step forward, and she pulled me the rest of the way in and closed the door. She stood close to me, craning her neck to look up at me with amusement.
“My attire is your fault,” Scarlett said, perhaps noticing my attempt to drag my eyes elsewhere. “You did not ask my permission for the bread, and you did not give me a chance to dress and bring it to you this morning. So here we are, you holding my bread and trying to avoid looking at me and the bed behind me.”
“Here we are, and her word has touched me,” I said, turning back to the door and trying to cut the temptation short.
“Is that all you have to say? Will you not stay?” She rose to her toes and whispered into my ear, “my prince.”
“If you know that,” I responded softly but firmly, “then you know I cannot stay.” Based on Ravien’s note, I had guessed that Scarlett knew my identity. She could have already betrayed me if she had wanted. So far, she seemed more interested in bearing my children.
She stepped back and bowed. “Then I insist that you come again, once you are in your rightful position.”
“I would like to do that. Whether I am able to come again depends on you, and whatever part you may play in this. I will trust the messenger.”
“As you wish,” she said with a smile and another bow.
I walked out without hesitation. I had delivered the message, and we were now free to leave this place. It would be a relief to be under the open sky again.
Jon and Wren were still asleep when I returned to the room. I woke them and then sat to enjoy the bread—my appetite had hardly diminished. The brothers rose unsteadily, probably because of the prior night’s ale.
We ate our breakfast with little conversation, packed our things, and left our payment on the mantle over the hearth. I departed the warmth of the inn with a vision of Tryst in my mind. He sharpened my senses, as if his approach was like another raining of bodies in the Gloaming.
The sun was just above the horizon and people were stirring in the central square of Albemarle. Where there had been excitement in preparations for the prince the night before, there was an air of trepidation this morning. Maybe it was the dampening effect of the weather, or maybe Albemarle sensed that it was about to receive another Prince Jonas. Mounting our horses and riding away from the square, it felt good to be leaving the place. I had trouble finding comfort in anywhere, it seemed.
We kept our eyes on every shadow around us. It was not long before I detected at least one source of my
unease. Someone was following us, and doing a good job of it. I had not been able to see the pursuer, but twice he made the mistake of letting his shadow fall onto the street from behind the corner of a building. I signaled this to Jon and Wren with a quick gesture behind us. As accomplished merchants, they would have been the targets of vagabonds before. They would know how to play this game well enough.
My plan was to ride north, through the rougher side of Albemarle, and to approach the prince’s army from the flank. Unlike the nicely manicured stretch along the Prince’s Road and the central square, the northern section of the town was filled with low, windowless warehouses lining lean alleys. It made for the perfect maze to trap our pursuer.
As I continued my path due north, straight out of town, I whispered to Jon and Wren to break off to either side. They would circle back and follow the tracker until I turned to face him. No one would notice a fight this early on these abandoned streets. It was familiar territory to me, like the Gloaming except for the sky above. I had no doubt we could handle one man, but there might be trouble if he had unexpected company.
The steps of my horse were soft on the hard-packed dirt. There seemed to be no other sound. When I held my breath, though, I could still hear the same muffled steps behind me. I eventually found myself in an alley that would have fit barely three men abreast, with two-story warehouses on both sides. The dark lane stretched forward a few hundred feet before there was another turn.
When I was two-thirds of the way down the alley, I jumped from my horse and turned to face my pursuer. He was a few steps into the alley.
He paused and then feigned casualness as he walked forward with his hood up. He turned his head just as Jon and Wren closed off the alley behind him. He was alone, but strangely calm.
I was at a full sprint in seconds, closing the gap between us. Even without a sword, I knew this would be over soon. I lowered into a crouch, tensed to strike. He yanked back his hood and fell to his knees, holding his empty palms up in surrender. I was not taking any chances, so I slammed my knee into his chest and pinned him down. My dagger was at his neck when I first saw his face.
Light in the Gloaming (The Gloaming Book One) Page 11