Rise of Keitus (Kilenya Series, 4)

by Andrea Pearson

  On the other side of Pig was Cow, and he breathed a sigh of relief when he entered that area. Like Pig, it was just as ugly and dirty as the worst parts of town, but he trusted his dad and started searching for an abandoned place to claim.

  He found several, and with each one, he returned to the present, giving particulars of the building to Dad. But Dad repeatedly sent him back to find something else. He was being extra picky, but Jacob understood why. Dad knew the city and its history and would do his best to direct Jacob somewhere safe.

  Finally, they both agreed on a building. It wasn’t very big—maybe the size of three or four high-school classrooms together—and only half of it was usable, but it was perfect. There was a room that would function as a bathroom—no Makalos, so no plumbing. Just a hole in the ground. Jacob wrinkled his nose, thinking of that prospect. Dad had Jacob set up camp in the main room, which was the largest, saying they’d be safer if they all stayed in the same spot.

  Jacob surveyed the big area. It really, really needed work. Knowing he was the only one who could do it—Matt and Aloren were still in school and wouldn’t be able to help—he started cleaning up the place.

  He made frequent trips to and from the present, taking cleaning supplies and other things back with him. It amazed him that his magic allowed him to take stuff to the past, but not bring things from Troosinal to the present. Azuriah’s explanation about that made sense. Jacob couldn’t do anything that would affect the future, and removing something from the past most likely would. He wasn’t about to try to find the one object that it wouldn’t matter if he took home—the pain that hit his heart every time he tried wasn’t worth it.

  Kenji and Ebony gave him a very small amount of Kaede Sap and he safeguarded it, hiding it under a brick in the floor. He’d been tempted to keep it with the other supplies he’d brought, but realized those things would be the first stolen if anyone ever broke in. Food, water, blankets, pillows, air mattresses, and all the rest would bring in a good price at one of the many markets.

  His next project was to purchase clothing for them to wear while in Troosinal. Obviously, jeans and T-shirts would draw way too much attention.

  Dad gave him money—metal coins—to buy clothes, along with a healthy dose of advice on what to look for. “Anything brown in color would be fine. Avoid white, purple, red, blue, green, oran—”

  “Anything noticeable, cool, or attractive, in other words.”

  Dad smiled. “Yup. I’m afraid Aloren isn’t going to like Troosinal fashion for women who aren’t wealthy.”

  She’d be wearing a long, heavy skirt made of fabric that looked and felt like a burlap bag. Her apron would be brown and her top brown. At least she could wear a pair of sneakers that she’d fallen in love with since starting school at Mountain Crest. Her skirt would definitely cover them—skirts were required to touch the floor, and it was considered obscene for a woman’s shoes to show.

  Jacob and Matt had to be more careful, however. The style of pants for men, even poor ones, was that they had to have two inches of shoes visible. And those shoes were insanely uncomfortable. He bought them along with pants, shirts, and hats for himself and Matt.

  Buying the clothing was difficult. People seemed to be able to tell he wasn’t from Troosinal right away. Even with his contacts, his eyes were lighter than the other people’s, and his American mannerisms were too casual and upfront at first. Making eye contact with someone showed how wealthy you were, and Jacob quickly learned to keep his eyes down if he didn’t want to spend a ton of coins to get clothes.

  By the time he finished making the purchases and got back to his new “home,” he was exhausted and felt cranky, and he still wanted to section off the living area of the place before going back to the present.

  He slumped on a chair and kicked off his shoes. Why people enjoyed shopping, he didn’t know.

  An hour later, he finally got up and hung sheets and blankets to form four separate areas in the room: one for Aloren, one for him, one for Matt, and one for them to gather and talk. That section had three chairs and a small table. Jacob had to scrounge around in Troosinal to find them—he didn’t want to risk bringing something that big from the present that would attract attention in case they ever had visitors.

  He’d been nervous about bringing air mattresses, but he figured that so long as they released the air from the mattresses every day and hid them under their blankets, they’d be fine.

  Being in Troosinal so much did nothing for his spirits. The people were poor, dirty, and downcast. Smiles were rare, and he learned quickly that manners were even rarer. How could these people stand to live here?

  Jacob spent most of his time in Troosinal strengthening his heart and learning his way around the city. He stuck to the safer parts of town. He also practiced Time-Seeing, though at that point, he really didn’t need to—it was easy, after learning to Travel.

  One of Jacob’s favorite things to do was Time-See to the past when King Ramantus and Prince Dmitri actually got along. He avoided watching any of the king’s more evil deeds, but it was so very apparent how much Ramantus favored Dmitri over everyone else. Het and Isan, the older brothers, practically begged for attention they rarely got.

  By accident, Jacob Time-Saw to the part of Dmitri’s history when Ramantus came home in a drunken rage, attacked Dmitri’s sister, and threw the queen, Edyta, into prison. Reading about this in Dmitri’s journal was one thing, but actually seeing it? Jacob couldn’t believe how evil and disgusting King Ramantus was. And Dmitri’s poor sister. It was apparent she’d suffered severe mental damage. She was even-tempered and sweet, but drooled and had to be taken care of all the time. So very sad.

  Jacob Time-Saw to the dungeon the first day the queen was there, and watched as Dmitri snuck down to visit her. Their conversation was heartfelt and emotional as Edyta did her best to help Dmitri see what was going on in his life and how his choices affected his future.

  Dmitri left the cell and the queen looked discouraged and depressed, as if she wondered if she was wasting her time.

  Jacob wished he could do something to ease her suffering, to help her know that turning Dmitri toward good had actually worked—that many amazing things would come about because of her son.

  Suddenly, he decided he was going to visit her, there in the dungeon. Why not? It wouldn’t hurt anything. According to Dmitri’s journal, she would only live another week, and from what that first day looked like, she wouldn’t be receiving many visitors.

  He pulled back from Time-Seeing, the now-familiar interior of his new shelter surrounding him. Would he be able to bring anything with him when he went to see her? Only one way to find out.

  Without telling Mom what he was doing, he returned to the present and cooked up a can of chicken noodle soup. Then he Traveled to the dungeon, around the corner from the queen’s cell on her second day of being imprisoned. There were no guards in this area—it was like King Ramantus knew she wouldn’t be able to go anywhere even if she were rescued. She was too sick.

  The soup steamed in the damp, chilly air, and Jacob took tentative steps toward her cell. When he got closer, he whispered, “Your Majesty?”

  She was lying on the bed, a fit of coughing making it hard to know if she’d heard him. But she stirred and turned to him. Relief colored the air around her and flooded across her face when she saw the food.

  He pushed it through the slot in the barred door, but she was too weak to get up so he Keyed into the cell. He helped her sit up, then gave her the soup. “I’m sorry, Majesty, but I won’t be able to release you.”

  “That’s fine. Who are you, child?”

  Jacob thought through his response carefully, not wanting to say anything that would force him to return to the present.

  “My name is Jacob Clark. You don’t know me.”

  She nodded. “Thank you for coming.” Another coughing fit hit her, and Jacob moved the bowl so it wouldn’t spill.

  Neither said anything, and whe
n she’d overcome the fit, she took the bowl and started eating. It was a slow, painful-looking process. Jacob cringed as he saw her bruises and scrapes, inflicted by her own husband.

  He stood and paced the cell. “I can’t believe he treats you like this.”

  She waved her hand. “I accepted his offer of marriage fully knowing what I was getting into, hoping I’d be able to help many people.”

  “And you’ve helped a lot.” Jacob sat on the cot opposite hers. “More than you might ever know.”

  She looked at him, the spoon pausing before reaching her mouth. “You truly believe that—I see it in your eyes. Thank you, child. Thank you.”

  She continued eating, and Jacob didn’t interrupt. When she finished, she set the bowl aside and he jumped to his feet to help her lay back on the cot. He tucked the blanket around her frail shoulders, his heart swelling. He’d never felt this way before—this intense need to protect and help someone so fragile. His own grandmother.

  “I don’t have much time left,” she said. “I feel it.”

  “And you’re okay with that?”

  She gave a slight nod. “Yes—I’m ready. I’ve done all I can.”

  Jacob sat on the other cot again, not sure what to do. But a moment later, her breathing slowed and her body relaxed. She’d fallen asleep.

  He returned to the present, putting the bowl in the sink. Without saying why, he walked over to his mom at the kitchen table and hugged her.

  Jacob returned to Edyta’s cell several times over the next few days, asking her questions about the castle, trying to get a feel for how things were run. He knew he’d be spending a lot of time there soon, and who better to learn from than the queen herself? She helped him out a great deal, answering honestly. It seemed she enjoyed his presence, and Jacob found himself looking forward to his visits with her.

  On her last day, he brought a picture of his family with him, hoping he’d be allowed to show it to her.

  She smiled when he entered the cell, carrying another bowl of soup. She was too weak to sit, though, and trying to spoon-feed her was awkward, especially when she wasn’t really interested in the food.

  “Thank you, Jacob, but maybe in a moment I’ll have some.”

  Jacob’s heart ached. Soon, she wouldn’t be eating anything. He pulled the picture out of his pocket, fully expecting to be stopped at any moment. But nothing happened, and he handed the photograph to her and waited, hesitantly.

  Edyta brought the picture to her face and studied it. She looked at him questioningly, but when he opened his mouth to explain, his heart started hurting. He clamped his lips shut and the pain dissipated. Seeing the picture wasn’t an issue, but for some reason, he couldn’t tell her about it.

  Edyta shrugged and started handing it back, but then gasped and brought it close again. She stared at it for several moments and tears welled up in her eyes, pouring down her cheeks. She glanced at him and smiled shakily.

  Jacob knew she understood. She now had proof that her hard work with Arien and Dmitri had paid off. It was easy to see how happy the couple in the picture was with their children.

  “Your Majesty?” Jacob took the picture back when she handed it to him, pocketing it. “I need to gain access to the castle as a spy servant.”

  She smiled, closing her eyes. “You’ve been getting in fine.”

  “Yes, but I need to work under the king directly.”

  “It’ll be dangerous, child.”

  Jacob nodded. “I know. It’s necessary. To prevent . . . to learn . . .” He sighed, wishing he could say more.

  But he didn’t need to—apparently, she understood enough.

  “Seek out Dmitri, but wait until he’s ready for you. In a few years, I think. Express to him your desires. He’ll help you get in—I know he will.” She reached for Jacob, hand shaking, and he took it. “Be careful, though. What you’ve seen will only get worse.”

  Jacob squeezed in response and was surprised at the strength of her grip. She pulled him in closer, putting her other palm on his cheek. “I love you. Thank you for the gift of peace you brought.”

  Jacob patted her shoulder and said goodbye, not wanting to be there when she passed away. For several moments, his heart felt like it was beating out of his chest. Her death would mean absolutely nothing to the king, but it would mean everything to Dmitri, and now to Jacob.

  Determination to learn everything he could about Keitus overwhelmed him. He would do it for her—he would right the wrongs for his grandmother who hadn’t deserved to die the way she did.

  He was ready to take on Keitus.

  Chapter Twelve: Horse and Cow

  Jacob’s preparations took on a renewed vigor. No longer did the depression, dirtiness, and vulgarity of the city bother him. Nothing would stop him from getting into that castle and succeeding at this most important of tasks.

  Dad noticed his changed attitude.

  “Okay, Jacob. What’s going on?” he asked over dinner one night with the family. “I’m almost worried you’re too determined.”

  Jacob shrugged, noticing that everyone at the table—Mom, Amberly, Matt, and Aldo—was paying attention. “I went back and visited Queen Edyta while she was in the dungeon.”

  He told them about each of his visits, including showing her the picture. “She gave me a lot of pointers about the castle. Told me to talk to Dmitri for help. She said to wait a couple of years after her death.”

  Dad frowned. “I don’t remember that. ‘Course, over several years, I helped hundreds of spies infiltrate the castle for various reasons. Your needs must not have seemed out of the ordinary.”

  Mom took another serving of corn, then glanced at Jacob. “Which picture did you show her?”

  “The one that used to be over the fireplace before you got a bigger one.”

  Mom’s face paled. “I always hated that photograph. And now I wish I’d done my hair better—more like a queen. What she must have thought when she saw it!”

  Everyone laughed and Mom finally cracked a smile.

  “I’m positive she didn’t notice,” Jacob said. “She was preoccupied with other things.”

  Mom grinned at Jacob, the colors in the air around her showing her love. “I’m sure she really appreciated it.”

  After dinner, Dad and Jacob worked together again. Dad quizzed him once more on areas of the city, protocol, and mannerisms.

  “Oh!” Dad said. “I completely forgot. You and the others can’t go back to Troosinal using your real names. They’ll stand out way too much.” He leaned back on the couch, tapping his cheek, thinking. “Something similar to the names you’ve already got would be best.” A smile crossed his face. “You’ll be called Thojac.”

  Jacob laughed. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “No . . .”

  Jacob’s jaw dropped. Dad was serious. “Thojac, Dad? Really?”

  “Yes. It’s very similar to Jacob and was a popular name. And Aloren will be Rora. Don’t you think that suits her?”

  “I don’t know.” Jacob didn’t care about Aloren’s name. He was too preoccupied with his own. “But Thojac?”

  “There’s nothing similar to Matt. Except girl names, and those won’t do. How about Ondel?”

  Jacob scowled. “Great. Just great. Matt gets a cool-sounding name. Cooler than Thojac, at least. Totally not fair. Why’d he get so lucky?”

  Dad sobered, leveling his gaze on his son. “Not everything in life is about luck or fairness.”

  “Yeah. Don’t I know it.”

  “All right. From now on, those are the names everyone will call you. You’ll be ready to leave for Troosinal in a couple of days, and we want you to be accustomed to these new names. I’ll let the adults know the changes, if you’ll tell Aloren and Matt.”

  Jacob went upstairs and found his brother. He was playing a video game and invited Jacob to join him. Jacob declined and told Matt about the conversation with Dad.

  “Wow. Sorry, dude. Ondel sounds like an old man�
�s name, though.” He put the remote down and turned to Jacob. “Are you ready?”

  Jacob nodded. “I think so.” Dad had been working with them separately—their different schedules had made it difficult for them to be together. “What about Aloren, though?” It seemed like she’d spent a lot of time talking to Mom, who knew a little about Troosinal, but Aloren only had a couple of training sessions with Dad.

  Matt shrugged. “I think she’ll be fine. Her role isn’t nearly as dangerous, from what Dad was saying.”

  “Okay. I still worry, though.”

  A serious expression crossed Matt’s face. “Me too. And honestly? I’m really freaked out about this. So much could happen while we’re back there. And the fact that everyone here will be doing dangerous things too? It’s going to make it hard to concentrate.”

  Jacob took a deep breath, slowly releasing it. He had no response to Matt’s comment—he felt the same way.

  A few days later, the first group was ready for Jacob to Key them to Aldo’s old cabin. He gathered them together, then stood back, letting Dad give last-minute instructions. This group was headed up by Ebony and Coren, who was absolutely huge and muscular—he’d been overweight when Jacob and the rest had pulled him out of the scented air, but over the past couple of months, most of the fat had melted off.

  This group was to head directly to the Molg tunnels. Jacob worried how they’d do without him there to see and warn them of coming Molgs, but Ebony was confident they’d be okay. She’d memorized the tunnels and had her finger to light the way. Going with those two would be several humans and Wurbies. All had been equipped with weapons and armor. The humans had spent a lot of time creating things for the war. Coren was even a blacksmith and with Kenji’s permission, he’d set up a shop and had been forging weapons and armor almost non-stop.