The Shadow's Heart

by K J Taylor

  Most of them had returned to their quarters, but he found Isleen still in the Council Chamber with her partner. Both of them looked uneasy.

  ‘What news?’ Isleen demanded instantly. ‘Have you made a truce?’

  ‘Yes,’ said Kullervo. ‘I’ve handed the throne to Caedmon. He’ll be here very soon to take control of the Eyrie, and I suggest you leave before that happens.’

  Isleen went white. ‘What?’

  ‘Caedmon is coming to take control of the Eyrie,’ Kullervo said patiently. ‘I’ve made him promise not to kill any of you, but you have to leave the North.’

  ‘But … but our plan — !’ said Isleen.

  ‘No, Isleen,’ said Kullervo. ‘Your plan. You wanted to take the North for yourself, and make my father’s people your slaves again. I can’t let you do that. So I’m asking you to leave.’

  ‘We will not leave,’ said Isleen. ‘The North is ours by right.’

  Kullervo hunched his shoulders and hissed at her like a griffin. ‘I brought you here because I trusted you. My sister and I wanted to make peace with your people. You’ve proven that you’re not worthy of that trust, and you’re not welcome in this Eyrie any more. Leave now, before Caedmon drives you out. This is your last warning.’

  Isleen looked livid, but her partner spoke up. ‘The winged one is right. Without numbers, we have no hope of surviving here. The red griffin and her human will kill us. Come, we must prepare to leave. This is beyond us.’

  Furious, but knowing she was beaten, Isleen started to follow him out. But she looked back at Kullervo before she left. ‘You’ve betrayed us, and Gryphus as well.’

  ‘I told you,’ Kullervo growled. ‘I was never loyal to Gryphus in the first place. Now, get out.’

  Isleen left.

  After that Kullervo painstakingly tracked down all the other Southern griffiners and repeated his warning. Some were angry, all of them were shocked, but none of them was stupid enough to refuse. They all knew it was over.

  Kullervo watched them leave in dribs and drabs. He hoped they would make it home safely, and that the Unpartnered would leave them alone.

  Once they were gone, the Eyrie felt utterly empty.

  Kullervo wandered along its passages at a loose end, feeling like the last man in the world. Everything was gone. He had turned his back on everyone, and they had turned their backs on him. If doing justice felt like this, then justice must be something hollow and painful.

  ‘Lord Kullervo.’

  Kullervo turned sharply. Then he relaxed. ‘Vander. I didn’t know you were still here.’

  Vander looked as tired and worn as Kullervo felt. ‘I have been with Inva. Her childbirth began this morning.’

  ‘Oh!’ said Kullervo. ‘Did it go well?’

  Vander closed his eyes for a moment. ‘She is asking to see you.’

  ‘I’ll come, then,’ said Kullervo, cheering up slightly. He loved children.

  He wondered, guiltily, if Laela’s had been born yet. But he couldn’t face her just yet.

  Vander showed him to the room he shared with Inva. It was in one of the quieter areas of the Eyrie — though now, of course, the whole Eyrie was quiet.

  Inva was propped up in bed, and she looked even more exhausted than her husband. There was a bundle in her arms. ‘Lord Kullervo,’ she said. Her clear, precise tones had become rough and dry. Her eyes looked red.

  Kullervo managed a smile — being careful to hide his teeth. ‘Hello, Inva! I haven’t seen you in a while. How are you?’

  She smiled back weakly. ‘I am tired. I have heard what happened to your sister.’

  ‘Yes … she hasn’t been hurt. But she’s in labour. I don’t know if her child has come yet.’

  ‘Mine has.’ Inva coughed a dry, painful cough. ‘I am afraid for my queen. Lord Caedmon will soon take this Eyrie, and without her partner she cannot flee.’

  ‘No,’ said Kullervo. ‘But don’t worry. Caedmon’s promised to let her go. I’ll take her away from here and we’ll find a new home. In Amoran, maybe.’

  ‘You have made a treaty?’ asked Vander.

  ‘Yes,’ said Kullervo. ‘I’ve handed the throne to Caedmon and he’s promised to let us live.’

  Inva and her husband exchanged dark looks.

  Inva offered up the bundle in her arms. ‘My child,’ she said. ‘It is a daughter.’

  ‘May I?’ Kullervo took the bundle and looked down at the baby’s face. She looked asleep. Her skin was a colour Kullervo had never seen before — a light brown, somewhere between Inva’s pale complexion and Vander’s dark one. Kullervo smiled. ‘Aren’t you beautiful!’ he said to the child. ‘Your parents must be very proud.’

  Neither Vander nor Inva smiled.

  Kullervo lost his smile. ‘What’s wrong?’

  Nobody spoke. Kullervo looked down at the child again. She hadn’t moved.

  He realised suddenly that the bundle was cold in his arms.

  ‘Oh, Inva … I’m so sorry.’

  Inva’s expression remained steady. ‘I want Queen Laela to see my child. Take it to her.’

  ‘I will,’ said Kullervo, ‘but …’

  ‘Many infants do not survive birth,’ said Vander. ‘But some are more important than others. Caedmon will not want another rival to the throne.’

  Realisation dawned on Kullervo. ‘But he promised …’

  ‘Nobles promise many things,’ said Vander. ‘But truth does not keep power. Surely you know that by now, Lord Kullervo.’

  Kullervo’s heart sank. ‘You’re right. We didn’t spare his child, so why would he spare Laela’s?’

  ‘Go and see her,’ Inva urged. ‘Show her my child. She must see it.’

  Kullervo nodded sharply. ‘I’ll bring her back here afterwards, yes?’

  ‘Yes,’ said Vander. ‘Now go, and quickly, before Caedmon comes.’

  Kullervo left with the cold bundle in his arms. Every moment on his journey to the infirmary he expected someone to spot him, to realise what was wrong. But nobody did. A few people looked curiously at the bundle, but they only smiled and looked away when they saw the small face peeking out.

  At the door to the infirmary, Kullervo found the two griffiner guards still there. They bowed low to him. ‘Nothing to report, Sire,’ one said. ‘Nobody’s gone in or out. We’re not sure if the birthing is over yet.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Kullervo brought the key out of his pocket. ‘You two can go now. Go and find the others who are still here — they’ll tell you what’s going on.’

  He unlocked the door and went in.

  Inside, the doctors and midwives were resting. He could see the mess that Laela’s birthing had left — bloodied cloths and basins of water — but whatever the outcome had been it was plainly over now. Laela was lying in bed, apparently asleep, and there was a crib next to her.

  ‘Is she all right?’ Kullervo asked.

  ‘The birth was a difficult one,’ one of the midwives said. ‘My Lord … your sister is very weak.’

  ‘And the child?’

  ‘A girl. She’s strong enough, my Lord.’

  ‘Good. You can go now, all of you. I need to speak with my sister.’

  They left, looking slightly relieved to be allowed out. Kullervo closed the door behind them.

  First he checked on the child. She was sleeping in her crib, and he could easily see the pale brown tone of her skin that matched Inva’s child. Half-Amoranis had something in common, it seemed.

  Kullervo went to his sister’s side. ‘Laela,’ he said softly. ‘Are you awake?’

  Her eyes slid open. ‘Yer a godsdamned bastard, Kullervo,’ she croaked.

  ‘I haven’t done many good things today,’ Kullervo admitted. ‘But I have saved the North.’

  ‘From what?’ said Laela. ‘From me?’

  ‘No. Lady Isleen and the others wanted to use me to put the North back under Southern rule.’

  ‘Oh … really?’ said Laela. ‘When did yeh work that out?’
r />   ‘Very quickly,’ said Kullervo. ‘Are you saying you knew?’

  ‘I thought they was up to somethin’,’ said Laela, opening her eyes fully. ‘An’ I’m pretty sure they poisoned Skandar. Poor bastard.’

  ‘What? They poisoned …? Why didn’t you do something?’

  ‘It was only a suspicion,’ said Laela. ‘I always knew they’d try an’ use the treaty t’take over. Griffiners are like that, especially in the South. They’ve had more practice there. But I’m glad yeh didn’t fall for it, Kullervo. Yeh ain’t so stupid as yeh look, eh?’

  ‘Not half as stupid as that.’ Kullervo smiled.

  ‘Yeh got rid of ’em, then?’

  ‘Yes. I’ve given Caedmon the throne.’

  Laela jerked. ‘Yeh did what?’

  ‘What else could I do?’ said Kullervo. ‘I couldn’t let you rule any more, and I could only rule by letting the Southerners take over. Caedmon’s a true Northerner, and a true leader. He can protect our land from people like Isleen.’

  ‘Yeah, by makin’ war on ’em,’ said Laela. ‘What were yeh thinkin’?’

  ‘That there was no other choice,’ said Kullervo. ‘And don’t worry: he’s promised that you and I can leave. We can go and live in Amoran, and we can have peace and quiet and won’t have to worry about all this ever again.’

  Laela’s mouth twitched in a painful smirk. ‘I said it before an’ I’ll say it again: yer a stupid sod, Kullervo. Do yeh really think Caedmon’s gonna let us live? You maybe, but not me. He’s gonna keep me here an’ see to it that I get a big public trial, an’ then an execution. New rulers gotta do stuff like that, show they mean what they say. Sends a message, like.’

  ‘But he promised …’ Kullervo trailed off as Vander’s words returned to him.

  ‘Rulers don’t keep promises like that, or they wouldn’t be rulers,’ said Laela. ‘I never kept promises like that. Anyway, it doesn’t matter much now.’ Her eyes closed. ‘I’m all torn up. Not gonna heal from that; I’ve lost too much blood. Wish someone’d told me havin’ kids was that hard. Word to the wise: don’t try it yerself.’

  ‘I can’t,’ Kullervo said sadly.

  ‘’Course yeh can’t, stupid: yer not a woman.’ Laela shuddered under her covers.

  ‘No, I mean I really can’t,’ said Kullervo. ‘I’m sterile.’

  Laela opened her eyes. ‘Really?’

  ‘Yes.’ Kullervo shrugged. ‘It doesn’t matter. I’ve never been interested in women anyway.’ He looked toward the crib. ‘Your child is the closest I’ll ever have to a daughter of my own.’

  ‘She ain’t gonna live,’ said Laela. ‘Like I ain’t.’

  ‘Maybe.’ Kullervo handed her the bundle. ‘I’ve brought something to show you.’

  ‘What’s that?’ asked Laela.

  ‘Inva had her child this morning,’ said Kullervo. ‘It’s a daughter too. See?’

  Laela peered at the still face of the dead baby. ‘Poor little bugger. How’s Inva?’

  ‘She seems fine. But she wanted me to show you her child.’ Kullervo glanced at the door. ‘She wants to help you.’

  Laela’s blue eyes brightened slightly. ‘They could be sisters, couldn’t they?’

  ‘Yes.’ Kullervo went to the crib and gently lifted out Laela’s child. She stirred, but didn’t wake. Quickly, Kullervo unwrapped the dead child and put the blanket around Laela’s baby. He put the dead child in the crib, covering her up carefully, and took Laela’s child in his arms.

  ‘Lemme see her,’ said Laela.

  Kullervo brought the child over and put her into her mother’s arms.

  Laela held her close. ‘Inva’s got a fine child here,’ she said with a smile. ‘She oughta be proud.’

  ‘She is,’ said Kullervo. ‘But I should take her back now, before Inva gets worried.’

  ‘You do that,’ said Laela. ‘An’ say thanks for sendin’ her over here.’ She kissed the child on the forehead. ‘An’ tell her from me …’

  ‘Yes?’ said Kullervo.

  ‘If she ain’t chosen a name yet,’ said Laela, ‘then tell her I said … call her Flell.’

  ‘I will,’ said Kullervo.

  Laela cuddled the child one last time, and gave her back to him. He took her and made for the door. Before he opened it, he looked back at his sister. ‘I’m so sorry.’

  Laela lay back on her pillows. ‘Get goin’, Kullervo. I got things t’do. An’ try an’ remember one thing …’

  ‘What is it?’ asked Kullervo.

  ‘Keep yer damn mouth shut,’ said Laela.

  ‘I’ll try.’ Kullervo closed the door quietly behind him, and was gone.

  THIRTY-EIGHT

  THE FINAL DESTINATION

  Caedmon and his followers entered the Eyrie shortly after the raising of the black flag. As promised, nobody resisted. The guards stood down, and the few Southerners who were left fled without a struggle. By nightfall the rebels were ensconced in the towers, many of them simply going back to homes they had abandoned, others claiming new ones. The Unpartnered returned to the Hatchery, disappointed by the lack of fighting, and Caedmon and Shar settled themselves into the royal nest and bedchamber.

  That night they held a feast in the Council Tower’s biggest dining hall. It was a rough and ready affair, but a joyful one, and Caedmon knew that there would never be another one like it in his lifetime. Nothing could ever replicate that feeling of triumph. The Eyrie was his, the Unpartnered were his, and the North was his. The city governors would stand down, submit to him or be killed. Nobody could stand in his way; Malvern was his, and all the power that went with it. The Southerners had fled, the Amoranis had stood aside, and Laela was locked up.

  There was only one small problem: nobody had been able to find Kullervo. Nobody admitted to having seen him, and no-one seemed to know where he had gone. But that didn’t matter much. He had already agreed to go into exile, and what people did know was that his partner had abandoned him. He was no leader, and would not be a threat.

  That night, after the feast, Caedmon went to visit Laela. He was particularly glad that Kullervo hadn’t taken her with him. He needed her alive.

  The former queen was under guard in the infirmary where she had given birth, but a guard wasn’t particularly necessary. She was in no condition to run away.

  Caedmon stood over her, and looked pitilessly down at her drawn face. ‘So, how are you, cousin?’ he asked. ‘I heard you had your child.’

  ‘Yeah,’ Laela mumbled. ‘It wasn’t much fun.’

  ‘Can I ask if it was a boy or a girl? I haven’t found out yet.’

  ‘A girl, an’ yeh got nothin’ to fear from her,’ said Laela.

  ‘Haven’t I?’ Caedmon went to inspect the crib. When he saw the dead child inside, he couldn’t help but feel relieved. ‘My sympathies.’

  ‘Sympathies my arse,’ Laela spat. ‘I got none for you an’ you got none for me. Let’s not play games. I ain’t in the mood, an’ I always cheat anyway.’

  ‘Agreed,’ said Caedmon. ‘Where’s your brother?’

  ‘Burnin’ in Gryphus’ fires, I hope,’ said Laela.

  ‘He said he would take you with him.’

  ‘Do I look like I’m up to goin’ anywhere?’ said Laela. ‘He wasn’t gonna help me anyway. He’s a damn liar an’ a traitor.’

  ‘Like me?’ said Caedmon.

  ‘Yeah, like you.’

  ‘It’s just as well,’ Caedmon shrugged. ‘You’ll have to stand trial for what you’ve done.’

  ‘Not a chance.’ Laela pulled herself up, and glared at him. ‘Yeh think yeh got what it takes to be king here? Do yeh? Do yeh really know what it means? What it’s like?’

  ‘It’s my right,’ Caedmon said coldly. ‘And my duty.’

  ‘So they say,’ said Laela. She reached under her pillow and brought out a small object, clasping it between her hands. ‘Yeh know, once I was an ordinary peasant girl what couldn’t read. I never thought nothin’ about ruling, or hurtin’ any
one. I just wanted a place in the world. Half-breeds don’t get them easy. But once they put that crown on my head …’ She grimaced. ‘An’ my dad — he used to be a bootmaker’s son. Didn’t know that, did yeh? He never talked about it. Didn’t remember it. But he got that crown, an’ then … hah.’ She fixed Caedmon with a chilling blue stare. ‘What do yeh think’s gonna happen to you? Eh, Caedmon? How many people’re you gonna kill? Do yeh reckon you’ll start drinkin’ like my dad did? Or maybe you’ll just go mad.’

  ‘Be quiet,’ said Caedmon. ‘What are you holding?’

  Laela uncurled her fingers and showed him the little stone bottle in her hand. She flicked the cork out with her thumb, and nodded cordially at him. ‘Have fun findin’ out, Sire. As for me, I’m outta here.’ She gulped down the bottle’s contents in one go.

  Caedmon leapt forward to try and stop her, but he was far too late. Laela shuddered and groaned as the poison took effect.

  Then, smiling horribly at him, she fell back onto her pillows and did not move again. Caedmon knew that her words, and that smile, would stay with him for the rest of his life.

  As the poison spread through her, a blessed numbness replaced the pain of Laela’s ruined body. She didn’t fight it. She was ready to die. Akhane was dead, her throne was lost, and nothing mattered any more but to escape from the slow death she would have faced from her own injuries or the execution Caedmon would have forced her to suffer.

  The pain faded along with every other sensation as she sank back into her pillow, and moments later her mind went numb as well. Thought drained away, and her last sensation was one of icy cold and a blackness that spread over her eyes.

  The void opened up before her, pulling her away from life. She knew in that moment that it was all over for her. She was dead.

  She sank into absolute blackness, ready to enter the afterlife that must lie beyond it. But then it all stopped, as a pair of hands reached out toward her and a voice murmured her name — a deep, calm voice she had never expected to hear again.

  ‘Laela.’

  Laela stood up on ground she could not see, and there he was. Standing there in the void, waiting for her. For a moment she just stared at him, and then a slow, joyful grin spread over her face. ‘Arenadd!’