Blood and Shadows (The Saga of the Seven Stars Book 1)

by Dayne Edmondson

  Alivia, who had been listening intently to Dawyn’s tale and seemed to have a distant gaze in her eyes, turned her attention to the king at his words. “I had little difficulty finding your chambers, your majesty. All of the staff here are quite helpful. The accommodations are more than satisfactory. Frankly, they are larger than anything I had at the Tower. The only discomfort I feel is the lack of my magic due to being in the palace.”

  The king nodded in understanding. “Yes, I have heard from many a magic-user that the aura in and around the palace discomforts them. Suddenly unable to use magic must be a jarring experience.” The Celestial Palace had a unique property which was seldom seen anywhere else in the known world and had never been replicated. All magic, be it from a mage, druid or other user was unable to be used on the palace grounds or within the palace. Oddly, Dawyn’s time-bending ability was not affected.

  Magic directed toward the palace or its grounds seemed to “dissipate” as it hit some invisible barrier. A fireball, for example, thrown toward the palace extinguished immediately upon hitting the air above the wall surrounding the palace. No one quite knew why this happened, though the field dated back to the days of the Founding. Legend said that the Founders had created the anti-magic field as a means of creating balance in the kingdom. The stories told of how the Founders had feared that those with magic would come to dominate those without magic, especially those who ruled the people, such as kings and queens. So the Celestial Palace and places like it were imbued with an anti-magic field that would allow those within to never fear that magic might be used against them. All of the seven great cities of the world had at least one safe haven from magic and there were others scattered around the world.

  “The reason that I have asked you both here today,” the king continued, “is so that we can discuss this Lord Garik and the current predicament in which we find our kingdom. According to our sources, Lord Garik, within the last several months, has gained the allegiance of virtually every assassins and thieves’ guild in the lands between the mountains. Further, no guild of any substance remains outside of Lord Garik's control on the entire continent.”

  “Lord Garik is said to have both a powerful female mage at his command, a woman known only as Nikki, as well as a mysterious female assassin who has a unique magical ability never before seen. Based on eyewitness reports, this woman can disappear into a mist-like shadow form on a whim, reappearing almost instantly elsewhere in a room, and normal weapons pass through her as if striking a cloud or an early morning fog. All attempts to capture or kill the woman have been unsuccessful and it is with the aid of this mage and this veiled assassin that Lord Garik has sworn so many to him.

  Normally, it would not concern the kingdom if a few assassins’ guild leaders died and the guilds crumpled. One would think that losing their leaders would cause confusion among the guilds, potentially destroying them. Unfortunately, because they now have a single leader, they are presenting a unified front. For centuries, the assassins’ and thieves’ guilds have warred, or perhaps skirmished would be a more appropriate word, amongst themselves, but generally they have remained out of the public’s eye. Now though, with no other enemy in the criminal underworld for the horde of trained killers and thieves to fight, they turn their attentions to law-abiding citizens across the kingdom and in neighboring lands. This Lord Garik has caused a grave imbalance in the criminal underworld and it is causing the underworld to spill out into our lands. The land is poised to fall under a tide of blood and shadows, the likes of which we have never seen.

  I have tried dispatching the army or city watches in various cities to combat clusters of assassins, but the assassins often outnumber the troops that are sent and make them bleed for every step they take using projectiles, poison and traps. The assassins’ dens are deathtraps to my soldiers and, so far, efforts by my own troops to kill or capture any significant number of these criminals have been mostly unsuccessful. This has dramatically affected the morale of my soldiers and guards, causing them to be reluctant to go after these dens.

  I have consulted with Archmage Berel, and he has reported spikes in deaths among his mages out in the field as well. Although a mage is a formidable opponent, they are not gods and die just like any other person if they are caught unawares or overwhelmed. The Archmage has generously offered the services of Alivia. Alivia has over ten years as a trained battle mage and is powerful among the mages of Tar Ebon. She should be able to counter the abilities of the mage that accompanies Lord Garik, while you and your unique ability, Dawyn, will be useful against the veiled assassin.

  That is why I have asked you both here. I would like you to lead the offensive against Lord Garik. You will have all of the resources of the kingdom at your disposal. You are to stem the tide of death and thefts throughout the land and do everything in your power to find Lord Garik, his mage and personal assassin and bring them to justice. Do you understand?”

  “I understand, your majesty,” Dawyn replied. “I do have one question. May I choose anyone for this quest?”

  “So long as they are willing, yes, you may.”

  “Do we have any idea where the last known location of Lord Garik was? The land between the great mountains, not to mention the land between the oceans, is vast and it would help if we had some place to begin searching,” Alivia said.

  “The last report my royal informant, Victor, supplied to me two months ago before going silent was that Lord Garik was last seen in Flintville, located several dozen leagues east of Henry's Crossing, which, as you know, is located on the banks of the Tar River. However, the man seems to move around frequently. Recently, reports have been coming in of a strong underworld presence in Henry's Crossing itself. I believe he is there, though for how much longer I do not know. I caution you that armies are not likely to be effective against him, for if he catches wind of an army mobilizing in his vicinity it is likely that he will spook and flee to another city or set a trap and ambush the army.”

  “Thank you for the information, your majesty,” Dawyn said. “We will start immediately. Is there anything else you wished to discuss?”

  “No, my boy, that is all. Wilfred will see that any of your requests for resources are met without question, if they are within my power. I would appreciate regular reports on the situation and the hunt.”

  “You will have them, your Majesty. By your leave, I would speak with Wilfred in his quarters regarding our quest.” Dawyn rose from his seat at a nod and upward gesture from the king, gave a low bow to the king and made his way toward the servants’ quarters. Behind him, Alivia offered similar words of excuse and followed him.

  As they entered the servants’ quarters, Dawyn noticed the simplicity of it. Within the room were four beds with simple wooden frames and thick feather mattresses, one end table between each pair of beds, and wash basins atop each. Small oil lamps rested on each of the tables and four lamps were hanging around the room. These were simple accommodations for simple folk. The servants of the king and queen did so out of love and respect for them, not fear, or money. Any one of the servants would have gladly given their lives for the king without a second thought.

  After a few moments, Wilfred joined them in the servants’ quarters. “Did you require anything in particular, Commander Darklance?”

  “Yes, Wilfred. I will require pouches of gold marks. Several pouches of them so that if I lose one, I will not lose my entire fortune. I also need several pouches of silver marks and copper and silver pennies. This journey will not be without cost and we will need to pay for food, transportation, lodging and, potentially, bribes.”

  Wilfred bowed low. “I understand, Commander. I will gather these items for you and have them delivered to your chambers this evening.”

  “No,” Dawyn said, “keep the coins in your chambers, locked away until I come for them. I will be out of the palace tonight on business related to this hunt and will not be able to be located by the palace easily.”

  “Of course, Comma
nder. I will see it done. Is there anything else you require?”

  Dawyn thought for a moment. “A map of all the lands between the White and Windy Mountains is required as well. As recent as you can find, please.”

  “I will see it done,” Wilfred replied solemnly.

  “How long will it take to gather the coins and maps?” Alivia said.

  “My dear lady, both items will be prepared later today.”

  Alivia nodded. “Please remember, Wilfred that time is of the essence. Every moment we delay is a moment longer that the shadow cast by the assassins’ guild spreads across the land, leaving blood in its wake.”

  With that business settled, Dawyn prepared to leave the palace. He turned to Alivia as they were walking down the grand hallway. “Did you have any plans for the evening?”

  “I do not. Why do you ask?” Alivia eyed him suspiciously from the corner of her eye, as if he were asking her if she wanted to be courted.

  “It is not the reason you may be thinking, my dear lady. Surely I find you attractive, but I am otherwise attached at the moment.” That was not quite a lie. Even if he was not attached with Anwyn, yet, then surely his oath to the royal family counted as an attachment. “I would like you to accompany me to a local inn where we will meet our other two potential traveling companions.”

  Dawyn’s words seemed to placate Alivia and she nodded. “Yes, I will meet you at this inn. What is the name of the place?”

  “It is called the Dancing Mare. It is within the Royal District.”

  “Yes, I know of the place. What time will you be there?”

  “I expect to go there right after I change out of this uniform. But you may come at your leisure as I expect to be there late into the night.”

  “So be it,” Alivia said. “I must go change into something less conspicuous and then I will meet you at the Dancing Mare Inn.” With that, Alivia turned and walked toward the west wing of the palace. The lower, ground floor, levels of the west wing were afforded to prestigious guests, while the second level of the palace was typically reserved for the housing of the royal family.

  Chapter 9: A Song

  After changing in his quarters, Dawyn returned to the Dancing Mare Inn to find it packed with people. He stopped at the entrance to greet Bruno and give him the description of Alivia. He asked that he keep an eye out for her and then direct her to one of the private dining chambers. Making his way through the crowd of revelers was a challenge in and of itself. He had forgone any Shadow Watch Guard uniform and donned a simple non-descript brown tunic, trousers and a well-worn brown cloak, which were remnants of his time as a Ranger years before. His outfit was designed to allow him to blend in and avoid drawing attention. Just as women tended to notice men in uniform, so, too, did criminals. If any criminals happened to be lurking in the crowd, Dawyn was not about to give them an easy target.

  It was mid-evening and all of the businesses in the city of Tar Ebon, except whorehouses and drinking establishments, were closed. Music rang throughout the inn. A large group of people danced on the central floor, spilling out into the rest of the inn. Dawyn navigated his way around the dance floor and toward the kitchens. He waved to Frank, but the aging man did not see him amidst the crowd, for he was too occupied filling mugs of ale for lines of people at the bar.

  As Dawyn passed into the kitchens, he was assailed by the aroma of roasting meats and vegetables, mixed with the sweet smells of baked goods for dessert. There, sitting on one of the stools nearest the central island, was Anwyn. She was dressed the same as she had been when he left and was laughing with a gaggle of serving girls, cooks and assistants as he approached. He laid a hand upon her shoulder and she shied away, looking at him in surprise. She didn’t know him in this outfit, Dawyn realized.

  A moment later, however, recognition dawned and Anwyn leaped up from the stool to give Dawyn a hug and a peck on the cheek. How their relationship had progressed so quickly was beyond Dawyn. Perhaps it was the trauma of her ordeal, or perhaps he was just that charming, but she seemed at ease around him and he found himself feeling as if he had known her for years.

  “How did it go?” Anwyn asked in a whisper, or as much of a whisper as something could be in a kitchen of over ten women.

  “It went well. We’ve been tasked with pursuing Lord Garik and bringing him to justice. I’ve been assigned the leadership of the team and am allowed to choose my companions save one. A mage from the Tower of the Seven Stars will be joining us as part of their contribution to this. Her name is Alivia and she will be here soon.”

  “A female mage, hmmm,” Anwyn asked. “Should I be jealous?” she cracked a mischievous smile.

  “Hardly. She is not my type. I did have a question for you, however. Would you do me the honor of being a companion on this quest? We could sure use your abilities during this great hunt.”

  “Of course I’ll go, Dawyn,” said Anwyn. “You need not have asked.” She sounded offended, but he knew that if he had just assumed she was coming, he would have heard about that as well. It was hard to understand women sometimes.

  “That’s wonderful news, Anwyn,” Dawyn said. “Now, it’s time for me to find the last member of our team.” With that, Dawyn turned to leave the kitchens but held out his arm. “Would you care to accompany me, my dear lady?”

  Anwyn’s smile grew even brighter. “Certainly, my good sir,” she said. She placed her arm around his and clasped his hand as they left the kitchen.

  They did not have far to journey. The loud music had died down since Dawyn entered the kitchens. Now, a single man with a lute stood on the stage, weaving a tapestry of soft sound and words that echoed up into the rafters. The crowd hung on every word. The dance floor was empty as revelers had returned to their seats to listen to the story being illustrated before them by a master lutenist.

  “…and the Founders came, in a blaze of light, from the sky itself. They rode within giant metal beasts that fell into the oceans, casting waves far and wide and washing much of the land with water. From within the bellies of the metal beasts came men and women, much like the native people, and thousands of types of animals. Creatures called horses and elephants, turtles and dolphins, whales and deer-all manner of creature-came from the mighty metal ships and spread throughout the world. Many of the creatures already existed, while others were new.

  The Founders, these people were called, and they brought with them strange magic that defied understanding. They built the great wonders of the world and brought knowledge to our world. In some lands these people were welcomed with open arms. In others, they were hunted and enslaved. In still other lands, these people enslaved those that had welcomed them with open arms.

  So it was that the Founding occurred.”

  There was a steady applause from the audience. On a cool spring evening they piled in to listen to stories they may have heard a hundred times before, told by a master lutenist that made the stories come alive in the minds of those who listened.

  The man on the stage bowed, placed his lute in its hard, black case and leaped off the stage. It was there he almost bumped into Dawyn. “Oh, my apologies, dear sir,” the man said, turning to move through the crowd.

  “Don’t you recognize me, Favio? Am I so different now?”

  The man froze and, a moment later, spun around, scrutinizing Dawyn’s features and taking in his appearance.

  “By the Founders, Dawyn, it’s you!” The man named Favio stepped forward and gave Dawyn a big hug. “It has been too long, old friend. Where have you been off hiding? Were you avoiding me?” With that, he affected a hurt expression, appearing as though he believed Dawyn may have been avoiding him.

  Favio Borallas was a man of middling height with a dark, sun-tanned complexion that was not quite ebony. His dark black hair was tied behind his head with a leather strip. He had straight, white teeth and wore a vibrant red and yellow shirt with tan trousers and black shoes. Dawyn had met the man during his many years spent traveling around the world. Ba
ck then, he had been captivated by the stories the man told and had spoken with him for long hours after he performed, buying him drinks as payment and having many an adventure. They had become fast friends and now the eccentric Favio was one of the few people that Dawyn counted as a best friend.

  Dawyn let out a hearty chuckle and slapped him on the shoulder. “No, old friend, I have not been avoiding you. I have been busy protecting this great city. It’s called work – perhaps you should try it some time.” He grinned as he said that last part.

  “You want to see work, Dawyn Darklance?” Favio said in his elegant voice, “Try memorizing an entire one of my stories or songs and reciting it while you are sword-fighting. It is the same for me playing the lute.”

  “I wasn’t aware that lutes could kill people,” Dawyn retorted.

  “In your hands, I’m sure all who heard you play would drop as if you had just stabbed them through the ears,” Favio said. As he chuckled, his eyes fell upon Anwyn and he moved over to face her, looking her over with a practiced eye. “Now who do we have here? Never have I seen such a beautiful woman. Is she accompanying you, Dawyn?”

  Dawyn nodded. “Favio, this is Anwyn. Anwyn, meet Favio, one of the greatest musicians and storytellers in the land, expert knife fighter, handy with a quarterstaff and above average card player. He and I go back many years.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Favio,” Anwyn said, nodding her head to him.

  “No madam, the pleasure is mine,” Favio said with an exaggerated bow. He reached for her hand, met no resistance, and brought it to his lips to brush with a kiss. “I am at your most humble service.”

  “As you’ve seen, Favio has a flare for the dramatic. Don’t mind him.”