by C. Gold
“Radcliff, stop! I wanna go in there.” She was pointing to one of the permanent store fronts which was advertising toys.
Radcliff turned to Amira. “Do you mind if we stop?”
Distracted, she waved him off. “Sure, go ahead. Just stay out of trouble.” The two warriors shared a look, and the male sighed, but followed the wizard into the shop. The woman warrior stepped in alongside her, a slight smirk on her face. Twins, Amira thought with amusement. “Let me guess, he didn’t want to go in the toy store?” The woman’s smirk turned into a full toothed smile, then a chuckle. Amira laughed with her.
She finally decided to look at the bows before getting directions. Right as Amira crossed the street, she got a prickly feeling that someone was watching her. Furtive scanning revealed nothing unusual, only a crowd of people moving around the vendors. Some were stopping, others walking, but nobody was staring at her or acting suspicious. I’m just paranoid from being chased by those things. Shrugging it off, she walked into the store. It was a wooden building with rack upon rack of various sized bows that anyone of any age or experience could use. She had just picked up a solid looking long bow when a cry rang out that a person would have to be deaf to not hear.
“Destroyer!”
Radcliff! Apologizing to the owner who was coming to assist and promising she’d return, Amira dropped the bow back in its spot and rushed out of the door. Outside the toy store a crowd was already forming. Not good! She shoved her way through, entered the store, and pulled up short at the woman standing there threatening Radcliff with a knife.
“Kira?”
“Figures the traitor would be with this monster.” She spat on the floor for emphasis.
Amira quickly assessed the scene. Radcliff had Nalani shoved underneath a display and was standing protectively in front. Somehow, his cloak had been torn off and had been carelessly tossed over a display. Pika was blocking Kira from getting at Radcliff with the longer reach of his spear. In the far corner, the store owner, an elderly man with no magic, was clasping his hands in nervous agitation. She decided to try and talk Kira down. Once her best friend, surely she could reason with her.
“Kira, he’s the one that will save us.”
“Oh not this again. It was a weak excuse then, now it’s just pathetic.”
“I’m not lying.”
“No, you’re just delusional.” She pointed her weapon at Radcliff. “He killed our family. Our family! And you used our only chance at recompense to save him from death. To save a murderer!” She punctuated her point with angry, sharp thrusts. “Well, I’m not sad he’s here. I will do what should have been done a long time ago.”
“You don’t want to do that Kira.”
“Oh, yes I do.” There was a fanatical gleam in her eye.
“P… please, n… no v… violence in the shop.” The shopkeeper finally gained enough courage to stammer out a plea.
“Don’t worry old man,” Kira sneered, “this won’t take long.”
“What makes you think you can threaten and kill someone as powerful as myself when you barely have enough magic for extended life?” Radcliff splashed calm logic in his assailant’s path.
Kira’s eyes glowed with anger but she managed to rein in her temper before speaking. “Oh, I don’t plan on ending you today. I want you to suffer. I will kill everyone who thought to befriend you first.” She looked at Nalani.
Radcliff growled. “Touch her and you die.” When she smirked and looked at Amira, he growled again. “Even think of harming her and you die.”
“The killer shows weakness.” Kira purred. “Perhaps I’ll save her for last and let you watch.”
Radcliff shoved Pika aside. “I will end you!” He lunged at her.
Kira dodged backwards and shouted back, “Your death is inevitable Destroyer!” Then she ran out of the shop and began yelling at the top of her lungs, “The Destroyer is here, he’s inside the toy shop!”
“Here,” Amira said as she took off her own cloak and handed it to Radcliff. “Put this on.” She turned to the cowering shop owner. “Is there a back exit?” At his frightened nod, she felt a small bit of tension melt. “Ok, Leilani, you grab Nalani. Let’s go before this gets ugly.” Already she could hear the growing mutters as people summoned the courage to enter the shop and confront their worst nightmare. Well, until the real nightmare arrived. Grabbing the shredded cloak, she led the group behind the counter and into a cramped aisle leading to a barred door. Throwing the bar, she jumped out, staff in defensive mode and looked around. “All clear.” Everyone else tumbled out and wasted no time running down the alley to get some distance from the angry mob. When Amira finally deemed it safe, she called for a stop. “Ok, this time no more stops. We have to find the inn before word-of-mouth spreads and everyone knows Radcliff is back.”
“Why do they want him dead?” Nalani asked. She was currently clinging to the woman warrior as if her life depended on it, which right now it might.
“It’s a long story, and it happened a very long time ago.” Amira looked out from the current alley. Seeing no mobs, she led them back into the northern part of the main market. Here she stopped only to ask a pie vendor about the inn. It turned out the inn wasn’t far from where they were. The race through random alleys led them closer, not farther away. Dumb luck really. Fortunately, nobody disturbed them the rest of the way, though Amira had everyone keep a careful lookout for followers. It wouldn’t do to let Kira find out where they were staying. Knowing Radcliff was in the city was bad enough.
The innkeeper was a stout, older man with a bald head. He seemed friendly enough, but Amira kept the others in a dark corner while she did the negotiating just to be safe. There were only two rooms available, but Amira didn’t care. She took the overpriced deal with a forced smile and led everyone to the two rooms. The twins took one, she, Radcliff and Nalani would take the other. When the lock on the door was engaged, Amira sank gratefully to the floor, finally feeling safe.
“I’m hungry,” Nalani complained.
“We all are little one. A server will come up soon with a meal.”
Sure enough, there was a knock at the door. Waving Radcliff to stand behind the door, she opened it up and took the food tray from the young girl. “Thanks.” If the girl though it suspicious to not be let in the room, she didn’t even bat an eye. She just said, “Enjoy the meal,” curtseyed, and left.
Everyone dug in and devoured the stew and fresh bread like they’d never eaten anything so fine before, leaving only a few tiny crumbs when they were finished.
Since it was only the midday meal, Amira had time to get them some new clothes if she could find a good bargain. She hadn’t brought that much money with her on her rushed adventure.
“I will go out and buy clothes for everyone. Radcliff, sorry but you need to stay here and don’t let anyone in the room.”
He looked sour at the prospect but nodded agreement.
“I want to come with you,” Nalani blurted out, then looked at Radcliff. “Unless you want me to stay?” Her eyes were begging him to say no.
He laughed and claimed he’d be fine staying behind, though Amira could see the regret in his eyes. “Sorry,” she mouthed to him. He merely shrugged back.
“Once I return we can all have a bath and get cleaned up.”
“That would be nice,” Radcliff said.
Amira checked the hallway before letting Nalani exit the room. She banged on the twins’ door and explained her mission. The two consulted one another briefly in Shae before Leilani joined her in the hallway. This time it looked like she was on the losing side of whatever game the twins played with each other and Pika was the one with the smirk. “Don’t enjoy shopping?” Amira asked.
The word Leilani uttered sounded like a vile curse. Amira snickered and Pika gave her a big, toothy grin. Leilani made a rude gesture back. The sound of Pika’s laughter followed them down the stairs.
The shopping trip wound up being a success. Amira made sure to st
ay away from the toy store area and managed to find some good deals that let her get two outfits for everyone but the twins. Leilani had shaken her head no when Amira asked if she needed anything. The part of the outing that did disturb her was the general talk amongst the vendors and customers. Apparently people were flowing in from the outer kingdoms and now the closer ones as well. And they all had one thing in common—talk of mutated monsters and corrupted farmland.
Now, after bathing and dressing in clean clothes, Amira sat in the small chair by the window. The full moon shone through the small opening and fell on Radcliff and Nalani. Both were curled together on the bed, fast asleep. She should join them, but worry made her restless. Gazing at Radcliff’s peaceful face, Amira wondered how he could possible save them. Was her vision really true? Most of the seers thought her erratic gift was inaccurate, but she had long ago learned to trust her gut. But that was so long ago. Could any seer boast such a long seeing vision? And she hadn’t received a new one about him as savior. Maybe Kira was right, and she was delusional, stubbornly clinging to the one thing no other seer had predicted just to prove them wrong in denying her entry into their order.
Amira sighed. Either way, she was happy now that she’d spared his life. Strange how strong her feelings were for a man she’d once hated. Then she felt a frisson of fear. What happens when he remembers everything? Despite her worried thoughts, Amira fell into a light doze.
Amira stood and walked over to the bed. Leaning over Radcliff, she ran a finger down his cheek, and then across his temple and strong brow. Needing more, she lowered her lips to his. Gentle at first, she savored the fire that coursed through her veins and deepened the kiss. Solid arms wrapped around her waist and brought her on top. His lips parted and her tongue tangled with his in a dance older than time. The soul bond unfolded and delicate strands cocooned the lovers. She encouraged it and felt his pleasure as her own. Together, they exploded into a starry ecstasy that seemed to last forever.
Amira jolted awake and fell out of the chair, stifling the scream at the last second. Somehow the staff which had been leaning against the wall, was now resting against the chair back. You again. She glowered at the thing. Anger, fear, and lust clashed for supremacy in her jumbled mind. This vision was virtually identical to the last. She picked up the staff and shook it. “I am not bonding him without his consent,” she whispered to it, then felt foolish.
When a glowing pulse of light shot down the length, Amira hastily let go and winced at the loud clack, clack sound it made upon hitting the wood floor. She held her breath as Radcliff rolled over, taking most of the sheet with him. She couldn’t help a fond smile at the sight, but soon worry snared her thoughts again. What am I going to do?
I could ask for his consent. She bit her lip as she considered this angle. It was the right thing to do. But it was too risky, wasn’t it? Assuming of course the vision was hers and not some malice from the staff. I’ve never heard of an object granting visions before. So if not the staff, was it real, or was it her own desire? She hadn’t thought about him in that way before falling asleep. Yet, truth be told, it was always in the back of her mind. Forbidden it may be, but sometimes the forbidden was even more alluring. That’s not helping, Amira! She shook her head and steered her thoughts away from attractive wizards. If it was a truth, then she needed the bond for a reason. In that case, she couldn’t risk him denying her. But it was such a violation to do it without consent because it would bind them for life. They would live together and die together. And when he regains his memory, he’ll know exactly what’s been done to him and be rightly livid. I can’t do that to him. But what if it’s part of saving the world?
Too tired now to sort out her confusion, she got out the sleeping mat and placed it on the floor. There was no way she could lay in the bed next to Radcliff, not until she made up her mind. She feared her resolve was already crumbling away. The chance to know him intimately was too great a lure for even her formidable willpower. I’ll make a decision tomorrow. It took a long time for her to fall asleep, but at least this time her sleep was untroubled by dreams or possible visions.
CHAPTER 19
All the Threads That Bind Us
Breakfast was rushed since Amira didn’t know what time Ekewaka was coming to pick them up. It was also filled with brooding silence, since Radcliff refused to remain behind despite the danger, and Nalani wasn’t leaving his side no matter how boring it would be for a little girl. It would also be dangerous if the emperor discovered the wizard, Amira thought, but she dared not use that as an argument—it would only encourage the girl more. The twins were the only ones who looked happy this morning.
Ekewaka arrived shortly after they were finished eating. Nalani clung to Radcliff, determined to go along, but the wily elder had planned ahead. He brought along Kaholo and Kana. The lure of exploring the city with them was just enough to pry the girl away from Radcliff.
“Thank you,” she said to the elder as Nalani skipped away with the young scout and his sister.
Ekewaka smiled and said, “I thought she’d enjoy the city more and would be safer if we got into trouble.”
She nodded in agreement.
They traveled swiftly through the early morning foot traffic and arrived without incident at the base of the mountain fortress. Amira was relieved to have avoided another confrontation with Kira, but apprehensive about facing the emperor. However, she didn’t anticipate the minor squabble when the twins balked at leaving their weapons at the entrance. Fortunately, Ekewaka was able to persuade them to comply before they were tossed in the dungeon. Not that she really expected the royal guards to do more than just bar their entry, but after her bad luck running into Kira, Amira wasn’t taking anything for granted.
The party of five was escorted through the fortress by ten royal guards. Tall and muscular with ebony skin, they wore black uniforms with gold stripes. A harness for throwing daggers was strapped across their chests, and a crossed harness for two one-handed swords ran down their backs. The effect was a double dosage of intimidation. With that many weapons against their smaller party, they would be in big trouble if they had to fight their way out. Which was probably the point.
Even the walls of polished obsidian added to the sense of power surrounding them. It was worse once they crossed the threshold into the throne room. The vast ceilings were swallowed in darkness. Massive tapestries adorned the walls with scenes of conquest. Amira frowned when she realized each one depicted the fall of a kingdom that was now part of the empire. She looked away before she saw the one for Westspire. I already know how that one turned out. At the sting biting her palms, Amira realized her hands were bunched into fists so tightly her nails were drawing blood—doubly impressive since she kept them trimmed short. She hastily unclenched her hands and surreptitiously eyed the guards. At least they didn’t seem to notice her dangerous display of emotion this time, but she vowed to keep a tighter rein on her reactions to avoid drawing attention.
The party’s steps echoed loudly in the cavernous room. When Amira looked down, she saw they were walking along a path of different colored stone six feet wide that stretched from the entry to the throne. But what fascinated her most were the bright red ribbons that looped and swirled at each step. They were hypnotic to watch. She paused to see if it was just a trick of the lighting and they still shifted, so it must be magic. But how had she never heard of this before?
All too soon, the procession stopped and they were standing at the base of the throne. Amira looked up and involuntarily gasped at the sheer physical presence before her. It wasn’t just the mammoth throne that looked carved from a massive obsidian lava formation, but the man who sat before her. A man she’d never seen until now, but heard rumors of. Yet, the rumors paled compared to the reality.
The emperor was built like a warrior and wore a bright gold robe that practically glowed against his ebony skin. His flowing white hair was rare amongst mages. With hair that white he must be really old or insanely power
ful. Or both. That thought was unsettling. But the fierce look in his eyes was the most intimidating feature. They missed nothing as they scanned the entourage. When they landed on her, Amira felt like shrinking. He seemed to delve into all her deepest secrets. When his gaze finally shifted to another, she could breathe again.
“You will kneel before Emperor Calydus the Third.” A skinny man wearing an all-black robe seemingly popped out of nowhere and looked at them as though they were dirt beneath his shoes.
The emperor chortled. “They are Shae, Enden, of course they won’t kneel.”
“But Your Excellency?” The man’s mouth opened and closed a few times and he looked ready to explode in apoplexy.
“You are dismissed.” The emperor casually waved him off.
Like a bug he scuttled out a side door Amira hadn’t seen earlier.
The emperor turned his formidable gaze at the elder. “Ekewaka. I sent you a message three weeks ago. Why are you only now arriving?”
The elder had the audacity to chuckle. “You knew we wouldn’t come.”
If the emperor was irked at Ekewaka’s lack of respect, he kept it well hidden. Instead he leaned forward and asked, “Then what happened to change that?”
“We were overrun by monstrous abominations that eat the very life from the earth.”
“So the rumors are true.” He tilted back and folded his hands in his lap. “Who else do you bring before me?” While he looked nonchalant, Amira could tell his interest was piqued. Hopefully not about the cloaked figure hiding in the back.
“I present to you two of my best warriors, the twins Pika and Leilani.” Both stepped forward and gave a nod of respect, then stepped back. “And to my left is Amira, honored warrior and friend.”
He gave them all passing glances before fixating on Radcliff. “And the hooded man?”
Before Ekewaka could respond, Radcliff stepped forward and yanked the hood down.
“Radcliff,” Amira hissed, “What are you doing?” She tightened her fists and braced for a fight.