“You really haven’t spent much time around men of power, have you,” Karaliene said with wry amusement. “Take last night. In your place, half of the nobility would have demanded a heavy reward for saving me, and the other half would have just let me die.” She smiled, though with a hint of sadness.
Caeden looked at her with horror. “I’m sorry,” he said sincerely. “That must be hard.”
“Don’t misunderstand, Caeden. I’m a princess; there are plenty of benefits too. I don’t have to face many of the everyday trials that most people go through.” Karaliene's smile faded. “But at times like this? Yes, it can be hard.”
They watched the soldiers for a while longer, then Karaliene said, “Who do you think they are?” She made a vague gesture to the north.
Caeden paused to think. “I believe what Taeris believes,” he said after a moment. “That these men have been sent by Aarkein Devaed.”
The princess nodded. “There was something… wrong about that armour last night. It made me feel sick just being in contact with it.”
“Then you believe too?”
The princess shook her head slowly. “I don’t know. It all still seems so surreal. A bedtime story brought to life.” She looked at him, expression curious. “Why do you believe?”
Caeden shrugged. “I just know,” he said quietly. “Somehow, I know that he’s not just a myth. When I think of him, I think of someone to be feared.” He sighed. “I seem to know a lot of things that no-one else does, though.”
Karaliene considered. “Perhaps that’s why your memories were removed,” she suggested. “Perhaps you found out too much about Aarkein Devaed?”
Caeden rubbed his forehead. “Maybe.” It was similar to Taeris' suggestion – it could certainly explain why the invaders seemed to be after him – yet he didn’t think it was correct. But then, he couldn’t even give a reason as to why he thought that. It was all very confusing.
Karaliene saw his disconsolate expression and hesitantly reached a hand out, laying it on his forearm. “Whatever it is, I'm sure you will get to the bottom of it.”
Caeden’s breath caught and he froze, as if Karaliene were a bird he could accidentally scare off with a sudden movement. The princess didn't remove her hand straight away and for a long moment they just stood there, watching the soldiers.
Then there were footsteps behind them and Karaliene turned smoothly, letting her hand slip to her side again.
Caeden turned as well, cringing to see Aelric striding towards them. With the possible exception of the king or the Northwarden, Aelric was the last person he’d wanted to see him with the princess. He’d heard the young swordsman talk of her often enough over the past month or so to know that he was hopelessly in love with her. The black expression on his face as he looked at Caeden did nothing to dispel that notion.
“Your Highness,” said Aelric stiffly, bowing to Karaliene. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Your uncle was most upset when he discovered you had dismissed your guards - especially to wander off in the early hours of the morning with a servant.” He shot an accusatory glare at Caeden. “I thought it best to find you before he did, lest he start taking too close an interest in who it is you’re with.”
Karaliene hesitated, for a moment looking like she was going to protest. Then she gave an exasperated sigh. “Very well.” She turned to Caeden. “I’m sorry, but I really should go.”
Caeden smiled. “I have no doubt you have more important things to do, Your Highness. I’m honoured to have received as much time as I have.”
Karaliene smiled at him warmly. “I hope we can talk again,” she said. “Soon.” With a final, irritable glare at Aelric, she walked back towards the palace.
Aelric made as if to follow, then stopped, frowning. He turned back to Caeden. “What was that all about, then?” he asked. There was nothing untoward in the question or his demeanour, but Caeden could sense the underlying tension.
Caeden gave an awkward shrug. “The princess offered to show me around the palace.”
Aelric scowled openly now. “That’s not what I meant.” His eyes narrowed. “Yesterday, she could barely stand the sight of you. Now she’s talking to you like you’re her best friend?” Caeden breathed a sigh of relief. It at least sounded like Aelric had not seen Karaliene's hand on his arm, however brief it had been.
Caeden gestured, indicating ignorance. “I don’t know why she changed her mind.”
Aelric stared at him for a few seconds in silence. “Very well,” he said eventually, “but let me make this clear.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “If I find out you’re using some sort of Augur power to influence her, I will end this.” He looked conflicted. “I have no wish to see you harmed, Caeden. I believe that there is something… special about you. But if it means protecting Karaliene, I won't hesitate to tell Elocien and the king about you.”
Without anything further, he spun on his heel and stalked off, leaving Caeden to stare after him worriedly.
- Chapter 44 -
Davian's stomach rumbled as he walked into the tavern.
The smell of stewing meat dragged him forward, despite knowing he didn't have enough coin in his pocket to pay for it. He'd covered a lot of ground over the past week and now he estimated that at the same pace, he was only a few days away from Ilin Illan itself. Fortifying his body with Essence had given him stamina he'd once only dreamed of; whenever he began to tire, he simply drew more from the world around him. He'd slept twice since leaving Deilannis, both times only briefly, and more because he was worried about the effects of staying awake for so long than because he needed to.
The one thing Essence hadn't been able to do, however, was stop him from being hungry. His stomach growled again, sucking at his insides. He glanced around. The village was small and so was the tavern; there were only a few patrons tonight, mostly farmers from the looks of them.
"Evening, friend." A pretty girl planted herself in front of him. "Can I help you?"
Davian grimaced. He knew how he looked - dishevelled, clothes ragged, a pack on his back that was clearly empty. More like a potential thief than a customer.
"I'm out of coin," he admitted. "But I'm willing to work for a meal. Anything you need doing. You don't have to feed me until after I'm done, but -"
"That's fine." The girl's expression softened. "We'll work something out later. You look exhausted. Take a seat and I'll see what cook has to spare."
Davian gave her a grateful smile in return. The girl was striking, with long legs and green eyes that seemed to shine in the firelight. For a second, she seemed almost familiar... though he couldn't say whom she reminded him of.
He collapsed into the nearest chair, relieved to rest despite knowing he didn't need it. It wasn't too long before the serving girl was back, placing a large plate of steaming meat and vegetables in front of him.
Davian looked at it in astonishment; at the few places that had been willing to trade food for work, the meals had been stingy at best. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this," he said sincerely.
"Times being what they are, we can all use a little help."
Davian nodded, his expression serious. He'd heard about the invaders at the first big town he'd come across after Deilannis, and had pushed himself hard ever since. He had abilities now - a way to help Wirr and the others, help fight whatever was coming from the Boundary. He had to get to Ilin Illan before it was too late.
"Any word on the invasion?" he asked between mouthfuls.
"Folk are saying King Andras has sent out troops, but... a lot of people are getting out of the city." The girl flashed him a pretty smile, sliding into the chair opposite him.
Davian paused mid-mouthful, suddenly aware of just how attractive the girl was. Her tight-fitting outfit showed off her full figure to good effect, and he forced himself to focus on his plate as she leaned forward.
"That's good the king is sending troops," he said, a little distracted. Then he remembered his vision, the one from D
eilannis, and grimaced. "Hopefully."
"Hopefully," agreed the girl with an easy smile, amusement dancing in her eyes. "I'm Ishelle. You can call me Shel."
"Nice to meet you, Shel. I'm Davin. Davian." Davian shook his head, flushing as he corrected himself. His mind was sluggish.
Ishelle's smile changed, and she looked... sad. "You don't remember me, do you?"
Davian frowned. He opened his mouth to ask what she was talking about, but suddenly his tongue seemed thicker than usual, and the only sound that came out was an odd gurgling. He tried to focus on Ishelle's face, but everything seemed blurry.
With a rising panic, he realized the expression on her face had not been sadness. It had been guilt.
He tried to stand, but the hard wooden floor of the tavern rushed up to meet him.
Everything faded.
***
Davian shook his head, then groaned at the motion.
His skull felt as though it were about to split in two, and movement seemed to only make matters worse. His mouth was dry and his eyelids gummed, but when he tried to move his hands to rub his face, he found that they were tied to his sides. He turned his head, looking around blearily from his position on the bed.
The room he was in was nondescript. The bed and a couple of chairs were the only pieces of furniture that he could see; otherwise the timber floors and walls were bare. A small window provided what little light there was, the illumination clearly originating from a street lamp, indicating that it was still night.
Vaguely, he began recalling the events of earlier in the evening. Ishelle had clearly drugged him with something – why, he had no idea – but if she believed she could keep him tied up, then she was going to be surprised.
He closed his eyes, reaching out with kan. There were sources of Essence everywhere – including people - but he chose to draw it from the fire that burned in the kitchen. He only needed a little, not even enough to extinguish the flames.
He solidified the Essence, made it razor-sharp and then sliced through his bonds, grimacing as he remembered where he’d learnt that trick. Once free he stood and stretched muscles stiff from disuse, feeling almost casual as he surveyed his surroundings.
Absently, he realised he had a Shackle around his arm. It made little difference to him – it only stopped Essence being drawn from within, something he couldn’t do anyway – but it was an irritation. He concentrated for a moment, intrigued. The Shackle was just a layer of kan, containing Essence within the body. Of course. He pushed at the metal on his arm with kan for a few moments, experimenting. The Shackle suddenly retracted, falling to the floor with a clatter.
He grinned to himself.
He strode to the door, drawing a little more Essence from the fireplace to ease the ache in his muscles. Immediately they felt looser, stronger. He reached for the door handle.
“Very impressive,” came a voice from behind him.
He spun, ready to defend himself. A man stood in the corner of the room; Davian was certain he had not been there a moment ago.
“Who are you?” Davian drew in the remaining Essence from the fire, as well as a little from the heat of the kettle that had been boiling atop it. Not much, but enough to do some damage if required. “Why did you take me prisoner?”
The man smiled. “Prisoner?” He sighed. “I must apologise for Ishelle’s… less than subtle method of delaying you. She had strict instructions to keep you here until I arrived. I’m afraid she was a little overzealous.”
Davian scowled. “You haven’t answered my question.”
The man sighed again. “My name is Driscin Throll. I am an Elder from Tol Shen,” he said, offering his hand. When Davian didn’t shake it, he dropped it with an impatient roll of his eyes. “You’re not a prisoner. You are here for me to make you an offer, nothing more. All I ask is that you hear what I have to say, and then you may continue on your journey.”
Davian gave him a suspicious glare. “Very well.” He concentrated, pushing through kan and searching out Driscin’s mind. He would find out exactly what this man intended before he agreed to anything.
As he stretched out, though, he found himself blocked by an invisible barrier. He frowned, probing the shield, trying to push past it, but it was no use. Driscin’s mind was being protected by another source of kan.
Driscin saw the surprise on his face and smiled. “As I said before. Impressive,” he said thoughtfully. He glanced towards the door. “You can show yourself now, Shel.”
Davian turned, expecting to see the door swing open. Instead there was a shimmering in the air, like a mirage in the desert; in an instant Ishelle stood before them, having seemingly appeared from nowhere. Davian took a half-step back.
“Haven’t seen that one?” the young woman asked with a cheeky grin.
Davian’s eyes widened. “You’re an Augur?” It was the only thing that made sense. Essence alone couldn’t make someone invisible, he was certain. Ishelle must have been using kan somehow. She’d been the reason he couldn’t Read Driscin, too, no doubt.
“Surprise,” said Ishelle.
Davian stared at her for a moment. “You drugged me,” he said, his tone accusatory. His head was beginning to clear of the effects of whatever she had given him, but he was still a little foggy.
Ishelle made a face. “I had to make sure you didn’t go anywhere. Driscin was only a few hours away, but you have a nasty habit of disappearing for long periods of time.”
Driscin waved his hand dismissively. “We’ll get to that later,” he said. “Sufficed to say, we know who you are, Davian.”
Davian leaned forward. “And who is ‘we’?” He focused on the strange man. He’d know if they lied to him, at least, even if they tried to mask it.
“The sig'nari. You might know of us as the Prefects,” replied Driscin. “We serve the Augurs, are their eyes and ears, carry out their wishes. And search out new Augurs, when they appear.”
Davian’s eyebrows rose. “The sig'nari?” he said dubiously. “I’ve heard this story before.”
“It's the truth,” supplied Ishelle. “I’d heard rumours about them for years before they found me.”
“At the beginning of the Unseen War, we went into hiding,” continued Driscin. “But we kept watch. We waited. When one Augur dies, another is born within a few years; that is the cycle. So we knew that on that night, when the war began, new Augurs would soon be brought into the world. We have been vigilant ever since.”
Davian frowned. “Let’s say I believe you, at least for the moment. How did you find me?”
“Talmiel.” Driscin watched him closely. “A man there of… somewhat unsavoury repute helped two young boys across the border into Desriel. He robbed them, but immediately afterward he collapsed. Almost died. Three days later he awoke with no memory of the incident at all, and two years of his life missing into the bargain.” Driscin shrugged. “Talmiel is a superstitious town at the best of times. Word spread, and one of my men heard the tale. From there, we managed to piece together your journey as far as Thrindar.”
Davian grunted. “And after that?”
“I found you,” spoke up Ishelle.
“Shel has an unusual gift, even for an Augur. One touch, and she can know where someone is for the rest of their life,” explained Driscin.
Davian stared at the young woman. “I remember you,” he said suddenly, eyes widening. “The girl from the market. I bumped into you, knocked you over.” Ishelle smiled, and Davian sighed. “Or so it seemed.”
Ishelle leaned forward. “I tracked you all the way to Deilannis, but once you entered the city it was like you just… vanished. We knew you were on your way to Andarra so I waited here, assuming you’d come along this road eventually.” She scowled. “Waited here, in this backwater village, for a month. A month. I was only days away from leaving when I felt you again.” Her eyes narrowed as she stared at him. “How did you do it? I’ve never had anyone disappear from my tracking before.”
"Maybe I'm just special," said Davian.
Ishelle made a face at him and he restrained a smile, relaxing a little. Whatever their methods, he was beginning to believe that these people had no intention of harming him.
Davian leaned back. “So how many Augurs have you found thus far?”
Driscin shifted. “Including you and Ishelle? Two.” He held up his hand. “Understand, this is no easy task. It was difficult enough back when the Augurs were ruling; it’s a thousand times harder now that the Treaty exists.”
“I suppose I can see that,” Davian conceded. He crossed his arms. “So. You were going to make me an offer.”
“Come with us.” It was Ishelle, her voice pleading. “Help me find others like us, Davian. We can teach them; we can teach each other.”
Davian shook his head. “To what end?”
"This invasion came from Talan Gol," said Driscin seriously. "We don't know much about it yet, but it seems clear the Boundary is weakening. Without the Augurs, there will be no way to strengthen it against whatever threats are beyond."
Davian hesitated. "And I do want to help with that," he admitted, " but the invasion hadn't started when I was in Thrindar." Driscin wasn't lying, but he clearly wasn't telling Davian everything, either.
"True," said Driscin. "I suppose that has been a more recent shift in our focus. Originally, our aim was simply to gather the Augurs - to keep them hidden from Administration, let them learn from one another. Then, to eventually pave the way in the Assembly for the Treaty to be changed. Maybe have the Augurs return to a semblance of power one day." He shrugged. "Ultimately, that's still our goal."
Davian stared at Driscin in bemusement, thinking back to some of his conversations with Wirr. "I don't know much about politics, but that doesn't sound like something that could happen anytime soon. Maybe not in my lifetime," he said quietly.
"It was always a long-term plan," admitted Driscin, unfazed by Davian's pessimism. "But as it happens, this invasion may have changed that. Thousands have died, and as awful as that is, it has also reminded people of how important the Gifted are.”
The Shadow Of What Was Lost (Book 1) Page 55