The blackness engulfed me, sucking away my last reserves of energy just as the bands disappeared and I fell to the ground.
“We are agreed,” I heard Silvestra say before I lost consciousness.
Chapter 15
“She’s alive,” someone said.
As I opened my eyes, I found Kull standing over me. Sunlight streamed into the tower through the ruined roof, making me squint.
My first coherent thought was of the pain. Everything hurt. I glanced at my arms and found bright red welts where the witch’s magical bands had burned me, and I lightly touched my neck where I felt the same sort of wounds. Inside, I felt even worse, like everything was raw and exposed, the feeling of having my magic stripped away.
My second thought was of Fan’twar.
Sitting up, I tried to speak. “My stepfather?” My voice was so hoarse I wasn’t sure anyone had heard me.
Heidel stood near her brother, although I couldn’t find Fan’twar. I searched the room but found only mounds of broken stone and smoking, splintered beams strewn across the floor.
“The sky king is gone,” Heidel said. “The witch took him.”
My already upset stomach soured even more. How had this happened? Why had he traded himself for me? I pushed the tears back as best as I could, but losing him hurt even worse than the pain of having my magic stripped away.
Kull wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “He was still alive when she took him. And she left us with a message. There may be a way to bargain for him, although we’ve no idea how to decipher her words. We’d hoped you would know more.”
“A message?”
“Yes. Maveryck is in the library now, trying to decipher its meaning.”
“Maveryck? Why is he still here?”
“To help us, I suppose.”
“Why does he want to help us?”
“No clue. Perhaps the thieving business took a downturn.”
If I hadn’t felt like dying, I would have laughed.
“Take me to him,” I managed.
“Are you sure?” Kull asked. “You’ve been passed out for quite a while. Wouldn’t you like to rest for a moment?”
“No, help me up. Please.” I didn’t care that I felt like death. If there was a way to bring my stepfather back, I had to know.
Kull helped me stand, and together, we made it out of the tower and down the stairs as Heidel followed us. Several people rushed past, carrying towels and medicated ointments. Shouts came from downstairs, and I found the Wults gathered and speaking in heated tones. Some of them cast wary glances at Kull as we dodged the group and entered a narrow hallway.
“They’re talking about you, Brother,” Heidel said.
“I don’t care.”
“They’re blaming you for the abduction of the sky king.”
“Let them. If they want to be fools and blame me for something I didn’t do, then let them.”
“Euric, the man from the inn, is among them. He’s back to spouting treason.”
Kull sighed. “I will deal with it later. For now, we’ve got bigger problems to worry over.”
We made it through the hallways and to the library, where we found the doors propped open and several people inside. Kull’s mother and Maveryck were both hunched over a table.
My head pounded by the time we made it inside. Kull found a chair and placed it by the table, then helped me sit. The room spun around me, and I had to blink several times to make the dizziness go away.
“Olive, I’m glad you’re here,” Maveryck said. “Maybe you can help us understand this better.”
I wasn’t sure what I’d expected, but seeing the magical box on the table wasn’t what I had envisioned of the witch’s message. How would I ever get away from that accursed thing?
“Do you know what this is?” Maveryck asked as he scooted the box toward me.
“Of course she doesn’t,” the queen answered for me. “Leave her to rest. She’s in no position to answer questions.”
“Actually,” I said, “I do know what that is. It’s a lotus cube, and it can only be opened with black magic.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Very sure.”
“Then, do you know what this means?”
I reluctantly took the stone from Maveryck and studied its facets. The image of the skull I had seen earlier had changed into the shape of an oval with swirling gold patterns inside.
“It’s changed from when I saw it last. It could mean anything.”
Maveryck turned to the books stacked on the table. “I can’t find any symbol that matches it. If we are to set the sky king free, then we need to know that symbol’s meaning.”
I was glad I was already sitting, or the daunting implications of my stepfather’s situation would have completely overwhelmed me. I rested my chin in my hands, feeling dizzy and disoriented, my stomach ready to heave its contents, and worse, sick to death of dealing with the witch.
“When she held Kull prisoner, she wanted me to open his collar with a key she kept inside the box, but at the time, each facet had a different symbol. I was able to break through most of the spells using various forms of magic, except I couldn’t break through the last symbol because I would have needed black magic to do it.”
“Is there black magic in the stone now?” Maveryck asked.
I wasn’t sure my own magic would function long enough to let me find out, but I knew I had to at least try. Holding the stone in my hands, I breathed deeply, then focused on the magic inside, letting its powers call to me. Inside, I found an intense swirling vortex of bright emerald magic.
“It’s dragon magic,” I said, “and very powerful, too.”
“Dragon magic?” Kull asked.
“Yes. But that’s odd, because there was only black magic before. Why did it change?”
Maveryck took the stone from me. “It’s my guess that since you failed the last test, she’s given you a new one. You’re sure you’ve never seen this symbol?”
“Yes, I’m sure. When I was solving the last test, I found the clues in her garden, but I don’t think we’ll be able to get into her garden this time.”
“Nor would I want to,” Kull added.
“Me either.”
“Do you think it’s possible to solve?” Heidel asked.
“I don’t know. When she tested me earlier, she seemed so certain I would be able to break the spell. I think she honestly believed I could do it.”
“Then it makes sense why she would be so upset,” Maveryck said. “If she thought you could break the spell, then she believes you purposely tricked her.”
“But I didn’t. I only did what I had to do to save Kull.”
Maveryck placed the stone at the table’s center atop an open book. “Regardless of what happened at her castle, we now have a new mystery to solve. What is this symbol, and how do we use it to free your stepfather?” He looked at the group gathered around the table. “Any suggestions?”
Heidel crossed her arms. “I have a suggestion,” she said. “Why don’t you leave and let us figure this out for ourselves.”
“Leave?” he smirked. “I was staying here for you, Heidel. I am deeply hurt at your suggestion.”
“I hope your suffering won’t last too long,” she said drily.
“It won’t,” he said, “because I’ve decided to stay and help you.”
“Wonderful.”
“I knew you would be happy about my presence here.” He winked.
Were they flirting? Honestly, I’d never pictured those two together. Could it be possible they had a thing?
Kull cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence.
“Perhaps it’s not a magical symbol at all,” Kull said.
“What do you mean?” his mother asked.
“Maybe it’s a symbol of something else—a landmark or something.”
“You’ve got a point,” I said. “For one thing, there really aren’t many written magical symbols.”
; “And the ones that are written can vary between practitioners,” Maveryck said.
“If that’s the case, then how will we find its meaning?” Heidel asked.
“We’ll have to think creatively, I suppose. I don’t really have a better answer,” I said.
“Brother,” Heidel said, “we must gather an army and storm her castle. That is the only way to save the sky king.”
“No,” Maveryck said. “Violence is not the solution. If we want to bring the sky king back unharmed, then we will have to play by her rules.”
“But her rules aren’t fair,” Heidel said, a hint of exasperation in her tone.
“They are fair,” Maveryck said, “they just aren’t logical.” He picked up the box. “You know,” he said, turning to one of the books. “The symbol does remind me of something I’ve seen before.” He flipped through the pages until he stopped and pointed to a picture. Looking closely, I found the picture of a bright turquoise egg with veins of gold sparkling through its shell.
“A dragon egg?” I asked.
“Yes. It’s rumored that Silvestra had an egg stolen from her, but that was a long time ago.”
“A dragon’s egg?” Kull said. “You might be on to something.”
“Yes,” I said. “I could try to open it with dragon magic.”
“Do you feel well enough to use your powers?” Kull asked.
“It’s a simple spell. I’ll be okay.”
I focused on my magic, breathing deeply, and let it flow naturally to the surface. When I felt ready, I whispered the spell to call dragon magic. It flowed in a silvery-green glow from my fingertips into the symbol on the box, but the magic disappeared as it touched the stone.
When the magic left me, dizziness clouded my vision, and I focused on taking deep breaths just to stay conscious. Kull knelt by my side and took my hand.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“I will be. Give me minute.”
“I think that’s enough magic for one day,” Kull said.
“I agree,” the queen answered. “Obviously, we’re getting nowhere. Kull, perhaps it is best to do what your sister suggested. I will sanction a small squadron of men to infiltrate the witch’s castle and free the sky king. It’s imperative that we get him back before the elves learn what happened. They are already trying to rule the whole of Faythander as it is, and without the sky king in their way, they’ll sack every nation not willing to bend to their laws. We must get him back. We do not have time for mysteries and riddles.”
“Mother,” Kull said, “I do not disagree, but I’m afraid infiltrating her castle would be a huge mistake. She would find us and either kill us or make us her wraiths. Even with my best men, it is not a mission we could accomplish. If we are to free the sky king, our safest bet is to learn the true meaning of this stone’s symbol.”
“But how?” the queen asked. “How much longer must we try until the witch grows impatient and does something drastic? Like kill the sky king?”
“We may be closer than you realize, Your Majesty,” Maveryck said. “We know the stone is powered with dragon magic, meaning the spell must have some connection to dragons. From what I can tell, the symbol most likely represents a dragon’s egg. Furthermore, I’ve done quite a bit of research on dragon eggs as they are quite valuable in Faythander’s black markets. I have a contact in the Godiaz Desert who is an expert on dragons and their eggs. If we want to know the meaning of this symbol, it is my belief we should seek him out.”
The queen was silent for a moment, but then nodded. “Very well. I’m glad someone has come up with a viable solution. You must make haste to the desert. Kull, I’d like you to lead this expedition. It will give you an excuse to leave the keep.”
“Why would I need an excuse to leave the keep?”
“Because there are enough rumors being spread about you as it is. If you stay here with your present company, the rumors will only grow worse. It’s best if you leave.”
“What’s wrong with my present company?”
She sighed, glancing at me. “Must you ask?”
Heidel spoke up. “The rumors are unfounded, Mother. Those men speak of treason.”
“They speak of treason because word has gotten out that he has lost the sword of his ancestors, and that the Earthlander woman destroyed it. For the time being, it would be best for him to leave the keep while we come up with some way to restore his good name. If not handled properly, this could very well lead to the unseating of the king.”
The queen turned to her son. “I only ask that you be safe. The Godiaz is not a place to be taken lightly. You know I could not bear to lose you, too.” She left the room without another word, her footsteps echoing until they disappeared down the hall.
Kull turned to Maveryck. “How long will it take us to journey to this contact?”
“His compound is in the heart of the desert on the eastern peninsula, so it won’t take long if we use the rails. But,” he glanced at me, “we’ll have to proceed with caution once we arrive. Olive, you’ll have to keep the truth of your identity a secret. We’ll tell him you’re a merchant or the like, and you’re not to admit you’re with Kull—and we certainly can’t let him know of your connection to the sky king.”
“Why?”
Maveryck threaded his fingers together. “Let’s just say they’ve had dealings in the past. It would be best not to draw attention to your identity. Jahr’ad is suspicious of outsiders, and his compound is hidden. I’m confident I can get us inside, but he’ll most likely demand you be blindfolded in order to enter.”
Kull crossed his arms. “Blindfolded? I’m liking this less and less.”
“Yes, but it will be worth it. Jahr’ad has more knowledge about dragon eggs and their black-market value than anyone on Faythander. He’s the man we need if we’re going to learn more about the symbol on the box—and ultimately return the sky king to us safely.”
“But you said he hates the sky king,” Heidel said. “Why would he want to help us?”
“Simple,” Maveryck answered. “Because we’ll pay him.”
“Pay him how much?” Kull asked.
“As much as it takes, I assume.”
“I don’t like this,” Heidel said. “We’re just to follow you all the way to the Godiaz, be taken prisoner and blindfolded, and then trade all of our coin to some scoundrel because there’s an off chance he’ll know something about the stone? What makes you think we’ll follow you on such a mission?”
Maveryck stood. “Because you have no other viable options. That’s why.”
“Yes, we do. We’ll storm the witch’s castle as I suggested earlier.”
“That option doesn’t count.”
Heidel’s cheeks reddened. “It counts more than your idea.”
“Heidel, please,” Kull interjected, “he’s trying to help us.”
“Yes, he’s helping us lose all our money to some thief. I’m not so sure he won’t be pocketing the money himself.”
Maveryck laughed. “I assure you, I’ve no need of your money. Besides, I never made mention that Jahr’ad traded in money.”
“Then what does he trade in? Looks? Because that’s the only thing you’ve got to bargain with.”
Maveryck gave Heidel a roguish grin. “You like my looks, do you?”
Heidel blushed. It was very possibly the only time I had ever seen her face turn such a heated shade of red. “I… I didn’t say that,” she answered, stumbling over her words.
Maveryck only smiled.
“I’m leaving,” Heidel said. She turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the doors behind her.
“Well,” Kull said, “two members of my family have been offended before noon, and I wasn’t the one to do it. I’m moving up in the world.”
Chapter 16
I walked with Kull down the hall in the Wult keep, trying to ignore my growing headache, trying to stay positive about my stepfather’s abduction, and failing miserably at both. We both carrie
d our traveling packs, deciding to leave this evening to head for the desert. Maveryck and Heidel had agreed to meet us at the rails.
“At least one good thing came from our meeting with Maveryck,” Kull said.
“Yeah, what’s that?”
“I don’t think I have to worry about my sister being interested in him.”
“Really? Did you not see how red her face turned before she stormed out? She’s got a crush on him for sure.”
“Perhaps. But she’s too proud to ever admit such a thing. She’d never allow him to get close to her now. She’s got a reputation to keep up.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” I rubbed my temples, hoping a little food would clear up my headache. We turned down another hall, where we found a small door at the end leading to the kitchen. A long wooden counter took up the center of the space, and Kull helped me sit on a stool by the butcher block. Smells of warm buttered bread and herbs with a hint of lemon made my stomach growl. Kull handed me a slice of bread, then ladled two bowls full of a dark, thick stew that smelled heavenly.
We sat at the makeshift table and ate. Between bites, Kull focused on me.
“Are you ever going to tell me what has you bothered?”
My spoon stopped halfway to my mouth. I wasn’t ready to tell him, but then, I probably never would be. Maybe it would help if I told him the truth.
“I don’t really know how to say this,” I said, “but when I was trapped in the cave with the bloodthorn, Theht came to me, and she… put a piece of her consciousness inside my mind.”
“A piece of her consciousness?”
“Yeah, I know it sounds odd. But I think she was trying to keep tabs on me so she could understand me better, so that when the time came…” I sighed, unable to finish the sentence. “Either way, I don’t like it. My magic has been growing weaker, and I haven’t felt like myself since then.”
He eyed me. “And this is why you asked me to keep my distance?”
I nodded, feeling a bit of relief after finally telling him, but also wondering if he would still accept me.
Fairy World M.D., Boxed Set Two (4-6.5) Page 16