Shadow Lands

by K. F. Breene

  “You can teach him some things when you’re back out,” Rohnan said as a tear slid down his cheek.

  “What is with the tears and that man,” Sanders growled. “This is stupid. Shanti, the sooner you get in those trials, the sooner you get out and we can all go home. You’re a pain in the ass that won’t die. There’s no way a bunch of tests will change that.”

  Shanti laughed and shook her head. She reached toward Sanders, making him flinch before realizing she planned to hug him. When she was done, she moved on and hugged each of the boys. “Okay, I have to go.”

  They stood in silence as she checked her weapons before moving toward the railing. Rohnan trailed behind. He watched her climb down into the boat, never taking his eyes off of her. Cayan felt his suffering. Rohnan was watching the last of his family walk away.

  As the small boat made its way to the dock, a pang of unease gripped Cayan. Something about this felt wrong. Her leaving like this didn’t seem like the right course of action. Everything in his person said he should be going with her.

  He took a step before noticing Rohnan staring at her. He was probably thinking the same thing. Hell, they probably all were.

  Cayan gritted his teeth and watched as she made it to the dock, climbed up, and then walked right by the man in black with her head held high. Cayan took a few more steps, feeling that tug to go with her. Hating that he was letting her walk away for a second time. His muscles flexed and his stomach filled with butterflies. Their mated power stretched and thinned. The power turned from a bubble into a simmer before settling down deep inside of him. He watched her solitary figure exit the dock and approach the arch. Without him.

  No matter how loudly his gut screamed that this was wrong, he couldn’t see an alternative. It was out of his hands, now.

  Chapter Two

  Shanti’s feet sank into the mud as she stepped off the dock. A light drizzle shimmied through the air and settled on her hair and her face. A tall man with light hair waited for her beside an arch made of thorny vines. His hazel gaze tracked her progress up the slope, noticing her weapons, pausing on various areas of her body that held the most muscle, and finally settling on her eyes. If he was surprised at their color, he didn’t show it.

  She stopped in front of him.

  “Why do you come?” he asked in the Eastern-Common language.

  “I have come to proclaim myself Chosen,” she answered in the native language of the Shadow people. She’d studied it extensively, back when she was being groomed as Chosen, to lead these fierce fighters out of the Land of Mist. She knew it as well as her own tongue.

  Again, if he was surprised by her near-perfect accent, he didn’t show it. Instead, he glanced behind her. She refused to turn and look, knowing she’d see the ship getting ready to set sail and leave her behind.

  “Once you enter the arch, you will either emerge the Chosen, or die in the process. Once in, there is but one way out.” This time he spoke in his language.

  “I understand.”

  His light gaze came back to rest on her. “Then please, enter.” He turned and held out a hand, silently gesturing her into the arch.

  Unable to help herself, she glanced over her shoulder as she took the few steps under the arch. The rowboat was turning the large ship to head back out to sea. Rohnan and Cayan stood side by side at the railing. Cayan’s large arm-span spread across the wood. He leaned forward, as if about to propel himself over the edge and fly to her.

  Her heart beat and her power pulsed, wanting him closer. Her power’s mate was being ripped away, and it physically hurt through her middle. It felt like something was tearing, dislodging from her insides and ripping out through her chest.

  She pressed a palm to her sternum, never having felt this before. She’d been away from Cayan often enough, and all that had happened was that her Gift lost some of its potency and settled deep into her core. Confused, and a little wary, she watched him drift away.

  “The big man leaves you behind,” the Shadow man said in a conversational tone.

  “That is how this works, yes. Or am I allowed spectators and did not know it…?” She tore her eyes away from the handsome face framed by that shining raven hair. Sparing just one agony-ridden glance for her brother, she turned toward the arch.

  Time to fulfill her duty. Cayan and Rohnan couldn’t help her now. She could only hope they looked after themselves and the others and made it off the island alive when this was all over.

  “Usually men crave the power of the title. We have never had a woman through here.” The man followed closely behind her.

  “Trust me, I would’ve rather sent him.”

  “No. I don’t believe that is true.”

  They walked through a green tunnel made of large bushes cut to admit no more than one person at a time before revealing a clearing within a large grove of trees spread out in a circle. She could barely see the thorny wall reaching out to the sides, closing them in before it disappeared behind the green. It was half her height again, jagged, and offering no handholds that would not rip skin from bone. A natural but effective barrier.

  A woman sat on the wet grass in the middle of the clearing. A tray holding a teapot and two cups lay beside her. To her right was a pile of what looked like tarps or clothing.

  Shanti’s Gift opened up and spread out, blanketing the clearing and the trees beyond. As she expected, minds waited, out of sight and utterly still.

  As she had also expected, they all had the Gift. Every single one was extremely strong in it, from half to three-fourths of hers. If they were Inkna, Shanti bet this was a group of elite, and killing them would be a severe blow to Xandre’s forces, since Inkna didn’t seem to produce many high in the Gift. Shanti had no idea what normal was for Shadow people, though. If they were like her people, there would be many more with Gifts this strong.

  She greatly hoped they were like her people. She and Cayan needed as many mental-workers as they could get.

  As she walked toward the woman, her Gift started to warp. Twisting and turning in on itself before once again growing and spreading, it pushed away from her deft touch and sought to join the trees and natural things as well as the Gifts radiating around her. It demanded a looser hold and more freedom, like a headstrong child. When it was given, it blossomed into something that stole her breath and blended so perfectly with the world around her she stopped mid-stride and put out her hands, almost able to feel the beating heart of nature.

  “This is a special place for one such as yourself,” the man said as he stopped beside her.

  His Gift flowered like hers, weaving in and out of her power, blending, and then darting away again, like it was alive. Playful.

  “What is this place?” Shanti asked in awe, looking around at the trees and flowers, feeling a kind of peace she’d never experienced before. One she had never had growing up with the constant threat of war looming over her. Even though that threat should’ve been more evident now, she couldn’t help laughing like a child at the soft warmth that had settled into her heart.

  More than anywhere else in the world, this place felt like home. Her Gift belonged here in a way it had never belonged anywhere else.

  It took a few moments to remember the gravity of the situation. Slowly the joy and wonderment drained away. She started forward again.

  “You let go so soon?” the man asked as he shadowed her movements.

  “Time is a luxury I’ve never had, least of all now.”

  Shanti approached the woman, sitting peacefully in the drizzle. She looked up with a smile and beckoned Shanti to sit beside her. Her pale blue eyes reminded Shanti of tranquil waters in the early hours of the morning when the sun was just glancing over the horizon. Her mind was patient and soft, sensitive and caring.

  Shanti gasped at the type of the woman’s Gift.

  “Greetings,” the woman said with a kind smile. “You know our language well, but by your pale skin and light hair, you must be from the distant west. Is this
correct?”

  “Yes, but your hair is also light. As is his—” Shanti gestured at the man standing behind her.

  “Yes.” The woman continued to smile, but said no more on the subject. Instead, she turned toward the kettle on her right. “Would you like some tea?”

  “Is it hot?” Shanti asked, feeling the cold and damp settle into her body. A shiver was not far away.

  “It is. Well… warm, by now.” The woman poured two cups and handed one to Shanti. With her gaze fixed on Shanti, she took a sip. Shanti did the same, enjoying the floral essence of the lukewarm liquid.

  The woman put her cup down and entwined her fingers in her lap. “I would like to ask you some questions, but first I am obligated to tell you that you are likely to die within these trials. While you have the full dose of the Divine Endowment, what we call Therma, it is not enough for you to pass through unscathed.”

  “And what is your basis for comparison?” Shanti asked with an even voice.

  The woman laughed softly. “That is a good question. A present question. I am not at liberty to say more, however. I can offer you the option to bow out gracefully.”

  “A quick death, you mean?” Shanti clarified, feeling someone in the trees shifting locations.

  “You are the first person to draw that conclusion. You must have had a hard journey to think in such a dour way.”

  Shanti stared, waiting for the answer.

  The woman gave the slightest of nods. “Yes, a quick death. With your power level, you are likely to die in great pain during the trials.”

  Shanti smirked. “At least you’re honest. But no, I don’t wish to take the easy way out.” Shanti took another sip of her tea.

  “You very much do, I think. You beg for it with your whole being to end your suffering, unless I am mistaken.”

  “You know you aren’t mistaken.” Shanti could feel her irritation rise. She hated being read like this, and she also hated wasting time. That other Chosen was almost certainly in this place somewhere, and Shanti needed to cut him down before he reached the end.

  If she didn’t have enough power though, how could he? How could anyone pass these trials? Before she could ask, the woman said, “Why did you enter?”

  “The duty was assigned to me. Whether I believe in it or not, I owe it to my people to follow through.”

  “You are determined, but you expect to die. How dismal.” Troubled, the woman turned and picked up the bundle. “Within this waterproof tarp, are warm and waterproof clothes. We have also supplied a fire-resistant container and a fire-starting stone. You may carry your knives, but not your sword. We have two rules—you must stay within the defined area, and cannot kill anyone.”

  “How will I know the defined area?” Shanti asked, taking the bundle.

  “To escape would be to cut through a natural barrier of the worst thorns in the land, or to swim shark-infested waters. We fish off those waters—anyone seen in that area is killed immediately, traders and visitors alike.”

  “Sounds charming.”

  “Within the trials, you should have no problem finding food and sustenance. This land is plentiful.”

  “Wet and plentiful,” Shanti said, feeling the warm fur inside the jacket provided for her.

  “Yes.” The woman re-clasped her fingers in her lap, staring intently at Shanti. “You have failed before you’ve begun.”

  “Well, you’re a real treat. I bet you’re not invited to many parties.” Shanti rose.

  The woman rose as well. “I have heard of you. The violet eyes. You are a pinnacle of hope as well as ardently sought, and yet you are not dead. I know something of your struggle, and feel the pain eating away at you. You want to be dead, but you are not. Someone has kept you alive—nurtured you. You are surprisingly hard to read.”

  Shanti sighed and started to strip. This woman could give Rohnan a lesson or two on unwelcome observations. “I’ve had practice disguising my thoughts in order to maintain privacy.”

  Surprise flitted through the woman as Shanti slipped into her pants, lovely and warm, and shrugged into the coat. The material was soft and flexible, something Shanti could fight in as well as keep warm. Once she found shelter, she could start a fire and find something to eat. Without cold biting at her fingers, surviving in a land like this would remind her of her youth. She couldn’t wait to start.

  “So, I just start walking?” Shanti asked. “Is there a path or guide of some sort to the various trials?”

  The woman smiled. “The trials are different for everyone. This land was chosen by our settlers for its mysterious properties as it works with Therma. Challenges will present themselves to you, some with our help, some as products of your fear and your environment. The worst will take advantage of your hope. It is a perilous place.”

  “Have you been through it?” Shanti stretched out the tarp. It was a square with each side almost as tall as her. They were giving her help in making a shelter.

  “I have been through the natural parts. Most of my people have, if their Therma is strong enough.”

  “So the actual danger is from your people. Sounds about right. I wouldn’t want a stranger leading me, either.” Shanti made a pack with the tarp, took off her sword and handed it to the woman, before tying the pack to her back. “Cheat to win. Stack the odds in your favor so you can keep your home and your peaceful life. Can’t say I blame you.”

  Shanti nodded at the woman and turned to the man. She gave him a hard stare. “You are out of time. Stacking the odds keeps you on your own. Xandre has his eye on you, and he will not stop until he has you in chains. The fate of your people can easily be the same as for mine. The trials and empty titles aside, you need to ally yourself with Xandre, or against him, and now is the time. In a week it might be too late, if it isn’t already.”

  “But if we ally with this leader of men, we will not be in chains,” the man said with a smile. The sentiment did not reach his eyes.

  Shanti huffed, scanning the way ahead. “There’s no other way with Xandre. Friend or foe, he will put you in chains. Your only decision will be if they chafe.”

  Shanti started off toward the tree line, alone. The man didn’t follow, and the woman didn’t say farewell. As she threaded through the trees, she heard, “Which side have you chosen?”

  “Dumb question,” Shanti yelled back.

  As she worked her away through the trees, she felt the minds drift in the opposite direction. They were moving toward each other, probably to discuss their strange interview with her.

  Before Shanti could think what that might be, her Gift cut out. Just as if Burson was suffocating her ability, she suddenly couldn’t feel. A shot of adrenaline hit her as she prepared for what might be about to come.

  Chapter Three

  Cayan disembarked with the rest of his men at the large harbor on the other side of the island. Here boats loitered, anchored in the large bay and bobbing in the swell of the tide. The docks were busy with traders and fisherman, loading or unloading cargo. One ship was allowing passengers to disembark; wide-eyed and smiling spectators, no doubt hoping to catch a glimpse of the Chosen.

  Within the crowd were people that were, without a doubt, Shanti’s distant kin. Blond and light-haired people with pale skin and unusually light eyes, they moved through the crowd like silent predators, their bodies honed, swords slung at their sides, and eyes watchful. Their high cheekbones and slim noses meant many of these people could’ve been Shanti or Rohnan’s brother or sister. With many generations since their people’s split—not to mention the long journey east—the blood lines should’ve been diluted. Maybe they were and it was just that the blood of Shanti’s people continued to assert itself. Cayan didn’t know, but looks this similar could not be imagined.

  “They watch the docks closely,” Sanders said as he moved closer to Cayan. The men gathered behind them on the gravel path just above the winding and floating landing places for boats and ships.

  “With so many strangers,
some of them out for personal gain, things can easily get out of hand,” Cayan said.

  “SeaFarer didn’t say what’s got the Shadow people all riled up?” Sanders’ gaze darted all over, pausing on some longer than others.

  “No. Something is wrong with the trials, and there have been more killings in the city and the Trespasser Village than normal. Other than that, he didn’t know much.”

  “And this Inkna went into the trials?”

  “Early yesterday, apparently.” Cayan stopped a few paces from the docks as a wide path led away from the harbor along a copse of trees. He gestured for Leilius to join them. When the youth, dressed in the plain gray he often used for sneaking around their city, was standing right beside him, Cayan said, “Now is the time. I don’t want you interfering with anything, I just want you wandering around the huts. Find out who is where, find out who seems dangerous, and notice if any of the Shadow people are around.”

  Leilius frowned before nodding. “I won’t let you down, sir.”

  Sanders snorted.

  Cayan patted the youth’s shoulder. “Good. And stay safe.”

  A tall woman with blonde-white hair passed them. Cayan felt a light presence touch his mind. Her face turned slowly. Shapely eyebrows sank minutely over her luminous green eyes. She passed without uttering a word, but a lingering question haunted her steps as her mind pulled away. She was one of many strongly Gifted minds in this area that Cayan had felt.

  “They know my mental power level,” Cayan said softly as he started walking again. “I’m confusing them. I can feel it. I’m constantly getting light mental touches.”

  “Why would that be confusing them?” Sanders wanted to know.

  “I don’t know.”

  “Where’s Burson?” Daniels asked from behind Cayan. His voice was tight with strain. Cayan’s oldest commander adapted quickly and efficiently, but they’d seen more than one Inkna on the docks, and heard about many others spread around both the city and huts. Based on the looks they were receiving, the Inkna knew who Cayan and his men were. Cayan’s men viewed the Inkna with just as much hostility. It was going to be an extremely tense few days while they waited for Shanti.