The Aether Knight

by E A Hooper

  “Aren’t you a thief? I’d think keeping secrets would come naturally to you.”

  “Breaking into buildings and stealing things is different. I get itchy just thinking about keeping secrets. I like to think I’m an honest guy.”

  “That’s a good trait to have. Although in times like these, it’s also dangerous.”

  “I disagree. I think this war could’ve been avoided if Reaper had been honest. He’s not even telling anyone what Bastion told him. The Feyans have already found us. That changes everything.”

  “Valx and Lilan’s child will stop the war. We don’t have to worry about that. Fate will take care of it.”

  “Valx is who I’m worried most about. Lilan might be carrying his child, but she killed someone close to him. He won’t make peace with her or Reaper. None of you know him like I do.”

  “Reaper knew his father better than anyone, and Valx sounds a lot like Dragon.”

  “Reaper never made enemies with Dragon. How did Dragon treat his enemies?”

  Anabella chewed a piece of sandwich while in contemplation. “His enemies thought he was a monster. Like something the gods sent to destroy them.”

  “That’s Valx. That’s exactly him. Bastion even said things would get much worse. That Reaper would have to forgive Valx for something. I think Valx will do something terrible. I’m genuinely worried about the safety of the people in this castle.”

  “Reaper won’t let anything bad happen to his family.”

  “I’m not sure how much he cares that Lilan—” Pyre paused as two women with young children walked by them. He stayed silent until he couldn’t see them any longer and then lowered his voice to a whisper. “That Lilan is already doomed.”

  “He cares more than you can know. I returned to the hall after he killed Bastion and spoke with him. He was saddened to hear of his daughter’s oncoming demise.”

  “He’s the one that caused it. He made Lilan test her power on slaves. That’s how she caught the disease.”

  Anabella lowered her head. “He’s aware of that. Haven’t you wondered why he’s spent so much time alone in his meeting hall the last two weeks? Barely talking to anyone but me? He’s grieving for his daughter.”

  Pyre frowned. “He’ll have a lot more grief if Valx comes to the summit.”

  “If your friend tries something, will you stop him?”

  Pyre stared at her with sad eyes. “I don’t know if I can.”

  “You have metamorphosis, don’t you?”

  “I used it once by chance. But sometimes when I think about that moment, I can almost feel it bubbling inside me. Maybe I could force it out again. Maybe I could stand in Valx’s way if he starts a rampage. But I couldn’t bring myself to hurt my friend, and I don’t think I could defeat him. His power was already incredible last I saw, and he’s grown so much more since then. After he killed his brother, people have been saying his power might surpass Dragon’s.”

  “You don’t have to fight him. Maybe you just have to change his mind. Maybe that’s why Bastion wanted you to hear the conversation.”

  “Perhaps,” Pyre said, doubtfully. “But more likely, he wants me to be ready when the times comes. When everything goes bad, I’m sure I’ll have a choice to make. Fate’s all about choices, right?”

  “That’s right. You’re not as similar to Reaper as some of his children. However, I think that like him, you’ll make the right choice for Ter’al when the time comes.”

  Pyre nodded and continued to eat in silence. After several minutes, a group of people stepped from the front door of the castle. Reaper led the entourage across the garden toward the gatehouse.

  “He must be going to meet with the lords and generals at Fort Darkwood,” Anabella said. “It’s not long until the Red Moon, and the representatives of the other nations are almost here. I’m sure Reaper will spend most his time at the fort until then.”

  Chancellor Helmor split away from the entourage and approached Pyre and Anabella. “Master Pyre,” he said with a bow. “After Reaper has left the premises, the surveyors from the other nations will be allowed to search the castle. I’ve prepared several guides to assist them, but obviously, they’ll only trust us so much. Your father wanted me to ask if you could offer the surveyors any help they require.”

  “I’m not getting chained up while the surveyors are here?” Pyre asked.

  “No, of course not. You’re Reaper’s oldest child that isn’t bound to another nation. I understand your allegiance ultimately lies with Radu, but as of right now, you’re Reaper’s best choice to become heir to his domain.”

  Pyre stared at the chancellor with wide-eyes for a moment and then looked at Reaper as he passed through the gatehouse. “Did he say that himself?”

  “He hasn’t said it out loud, but I know your father well. I’ve been serving him for almost two decades, and I can tell he thinks highly of you and Radu. Unfortunately, Radu is already serving as the ruler of a foreign nation.”

  “I’d be a horrible lord,” Pyre said. “Why not Tachios?”

  “Master Tachios recently spoke with Reaper in private and informed him that he wanted to be removed from any consideration as heir.”

  “My son told him that directly?” Anabella said in surprise. A smile crept across her face. “I knew Tachios would never have a family, and that made him a poor decision for lord. But telling Reaper directly is very brave. Pyre, you’ve really influenced my son in a good way. It’s nice to see him follow his own path.”

  “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I should be lord,” Pyre said. “There’re some other good choices. Tayd is fifteen and already developing a strong power. Rodder is only thirteen, but he’s really smart. Reminds me of Radu at that age.”

  “And they both look up to and respect you,” the chancellor said. “You’re the oldest son here, and you have the potential to use metamorphosis. There’s no guarantee the others will ever achieve it.”

  “Power isn’t a good way to pick a leader. I don’t think I have the other skills for that sort of thing. I’ve always followed what Radu says.”

  “Yes, but you’ve proven yourself on your own. Not to mention, you have an influential personality. Look at how many friends you’ve made since you arrived. Your siblings like you more than they like one another. You’re even starting to win over a couple of their mothers. They always knew only one child would become the heir, and they’ve always worried what would happen to them when that heir replaces Reaper. But your kindness toward their children has calmed their worries.”

  “But I—I don’t know if I can leave Radu and my friends to stay here.”

  “Hopefully, your father will live a long life. You might not have to decide for decades. I’m sure you know that King Thod disappeared from home for years and only returned to take his father’s place. You could always use your time until then to strengthen your alliances with the other nations.”

  “This is a lot to throw at me,” Pyre replied. “I’m still getting used to having a son. Let me decide what to do about that before I have to think so far into the future.”

  “I understand,” the chancellor said. “Oh, here come our guests.”

  The chancellor approached the various groups that had gathered at the gatehouse. Pyre watched as the tall man in green cordially greeted the surveyors. Grenfei and three people approached the chancellor, asking him several questions. Helmor nodded and then pointed at Pyre.

  Pyre found himself filled with joy at the sight of his old friend. Grenfei’s here!

  “I’ll leave you to our guests,” Anabella told Pyre as she walked to the east wing.

  Pyre waited as the surveyors spread across the garden and entered the various doors into the castle. Grenfei and the other three people approached Pyre. Halfway to him, Gren took off in a run and grappled him. She tried to sling Pyre to the ground, but he held his stance and threw her aside.

  “Boy, you got stronger,” Gren said, smiling.

  “You’re looking at
a pit-fighting champion,” Pyre said with a grin. He held his hand out and pulled Grenfei to her feet. The two hugged until one of the other three people approached.

  “Greetings,” the man said. “I’m Beldivare, a humble man of business and a representative of Kingsland. I’ve worked closely with your brother this last year, and he wanted me to check on you as soon as I reached the castle.”

  “Well, I’m here. I’m alright.”

  “To be honest, our spies already told us things about your predicament,” Beldivare said. “I can only imagine what your brother’s face looked like when he heard you had a son here.”

  “Where’s the little bastard anyways?” Grenfei asked. “I gotta see this kid of yours.”

  “Probably in the east wing,” Pyre said. “As for Radu, I’m sure he rolled his eyes and sighed when he heard about Jace.”

  “No doubt,” Beldivare said. “Your brother is easily irritated, isn’t he?”

  “Is he angry at me for getting captured?” Pyre asked

  “Angry?” Beldivare blinked a couple times. “No, he’s missed you dearly. He tries to hide it, but it’s been difficult for him.”

  “It’s true,” Gren said. “Radu’s doing everything he can to save you.”

  “I don’t really need saving now,” Pyre told him. “They’re treating me like just another of Reaper’s children. I’m free to come and go as I please.”

  “Then let’s go,” Beldivare said. “I’ll take you to your brother when we’re done surveying the castle.”

  “No, I should stay here until the summit,” Pyre said. “I’ve been making friends with my half-siblings. For this peace summit to work, we need to bring everyone together. If I run away now, it’ll look like I don’t trust them.”

  “Makes sense,” Beldivare said. “Your brother won’t be happy to hear it, but I’m sure he’ll accept you know what you’re doing. It can’t hurt for us to have friends in Reaper’s domain.”

  “According to Chancellor Helmor, Reaper might even be considering me as his heir,” Pyre told them. “So, if I accepted, Kingsland would have a permanent ally in the North.”

  Beldivare smiled. “That’s wonderful news. At least I think so, but Radu won’t like that.”

  “Lord Pyre,” Grenfei said in contemplation. “That has a good sound to it.”

  “I haven’t decided anything yet,” Pyre said. “Besides, Reaper might change his mind.”

  “If you ever do become a lord, contact me through your brother,” Beldivare said. “I have all sorts of business ideas I’d like to bring to the North, my new friend.”

  “Let me in on that too,” Gren said. “I got way better business ideas.”

  Beldivare replied with a huff.

  “Excuse me,” one of the other two strangers said. The well-dressed wyrgen held a hand out to Pyre. “I’m Lieutenant General Ashworth of the West, and this is Lieutenant General Maliss.”

  Pyre shook both their hands. “Nice to meet you.”

  “We wanted to speak with you before exploring the castle,” Ashworth said. “We were told that you’re a Westerner and a friend of Valx. So, we assumed you’d be the most neutral party at the castle. However, if you’re Reaper’s heir, then I might’ve been mistaken.”

  Maliss elbowed Ashworth in the side. “What he means is, we’re hoping you’re someone to trust. There’s so much about this peace summit that seems suspicious.”

  “I agree,” Pyre said. “I’ve looked for any reason to doubt Reaper while I’ve been here. However, I’m not privy to any of his plans. He’s talking to the other lords away from the castle because one of them killed my friend and the other basically tortured me for a year. Just because Reaper considers me a possible heir, it doesn’t mean I’d keep my mouth shut about any of their secrets.”

  “That’s good to hear,” Ashworth said, nodding. “Is there anything you can tell us? Any useful information we can send back?”

  “That depends on what you already know,” Pyre said. “How is Valx dealing with things?”

  “Dealing with what?” Ashworth asked. “Last I heard, he was training with Reaper’s daughter to learn metamorphosis.”

  “You mean—you don’t know what happened?” Pyre asked.

  “What?” Ashworth said, irritated. “Don’t be vague. What are you talking about?”

  Pyre dropped his voice to a whisper and made sure the chancellor wasn’t nearby. “Bastion came here and told Reaper that Lilan was pregnant with Valx’s child. But she killed someone close to Valx. Wait, do you even know who Bastion is?”

  “Yeah, we heard about him,” Maliss said. “He sent a message to Valx some time ago. We don’t know anything about Lilan killing anyone though.”

  “Gods, we probably just haven’t gotten the message yet,” Ashworth said. “I knew we couldn’t trust that woman.”

  “Woah, woah,” Grenfei interrupted. “So, is Bastion still here?”

  “He’s dead,” Pyre told them, keeping his voice low.

  Everyone stared at the thief.

  “He came here to die,” Pyre explained. “He says fate has us on a path of sacrifice or something like that. That a lot of bad stuff will happen, but it will somehow lead to Ter’al’s survival.”

  “Bad stuff?” Beldivare asked. “What kind of bad stuff?”

  “I don’t know,” Pyre replied. “However, he said the only other option is one where Valx and Reaper forgive one another. Unfortunately, he seemed doubtful about that path. That’s why he sacrificed himself to Reaper. But it leads me to think Valx will do something terrible if he comes to the peace summit.”

  “Dammit,” Maliss said. “They’ve already left Castle Stoneborn. We’ll send a courier to intercept them and ask that Valx doesn’t come.”

  “Oh,” Pyre said, remembering something important. “You should tell King Thod that his son Mulcir is dead too.”

  Ashworth and Maliss gaped at Pyre.

  “Bastion sent him to intercept the first explorers from Fey’al,” Pyre explained.

  “Gods be damned,” Ashworth said, his shoulders sinking. “How can I send my king such terrible news? And shortly before the summit. Is there any good news or something helpful I can tell him? Anything at all?”

  Pyre paused to think. “Based on the conversation I heard between Bastion and Reaper, I can tell Reaper wants to protect Ter’al. This peace summit might be legitimate. However, I’d still be cautious. Oh, and Duke Yarlow is doing well. You should go speak to him, but they probably have him behind bars while you’re here. Most the time, he wanders around with armed guards watching him.”

  “That’s one good thing,” Maliss said with a sigh.

  “Where would we find Yarlow?” Ashworth asked Pyre.

  “Uh, go talk to the chancellor,” Pyre answered. “He knows everything.”

  The two lieutenant generals nodded at Pyre and walked to the castle’s main entrance.

  Beldivare glanced around the garden. “Guess I’ll go look around too. I’ll let you old friends catch up.” He stepped away and walked toward the west wing.

  “How’ve you been the last year?” Grenfei asked once they were alone. “I know you’ve been through hell.”

  “Yeah,” Pyre said, sighing. “It’s been tough, Gren. Losing Lorrick. Getting captured. Killing people in the arena. And Eldsworth killed some kids when I lost. I’ve been blaming myself for most of it this last year.”

  “None of that’s your fault,” Grenfei said, hugging Pyre again.

  “I know that,” Pyre replied. He could make out the shape of the imaginary faceless warrior out of the corner of his vision. “But I can’t help but carry the weight of all of it. Sometimes, I see this shape in the dark. It’s like a representation of everyone I’ve failed. I used to practice fighting it in the darkness of my cell at Eldmoon, but I haven’t seen it as much since I arrived here. For a while, I thought I’d lost my gods-damned mind. But in a way, it helped me cope while in the dungeon. Gave me something to take my aggression
out on. To shout at. To apologize to.”

  Grenfei frowned at him.

  “I really want this peace summit to succeed,” Pyre said. “I don’t want to see more people hurt, but I know things will get worse. Even if the summit goes well, the Feyans will still attack us. People will still suffer. I don’t know what I can do to help or prevent it. Maybe I could make allies. Maybe I could become a lord. Maybe I could learn to control my metamorphosis. But no matter what I do, people will still die. I’ll still be left carrying that weight.”

  “If it makes you feel better, I think you’d make a great lord,” Grenfei said. “You care about people, Pyre. You do everything you can for others. But sometimes, you have to accept what’s happened and what you can’t change.”

  “I know,” Pyre said. “I’ve always known that. I guess I’m just not ready to let go of Lorrick and the people I’ve failed. But one day, I’ll have to. When the time comes, I’ll move forward. I know I will because no matter how much burden falls on me, I’m sure I can carry it.”

  “Hey, Pyre,” the voice of Anabella called.

  He turned as Anabella hurried across the garden toward him. “What is it?”

  “It’s Lilan and her guardian, Joceline,” she replied. “I saw them cross the boundary into Varsith. I thought you should know.”

  “Should I talk to her?” Pyre asked.

  “I would leave her alone for now,” Anabella told him. “Judging by their faces, they’re in no mood to talk. Lilan looks wide-eyed and traumatized.”

  Pyre sighed. “Thanks. Keep me updated, and I’ll wait until her mood improves to talk to her about what happened.”

  Chapter 24

  Roz opened her eyes and rose from a bed. A sharp pain ran through her side, and she looked down at the bloody bandages around her waist. She grabbed the spot where she had been stabbed, and her whole body tensed.

  “Oh, gods,” she gasped, taking a deep breath. She tried to slow her breathing and calm herself, but the pain made it difficult.

  “Roz!” Myamere shouted, raising his head. He’d been sleeping in a chair at her bedside. “Don’t move. The medical guild sewed you up good, but they say it could hurt for months. A man named Barthlomex left you a jar of ointment before he left. He says it will help the healing process and limit the amount of scarring.”