Chain of Illusions (Bringer and the Bane)

by Brux, Boone

  “It’s daunting being around this many people.” Rell squinted and rubbed her forehead. “I feel as if they’re all trying to crowd inside my head.”

  “Keep your mental shields erected. I’m still not very good at letting a little bit of information in at a time.” She smiled. “Don’t tell Rhys. He’s been trying to teach me for quite a while now, and I dare say he’d be disappointed in me.”

  An unladylike snort escaped Rell. “I doubt that.”

  Jade joined them at the railing. “What are you talking about?”

  “We were just watching the crowd.” Ravyn pointed to a legless man near a barrel on the dock. “See that man down there?”

  Rell followed her finger and nodded.

  “Look at the pile of rags behind him.”

  Rell held up her hand and squinted against the afternoon sun and Jade leaned forward against the rail. At first the pile looked like discarded clothing, but with closer scrutiny a pair of ragged boots could be seen peeking from the heap. After a few seconds the boots moved.

  “He’s got legs. But how does he appear legless?”

  “Ingenuity. The blanket over his lap hides his folded legs.”

  Jade shrugged. “A person needs to survive.”

  The loud cranking of the gangplank being lowered behind them drew their attention. The three women turned to watch the crew preparing to disembark. From observing the men, Rell could tell that they’d sailed together for enough time to know the routine and work together. That was something she could appreciate now that she was Bringer.

  Delphina’s voice could be heard ordering Hayden away from the gangplank. Rell made note of just how much work a young boy could be and squashed any bits of longing for a child that surfaced.

  Siban exited the bridge and took the steps two at a time, hopping the last two to land on the deck. He strolled toward them, obviously happy to be home again.

  “Once the gangplank is down, we’ll be ready to disembark.” He bent and picked up the small chest at Rell’s feet. “We’ll be walking, so I’ll carry this.”

  “Is it far?” Not that it mattered. Walking would be nice after standing around for a day.

  “It’s a bit of a trek,” Ravyn said. “Mainly because Alba Haven sits at the top of the hill.”

  Rell looked up, but all that could be seen were tall walls of what looked like a fortress. She pointed. “We’re going up there?”

  “Yes.” Siban walked toward Rhys and Luc, who waited near the exit. “It’s very beautiful and very safe.”

  “Well—” Ravyn’s gaze cut to her. “If you stay within the walls, it’s safe. All of Alba Haven is warded. Outside of the wall is quite another story.”

  “I’ll remember that.” Rell stepped closer to Siban.

  “Don’t worry, you’re more than a match for any of the vagrants loitering about the gates of Alba Haven,” he said.

  Once they were all gathered, Gregory quickly surveyed the group. “Are we ready?”

  “I believe so.” Rhys moved to the front of their party. “There was no time to send word ahead to prepare for horses, so we’ll have to walk to Alba Haven. I’m sure we won’t encounter any trouble.”

  Besides Faela, Rell had never been in a large city, and even then it had been with her parents when she was very young. Excitement skittered through her as she descended the gangway. People fanned back, allowing their party to pass. She had to admit, they were an impressive group. By some unspoken consent, each of the Bringers were dressed in black and outfitted with their weapons.

  Luc and Ravyn each wore a harness that ran from their right shoulders to just below their ribs. In the casing rested an immortal dagger for quick retrieval. Though Rell still wore her sword at her side, Siban had chosen a sheath that sat firmly against his back. By reaching over his head, he was able to grip the hilt and pull the sword free to drive it downward for immediate attack. Once they reached Alba Haven and before they left on their journey, Rell planned on rigging her sheath to sit the same way. Though she’d grown used to the constant tapping of her blade against her leg, she would prefer to have the weapon secure when she pulled it from the sheath.

  As they made their way along the dock, the creak of ropes and ships knocking against the pier mingled with the slosh of water and the clatter of carts. The odor of fish, both fresh and rotting, hung in the air along with the smell of oil and wood. There were so many people, all bustling to some place or another.

  A woman’s high-pitched laugh rose from somewhere behind her, but Rell didn’t turn. From the docks they followed the flow of the crowd and wound their way past the large gates of the city. People flowed in and out through the opening. Wagons, horse riders, and those walking merged into a giant congested river of people. The constant breeze kicked up swirling vortexes of dirt. Rell lifted her arm to shield her face from the biting sand. When the wind died down, she brushed her hand across her cheeks in an unsuccessful effort to remove the grit. Compared to the open sea, the overcrowding of the city was stifling.

  Siban touched her waist. On one shoulder, he balanced the small trunk. His eyes continually scanned the area for what she assumed was trouble.

  “The end of days is near!” A dirty man in a robe shook his finger in the air. “The flying scourge will bleed our lands of blood and spirit!”

  Rell’s steps slowed to watch the proselytizer.

  The man’s watery eyes leveled on the group, narrowing in on the three sisters. “A legion to lead us. Three to triumph.”

  Juna stopped and stared for a second. “Is he talking about us?”

  “His name is Malachi,” Siban said. “I used to think he was a crazy old monk, but after everything that’s happened—”

  He let the rest of the statement hang in the air.

  “Let’s get settled first,” Rhys said, starting forward again. “I think it would be a good idea to have a talk with Malachi later.”

  “Agreed,” Gregory said.

  “Angels!” Malachi’s eyes widened, his hands folding in prayer against his chin. “Do not forsake us.”

  “He said the exact same thing to me when I first arrived.” Ravyn gave a little shudder. “It’s very disconcerting.”

  “I’ll say,” Meran mumbled. She placed her hand against Gregory’s back and pushed him forward. “Let’s not linger.”

  Something about the man’s intensity tugged at Rell. Though at first glance he appeared to be just another doomsayer preaching at the city gates, what he said struck a chord in her. She let her Tell ghost over him and touched the familiar taint of darkness. She refocused on the course before her but the monk continued to plague her mind.

  He’d definitely been touched by the Bane somehow, but he didn’t possess the thick presence like Siban and she had experienced. Perhaps his faith kept him protected. She glanced back one more time. He still followed their progress, his hands remaining pressed against his chin in prayer.

  Thoughts of the monk slipped away and were replaced by the bustle and life within the heart of the city. Shops crowded together on the narrow streets, their wooden signs hanging above the door, announcing their wares or services. People loitered in doorways, some brave enough to ask for money. Several cowered away from the group and rushed back inside the dark shelter of the rooms beyond the doorway. Woman leaned out of windows above the shops, waving and propositioning men passing by. Some were successful. Those who were not, stooped to exposing themselves, hoping to lure the men upstairs.

  Fall had already touched Alba. Small fires burned next to many of the vendors whose stalls were set up in the city’s center. Perhaps it was the exhilaration of their trip and the excitement of arriving at Alba Haven, but Rell was not cold.

  Their course circled to the right, consistently climbing in a spiral. The narrow crammed streets of the marketplace gave way to homes. Modest at first, the dwellings grew in grandeur. None were as elegant as Jacob Le Daun’s manor, but did speak of wealth. About two-thirds of the way up, the buildings took
on a rundown feel. Again, people lounged in the doorways of what looked like abandoned buildings.

  Eventually Rhys stopped before a massive gate. He lifted the iron knocker and pounded, the sound echoing against the buildings surrounding them. They waited.

  Siban leaned toward Rell. “I used to man the door. Nobody had to wait this long.”

  Rhys turned his head, smirking. “Would you like your old position back?”

  Siban was quiet for a second, as if contemplating Rhys’s offer, and then sighed. “No, it appears I have been ruined for sedentary duty.”

  “We all have, I think,” Luc said. “Pity.”

  The grinding of a bolt drawing back dragged against the inside of the gate door. A chain clattered and the moaning protest of the iron hinges groaned when the long door began to inch open. Rhys waited until there was enough room to pass and then proceeded inside.

  Rell stepped into another world. A cobbled path led off in different directions. Arches framed the walkways with simple but beautiful stonework. To her surprise, women carried folded blankets and baskets of fruit down one of the walkways. A man, who looked like a solider, led a horse toward what were probably the stables.

  From behind the now-closed gate, a man appeared. “Lord Blackwell. We were not expecting you.”

  “Geoffrey.” Rhys grasped the man’s forearm. “We didn’t have time to send a messenger ahead.”

  Rell noticed that he didn’t add that he hoped they weren’t inconvenienced. From what Siban had told her, Rhys was the lord of Alba Haven and the people who lived within its walls were under his care and protection.

  “I’m sure Nattie will be quite happy to see you.” A smile played at the man’s mouth. He turned to Ravyn. “Lady Ravyn, it is good to see you again.” He squinted, his eyes drifting to her Tell tattoo. “It appears much has happened since you left us.” His gaze scanned the group. “I can’t wait to hear the tale.”

  She patted his arm. “And what a tale it is.”

  “Take one of the other men and go to the city gates. There’s an old monk preaching the end of the world. Bring him here,” Rhys said. “If he’s unwilling to come with you, tell him the angels wish to see him.”

  The man’s eyebrows rose in question. “Angels, my lord?”

  “He’ll know what you’re talking about.” Rhys turned and headed toward the largest arch. “And after that I need a message sent to The Dragon’s Head Inn. Tell them we’ll be arriving tomorrow night.”

  “Very good, my lord. I’ll take care of it.” Geoffrey called from behind him. “By the way, is it?”

  Rhys stopped and looked back at him. “Is it what?”

  “The end of the world?” The man’s tone held no hint of mirth.

  “Let’s pray not.” In silence, Rhys led the group through the main arch and into the bailey.

  Meran’s steps slowed. “Either I have gone round the bend, or I’m seeing spirits.”

  Rell stared in the direction Meran pointed. “I don’t see anything.”

  “I see them as well,” Ravyn said. “Alba Haven is full of ghosts. You’ll get used to it. I believe that’s part of being an oracle.”

  “I’m fairly certain I will never get used to it.” Juna skirted the edge of the walk, as if putting as much room between her and the unseen spirits. “Ever.”

  Two black doors loomed ahead of them. Shiny brass bands embellished the dark wood and glinted in the sun. Gripping the handles, Rhys pushed the doors open and strode in. The breath hitched in Rell’s throat as she tried to take in the expansive and magnificent foyer. Above her the ceiling soared, arching like the sky. A beautiful mural spread across the ceiling, the painting a detailed depiction of the night sky.

  “Ah, it’s good to be home.” Siban inhaled. “It feels like it’s been forever.”

  Never, in all the hours they’d spent together in the Shadow World, had he spoken of Alba Haven’s beauty, only of missing his home and the delicious meals. It was hard to place Siban in these surroundings. She’d only known him in the dank caverns or Le Daun’s manor. Suddenly she realized how little she truly knew about Siban’s life. Only that his family had been killed and his sister now sat in silence, cloistered in a distant abbey. A few nights ago he’d spoken of a lullaby his mother used to sing. But that was as much as he’d shared. He knew everything of her, but she knew nothing of his life beyond being a Bringer.

  “Rhys!” The woman’s shout caused the entire group to turn toward a door at their left. “Thank the Sainted Ones, you made it back safely.”

  A tall thin, extremely beautiful woman closed the distance between them. Her gray hair was plaited into a long braid and swung when she walked toward them.

  “Nattie.” Rhys met her halfway across the foyer. Instead of hugging him, she gripped his biceps and held him at arm’s length and looked him over from head to toe. He didn’t resist. “You are a sight for sore eyes, Nattie.”

  “As are you.” After a minute, she pulled him to her and squeezed. “We haven’t heard anything since Siban left.” She released him, but didn’t lower her hands. “Is everything all right?”

  “For now, yes.” He shook his head. “There is much to tell.”

  They walked toward the group. Nattie’s gaze immediately targeted Ravyn among the crowd. “And you.” Instead of hugging her, Nattie gripped her chin and twisted her head left and then right, scowling. “And what is this?” She tapped Ravyn’s Tell tattoo. “You didn’t get drunk one night and have that done as a jest, did you?”

  A brilliant smile spread across Ravyn’s face, her blue eyes dancing with delight. A sense of love surrounded the group, sending warmth through Rell. Nattie seemed to be an important member of the household and obviously Ravyn cared for the woman very much.

  “That would have been much easier.” Ravyn gripped Nattie’s hands and pulled them away from her face. “Come, let me introduce you.” She tugged the older woman toward the group. From the way Siban stared at Nattie, he cared a lot about her as well.

  “Of course you know Siban and Luc.” Ravyn waved toward the two men.

  “Nattie, you’re looking as lovely as ever.” Luc stepped forward and kissed the woman’s hand.

  She yanked it away. “I see you’re still as much of a scoundrel as ever.”

  “Actually, I’m not.” He straightened and reached for Jade, pulling her forward. “Nattie, I’d like you to meet Jade.” He draped his arm around her shoulder. “I love her.”

  “Love her?” Nattie’s gaze bounced between them and then settled on Jade. “How did you manage that one?”

  “I tried to kill him,” Jade said matter-of-factly and held out her hand. “Seemed to really win him over.” She smiled. “I’ve heard many great things about you, Nattie.”

  “Well, I haven’t heard nearly enough about you.” She took Jade’s hand in hers and was about to cover it with her other hand when she stopped. Slowly, she turned Jade’s palm to face up. “My, this group is full of surprises.”

  “You have not heard the half of it.” Luc pulled Jade to him and stepped to the side to make room. “This is Jade’s sister, Rell. She used to be a Bane, but we healed her.” Nattie’s mouth dropped open and she moved to speak, but he cut her off. “Oh, that’s not the most amazing part.” He gave one of his charming half smiles. “As a Bane, she was the one who helped Siban escape the Shadow World, and they are to be married.”

  The woman held up her hands, but seemed unable to speak. Rell smiled, not knowing what to say to this overpowering woman.

  As if sensing an opening, Ravyn moved to stand beside Meran and Juna. “And these two are my sisters. Juna is the oldest, and Meran is the youngest.” She twisted to the left. “And this is Gregory. Until he crossed through the Mystic Arch, he was the Bringer King, which means his brother, who was kidnapped as a baby is still alive and here in Inness.” Ravyn paused. “Unfortunately he’s a Demon Bane, but we’re working on that.”

  Nattie snapped her mouth closed and narrowed her ga
ze on the group. “You’re trying to kill me with all of this, aren’t you?”

  “You’ll get used to it,” Delphina slipped in.

  “And of course…” Ravyn ushered the woman and her children forward. “This is Delphina, Serena, Hayden, and sweet baby Jenna.”

  Nattie eyed the group suspiciously. “You Bringers too?”

  “No.” Moving forward a few steps, Delphina extended her hand. “Lady Ravyn took us in and I tried to tend this lot when we was in Faela.”

  “It’s quite a task, isn’t it?” Nattie said.

  Delphina nodded. “I see you’re a woman of great understanding in this matter. Perhaps you could give me a few pointers.”

  Appreciation glinted in Nattie’s eyes. “Indeed I can.” She glanced back to Rhys. “And you’re going to tell me everything that has happened so far.”

  Rhys leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “We will give you the whole story at dinner, though I doubt you’ll be happy to hear it.”

  “I suspect you’re right.” She sighed. “Well, go find your rooms. Your chambers have been ready for some time.” She looked at Delphina. “You and the children come with me. I’ve got a lovely pot of tea brewing and freshly baked honey and biscuits.” Nattie turned and strode toward the kitchen, calling over her shoulder. “Rhys, I’ll leave you to showing the others where they can sleep.”

  “Of course.” He smiled and shook his head. “It’s so good to see you again, Nattie.”

  With a dismissive wave, she disappeared through the archway.

  From Nattie’s bossy demeanor, Rell got the impression that she ruled Alba Haven, and unless Rhys intervened, Nattie’s word was law.

  Siban’s arm slipped around her waist. “I’ll show you my quarters.”

  A thrill rippled through her. This would be the first time she’d see where Siban had lived during his dark days after escaping the Shadow World. She wondered what other things she’d learn about the man she’d fallen in love with during the most tumultuous time of her life.

  Chapter Twenty-six