The Sword Falls

by A. J. Smith

  Silver Jack had disappeared, looking for Leofryc Bright Hand in the labyrinthine stone corridors of Snake Guard, and I was content to remain with Quinn, at the edge of the muster field. The assembly of Outriders was clearly intended as an honour guard of some kind, though their formation was far less impressive than the Winterlord ceremonies I was used to. At First Port I was regularly surrounded by tall knights in glittering silver armour. What I saw here, arrayed in front of me, was a mob of skilled killers, to be sure, but they lacked the pomp and certainty of Winterlord knights.

  “Are you ready?” asked Quinn. He now wore different armour to the other Outriders, made of the same leather, but coloured grey. He had twin blades, sheathed at each hip, and a large canvas satchel, slung over his shoulder. He looked far less predatory. Or perhaps I was just reacting to him differently.

  “We’ll wait for Jack,” I replied. “I want him with me.”

  “Getting to the Dawn Claw will be difficult,” said the horizon-walker. “We will need to tread dark void paths to reach its nest. The fast way is dangerous, and the safe way is slow. Which will you choose?”

  “You know the answer to that,” I replied.

  The hawk-faced man smiled. “The fast way it is,” he said. “Sovon No Moon mapped the void paths between here and the Silver Dawn. They are tangled and treacherous, but passable… with the right guide.”

  I turned to look down at the horizon-walker. “Are you such a guide?”

  He didn’t blink and his stare was unwavering. “Absolutely.”

  “I like your certainty,” I said. “For I am not skilled beyond the glass and will be reliant on you.”

  “I’ve told you who I am,” said Quinn, “and where my life has led. Do not doubt that I will take you where you need to go and bring you back safely. Though the heart of the Winterlords is not easily reached.” He looked around the muster yard, past the assembled Outriders, to the nearest doorways. “Will your guardian be much longer? We need to return to the realm of form before Lord Marius leaves for the Dark Harbour.”

  I narrowed my eyes, wondering what was keeping Jack. I imagined he’d have given up quickly, when he couldn’t find Leofryc. “I’ll find him,” I stated, marching quickly from the muster yard, back towards my chamber. “I’ll go alone. You remain here.”

  “Hurry, Prince Oliver,” I heard Quinn say as I left.

  A hundred Outrider Knights bowed their heads and saluted as I passed. I made my way inside, taking a moment to orient myself in the confusing mess of unlit corridors, before turning left and right, and locating the route to the bed chamber where I’d been sleeping. The grey stone passages were empty, with all inhabitants occupied outside, mostly preparing for Quinn to lead the Eagle Prince into the void, and then whatever should occur when the void legionnaires arrived.

  I turned a corner and stopped. The bed chamber door was open, and I could see the heel of a leather boot poking out from the doorway. I kept my footsteps light and ghosted towards the door, gradually seeing the crouched form of Silver Jack, leaning over something. I silently came to a stop behind him, looking down at the sprawled corpse of Leofryc Bright Hand. The commander of Falcon’s Watch had left a thick smear of blood, where my guardian had dragged him out from under my bed, and his face had been beaten to a red mess.

  All at once I remembered what had happened. As I slept… as I dreamed, I’d cried out. Perhaps I’d even screamed or laughed in my sleep. I’d made enough noise to summon Leofryc from his chair outside. He’d shaken me awake, and interrupted the beautiful spectacle I’d been shown by my new friends. I didn’t want to wake up, and had been eager to return to my dreams. I’d been angry and disorientated, and I’d wrestled him to the ground. He’d not protested, perhaps out of surprise, more likely out of confusion. And then Santago had spoken to me. He’d told me I had to kill Leofryc. To be the Forever King, I had to seal my devotion in blood… I had to kill a man who would die for me.

  I smiled as I remembered. I’d used my fist, then my elbow, then the hilt of his greatsword, beating him well beyond the point of death. All the time, I’d seen the glorious green wyrd of the Waking God, and my position of supremacy in his new world. If I was to be king and saviour, Leofryc had to die. The commander of Falcon’s Watch would never accept what I was going to do, whereas Jack was burdened with an edge of cowardice that could be manipulated.

  “James Silver Born,” I said.

  “Fuck me!” snapped Jack, rolling from his crouched position to sit next to the corpse. “What the fuck happened?”

  “I hoped to keep this hidden until after we’d left,” I replied. “Now… we need to talk.”

  He was wide-eyed, with a head too full of questions to frame any particular one into spoken form. He edged backwards, before reaching back under the bed and dragging out the greatsword. One side of its hilt was covered with its owner’s blood, and Jack took a deep breath as he realized how Leofryc had died.

  “Stand, my friend,” I said, as gently as I could. “All things will become clear.”

  “Highness,” he replied, slowly getting to his feet, with a last look at the commander of Falcon’s Watch. “You killed him. I can’t think of a single reason why you would do that.”

  I smiled, stepping forwards and placing a friendly hand on his shoulder. He almost flinched, but stood his ground. I wasn’t used to him being afraid of me and I didn’t like it. I wanted him to trust me and remain my faithful guardian, but he didn’t know the things I knew, and I considered that I may have to frighten him further, if only to make him come with me to visit the Dawn Claw.

  “Say something, Oliver,” muttered Jack. “Please say something.”

  I firmly squeezed his shoulder, much as Santago had done with me. “I must be king, Jack,” I stated. “You need to trust me. We have a journey before us, and then a new world to build. I want you at my side when I become the true king. If only you knew, my friend.”

  He straightened, his sardonic nature overriding his fear. “I have a question. If I go and cut that Pure One’s throat, will it undo whatever the fuck his spirit-whistle did to you? When I’m done, I could break that horizon-walker’s legs, and maybe you’ll remember who the fuck you are.”

  “I know who I am,” I shouted. “I am King Oliver Dawn Claw, Forever King of the Eastron.”

  He flinched away from me, his face twitching.

  “I’m sorry,” I said quickly, holding up my hands. “I truly need you to accompany me. You are the only one who has ever been honest with me, Jack. I need your counsel. You are far wiser than I.” My words were sincere, though I feared my guardian would not be able to look past Leofryc’s death. I so wanted him to understand that I’d had no choice. I’d been shown a path to kingship, the first step of which was killing a man who would die for me. My destiny as Forever King was far more important than one individual Eastron.

  “I’m not a match for you,” said Jack. “You could kill me if you wanted.” He bowed his head. “Though I swore an oath on the Dawn Claw to protect you… as much as I am able. My oath stands, but I must ask, if you truly want honesty, why did you kill Leofryc? He would have given his life for you and your house. To be killed by his prince… I don’t understand.”

  I wanted to embrace him, and make him realize that he was in no danger from me, as long as he remained faithful. And I had every expectation that he would. I felt absolute certainty, as if the events at the Silver Parliament had been washed away, and I’d been reborn in the blossoming wyrd of the Waking God. These primitive Outrider Knights could never understand, but James Silver Born was a Winterlord, a civilized man of learning. Surely he could be made to see reason and join me.

  “Jack, forget about Leofryc. His journey has ended, whereas you and I...” I smiled broadly, excited by what was to come. “I’ve seen my path. I’ve seen the steps up to my throne. Mortal men have denied me, but there is an authority above them. I will be Forever King and you will be my adviser.”

  There were complicate
d thoughts running through his head. He glanced at the bruising across my knuckles, then back down to the dead body. “I’m a clever man,” he said. “I flatter myself that I can conjure the solution to many problems, and discern the heart of many things. But my mind is pointing to only one truth. Highness… I fear you have been driven mad.”

  Sudden anger made me grab his throat and push him across the room. I held him off the ground, against the opposite wall, slowly tightening my grip and choking him. Wyrd pulsed across my arm, as a sleeve of rippling green light. I was amazed, almost euphoric, at my wondrous new power, but Silver Jack was horrified, flapping at my arm, trying to free himself.

  “You will come with me to visit the Dawn Claw,” I muttered, through gritted teeth, resisting the urge to tear out my guardian’s throat. “And I really don’t want to hurt you. I want you to be my friend. Please, Jack. Please don’t make me hurt you.”

  I loosened my grip, but kept him pinned against the wall. He’d involuntarily summoned a glove of silvery wyrd across each hand, but it was dampened, then eclipsed, by the rumbling green energy coming from my arms. With regret in his eyes, Silver Jack stopped resisting.

  “Quinn is waiting for us,” I said. “You should see these Outriders – they appear to be attempting some kind of honour guard. It’s rather pathetic.” I smiled again, hoping he’d smile back. He didn’t, so I removed my hand and took a step back. “Are we still friends, Jack?”

  He straightened, composing himself and trying not to look down at Leofryc. After a moment, he replied with a shallow nod. I suspected he couldn’t frame the right words, but I was content with the nod.

  “Marvellous,” I stated. “That truly makes me happy. Hurry, now, they’re waiting for us. After you, my friend.”

  I swept my arm towards the open door, and my guardian walked from the chamber. I didn’t take the time to deposit Leofryc back under the bed, leaving his corpse and his greatsword on the carpet. A closed door was sufficient to keep him hidden until after we’d left. Gentle and Marius could then deal with it as they saw fit, unable to ask me any infuriating questions about what I’d done. They would soon understand, and I had no inclination to reveal anything before I was ready.

  Jack followed me down the corridor. I imagined his compliance was a mixture of loyalty, fear and confusion, but it was enough for now. He was a clever man, and knew he had nowhere to go if he were to betray me. He would also be biding his time, hoping for an opportunity to undo what he believed had been done to me.

  “Highness, may I ask a question?” asked Jack, as we approached the doorway that led back outside.

  “Please,” I replied. “I won’t react badly again, I promise.”

  He cleared his throat, and moved to walk by my side. “With respect, highness, why do we need to visit the Dawn Claw?”

  I slowed my pace, making sure we didn’t emerge into the muster yard before I’d answered. “Well, my friend, the heart of the Winterlords is the next step on my journey. The Lord of the Quarter must be shown my new power. Perhaps even take some of it for himself.” I smiled down at him. “I will be the saviour of this land, Jack, and the Dawn Claw has always been a symbol of the king’s might.”

  He kept his mouth closed, and his nostrils flared with the increased speed of his breathing. I hated that this was difficult for him, and I was sincere in my desire for his friendship, but I was forced to accept that it would take time. Perhaps seeing the mighty Dawn Claw subsumed by the beautiful green power of the Waking God would help to persuade him. If not, it might be easier just to introduce him to my new friends, and let him bathe in the waters of eldritch power, now available to me.

  I sped up, leading Jack back out to the muster yard. The Outriders were still formed into two columns, with Quinn standing between them, at the head of the honour guard. Above and all around us, were dozens more black-and-red armoured Dark Brethren, awaiting my return. I thrust out my chest and raised my chin, surveying the warriors of Snake Guard. I saw them as a lesser order of men, far beneath my concern, but it pleased me to impress them.

  “Eagle Prince,” said Quinn, with a bow of his head. “It is time to go.”

  I was the tallest warrior here, and I had no doubt that I was the most skilled, and possessed the most powerful wyrd. Added to this was my name and the reverence I was due from these people. I channelled every morsel of my superiority as I strode down the column of Outriders, wanting everyone to remember me. One day soon they would call me their king.

  How long does a civilization need to flourish?

  Is a hundred years enough? Is two hundred?

  Can the Eastron even claim civilization after so short a time?

  I have my doubts.

  I am plagued by doubts.

  Doubts that we could grow and plunder for a thousand years and never understand the earth beneath our feet, or the void, so close at hand.

  We are a violent and short-sighted people.

  Were we always like this, or did this land and this void change us?

  We need more time.

  From “The First Book of Poetics” by Catalina Lark Song, Defiant of First Port.

  PART EIGHT

  Adeline Brand at the Starry Sky

  22

  The bedroom smelled of sweat and alcohol, with a gentle breeze rolling in from Swordfish Bay. It was after midnight and my ears were filled with the soft melodies of a peaceful night. Lapping waves, whistling wind, and the breath of Young Green Eyes. I’d found some time, and allowed myself an extended break from reality. I’d spent it fucking, drinking and laughing with the only man I’d ever loved. There was no one banging on the door, no one demanding my presence or counsel, and no urgent reason to leave the comfort of my lover’s bedroom. As I stood by the open shutters, letting the cooling wind caress my naked body, I felt as if I could stay here forever.

  I poured two more flagons of ale, from our third jug, and returned to bed, nuzzling into Young Green Eyes’ neck with a kiss.

  “Addie, you spilled beer on me,” he said with a chuckle, turning to face me.

  “I’ve only got one fucking arm,” I replied, sharing his humour. “Carrying two mugs of beer is one of many things I am now shit at. You can get up next time.”

  He took one of the flagons, wiping beer from his face. “I think I may be a little drunk, my love. I can’t drink as much as you.”

  “You’ll learn,” I replied, giving him a patronizing pat on the head. “Pure Ones can be fragile.”

  He leant over and playfully bit me on the shoulder. “Ouch,” I said, containing laughter. “I’ll have to think of a punishment for biting the Alpha Wolf. I’ll have it written into law.”

  He bit me again, growling, with a predatory look in his beautiful eyes. “And would the Alpha Wolf like to fuck again, before she has me burned and cut?”

  I pushed him away, demurely covering myself with our blanket. “No, she would not,” I said, smiling. “Right now, she would like to drink.”

  He sat up against the adjoining wall, and we each took a deep swig of rich, hoppy ale. “Where did this mood come from?” he asked. “I haven’t seen you smile this much since… I don’t know when.”

  I leant back, and took a deep breath. “Not sure,” I replied. “I suppose I just feel more like me. I can feel things again.”

  He nodded down towards his cock, grinning like an idiot.

  “Shut up,” I said, suppressing laughter. “I’ve always been able to feel that. You know what I mean, I’m just… myself again.”

  Young Green Eyes covered himself, and his smile disappeared. For a moment, I saw worry flow across his face, but I wasn’t sure what I’d said to elicit such a reaction. The Mirralite Pure One smoothed back his hair, and set aside his mug of ale.

  “What did I say?” I asked, leaning forwards and kissing him.

  Somewhere in his eyes I saw fear. “I knew this would happen,” he replied. “You feel more like yourself here, because you are less like yourself there. This room ha
s been a place for you to keep the pieces of yourself you don’t want to lose.” He stroked my face. “Adeline Brand will always be safe here, but elsewhere she is being subsumed by a growing spirit.”

  “So, what should I do?” I replied, afraid of what was happening to me.

  He embraced me, with our sweat-covered bodies intertwining under the thin blanket. “I have no answers,” he whispered. “But your mind is becoming more spirit than woman. Please, my love, please be careful. No gods, spirits or men hold dominion over you.”

  *

  When I awoke, Halfdan’s Revenge was plunging through the void sky, on the back of a huge phoenix. I felt strangely at home. Far more than I would ever have imagined. There was a peace beyond the glass, where trivial matters of life and death held no meaning. I only wished that the crew shared my detachment. As it was, each of them was far too emotional. Their captain in particular. Tynian Driftwood was skilled at being disrespectful without pushing his luck, and always stopped short of insulting me. He saw our voyage as a dangerous mission into the unknown, with the safety of his people foremost in his mind. Whereas I was indulging curiosity, with the promise of allies against the Sunken God. Emotions had no place amongst the remaining Sea Wolves.

  I’d slept – or at the very least rested – for the better part of two days. I’d risen from my small cabin to eat and wash, but had otherwise remained apart from the crew. Only Tasha Strong saw me, making sure there was food outside my door whenever I emerged. She was wise enough to keep her conversation to a minimum, asking how I was feeling, but otherwise not pushing me. Tomas Red Fang had made several attempts to speak to me, but had been rebuffed. I knew the old man was worried about me, but I didn’t want to talk. I wanted to sleep, until the Alpha Wolf was ready to lead these men and women into whatever we faced at the Starry Sky.

  I dressed in leather armour, tied my hair in a top-knot, and belted on my cutlass. My routines had become more and more austere of late, with barely any attention paid to grooming. I washed my face, swilled out my mouth, bathed every other day, but everything was perfunctory and done for personal comfort, with no concern for what others thought.