The Silent Pact

by Genevieve Dickinson

  Finally, the applause died down. Lyall dismounted his horse, handing the reins to a squire with a grateful nod. He strode confidently to the royal pavilion, as did Kasrian. They both bowed to the King, then took their places for the final round of the melee.

  Autumn had seen enough. She knew she wouldn’t be able to watch the competition without crying. Lyall hadn’t spoken to her since his last goodbye in the map room, and she avoided him as much as possible. They seemed to have reached an unspoken agreement to cut off all contact. Even seeing him brought on a painful, sickening feeling in her heart. She didn’t want to deal with the heartache today.

  Waving to Harriet, Autumn pointed in the direction of the castle. Harriet nodded and waved her away, too focused on the melee to ask questions. Autumn gave one last glance to the combat before heading out the back of the tent and into the crowd.

  Suddenly the cheers turned to screams. Autumn looked back to the tournament with a lurch in her stomach. She expected to see that either Lyall or Kasrian had been injured by a careless stroke. They were both unhurt, however, and were looking up at the sky in shock. Autumn followed their gaze, a chill running down her spine as she saw the beasts approaching through the clear blue sky.

  They seemed to be made of pure shadow, coalesced into the solid form of four massive dragons. Like monsters from a child’s story, they descended on the festival. Their shadowy claws tore at market tents as they swooped by. Autumn saw one reach into the crowd and pick up a young man, then soar up into the sky to drop him, screaming, back onto the festival grounds.

  The crowd panicked. They quickly broke through the barrier keeping them off the tournament field in their rush to escape. Kasrian was shouting orders to the Royal Guard, several of whom ran off to gather and organize any nearby soldiers. Others rushed to the King’s side while the rest tried in vain to control the growing stampede of people.

  Autumn watched the crowd around her in growing horror, realizing that they would soon be in more danger from each other than from the dragons. The prince stood in the middle of the tourney field, trying to help Kasrian control the situation. Autumn saw him dash off towards the royal pavilion, presumably to help his father get out of the crowd. Suddenly, she remembered that Harriet was still in the refreshment tent. She ran to help the old woman get out before she was crushed by the throng of people.

  Then the dragon landed.

  The tremor from the massive beast’s landing knocked most of the people near the tournament field to the ground. Autumn managed to keep her feet by pure luck as she grabbed a standing banner nearby. Terrified, she stared at the beast. It was bigger than the grand ballroom in the palace. The soldiers looked tiny in comparison, like dolls that had been knocked over by a careless child.

  In front of the dragon was an even tinier figure. Elizabeth had been running across the field when the dragon landed. She was now on the ground, screaming in terror as she tried to get to her feet. The dragon spotted her and turned its head menacingly in her direction.

  No.

  Time seemed to slow for Autumn as she sprinted towards the field. She reached Elizabeth just before the dragon did. Grabbing the girl, who had just gotten to her feet, Autumn dove away from the massive beast. She shielded the girl with her own body as they hit the ground.

  The dragon’s jaws snapped shut behind them in the spot where Elizabeth had just been standing. Autumn heard it give a hiss of frustration. She stood, shielding the little girl with her body. The dragon’s face hovered in front of her. Now or never. I have to focus. She raised her hand in a halting gesture, feeling the power welling up within her.

  Her world went white.

  The familiar, comforting light enveloped her, but the shrieks of the enraged shadow dragon broke through the peaceful sanctuary. Autumn forced herself to focus, bringing her other hand up to meet the first.

  As her mind focused, so did her vision. She realized that the white light was emanating in a beam from her own hands. It burned into the spot where the dragon’s heart should be. The beast staggered back, shrieking in rage and pain. Autumn focused on the power flowing through her. The light intensified.

  Beams of light pierced through the dragon’s body like lances. With a final roar, the thing arched its head up to the sky and spread its mighty wings. Then it burst apart, dissolving into the shadows and smoke from which it was made.

  Autumn was too stunned to move. She looked up to the spot where the dragon had been just moments before. Three other shadow beasts flew off into the distance. Finally, she turned around, remembering the ambassador’s daughter was still next to her.

  Elizabeth was sitting on the ground, looking up at Autumn in awe. Smiling in relief, Autumn reached down to offer her hand to the girl. She took it and clambered to her feet. As soon as she was upright, she wrapped her arms around Autumn’s waist and hugged her tightly. Unsure of how to react, Autumn patted the girl on the back. She slowly became aware of the sound of applause around her. Looking up, she realized that the crowd had regained their feet, and was cheering for her.

  As Autumn looked around, Ambassador Selathiel rushed out to his daughter. He scooped her up into his arms with a grateful smile to Autumn. She suddenly felt exhausted. Behind the ambassador came Kasrian, who was looking at Autumn with the same expression of awe Elizabeth had.

  Autumn looked at Kasrian nervously, not sure how he was about to react. To her surprise, he dropped to one knee before her and bowed. She bowed back with a tearful smile. The Commander stood. Taking her hand, he raised her arm in a gesture of triumph. The cheers from the crowd were deafening.

  Autumn looked out shyly, still not quite sure how to react. Finally, Kasrian lowered her arm and nodded to her. She bowed quickly to him before running off to make sure that Harriet was safe.

  

  “Only five deaths, a dozen injuries, and some property damage.” Aldwin read over the casualty report from the afternoon’s attack incredulously. “Hardly perfect, but it certainly could have been much worse. How is Elizabeth, by the way?”

  Ambassador Selathiel smiled. “Shaken, but unhurt, thanks to Autumn. Gods, that was an incredible display of power. Did either of you know that she could do that?”

  Kasrian shook his head. “I knew she had magic, but I never dreamed she was so strong. Which brings us to the main question here: What the hell were those things, and where did they come from?”

  Selathiel looked thoughtful. “I don’t think it could have been the Cult of the Black Covenant. Nothing that we’ve seen so far suggests that they have that kind of power. But those things were definitely conjured by magic, and not a common type of magic.” He leaned forward in his chair. “Did you ever study magical theory?”

  Aldwin and Kasrian shook their heads. “I’m afraid neither of us paid as much attention to our studies as our parents might have liked,” Aldwin said. “Have you seen something like this before in Katrell?”

  “Not personally, and I truly hope I’m wrong.” The ambassador frowned and sat back, speaking slowly. “In Katrell, one can study many different varieties of magic. Some people claim that all the magic that exists can be found in Katrell, but I very much doubt that. Nevertheless, there is quite an incredible selection. There is only one that is forbidden.

  “Its proper name is Soul Magic. Even someone with very little actual power can perform incredible feats by using Soul Magic. Those dragons, for example, looked like shadow beasts. Normally, summoning even one shadow dragons like that would be out of the question, even for a group of very powerful mages. With Soul Magic, one reasonably strong mage could control four with minimal effort.”

  Kasrian looked confused. “So, it enhances magical ability. Seems useful, but I’m sure there’s a catch. Why is it forbidden?”

  The ambassador nodded. “The catch. Yes, I suppose you could call it that. Soul Magic enhances a mage’s natural ability by drawing out the life force from a sacrifice. The slower and more painful the sacrifice’s death, the more energy can b
e extracted. Practitioners kill their victims by slow torture if they can, but just draining a victim’s blood will work for most purposes.” A look of revulsion crossed his face before it was replaced again by his professorial facade. “Those shadow dragons must have been summoned using Soul Magic. There’s no other way it could have been done.”

  Kasrian nodded thoughtfully. “I see. So then we have a practitioner of this forbidden magic on our hands. Any idea who it might be?”

  “There have been . . . rumors.” Selathiel spoke softly, as though he was afraid he might be overheard. “Residents of Katrell have been going missing for the last few years. A rather large percentage of the missing have been servants and other residents of the royal palace. And I can tell you from my last meeting with Queen Miraphina that she is dealing with something serious in her kingdom. She wouldn’t tell me what was wrong, but she seems to have aged far past her years.”

  It was Aldwin’s turn to look troubled. “You believe that someone in her household may be responsible for this attack?”

  The ambassador sighed. “I have my suspicions, but nothing I’d want to share until I have some solid evidence. I do feel that we should send a messenger to Queen Miraphina immediately. We shouldn’t assume anything at this juncture, but I am sure she’ll want to help us identify the culprit.”

  “I agree.” Kasrian nodded as he spoke. “It’s better for her to hear about the attack from us. The last thing we want is to offend her, especially if the culprit is someone close to her.”

  Aldwin nodded as well. “We’re all agreed, then. Ambassador, send your quickest messenger at the earliest opportunity. Oh, and do bring your daughter to the ball tomorrow, will you? We’re going to honor Autumn for her heroics, and Elizabeth should be there as well.”

  The ambassador smiled. “Of course, Your Majesty. Elizabeth will be overjoyed. And I took the liberty of ordering a gift for Autumn, she should be receiving a message about it shortly.” He gave a bow and left the King’s study closing the door being him.

  After he had left, Aldwin turned to Kasrian. “Speaking of Autumn, how is she?”

  Kasrian gave a tired smile. “She was completely exhausted by the time she got back to the castle. She went straight to bed as soon as she made sure Harriet was resting. From what little I know about magic, what she did probably took a lot out of her. I’m sure she’ll be well enough for the ball tomorrow.”

  Aldwin nodded. “Good. I’m looking forward to it. It will be very interesting to see how the nobility responds to her.”

  Kasrian raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Why is that?”

  Aldwin smiled. “Oh, no reason. Now then, shall we call for dinner? It’s been a long day, and I’m starving.”

  Chapter 22

  That night, Autumn dreamed of her father.

  In her dream, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow on the landscape. She could feel the crisp fall air all around her as she walked up a familiar mountain pass. It was a moment before she realized that the old hunter was walking next to her. He looked just as he had on their last walk through the forest, his dark hair curling at the nape of his neck and his mouth in a soft smile. Autumn breathed in, inhaling the long-forgotten scent of well-worn leather that always lingered around him. He sang a walking tune as they strolled together up the path, and she smiled.

  They walked together for what seemed like hours. They did not speak, but Autumn could feel a sense of pride in the tune her father sang. She smiled again, remembering that last walk they had taken together. For a few moments, she imagined that it had all been a dream – she would wake up in the morning in the little bed in the cabin, warm and safe.

  “You shouldn’t think such things, little one.” The old hunter’s voice cut through the silence. He stopped walking and turned to her. “You’ve become the woman I always hoped you would be. You’re strong, independent, brilliant, and kind. Despite everything, I couldn’t ask for more.”

  Tears filled Autumn’s eyes as she nodded. Her father smiled. “Do you know where we are?” he said, gesturing around.

  Autumn looked up to see the sunset casting shadows on a canyon wall. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw them form the familiar shape of the terrible temple she had seen as a child. She felt her body tense, but a gentle hand on her shoulder stopped her from fleeing.

  Turning slightly, she saw that Nilene had walked up beside her. Autumn smiled at the sight of her face, and Nilene smiled back. “Don’t worry, you don’t have to go in. You still have more to do before it’s time for that.”

  Autumn was chilled to the bones at Nilene’s ominous words. Her father smiled sadly. “It’s alright, little one. There’s no need to be afraid. No matter what, we’ll be here until the very end.”

  He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her, and Autumn felt tears streaming down her face. She buried her face in his shoulder and breathed in his scent, wishing it could last forever.

  She awoke a moment later on her small bed in the castle. The memory of the scent of leather was fading quickly, but the tears were real. She sat up and wiped them away, looking up at the moonlight streaming through her window. It’s still the middle of the night. How long was I asleep? She looked around the room, sensing that something had changed.

  Her eyes fell on a small pile of items she did not recognize. On her vanity was a small pouch and two envelopes. Confused, she stood up and walked over, picking up the first of the envelopes and opening it. Inside, a formal invitation to Prince Lyall’s birthday celebration the following night was embossed in gold on beautiful paper. Autumn sighed. I appreciate the gesture, but this really isn’t going to help. What am I even going to wear to a formal party?

  Still concerned, she opened the second envelope. A very grateful note from the Katrellan Ambassador informed her that a gift for her was being made – a new gown for the ball from the royal dressmaker. Autumn smiled, grateful that the Selathiel had anticipated her need. She set down the note and turned her attention to the velvet pouch.

  The bag was heavy, she noticed. She opened it and gasped as the moonlight caught the edge of a jewel and shimmered brightly. Her hand brushed against a note as she pulled out the source of the glittering light. It was a hairpiece, a comb with delicate copper lilies accented with emerald leaves. Autumn was stunned by its beauty.

  She sat and stared at it in the moonlight for a moment before she remembered the note in the bag. Setting the comb carefully down on the vanity, she reached into the pouch and pulled out the letter. She smiled sadly as she opened it. Lyall’s handwriting was nearly as familiar to her as her own by now.

  Autumn,

  I know I’m not supposed to love you, but I do. I know that I’m not allowed to be with you, but I want to. I know that my father and uncle want me to marry a noblewoman, but the only woman I want to marry is you. It’s not fair that we can’t be together after all we’ve been through. I know that you’re braver than I am, that you’ll never allow me to set aside duty for love. But after what happened at the tournament, I couldn’t let things go without telling you how I feel. If you still love me, please accept this gift. Wear it at the ball tomorrow. I know it won’t change anything, but at least I’ll know I’m not suffering by myself.

  Yours Always,

  Lyall

  Autumn felt tears filling her eyes again as she set the note aside. She brushed them away. Lyall. Why do you have to be so sweet? What good will torturing ourselves do?

  Lying down on her bed, Autumn stared up at the moon and tried to go back to sleep. She hoped that the comb would match her dress.

  

  As Autumn tried to sleep, Esren raged in his room. How? How could she have gained this much control over her power so quickly without training? This must be one of Mother’s tricks to keep me away from her. He threw the book of forbidden spells across the room, where it splashed in the blood pooled on the floor.

  Sighing, he slumped down on the sofa in his room. Gods, why would you give me this power if
I can’t use it to get the one thing I want? He closed his eyes, forcing his mind to calm down. He had been watching through the eyes of the shadow dragon when Autumn had killed it. The focus in her eyes was incredible, as was the power she willed into her attack. I knew she was powerful, but this . . . This is unlike anything I’ve ever heard of. What kind of magic was that?

  “More importantly,” he said aloud, “it’s obvious that I won’t be able to bring her to me by force. I have to reach her somehow, send her a message to declare my love and convince her to come to me. But how?” He stood, anger coursing through him again as he knocked a lamp to the side. “My letters are intercepted, my magic fails, my spies get caught, and I can’t leave the city. Damn you, Mother!”

  A knock on his door interrupted his tantrum. “What?” he snarled, whipping around to face the door.

  The door opened to reveal his bodyguards, responding to his summons to clean up the mess. Esren relaxed, sitting back down on the couch. “Finally. Get to work. I want this place spotless before I have dinner brought up.” He reached for the book on his table as the bodyguards began their work.

  Suddenly, he stopped and sat up. “Actually, I’m going out. Have this done by the time I get back.” Without another word, he stood, grabbed his cloak and walked out the door.

  Maybe there is something I can do. Esren pulled his cloak on around him, ignoring the few servants he passed on his way down the tower. His footsteps took him outside into the chill night air and through the courtyard, pausing only briefly to wave off a guard who tried to accompany him. If anyone else were to find this place, it might be trouble. Better to keep the secret for now.