The Night Bird lc-5

by Catherine Asaro

  Allegra spun around. Jarid, Iris and Brant Firestoke stood on the stairs above her, with several soldiers behind them. They had stopped, and were watching Ozarson with puzzlement.

  “Hes afraid of the army, Allegra told them. “His parents were killed in the war. She was talking too fast, but she couldnt stop. She started down to Ozarson, holding out her hand. “Its all right, she said. “No one will hurt you.

  Ozarson raced up the stairs, reaching her when she was halfway down. He threw his arms around her, and she sank onto the step, holding him. She kept murmuring, “Itll be all right, Ozi. Itll be all right.

  “It wont! He raised his head, his gaze frantic. “Its the emperors army.

  “They dont care about stable boys. She looked at him hard, silently urging him to see past his fear and hear what she was saying. “You go back to the stable with Thom. Youll be fine.

  Fear burned in his eyes. “He knows me. What I look like.

  “Ozi, she said, warning.

  “What does it matter? A tear rolled down his face. “Im going to die anyway.

  “Gods, dont say that. Her voice shook, and she was aware of the people above them listening.

  “I know that army. His voice trembled. “A company of those soldiers brought my fathers body home afterafter he died. A man led them. General Agate Cragland.

  A sharp breath came from above them. Allegra may have never heard the name Cragland, but it obviously meant as much to someone here as to Ozarson.

  “You dont have to remember, she told the boy.

  He let her go and straightened up, almost as tall as Allegra with the two of them sitting on the stairs. His eyes blazed despite his fear. “They came to the palace with hundreds of men. They said Cobalt claimed the Onyx Throne, and I was to be executed.

  She felt ill. “They told a seven-year-old boy they were going to kill him? What kind of monsters would do that?

  “They told my mother. They didnt know I was hiding and listening. His voice shook. “That night I snuck into the place where they had laid my fathers body.

  “Ozi, no. With horrible certainty, she knew what was coming. She couldnt stop it, couldnt protect the boy from what had already happened.

  “His body had been laid on the floor. Tears ran down his face. “I pulled the cloth off his head andand I tried to kiss his cheek. His voice cracked. “His head rolled away from me, across the floor.

  Allegra wanted to hold him close, as if that futile gesture could banish the memory. But he kept going. “I tried to scream. It wouldnt come out. II put his head b-back on his body. Then I ran to my room. I put cloths around my neck, and a belt to protect it. I hid in my bedcryingmy Nannashe camemy mother camewe all cried.

  “Im so sorry, she whispered. So sorry the world was filled with monsters whose greed and ambition mattered more than a child.

  “General Cragland said they had to wait until Cobalt arrived. All the leaders from the war were at a meeting. In Taka Mal. No one knew what they would decide. They couldntcouldnt kill me until they knew. His face had gone deathly pale. “Cobalt arrived three days later. With his army. They came on and on, burying the world like a sandstorm, burying the palace, thousands, like a plague, like locusts that strip the land.

  “Ozi. Allegra didnt know what to do, what to say.

  He choked on the words. “Cobalt came into the hall where I waited with my mother. He was so big, his shoulders were so big. In armor and mail. The sword on his back was longer than me. Ozarson was shaking in her arms. “My mother cried. She had never knelt before any man but my fatherbut she threw herself on the ground before Cobalt and begged him to spare my life.

  Tears ran down Allegras face. No one else around them moved. The silence could have deafened. “What did Cobalt say?

  “He told her that he would let me live. Ozarson took a shuddering breath. “But they would take me away, far away, and she would never see me again. He lifted his chin. “I stood in front of him, and I said he was a fool to let me live, because someday I would cut his head from his body and avenge my father.

  “Ozi, she whispered. “How did you get away? How did your mother and your nanna die?

  His voice was low, and sounded so very, very young. “General Yargazon camehe and his men smuggled me out. Cobalts men thought Markus was dead. He almost was dead. Yargazons men carried him. There was a river, a gorge. It was night He was crying, his words fractured. “Cobalts men found out about our escape. They separated my mother, Nanna and me from the others. Cobalt had his sword uphe was going to k-kill me. Right there. I saw the blade coming down. But he d-didntdidnt do it. He told his men to take me away instead. General Yargazon, everyonethey were down in the gorge, in a boat that could go over the rapids. My mothersheshe His voice caught on a sob.

  “Its all right, Allegra murmured. “Its all right.

  “No. Its not! She and Nannathey grabbed me away from Cobalts men and wrapped themselves around me. Then he whispered, “And they jumped.

  “Saints, no, someone said.

  “Into a gorge? Allegra asked.

  “Their bodies protected me. Just my leg broke. The words tore out of him. “Nanna d-died when we hit. My motherShe was alivebarely. She could hardly talk. She told me to avenge my father. Then General Yargazon reached us. He promised her, he swore on his soul and his life, that he would put me on the throne and avenge her husband. She wasShe told me she was going to a golden place, that someday I would be there with her and Father and Nanna. And shesh-she died. His voice broke as if he were shattering. “When you and I rode into Crofts Vale, with everything gold and green and all the children playing, I thought we had found that place. But it isnt. There is no place. Cobalt has come for me.

  Allegra pulled him close and sat there rocking him while he clung to her, crying. She heard a rustle and looked up to see Jarid coming down the steps.

  “Stay away! she said. “All of you! Stay away from him.

  Jarid froze. Behind them, a clank of metal came from the foyer. Allegra turned with a jerk and saw an Aronsdale soldier entering the palace. Judged from his windblown hair, he had probably been out riding. Holding his helmet in his hand, he looked around, obviously trying to figure out what was going on with so many people in the entry.

  “Sire. Seeing Jarid on the stairs, he dropped to one knee.

  “Rise, please, Jarid said. “You have a report?

  Allegra wasnt certain why Jarid didnt go down, but she thought it might be for Ozarson. The boy could panic if anyone came closer to him, especially a king he had no reason to trust. He genuinely thought Cobalts army had come to kill him. The worst of it was, he could be right. But they would have to take him from her first, which meant they would have to kill her, too.

  “My patrol saw the army and headed back to tell you, the messenger told Jarid. “We took a group of travelers into custody.

  Ozarson lifted his head from Allegras arms and wiped his sleeve across his eyes. He watched the man with wide eyes, and Allegra felt him clutching the back of her tunic.

  “Five men on horseback, the messenger said. “They refuse to identify themselves.

  A mans voice interrupted him, rumbling as he stepped around the soldier. In a deep, drawn-out accent, he said, “I will speak only to Jarid Dawnfield.

  He stood in the light from outside, a barbarian warlord transplanted from a place of wildness, a warrior in chain mail and bronzed armor with a huge sword on his back and a black-plumed helmet under his muscled arm. His black hair was blown around his strong-featured face, and black stubble covered his chin. He faced them all, defiant and bold, his dark gaze smoldering.

  Markus.

  CHAPTER 18

  THE HOUSE OF ONYX

  “Markus! Ozarson tore away from Allegra and ran down the steps to his brother. He threw himself into Markuss arms. The prince regent hugged him close, and as he lowered his head over his brothers, Allegra saw the immensity of his relief.

  For several moments, they held each other. Allegra rose to her
feet on the stairs. If Markus had only five men, she had little doubt King Jarid could hold him prisoner until they decided what to do. Aronsdale effectively had in their custody what remained of Jazids royal House. Including her, unfortunately. Watching them, the last descendants of an ancient dynasty holding each other, she thought of all the violence others had committed to keep those two royals alive. Both Markus and Ozarson had suffered far too much in the name of conquest, honor, greed and vengeance.

  After an eternity, Markus raised his head and looked at her. If a stare could have incinerated, she would have burned to ashes.

  “Get down here, he said.

  She stayed on the stairs. “No.

  A rustle came from above her, and she looked up as Jarid came to stand with her. He spoke in a low voice. “The boy said, Markus. The prince regent? Still alive?

  Allegra knew she couldnt hide their identities after what Jarid had heard. “He survived his injuries from the war. She spoke quietly. “Hes been Ozis guardian for most of the boys life, even before their father died.

  Brant Firestoke joined them on the stairs. “I would suggest we invite them inside. I sincerely doubt its wise to leave the two of them standing in plain view that way.

  Jarid grimaced. “Especially given who is pouring his uninvited army into my backyard. He went down the staircase and across the foyer.

  Markus watched him with suspicion, his arms protectively around Ozarson. The boy lifted his head. Although he stepped away from Markus with a self-conscious gesture, he stayed close to his brother, and the regent kept one arm around his shoulders.

  Jarid stopped in front of Markus. Both men were the same height, though Markus was more heavily built. Both had black hair. Markus looked more atavistic, but Jarid had a roughness unusual in Aronsdale men, accented by the scar on his neck.

  “Welcome to my home, Your Highness, Jarid said.

  “Are you Jarid? Markus asked.

  “I am, the king said.

  Markus met his gaze. “ Are we welcome, Your Majesty?

  “You are my guests. Jarid indicated the foyer. “Perhaps you would come inside.

  “Will Allegra stay? Ozarson asked. Tears streaked his face.

  “If she agrees, Jarid said, “then yes, certainly.

  “I wont go without her, Ozarson told Markus.

  “Why? his brother asked, incredulous. “After what she did?

  Ozarson looked up at him. “I did it. Not her.

  Markus started to answer, his disbelief obvious. Then he glanced at Jarid, who was listening intently, and closed his mouth. Jarid raised his hand, inviting them inside, and Markus walked warily, his arm resting on Ozarsons shoulders.

  “Who are the men with you? Jarid asked him.

  Markus answered stiffly. “My bodyguards.

  Jarid glanced at the Aronsdale messenger. “Have his men quartered with the army. Keep two guards on each one.

  “As guests, of course, Markus said, sarcasm edging his words.

  Jarid didnt answer.

  Markus came up the stairs with Ozarson, and Allegra waited. When they reached her, Markus stopped, his gaze hard. “How could you do it?

  “Do what? she asked in a low voice. “Yes, I took him as a hostage. She was so upset, she could barely speak. “All this fighting, fighting, killing one another. Hasnt he suffered enough? Havent you? When will you have given enough of yourselves? When your country and your titles have destroyed both of you?

  Markus stared at her. She wondered if it had ever occurred to him that he had been just as manipulated, used and hurt by his life as had Ozarson. He didnt look at the world that way; he was doing his best to fulfill his duty as regent and to deal with the legacy of a father he had more conflicted feelings about than she suspected he could ever express. He was trying, under almost impossible circumstances, to be a good leader. Being away from the constant pressure of his presence, talking to Della, seeing him through Ozarsonit all helped her see this man who had become her husband. In his constrained world, what he had done with her was the only way he knew how to alleviate his crushing emotional isolation. It didnt change the anger she felt nor did it mean she could live the life he wanted for her, but at least she was beginning to understand.

  It was a moment before Markus found his voice. Then he said, “We will discuss it later.

  Ozarson was watching. Waiting. So was everyone else. Allegra took a breath, then nodded and went up the stairs with them.

  Sky and cloud mosaics tiled the ceiling in the suite of rooms. The ivory walls had scenes of forests and lakes painted in their upper half. Markus and Ozarson sat on a couch with brocaded cushions and looked decidedly uncomfortable with the furniture and surroundings. Iris sat with Allegra on another couch across from them, and Brant Firestoke sat in an armchair facing inward to the couches. Jarid paced the room, then sat on the sill of an arched window with shapes carved into its frame.

  “Weve sent messengers to Cobalts army, Jarid said. “When they return, well have a better idea whats going on.

  Markus remained impassive. Ozarson didnt speak, either, but Allegra could read him better. He wanted to know what had happened with his army.

  “We need to know more of Cobalts intentions, Brant said. He regarded Markus. “For example, if hes going to Taka Mal.

  “Ive no idea what the emperor is doing, Markus said.

  “What about General Yargazon? Jarid asked. “You wouldnt happen to have some idea what he is doing?

  “No, Markus said.

  “No? Brant raised his eyebrows. “You wouldnt know if he just happened to, say, march an army into Taka Mal?

  “How could he? Markus demanded. “They all betrayed their oaths to my father and joined Cobalts forces.

  “I wasnt talking about that army, Brant said.

  Markus met his gaze. “I know of no other.

  “Not even three thousand men hidden in the barrens of Jazid?

  Markus shrugged. “Three thousand men would be difficult to hide, Id imagine.

  Jarid leaned forward. “But useful in protecting the atajazid and his regent.

  “I wouldnt know, Markus said. “Weve been hiding alone.

  “Just you, the boy and those four men? Iris asked.

  Markus looked at her with a start. His forehead furrowed. He glanced at Jarid, then Brant. When both men continued to wait for his answer, he spoke tersely. “Thats right.

  “That isnt much protection, Brant said.

  “With fewer people, its easier to hide, Markus said.

  “What if Cobalt comes here? Iris asked.

  Markus just looked at her.

  “Id like to know from Cobalt why the hell hes here, Jarid growled. “Its harder to get information from that man than taking water from a rock.

  “Hes going to Taka Mal, Brant said, his gaze on Markus.

  “What are you going to do with us? Markus asked.

  “Youre our guests, Iris said.

  The prince regent frowned at her. “I spoke to your husband.

  Jarid came to the couch where Iris was seated and braced his hands on the back, watching Markus. “As she said, you are our guests. He straightened up. “Your Highness, did any of your other siblings survive the war?

  Markus met his gaze with hostile silence.

  “Your sisters? Brant asked.

  The prince regent stiffened. “The women of my family are no concern of yours.

  “His sisters are probably married, Iris said. “They would be considered part of their husbands family rather than Onyx.

  Jarid considered Markus. “Then you and His Majesty He inclined his head to Ozarson. “You are what remains of the Onyx royal family.

  Markus continued his stony silence, but Ozarson glanced at Allegra. Allegra felt certain Jarids question had a deeper meaning than just identifying Markus and Ozarson. She had no idea what, but Brant seemed to have no doubt.

  “Jarid, damn it, Brant said. “If you give them asylum, Cobalt will be furious.

  “Probabl
y, Jarid said.

  “Asylum? Markus shot Brant an incredulous look. “Dont mock us.

  “You have to give it to Allegra, too, Ozarson said.

  “This is her country, Markus said quickly. “Why would she need asylum here?

  Allegra wondered at his reaction. So far he had kept her connection with him a secret. His marriage to an Aronsdale woman worked to his advantage, but it would put her in danger if other people discovered it, especially Cobalt. If she hadnt known better, she would have thought he was protecting her at his own expense, despite what she had done with Ozarson. Then again, given how confusing she found him, she probably didnt know better.

  “Allegra is an Aronsdale citizen, Iris told the boy, her voice gentler than when she spoke to Markus. “Her marriage to the tender is almost certainly not legal.

  “Tender? Ozarson asked. “What tender?

  Markus spoke gruffly. “It means someone who travels with an army but isnt a soldier.

  “I know what it means, the boy said.

  “Oh, saints to hell and back, Brant said.

  Jarid glanced at him with surprise. “What?

  Brant pointed at Markus. “Shes married to him.

  Jarid swung around to Allegra. “Is that true?

  She couldnt desert Ozarson or Markus with a denial. “Yes, she said quietly. “Its true.

  “But what about Aron? Brant protested.

  “Aron? Markuss face darkened. “You mean, Prince Aron?

  Iris spoke coldly. “Thats right.

  Allegra could barely breathe. Saints almighty. It was true. They had been considering her as a wife for their son.

  “Allegra is mine now, Markus said. “My wife, my consort, my property. Would you let the Midnight Emperor execute a woman of your own country?

  “Im not your property, Allegra said. Her thoughts whirled furiously, not only because of what she had lost due to Markus, but also because she wanted this maddening man.

  He glared at her. “After what I paid for you, you most certainly are.

  “This is Aronsdale, she said. “You cant own women here. Believe it or not, people consider us human.

  Markus leaned forward. “You were in Jazid when I bought you. Our laws dont cease to exist because you left the country. I own you, Allegra, no matter where you live.