The Shadow Guard

by J. D. Vaughn

  Meanwhile, Tonio had not spoken since they’d left the palace grounds. He’d kept secrets and surprises before but this felt different. Ominous almost.

  Finally, they came to a clearing in the woods. Here, with the face of Elia looking down on them, Tonio paused. The stillness was full of anticipation—even the night birds and insects were quiet. Brindl sensed they were not alone, though she could see no one.

  “I need to ask you for an oath of silence to Machué,” Tonio said, turning toward Brindl.

  “Why?” She did not like oaths.

  “Please trust me, Brindl.”

  “Fine. It is yours.” She clasped her hands and placed them over her heart. “I swear by our mother Machué to stay silent of all I see and hear.”

  Out of the shadows stepped a giant man, his bald pate gleaming in the moonlight. His arms were unnaturally large and twisted with muscles, like the stumps of two great trees. As he cleared the distance between them in a few long strides his face looked intent on Brindl, as if he was already trying to judge her contribution.

  Tonio nodded toward the man. “This is Moth. He leads us.”

  Brindl recognized his nickname as Lili’s uncle, the famous undefeated quarry fighter. He certainly looked big enough to squash anything or anyone in his path. He offered a massive, calloused palm to Brindl, and she felt like a child placing her small hand on his. After they broke apart, dozens of others suddenly emerged from the cloak of trees, like ants swarming from the ground.

  “Brindl Tacora of the Zipa Salt Miners, these people, your people, have come together to right a wrong in Tequende,” said Moth, his voice as deep and dark as the forest.

  Brindl looked around her and nodded at everyone there. Though she could barely make them out among the shadows, she saw both men and women in the group, mostly Earth Guilders judging by their hair and dress, but even, she thought, a few Sun and Moon Guilders.

  “We are not only quarry workers, but servants and farmers, maids and miners, and those who would ally themselves with our cause. All over Tequende, people are beginning to demand justice.”

  “What type of justice?” Brindl asked, still trying to make sense of these people, and why Tonio had brought her here.

  A woman stepped forward. She was not much older than Brindl.

  “The type of justice that does not disgrace a woman when she’s been taken advantage of by someone with power.”

  Tonio leaned into Brindl and whispered, “She was sent home from the Alcazar pregnant and disgraced by Telendor.”

  “Telendor is gone,” Brindl said, louder than she meant.

  “But the power he used against her is not,” Moth answered, folding his arms across his chest. “Until there is equality and respect among the guilds, among the members of those guilds, the children of Machué will continue to suffer injustices like hers, and worse.”

  An older man spoke next. “It is a disease eating at the flesh of this realm. It must be cut out.”

  Moth added to the old man’s words. “All across Tequende, our people are coming together, rising up to fight this injustice, to take back the Oath of Guilds and make it whole again.”

  Tonio turned back to face Brindl. “All people should be on equal footing, everyone appreciated and honored for their contributions. We Earth Guilders are no more than the slaves of Tequende.”

  Brindl shook her head. “We are not slaves. There are no whips, no chains that bind us.”

  “Spoken like a Moon Guilder.” Tonio’s voice took on an edge. “You’ll be the one served now in your white gown.”

  Brindl took a step back, as if she’d been slapped. “I told you, Princess Xiomara herself asked me to serve the realm. It’s not as if I could say no.”

  “Exactly. If you could not refuse, are you much better than a slave?”

  It was a valid point, though Brindl still felt hurt by Tonio’s words and angry that he would say them in front of these people. It occurred to her now how interested he had always seemed in her palace friends, in her proximity to Princess Xiomara. Had he courted her friendship for this purpose?

  “I am no Moon Guilder, but I was asked to serve the realm and I will,” Brindl replied loudly, though her gaze remained on Tonio.

  “But where lie your loyalties, Brindl? With those in white or those of your people?” Moth said, his voice quiet but intense.

  Brindl turned to the huge quarryman and looked him in the eye, refusing to be intimidated by his stature. “My loyalties lie with Tequende. As should yours.”

  “We are no traitors to Tequende. But we are tired of being the dirt under the boot of others,” Moth answered.

  Brindl flinched at his words. Earth Guilders were often referred to as “dirts” by members of the Sun and Moon Guilds. It was not a kind term.

  “Our Earth Guild ancestors have toiled for this realm under twenty-two Queens,” continued Moth. “We have broken our backs, bloodied our hands, taken on the most difficult, filthy work of this land for centuries, yet profited the least from it. You know this, Brindl Tacora of the Zipa Salt Miners.”

  Brindl looked away. She could not argue with him. She did know it. Only too well.

  “We need your help,” Tonio said, putting his hand on Brindl’s arm. She flinched, still unsure how she felt about this boy who’d put her in the middle of a firestorm.

  “We’re asking you to join our cause,” Moth said. “We call ourselves the Shadow Guard.”

  “Even if I wanted to join your cause, I still have five more years of service as a second-born. What would you have me do?”

  Tonio paused. “The Far World regents are in Treaty Talks with the Queen.…”

  “I’m well aware of that. And?”

  Moth continued. “We wish to know what goes on at these talks, which issues are being discussed. Anything the Queen says or does that might reveal her motives behind the regents’ visit.”

  Brindl looked from one man to the other. “You want me to spy for you? On the Queen? This is madness!”

  Brindl didn’t know what else to say. They were asking her to do much the same as Xiomara and Jaden had. Yet it felt different somehow. Traitorous. She shivered in the thin white Moon Guild gown, a sudden chill jangling her nerves.

  “The realm is at a crossroads,” Moth said, “and Queen Twenty-two plays a game of chess with the Far World. We of the Shadow Guard do not wish to be pawns. Help us, Brindl. Help your people.”

  Brindl took a long breath. “I cannot. What you ask of me is treason,” she said, turning away. Would Tonio lead her back to the palace now or would she need to find her own way? She took a few steps toward the path, ready to leave this behind her.

  “Wait!” Tonio said.

  “There is something else you should know,” Moth said.

  “Yes?”

  “Your friend Ory was here.”

  Brindl’s eyes narrowed. “Ory? From the salt mines?”

  “He came with a very interesting message from the Diosa: When danger nears, let Brindl be your eyes and ears.”

  Brindl stood like one of the great trees around her. Whatever could that mean? It was the exact same message that Jaden and Xiomara had received.

  “I don’t know what to say,” Brindl answered, the truth holding her steady. She truly didn’t know what to say. Was Moth lying to her? Had someone spied on her conversation in the palace with Jaden and the princess? What could the Diosa mean by having her enmeshed with two opposing sides completely?

  “Ory also brought this.” Moth reached into his shirt and pulled out a white pendant, which hung from a leather string. A pendant made of salt. The sign of the Diosa. Brindl recognized it well.

  “And this.” Tonio took a piece of parchment from his pocket and handed it to Brindl. It was a drawing of Boulder. “He wanted you to have it.”

  So they are telling the truth.

  Brindl waited a moment longer. She was a fly caught in a web much larger than her own understanding. She looked down at the drawing in her hand.


  “Tell me what I need do,” she said.

  Moth nodded his approval, and though he didn’t smile, his eyes held a warmth that surprised her.

  “First you must take our oath.”

  “As the Diosa says, I will do.”

  “Kneel then, and repeat the words of the Covenant of Shadows.”

  All in the company surrounded Brindl and Moth, crossing their arms and holding the hands of those next to them. As Moth intoned the oath, Brindl’s voice added to the chorus, repeating his words. She did not know what she was getting into precisely, but she would stand by her people.

  I will speak truth.

  I will seek justice.

  I will protect the weak.

  I will champion the righteous.

  I will tend Mother Earth.

  I will labor under Intiq.

  I will dream under Elia.

  I will serve my realm

  According to my gifts

  …In all things not contrary to the Gods.

  For Tequende!

  The next afternoon, Brindl tried to stifle her feelings of disloyalty. Gathering information for the Shadow Guard felt like a betrayal, but working for the Diosa, necessary. I’m here to serve the spiritual leader of the Earth Guild, not the boy who bakes cakes. As she listened to the Queen speak, she brushed the thoughts out of her head to take notes, but this time for an entirely different purpose.

  “The journey to Lake Soga is not up for debate,” said the Queen.

  “But you’ll be providing our enemies with a map of the realm. They’ll be able to evaluate our defenses, recognize our weaknesses,” Xiomara argued. “You’ll compromise our security.”

  “We defeated Telendor’s mercenaries with little more than youngsters guarding the gate. The Far World monarchs have not once dared trifle with my Second Guard army under all the Queens before me, nor will they do so now. They wish our trade, not our realm.”

  “I respectfully disagree, Your Majesty,” Xiomara said, her voice tight. “We are directly in the middle of two sworn enemies, and we are no small prize with our salt and gold.”

  “Indeed, we are the gem of the Nigh World, the last empire run by its native royalty. The regents will see our land and people at their finest. Everything they see will impress them. They will know us, respect us, and trade fairly with us.”

  “But—” Xiomara started.

  “We leave in three days’ time.” The Queen stood then and glanced at Brindl. “Bring your new lady’s maid. Lord Yonda has taken a liking to her.”

  Brindl bit the inside of her cheeks and tried to keep her face neutral as Queen Twenty-two swept out of the room, her attendants following meekly behind.

  Xiomara looked apologetically at Brindl, then addressed the much smaller assembly once the doors had closed. “It seems we will be going on a journey soon, whether we like it or not. I will greatly depend on each of you.”

  “We will not disappoint,” Zarif said, while Tali, Chey, and Brindl nodded their agreement.

  The discussion then turned to logistics of the trip and how they should prepare for it. They would be traveling by boat caravan along the Soga Tributary all the way to Lake Soga on the eastern range of Tequende.

  “Tali and Chey, you’ll need to determine how best to protect Xiomara on board, as well as how to stay alert for possible trouble along the banks of the river,” Zarif remarked.

  As the party continued to discuss safety issues, Brindl turned over her own preparations. I suppose I should alert the Shadow Guard, let them know the Royals and regents will be traveling soon, she thought, wondering when she might slip out to see Tonio next.

  “Brindl?”

  Brindl looked up and quickly composed herself. “I’m sorry, I was just thinking of how I might request some extra help at the aviary during my absence.”

  “Of course,” said Xiomara. “We all have much to do and quickly. Brindl, you’ve made good progress with the Castillian regent, Lord Yonda, but I need you to continue. Charm him as best you can. We need to determine his intentions, if possible.”

  “I’ll do my best,” Brindl said, relieved when Xiomara’s attention turned to Zarif.

  “Zarif, I must remind you, apparently,” the princess said, lifting her hands in a gesture that looked exasperated, “that Brindl is your betrothed.”

  Zarif’s face showed shock, and he coughed into his hand. “Of course, I…”

  “Is there not a book in your great library you could consult on these matters?” Xiomara continued. It was obvious the princess was now openly teasing Zarif, and Tali and Chey stifled laughs behind their hands. Zarif’s face neared the shade of a nightflower, almost purple.

  “Forgive me, friend,” Xiomara added, placing her hand on his arm and patting it, “but your betrothal would appear more believable if you spent more time with Brindl rather than your books.”

  Zarif nodded his understanding and flashed a sheepish smile at Brindl, who shrugged sympathetically and smiled back. The princess had a point, and Brindl had grown tired of his avoidance.

  Matters then turned to less humiliating subjects and Xiomara’s voice resumed a more royal authority as they discussed the inordinate expense the upcoming river journey would require. How difficult it would be to prepare meals and entertainment that would satisfy the Queen and regents under the limitations of the river caravan. Unbeknownst to Xiomara and company until that very day, the Queen had commissioned a luxurious ship for the occasion of the regents’ visit, as well as two smaller boats to accommodate Xiomara’s retinue and the plentiful stores and servants needed for such a journey.

  Brindl wondered how the people of Tequende would feel about seeing these luxury ships sail through their lives. Would it be a reminder of all they lived without? Or would they be proud of their Queen? Brindl did not know, nor whether she would be able to determine the truth in her people’s eyes, if not their actions. Certainly the realm’s merchants would be grateful for the extra business the voyage would provide. But would any of the money being tossed about end up in the hands of the people who worked hardest for the Queen’s leisure and entertainment?

  Brindl remembered Moth’s words. Not likely.

  Royals and palace attendants will frequently offer nonverbal commands to servants to conserve their energy and thoughts for more pressing matters. For example, a glance at the tea cart should be all that is required for a servant to pour refreshment.

  —CH. N. TASCA, Palace Etiquette

  Three days passed by in a flash of preparation. Lili’s older sister, Farra, had joined her in the aviary to help with the birds and to stay while Brindl was away. Though Brindl was glad Lili would not be alone in the tower as she had been, it still felt strange to hand over her little sanctuary to them. She realized how attached she’d become to the place already: her shelf of books, her tidy kitchen, her own bed.

  “I hear you are betrothed to Princess Xiomara’s counselor,” Farra said, as Brindl packed the last of her things. “My congratulations.”

  “Betrothed? You are betrothed?” Lili had said, jumping up and down, spilling birdseed from her apron in a fan around her feet. “You haven’t told me about a counselor! What about your sweetboy from the bakery?”

  “I told you, Lili, the boy from the bakery is only my friend.”

  “But who is this boy you will marry?” Lili’s eyes lit up and a smile spread across her open face. “And when will you marry him? What is his name?”

  Brindl wondered about this girl who thought so much of boys. She really must teach Lili to read so they could talk about ideas from time to time.

  “Brindl? Where are you? Thinking of kissing him?” Lili giggled, then bent down with a brush to sweep the seeds from the floor.

  Brindl reached for the dustpan to help her. “His name is Zarif, and he’s my friend from the Alcazar.”

  “Was he a pigeonkeep like you?”

  “Not at all, he was training for the Guard, and one of the best pledges there. He and I
shared a friend, a great man, in fact.” Brindl’s voice caught with the memory. “His name was Saavedra. He taught me how to read, how to think. He was the best person I ever knew.”

  “But what of your betrothed? What do you like most about him?”

  Brindl considered the question. “Zarif is very smart and very curious. And he’s kind. Mostly.”

  “Does he have a handsome face? And big arms? I like big arms, they give better squeezes.”

  “Oh, Lili. How about I finish packing now and you sweep?”

  A few minutes later, Brindl grabbed her bag and prepared to leave.

  “I’ll help you carry your things to the boat,” Lili said.

  “I think it best you stay with your sister and the birds.”

  “But then I won’t see the caravan! Or your betrothed!”

  “You are relentless, Lili,” Brindl said, shaking her head. But in the end, she’d allowed the girl to accompany her. Lili scooped up Brindl’s bag and skipped along beside her to the palace dock.

  The three boats waited in a line: the Queen’s first, then Xiomara’s, and finally, the supply boat, though the Queen’s vessel dwarfed the others at twice their height and length.

  “Just look at them!” Lili exclaimed, bouncing up and down again. “Are you not so very excited? Tonight you’ll be rocked to sleep by the river!”

  “I can pretend I’m a tradeboat girl, like my friend Tali.”

  “What about me?” Tali asked, suddenly appearing behind them in her formal Guard uniform.

  “I was just explaining to Lili here that you grew up on a tradeboat,” Brindl said.

  “Hello, Lili.” Tali smiled at the girl and offered her palm. “I’m well pleased to meet you.”

  After the formal press of hands Lili said, “A tradeboat girl and a Second Guard warrior. You must be the most exciting person I’ve ever met!”