Koal stepped forward, sweeping into a gracious bow. “I am Koal Adelwijn, seneschal of Arden and Right Hand of King Rishi Radek. These are Cenric Leal, Chief Ambassador of Arden, Hasain Radek, eldest son of the King, Liro Adelwijn, understudy to the High Councilor of Arden, and mages Joel Adelwijn and NezReth, of the King’s inner court.”
A frown crossed Adrian’s fair features. “Right Hand of the King? Forgive me, but the Emperor was expecting Rishi Radek to make the journey to Teivel. The message His Grace sent specifically requested the King of Arden’s presence.”
Koal nodded and spoke as though he’d been expecting such a response. “As I’m sure you’re already aware, Arden is in the middle of a conflict with Shiraz and Nales. Both countries threaten to take our country to war, and King Rishi was unable to leave his seat vacant under such dire conditions. However, the King has granted me authority to make decisions on behalf of Arden and has sent his eldest son as a gesture of good faith.”
“Eldest son—but not the Crowned Prince?”
Joel knew his father well enough not to be fooled by his hardened exterior or carefully neutral tone. Koal’s response was every bit that of a well-trained envoy. “Arden’s Crowned Prince Deegan is but a mere boy of twelve and would be no asset to our negotiations. Lord Hasain, however, is well schooled in both politics and diplomacy.”
Adrian issued a pompous chuckle. “It isn’t I you need worry about assuring, but His Grace, the Emperor.”
“Then let us meet him,” Koal insisted, his voice spiking just enough to draw notice.
Adrian fixed a cold stare on the seneschal, and for a moment, Joel feared his father might have overstepped the fine line between civil disagreement and brash disregard of courtesy. Not that we’ve been received politely either. This Adrian Titus is as haughty as “dear” Uncle Neetra.
Adrian straightened his back and turned his nose upward. “His Grace is holding court this mark. He’s expecting you. Come with me. You may leave your packs in the hands of the servants. Rest assured they will deliver your belongings to your suite unharmed.”
A pair of young women dressed in simple white dresses appeared beside Adrian and waited in silence, keeping their faces lowered and hands clasped together. Joel gripped the strap slung over his shoulder. He didn’t want to hand over his belongings to complete strangers. However, a moment later, Koal nodded his approval, so Joel grudgingly took the pack from his back and set it on the ground. The other members of the party did the same, and the servant girls moved forward to collect the rucksacks.
“Follow me,” Adrian said.
He swung around without awaiting a response, and silently the soldiers swept up to flank both sides of the Ardenian party, giving Joel and the other men no choice but to follow behind the Archmage. Joel cast a glance at his father, but Koal’s troubled eyes were focused ahead. Cenric offered a smile when Joel met the ambassador’s gaze, though Liro made no move to acknowledge his presence. Hasain glared miserably at the floor and followed a pace behind the rest of the group.
They followed along onto a paved pathway much wider than the one cutting through the garden. Stone villas with colorful tiled roofs and silken curtains in lieu of shutters lined the street. Each of these homes had small gardens of their own, featuring flowering plants, leafy ferns, and shrubs brimming with fruit.
As they walked on, Joel began to see more people. Women dressed in elaborate silk dresses, wearing ornate necklaces and pearls around their wrists congregated beneath shaded terraces, while young men and women in white tunics served them wine. They all turned curious eyes toward the Ardenian envoys as they passed.
Soldiers also patrolled the streets. Joel noted how quickly people moved aside to let them pass as well as the concern etched onto their faces. He frowned in thought. Did the people here have to worry about soldier brutality? Were the citizens of Teivel afraid of the very people who were supposed to protect them? If so, what did this have to say about the Emperor himself?
Joel stopped his pondering when an enormous shadow passed across his line of vision. He turned his face skyward, realizing they were now walking along the base of a giant wall. The marble stone, stacked higher than even the tallest villas, loomed above the surrounding rooftops, and upon further inspection, Joel could see armed soldiers walking along the top of the structure. Whatever lay on the other side of the wall must have been important to be so closely guarded.
Adrian led the group to a gateway, reinforced by thick iron bars and five men in military uniforms standing guard beside it. No questions were asked nor were pleasantries exchanged as Adrian approached the soldiers. The men bowed hastily to the Archmage and called for the gate to be raised. Joel watched as a pair of soldiers on the wall hurried to crank a lever, and with a loud wail of protesting hinges, the gate rose.
“We’re now entering the grounds of the Imperial palace,” Adrian announced, motioning for the envoys to follow.
He led them through a lush courtyard that put the one outside the palace in Silver City to shame. Poppy flowers blanketed the ground in a sea of red, yellow, and violet, and beautiful marble statues depicting various Imperial heroes of the past overlooked a pond with crystal clear waters that shimmered in the sunlight. The water seemed to have a life of its own, and as he stared at it, Joel realized that giant colorful fish swirled and danced just below the surface. Even as he watched, a servant went to the edge of the pond and began to sprinkle grain into the water. The fish went into a feeding frenzy, weaving among one another as each tried to get its share of the food. Joel could have stared in awe for days, but all too soon, their guide led the party through the garden and beneath a great stone arch covered in ivy.
The inside of the Imperial palace was a lavish display of the Empire’s finery. The entire building was constructed from shimmering white marble, the pillars intricately carved to look as though vines and ivy grew up them. Open arches allowed for the breeze from outside to freely freshen the air, and Joel could see full well why they would need the magic dome after all. The Imperial palace was not suited for cold weather.
All around them hung tapestries woven from fine silk and other glistening materials, each one depicting different legends and histories. One particularly fine curtain told the tale of the Empire fighting off the dragons which were rumored to have inhabited these lands centuries ago. The Imperial soldiers had been embroidered with brightly dyed thread while the dragons were gem encrusted. One such dragon had been speared, and tiny rubies spewed from its wound in place of blood.
They walked in near silence; the only sounds were their boots as they made their way through a grand hall. Servants stood out of the way, so still they could have been statues. Joel fought the urge to shudder. Despite the grandeur, he felt as though he were walking through a graveyard.
Ahead of them, Adrian waved one arm outward in a sweeping gesture, bringing them all to a halt. Joel didn’t have to lean around his company to see the gilded door before them. As tall as a giant, it shone and sparkled as if it were a treasure on its own.
Joel couldn’t guess how many gems covered the door in its intricate mosaic depiction of the Blessed Son of Light. The mighty deity wielded a great sword and shield and must have stood ten feet tall. Joel took in a breath and felt Hasain bump into his back. Joel turned to look at his cousin only to find him likewise transfixed by the door. It would have been lovely if not for the ruby blood “dripping” from the Son’s sword.
Two hulking soldiers stood before the door, their eyes staring straight forward. It was almost as if they were in some sort of trance, but a moment later they stepped aside and the door drifted open as if by a breeze. Joel tentatively began to reach out with his magic, just to see if he could sense how the substantial door could open so easily. Before he could extend his awareness, however, NezReth’s violet eyes were on him, clearly warning him to stop. The Blessed Mage didn’t have to say a word. His fierce stare said everything. Joel hastily recalled his magic probe.
They
were ushered into a grand courtroom. The white marble walls gave the impression of standing within a pearl, and the vines on these pillars were very real, another fantastical waste of magic. They bloomed with wild flowers unlike anything Joel had ever seen before, and their luxurious scent wafted over to him even from a distance. Adrian gave another simple wave of his arm, and both Koal and Cenric seemed to understand what he wanted. Their party came to a stop.
The sound of the door slamming shut behind them bounced off the high, vaulted ceilings. Joel winced. It was as though the deafening bang were sealing his doom, ensnaring the party of Ardenian men within the clutches of the Northern Empire. Perhaps they were destined to be trapped here—not that anything could be done about it now. No turning back. I made the decision to come, and now I must see the mission through to whatever end fate has planned. I can’t abandon Father. I have already abandoned Gib— Hasain nudged his arm just then, disrupting Joel’s unhinging thoughts. He sucked in a gasp of air and stood tall, forcing himself to stop trembling. No weaknesses. I can’t show weakness.
Joel kept his face lowered, but he could feel all eyes in the room settle onto him and his comrades. Soft music had been playing a moment before, but he’d been unaware of it until it stopped. The eerie quiet was nearly enough to undo him.
The Archmage strolled to the front of the room, his golden robe sweeping across the bare marble floor behind him. Dozens of courtiers moved aside as he passed. In fact, within a few moments, enough people were standing between Joel and the front of the room that he couldn’t see Adrian any longer. He could hear him, however.
Adrian’s voice rose high and clear. “Your Grace, Supreme Ruler of all North and blessed disciple of the Son of Light, your guests from Arden have arrived.”
Joel flinched. Was that how they were to refer to Emperor Lichas each time they spoke? He’d never be able to remember that. Would Koal? Joel cast a worried glance in his father’s direction.
If Koal was intimidated, he was doing a damn good job of hiding it. The seneschal swept forward, red cape billowing regally, and the courtiers moved to let him through, giving Joel a view of the mighty throne at last.
Koal took to one knee. “Your Grace, Emperor Lichas Sarpedon, please accept Arden’s humblest gratitude for being welcomed into your fine hall.” He bowed his head, and the rest of their party followed suit, each going down onto one knee.
Joel held his breath as he dared to look at the Emperor from beneath heavy lashes. He’d heard many stories about the ruler of the North, a man who’d been sitting on the throne since the time when Joel’s own father had been a child—so it came as quite a shock not to see a withered old man sitting before his gaze. Joel blinked in confusion.
The man who sat upon the throne was not old. Crystal blue eyes stared down the length of a prominent nose, and his strong, square jaw was set in a firm frown free of any age lines or wrinkles. A golden crown perched atop his head, and only the slightest amount of silver streaked his cropped blond curls. The man wore an embellished tunic with intricate gilded beadwork sewn into it, and the cape around his shoulders was designed to look like golden dragon scales.
This can’t be Emperor Lichas, Joel thought even as he knelt before the man. He was the ruler of the Empire when King Rishi was still a child. He should be close to eighty years old! He should be an old man! What is this?
The Emperor’s heavy gaze remained on them for an eternity before he finally gave a stiff nod. “Gratitude accepted. Arise and introduce your party to my court.” Joel’s head felt light as he stood.
“I am Seneschal Koal Adelwijn, Right Hand of King Rishi Radek. I have been sent on behalf of His Highness to make all decisions, henceforth, in regard to Arden.” Koal stepped aside and motioned each of them through, one at a time.
Joel’s mind wandered as his father’s voice droned around him. He glanced from side to side, taking in the patrons and courtiers of the Emperor’s court. Not a single smile was seen in the entire place.
His name was called, and he stepped forward. He wished he’d paid closer attention to how Cenric behaved when he’d taken his turn, but Joel’s thoughts were proving to be most distracting. As soon as he was introduced, he went to stand beside his mentor.
“And this is Lord Hasain Radek, eldest son of the King and trainee of the High Council. He has accompanied us as a good faith showing from our King.”
Hasain bowed, and Joel caught the sound of whispers among the gathered patrons. Hasain didn’t say anything, but his red face spoke for him. He must have heard them, too.
With introductions over, the Emperor continued to stare at them for some time. His face was hard, unreadable, and his blue eyes flicked from one member of their party to the next as if he were memorizing their faces. Perhaps he was. After another stifled bout of silence, he took a deep breath and turned a somber gaze onto Koal. “We are most seriously displeased to hear of the trouble your king has been having with his eastern and northern borders. It is our hope to offer enlightenment to our brethren in the south. Perhaps our counsel can prove beneficial.”
Koal nodded. “Counsel is always welcomed, Your Grace. Arden would be most grateful.”
“Very well then.” Emperor Lichas motioned toward Adrian. “Have our guests shown to their quarters so they may change out of their wet clothes and prepare for the morning meal.”
Adrian nodded. “Yes, Your Grace.”
Joel’s stomach was in knots as he bowed and backed away from the throne, and the look of contempt upon Emperor Lichas Sarpedon’s ageless face only caused more icy unease to seep into Joel’s veins.
Chapter Six
Adrian led them through another set of winding corridors and open terraces. They took so many twists and turns that Joel’s head was spinning by the time they arrived at the wing of the palace reserved for envoys and royal guests.
The Archmage stopped before a door covered with more intricate drawings carved into the wood. It seemed not even one door, wall, pillar, or ceiling within the palace was to be left standing bare.
Adrian turned to face the group. “Your quarters are beyond this door. You will find private bed chambers, a common room, and a shared privy. If you need anything, ring the bell and a servant will promptly assist you.”
Koal gave a courteous bow. “Your hospitality is most generous.”
Adrian’s face remained frigid, and Joel was beginning to wonder if this man even knew how to smile. “A servant will be sent to fetch you as soon as the morning meal is ready, and I’ll send word when the Emperor and his council are prepared to see you. In the meantime, please feel at ease to roam the halls at your leisure. The palace offers many amenities I believe will be to your liking.” Adrian turned sharply on his heels and walked away before Koal could even open his mouth to reply.
As soon as they were alone, Cenric cleared his throat and smiled wryly. “Well, we’re all still alive and fighting—can’t ask for a better start to our mission than that.” He motioned toward the door. “Shall we?”
Joel let out a sigh as he passed through the threshold. The corridor opened into a luxurious common room. Silk curtains rustled in the breeze, and the smell of fresh saffron hung in the air. One side of the room lay open to an outdoor terrace, and beyond that, Joel could see a sprawling private garden. As promised, their rucksacks and other belongings had been delivered and sat on a lounge in the middle of the space.
Koal cast a troubled look around the room. “NezReth—?”
“The suite is clear, Seneschal,” the Blessed Mage replied swiftly. “We are alone.”
Koal’s shoulders relaxed, though his frown didn’t completely fall away. “Can you make sure it stays that way, mage?”
NezReth titled his head downward, nodding once. “I will ward the quarters so no scrying magic can be used against us. However, we must use caution when speaking under scrutiny. Spies may be planted, even among the servants.”
“That’s right,” Cenric added. “Better to trust no one. Assume
any words we say in public will be reported back to the Emperor.”
Koal crossed his arms over his chest. His blue eyes moved among the three youngest members of the party, and Joel couldn’t help but shrink away from his father’s withering glare. “You heard Cenric and NezReth. The three of you, keep your mouths shut about Arden. Leave discussions of our country’s welfare to me. Is that understood?”
Liro rolled his eyes. “You needn’t scold me as though I’m one of the children, Father.”
Hasain swung his head around, leveling Liro with a glare. “And what qualities and experience do you possess that set you so far apart from Joel and me? If we’re to be labeled children, then certainly you should be, too.”
Joel cringed as his brother opened his mouth to no doubt spit acid at Hasain, but Koal stepped in to snuff out Liro’s fiery words before they had a chance to manifest. “Enough. Both of you, shut up! I didn’t bring you along so I could suffer listening to your attempts to best one another with snide remarks and childish insults. You don’t have to like each other, but you do need to be civil. We have enough working against us as it is without worrying about fighting amongst ourselves.”
Liro locked his jaw and stormed over to the lounge, fishing through the pile of rucksacks until he found his bag. Hasain glared at the back of Liro’s head but smartly kept his own mouth shut.
“Everyone get their belongings and claim a bed,” Koal commanded. His brow remained furrowed, even after Hasain and Liro had gone their separate ways, leading Joel to believe something deeper and darker was on his father’s mind.
“Da?” he began to ask, but Koal waved him away.
Nightfall: Book Two of the Chronicles of Arden Page 14