by David Ekrut
“Why do I get the feeling you aren’t as excited as I am? We will be free to go after Zeth now. Save Feffer and Jasmine.”
She was shaking her head long before Elwin had finished speaking. “There are other worries now.”
“Such as?”
“The uprising was led by the Guardians of Life. They are rallying people to them. But I have said too much. Father will tell you what he wishes you to know.”
“So we are just going to let Zeth take them to Bain. He will kill them.”
Zarah opened her mouth as if to say something then stopped. She turned her attention to the pageboy running toward them.
He came to a halt before them, still winded as he said, “His Highness the King has requested you and Master Elwin to join him at the castle.”
“Thank you Brimward,” she said, digging out a copper. “For running so swiftly.”
The boy took the coin and gave her a big smile. “Thanks!” He bounded away with his prize.
She handed her hatchet to him. “Leave them by the cart over there. The others will likely still need them.”
“Yes, daughter-heir,” he said, rolling his eyes as he turned away from her.
Elwin dropped off the tools and joined Zarah on the cobbled road. Elwin watched Zarah ease down into the chasm left by the dragon’s massive claw. The hole was almost as deep as she was tall. This side was the heel. The corridor widened toward the toes.
Climbing after Zarah into the dragon’s foot print felt like a dream. How long would it take to fix this? And would the dragons just come back and knock it down again?
There had to be a way to stop them. Their language. The words of power. That would be the way. When they reached Justice, he would look through that book again. Had Asalla known this would happen?
“You coming?”
He looked up from his pondering to see Zarah standing on the road above him. She lowered her hand to him. Elwin took her help to climb up the ridge made by the dragon’s talons.
“The world is changed,” he told her.
She met his gaze. Her lips thinned to a line, and she nodded. “But we will survive. Somehow, we will defeat them.”
He wanted to share her optimism, but his only hope rested on a bookshelf hundreds of miles to the south. And only if the savants hadn’t found it. What if they’d rifled through his belongings. They could have found the tome and taken it. Or the dragons could have knocked the castle down and the book could be buried in rubble.
Elwin started at the hand on his shoulder.
“Come,” Zarah said. “The king has summoned us.”
She led the way up the broken road. He followed, moving around downed trees and shattered stones. There seemed no order to the destruction along the courtyard to the keep by the waters at the end of the street. The bakery and smithy on either side of a crushed building looked to be in perfect repair. Bricks between the two shops spilled into the courtyard, blocking most of the path.
On the other side, a dog sniffed through the debris left by an overturned wagon. The animal’s coat was clean and sheered, and it did not run from their approach. It only looked up long enough to see Elwin and Zarah were no threat as they walked by. Not a stray, then. Or at least, it hadn’t been a stray for long.
Thousands had died in the dragon attack.
Elwin stopped, turning to the dog. He approached with caution. Her ears turned upward, and she stopped worrying at the cracked board. She backed away from the wagon but growled in protest.
“What are you doing?” Zarah asked.
“Just a second,” he told her.
Elwin took hold of the broken board and yanked. It cracked open, and trout fell onto the road. He knelt to inspect the fish. It was salted and unspoiled. Picking up a piece, he lobbed it to the pup. She caught the meal but otherwise did not move, staring at Elwin with trepidation.
“We have no time for this,” Zarah said. “Father is expecting us.”
He stood, wishing he had the time to gain the animal’s trust. He could take care of her until he could find her family.
“Good luck,” he told her, then returned to the road.
Despite her earlier sense of urgency, Zarah did not move swiftly. She nodded and waved to any of the workers or citizens who noticed her passing. Elwin considered reminding her about their need to hurry but decided against it. She would likely rattle off some nonsense about propriety. Nobility didn’t rush about on foot. They were always in control. Not wanting to hear the political babble, he contented himself with the amiable silence.
This side of the city carried little to no damage. The main road ran between the backside of the broken courtyard and an open field. The grass was mostly brown, several patches turning yellow from the fall air. Children and hounds played, while adults dressed in fine attire stood to the side, speaking softly and drinking wine from crystal glasses. Few glanced in Zarah’s direction. Those who did, gave her looks somewhere between jealousy and contempt.
He considered bringing it up, until Zarah said in a quiet voice, “Ignore them.”
“They are the reason you are not hurrying,” he said.
“Vultures. Every one. Despite my father having clear claims to the throne, some have contested his rights. When the ruling monarch names a successor, it is put into law in the public domain for all to see. King Justice decreed my father his heir over a decade ago. The Paradine house claims distant blood relations, which they argue supersedes the law. It is ridiculous, but some of these families are backing Lord Paradine. It is a ploy for more power and wealth. Anyway, just ignore them.”
Elwin felt their stares on him and tried to mimic Zarah’s strong poise. He kept his eyes on the way ahead until they could no longer be seen in his periphery.
The road led to the small castle, which rested upon the rocky beach. Though not as large as the palace in Justice, the style was similar with round and blocky spires. He had been given guest quarters on the west side of the grounds, but it was more difficult to find his way from the inside. All the halls were a maze. More often than not, he would have to ask a servant to show him the way. Until the dragon attack, he’d taken to flying into his rooms. He suppressed a sigh. He’d lived most of his life without taming, but he knew now he had never fully appreciated his ability to fly.
He could sense the Air around him, beckoning him to tame its power. Having not used his gifts in over a tenday, his essence was larger than he’d ever felt. It was almost painful. How long could he go on like this? He took deep breaths and pushed the thoughts away.
Once they neared the gate, the two soldiers bowed to Zarah and stepped aside to let them enter the compound. The path wound around wilted gardens and dry fountains all the way to the arched entryway.
As soon as they were beyond sight of the field, Zarah quickened her step. Elwin had to jog to catch her. After several strides, they were sprinting. Elwin watched the path closely, doing his best not to trip. By the time they neared the castle entrance, Elwin was winded. Zarah slowed just before rounding the last bend. He could hear her breathing hard, but he could not see it in her expression. She dabbed her cheeks and forehead with the back side of her sleeve, somehow cleaning her face. Elwin tried to do much of the same but managed to only get dirt into his eyes.
When he looked up again, he stopped. Just inside the archway stood several armed men. In addition to the four guards of the White Hand, several wore the symbol of a crescent moon with a candle-flame burning at its center.
The Guardians of Life glared at Elwin as he approached.
One of the king’s guard opened the large double-doors and said, “The king awaits to receive you with his other guests in the reception hall.”
Zarah smiled as if nothing was out of sorts. “Thank you, Feiyorn.”
Elwin hurried across the threshold after Zarah, who marched down the long hall. The mural
s, usually displayed on the walls, were covered by long banners on both sides. An intricate pattern of golden stitching bordered the red cloths. One side gave the long history between the Guardians and the Island Nations. The other depicted a complete history of the Lifesongs and their royal connections.
“Read them later,” Zarah whispered. “Come on.”
Zarah was looking at Elwin with an expression of forced patience. He ran the few strides to catch up with her.
“Wait.” She licked the her thumb and wiped at his cheek.
He flinched back. “What are you doing?”
“Just stay still.”
His cheeks reddened as she cleaned his face as his mother used to. After she was satisfied she dusted off his shoulders and nodded to herself.
“Alright. Come.”
He followed her down the corridor to the grand hall. He’d been here several times, but the tapestries along the hallway had been changed. They were all the red and gold colors of house Lifesong, and though most honored the king’s house and heritage, a few were laurels to the guardians.
Zaak Lifesong sat atop the large chair on the dais. A bald man in ceremonial robes stood next to him, chin higher than the king’s. Several more soldiers with the guardian’s crest stood with him. Upon seeing Elwin, Jorus Teblin’s lips curled in disgust. Elwin was still wanted for trial, which had been postponed from the year before, but that didn’t explain the hostility he saw in the man’s gaze. His eyes tracked Elwin’s every move as one might watch an adder found in his garden.
Suddenly, he felt more aware of his appearance and the stark differences from those in attendance of the king. Everyone else in the room looked at him with dark eyes, and he knew his own to be bright blue, announcing that he did not belong here. He had not combed or washed his hair in a few days. He could see streaks of dirt in the blond strands at his shoulders, which had broadened from training over this last year. His sleeves were also dirty and a few inches too short. He’d grown since his clothes had been fitted to him. He stopped awkwardly just inside the room.
“Elwin,” Zaak said, “please join us. I was just telling the High Inquisitor of your heroic feats in Goldspire. The actions of this young man aided in our victory against the Death bound.”
“Indeed,” Jorus said, voice dripping with open skepticism. “And the one called Zeth? What has become of him?”
“As I told you,” Zaak said, “Jasmine has dealt with him.”
She had? How would Zaak know that? King Lifesong would never lie.
“Yes,” Jorus replied. “By your own admission, there is no body to burn. He may have drowned. From my experience, those bound to Death are not restricted to the same rules as those committed to serving Life. Such vermin do not stop being a threat until the moment their ashes are scattered to the winds.”
Jorus hadn’t pointed a finger at him as Elwin came to a stop several paces short of the dais, but there was a promise in the inquisitor’s eyes. If given the chance, Jorus Teblin would execute Elwin without a second thought or a minute of lost sleep. Zarah stood just in front of Elwin, placing herself between him and the guardians.
Elwin readied his essence for what might come then stopped himself. He couldn’t tame. The dragons were worse than the guardians. Suddenly, he felt more vulnerable than ever before.
The inquisitor turned back to the king and demanded. “As per the Laws of Life, we must resume the trial to determine the extent of this accused’s collusion with the Death bound that we began all those months ago.”
“That will not be necessary,” Zaak said, the last ounces of placation gone from his voice, “I hereby declare Elwin Escari innocent of all accused crimes, related to Zeth Lifesbane and any murders committed by the black savant. In accordance with our treatise with the Guardians, I have the authority to reject your request for continued trial. I invoke my rights to do so at this time. Is there anything else High Inquisitor?”
The inquisitor’s expression would have elicited less shock from a slap across his wrinkled face. Jorus’s mouth worked for few seconds before loosing words. “That is preposterous. Such measures have not been taken in over a hundred years or more. This is an outrage!”
“Regardless of your feelings on the issue, that is the law. Now, we have more pressing matters to attend to. If you would please exc—”
“Yes,” Teblin said. “I do. And I agree, there are more pressing matters. These elementalists have brought the wrath of the dragons down upon us. What precautions do you intend to ensure the safety of your citizens against them? From your disregard of the Laws of Life, I suspect you will do little.”
Zaak only stared for a few moments. The fury in his eyes did not sound in his voice. “We are still learning what sort of threat the dragons pose. And we cannot possibly know their strengths and weaknesses so soon. But I assure you—”
“I was not speaking of the dragons. We all know the elementalists are to blame for the calling of the dragons. What do you plan to do in retaliation against these Seeker-cursed fools?”
“High Inquisitor Teblin,” Zaak said in a cool voice, “I fully appreciate your station and authority in matters of faith in our lands, but if you continue to disrespect my crown, you will find yourself bound in chains and on a vessel back to Alcoa. This is your one warning. Do not interrupt me again.”
Teblin gave a soft snort, but he inclined his head. “My deepest apologies, King Lifesong.”
“Now,” Zaak said, “as to the elementalists. There is a possibility that the dragons are attracted to their tamings. I have informed all of the guilds of our suspicions and requested that none tame until we are certain. Once I return to Justice, I plan to conduct tests in fields far south of the city to determine the validity of this notion. If it is true, perhaps we can lure a dragon to us and fight one on our own terms.”
After it was clear Zaak was finished, Jorus waited an obnoxious period of time before speaking. “You still have not answered my question. When you discover the elementalists are responsible for this destruction, what will you do to rid your lands of their ilk?”
“These are matters of the White Council, not the Guardians of Life.”
“So you will do nothing, while these monsters wreak havoc upon your citizens? First here, then at the capital. Witherton was attacked three days hence. Each time, there were witnessed accounts of the Seeker-touched elementalists drawing them in, and you wish to palaver. No wonder so many are vying for Paradine’s favor.”
“As I have said, this is not your concern, High Inquisitor Teblin. If there is nothing further, you may—”
“Elwin!”
His breath caught. He knew that voice.
All heads turned to the side hall, leading to the king’s private study. Feffer Madrowl stood in the doorway with Jasmine Lifesong, hurrying after him. Having been the subject of her disapproving gaze, Elwin recognized the irritation in her eyes as she reached for Feffer’s shoulder. Likely, he’d been commanded to wait.
Feffer seemed oblivious to her presence. His face was weathered from the sun with a smattering of freckles under his hazel eyes. His red hair was clean and kept, cut shorter than Elwin had last seen. His rich green tunic and dark doublet were styled in the northern fashion. His cracked lips smiled as he ran.
Feffer’s hug knocked the wind from his lungs. But he returned the embrace, a laugh escaping his gut. The last time he’d seen his friend was in Goldspire. How was this possible?
Zeth had destroyed Benedict, their hometown, murdered their friends and family, and taken Elwin captive in a cage made from the bones of their loved ones. The black savant had been sent by Bain Solsec, Elwin’s birth father, to capture him. But Feffer had saved him from that fate. They had fled together through the Carotid forest with Zeth on their heels. If not for meeting Daki by the Stones of Seeking, they never would have survived the wilderness. After being attacked by giants an
d trekking across the mountains, they had fought with the black savants. Jasmine and Feffer had been captured in the battle.
“When you were taken,” Elwin said, voice cracking, “I thought I’d never see you again.”
“It was nothing,” he said, but Feffer hugged him tighter.
Jasmine cleared her throat and whispered, “There will be time enough for a reunion later.”
Elwin pulled back from his friend but held onto his arms, afraid to let go. He would wake, and Feffer would disappear. But no. By the Lifebringer, this was real. Feffer was alive. And he was here.
Zaak stood, drawing the room’s attention. He looked down on the inquisitor and said, “Jorus Teblin, you are well met, but as I was saying, we have urgent matters to attend. You are dismissed.”
The high inquisitor’s back stiffened. “Yes. Of course. You should know, I depart for Alcoa and leave a worthy shepherd to tend the wayward flocks upon these islands. But we will see one another again.”
The words were not directed at the king. Elwin met the inquisitor’s stare, forcing his fingers to stop fidgeting. What of the trial? Had Teblin known Zaak would refuse him? If so, why the pretense?
If the king was concerned, it did not show in his expression. He inclined his head. “Safe journeys.”
Without another word, the inquisitor pivoted toward the door and marched out. His guards filed in around him.
As soon as the guardians disappeared into the hall, Feffer grabbed Elwin by both shoulders and said, “You’ll never believe what I saw.”
“A dragon,” Elwin said.
“A dragon! I nearly pissed myself. For the love of Life, Elwin. I’ll never utter the phrase ‘Dragons take me’ again.” His eyes widened for a moment. He looked around as if one might appear.
“As to that,” Jasmine said. “Let us speak in the dining hall.”
She moved toward the door to the study, expecting the others to follow. Zaak cut into her path, and she stopped. When their eyes met, her expression softened. Some of the angst eased from her shoulders. They exchanged the briefest of smiles and joined hands as they made their way to the dining hall.