Poisoned in Light

by Ben Alderson

  “She should be weak enough being away from land,” I said, surprised by the deep anger I felt towards her suggested mistreatment. “The cage will not be needed.”

  “I find it hard to believe you are seriously standing up for her after everything she has done.” Hadrian’s tone dropped. Simian agreed out loud.

  “We are supposed to be better than Gordex and the evil he conjures, yet here we are putting people in cages when they are already on their knees. If that is how you want to rule, it is not something I will condone,” I replied, holding his gaze. This was the first disagreement I’d had with Hadrian, and despite the discomfort and arguing, that dark look in his eyes made me want to pounce from my seat and wipe it from his face with my lips.

  Hadrian looked to the floor. “Then this will be yet another decision we will vote on. If you truly feel strong about this Zacriah, put it forward to your New Council peers, and we shall vote.”

  I relaxed my shoulders, pushing my chair back so I could stand.

  “New Council,” I started. “I would like us to vote on the treatment of Marthil. I believe we can all agree that she will be kept on the ship when we dock in Morgatis, but her treatment on the ship is what I ask we change. Please, raise a hand if you would prefer the cage to be discarded.”

  Kell, Vianne and Fadine raised their hands in the air. Leaving Hadrian and Simian sat with them on their laps.

  “I appreciate your need to be civil, and I respect that we have been out voted,” Simian said, “but remember she is a killer. And those with the capability of murder should be treated with a lack of kindness that you are so willingly able to show her.”

  “Yet sometimes we are forced to do certain things that go against our true beliefs,” I replied, talking to Simian but making it clear to the entire group. “Marthil is no more than a puppet pulled by strings of shadow. We simply must find the puppet master and sever those strings and give her a chance to act on her own. She is easily manipulated by him because all she remembers is hate and fear from her very own, so let us try a different approach.”

  “Perfectly put, Zacriah,” Hadrian stood, his hand grazed my side. “It is voted upon. Fadine, I trust you will oversee the removal of Marthil from the cage. For good measure keep it close.”

  “I can’t believe this,” Simian muttered, standing from his seat and marching past us.

  “If you have something to say Simian, do.” Hadrian waved for the council who watched as Simian walked for the door.

  “If any more blood is spilled by her hand, Zacriah, be it on your conscious. Your hands will be the one stained with the blood.”

  I CAME UP for breath after being lost in Hadrian’s kiss. Placing my hands on his chest I pushed him away, interrupting the moment we’d shared together.

  “He hates me,” I said, breathless and flushed. Each time I closed my eyes I couldn’t shake the vision of Simian’s gaze as he left the New Council meeting. It was our first one, and it had not gone as smoothly as I’d hoped for.

  “You saw how he looked at me. And who can blame him? He shares the same view on Marthil as any sane person would. I just cannot bring myself to vote on causing her pain. If that makes him despise me, then so be it.”

  Hadrian scooped his hands around me and in one smooth move, rolled me onto my back. Pinned beneath him, his damp chest pressed to mine as his finger gentle brushed a lose strand of silver hair from my eye. “Only a fool could despise you, Petal.”

  “A fool he must be. Simian is a member of your chosen council, yet I stroll in and create upset in such a short time. I think I’m the only fool here.”

  Hadrian pulled a face, pressed a kiss on the tip of my nose and sat up, gathering the sheets around himself to cover his modesty. “You forget, the decision that was made happened with a fair vote. The blame cannot and will not be pin pointed all on you. This will not be the first or last time a decision is made that not all members will be pleased with an outcome. It was not an answer I was hoping we would reach in all honesty. But saying that, Simian must come to terms with it, just as I have. Otherwise, he will prove that he is not the right commodity on my council.”

  “I shouldn’t have said anything. I’ve completely ruined the mood,” I said, embarrassment rushing through every limb of mine. “And the last thing I would want is Simian to be removed from the council because of my complaint. They will start seeing our relationship as a means of favoritism amongst the council. More than just Simian will dislike me.”

  “Petal, do not think like that. We are having a conversation, something that can happen whenever you so desire. It is my pleasure to listen to you.” He leaned forward and cupped my face in his hands, lifting it up so I had to look at him. “I will always be here to take on your woes and help you carry your burdens. In regard to Simian, if it truly bothers you, I can speak to him.”

  I shook my head. “There is no need. By pulling him aside it will not help our cause.”

  Since we were left alone, we’d been completely and utterly lost within each other. It was Hadrian who instigated, to my pleasure.

  In some ways I couldn’t help but think this was his way to keep his mind occupied. After learning about his father, I was certain it would be an overwhelming thought. I’d do anything to keep him entertained, it was no bother to me.

  “Can I ask you something else, a question you do not need to answer if you don’t want.”

  Hadrian nodded. “Go ahead.”

  “How did you choose him? I understand Kell and Vianne’s positions and of course Fadine, but why Simian?”

  “Between us, there were not many shifters left in Olderim when I arrived. It would seem most left with Gordex. And I needed to have someone to be a voice for them, so I picked the one who held the most hate for the Druid. Simian seemed like a perfect choice. Yet his hate for him is clouding neutral judgement.”

  The coarse hairs on my jawline scratched at my fingers as I rubbed away at it. “And you believe he will comply with other passing votes he might not agree with? Or do we expect him to walk out of every meeting when he doesn’t get his own way?”

  “That,”—Hadrian placed a hand on my knee and squeezed—“is a worry we both share. But for now, let us not dwell on such topics.”

  I brought his hands to my lips and kissed them. “I don’t blame Simian. He lost a friend that day when Gallion tried to help me. Of course, he would hate Marthil for that. My only hope is he begins to see the issues we are all faced with from a different side or view point. I don’t like Marthil but treating her like a caged animal is not a means of building trust.”

  We stopped talking for a moment. The silence was blissful.

  “How we are going to stop him?” I broke it after a sigh.

  “A solid plan. Gordex seems to have had one and has succeed thus far,” Hadrian replied. “And we have the numbers. We are going to Morgatis not only safety, but to give us time to create exactly that, a plan. It is not too late.”

  “Our numbers seem to be lacking in my mind.”

  “Gallion,” Hadrian said, almost choking. “Forgive me, Petal, but I have not wanted to bring the topic up yet. Not with everything that has been unearthed today. Would you like to talk about it?”

  I’d not mentioned Gallion since arriving. With everything else that had come up, my thoughts had been preoccupied.

  “Yes.” I swallowed. “But not in here. Could we go for a walk? I think I need some fresh air for this.”

  Hadrian looked to the door and the flash of night that could be seen through the frosted glass panel. “Petal, a walk sounds like an excellent suggestion.”

  NIGHT HAD SPREAD its blanket of black across the sky, taking its color and replacing it with a chill that sliced through the ever-increasing humid air.

  The winds were wild tonight, billowing around the fleet of ships that bobbed on the ocean’s surface. In the dark, they looked like nothing more than floating lights. Glows of orange, yellows and reds from spotlights that reflected off the oc
ean’s glassy surface. I was most thankful for the way the nightly winds snatched the tears from my eyes, stopping Hadrian from seeing the product of my pain. It was the first time I’d fully allowed myself to think of Gallion since I woke up on the ship with Marthil. Bad memories banged around my consciousness like an ominous veil.

  “Part of me knew that death waited for him, and I truly believe Gallion saw it following him as well. He said goodbye before he left for you, which is a word he had never used with me before,” Hadrian explained, looking out over the railing of the ship. “Then, like a pain in my chest, I was sure I felt him pass.”

  I’d not known Gallion for as long as Hadrian, but I couldn’t deny the relationship I had built with him. He was a guardian to me. He’d looked out for me, risking his own life to save mine. Without Gallion helping my father bury my Dragori abilities, I’d never have known who he was. Now, years later, I had only the fleeting memories of him during life to cling onto.

  The bond we’d created was one I would never forget. But for Hadrian, Gallion was more than he was to me.

  My heart broke all over again for him.

  “He is with his sister now,” I told Hadrian, squeezing his hand which he had not let go of since we left his sleeping quarters. “And he succeeded in saving you as well as me. Without Gallion I would never had retrieved the orb that imprisoned your soul. It is all thanks to him.”

  “And I know that.” Hadrian cleared his throat which made me look at him. A single tear leaked down his cheek. “I have not allowed myself to think about it out of fear our peers would see me cry. I am supposed to be their leader, yet I cannot even hold myself together for enough time to make clear decisions.”

  “Hadrian,” I stopped him. Taking his other hand, I urged him to face me. I looked up at him, my own eyes glazing with moisture. “That is what is going to make you a successful King. A leader who is guided by their heart and emotion. Two assets with aid for the best decisions. Do not be ashamed to share your true feelings, never. Crying does not make you weak, it makes you self-assured and honest.”

  We stood there, looking into each other’s souls as the moon hung high in the night sky between us. I was unsure about many things, but the love I held for him was a certainty I could cling to. As if reading my mind Hadrian spoke, his eyes clearing of sadness.

  “I never dreamed I would experience such feelings for someone. But with you, I feel like I can achieve anything.”

  I smiled at him, reaching on my tiptoes for his mouth. I was mere inches away when I whispered my reply. “I love you, Hadrian. There are no other words I could use to truly tell you how I feel about you. I just love you.”

  “And I love you, Petal.”

  **

  I barely remembered Hadrian leaving our room. In my fleeting memories, someone had called him out of the room. But I’d not found the energy to wake up alongside him and see why he was called so early.

  I looked up to the ceiling, going over the events of yesterday, and more importantly last night.

  Once Hadrian had got me back to the room we’d wasted the night entwined together. No wonder I’d slept so soundly.

  He drove me to the point of pure exhaustion. It plastered a gleaming smile on my face and relaxed my body until it was impossible to wake from my sleep. There was so much I’d not known about Hadrian before. Small, yet important details, such as the way his bottom lip turned white when he concentrated. Or the scar beside his belly button. The perfect shapes his mouth made as he explored my body. I’d made a mental list, never wanting to forget it all.

  He treated me with respect, worshiped me for as long as I could take. I’d never experienced anything like it. With Hadrian, each time was better than the one before it.

  Maybe I should have scolded myself for allowing enjoyment into my life when so much had gone wrong. But I couldn’t help but look forward to the moments I would have with Hadrian where nothing seemed to matter.

  A gentle rap at the door snatched my attention.

  “Can I come inside?” a small voice called out. I could feel my heart skip a beat as it registered in my mind.

  “Give me a moment,” I called back, quickly changing into something more suitable than my bare skin. Once I was ready I threw the door open and watched the blur of silver run into my arms.

  “Tiv has been so very worried,” Tiv said, voice smothered in my clothes. I dropped to my knees to hold him better. “I have been hoping and praying that you would come back. Every morning and every night.”

  His vulnerability pulled on the strings in my heart. “I am back now, and we are all together, all thanks to you.” I held him at arm’s length, smile bright on my face with pride. “Do you know what you are Tiv? For keeping my friends safe?”

  He shook his head, silver locks bouncing and twisting.

  “A solider, Tiv, you are a solider. And who knew you have your own special gift? I can speak on all our behalves, we are so incredibly thankful for you.”

  His smile took up almost half of his elfin face.

  A hoot sounded from beyond the room, and we both turned to see Tiv’s familiar. The owl bobbed its neck, as if it too was appreciative of my compliment to its owner. I’d not seen it since Lilioira. I almost cried in that moment.

  “It is good to see you too,” I called to it, which made Tiv laugh. “Tiv the Elementalist. Queen Kathine’s best kept secret. And you have a familiar, I’d never have known. Do you have a name for it?”

  Tiv nodded vigorously. “Spots.”

  “Spots.” I clapped my hands together. “A perfect name for your companion. I’m sure there is a story about when you found Spots. I would love to hear it. Queen Kathine—"

  “Queen Kathine?” Tiv’s small voice spoke over mine, smile faltering suddenly. “She will not be proud because Tiv was not able to save her.”

  “Hush now. Queen Kathine will hold more than pride for you in her heart. And if you don’t believe me, you can ask her yourself when we return to her.”

  “Do you promise?” Tiv said, large eyes full of a clash of emotion. “Tiv has heard lots of people talking. They say that she is not important anymore.”

  Confusion crossed my face. “Who has been talking, Tiv? Tell me and I will personally remind them who is important in this fight.”

  Tiv just shrugged. “Tiv doesn’t want to get into trouble.”

  “And you won’t! I promise that.” I welcomed him back into my embrace. Not once had he brought up his own parents’ safety, something I could not answer or give him promises about. “Tiv, I have an idea. Why don’t you whisper and tell me who it is? Then, no one will know it was you who told me?”

  “Really?” he whispered.

  “Really,” I replied.

  Tiv leaned in close to my ear and told me who said it. I expected one name but was wrong. “Everyone. People are confused, saying that we are letting the evil man win. That the King is running away and not fighting back.”

  I didn’t look Tiv in the eyes for longer than a moment because the doubters where right. We had no clear plan on what to do, expect keep away from the Druid. Decisions had not been made, not even I knew what came next once we reached Morgatis. Of course, the soldiers would see this as retreating, running and hiding. But that couldn’t happen. Not after the many he had killed and the many more he could.

  My silence must have been noted by Tiv because he pulled on my arm, “Have I made you sad?”

  “No, Tiv, not at all. I just have much to think about, and I believe another meeting with the New Council is in order. I need you to do me a favor, do you think you are up to helping me?”

  Tiv bounced up and down. “Yes, I want to help!”

  “Good, now listen carefully.”

  I brought my own voice back to a whisper, in hopes the secretive nature helped Tiv see the importance in his task. He didn’t speak until I had finished. He agreed and practically ran from the door to start his own mission.

  I only hoped news spread across the fl
eet as fast the wind allowed it.

  “NO ONE LEAVES this room until a plan has been thought up.” I stood, hands placed on the table, frustration boiling through me. It was a pain to get the New Council together. Fadine had helped me round everyone up, but no one could find Hadrian. He had walked in last, face red but head down. He took his seat, sparing a mischievous look up at me then back to the table.

  Once what Tiv had told me sank in, I couldn’t help but feel others’ annoyance. Was this what Nyah’s power was like?

  “News has reached me that most, if not all of the soldiers on this ship and others don’t believe we are going to reap punishment for the Druid. They believe we are running. A thought that would dampen moral for when the time comes when we expect them to actually fight. Everyone on this table can agree that being kept in the dark is not productive, so that is why I have called everyone together, to finally shed some light on what is going to happen once we reach Morgatis and beyond.”

  Hadrian spoke up next. “If not to give our own minds clarity, but to make conversation with the Morthi easier we need to know what we have to ask of them. Is it protection, more soldiers?”

  “I think both is a priority,” Fadine said. “I can’t say I haven’t heard the whispers amongst my peers, and nor do I think they’re not called for. But I think we can all agree that keeping the final Dragori from the Druid’s control is one, if not the most important of tasks.”

  “Agreed. If Emaline is taken by Gordex, then he will be able to raise whatever it is that is kept within that staff,” I reiterated.

  Simian had his head propped up by his hands. I didn’t have enough fingers on my hands to count the number of times he huffed and puffed as I spoke. Kell pulled a face of irritation before turning her full attention back to me.

  “Keeping Emaline way from him is part of the plan, but Gordex will never stop trying to reach her. We could hide her in the darkest of places, but he will find his way to her, for Gordex is the one who controls the darkness. We need to stop him before he can complete his ultimate task.”