Heritage- Legends of Shadear

by Elina Vale

  CHAPTER 15

  THE ROYAL PALACE OF SUNGARDEN was a magnificent place to some people. To Boa Riverson, it was like a prison. He tucked his finger under his lace collar, that foolish fashion of the time, and glared at the pompous peacocks prancing around the yellow salon. The lace, the silks, and the feathers were ridiculous, and some men even wore wigs of pinks and greens. Eavan stood next to Boa, wearing a glorious green dress that generously revealed her glowing brown skin. Her expression was earnest.

  Boa glanced outside through the window, where the city spread across the horizon. Sungarden, the capital of Aviden, the pearl of the midlands. It was inhabited by over two hundred thousand people. Its fountains, parks, and riverside tea-houses were famous throughout Aviden, just like the scholarly clubs the city hosted. The temples were numerous, even if the general atmosphere was less religious than it had been only a few decades ago. The people of Sungarden were in a secular phase, disliking matters of the soul and ignoring religious habits. By the same token, they also disliked magical affairs. The senatai were no longer embraced by Sungarden. This city changed yearly, by whatever fashionable whims the nobility fancied, and now, it embraced realism. The people focused on money, weapons, horses, and businesses: concrete things they could see. The aristocracy had begun to organize gladiator battles to entertain the people. They were called “Tournaments of the Sun,” and the merchant houses sponsored these fights with generosity.

  Boa had learned that, under the shallow whims of the wealthy, something else was lurking. Secret societies and guilds possessed the true power in the city. The dark side of Sungarden decided which fighter would win a tournament and bring wealth and glory to his sponsors. The guilds decided which house would run smoothly and which ones faced terrible “accidents.”

  Boa frowned as the crowd surged, delivering a wave of bows and curtsies. The king had arrived, in his golden gown, greeting his subjects with a proud smile.

  Boa turned to Eavan. “Will he talk with us? It usually takes more than two weeks to get an audience with him.”

  Eavan rose from her curtsy and spoke quietly, “He will talk with me when he hears what I have to say.”

  “Don’t say anything you might regret later. I know how you get with these royals, Eavan. They bring out the worst in you.”

  She offered Boa an innocent look. “Are you accusing me of being indiscreet?”

  “Well... Actually, yes. There’s too much rebellious fire in you. I often wonder how long you will keep your position as the head of Senatai Island.”

  She looked at Boa with surprise. “Wasn’t it you who said, ‘Eavan Firestone is the perfect leader for Senatai Island’? I clearly recall those words coming out of your mouth.”

  “I was wrong,” Boa admitted, turning to face her questioning eyes. “You belong in the field, not behind a desk. Now that you’re away from the island, I haven’t seen you this alive in ages. Rescuing Shri from the Gate Run, hunting spiders in Glasswater... Eavan, you love it.”

  “But I am the leader of Senatai Island, and the person who declared it is coming this way.” She curtsied again.

  Glancing back to see King Magnus the First in all his golden glory, Boa bowed as low as he could.

  “Eavan Firestone. Boa Riverson.” The king smiled. “What a wonderful surprise to see you two in my court.”

  They rose up to greet him. The king was a young man, only twenty-five years old. His parents had been killed in an accident on a brellyboat four years ago, making him the youngest king in the history of Aviden. He had tawny hair, and a reliable face, but Boa thought he lacked the sparkling glow his father had.

  “Your majesty,” Eavan nodded. “I’m afraid this is not a pleasurable visit.”

  The King’s eyebrows went up. “That is hardly a gracious way to greet your king.”

  “These times are uncanny, your majesty,” she replied.

  He glanced at the men and women around him. Young ladies blushed, fanning themselves as they glimpsed him under their eyelashes.

  “These senatai, always so mystical,” he said to the people. They offered him their laughs. “This is a feast, Senatai Firestone, and I hoped I could enjoy it! Why don’t you have my advisors set up an audience, and we’ll discuss your matter then?”

  “My apologies, your majesty, for interrupting your celebration, but this news cannot wait. It is a matter of urgency.”

  King Magnus stiffened, stared at Eavan for a while, then finally sighed. “Oh, very well. Excuse me, my ladies and gentlemen, but it seems I must address this! I will be with you shortly.” He nodded to one of his servants. “Tom, escort us to the small library, please.”

  Curious gazes followed them as they passed the nobility and guests of the court, a wave of curtsies and bows escorting them to the exit. Eavan followed the king, her head high like that of a queen, leaving frightened glances in her wake as the word “senatai” traveled from mouth to mouth.

  Boa’s expression darkened. He didn’t like the change of attitude towards the senatai and magic, but at the same time, he couldn’t blame the people. He had, after all, been there himself. He had hated magic in his youth, when all he knew was the curse placed on him and the death of his parents. Magic had destroyed him. But ironically, magic had also saved him.

  He glanced at Eavan, who entered the private library in front of him.

  Boa entered behind her and stayed by the door. That was their normal habit when addressing highborn and royalty. He would observe, study the expressions, and memorize the conversation. Afterward, he would discuss it with Eavan.

  “Tom, please, leave us,” the king bid his advisor.

  “But sire...”

  “I’m perfectly safe with Eavan Firestone and Boa Riverson.”

  “Absolutely, sire,” he said, bowing and exiting the room.

  King Magnus walked to the side table, where he poured two glasses of white, bubbly wine.

  “Sparkling wine? Eavan said as the king handed her one of the goblets. “Your tastes have evolved.”

  “A lady friend of mine likes it, thus I’ve grown to like it too.” He raised his glass.

  Eavan nodded and took a sip. “It’s exquisite,” she said, pacing around the room. “The reason I’m here...”

  “Hurry with your words, Firestone. My court is waiting for me.”

  “Sire, I’m pleading to your wisdom: please push back your planned assault on Ironflare.”

  He sighed and shook his head. “I cannot. I issued an ultimatum to the Order of the Senatai and received no response. You delivered it yourself to the Spike.”

  “I remember. You told them that silence would invite hostility.”

  “What sort of ruler would I be if I went back on my promises?”

  Sitting down, she smoothed the hems of her dress. “The situation has changed since then, Magnus.”

  The king condemned her with his gaze for her informal use of his name, but he held back his anger. “I’m aware, Eavan.”

  “The High Mistress sent a curse to Glasswater. Only days ago, vicious monsters scoured the streets.”

  “Yes, yes, I’ve heard about it already. But isn’t that all the more reason to destroy the tower as soon as possible?”

  “You misunderstand,” Eavan sighed. “What happened in Glasswater is but a fraction of Shea’s power. The High Mistress is taunting us. It’s possible that she wants you to attack.”

  “Then she’ll have her wish!” The King was beginning to grow impatient.

  “Sire, your armies are formidable,” Eavan said, “but we’re not strong enough to defeat Shea. The source of her power is greater than you realize.”

  “What would you have me do?” King Magnus spread his arms. “Sit here idly while she attacks cities? Turn my head while she disobeys my orders and enslaves my citizens? No, Eavan, that is not the right path either!”

  “There’s something else too,” Eavan said, taking a slow sip from her goblet. “What if I told you I know what can destroy the High Mist
ress?”

  “I would wonder why you’re keeping it from me.”

  “Because I don’t have it yet.”

  “Yes, you do!” he shouted. “It’s called Senatai Island! The amount of power you command is more than enough to challenge the Spike! You will join your forces with mine, and we will end this once and for all!”

  Eavan’s expression darkened. “Still, you fail to see.”

  “See what, Firestone?”

  “There are tens of thousands of innocent citizens inside those walls. If you unleash Senatai Island against the Spike, you can forget about counting the survivors.”

  “In war, innocents die.”

  “Magnus, the very people you’re trying to free from slavery will perish in your attack! What would be the point?”

  “The point is that this stupid woman and her wicked stone are too dangerous to run unchecked!”

  “Magnus...” Eavan said softly. “Think about what kind of legacy you are creating.”

  “One of security,” he said. “This catastrophic battle you keep prophesizing will never happen. Do you know why? Because when I march on Ironflare with my soldiers and my chariots and my senatai, the rebellious senatai in the Spike will realize that they can’t stand against the power of a kingdom! They will abandon their High Mistress and kneel before my will! We’ll see how bold she is without her sycophants!”

  “They will not stand down!” Eavan snapped, losing control of her anger. “I can name three senatai in that tower who alone could shake the foundations of your precious palace!”

  “You over-step your bounds, Firestone!” King Magnus’s voice was tight and his expression furious. “I appreciate your wisdom, but don’t forget your place!”

  “My apologies, your majesty,” Eavan said, lowering her gaze.

  The king turned his back on her, gazing at his collection of tomes and scrolls before turning to face her again. “You have one more chance to start making sense. Tell me what your plans are or leave me in peace.”

  “The girl in my visions,” Eavan said, “the one from the Gate Run.”

  “What of her?”

  “She will destroy the stone that gives Shea her power.”

  “A girl.” Magnus walked to the window, studying the darkening evening. “My father trusted you. He advised that I listen to you, but I am skeptical.” Regarding Boa, he added, “You seem to believe in this vision, Riverson.”

  There was no doubt in Boa’s voice when he spoke. “Your majesty. I have traveled with Eavan Firestone for over twenty years. Her visions have never misled me. I trust her with my life.”

  King Magnus nodded and returned his eyes to Eavan. “Preparations for the attack have already begun. If I back down now, my own supporters will question my strength.”

  “You don’t need to back down. Just give me time to locate Shri Moongale. I will get the people of Ironflare to safety, then together, Shri and I will confront the High Mistress. We will resolve this for you.”

  Emptying his goblet, Magnus said, “Very well. You have one month, Eavan. After that, I must attack, or people will wonder why I’m not defending them.”

  “Four weeks? But your majesty...”

  “That is all I can give, Eavan. Be thankful for that much.” He walked to the door and straightened his tunic. “I must respect the wishes of my people. They are frightened of the Spike and what it represents. If Shea’s attacks continue, the people might ask me to forbid the use of magic entirely. That would be... unfortunate.”

  “I understand,” Eavan said.

  “By destroying the nest of wayward senatai in Ironflare, your island will be declared the proper place for good and responsible magic users. Under my command. That is the only way we can allow senatai to continue in Aviden. By the end of the month, my army will march alongside your senatai, and the forces of the Spike will learn that they can no longer act with impunity.”

  Screaming from outside the room the door alerted them.

  “Stay back, your majesty,” Boa ordered, cautiously opening the door.

  Black smoke slithered into the room, behind which the dignitaries of the castle were fleeing the hall.

  “Magic,” Boa stated. “I don’t know how she’s done it, but it’s Shea!”

  “She’s everywhere!” After a moment of concentration, Eavan cast a protective bubble around King Magnus. “Come, Majesty, we must get you to safety!”

  King Magnus rushed to the door, but Boa secured it in front of him. “You mustn’t go that way, Majesty.”

  “Those are my subjects, and I will protect them!”

  “They’re not the target,” Boa said. “You are. Is there another way out of the library?”

  “Nothing as efficient as a traveling gate,” Eavan said, beginning to weave her hands through the air.

  “Get to safety,” Boa hissed. “I’m staying here.”

  “Don’t be absurd.”

  “Shea can track me! I’ll be a threat to you!”

  “She can’t track you!” Eavan shouted. “You have the pendant!”

  Gritting his teeth, Boa said, “I lost the damn thing when we were fighting the spiders in Glasswater.”

  “You... lost it?” Sending him a doubtful frown, Eavan refocused on her movements, casting vigorously until a blue traveling gate appeared.

  “I’ll be fine,” Boa said. “I’ll protect Teron, you make sure the king survives.” Giving her hand a squeeze, he added, “I love you.”

  “Boa...” she whispered, clearly wanting to say more. Thinking better of it, she shook her head and took the young king by his arm, leading him protectively to the gate. She glanced at Boa one final time, and then the gate flashed. She and King Magnus were gone.

  Boa’s hand pressed against his neck, feeling the pendant’s comforting weight. He hated lying to Eavan, but it had been necessary, or she never would have left him behind. The pendant hid the one who was carrying it from any senatai scouting magically. It had been his most precious artifact for decades.

  He took it off and placed it in his pocket.

  “Come on, Shea,” Boa murmured. “Don’t you want to play with me anymore?”

  The door slammed open and the black smoke slithered in. It started to take the form of a woman, and soon, the hazy, vibrating image of Shea stood in front of him.

  “Don’t have the courage to face me in person?” Boa asked.

  “I don’t know what happened, Boa-shai,” the shadow-Shea whispered. “But suddenly I could see you again. You lost your pendant, didn’t you? The one you once sold to me and then stole back?”

  “You need to stop this madness,” Boa said, circling the table towards the window.

  The phantom laughed. “I’m only getting started! Come to me, Boa. We could still achieve so many great things together. I promise I’ll make it good. I still want you, and if you will serve me, I will give you everything you desire.”

  “Keep dreaming, Shea. I don’t want you anymore. The stone inside you has turned you into an empty, power-seeking shadow of yourself. You always wanted magic; now you possess it. But it’s all you have.”

  “It’s enough. My power is mightier than you can imagine!” the shadow screamed. “Step inside me, and the smoke will transport you into my arms! Come, Boa-shai, I will make you scream! You have never known the pleasure I am capable of giving you, nor the pain.”

  “We’ll see about that!”

  Boa knew that a fall from the second floor might injure him, but he’d rather chance a few broken bones than to fall into the clutches of Shea Ziragh. Lifting a chair, he launched it through the stained-glass window and dove through the opening, falling with the shattering glass through the crisp night air.

  He landed hard, tumbling onto his side and rolling in the dewy grass, but surviving with little but a twisted ankle and a handful of bruises. Looking up, he saw the smoke seeping out the shattered window and dissolving into the night sky.

  If Eavan was certain he still had the pendant, she would
never have let him go off on his own, but he knew now what his duty was. No one knew Shea the way he knew her. It was up to him to hold her attention until Shri came back with the Heart, to divert her while Eavan diverted Magnus. He would go into the Spike and keep Shea busy, but on his own terms.

  Donning the pendant again, he limped towards the city.

  CHAPTER 16

  “COME, JAVID. GET DRESSED.”

  Javid opened his eyes when Doria’s voice entered his blurred mind. His head throbbed.

  He had been drinking wine again, though it was merely to numb his senses. What Doria had forced him to do... He glanced at the floor to find the bodies of two young men. Doria had called it “a lesson in believing in oneself.” He recalled flashes from the battle. She had forced the unfortunate men to assault him, over and over again, and he had to defend himself. Under her spell, those damned souls felt no pain. He was too intoxicated to heed their screams, and Doria’s laughter pleased him. Afterward in the bed... it had been better than anything he’d had with Shea.

  Javid tried to clear his mind. It had been difficult to get used to this, but now it happened more easily, even if his heart bled for the victims. He was a prisoner.

  Doria stepped aside when two servants came in to collect the bodies. She had been the one who eventually ended their lives.

  Javid couldn’t do it.

  He rose from under the blankets, without bothering to cover himself. Sadly, his only weapon against Doria was his own sexuality; even now, her eyes drifted longingly up and down his body. Though it was humiliating, this was his tool. Unlike Shea, Doria was easily led by his advances. Over the recent weeks, Javid had learned that Doria quickly became addicted to things of influence and pleasure. She was addicted to power, to knowledge, and to sex. She thought of Javid as her toy, and she made love to him in secret. She loved the danger of knowing that Shea would torture them both if she found out.

  But it was time to turn the game around. It was his turn to be in control.

  “Get dressed,” Doria said, averting her hungry gaze.