by Ivy Clyde
The next morning we decided to stay at the inn in Okarijun for a day’s rest. Food and water were scarce in the camp and we didn’t want to hoard what little was available for the sick and needy. We had enough gold with us to last at least a week.
“I’ll let you deal with the food since I’m starving,” said Cain, heading up to the room we’d rented for us. “If I do it, I’ll buy the best of everything and attract every person’s suspicion on us.”
Chuckling softly, I nodded.
“I’ll help you bring up the food,” volunteered Adal. “But yes, you have to be the one to buy it.”
Cain gave me a handful of copper coins for the purchase. After the short time we spent at the inn yesterday, I was craving for another good meal and a clean bed to sleep in. It was a struggle not to order the best breads and all the meat dishes they had to offer.
“Is it hard for you today?” asked Adal as I stood near the counter, not able to make up my mind.
“Staying in the palace of Baledonia absolutely spoiled me,” I said with a grin. “You have no idea how much I miss the bathing chamber in your quarters.”
Adal chuckled. “I can understand. It’s been a while since I had a proper bath too. Thankfully, the weather is not as sweltering as Baledonia’s.”
I took a deep breath, strengthening my heart against greed. “What can you give us for a silver and thirty coppers?” I asked the man at the counter.
“How many in your company?” he grunted.
“Three.”
Grunting once more, he played with the wooden beads of his abacus. “You can have the freshly baked bread, lentil stew, and a jug of ale.”
“That’s all?” I asked, astonished. We could have gotten quality meat for a silver back in Iorna.
The man stared at me and Adal closely. “Where are you folk coming from?”
“Iorna,” I said.
“Ahhh, the taxes aren’t as high there as it is here,” he said with a curse. I stared at the man, wondering if he was really telling the truth. The taxes in Iorna were already too high with peasants going hungry every day. How could it be possible that it was even greater in Drakhaven?”
“Ask around for the price of food around here,” said the man at the counter. “People are so starved these days, they go out into the woods to forage and hunt. That’s how some of them brought back the disease plaguing these parts. Stay here for a few days and you’ll know I’m not robbing some ruddy travelers over bread and stew.”
I shook my head and handed him the coins. “There’s no need for that. Just give me the food.”
Waiting for the meal to arrive, I couldn’t help but realize how much the kingdom of Drakhaven was dying. While Iorna, Redfall, and Baledonia had princes willing to sacrifice their lives for the welfare of their people, there was no one to do it for Drakhaven. All I could do was thank the dragon gods and goddesses for letting me remember my past before it was truly too late.
Norvin arrived at the inn next morning. Being the only place that rented rooms for travelers, it had been easy for him to find us there. Cain spotted him in the main hall downstairs when he went to buy our breakfast and brought him upstairs to the room we were sharing.
“It’s so cramped here,” he said, stepping inside the room after Cain.
I couldn’t hold back the smile that bloomed on my face at the sight of him. He looked healthy and fresh, quite different from the rest of us. Lady Elga must have treated him well because he wore an expensive lavender silk tunic to match his beautiful eyes. His hair was set in long, orange-hued braids.
“They did the same to you, huh?” said Norvin, walking towards Adal and picking up a thick strand of his shiny henna-dyed hair. “At least it doesn’t look as horrible on you as me.”
Chuckling softly, Adal slapped his back. “It’s good to see you again.”
Norvin set down the bundle that hung from his shoulder. “All for you,” he said, meeting my gaze. “Now I wish I’d asked the old hag to send you all some clothes. You look terrible…the lot of you!”
“Try spending nights in the woods and escaping from the army’s commander-in-chief and then talk,” grumbled Cain.
“You brats got into trouble without me, didn’t you?” said Norvin, coming to sit on the floor. “All right, then. Let me hear the tales of the misadventures I missed.”
While the princes bickered and teased each other, I picked up the large bundle from the floor and carried it over to the bed. It was heavy. Opening it, I found sachets and vials of the choicest herbs and poisons. Next, I inspected a three-tiered wooden box. It was filled with the needles and darts I was accustomed to using. I smiled picking a long, thin needle from the collection. I put it back, my gaze going to the roll of parchment tucked under the box.
The seal stamped over it told me it was written by Lady Elga. I looked towards my three princes. They were in deep discussion and sharing the events that happened over the past few days when Norvin was missing. Taking the letter, I discreetly walked out of the room.
The corridor outside was deserted. Muffled sounds from the main hall reached my ears. I walked to the furthest side of the corridor where a round hole was cut into the wall to let in some natural light.
Tearing off the seal, I unfurled the parchment. Dark, curving, elegant letters filled the page before me. It was written in Lady Elga’s hand.
Dear child,
You have always been the rudest among those who have lived in Linmoor. Even without your memories and powers, you held on strongly in this unforgiving place. You should be proud of yourself.
When you came to me, you were a weak girl, unwilling to even eat or drink. There was so much about you that I needed to protect. No one could know who you were. Even one of our numbers could betray me for the favor of the strongest being in the four kingdoms. I could never let that happen. So, I treated you harshly and saved you from the jealousy of those weaker than you. As far as my capabilities go, it was the only way to bring you up. I shall not apologize or ask for your forgiveness. It was the best I could do and I have kept my word to Lady Kora.
You have been burnt. And you have been beaten. Did you know it’s the only way to make the purest form of gold? The more you heat it, the purer it gets. Think of yourself as that. Your heart and body was forged in fire. It is strong and flawless. You have both the strength and compassion needed to rule a kingdom.
You know your destiny now. It has been of your choosing all along, from following the three princes to assassinating the emperor. You just never knew it would become a personal vendetta as well.
Linmoor’s doors will always be open at your service.
If you require any other assistance, just send word.
Always remember your origins and never forget that you’re still under my command until you’ve completed the mission.
Lady Elga of Linmoor.
Her seal was stamped over her signature. A long sigh escaped me as I reread the letter a few more times. Lady Elga suppressed my powers to keep me safe from the other assassins of Linmoor. After growing up with those savage women, I knew it had been the right choice. There was no point in blaming my master. The things I suffered had been a part of my destiny.
Folding the letter, I placed it inside my bodice. It was time I took responsibility for my people.
14
The inn was unusually packed that evening. A number of people were spending silvers, insisting on the best ales and meat dishes. It was easy to tell they were travelers from outside Drakhaven by the state of their clothing. The man at the counter, as well as the two waitresses, were happily serving the rich clients despite the rush and their loud demands.
"What are these people doing here?" I asked the three princes seated around the table. There were goblets of fine wine before us along with joints of some sumptuous roast hog. We'd taken advantage of the rich merchants around us to order some good for us as well.
"I believe it is time for the annual lantern festival in Drakhaven," sa
id Adal, bringing a goblet to his lips. Placing it back on the table, he said, "It is an occasion to worship the dragon and fire deities. However, there's always a lot of fairs and celebrations that go on in the cities. I believe these people are merchants who will be setting up their wares for sale during the festival."
I looked at a group of Baledonian travelers sitting close to us. They didn't look as rich as some of the merchants there. Their clothes were simpler and they were eating bread and cheese only.
"What do you think that group would be selling?" I asked, gesturing at the table near us.
"They look like sword dancers," said Adal after a moment's inspection. He gestured at the long, fancy swords tucked under the table where they sat. "I believe they will perform on some street stage during the festival."
A new plan began hatching in my mind as I took in the various group of travelers around me. I'd spent the whole afternoon thinking of a way to get inside the city without any suspicion. After the incident at Finn's inn, I was sure there would be stricter security around Fuvaros.
It was important to get inside without any inciting incident. We needed time to familiarize ourselves with the city as well as take out the herbs we'd decided to steal from Tasher's warehouses. It would all get too difficult if the city was alerted of our presence too soon.
"How about we disguise ourselves as one of them?" I asked suddenly.
"You mean pretend to be merchants?" said Cain.
"We could be like those sword dancers," I said in a low voice. Leaning forward, I gestured for the princes to bring their heads closer. "We could be fire acrobats."
Norvin chuckled. "You would be quite convincing at that."
"I know! If they want us to prove our talent, I can do some simple fire magic for them." I gazed at Cain. No matter what we came up with, he would be the one to pay the closest attention to detail. If there was a flaw in our strategy, he would be the one to find it first.
Cain’s gaze met mine. "It's a good plan," he said with a warming smile. He took a long swig of his wine. "It will allow us to rent a place at an inn and come and go without any suspicion. We should be good until the festival lasts."
"We can leave for Fuvaros tomorrow morning and join the parties heading for the gates," said Adal.
"We'll need a cart or carriage though," said Norvin. "And perhaps, fancier clothes than what you're all wearing."
"We start early next morning and buy everything we need. With the festival, I'm sure it will be easy to get hold of the items we'll be requiring."
A new energy suffused within our group. We were in deep discussion but it didn't look out of place in the crowded inn’s dining hall. People at most of the tables were talking with their companions. There was an air of excitement in the vast hall. No one paid us any attention, allowing us to further cement our plan of action.
A weak sun shone down on us as we trundled through the streets of Okarijun in a horse-driven carriage. Norvin was at the front, driving us. At the back, Cain, Adal and I were seated among boxes of firecrackers we'd purchased that morning along with the carriage. We'd all changed out of our gray woolen clothes and now wore fancier colorful silk. They were of cheaper quality but still felt softer and smoother on my skin than the wool.
"We are running out of money," said Cain in a grim voice.
"I still have my other jewels that we can pawn in Fuvaros," said Adal. "There's a gold necklace and my circlet which will fetch us more gold."
Cain nodded. "Let's hope we don't have any major purchases over the next few weeks."
Our dwindling gold became a new source of concern for me. Apart from getting medical aid for the suffering people, our main goal was to gain information on both Ivan and the city so we could plan our attack on him. I also wanted another chance to be with my princes at the dragon temple there. If I could mate with one of them there, I could shift into my true dragon form as well. In the fight against Ivan, I would finally be at par with him.
Soon we were following a procession of similar carriages, heading for the city of Fuvaros which was a few hours away from Okarijun. There were caravans among us too. Over the next week, the city would be full of foreigners. It was the perfect opportunity for us to enter the capital and rob Tasher's warehouse.
It was midday when we reached the gates of Fuvaros. It was chaotic near the entrance as the carts and caravans gathered there. The merchants were impatient to go inside but there weren't enough soldiers stationed there to hurry the inspection. Again, it helped our cause as a frustrated guard looked into our carriage, sweeping his gaze over us.
"What is this stuff?" he asked, removing the cover of a box with fireworks.
"We are acrobats, specializing in fire," said Cain. "We will need them for the show we'll be putting up."
The guard's gaze settled over me. I smiled candidly at him. His annoyed expression immediately softened as he stepped away from the carriage.
"Perhaps, I will come see your performance at the festival," he said, keeping his gaze on me.
"I will wait for you," I said, bowing my head, pretending to hide a blush.
The soldier smirked and signaled for the men to let us enter the city gates.
"You're absolutely lethal, Daria," said Adal as we passed through the gates. "That guard is absolutely smitten by you."
Cain chuckled. "That's how I felt the first time I laid eyes on you."
"But it was different," I countered. "I was just as smitten by you. You're the one who is too handsome," I said, glaring at Cain. Turning towards Adal, I added, "And you're too beautiful. You have no idea the effect you have on other women."
"As long as you're pleased, I don't care about other women," said Adal. His words warmed my insides like the most exquisite wine.
Moving the flap over the tiny window of the carriage, I looked out at the city. It was even more crowded than a few days ago but the stark difference between the beggars and the rich patrons still remained.
We heard Norvin asking for directions to a cheap inn. The first few we visited were already full.
I checked the map of Fuvaros given to Adal by the healers he'd met. If we could get a place to stay at the next inn, we would be closest to Tasher's warehouse.
By luck, we were able to get a room for rent there. The area was located further away from the main market square. It was cheaper as well.
While Norvin drove the carriage to the stables in the back courtyard, Adal, Cain and I waited for him in the inn's main hall. By the looks of it, the place would soon fill up as well.
"It's better that way," said Cain. "No one will be able to keep an eye on so many patrons."
"Tasher's storehouse is nearby," I said, feeling impatient now that we were so close to it. "I want to go and survey the area."
"Let us have a meal first," said Adal. "You can pretend to go for a walk afterward."
I nodded. The shadows of evening would give me more opportunity to prowl around the area undetected.
"I am starving," announced Norvin grumpily. "And my joints ache!"
"Stop complaining," chided Cain. "It was worse for us. You were driving so badly we were being tossed around the carriage."
"Let's get inside and eat," I said, hoping the promise of a good meal would soothe my princes. Adal grinned at me, leading the way inside the inn.
We ordered a simpler meal this time. With our purse strings much tighter now, we would have to be frugal. Still, we were able to get fresh rye bread and a spicy vegetable stew for all of us.
With the evening closing in, more patrons came into the inn's dining hall. Drinks began to be served and by nightfall, the place was filled with loud cheers and the boasting of the men crowding the tables.
"I'm going out," I said, looking at my three princes. "Stay here a while longer before moving upstairs."
"Be careful, Daria," said Norvin, his purple-hued eyes filled with anxiety.
I nodded. "Tuto will be with me."
"Please be quick," said Adal. "We'
ll be worrying the entire time you're gone."
I smiled like an idiot, too happy with my princes caring for me like a precious gem. I would be close by, yet, they were anxious for my safety. Making sure no one was staring at our table, I got to my feet and discreetly slipped out of the inn.
A cold breeze blew by as I stepped out into the empty street outside. The inn behind me was well-lit and the voices of its patrons filtered out through the walls. There were a few cottages nearby but other than that, the area didn't have any buildings of note.
I'd memorized the directions to the warehouse from the map. Keeping to the shadows, I followed the road further west until my eyes caught sight of leaping flames in the distance.
More alert now, I headed towards it.
Guards in black uniforms surrounded the tall walls that fenced in the one-storied warehouse. Torches were lit around the place, making sure no strangers lurked nearby without the notice of guards.
Staying behind a thick oak tree, I closed my eyes, calling for Tuto. He was nearby, the connection between us happening almost instantly.
"Fly over the house," I told him.
The green depths of my eyes were a tawny gold as I watched what Tuto's eyes saw. He flew over the warehouse like a ghostly shape in the night, giving me an aerial view of the place I intended to rob.
The inner courtyard was also surrounded by guards in black uniforms. Torches burned brightly all around the place. Tasher had made sure to secure his hoard very well. It would be impossible to breach the place without causing a ruckus.
Despite the obstacle before me, I found myself smiling, my thoughts going to the bundle of items Lady Elga sent me. Among the herbs and poisons, there was one that could help me breach through Tasher's security. All it would need is some blood magic...
15
The lantern festival started in the city the next day. Excitement was running high among both the residents of Fuvaros as well as the merchants and performers who'd arrived. Even the people from poorer communities seemed cheerful. The reason for it became apparent later in the evening that day.