Gates of Ruin (Magelands Eternal Siege, #6)

by Christopher Mitchell

  ‘It was a joint effort,’ said Van, ‘although I do have a little experience in breaking people out of prisons. Still, it would have been a lot trickier without Naxor’s vision powers. And poor Sohul’s spent the entire day selling the house boat and then buying this wagon.’

  ‘We’ve sold the boat?’

  ‘Yes. It might be unwise to stay in Kin Dai after what we just did.’

  ‘And after what Belinda told us,’ said Naxor.

  Corthie frowned. ‘And, eh, what did she tell us again?’

  Naxor shook his head at him. ‘You don’t remember the huge fight we had?’

  ‘Nope.’

  ‘Demigods with vision powers, based in Alea Tanton,’ said Van; ‘they found us yesterday. Well, they found Naxor. Belinda said it would be a good idea for us to leave town as soon as possible. Sohul’s been sorting that as well. He’s bought us passage on a ship that leaves tonight.’

  Corthie nodded. ‘And why were we fighting?’

  ‘You were adamant that you weren’t leaving,’ said Naxor. ‘You told us that there were still a few taverns in Kin Dai that you hadn’t visited yet.’

  ‘Oh. I guess I might have been acting like a drunken arsehole recently.’

  Naxor raised an eyebrow. ‘You guess?’

  ‘Let’s not reignite any disagreements,’ said Van. ‘Corthie, I saw the way you handled those two guards. Are your powers back?’

  ‘Aye. I feel better than I’ve done in ages. Since, well, you know. Was there something else that Belinda told us?’

  Van nodded. ‘The Ascendants haven’t been able to get the Sextant to work. Your world, and Naxor’s, are still safe.’

  Corthie puffed out his cheeks in relief. For two months he had been living with the thought that Banner soldiers or greenhides might be rampaging through his home world, and occupying the City of Pella. The images he had conjured had brought him to the edge of despair, and he felt a weight lift from him. He cleared his mind. They were getting on a ship, and leaving Kin Dai. Aila was out there, somewhere, with his sister; finding them was what mattered.

  Van leaned forward and nudged Sohul. ‘That’s far enough. Pull over.’

  The lieutenant nodded and reined in the two horses. Van and Naxor stripped out of their militiaman uniforms and pulled on civilian clothes, then they jumped down from the back of the wagon into the busy street, Corthie following them. They walked round to the front, and Sohul climbed down from the driver’s bench to join them.

  ‘Twelve gold they cost us,’ he said, gazing at the two horses. ‘It’s a pity we don’t have time to sell them.’

  ‘Just add them to the list of things Corthie owes us,’ said Naxor.

  They walked into a large crowd next to a fish market, and headed in the direction of the main harbour. Corthie’s height stood out, but he didn’t care; he was starting to look forward to the upcoming voyage. He had enjoyed being on a ship when they had sailed from the Falls of Iron, and then from Capston to Yoneath; and he reckoned he would make a good sailor.

  The streets and waterfront were well-lit by lamps hanging from the eaves of buildings, and they covered the distance to the huge harbour in under an hour. Van was careful to lead them by the busiest routes and, though they passed several detachments of militia, none took any interest in them.

  A large merchant vessel was tied up alongside a broad jetty, and Sohul pointed it out to the others.

  ‘We have two cabins,’ he said, ‘and I’ve already paid for our meals.’

  ‘Including dinner tonight?’ said Corthie. ‘I’m so hungry, I could eat Naxor.’

  ‘Yes, including dinner,’ said Sohul. ‘It’s good to see your appetite’s back.’

  ‘And I’m going to stay off the booze for a while.’

  ‘That might be advisable,’ said Van, ‘though I might have an ale or two after today’s excitement.’

  Sohul showed their travel documents to a small group of harbour officials and sailors at the base of a long gangway, and they were allowed to board the ship. A young deckhand took them to their cabins – Van was sharing with Corthie, and Sohul with Naxor, and they washed up and went back up onto the deck as the ship was slipping away from its moorings. A wind had picked up, and the large vessel sailed among the dozens of fishing boats and other merchant ships until it reached the enormous breakwaters at the edge of the harbour basin.

  ‘Farewell, Kin Dai,’ said Sohul, a smile on his face.

  ‘I spoke to a sailor,’ said Van; ‘we can get something hot to eat in twenty minutes.’

  Corthie leaned on the railings and gazed back at the lights of the city. ‘And then we start the search for Aila and Kelsey. How far is it to that place; Stoneship, was it?’

  The others glanced at each other.

  Corthie frowned. ‘What?’

  ‘This ship,’ said Sohul; ‘I, uh, we needed to leave the city immediately, and this was the only vessel sailing this evening.’

  ‘So?’

  ‘It’s not sailing to Stoneship, Corthie,’ he said; ‘it’s taking us back to the Southern Cape.’

  Chapter 12

  Home to Roost

  C atacombs, Torduan Mountains, Khatanax – 21st Luddinch 5252

  Ashfall’s eyes narrowed as she stared at Sable. ‘But you have nothing to do with Blackrose’s world.’

  ‘I know.’

  ‘Then why are you so determined to go there? What business is it of yours?’

  Sable stretched out her hand and flicked the ash from her cigarette over the edge of the tomb. ‘You’re right; it isn’t any of my business, but I want to do what I can to help. I have other reasons. Travelling to Lostwell wasn’t exactly my choice – it was either come here or be executed, but I don’t like it. The earthquakes, the lava, and the fact that it never seems to rain. I mean, do you like living in the Catacombs?’

  Ashfall tilted her grey head. ‘It’s better than the pits of Alea Tanton. I was born in that pestilent city, and was being groomed to fight for one of the teams alongside my father, or perhaps against him.’

  ‘How did you escape?’

  ‘It was very different in those days,’ the dragon said. ‘The three teams had up to a dozen dragons each, and every year more were being born in captivity. We heard a rumour from the humans who looked after us that the city authorities were going to cull our numbers, and so we revolted. Several dragons were killed in the attempt, but nineteen managed to flee, led by my father. Since then, each team has only had one dragon, or two at the most, so the humans must have learned their lesson.’

  Sable glanced at the graceful dragon. Before Grimsleep’s death, she had hardly said more than a few words to Sable, but since that day, Deathfang’s adult daughter had started to take more interest in the ‘insects’ that gathered round Sanguino for protection.

  ‘And then you came to the Catacombs?’ the Holdfast woman said.

  ‘Yes. My father challenged and killed Eventide, who used to rule here, and took charge.’

  ‘Eventide?’ said Sable, her eyes widening at the mention of the name.

  ‘Yes,’ said Ashfall; ‘Deepblue’s father.’

  ‘Ah. That explains a few things. I did wonder why Deepblue held such an antipathy towards your family.’

  ‘It is the way of dragons; the mightiest rules. Those who lived in the Catacombs before we arrived from the pits were forced to accept us, but many of them have neither forgotten nor forgiven the actions of my father. Broadwing is another one of these, and this is, I think, the reason why he and Deepblue are keen to go to Dragon Eyre with you.’

  Sable smiled. ‘And could you be tempted to accompany us? We could do with a dragon of your intelligence and calibre.’

  ‘I know you could. Deepblue is weak, and Broadwing is a coward.’

  ‘I notice you didn’t answer the question.’

  Ashfall stretched her forelimbs over the edge of the tomb, extending her claws. ‘That’s right.’

  Sable nodded, wondering if the grey dragon
no longer wished to continue the conversation.

  ‘Are your wounds healed?’ said Ashfall after a few moments.

  ‘Yes, thank you.’

  ‘Then you will be departing soon?’

  ‘I need to scout first, but yes; soon. Blackrose has been in captivity long enough.’

  Ashfall glanced down at her. ‘I bullied Deepblue into revealing some of the details of your plan. You intend to rescue Blackrose on your own?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘This is disappointing. I had hoped to join any rescue attempt.’

  ‘You want to help Blackrose?’

  ‘I will be honest with you; Blackrose is only a part of my motivation – what I really desire is a chance to take some measure of revenge upon the rulers of that accursed city. My father’s policy of keeping us away from Tordue has kept the Catacombs safe, but I sometimes feel he is being over-cautious.’

  ‘He doesn’t want to provoke the gods; he’s being sensible.’

  Ashfall brought her scaled head down until she was a foot from Sable’s face. ‘And what will stealing a dragon from under their noses do?’

  Sable kept her gaze steady. ‘I intend to do it in such a way that doesn’t attract any attention.’

  ‘I’m not sure my father would agree. There is a chance the gods will retaliate against the Catacombs.’

  ‘He hasn’t tried to dissuade me from going.’

  ‘That is because he wants you all to leave. Your victory over Grimsleep has ensured he cannot evict you from the Catacombs, not after he gave Sanguino his word, but he would be happy to see you go, especially if you take Broadwing and Deepblue with you.’

  Sable nodded. ‘And what about you? Would he be angry if you left?’

  Ashfall glanced away. ‘No. Frostback was always his favourite, at least until Darksky delivered him a new clutch of children. If Frostback returned tomorrow, my father would probably accept her back, whereas I think he is starting to consider me as a threat to his rule. Soon, I will be as strong as him, and when that day comes, he will probably challenge me, and I will have to fight him.’

  ‘I’ll be going to Alea Tanton soon,’ said Sable, ‘and once Blackrose is free, we intend to leave Lostwell immediately. I’d be very grateful if you decided to come to Dragon Eyre with us, and so would Blackrose.’

  ‘Very well. I shall take a day to make up my mind.’

  Sable threw the cigarette butt over the edge of the tomb and stood. ‘I have to go now. Thank you for the visit.’

  ‘You’re the first insect I’ve spoken to since I escaped the pits, and the only witch I’ve ever met. I will give you an answer tomorrow regarding the expedition to Dragon Eyre. When Sanguino awakens, pass on my regards. Farewell.’

  The grey dragon launched herself from the ledge, her wings extending in the warm draughts rising from the lava pools. Sable watched as she circled higher, then she disappeared over the top of the ridge. Ashfall would be a valuable addition to their team, but she knew that Deepblue would be upset by her inclusion. At least she now knew the reason, she thought. Whatever happened, at least one dragon’s sense of honour would be offended, and she didn’t want to get involved in dragon politics. She would ask Blackrose for her guidance, and leave it to her to make the decision.

  She turned, and walked into the interior of the tomb. Sanguino was asleep in his cavern after a long flight that morning, and Maddie and Millen were sitting round the small hearth near the end of the high tunnel. She approached them and sat.

  ‘What did she want?’ said Maddie. ‘And why did she only want to speak to you?’

  Sable gazed into the flames of the small fire. ‘She’s thinking about coming to Dragon Eyre with us.’

  ‘But Deepblue and Broadwing hate her.’

  ‘I know. All the same, she’d be more valuable than either of them.’

  ‘You need to tell Blackrose.’

  Sable laughed. ‘Yes. I intend to.’

  ‘When? Are you going to speak to her soon?’

  The Holdfast woman made a decision. She glanced up at the others. ‘I’m going to rescue her today.’

  Maddie’s eyes widened. ‘What?’

  ‘Can you think of any reason why it shouldn’t be today?’

  ‘Well, no, but I assumed you’d think of one. You’ve been delaying for ages.’

  Sable frowned. ‘I haven’t been delaying anything. We needed to get myself and Sanguino fit again, and we needed to recruit a few dragons. Millen also had to get Blackrose’s new harness ready, and we required supplies.’ She pointed to a pile of stacked sacks and crates. ‘That stuff you’ve been stealing with the Quadrant; we’ll need it all. It’s called being prepared.’

  Maddie narrowed her eyes. ‘I hope Blackrose agrees.’

  ‘I intend to tell her that I’ve only just managed to steal the Quadrant; she’ll never know any different.’

  ‘But Millen and I know!’ cried Maddie. ‘What if she uses her truth powers on us? We’d be forced to tell her what’s really been going on.’

  ‘I’ll take care of that,’ Sable said.

  ‘How?’

  Sable smiled. They didn’t know that she had the power to remove certain memories from their minds, and she intended to keep it that way.

  ‘Trust me.’

  Maddie shook her head, her exasperation evident. Next to her, Millen chuckled, then frowned.

  ‘Hang on,’ he said. ‘You’re going today?’

  ‘Yes.’

  His frown deepened. ‘What date is it?’

  ‘The twenty-first,’ said Sable.

  ‘Of Luddinch?’

  ‘Obviously.’

  ‘Oh.’

  Sable sighed. ‘What does that mean?’

  His brow crinkled. ‘There’s a huge game on in Alea Tanton today; one that will affect Blackrose. The Blue Thumbs will be visiting the Deadskins’ arena, and Blackrose will probably be scheduled to fight.’ He glanced towards the daylight at the end of the tunnel. ‘In fact, the games will have started by now.’

  Sable stared at him. ‘Why didn’t you tell me this before?’

  ‘Well, you didn’t give us any clues about when you were going to rescue her, and I kind of lost track of the date. Every day in the Catacombs is the same.’

  Sable got to her feet, and began pacing as her thoughts whirled. How could she have been so stupid? She had been so wrapped up in preparing for their trip to Dragon Eyre that she had forgotten what was going on back in the city.

  ‘Maybe you should wait until tomorrow,’ said Millen.

  ‘No way,’ said Maddie, her eyes wide. ‘Blackrose might get hurt, or worse.’

  ‘Maddie’s right,’ said Sable. ‘Damn it. This is my fault, but I’ll fix it.’

  She strode over to a pile of luggage and removed the Quadrant from a bag.

  ‘I’m coming with you,’ said Maddie, getting to her feet.

  ‘No,’ said Sable; ‘it’ll be too dangerous. I’ll have to leave right away. Tell Sanguino when he wakes up.’

  She studied the Quadrant, and poised her fingers over the engravings.

  ‘You’re not even armed,’ said Maddie. ‘Are you not taking a sword, at least?’

  Sable shook her head. ‘I won’t get into the arena with a weapon.’

  ‘Then what’s your plan?’

  She shrugged. ‘I’ll make it up as I go along. See you soon.’

  ‘Wait!’ Maddie cried.

  Sable traced her fingers across the surface of the Quadrant and the cavern shimmered, then was replaced by a back alley, deep within the Fordian district of Alea Tanton. She glanced around. High tenement blocks rose on either side, and raw sewage was flowing down the centre of the alley, which led to a busy street twenty yards ahead of her. She gagged from the smell, then slipped the Quadrant into the inside pocket of her long cloak.

  She knew the layout of the streets well, having scouted with her vision over the area several times. The Northern Pits were about a quarter of a mile to her left, and she cou
ld hear the low roar of the crowd in the arena. She paused for a moment, clearing her thoughts as she felt a mixture of anxiety and exhilaration pass through her body. She could do it.

  She strode to the end of the alleyway. The street beyond was packed with people. Most were green-skinned, but groups of Torduans were walking down the middle of the road in the direction of the arena, flanked by militia who were shielding them from the locals. Sable began pushing her way through the thick press of Fordians towards the Torduans. She would have to pretend that she was a Blue Thumbs supporter, as no one would believe for a moment that a non-Fordian would follow the Deadskins.

  A few locals stared at her as she tried to pass through them, and a man spat at her, while others shoved and jostled her.

  ‘Blue Thumb bitch,’ muttered one, his fists clenched.

  She powered her battle-vision and prepared to fight, but a few members of the city militia spotted her at the edge of the crowd, and barged through the Fordians. They grabbed her, and hauled her into the middle of the road along with the other Torduans.

  ‘Get lost, did you, miss?’ said one of the soldiers, his eyes tight. ‘You’re supposed to stay on the main roads. The Fordians will tear you to pieces if they catch you on your own.’

  ‘Sorry, officer,’ said Sable.

  ‘Yeah? Well, don’t do it again.’

  The militia turned back to their flanking positions, leaving her in the middle of a group of blue-sashed Torduans. Sable gave them a sheepish smile, and tagged along with them as they walked down the road. Ahead, the large arena of the Northern Pits loomed. Hundreds of militia were on duty around its entrances, and more lined every street that led to it.

  ‘You were lucky, girl,’ said a man next to her. ‘Those green-skinned bastards could have lynched you.’

  Sable nodded.

  ‘You get separated from your friends?’

  ‘Yeah. They had my ticket too.’

  The man shrugged. ‘You can buy another one at the gates.’

  ‘And, eh… how much would that be?’

  ‘Five silver, same as always.’

  ‘Right, of course.’