"I have to hand it to you. Really. I know I'm not a professional thief like you, but I thought I was in the clear. You must've been watching him like a hawk. But what was really impressive was how you lifted it off of me. I had no clue. But you had the perfect cover, didn't you? A faceless watcher, helping us with our luggage. You know, when I discovered it was missing, I suspected one of the watchers had taken it, but I had no idea which one. That is, until Greggor showed up. Then all the pieces fell into place. The more he told me about you, the more plausible his story seemed."
"So, you think I'm a Death God then? Wow, is everyone in the Brotherhood this crazy?"
"You tell me if this is crazy. It's a well-known fact that Shinigami has been trying to get his hands on the Talisman for decades. With Erynion surfaced, Candelux desperately needs the help of the Death Gods, who only have one request. And so, in return for help, Candelux gives the Talisman to a seemingly nobody priest and adds him to the ambassador roster on the day of departure, hoping no one notices. Your job is to make sure Millan completes his task. Which is why I can only assume you gave the Talisman back to him."
Aksil snorted as he stifled his laughter. The Brotherhood had mistaken Millan's conduit for the Talisman of Zavi. Though the two objects were the same shape, they were definitely not the same size. With his wrists still bound, the thief managed to applaud. "You figured all that out on your own? I am clearly outmatched here."
"Mock all you want, but it makes sense."
"Yeah, except for the part where he already has someone watching him. A fangling Champion of the Light. Or did you miss that part when you were introduced to her? Oh, and you honestly think the Talisman is going anywhere? King Batar's been wearing that thing since Devil's Breach, and I doubt he's going to remove it anytime soon. Look, it pains me to be the one to break this to you, but I'm no one of consequence. Let's just chalk this up to a misunderstanding and we'll part ways. What do you say?"
Layola rose to her feet and eyed the thief. "No, you're definitely mixed up in this somehow. And you're going to tell us everything, one way or another. Get comfortable. Welcome to your new home."
Chapter 17
"Wait, so you were actually a couple?" Millan asked. Since they had left Zazima, he and Sundancer had been exchanging stories. The young priest marveled at the change in her demeanor toward him. Before today, she had seemed so unapproachable and cold.
The bloodseeker smirked. "In my defense, I was young, and he was very handsome and quite charming."
"But two whole years?"
"Aksil represented freedom from everything I was fleeing back home. I came to the capital with nothing, and he took care of me. Everything we did was for us, and no one else. It was so different from how I was raised. I loved it and loved him for it."
"But not anymore?"
"Not for a long time. A professional thief can be a difficult person to trust. What about you? Were you ever involved with someone?"
Millan focused on his horse's mane. "Not really. Nesinu wasn't exactly a sprawling city like Light's Haven. Either the girls there weren't interested in me, or I wasn't interested in them. So, once I joined Candelux, I sort of stopped looking and focused on my training with Don Skully."
"I can understand that." Sundancer fell silent as the sight of thousands of tents came into view. The ambassador procession began its descent down a minor slope toward Nua'dem, the largest encampment on the Frozen Coast. Nua'dem was the middle point of three major locations along the Coast, with Blue Plaza to the north and Djjatol to the south.
Millan noticed the hooves of Orfius sinking into the sand covered with snowflakes. The snowfall had grown progressively worse throughout the morning, and so Millan took a moment to brush the accumulated ice from his coat. "Is it always snowing here?"
"No," Sundancer quickly answered.
Millan sensed the change in her tone. "Are you feeling nervous?"
There was a pause as Sundancer placed her helmet over her head. "No."
The pair rode the rest of the way in silence as the procession entered the camp. Some of the Para Paya lined the path, likely interested to see who had come to visit them. Millan was shocked at how little clothing some of them wore while he shivered under his coat.
When the caravan halted, Sundancer immediately dismounted and took hold of the reins for both her horse and Millan's. "Come down."
Millan swung his feet over and slid off the saddle. There was a soft crunch as he landed on the mixture of snow and sand.
"You are not to leave my side. Is that clear?"
"Perfectly," Millan answered sadly, unsure what he had done to warrant this reversion back to her old self.
A man with a friendly smile appeared beside Sundancer. "Paluyay. I am here to take care of your horses."
"Paluyay. Thank you." Sundancer handed the reins to the man, who led the beasts away.
Millan leaned in close to the bloodseeker. "What's paluyay?"
"It's just the formal greeting."
A woman approached the pair. "Paluyay. I am here to relieve you of any weapons."
"Paluyay." Millan fished into his pocket and pulled out his star. "Uh, do you need this?"
"No, Ambassador. But I take it you have been informed of our rules regarding blessings and aggression toward demons?"
"I have."
Sundancer removed the sickles strapped to her back and handed them over. "These are very dear to me. Please take care of them."
"Absolutely. Though we do not hold special sentiment for physical objects, we certainly respect your decision to." The woman gave a quick bow and departed.
"They take everyone's weapons?" Millan asked.
Sundancer seemed to be looking in every direction except Millan's. "Yes. Less temptation to use them."
"Seems unfair, considering demons can summon theirs."
"Summoning spells have a unique energy signature, and the Para Paya are always on alert for it."
"Are you not worried then?" Millan asked.
Sundancer locked eyes with him. "Why would I be worried?"
"They just took your sickles."
"So?"
Millan felt a tinge of relief. "Then you think we're safe here?"
"Never assume you're safe anywhere. Besides, I don't need my blades to protect you."
Archdon Kainol strolled up along with Don Belquin. "Ambassador Millan, if you and Lady Sundancer would please follow me."
"Yes, Your Grace."
The head ambassador led the group toward a white tent, notably larger than the others around it. By the entrance hung a white banner with a yellow crescent moon and a yellow sun embroidered on it. As they neared the tent, the guards on either side of the entrance pulled back the flaps and invited the group to enter. The interior was also a brilliant white and relatively bare, aside from the three Para Paya who had been waiting for them.
The man in the middle—well-built with neatly parted silver hair, and long sideburns—stepped forward and bowed. "Paluyay, ambassadors of Candelux. My name is Northpaw. Welcome to Nua'dem."
Kainol lowered his head. "Paluyay, Northpaw. I am Ambassador Kainol. Thank you for allowing us to speak with you."
Northpaw held out his hands to indicate his associates. "We three have been chosen among the elders to speak on behalf of our community. To my right is Camellia."
With gray hair tied back in a bun, the small woman spoke. "Please, call me Cama. It is an honor to receive you in our camp. It has been years since Candelux has reached out to our community."
Northpaw continued, "And on my left, Lunargrace."
The man wore an open vest and a seashell necklace. His long hair was white like the snow. "I go by Luna. Welcome to our camp. I hope you each find it as comfortable as your own home."
"Thank you. That's very kind. I'd like to introduce my second, Don Belquin. He's here to assist me." Archdon Kainol gestured to Millan to continue.
The Nesinu priest's throat closed. After his talk last night with Kainol in Zazima, he a
ssumed he wouldn't be speaking at all. And now, he was put on the spot in front of the Para Paya's top three elders. "I…uh…my name…well, first, paluyay. My name is Ambassador Millan. Just Millan is fine. I'm honored to be here. I'd also like to introduce my bodyguard, Lady Sundancer, Champion of the Light."
"Sundancer?" Northpaw glanced at Lunargrace.
Cama cocked her head. "Bodyguard? Are you in danger, young man?"
"I'm…I'm not really sure. Prima Mashira ordered it. I do feel much safer with her by my side."
"Well, there will be no battle here. Perhaps she'd like to remove her helmet. I'm sure it would be more comfortable."
Millan turned to the bloodseeker who was already taking off the armor and revealing the blood-red hair beneath. Holding the helmet by her side, Sundancer stared at the floor.
Northpaw pushed onward. "Now that the introductions are complete, let's all have a seat and discuss what has brought you to the Coast."
"Thank you," Kainol answered, "but I'd like to hold off on an in-depth discussion for now. We have another ambassador joining us later today. I wouldn't want to begin without her, if that's all right with you."
"If you insist. Are you planning to stay for a while? We've prepared accommodations, and we'd be happy to show them to you."
"You're most kind. We do expect to be here for as long as it takes."
"As long as what takes?" Cama asked.
Archdon Kainol clasped his hands behind his back. "We have come to Nua'dem on a mission of peace and harmony. We have come to reunite the Frozen Coast with the kingdom."
"Ambassador, what makes you think we want to be a part of the kingdom again?" Lunargrace politely inquired. "We're quite happy in our communities."
"Have been for hundreds of years," Northpaw added.
"And our hope would be to make you just as happy as part of the kingdom again," Kainol explained. "To do away with the stigmas attributed to wildamages, huminals, and freelovers. To rejoin your fellow citizens so humanity can stand united once again."
"Though none of us were alive to experience it, we have heard the stories of exile," Cama said, "and the constant violence toward the outcasts that finally drove them to the Coast. How can you be sure such events won't happen again?"
"You can see why I expect to spend more than a few minutes on the topic, and why I'd prefer to have Ambassador Navi Laila with me as well. When she arrives, we will address all your concerns."
"Then I look forward to our discussion. I assume you'll be making the same offer in Blue Plaza and Djjatol?"
"Yes. Nua'dem's always been considered the most influential camp. If you agree to our terms, then the others will likely follow."
"Very well then," Northpaw said. "While we wait for your final ambassador to arrive, let us take you to your accommodations. You are welcome to stay as long as you like. You are welcome to all of our community activities, our food, our clothes. Feel free to discuss your terms with anyone you like and go anywhere you wish. We only ask you respect the code of our people. Whether human or demon, whether Para Paya or Candelux, there will be no act of violence committed against another soul. No killing and no cleansing."
"We understand the code of the Para Paya, and we agree to honor it as long as we are your guests." Kainol said. "Isn't that right, Ambassador Millan?"
The Nesinu priest drew in a quick breath, once again surprised he was expected to speak. "Absolutely."
"Excellent. Please follow me." Northpaw led the way out of the tent, accompanied by Cama. Kainol and Belquin followed behind the two elders.
Millan was about to do the same when Lunargrace spoke.
"Wait, please."
"Yes?"
"Sorry, Millan. I was speaking to Lady Sundancer. You're free to go with the group."
The Nesinu priest lifted his foot, but Sundancer caught him by the wrist. "Ambassador Millan must remain by my side at all times. Anything you wish to say to me must be done in his presence."
Millan winced from the pain of her grip. He peered over his shoulder and spotted the intensity in her eyes. When he nodded toward his wrist, she uncurled her fingers and released him. In the silence of the tent, Millan considered whether this man was Sundancer's father. He also wondered if the rest of the group had noticed they were missing.
Luna stepped closer. "I never thought I'd see you again. You've become such a beautiful woman."
The Nesinu priest surveyed the interior of the tent, not wishing to make eye contact with the elder or the bloodseeker.
"Your hair is lovely," Luna continued. "It's so red, just like your mother's."
"Stop," Sundancer said in a hushed whisper. "Please. Just stop."
Frowning, Lunargrace dragged his feet to the entrance and pulled back the flap. "I'm sorry for keeping you. Please, the group is just ahead. Perhaps we can speak later once you're settled."
Chapter 18
Walking through Thoris Castle, King Batar and his personal bodyguard, Sir Mekken, approached the throne room on the way to see the former king.
"Look, I know he's your father, but at the same time, that man is not your father."
Batar sighed. "Mekken, I don't have a choice. If I don't visit him, it'll just make things worse."
"But he does nothing except berate you. And you've not once left his room feeling better than when you went in. Stop punishing yourself."
As the pair entered a hallway separated from the throne room by a series of columns, the king reflected on his father. After Altheus was taken by Verago, Batar had told everyone his brother had been killed and had transcended. During the following months, King Cato's personality shifted dramatically from a kindhearted-and-caring individual to one full of anger and resentment. Eventually, he fell ill. The healers did their best, but he only seemed to get worse. Confined to his bed, Cato had no other option but to abdicate the throne to his only remaining child. And ever since that day, Batar had become the subject of constant verbal attacks and ridicule whenever he visited his father.
"I deserve it, though. This is all my fault."
Mekken looked around as if to ensure they were alone before whispering, "I get it. You think it should've been you who got captured. That it should be you out there tearing up the kingdom as a demon lord, and Altheus should be on the throne. But you can't change what happened. You were trying to do the right thing. Altheus was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Punishing yourself isn't going to help you fix things."
"Then how do I fix things? It's getting worse. I lied to Mashira about Altheus, which was stupid because she's eventually going to figure it out anyway. She already suspects him."
"Then why did you lie?"
"I panicked. Plus, the healers say my father's hanging on by a thread. If he were to find out Altheus didn't transcend, it might kill him."
Mekken tapped his chin. "Maybe the Death Gods can help you."
Batar lifted an eyebrow. "The Death Gods? Mashira's already talking to them, and they haven't been very forthcoming."
"But you have the one thing they want. Maybe they can stop all of this."
The king strolled to one of the marble columns and leaned against it. "I don't know. I don't trust them. I wish I knew what to do. I wish I could consult with the guild masters."
Batar stared into the empty throne room and imagined hiding behind the pillars with Altheus on the day of the Assault. After their father had confined them to their room, the two princes had sneaked out to meet up with Mekken and Nila. But, along the way, they had paused in this hall and eavesdropped on King Cato's meeting with the four guild masters.
King Cato rubbed both of his temples. Before him stood Prima Mashira, the newly appointed leader of Candelux. Batar found her stunningly gorgeous and had a hard time keeping his eyes off of her. Beside her was Sir Jak, Champion of the Light, and head of the Paladin Order. Batar had met him on more than a few occasions, as he was the grandfather of Mekken and Nila. Next to Jak stood High Pan-mage Yewa, a kind, old woman who represente
d one half of the mage guild.
"Your Majesty, presenting High War-mage Drevarius of Summa Arcana," the royal watcher announced.
Drevarius joined the group and bowed to the king. "Your Majesty."
"Glad you could make it," Cato said. "Sir Jak was just telling us how big he thinks this demon army is. Sir Jak?"
"We're estimating about ten thousand fray, four hundred lesser iymed, and at least four of the five greaters. Although, I think it's safe to assume the Shade will be joining them, but we won't be able to verify that until he appears."
"And how long before they surround the city?"
"We already have reports of some iymed and fray along the northern and eastern gates, but the four greaters appear to be converging on the west side of the city, along with the majority of their armies. This will likely be the focus of their assault. We have less than an hour before the west gate is completely blocked by demons."
Cato drummed his fingers on the arm of the throne. "And would you say we're safe?"
"We're outnumbered, but between our three guilds with the watchers and scorchers, our chances of successfully defending the city are good."
"Good? That's it?"
"I'm sorry, but too much is unknown. We don't know if our walls can handle this size of an attack. Our scouts from Deimor Outpost are reporting that Alovajj and the Den have been completely abandoned. We're about to face the full strength of the demon army, something that hasn't happened since the days of King Prevarra when only one iymed existed. We also don't know the true strength of the Brotherhood in the capital. They're going to do everything they can to help Verago. And, we don't yet know the capabilities of our newly elected Prima. I mean no offense, Your Luminescence."
Mashira remained quiet.
Cato growled. "So what do we do? Play defense and let the demons lay siege to our city, or do we storm the field like in the days of King Prevarra?"
Jak bowed. "The paladins are in the service of the king, and we will carry out your orders. Attacking them before they're ready may catch them off guard, but it would have to happen soon. The window for any type of surprise attack is rapidly closing."
The Forgotten Queen Page 16