"Uh-huh. But what exactly is it?" Eriph asked. "What does it look like?"
"Envision the virile bull, except with superior proportions, fortitude, brawn, and celerity."
"And, why War then?" the bloodseeker asked.
"To instill terror in the souls of my foes. And, to remedy twenty-two years of being referred to as Willow. And you? Do you still answer to Sundancer?"
"I do. As much as I wanted to leave the Coast behind, it's still a part of who I am. It also happens to go well with my title of Champion of the Light."
"Impressive. I surmised by your armor that you had joined the ranks of the Paladin Order, but I did not foresee your title. And so, how shall I address you? Lady Sundancer or Champion Sundancer?"
The bloodseeker tittered. "Either is acceptable for anyone else, but you're family."
"But you are fulfilling an official role with the ambassadors, are you not?"
"Yes, I'm here as Ambassador Millan's personal bodyguard. Happy?"
"Indeed, Lady Sundancer."
Eriph snickered.
The bloodseeker rolled her eyes. "And what exactly do you do for the Death Gods, Warbison?"
"You and I are not so different in that regard. I serve as the muscle, safeguarding our people. I'm also a shape-shifter."
Eriph stared incredulously at Warbison. "What? You are?"
Sundancer smirked. "Do you turn into a bison?"
"Of course, and I'm capable of flight too." Warbison allowed the silence to linger for a moment before grinning. "I jest. No, unfortunately, to truly master shape-shifting, one must experience the creature by basking in its presence. The lack of bison places me at a disadvantage. And so, I opted for the next best thing. The mighty bull."
Eriph noticed Millan's focus shift to something behind him, and so he turned around. Accompanied by Navi, Dolore rounded Blackleaf's tent and joined the group. "Eriph, War, you should know better than to talk in plain sight like this. Even though we're reaching out to Candelux for help, we should still remain cautious both in the Azapaar and in the city."
"Understood," Eriph said. "Sorry."
"Apologies," Warbison added.
"In the future, please be more mindful." Dolore bowed to Millan. "Ambassador Millan, I'm pleased to finally meet you. I think it's appropriate you're here to help us rescue Aksilacarn."
"Oh? Why's that?"
"Because if it wasn't for Aksil, you would be the one captured by the Brotherhood."
Chapter 31
Mashira rubbed her chin as she examined the map sprawled across her desk. Memorial City would likely serve as the stage for a clash between the Brotherhood, Candelux, and the Death Gods. Beside the map rested a letter she had received from Archdon Kyara moments ago. The cooperation with the Death Gods was moving forward thanks to the mediation of the newly arrived ambassadors. And then, there was the information coming out of Nua'dem. The Para Paya were beginning to share pieces of history and lessons on energy that had been lost with the disappearance of the mysterious Senarod. The possibilities of what Archdon Kainol might uncover to help them in the war against Verago were limitless.
Two rapid knocks landed on her open office door. "Busy?"
Mashira glanced up. "Hey, Stark. Come on in."
She was delighted to see Ayristark. When he had bestowed the Talisman on her sixteen years ago, he instantly became a mentor to her, more so than the official capacity he held as advisor. Once Mortis left Light's Haven with the Death Gods, Mashira had no family left to turn to, and Ayristark and his wife kindly filled the role. Over the years, Mashira looked fondly on her friendship with Ayristark as the two enjoyed a bond quite commonly forged between the current and former leaders of Candelux. She always had time to spare for him.
Ayristark crossed the threshold and shut the door. "What's the map for?"
"Just trying to get a broader perspective. To what do I owe the pleasure? Council meeting's not for another hour."
"I'm aware of that. Do I look like Deidok to you?"
Mashira smirked. "Leave the old man alone. You're not exactly short in the tooth yourself."
"I resent that," Ayristark said in a playful tone. "I hope the next leader treats you like you treat me."
"Assuming they pick me as an advisor."
"Please. Of course, they will. Not only is it tradition, but you're also a great Prima. But speaking of picking, you did say you would hear me out on potential"—Ayristark tossed his head side to side—"husbands."
Mashira rolled her eyes. After Devil's Breach, she had confided in Ayristark that her relationship with Batar was essentially dead. And so, like an eager father seeking out the ideal son-in-law, Ayristark began to compile a list. Until now, Mashira had successfully evaded the discussion because nothing had been formally announced about ending her relationship with the king. But now that was over and she had no more excuses.
"I really was hoping you'd forget," the Prima said.
"I'm still not that old. Just hear me out on one. He's my best offer. I think he's perfect for you."
"If it'll make you happy, sure, let's hear it."
Ayristark clapped his hands. "All right. Sir Tothoros."
Though Mashira had been in the same room with Sir Tothoros on a number of occasions, she had never been formally introduced. Tothoros was a bloodseeker champion who many in the Paladin Order considered as second-in-command to Sir Skarabin.
"I suppose he's not bad to look at, but I know next to nothing about him."
"I'm not suggesting you marry him tomorrow. That's the beauty of courtship."
Mashira folded her arms across her chest. "I'm well aware of how courtship works. Or, did you forget I just wasted the last ten years involved in one?"
"Definitely didn't forget. Are you going to hear me out or not?"
"Go on."
"As you know, Champion of the Light, so he's earned his title. But, he also has royal blood in him. A little distant. He's a count, but that makes him second cousins with King Cato. That's still nobility, but you wouldn't know it by speaking to him. He's very humble and…"
As Ayristark continued, Mashira's eyes fell back to the map. So much of her attention lately had been spent on what was transpiring on the Frozen Coast, and now Memorial City. Her focus steadily shifted from the west to the northeast. Spotting the area marked "Nesinu," she bit her lip. Ever since Feranis had enchanted the demon lord's chains, this area of the kingdom had been quiet. But it would be foolish to forget such a perilous threat lingered there. What was Erynion up to? Her eyes drifted to the base of the mountains where North Refuge rested.
"…and this squirrel is ripping out his throat. So, you can imagine he's just gagging on his own blood while this cute furry critter is making a meal of him."
Mashira snapped out of her daze. "What did you just say? A squirrel?"
"Yeah. Ridiculous, right?"
"What the depths are you talking about?"
"Oh, some play my wife convinced me to see."
"How did we…" Mashira's voice trailed off.
"Well, I was telling you about Sir Tothoros, and then you clearly retreated into your own head, so I thought I'd ramble on about something pointless until you came back to me."
"Sorry. I'm listening. You can continue."
Ayristark raised an eyebrow. "This may surprise you, but I'm far more interested in discussing what was going on in that mind of yours. If you're willing to share, that is."
"If you insist." Mashira placed her right hand on the Frozen Coast. "So far, we've been watching our ambassadors very closely. Kainol is making progress with the Para Paya. Navi and Millan are working well in Memorial City. I'm honestly shocked Kyara has been so cooperative with the Death Gods given her history with them."
"Does this mean you have good news from their meeting today?"
"To be discussed in more detail at our Council meeting. But yes, the Death Gods are willing to give us the names of three of the greaters."
Ayristark smirked. "This
spy of theirs must really mean something to them. Which names?"
"If all goes according to plan, they'll reveal the identities of the Zaidon, the Marksman, and the Seductress."
"Not bad. The Zaidon is pretty useless since he's already cleansed, but it's a good start."
"Agreed. And as a reward for helping us save Don Pike, the Death Gods are granted free access to study him and the effects of deathroot."
Ayristark shrugged. "Seems fair."
"But, what has me concerned is with so much attention here, we're not watching Erynion closely enough." Mashira's finger drifted to "Nesinu."
"I can certainly understand that, but we agreed to leave him be. The chains are enchanted as we planned. The head archdon in every city has been alerted to his identity. And, it's been quiet. It's working out better than I thought."
"Do you think Prince Altheus knows who he is?"
"With the agony gone?" Ayristark asked. "I'd be surprised if he doesn't."
"Do you think he'll seek out his wife and daughter?"
"Nila and Sereyna? I suppose it's possible. But what makes you think he knows where they are?"
"The Seductress."
Ayristark hovered over the map. "You've lost me."
With her right hand still hanging over "Nesinu," Mashira placed her left index finger on "Nua'dem," then said, "This is the Seductress as of yesterday. According to Kainol's report from last night, she's been hiding out there for a couple of weeks. No one's been paying her any attention."
"Why would they? She's extremely weak."
"Was extremely weak. You may recall a comment about her absorbing some energy, so her strength is a bit of a question mark for us. But, here's why I bring her up. Before we brought Erynion to Royal Oak, he admitted to killing the Seductress. Demon kills demon. We notched that as a win for us and put that gem of information aside. Before I returned to Light's Haven, I heard a story about a beautiful woman in a red dress who tried to murder a watcher during the chaos of the purge."
"So, the Seductress surfaced through the twisted gate and ran for the Coast, the only place she's safe."
"From both humans and demons. She came back very weak, which means she didn't wait for Verago to restore her power."
Ayristark stroked his chin. "Because she was running from him, and probably for the same reason Erynion killed her."
"My thoughts exactly. We also know the Seductress is not the forgiving type."
"That's an understatement. The only good part about Verago being in control of the Amulet is that it means the Seductress isn't."
"And, when she's ready to make her next move, who do you think she's going after?"
"I suppose, Erynion."
"So, she's gathered some strength, enough to move out of her safe haven in Nua'dem. And where does she go?" Mashira slid her finger up to "Blue Plaza."
"North. And?"
"If Erynion is still over here around where Nesinu once stood, a more reasonable path for the Seductress would've been to travel east, and then cut north over Zazima, and follow this road toward Nolka. But instead, she's gone up to Blue Plaza. Her only path into the kingdom from there is to go farther north to Kotsky, and then go east. To me, the only reason she takes this course is because Erynion isn't over near Nolka or Nesinu, but rather farther west by North Refuge."
Ayristark stepped back and scratched his head. "That seems like a stretch. I mean, what makes you think the Seductress even knows where Erynion is?"
Mashira sighed. "I don't. It's just a feeling. I look at this map. I see Erynion somewhere up here, his wife and child in North Refuge, and the Seductress heading north. Just seems we should keep a closer eye on things."
"Well, you can discuss it with the Council if you like, or I can contact Maxiteer right away." Ayristark often acted as a voice of reason or an advocate for the opposing argument, but when it came to making decisions, he always respected hers.
"There's no reason to rush this. Let's see what Razza and Deidok have to say."
"As you wish. Now, about Sir Tothoros."
✽✽✽
Don Layola leaned back in her chair and sipped her tea. In a few hours, she would be back in the company of Candelux, resuming her duty as a spy. But to achieve such a feat, Hable needed to convince an old friend to help them, but this old friend didn't seem too keen on the plan.
Rithwic slammed his fist on the table. "This is not what I agreed to!"
Hable sniffed. "Plans change, Rith. You offered to play a prisoner, and the role is still needed."
"I offered to play a fake prisoner, captured by you. Not to be fangling arrested by the watchers. It's not the same thing, and you know it."
"Please, is the language necessary?" Hable asked. "Can we not be civil about this? Please, sit."
Layola eyed Rithwic as he paced back and forth. According to Hable, Rithwic had been a loner in the Brotherhood ever since Shinigami's betrayal. But with talk of a new Grand Overseer on the horizon, he was seeking to rejoin the ranks. And to do so, Rithwic would have to prove his loyalty to Hable.
"Please, sit," the baron insisted.
Rithwic joined him at the table. "I don't understand why I need to get captured on purpose."
"Well, as I was trying to explain, it's all about the look of it. Don Layola has been missing for over four days now. The ambassador she was serving under arrived in Memorial City this morning. It's the perfect time to get her back with Candelux, but it must be done without arousing suspicion of collusion. So, we take our new Brother, Don Pike. He's been tracking our cell for weeks. That's his story, at least. He runs to the rectory and tells them where they can find Don Layola. Now, if the watchers come across our lovely prisoner here with no guards to be found, well, maybe they start to ask questions."
"And you think one lonely guard is enough to convince them?"
Hable wiped his nose with his finger. "Oh, you won't be lonely. You'll have Greggor to keep you company."
Rithwic tilted his head. "He agreed to this?"
"Look, don't worry about Greggor. Your part is simple. To the watchers, you're just a new recruit. You didn't know what you were being hired for. You're going to act terrified. And in exchange for your release, you're going to tell them everything you know."
"I am?"
"Not in reality, of course not. You'll have your script. And you'll give them just enough information to get yourself free. It's important that you don't panic, though. You may be in jail for a week or two. We have to tread carefully. But, mark my words, you'll go free. I'll see to that myself. And once you're out, you'll've earned your spot in my cell. How does that sound?"
Rithwic was silent. His head subtly shook and his lips made slight movements as if he were arguing with himself.
Hable leaned in. "I don't mean to rush you, but we're on a short schedule. So if you're in, I need to know now. Otherwise, I'll have to rely on someone else."
"Fine. I'm in. But under one condition."
"And what would that be?"
"The deathroot you have planned for the Death God spy. You give it to Layola."
Hable sneered. "I'm sorry? You can't be serious."
"You want this rescue to look real, right? No sign of subterfuge? No one would believe the Brotherhood would poison one of their own with deathroot. So, when the watchers find her, I tell them she was given something. It looked like a black marble. Candelux already knows about deathroot, right? From what happened at Light's Haven with that one priest?"
"Who told you about that?"
"Greggor, who else. So, I tell them about the deathroot. Any suspicion of her being a Brother goes out the window. Candelux cleanses the seed and then breathes a sigh of relief to have their priests home safely."
Hable grumbled. "No way. Out of the question. Do you have any idea how difficult it was for me to get this seed? You're crazy."
Rithwic picked at his fingernails. "You came to me with this because you don't want to risk one of your own. But, I'm also the best pe
rson for the job. I don't know enough about your cell or its members, so there's no chance for me to slip up and tell them anything you don't already want them to know. But, if I'm going to risk time in jail, I want to ensure there are no potential missteps. Putting Layola in a room with two guards isn't enough. Candelux has to believe her life has been put in danger."
"Ridiculous. She's not taking it."
Layola stood. "Yes, I am."
Hable's eyes opened wide as he glared at her. "What did you say?"
"You can argue about it until you're blue in the face, but Rithwic's right. The more we can separate me from the Brotherhood, the better. We don't know how long the ambassadors are staying in Memorial City. If I'm sick, Archdon Navi will feel obligated to tend to me."
"And I suppose you're fine with the loss of memory?"
"What's there to remember about today anyway? Not to mention, most of it comes back. Just give me the deathroot already."
Hable growled. "Who put you in charge? How dare you bark orders at me."
Layola strolled to where the baron sat. She had tolerated Hable's arrogance and pretension during her entire stay. She leaned forward and locked eyes with him. "Remember this. You're not the overseer of anything just yet, Your Lordship. There are two other cells in Memorial City. And when my cell from Light's Haven gives our support to Kolokajja as the next Grand Overseer, I would think you'd rather have us as allies than as adversaries. After all, Greggor's cell won't be happy he wound up in prison while in your care. Don't you agree?"
Hable removed the handkerchief from his pocket and blew his nose. "Yes, er, well, of course, that's not what I meant anyway. You didn't let me finish. I was never completely opposed to the idea. I was merely, uh, looking for some respect. I don't think it's out of the question, seeing as how this is my cell, and I will ultimately decide who does what, when, and how. Is that acceptable to you?"
"That depends on what your decision is."
Hable sniffled. "I think the best course of action is to wait for Don Pike to alert the watchers. Then, in order to maintain the illusion as a prisoner of the Brotherhood, you take the deathroot. Rithwic will inform Candelux as soon as possible so it can be cleansed."
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