"Oh no."
"Exactly. Be'ind that door are two very angry women, and it's our job to get this resolved."
Millan shrugged. "Well, you'll have no trouble from me. I'll stay out of your way, just like this afternoon."
"That's the other thing I've been meaning to tell you. I didn't say anything earlier because the first arrangement was pretty straightforward and Kyara was being cooperative. But, I fear without Don Pike or Don Layola in danger, it's going to get messy. You need to speak up if you 'ave something to say."
"But I'm not a real ambassador, like you."
Navi snatched Millan's scarf. "I'm not Kainol, and you're not wearing this scarf for nothing. I'm not saying you 'ave to agree with what I say, but promise me you'll speak up if something crosses your mind."
Millan nodded vigorously.
"Good. Let's 'ope we're not too late." Navi led the group as they scurried down the hall. She knocked on the door, and it opened immediately.
The light from the head archdon's office was much brighter than the hall, and Millan shielded his eyes. He felt a hand on the small of his back gently guide him inside. When his eyes had adjusted, he took in the room.
Behind her desk, Head Archdon Kyara was leaning back in her chair. With her elbow resting on the chair arm, she propped up her head. The fingers on her other hand drummed out a steady beat on the desk. Dolore, dressed in all black with her arms folded across her chest, stood with her back to Kyara. Her face was tense as she locked eyes with Millan. In front of Kyara's desk sat Eriph. Millan recognized the blond ponytail. After the door closed, Don Dorman joined his mother behind the desk.
"Well, we're all here now," Kyara said. "Let's get this over with."
Navi stepped forward. "Ambassador Millan and I are 'ere to ensure this is resolved to the satisfaction of both Candelux and the Death Gods."
Dolore whirled around. "It's not complicated. Do what you agreed to. Help us save our scout."
The head archdon rolled her eyes. "If you think I would help the Death Gods just for some demon names, you're a Dardan fool. I only tolerated this nonsense to save Pike. Not to mention you were wrong about Layola. She's not a Brother. And now, that's done. So, be gone."
"Your Grace," Navi interjected. "If I may. I believe we're all aware of what the conditions were this afternoon, and what's changed. The point of this meeting is to find a way forward. Remember, the Prima decided to rebuild our relationship with the Death Gods, putting aside all that's 'appened in the past. This is the first real step, and if we fail 'ere, it does not bode well for the future."
"Put it aside? Interesting. Tell me, Ambassador Navi. Have the Death Gods killed any of your family?"
There was a brief silence. "No."
"I see. Well, my husband died at Deimor Outpost when they decided to murder everyone there. So, maybe I'll be the one to decide what gets put aside and what doesn't."
"I'm afraid it doesn't work like that. Our goal is to work together with the Death Gods, and if that means 'elping them rescue their scout from the Brother'ood, then that's what we should be doing."
Kyara narrowed her eyes. "You must be so happy to be with your friends again. How long did you live in Alovajj?"
"That's not relevant."
"How long?" the head archdon insisted.
In the face of aggression, Navi's voice remained calm. "On and off for three years, assisting Archdon Dassdyr."
"You're practically one of them. Well, I refuse to risk the lives of any priest or watcher just to rescue a Death God."
"Despite the knowledge we're willing to share with you?" Eriph piped up.
Kyara smirked. "Oh? Knowledge? Is that what we're going to risk our lives for?"
"Of course."
The head archdon's smile vanished. She placed her hands on the desk and stood. "Let me tell you something. Your so-called knowledge is a joke. The identity of the Zaidon? He's cleansed. What good does that do us? And the Seductress and Marksman? They aren't even greaters anymore. So, please, tell me how exactly this arrangement benefits us in any way."
Navi held up her hand. "Please, Your Grace, this is the purpose of tonight. To determine a path forward that benefits both parties."
"What? More names? I'll tell you the only two names I cared about. Pike. Layola. End of discussion."
Eriph grumbled. "If you really care for them, then you'll help us. They're not as safe as you believe."
"Nice try, but we're aware Layola was given deathroot. One of the Brothers told us, and we're curing her now. Which, like I said before, means she's not with the Brotherhood."
"That's not what I was referring to."
"You know what? I don't care. This discussion is over."
Navi stepped in. "I'm sorry, Your Grace, but it's not—"
Kyara slammed her fist on the table. "Enough! Don't you get it? They murdered my husband. Dorman lost his father. Everyone in this city is connected to someone they killed. I don't care if it's been three years or three thousand years. Someone has to answer for their crimes before I'll lift a finger. I tried to play nice when there were Candelux lives on the line, but that's no longer the case. I loathe the fact that you're in our city." She pointed at Navi. "You're practically one of them. And you"—she pointed at Eriph—"you actually joined them. Such a shame. So, if no one has anything new to say, get out of our city and let us go to sleep."
A long pause followed. Millan's heart raced as a lump formed in his throat. This was all wrong. Candelux had to stand by their promise or else their relationship with the Death Gods could be over before he reached Alovajj. Millan's stomach churned. He had to say something, but Kyara wasn't just any priest. She was the head archdon of Memorial City and a former advisor to Primus Ayristark. Millan felt a warm presence as Sundancer came up beside him and offered a smile.
The Nesinu priest fought through his nausea. "I have something to say."
All eyes in the room immediately turned to him.
Kyara raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
There was another pause while Millan steadied his breathing. "Yes, Your Grace. As Ambassador Navi has said, the decision to work with Founder Dolore and the Death Gods belongs to Her Luminescence, Prima Mashira."
Kyara glared at him. "Thank you, Don Millan. And have you discussed the latest information with the Prima?"
"No."
"Then I suggest you do that and stop wasting my time. We're done here."
Millan's shoulders drooped in defeat. But then, he caught a glimpse of Navi holding the end of her scarf and swinging the embroidered yellow star back and forth like a pendulum. He remembered the Prima's words when she offered him the role.
"By accepting this scarf, you are accepting the responsibilities of diplomacy. The words you speak and the actions you commit will be in the best interest of our people."
He couldn't believe he was about to say it, but Millan managed anyhow. "Not quite, Your Grace."
"Excuse me?" the head archdon said.
"Our roles as ambassadors are to speak in the best interest of our guild, our people, and this kingdom. And I'm truly sorry for your loss, but that means forming an alliance with the Death Gods. And, I don't need to meet with the Prima to know what the correct course of action is. We help the Death Gods rescue their scout, regardless if you believe the information they're willing to share is of equal value. Because, this is not an isolated event. As in any relationship, sometimes there's give, and sometimes there's take. Right now, we're in the position to give, and we should do what we've already agreed to do."
"How dare you. You don't have the authority to make me do anything."
"That's not true," Navi retorted. "The purpose of an ambassador is to act with discretion in diplomatic matters, such as this one. Our authority on anything concerning the Death Gods is second only to the Prima 'erself."
Kyara lowered herself back into her chair. "You're not in Alovajj. This is my city. So, go back to your rooms, which I've graciously provided, and sleep soundly, k
nowing I will take this up with Prima Mashira tomorrow and make her aware of your insolence. Now, get out."
Chapter 33
Altheus cradled the black orb in his hand. One down, seven to go.
"What do you have there?"
The prince paused, thinking he was alone, before glancing over his shoulder. "Ah, Dulo. I thought you'd be keeping Eleza company."
The wanderer moved in front of him. "I was throughout the night, but now that she's on her way here with your wife, I can't exactly be seen floating through the city. What seed did you make?"
"It's a gate seed. I started making it last night before I continued with my meditation." In reality, Altheus had completed the first seed and hadn't meditated at all. He lied because he had to account for his next announcement. "I have some good news for you."
"You're finally ready?"
The prince smirked. "Thank you for being patient. It's taken some time, but I now know the entire process of converting you into a demon."
"This is great news. I'm eager to lend my skills to this fight. When do we start?"
"Tonight, I'll prepare your soul to accept dark energy so you can ascend beyond the rank of fray. And, if that goes according to plan, then tomorrow night, you'll get your new form."
Dulo glided in closer. "How many nights before I'm at full strength?"
"Depends on how much energy you can take."
"My father always told me I was destined to be a greater iymed. Will you be able to determine if that's true?"
"Possibly. Don't forget, even though the spell was planted in my head, this is all new for me as well."
"I know. I know. I'm just very excited. I've been in this form for over a week. Fading in and out. Unable to touch anything. Anyone. I miss having a body."
"A word of caution," Altheus warned. "I've been told that a soul's capacity for love is often locked away with their human side. I can't guarantee you'll still feel the same about Eleza once you're an iymed."
"But you still love your wife, don't you?"
"That's true."
"Then, why should it be any different for me and Eleza?" Dulo asked.
"I'm simply passing on what I've been told."
"Oh, I see. Duly noted. I'm sure we'll be all right."
Noises through the trees brought their attention to the approaching group. Flinch and Eleza led the way as Nila walked behind them with a little girl in tow. Altheus rose to his feet as his heart danced with anticipation. Sereyna was only four years old when he was taken by Verago. How she had changed in the last three years. Flinch and Eleza parted, allowing Nila to guide her daughter the rest of the way. Sereyna playfully swung her mother's arm back and forth. But when her eyes locked on Altheus, her happiness seemed to vanish.
The prince knelt and held out his arms. "Reta djja mak."
Sereyna recoiled and hid behind her mother.
"Did you explain to her?" he asked Nila in Kisejjad.
"I told her we were coming to see her father, but that she wouldn't recognize you. And, she wouldn't be able to understand when you speak." Nila patted her daughter on the head. "It's all right, sweetheart. This is Daddy. He's trapped inside this body. You don't have anything to be afraid of."
Sereyna peeked out for a moment before hiding once again.
"Give her some time."
Altheus frowned. He knew why she was afraid, but it still stung him to see her react in this manner. After Nila had recognized him, he assumed Sereyna would be able to do the same. He had already imagined the loving embrace over and over in his mind.
"I assume Alejjir and the wolves are in the usual spot?" Eleza asked.
"That's right," the prince said. When the Brother and her wanderer departed, Altheus noticed Flinch staring at Sereyna and tapping his lips. "You may join them as well."
"Sure, boss, if you insist." The jester chuckled loudly before leaping and grasping the branch above him. After gaining some momentum, he swung around the branch a couple of times, whooping on each pass before he planted his feet on the tree.
"What are you doing?"
"Who me?" Flinch chortled.
"Of course, you."
"I just thought I'd practice jumping from tree to tree. Look how far that branch is over there. Think I can make it?"
Altheus had typically brushed aside the jester's antics. They were not worth being annoyed over. However, with the rejection of his daughter fresh in his mind, the prince was none too pleased with this display. "What?"
"That branch. You think I can make it? I bet I can." Flinch launched himself into the air and sprawled out like a frog. It was apparent midway through the jump that he was not going to make it. The jester's chest slammed into the ground, and a flurry of leaves flew into the air. "Ow!"
Altheus's body tensed in rage. But before he could scold Flinch, he was interrupted by the sound of girlish giggling.
Flinch popped up from the ground. "He's all right, folks! Ask her if she wants me to try again."
Altheus, still stunned, slowly faced his family. He didn't fully grasp what was happening.
As Nila whispered to Sereyna, the little girl nodded. "Yes! But jump higher!"
"Higher?" The jester seemed to ponder the request before hopping back into the tree. "Like this?"
Flinch flung himself vertically, reaching a higher apex, but falling well short of the destination.
With another thud, the girl laughed even harder.
The jester leaped to his feet. "I know. Ask her if she wants her father to try."
Altheus's eyes flew wide open. "What?"
Nila translated, and Sereyna beamed, nodding vigorously.
"No, no, no. I'm not climbing any tree."
Before he knew it, Flinch grabbed his hand and led him to the branch. "Come on, it'll be easy. Show her you're not scary. I mean, look at her. Isn't that smile worth keeping?"
Altheus stood under the branch he could nearly reach without jumping. "I don't know whether I should be thanking you or killing you. Either way, this stays between us."
Flinch grinned. "My eyes may be peeled, but my lips are sealed."
Altheus hopped just enough to leave the ground and grasp the branch. As his weight swung him forward, there was a loud crack. The prince was weightless for a moment before crashing to the ground. As Altheus stared up at the tree canopy, cackling filled his ears, and he knew he had an important decision to make. In what manner was he going to murder Flinch? But he quickly lost track of that thought as the smiling faces of his daughter and wife appeared over him.
As Altheus sat up, Sereyna gasped.
"Your eye," Nila whispered.
The prince touched the right side of his face and discovered the linen was missing. He pressed his hand against the Devil's Eye to keep it hidden. "I'm sorry. I hope it didn't frighten her."
Nila knelt beside her daughter. "Don't be afraid. Daddy lost his real eye, and this other one helps him see."
Sereyna tapped her fingers on her leg. "Can I see it?"
Altheus nervously lowered his hand, and the little girl inched closer. Her gaze shifted between his human eye and the Devil's Eye. He waited in silence, not wishing to disturb her.
"Daddy? Are you going to stay with us in the city?"
Nila stroked her hair. "Daddy can't go near the city yet. Not like this."
Sereyna pouted. "Then when is he coming home?"
"He has to help Uncle Batar first. And when he's done with that, he'll come back for good."
Altheus spotted the linen he had used to cover his eye and scooped it up. "Honestly, I don't know why I still wear this. Candelux knows I have the Devil's Eye. I want to give this to her, so she has something to remember me by until I return home."
Nila translated, and Sereyna smiled. Altheus carefully draped the cloth around his daughter's neck and tied a loose knot in the front.
"Can I play with him, Daddy?" Sereyna pointed at Flinch, who was sticking his tongue out and making silly faces at the little girl.
The prince stood and brushed the dirt from his clothing. "Flinch, I believe I finally found someone you're capable of making laugh. Will you indulge her request?"
The jester scratched his chin. "She doesn't know Kisejjad, though. I won't be able to tell her any jokes."
"I suppose she'll never really know how lucky she is."
Nila snickered before kneeling beside her daughter. "Just remember, sweetheart. He can understand you, but you won't be able to understand him."
Sereyna nodded. "I know. That's all right."
As Flinch approached the little girl, Altheus placed his hand on the iymed's shoulder. "She is the most precious thing in the world to me."
The jester's mirth was replaced with solemnity. "I will treat her as if she were my own."
✽✽✽
In commoner clothing and a hat, Dolore followed the watcher through the metal bars that served as the entrance to the holding cells. As they turned the corner, the Death God founder spotted her friend sitting in one of the cells.
"Rithwic!" the watcher called out. "You got a visitor."
The prisoner perked up as his jail door swung open.
Dolore bolted in and wrapped her arms around him. "Oh, Rithy, I'm glad you're all right."
She could sense his hesitation when he didn't return her hug and whispered in his ear. "I told them I'm your sister."
Immediately, his arms encircled Dolore. "I'm glad you came."
"Five minutes," the watcher said as he closed the cell door and locked it. "Then I'll be back to get you."
Dolore peeked over her arm to make sure the guard was gone before pushing back her friend. "What the depths happened? We had a deal."
Rithwic held up his hands, as if to show his innocence. "I didn't have a choice. Hable changed the plan when he found out you were seeking help from Candelux."
"How?"
"I don't know. I never heard a name."
Dolore clicked her tongue. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Every time we seem to engage Candelux, it's to our detriment. We tried to keep our investigation quiet, but the one priest we reached out to ends up on deathroot and enslaved by the Brotherhood. And don't even get me started on the ambassadors. They stopped right in the middle of the Azapaar to greet two of my squad. Might as well have gone to Battle Square and shouted our cooperation."
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