by J. M. Ivie
“Stop!” I shouted, springing to my feet. “What the Lapp is even happening?”
“The Destroyer is right!” Niall slammed his palm against my back. “Itia would be displeased with us.”
“I don’t give a flying shrapp about your goddess, Niall!” Ryanne scowled. “If you three have any sense, you’d help me cripple this man now.”
But, William sheathed his blade, nodding. “We will head back to the rendezvous point. Chigaru, Apollo—” he scanned me. That same eerie familiarity pulsed through his gaze. “If you are not back in four days, expect a pull on your tethers.”
I noticed Barak’s stiff posture from the corner of my eye. “Expect us no later than sunset.”
William nodded, scowling at Ryanne. “Good. Jensen will be waiting.”
___
The three Rangers vanished beyond the tree line, leaving Barak and me alone. I sat by the river, still pondering over what happened.
Barak raised his brows, taking in a long breath. He pulled off his soaked tunic, gloves, and boots. “I suggest you do the same. Luxterrian autumn deceives many, you can freeze if you are not prepared.”
I nodded, groaning as I pulled off my jacket.
“Are you all right?” he asked, wringing out his garments. “With your fear of water I assumed you would be in a worse state.”
I nodded. “It wasn’t as bad as I thought… I’ve had worse.”
Barak raised his brow, looking me up and down, “You are shaking worse than a pup.”
I breathed in. I was shaky. Balling my hands into fists, I cursed. “How am I supposed to conquer this fear of the water when my every experience with it is traumatizing?”
Barak smiled as he gathered some sticks from the surrounding forest. “We are all afraid of something. No matter how hard we try to conquer fear, it will always come back to torment us, sometimes with a power greater than the last time.”
“What is your fear, Barak?
He paused—his muscles twitching. “It is not important.”
There was a long silence between us before I decided to speak again. “Barak,” I whispered, hoping he could hear me over the wind. “What did that man mean, in the cellar?”
Barak tilted his head to the side.
“Gaisaga… the word he said. What does it mean?”
Barak nodded, “Gaisaga Blodolo, means Avenger of blood. An old saying on Fiermont. It is given to the warrior who avenges the innocent. He said you Assassinated his brother. Fiermontians view that action as worse than murder. It is a crime which requires payment in blood. Your blood.”
I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat.
“I would not allow that to happen, Apollo.” Barak’s callused expression softened. “Come the end, one thing remains. Us. Brothers. I will only do what is best for you as I know you would do for me.”
I nodded, “It is our bond.”
“Our bond in blood.” Barak crouched down beside me and held out his hand. I grabbed it, and he pulled me to my feet.
“Tell me,” I began as I looked at the necklace that adorned his neck, “why do you wear that?”
Barak looked down at the necklace. It was small, perhaps an inch, but it looked special. The symbol of the Dragon of Fiermont with a fiery red ruby clutched in his talons. “It was my father’s. He gave it to me when I was young, saying it would keep me safe.” Barak smiled and pointed to the ruby gem, “This, the ruby, means life. My father died three days after he bestowed the necklace to me. I thought, for the longest time, he should have taken it. He should have been wearing it. Then, three years later—” he stopped.
“That’s when the Anarchists attacked.” I whispered, knowing the story.
He nodded slightly and looked at me through glazed eyes. “They killed my mother, and they killed my sisters. They took me because I was able-bodied. I slaved away for them for nine years until Jensen found me, and I joined the Rangers. I am not sure which was worse, knowing I was a slave and wanting to be free, or being a free man who has willingly become a slave to the system.” Barak smiled slightly and looked at me. “You will soon see, Apollo. This program is nothing but glorified enslavement.”
Somehow, I already begun to understand. “Barak,” I muttered, watching as he began the fire. “I wish to stop at Winsdale tomorrow.”
His brows furrowed as he looked up from the kindling, “Why?”
“I’m going to propose to Zahra.”
Barak blinked. “You have only known each other for a few seasons… Do you not think you are going a little fast?”
“I don’t think we are going too fast…”
“How will it work between you? How will you explain everything?”
I fought the fear that built in my stomach. “I’m going to leave the Rangers.”
Barak laughed, a deep, condescending laugh. “You think you can leave?” he asked. “You think you can escape the Lapp we are in?”
“I can try!”
Barak snorted. “I have not stayed this long with the Rangers by choice, Apollo. Jensen will never allow you to leave. If you leave and rebel, you will be hunted down. No place would be safe, not so long as Jensen has your soul tethered to those rings.”
I scowled, picking up my things and throwing them near the fire to dry. “Then, either I make sure he doesn’t find out—” I looked at him, squaring my shoulders, “or I steal my soul back.”
___
I paced up and down the hall, anxiously waiting for the door to open. I had asked Azu if I could meet with him, to see if I could persuade him that I could marry his daughter.
The door clicked open, and I saw Azu’s weathered face emerge from the entryway.
“Come in, Faithe.”
I lost a bit of the hope I had.
“Sir, I hope you’re well—”
“Cut to the point, Archivist. What is it you really want? Her money? The title? The luxury? Tell me, why have you been pursuing my daughter?”
His biting words caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting such a response. “Sir… I love Zahra—”
“Ah, you’re on a first name basis?”
“Yes.” My heart sank. His tone was demeaning, and I wondered how I thought this was going to work.
“Get out. You will not marry Zahra Winsdale. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever!”
“Sir. I thought you would have understood—”
Azu laughed, looking me up and down. “Despite your appearance, you’re still a commoner. A commoner who would bring destruction on Winsdale if I allowed Zahra to marry you.” Azu stood, swung open the door, and pointed toward the hall. “You know your way out.”
I nodded. I walked from his study, my heart heavier than it had been before. You’re a fool Apollo. As I turned to walk down the hall, I stumbled into Nora.
“Apollo?” Her eyes widened, and she studied me for a moment. “Is something wrong?”
I shook my head, smiling slightly. “No, everything is fine, at least I hope. I came to talk with Azu.”
Nora pulled on my arm, directing me to walk. “Well, then! Come with me.”
I followed her, confused.
“How long has it been? Four months?”
I nodded.
“You look—” she stopped, studying me. “Weathered. Are you doing well?”
I smiled and nodded once again. “I’m fine. I just finished a large project the other day… I suppose I’m still sore.”
Nora giggled, poking me in the ribs. “Well, I hope you’ll feel better after this.”
We exited the mansion, stepping into the garden. The lush, dark foliage of the trees had turned orange and the summer flowers faded to make room for the blooms of autumn. There, in the midst of the dusk drenched garden, stood the love of my life. She wore a pale-yellow dress, with sleeves likened unto wings. The golden light of the evening silhouetted her frame, causing a halo of light to shine around her. Her back was to me. She spun around at the sound of the door closing.
“Apollo?” she held her heart,
smiling. With little hesitation, she flung herself into my arms. I held her tight. Tighter than I ever held her before. I knew in that moment nothing would keep us apart.
“Zahra…” I pulled away, grasping her hands in mine. “I came to talk to Azu.”
She bit her lip, shaking her head as if she knew what happened. “He said no, didn’t he? I knew he would do this! He wishes to torture me!” She looked me up and down, “What will we do?”
I paused, looking at the ground. I felt in my coat pocket, hoping to find what I stuffed there earlier. My fingers glided across the soft velvet box, affirming me of its presence. “I suppose I only have one choice.”
Her eyes grew wide.
“Zahra Winsdale,” I looked her in the eyes as I pulled out the flat box from my coat pocket. “Will you risk it all? Will you become my wife?”
She just stared at me with a blank expression etched across her features. There was no response. No words spoken. No expression given. I waited anxiously for an answer. The silence that overtook the garden was agonizing…
“Apollo—” Zahra stuttered her words, barely making any sense. She calmed herself, smiling as tears surfaced in her eyes. “Yes.”
The drumming of my heart howled in my ears. I slipped the bracelet on her wrist and kissed her hand. I had to calm myself… I nearly stood and grabbed her. I would have yelled with happiness, though, I knew that would have drawn suspicion to the garden.
Nora squealed in the doorway, covering her mouth as she wheezed out her excitement. “So! When is the wedding?”
More of a statement than a question. Zahra and I both laughed, looking at each other.
“Winter. The end of winter. I know Azu will be gone on that week, and that gives Nora enough time to prepare the dress I know she’s already scheming.” Zahra raised her brow, looking at her friend.
“You know me too well.” Nora winked, looking at me in turn. “Mind if I take your measurements again?”
“No, thank you!” I laughed, shaking my head with resolve. “I don’t think I’m suited for a fancy outfit.”
Nora snorted, “Nonsense! Zahra, tell him to come with me so I can take his measurements.”
Zahra raised her eyes to meet mine. Though, everything in me wanted to buck against this, I consented.
___
After an agonizing half hour of being measured by Nora, I was allowed out of the room. Zahra sat in the hall, waiting for me.
“So, what day?” I asked.
“The twenty-eighth day in the fourth month of winter. I think that would be the most appropriate time… seeing we will have known each other four seasons at that point.”
“I’ll save the date, then.” I pressed a kiss on her forehead.
“Apollo, you should hurry and leave,” she muttered. “Azu is still here.”
“And?” I kissed her cheek. “I cannot leave you yet. I won’t be seeing you again till the end of winter.”
Zahra shifted. “I don’t want you to be caught.”
I chuckled, twisting a strand of her hair around my finger. “We can sit in Nora’s study if you wish, Zahra.”
Her eyes flitted toward the window. “I have a better idea.”
___
We lay on the grass, staring up at the star speckled skies above us. Zahra’s head rested on my shoulder, and I was contented with the silence.
“Apollo…” Zahra nestled herself closer. I could have fallen asleep there with her beside me… feeling her fingers lightly dancing through my hair. “Will you be leaving archiving behind?”
A lump formed in my throat, threatening to suffocate me with the sudden guilt. I didn’t want her to know. I don’t want her to know what I am. A killer. An assassin. “Not yet…” I admitted, turning my head to look at her. “It’s bit a stretch. Believe me, I have been working on it.”
Zahra tilted her head, sitting up till she was hovering just above me. “What is it you wish to do?”
“I wish to study the law.” I stared up at her, admiring my new view. She was brighter than all the stars combined and far more beautiful.
“How noble!” she giggled. “I’ve always admired the Lawmen and the Guardians. Which would you pursue?”
I sat back and thought for a moment. “Lawmen have to do all the tedious paper work…” I said. “Guardians are the ones who do the leg-work. They look into the crimes, study the evidence, and present the facts. I think I would enjoy that far better. Fighting for the rights of the innocent to be seen and respected.”
Zahra pursed her lips, deep in thought. “That’s another thing I love about you. You care for people.”
I felt as if I was leading her to believe a lie. But, how could I tell lies when I spoke what was true and from my heart?
She pressed her forehead against mine, smiling. “You have blessed me.”
Guilt shot through my very soul.
TWENTY - SEVEN
THE BITTER WINTER WIND BRUSHED against my temples and exposed forehead. It was the twenty-eighth day of the fourth month of winter. I checked my watch, wanting to hurry the job along. I didn’t want to be late.
Zahra and I agreed on meeting at a practically deserted Oceland Chapel. I was three miles from the place, yet, I was also in the middle of a grueling fight with a demon of a man in the darkness of the Oceland forest.
Barak said he would aid me as much as he could. Tonight was no exception. He had been on a scouting mission a month prior, bringing back information that a small militia of men would be here tonight. A band which required my special set of skills. He also planted the same information into the palms of our enemies. Two weeks ago Niall had been assigned to be with me, but, after an unfortunate accident rendered his right ankle practically useless, Barak was assigned. Thank whatever form of luck, Ryanne was already assigned another mission.
I dropped, crouching closer to the ground.
“Come on, come out!”
A compact man tottered toward me. In his large palms was a weapon of inconceivable size in proportion to his body. A large, double-bladed ax.
I stood, drawing my knives.
A sneer lifted the corner of the man’s mouth, “You bring a knife to a fight such as this?”
“I could ask why you bring such a large weapon to a knife fight.”
“Ergh!” The small man propelled toward me with lightning speed, bringing his weapon down on me. I fought back his attack, noticing several other men entering the area.
“You appear overwhelmed,” Barak’s gruff voice resounded above me. The glowing green of his mask showed through the darkness. It looked like the skeleton of a hound.
“Go on!” he shouted, leaping from the branch and slaying a man in a single blow with his claw-like knuckles. “You have a wedding to attend, do you not?”
“Will you be all right?” I asked, still fighting back the angered dwarf.
“No one knows! That is why it is so much fun, yes?” Barak quipped, stabbing a man in the heart. “Go on, brother. Your love is waiting. Kip eros avari!”
I laughed at his prompt to leave.
I kicked the small man away, sheathing my weapons. Barak did the rest. He moved quickly, taking on three men while talking. “I will join you soon. I may be in time to see the sealing of the vow, or perhaps I will not.”
“I hope you can!” I shouted, still unsure whether to leave him.
“Let us hope she is your Sorumeito, brother!” Barak’s teasing voice carried through the night air.
“You’re a troll.”
___
I arrived at the chapel just in time to see Nora ride up on her silver mare. She wore a red silken dress that had pants instead of a skirt. Despite her four-inch heels, she was still a whole head shorter than me. She dismounted, pulling off her riding gloves. “Apollo! Oh, dear me, you look…” She looked me up and down. “You look like you had an encounter with a pig.”
“Something hindered me on the way here…” I muttered, shaking off my mud-coated leather coat. “Do y
ou have it?”
“Ah, yes. Here.” Nora shuffled through her bag, pulling out a box. “You should see if there is a bathing room. You need to wash up.”
I laughed, looking up at the night sky. “When will she arrive?”
“She’s already here.”
Nervousness roiled in my stomach. “Can you go in first, then? I’d hate her to see me like this.”
Nora nodded, walking up to the front of the chapel. She peeked through the doors, smiling after a moment. “All clear. Come in!”
I walked behind her, slipping into a room to change into the suit she made for me. After I slipped into the outfit, I smiled. Every bit was black, aside from the red thread which swirled along the cuffs of the jacket. I combed my fingers through my hair, fixed my collar, and exited the room.
“Like it?” Nora asked with a grin.
“All black?”
“Of course,” she said. “You’re a brooding type, so black works for you.”
I laughed. She slipped her arm around mine, and we walked into the main hall. The Lawman stood on the podium waiting to conduct the ceremony. All my nerves balled into the pit of my gut—twisting. Am I ready for this?
I shook away the thoughts. This is Zahra.
“Welcome, Mr. Faithe. Do you have papers of identification?” The Lawman shifted through his notes, raising his eyes.
“Yes.” I pulled the papers from my pocket.
The Lawman sighed, scanning the contents of the certificate with disinterest. “There’s little about your origin, Mr. Faithe, in fact, there is nearly nothing. Orphan?”
“Yes, sir.”
The Lawman nodded, scribbling something on a parchment. “Do you have anything else that might aid me in settling who you are? I can’t just let a Countess marry a nameless orphan.”
I sighed, searching my coat. “Yes, sir.” I produced the bronze eagle pin, the only other legal piece of identification I had on me.
The Lawman’s eyes raised, and he examined the piece. He searched for my name engraved in the back and soon found it. “Well, I suppose this will do. Thank you, Mr. Faithe.” He jotted down another thing on the paper and nodded. “You understand, once this is all sealed, the Countess may be out of home and title if the Luxterrian Parliament gets wind of this.”
