The Way of Light

by Storm Constantine

  ‘Not that prepared,’ Taropat said. ‘Consider yourself in my custody.’ He turned away from her and spoke to Shan. ‘Examine the interior of the carriage.’

  Varencienne did not even look at Shan as he edged past her. She continued to gaze at Taropat’s back. Within the carriage, Shan found a woman he assumed to be a lady in waiting, who was clutching a dark-haired girl child to her body. ‘We will not harm you,’ he said. ‘Please get out of the carriage.’

  The woman spat at him and the child uttered a cry of terror.

  ‘Get out of the carriage,’ Shan repeated. ‘I do not wish to remove you forcibly.’

  ‘Teffy,’ said Varencienne Palindrake behind him. ‘Do as he says.’

  Glaring, the woman did so, holding the little girl by the hand. On the road, Varencienne pulled the child against her. ‘What do you intend to do with us, Khaster, as Rav is not with us?’

  This was a question prominent in Shan’s mind also. He supposed Taropat did not know the answer.

  ‘You are a captive,’ Taropat said.

  ‘For what ends?’

  Taropat ignored the question. He addressed the leader of the Cossics. ‘How many of your men are dead?’

  ‘Two, sir. Of the others, it would be better if one were dead. He is gravely injured and will not be able to travel.’

  ‘Release us and we will take your wounded to Caradore,’ Varencienne said.

  Taropat still ignored her. ‘We must manage as best we can. The able bodied must support the wounded. Unharness the horses from the carriage. We have enough mounts for everyone.’

  ‘Aye, sir.’

  ‘Be quick.’

  While this was being attended to and the injured men given what treatment was possible, Varencienne attempted to calm her daughter. Hamsin, the Palindrake guard, addressed Taropat. ‘Your mother will almost certainly die from the news she must receive.’

  ‘Then don’t tell her,’ Taropat said harshly. ‘Hamsin, I do this because of the great wrongs the Palindrakes have wrought against my people. You knew me. I hope you remember enough to realise that there is a purpose to my actions.’

  ‘The Khaster Leckery I knew would never have done this.’

  ‘Valraven Palindrake has made me what I am,’ said Taropat. ‘I cannot leave you a horse, for which I am sorry, but I cannot risk you finding reinforcements in time to intercept our escape. You should reach the nearest village before dawn.’

  ‘And what am I to say to Lord Palindrake? Will Lady Varencienne be held to ransom?’

  ‘You need say only what happened and who did it. Give Pharinet my regards. I am sure she still grieves for me.’

  Hamsin pursed his lips, his expression full of disgust.

  ‘Khaster,’ said Varencienne Palindrake. ‘Let Ellony return to Caradore with Oltefney. She is only a child. I will remain as your hostage.’

  Shan knew the name Ellony was that of Taropat’s dead sister and considered it rather morbid that Valraven and Varencienne had named their daughter for her.

  Taropat turned on the woman slowly. Shan had never seen such an expression of fury on anyone’s face before. ‘What kind of sick creature are you?’ Taropat said in a low voice.

  ‘There is nothing sick about considering the welfare of a child,’ Varencienne replied.

  ‘You named her, presumably?’

  ‘I did. It was a mark of respect. We cannot erase the past, but we can atone for it.’

  Shan glanced at Taropat. Would he soften to her now?

  ‘My lady, you have no concept of reality,’ Taropat said. ‘Your woman may go with Hamsin, but you and the child remain with me.’

  ‘Mama?’ murmured the girl. ‘I must stay with you.’

  At first, Shan thought the child was complaining, but then he realised she was agreeing with Taropat’s suggestion. Like mother, like daughter, perhaps. Shan took hold of the reins of one of the horses and led it to Varencienne’s side. He bowed.

  Barely glancing at him, Varencienne took the reins from his hold and swung herself up onto the horse’s back. Then she looked down at him. ‘Pass Elly to me, please.’

  Shan lifted the girl in his arms. For a moment, she held onto him tightly, until he passed her to her mother.

  ‘Do not give her the reins,’ Taropat said to Shan. ‘Lead the animal.’

  ‘Where are you taking us?’ Varencienne asked.

  Taropat did not answer. He mounted his horse and the Cossics did likewise. They took their dead with them, and also the wounded, one of whom would certainly die within the next hour. The dead would be buried at sea. Behind them, Shan heard the diminishing wails of Lady Palindrake’s servant.

  Varencienne held the child Ellony before her on the saddle. She looked straight ahead up the road, apparently without fear.

  ‘You will not be harmed,’ Shan said.

  She glanced at him haughtily. She did not expect to be harmed.

  Chapter Eight: A Day of Destiny

  The coronation had taken longer to organise than the Magravandian officials had expected. Archimage Mordryn insisted that various high-ranking priests and magi be recalled from the provinces to help officiate the momentous occasion. The Fire Chamber wanted as many foreign rulers as possible to be present, as a display of loyalty to Gastern. An international holiday was declared, so that the common people could celebrate the event in the streets. Feasts were planned and dramatic displays. None of it could be put together overnight, or even within a week. But even so, it was conducted in haste.

  Valraven Palindrake had no time to himself during these frantic few weeks. The Splendifers would play a great part in the coronation ceremony itself, and there was much to organise. Valraven, too, would be responsible for security throughout the day, not just for Gastern, but for every other person of importance.

  Rav had been given rooms within Valraven’s private apartments and a personal tutor, Master Garante, had been appointed to remain by his side. Garante came from the ranks of the Cathedral Guard, and was both a scholar and a fighter. Valraven had chosen the man himself. Garante, of all the applicants, had been the least dour and ascetic. Valraven did not want Rav to be bored or intimidated by his companion guard, but his security was paramount. Once the coronation had taken place, Valraven hoped to spend more time with his son. He remained unconvinced of the nebulous threat his wife and her mother claimed hung over the boy. In such claims, he perceived Tatrini’s manipulative paws, but he was surprised Varencienne had agreed to leave Rav in Magrast.

  On the morning of the coronation, which was due to take place at mid-day, Valraven was in the cathedral, supervising the final security arrangements. He had made sure that Splendifer guards could observe every inch of the building, and the ceremonial way that led to it. These were his best men, trained to react independently and decisively should the need arise. One of Khaster’s old friends, Rufus Lorca, had recently been initiated into the Splendifer order, proposed by the Dragon Lord himself. Lorca was a Magrastian, born and raised in the city. Valraven was always on the alert for promising men, and now Lorca was his personal aide. As they checked the array of security mirrors placed discreetly around the high altar, Valraven said to Lorca, ‘All these flowers – the perfume of them. It reminds me of when Ren and I were married here.’

  ‘I remember,’ Rufus said. ‘In those days, of course, I was in the crowd outside.’ He pulled a wry face. ‘My parents were given good seats in the main stand, but even so, our family was not considered noble enough to enter the cathedral.’

  Valraven smiled. ‘No longer, though – at least for you.’

  ‘And that is down to you, my lord.’

  ‘You had some small part in it,’ Valraven said. He looked around. ‘Well, all is in order. If we are lucky, we’ll have time for breakfast before we have to present ourselves at Gastern’s chambers.’

  The two men began to walk down the wide, central aisle. To either side, cleaners were putting the final polish
ing gloss to the pews and arranging the abundance of flowers. Ushers with intent faces were scanning their seating lists. Perhaps it was possible the day would progress without major problems. Valraven could not imagine Almorante or Bayard doing anything rash in public. The time of danger would come afterwards.

  Before they reached the immense doors to the cathedral, a Splendifer marched hurriedly towards them. He bowed. ‘My lord, there is someone to see you on an urgent matter.’

  ‘Who?’ Valraven enquired.

  ‘A man named Hamsin, of your guard in Caradore. He insists on speaking to you. I believe he wishes to report on a domestic matter.’

  ‘Where is he?’

  ‘At the door, my lord.’

  Valraven said nothing more but walked quickly to the entrance. His heart had become cold. Outside, he saw Hamsin, surrounded by suspicious Splendifers. The man was unshaven. He looked wretched. Valraven pushed through the guard and took Hamsin by the arm, dragging him away. People looked at them with curiosity. Valraven forced a smile. ‘It is good to see you, Hamsin. I am in a hurry, so please accompany me to my chambers. We may speak along the way.’

  Hamsin said nothing, but followed Valraven to one of the carriages that had been laid on for the convenience of the coronation staff. Once the door was closed upon them, Valraven said, ‘Speak concisely. Tell me all.’

  Hamsin squirmed, swallowed convulsively then said, ‘Khaster Leckery has kidnapped Lady Varencienne and Lady Ellony.’ His voice was cool, but his mouth worked nervously. Valraven could tell he expected to be blamed for this.

  ‘How and where?’

  ‘On the road to Caradore. We were taken by surprise. Leckery had a company of men with him. They looked like outlaws, although they were clearly men of Cos. They killed the entire escort but for me. Leckery spared me to bring you this news. My lord, I cannot tell you how sorryc’

  ‘Silence,’ said Valraven. ‘Did Leckery give any reason for this affront?’

  ‘We suspect he hoped to snatch Lord Rav, but in the event could not go away empty-handed.’

  ‘What are his demands?’

  ‘None,’ Hamsin replied. ‘Neither did he give any indication of where he intended to take Lady Varencienne. We fought as best we could.’

  ‘I have no doubt of that,’ Valraven said. ‘When you return to Caradore, the families of those who died must be given compensation. What action have you taken to rescue Varencienne?’

  ‘I went to Caradore directly, without horse, for Leckery took them all. I could not go quickly for I had to escort Lady Varencienne’s companion home, who had difficulty with the journey on foot. At Caradore, I mobilised the guard immediately. The castle is on alert. I sent a division to the scene of the kidnap, while I rode on here to you. Our men are scouring the area for clues to attempt to track Leckery’s company.’

  Valraven nodded. ‘You acted well.’

  ‘Will you come to Caradore, my lord?’

  ‘As soon as I am able. Unfortunately, it is impossible for me to leave Magrast today, but even so, I shall make some enquiries that may help us.’

  Hamsin rubbed a hand down his face. ‘We were lax. We should have been more prepared. I will accept any penalty you deem fit to exact.’

  ‘It is I who was lax,’ Valraven said. ‘My wife was aware of danger, and for this reason Rav remained here in Magrast. I should have sent some of my men with you to Caradore. Still, what is done is done. Flogging ourselves for mistakes will not help Varencienne and Ellony. Tomorrow, I will send a company of Splendifers to Caradore with you, as well as Mewtish trackers. It may be they’ll have to go on to Cos. If Khaster’s men were Cossics, it’s likely he’s made contact with Helayna there. She’s probably behind the kidnap.’

  Hamsin hesitated. ‘You knew Khaster Leckery was still alive, my lord?’

  ‘Only recently. He will not get away with this, I assure you. He and Helayna will pay the penalty, not you. I do not blame you for what happened. Do not blame yourself, either. Concentrate fully on avenging this outrage.’

  Hamsin ducked his head. ‘I will, my lord.’

  ‘One more thing,’ Valraven said. ‘Have you told anyone in Caradore who accosted you on the road?’ He fully expected Hamsin to have revealed all to Everna at least, but the man shook his head.

  ‘No, my lord. Oltefney and I discussed it on the road home and decided that this was something you should tell the Leckerys and your sisters yourself. It is momentous news and I am unsure how Lady Saska will react.’

  ‘Good man,’ Valraven said, ‘I hope, however, that my inquisitive sisters haven’t bullied Oltefney into telling all. Pharinet will smell a rat, I’m sure. She will know something is being kept from her.’

  ‘I impressed upon Mistress Oltefney that you would regard any revelations from her in a harsh light,’ Hamsin said.

  Valraven smiled grimly. ‘Then let us hope she is fearful of that threat.’

  The Dragon Lord took Hamsin to Rav’s chambers, where he told Garante to make sure the man was given a meal and allowed to rest. Later, Garante would accompany Rav, with the royal family, to the cathedral.

  ‘There has been trouble at home,’ Valraven told Garante. ‘Rav’s mother and sister have been kidnapped. I do not want you to tell the boy this, or indeed anyone else, but be extra alert today.’

  ‘You may count on me, my lord,’ Garante said.

  Valraven could tell from the expression on Garante’s face that he was surprised his employer could remain so cool after receiving this news. But what point was there in panicking, even in reacting with anger? Everything must be made neat, Valraven thought as he marched from his son’s chambers. Everything must be in order. He felt devoid of emotion, but needed to act decisively, efficiently. He went directly to Merlan Leckery’s rooms in the guest wing of the palace.

  Valraven had not spoken to Merlan privately since he’d arrived in Magrast, and had sent only a message to inform Merlan what he’d learned of Tayven’s whereabouts. He’d received a short, formal reply. At the time, he’d suspected Merlan already knew where Tayven was. How penetrating was Merlan’s intelligence network? Valraven liked Merlan, and looked upon him as a younger brother, but he could never completely trust him. Darris Maycarpe had infected him with the propensity for cunning.

  Valraven strode into Merlan’s chambers without knocking. Merlan stood in the centre of the main room, being dressed in splendid robes by a couple of valets. He and Maycarpe had obviously shared breakfast, for Maycarpe still sat at a crockery-strewn table beneath the window, scanning a city news-sheet. When Merlan caught sight of Valraven, he froze, and dismissed his servants immediately. Valraven could see at once that Merlan knew something. He looked slightly guilty. ‘I would speak to you alone,’ Valraven said.

  Maycarpe looked up from his paper. ‘Is everything all right, Val?’

  Valraven glanced at him. ‘It is a personal matter.’

  ‘We can talk in the bed chamber,’ Merlan said. His face was white.

  Once the door was closed behind them, Merlan laughed nervously. ‘You look grim. What is it?’

  ‘I have good news for you,’ Valraven said.

  ‘Good news?’

  ‘Your brother Khaster is alive.’

  ‘Oh,’ said Merlan. His face began to colour and he dropped his eyes from Valraven’s stare.

  ‘A fact of which you are patently already aware,’ Valraven said coldly. ‘Did you also know of his plan to kidnap Varencienne and the children?’

  ‘What?’ Merlan sat down heavily on the window seat.

  ‘He has taken Ren and Elly. It happened on the road to Caradore.’

  ‘No!’ Merlan displayed his hands as if to demonstrate his honesty. ‘Val, this is not how it seems.’

  ‘Well, as I am totally perplexed, I have no assumptions whatsoever. I don’t know how it seems. You are his brother, Merlan. If you know anything at all, you must tell me.’

  Merlan almost writhed upo
n his seat. ‘I saw Khaster in Akahana last year,’ he said. ‘I learned he had survived, and also that he had taken up the life of a scholar and mystic.’ He pressed his fingers briefly against his eyes. ‘By Foy, this is going too far. I had no ideac’

  ‘I think that you did,’ Valraven said. ‘How would Khaster know Ren would be on that road at that time?’

  Merlan looked up at him beseechingly. ‘I know nothing of this. Khaster and I parted badly last year. We had a disagreement. I was aware he harboured a hatred for you, but that was a legacy of the past. There was no indication he’d take action like this.’

  ‘Why did you not inform me of what you knew? You could have sent word.’

  ‘I could not,’ Merlan said.

  Valraven uttered a sound of irritated disbelief. ‘Merlan, you are a fool. You’re well thought of by the Fire Chamber. You are risking everything.’

  ‘I know that,’ Merlan said, ‘and I hope you know me well enough to appreciate I would not do so without good reason.’

  ‘Until you reveal your reason to me, I cannot say. What do you know of Khaster’s links with Cos?’

  ‘I knew he had gone there.’

  ‘Did this not strike you as important enough to tell me? You know Helayna is still at large in Cos.’

  ‘I did not believe her to be a threat. She has no army left.’

  ‘No, she hasn’t. But like all accomplished terrorists, she can still cause immeasurable harm without one. Why would Khaster want my family?’

  ‘I don’t know. To hold to ransom, perhaps? To draw you out?’

  ‘Does he want to kill me?’

  ‘How can I say?’ Merlan replied awkwardly. ‘I know I should have told you he was alive, but I couldn’t. I was sworn to secrecy, for your sake more than anyone’s.’

  ‘Your logic is surreal,’ Valraven said. ‘Please explain how your silence was for my own good. It has undoubtedly resulted in the kidnap of my wife and daughter.’

  The door opened behind him. Valraven turned to see Maycarpe at the threshold, who had clearly been eavesdropping. ‘He can’t explain, Val. It was I who persuaded him to silence.’