Keys of Candor: Trilogy

by Casey Eanes

  The room’s silence was finally disturbed by the sound of the door sliding open. The guards shuffled, and Kull could overhear them questioning the new entrant.

  “State name, assignment, and clearance level.”

  The short, bold answer stabbed a saber of shock through Kull.

  “Adley Raynor of Lotte. Royal medic. Level silver seven.”

  Aleph above. Adley? Here?! Kull’s fears of the Serubs and of Seam vanished like fog in dawn’s light. He nearly screamed with relief to hear Adley’s voice and had to will himself not to call out to her.

  “Afraid this area is restricted. Come back when you have the right credentials,” the guard snapped. This lot was smug, enjoying all the authority bestowed on them in protecting the King’s precious Spire.

  A moment of silence passed before a new voice cut in, “You will allow her to advance, and you will stand down. That is an order. She is here on command of the High King.”

  The guard stammered, “Commander Donahue. My apologies. But no one said anything about her coming.”

  Adley fired back, “Your business, I would assume, is to guard, not to know everyone’s itinerary. Now, I have a cart of meds for these prisoners. I was instructed to ensure their vitals held until the King returned. You can scan if you want, but don’t touch anything. I have direct orders. Thank you, Bronson, for making sure I was cleared. I will hurry.”

  The man’s voice was short, “Be quick. The King wants no time wasted. Report back to me when you are finished so I can report. I will be tending to the convoys.”

  Kull could hear shuffling feet and a few grumbles as the guards examined the contents of Adley’s cart. Her footsteps clicked against the cold metal floor. The steps stopped, and Kull strained his neck to try and catch a glimpse. She’s checking on Wael.

  “Gods! How long has this man been like this?” Her voice was laced with horror.

  The guard shrugged his shoulders. “Dunno. Since we brought him in.”

  Kull heard Adley’s voice raise with panic. “That does not answer my question! I asked how long?”

  Kull’s heart sunk to his stomach. What did they do to Wael?

  “Pipe down,” grunted the brute. “Eh, it’s been about five hours.” The guard’s voice fell into an awkward excuse

  “Shouldn't matter. He is still alive and where the King wants him.”

  Adley stamped over near the guards. Kull could see her in his mind’s eye, her eyes blazing with contempt. “Of course it matters! These men are to be alive when the High King arrives. This one is on the edge of death. They are no good dead!”

  Kull tried to process what he just heard. This was a major disconnect from what he expected. What did she say? Is she somehow a part of this? How could she speak about us like this?

  Kull could hear Adley pulling supplies from the cart. She addressed the guards again and the anger had not receded from her voice, “I will be giving them a few shots to ensure their vitals stabilize. I hope for your sakes that it is enough to keep them alive until it is time for them to die.”

  “Do what you have to, medic. We’re not worried.” The other guard chuckled in agreement.

  Kull could hear Adley whisper, “You should be.”

  Adley labored over Wael for several minutes and afterwards Kull’s heart jumped at the weak voice that simply told her, “Thank you.” The voice was thin and strained, but the voice was undeniably Wael’s. Just knowing he was still alive caused a glimmer of hope to pulse through Kull’s veins, but the hope was tempered by the thought of his old friend supporting Seam’s insanity.

  A thousand thoughts ricocheted in Kull’s mind. How could Adley, of all people, follow and join Seam’s order? What had happened to her?

  After several minutes she was standing over him. Kull dared to look up at her face. Her long brown hair was pulled back, and she wore a black and gold uniform. Kull flashed a broken smile, but Adley showed no signs of recognition. No signs of friendship. It made Kull sick to his stomach, and he wanted to look away from her, his heart filled with shame. Shame for himself and for her. Something shifted between them, and he wondered if it could ever be repaired. Kull felt guilt as he wondered if he and Ewing’s lies had partially driven her to follow Seam’s leadership. Her face was still vacant as she filled a large syringe and held it in her hand.

  She stepped close to him and looked him over from head to toe. Kull winced as she touched him, taking his pulse at his neck. Say something, he thought to himself. You must say something. Tears welled in his eyes as she reached down and drove the shot into his neck. He yelped as she pushed the plunger down, the burning liquid rushing under his skin. His neck locked up, and it felt as if his entire body would go into convulsions. He could feel the injection explode down his neck and fall deep into his shoulders.

  “Argh. What are you doing?”

  Kull shuddered under the pain. With his one good eye, he looked at her. Adley slapped him across the face and injected another shot into his shoulder.

  “Shut your mouth. I don’t answer to you," she said.

  The guards chuckled and talked beneath their breath to one another as she reached for his arm to check his pulse. As her hand fell on his wrist he felt her slip something into his palm. She then turned back to the cart and picked up an ophthalmoscope. She peeled open Kull’s swollen eye and peered in. As he growled in pain she whispered to him.

  “Get out. Back of the Spire. A transport is waiting.” Kull looked into her eyes, which softened with concern.

  Kull smiled and whispered back, “Told you I wouldn’t get myself killed.”

  “Fine job you’re doing of that.”

  She stepped away from Kull to address the guards, “Well, this is all I can do for these two. I hope for your sakes that the King is not upset with their pitiful state when he is ready for them.”

  As quickly as she entered, Adley exited the room and left Kull behind. The pain searing down his neck quickly faded and gave way to comfort and a renewed strength. He could feel his body being rejuvenated by whatever torturous concoction Adley injected into him. His fingers fumbled around the object she gave him. A lock pick. The serum continued to work within him, and he felt his hands steady to the point that he was able to begin working at the bindings.

  A silent prayer bloomed in Kull’s mind as his hands struggled with the lock. He had never unlocked anything without a key in his life, and here he was in a place where everything depended on the next few moments.

  Aleph above. Please, help me.

  Kull threaded the pick into the open lock. I haven’t asked you for much, but I need you now. I’ve needed you this whole time.

  He held the pick with his thumbs, and bit on the small metal wire, plunging it deeper into the lock. He could feel it pressing against the springing pins. Fear began to set in. Even if I get my bindings unlocked, what will I do? What can I do?

  He closed his eyes and forced himself to breath. All of this is just so hopeless. I...I don’t know what to do.

  Suddenly the door opened behind him. He let out one last sigh and pressed in on the pick as one last prayer left his lips.

  Click.

  The bindings around his wrists popped free. A patrol of many footsteps approached outside the room, and Kull felt like his heart might beat a hole in his chest. There was hope. He was nearly free. His mind filled with thoughts of what to do next, knowing his hands were unbound. He could feel the guards shuffling in the room, and could feel their tension and silence. The King is coming. Kull knew that whatever fate awaited him it came alongside Seam Pandarean. His chest tightened as he fought to keep his composure, until he thought back to one of his many sparring lessons with his father.

  “Don’t always take the first shot. Wait for the right opening. A hasty choice may very well be your last.”

  Wait for the right opening. Patience was his answer. Kull knew that his only opportunity was to wait for the right opening to present itself.

  “Long live the King!”
The guards chanted.

  Seam’s voice rolled out like a victorious banner, “At ease, men. How are the prisoners faring?”

  “Still alive. We await your orders, sir.”

  Kull took a deep breath, his hands trembling. He waited and listened, trying to get a sense of who entered into the room, how many he would have to deal with. Kull had been thankful to have his back to the room as he picked the lock, but now everything was a guessing game as he tried to determine how many guards he might have to face.

  Seam spoke with an elated voice, “I have brought the remaining fugitives with me. They will stand on trial for the crimes they have committed in Candor. Bind them to their places. Now!”

  Kull heard the shuffling of chains being moved. To his right, he caught a glimpse of the girl who attacked Cotswold, the red-haired warrior who captured his father. The guards forced her to her knees and locked her hands to the floor. She looked over at him, but showed no sign of acknowledgement. She seemed almost amused, and it was clear her mind was occupied.

  Then Kull looked to his left as another prisoner was locked to the floor. His mind froze when he registered the face. It was his father. In an instant, Kull’s whole body was shaking with a storm of emotions. Tears stung his eyes as he saw him, broken and bound.

  “Dad.” Kull could not contain himself anymore.

  Grift looked up. Shock and fear ignited over his face, as he stammered. “Kull...I…I, I didn’t know...I.”

  Kull tried to reassure himself and provide some sliver of hope, regardless of how hopeless it really was. “I’m here to get you home. Mom is waiting for us.”

  “SILENCE!” The guard sent a steel-toed boot into Grift’s gut. Grift’s eyes never left his son’s.

  Kull whispered over to him “It’s okay, Dad. It’s okay.” A smile flashed on Kull’s face, despite it all. Grift smiled too, remaining silent. They were finally together. That fact alone made things better, no matter what was waiting them.

  Silence passed for a moment as Kull heard slow footsteps approach him.

  “Touching, really, to see this reunion.” Kull looked up and was face to face with the High King of Lotte once again. Seam Panderean looked down at him as one might look at a worm or a dead animal. He reached down and patted Kull’s cheek before letting out a sigh and turning to the mirror facing them.

  “Ah.” He looked over at Grift. “So nice to have both father and son.”

  Grift’s eyes filled with fire, but he remained silent as Seam turned back to Kull.

  “Your family has been quite a thorn in my side. Destiny, however, cannot be stalled.” He paced toward one of the tall mirrors that stood near them. He ran his hand down the glass, his deep brown eyes turning back, surveying all of his captured prisoners. He screamed at them, “I plan to make you all into an example of those who choose to voice their opposition! Candor and its newfound unity will not tolerate sedition!” He looked at Kull and then to Grift. “Grift, I am going to enjoy seeing your son gutted.”

  Grift raised his face toward the King, his yell echoing through the chamber, “LONG LIVE KING CAMDEN!”

  The entire room went completely silent.

  Grift stared at the young royal, “My son is more of a man than you have ever been, you worm.” Kull stared at his father, his heart overflowing with awe, fear, and pride. “He is a warrior and a man of great valiance. He has, to the end, remained loyal to his King and to his family. I am so very proud of him.” Grift’s battered face looked on Kull for a moment, his eyes filling with tears. He shot back at Seam, his voice filling with deep disdain. “I wonder, High King, what Camden would say about you?”

  Seam’s face went pale.

  Grift did not relent, “Better yet, Seam, what would dear Aleigha think if she knew that it was you who murdered her husband? All because of your lust for his throne.”

  Seam flushed with rage. “SILENCE!” Seam turned to the guards behind Kull. “Put the Surrogator on the screen. These trials will commence now. As for the rest of the security detail, stand down. I will call for you once you are needed.” Seam stared over at Grift, daggers shooting from his eyes.

  A long, panoramic window filled with the large, pale face of the rat-like man that Kull met with in the Groganlands. The red-haired girl threw herself against the weight of her chains and screamed like a wild animal.

  “HOSP!”

  A broken, digitized voice filled the room. “Ah, High King Seam, it looks as if you have secured everyone that we need.”

  Seam spoke, “It is time to conduct the trials, Surrogator. Where should we begin?”

  Kull kept his mouth shut but allowed a torrent of curses to flow through his mind against his enemies. Wait for the right opening. Seam turned and faced Kull and then looked at Grift. Everything on his face made his intentions clear.

  “My dear, Hosp, let’s start with the boy. Grift Shepherd’s son.”

  Kull’s stare softened as he looked over at his father. Terror flooded Grift’s face.

  Kull did the only thing he could think of doing. “Dad,” he whispered, “it’s okay, Dad.”

  “It is time to pronounce our judgment over you, Kull Shepherd of Lotte.” Seam tapped into the datalink on his wrist and read off the list of charges for Kull.

  “Kull Shepherd, you are hereby found guilty for inciting sedition, revolt, and terrorism. Your actions and conspiracy led to a massacre in a bagger work camp, costing many civilian police their lives, not to mention that of the baggers who were employed there."

  Willyn could not stand it anymore. She fired out, “This isn’t a trial! Where is his chance for a defense?!”

  Seam turned to Willyn. “Silence! Your crimes will be read for you in time, Willyn Kara.”

  Rage overflowed from her mouth, “Oh, please, don’t hesitate. Tell me these crimes I have committed against Candor and this new peaceful unity. I want to hear them come from your divine mouth, most glorious High King.”

  “Fine,” Seam turned to face Willyn. “It will be as you wish.”

  Tapping his datalink, Seam glanced up at the large projection of Hosp. “For the murder of Sar Hagan and for the insurrection of the Red militia, this court finds you, Willyn Kara, guilty of high treason.”

  Willyn threw herself against her bindings. “I did not KILL my brother!”

  “For these crimes, Willyn Kara, and for so many innocents whose blood is on your hands, you are hereby sentenced to death. I believe the Surrogator supports this sentencing?”

  Hosp’s eyes grew wide as he sneered into the datalink screen, “I could not agree more, King Seam. Her crimes have ravaged our once proud Realm, and her betrayal of her own brother is unimaginable and unforgivable.”

  The two guards flanked Willyn. Seam pulled a long, black sword from beneath his robes. Kull knew that it was time. This was it. This was his moment. Was it adrenaline, or maybe Adley’s drugs? It didn’t matter as his mind locked into a new state of clarity. This is my chance. I have to move now.

  Kull threw his arm bindings down and snapped the pick into the lock around his neck. The second lock was much easier to navigate than the first. He offered up one last prayer as he felt the springs dance beneath the pick, and the bindings sprung free from his throat. Thank you, Aleph.

  He scanned the room. First he spun around, and his fears were confirmed. Wael managed to lift himself to his knees but was still trembling and weak. Kull knew he did not have time to free him, and even if he did, Wael would not be able to fight.

  This is it. Kull stood, ready to attack Seam from behind. The soldiers who saw him first pointed and yelled. Seam began to turn around, when suddenly the world began to slow. In Kull’s mind it was as if the entire world was stopping to a standstill, locking in stasis. Kull looked at Seam, the guards, Willyn, his father, and Wael. They were all frozen. Kull carefully stepped around the room. How is this happening? He stared at each face in the room. They all stood as still as statues.

  “What are you doing, child?”

/>   The mirror. Kull’s mind exploded with the reality. They are kept in the mirrors. He turned to face the pane of glass that carried the voice. It shimmered like the surface of water, and a face appeared, a radiant face that was intoxicatingly beautiful. The woman’s eyes glowed with the colors of swirling starlight, as cold as comets.

  Kull’s mind felt like a rope had noosed around his sanity, and it was being stretched to its limits as the woman spoke to him.

  Kull slammed his eyelids shut and took a deep breath. With his eyes still closed, he called out to her.

  “I know what you are, and I will not allow him to free you.”

  “You are sadly mistaken, for we are destined to be free. The keys have all been collected. This is the time for our unbinding.” Kull opened his eyes as the woman’s face crept into a sinister smile, “And I must say, thank you for delivering the Key of Preost to us. Now, return to your place at the altar.”

  From the corner of the room, behind the second mirror Kull could sense movement. Amid everything else frozen in place, something moved outside the mirror, a shadowy figure shifting against the wall. In a flash he ran toward it, but nothing was there. When he turned back he saw the mirror filled with the woman’s face. She smiled and opened her mouth. From it, hundreds of snakes began pouring out, crawling toward him and filling the room. It was as if the whole floor had become alive with nightmares. As his mind strove in vain to make sense of this, he saw that within this living sea were not just snakes, but worms, maggots, flies, and centipedes. A full menagerie of darkness and death was sweeping over the room, racing toward him. It became impossible to move as Kull stood petrified by fear. The hoard got closer until it overtook him, wrapping him within a biting, stinging blanket of a thousand teeth.

  This can’t be real, this can’t be real. He slammed his fist against the mirror.

  “Get out of my head! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!”

  The woman in the glass laughed maniacally, and Kull pushed himself away from it. He stared down at his body. The carpet of creatures that covered him completely disappeared, even though he could still feel the pain of a thousand mouths gnawing on him. Absolute madness was on the brink of overtaking him. Wael was right. Wael was right about these things. How could I have been so stupid?