by J. R. Castle
It was too hard to tell. Instead, Darnel sat quietly and listened to the old man’s complaints about his former employer and his deep concerns for the land.
“Creatures,” Koloman spat, sitting the empty teacup on the oval table nearest him. “He’s going to allow creatures into Rodonal. Of all things!”
Darnel glanced at Anwynn who set out plates of fruit and cheeses wondering if she took insult. He seemed repulsed by creatures, yet enamored by one, all the same. Fickle humans.
Fajer smiled with sympathy and continued probing and coercing more information well into the night.
Koloman said at one point, “The fool is sure he can rule as he wishes but nobody will listen to him. I’ve sat in on the Osas council of Elders. They aren’t happy. Leon wishes for them to send their children to Rodon for training when they are needed here. And he’s asking for men to leave their homes and families to be trained as guards for the borders. They grumble that he’s much too young and naive to understand what he is asking. He has made no effort to show he will be a reputable leader like his father.”
Fajer clicked his tongue and shook his head in dismay. “I must admit, Adviser, we are new to this land. What is required of a leader? What are the people looking for? I suppose one who does not throw aside valuable people of wisdom like yourself, no doubt. But what else?”
Darnel watched his mentor with interest over how he stroked the old man’s pride. He didn’t threaten or demand anything. Darnel was sure that by now, the potion had waned and no longer had any effect on Koloman. But he continued talking, or rather ranting, against the new leadership and his unjust treatment. Fajer stoked the fires of Koloman’s indignation until it blazed like an inferno.
“A respectable leader has a few years of well-gained wisdom under his belt. Leon is the youngest regent to be appointed. His father’s passing was abrupt, I’ll not deny, and sooner than one would expect. I’m sure Issah meant well when he appointed Leon…” Koloman’s brows furrowed. “But he could have appointed someone with more experience. I know it’s wrong to doubt our prince, but this was a rash move. There, I said it.” The quick nod of his head settled his traitorous statement.
Behind his clasped hands pressed against his lips, Fajer grinned. “Well, my friend, you are not the first, nor the last, to have doubted the ruling authority. I am surprised any of the towns are willing to support this new ruler of Rodonal. There have been uprisings in other provinces when an unacceptable leader took power. Perhaps—”
Koloman shook his head. “No, the leaders of the towns like Leon and will support him eventually. His rash decrees are what have people a little unsettled. But I warned him.” Koloman, who was no longer even tied at the legs, now sat on the couch across from Darnel and Fajer, like a friend instead of a prisoner.
Darnel leaned forward, fighting the exhaustion from their long discussion as Fajer drained the adviser of as much information as possible. “What did you warn him about?”
Koloman’s cold gaze rested on Darnel. “That he must find a suitable wife and unite as soon as possible. I warned him that he’d not have the respect of his people until he does. Even his mother is advising him in the same manner. Though, I’m sure that is because she tires of having to take up the slack after her husband’s untimely passing. Leon spent too much time on the road during his tour. Again, because he wouldn’t listen to me. No, he favored the Elderad who has no idea what it’s like running a province.”
Darnel gasped at the reference to Riyah. Was he still in Rodonal? If the Elderad remained in the capital, trying to take it over was a lost cause. He cast a quick glance to Fajer. His tight smile and glinting purple eyes revealed his elation as if what the adviser said was opening wide the gates of possibilities. Darnel wished he knew what the sorcerer was really thinking. He couldn’t probe anyone’s mind without causing great discomfort, and this wasn’t the time.
“So, let me make sure I understand you, Adviser,” Fajer shook his finger, excitement growing in his voice. “In order to gain support from his people, the regent needs to take a wife? But what importance is that?”
Koloman looked at Fajer as if he were instructing a child how to put shoes on the correct foot. “A man who has a family will be more sympathetic to the families that he rules. People look at Leon and see his youth and bachelorhood as strikes against him. Especially when he is sending out notices that require families to be split apart. What has he done to prove he honestly cares about them? How can they be sure that their children will be protected? Or eventually, return home? Absolutely nothing. He marched into his plush office and started making demands before the dirt has settled over the previous ruler’s grave.”
Fajer leaned back in his chair with a smug smile. “Interesting. And you advised him to take a wife. Did you have any prospects in mind?”
A long moment passed before Koloman offered a nod. The old man’s brows pinched over his cool gaze. “I’m no fool. I may not have a powerful talent as you wizards crave, but I am a visionary. And I have a keen ability to see both sides in a matter. Regent Lonnel may not have been a kind-hearted ruler, but he managed a thriving province. Those who didn’t produce and contribute to the whole were considered outcasts. Osas has always provided wares and supplies to the capital. And in turn, they were left to manage their own affairs as they pleased. Lonnel made no demands from the towns, except for expecting their trade.” His lips pursed together. Perhaps the potion was still at work because every time he opened his mouth, more information poured out like cow’s milk from an overturned bucket.
“I know you’d hoped to drain all you could from me, including my powers, such as they are. I fear they’ll not satiate your thirst, or provide what you really need, Fajer. Now, I’ve told you everything I know. If you’ll release me now, I’ll leave the province and never mention this evening to anybody. I do have family in—”
Fajer shook his head as he stood. “I deny your request, Adviser. You will remain with us until I’m satisfied that you’ve told us everything you know.”
Koloman’s stony expression creased into lines of worry. “And then?”
Fajer waved his hand. “You’ll remain with us so long as you prove useful. Try to escape, or fight us and you’ll forfeit your life. You may think you don’t have powers worth my trouble, but you have no idea how tolerable I am at this time. You said you know what wizards do with those who have superior giftings. Then let’s be open and honest about where you stand. I’ll take whatever extra powers are available to me at the moment.”
The adviser’s face paled as the realization that his days were numbered sank in. “But you need me, wizard. You need my knowledge more than you need my insipid talents.”
“That remains to be seen, Adviser,” Fajer emphasized the last word with a smirk. “Darnel, lock him in the—”
“I know what your Order is after.” Koloman blurted, his tone growing desperate. “You want a way in. We’ve known of the Brethren and their attempts to take over power as your kindred have done in the southern regions. We ignored the smaller villages in hopes you would be satisfied with that.” Koloman folded his arms over his chest. “I see Regent Lonnel was wrong in his assessment of your kindreds’ strength.”
Fajer chuckled as he went to the fireplace and stoked the fire.
Koloman continued talking, fear lacing his words. “I…I know of a way in. But you must promise to keep me alive. You’ll need me if you hope to set one boot on the sands of Rodon.”
Darnel was on his feet, his interest piqued. Yes, he very much wanted to find a way into Rodon. Only those with a medallion were permitted entrance into the capital. Unless they had a letter of invitation from the regent or accompanied by someone in authority. Any others were taken directly to the Meeting Hall for inspection. Darnel had no interest in being inside one of those blasted Halls, either.
Koloman might have been dismissed from his position, but he’d not been banned from his home city.
Fajer narrowed his gaze
at him, but Darnel dismissed it. He had the power now, and the ultimate decision in what they would do next rested with him. Anwynn would now go along with whatever Darnel ordered. As a member of their troupe, she was now bound to him, as was Fajer. Darnel held his stare until the sorcerer looked away.
Turning back to the adviser, Darnel asked, “What did you have in mind?”
Koloman’s mouth turned up on one side. He glanced toward the sleeping quarters where Anwynn had disappeared to several hours ago. “Leon needs a wife. By now, he will be more aware of this, despite his reluctance. The pressure to find a suitable helpmate will be weighing heavily on him.”
Darnel shrugged. “And that matters to us in what way?”
Once again, Koloman’s eyes darted toward the elf’s room. “Your companion is quite striking and…enchanting. With a little conditioning, we might—”
“Out of the question!” Fajer interjected. “Darnel, take him to the cellar and lock him in. I’m exhausted and need some rest to think things through.” He waved his hands in dismissal and headed for his own room.
Koloman chuckled as he kept his gaze on Darnel. “Perhaps my intuition is off today. I was sure you were the wizard in charge of this group. Ah, well, we all make mistakes, do we not?”
Darnel grabbed the man’s upper arm and led him toward the kitchen to a set of stairs leading down to a windowless room where they kept a nice stock of wine. “Don’t you worry about who is in charge, Koloman. Worry about how much time you have left of your miserable life.”
Before he could shove the man into the darkened room, Koloman put his hands against the door frame. “Do not let the marked one hinder your plans. I know you are the one with the greatest power.” He rubbed at his forehead. “I know with great certainty. If you wish to someday lead your own province, you’ll not let anyone hinder you. You’ll take whatever opportunity comes your way. Grasp it while you can. It’s the only way to protect yourself and what you want.”
Darnel shoved the man inside and locked the door behind him. But his words burrowed their way in like a sucking leech. Perhaps Fajer was right, and trying to call forth the pit-demon on their own was too risky. At least, for now.
The clomping of his boots echoed up the winding staircase. He didn’t retire to his room right away. No, he needed time to think a few things through. Getting Anwynn to agree with his budding plan would be his greatest hurdle. Fajer still held some powers, but not enough to be of any concern to Darnel.
Outside, the stars filled the vast expanse of black above. In the distance, a shadow of tall cliffs blocked out the sparkling glow of night lights in the sky. Everything as far as he could see could be his if he didn’t allow his desires to trip him up. To capture and command one of the Light King’s Provinces would be a mighty blow to the ruler. It would show all of his kindred that they shouldn’t have cast him aside so callously. More importantly, it would prove he didn’t need to bow to anyone to get what he wanted.
No, he would overthrow the Kingdom himself by sheer will and power and a bit of cunning.
Chapter Six
Kardia quickly closed the cart door then sat on the ground, pretending to examine the fish Jael had caught earlier.
“See?” he said, arms loaded with two large clay bottles and a bolt of silky blue fabric. “As promised, I wasn’t gone for very long at all. But we’ll need to hurry. Ol’ Rumpus is a bit suspicious of my hasty departure. Usually, I stay to visit and drink all his ale. Not today, though. Nope, I tole—” He stopped at the back door as if realizing he’d not locked it. His dark brown eyes darted down to her, then back to the door.
She did her best to act casual and unaware of his mistake. “Told him what? Can I get this off now? I really hate being tied up, it makes me…” she swallowed the word suspicious and instead said, “scared. Friends shouldn’t scare each other, I don’t think.”
He elbowed the door open and peered inside. “No, you’re right, Little Bit.” Dumping his goods, he backed up and closed the doors, this time locking them with his key. “Ol’ Jael didn’t mean to scare you. Just make you stay put. No hard feelings, eh?” He held out his hand to help her up. “Do you really consider ol’ Jael as your friend?”
She stared up at him for a long moment, then stood on her own and brushed the dirt from her skirt. “I certainly wanted to. You’ve been kind and very helpful. But if you tie me up like that again…then I’ll know you’re no friend at all.”
Jael’s brown eyes widened as his mouth took a downward turn. “Ah, come on, Kardia, don’t say that. It makes my heart hurt as if you stabbed me with a blunt stick.”
If only she could arm herself with something, she’d make sure he never did that to her again without suffering for it. “I’ve been a captive once, Jael Azazel, and I’ll not be someone’s prisoner again.”
He forced a smile, but his furrowed brows canceled it out. “Would I buy a prisoner such fine cloth? Did you see? The silky blue fabric? It’s for you, silly Little Bit. I was going to have a nice dress made for you, I was. Isn’t that what a friend would do?” He flicked the silver strand and it came loose.
Would they? Kardia bent to rub her leg, making sure there were no fresh marks left behind. She honestly wasn’t too sure. Miltie had never had a dress made for her, but she’d offered other gifts in kindness. Nobody else in her little town had given gifts. Even Mother had only ordered dresses made when forced to because Kardia had worn out her older garments.
Never had she had a dress made of fine silk. It didn’t seem like the proper material for traipsing around the woods with the faun.
Kardia would bide her time. The faerie said someone was coming, though it made no sense. Who would come for her? Still, she didn’t wish to anger the faun. Deep down, she knew that without him, she’d probably starve to death or be picked off by the wild wolves roaming through the forest. If she didn’t end up meeting something worse.
Dwarfs lived in these woods. Faeries. Centaurs. She shuddered, wondering what it would be like to meet such creatures face-to-face. Jael didn’t seem so horrible after all.
“That cloth is a beautiful blue. Who will make it for me?”
He shook his finger at her and chuckled. “Oh, you’ll have to wait and see. But never fear, ol’ Jael will find a skilled seamstress somewhere along this road. Now, let’s get going. We still have a couple of hours of daylight to travel before we must stop. I’d like to be far away from the bearded rock grinders by then.”
Soon they were on their way. Jael had hung Kardia’s pack on the front of his cart so she’d not need to carry it all the time. She reached for it and managed to get the strap around her shoulder. When he gave her a curious look, she pretended to rummage inside for her brush and began to clumsily comb the tangles from her hair as they walked.
From now on, she’d keep it with her. Next time they came near any kind of town or establishment, she’d make a run for it.
The faun was up to something. Why would she need such a fine garment for walking through the woods? There was no answer to that question that didn’t cause her stomach to churn nervously. She might be naive, but she’d seen the women who worked at the tavern in Goia wearing fancy dresses made of such material. Kardia knew what they did to earn a living and wanted no part of that.
The faerie said someone was coming for her. Kardia shook her head. The trapped faerie must have been mistaken. Kardia had nobody to count on except herself.
Once the bite on thumb had scabbed over, she’d found the trapped faerie no longer spoke to her. She wished she had fingernails to pick off the scab and see if she’d hear the poor thing again. Kardia wanted to escape Jael, but how could she leave the faerie behind?
When they finally stopped, she tossed down her pack, unrolled her blanket, then laid her head on the lumpy bag so Jael wouldn’t insist on keeping it for her.
“Aren’t you hungry, Little Bit?” he asked taking the pail of fish from the back of the cart.
“I’m really tired. Exha
usted. I’ll eat later.” With a loud yawn, she burrowed under the blanket, hoping if he thought she was asleep, then he’d leave to do his late-night hunting. Soon as he left, she’d find a way to pry open the doors of the cart and help the faerie escape. Perhaps the little fae would be so grateful, she’d help Kardia find somewhere safe to stay. Or even better, help her find the White Path.
But Jael stayed near. The smell of roasting fish made her mouth water and stomach rumble. She remained still and tried to think of anything besides how hungry she was at the moment. Eventually, she drifted off to sleep.
When Kardia awoke, she bolted up to find the fire nothing but embers along with charred fish bones. Glancing around, she saw no sign of Jael. This was her chance. Tossing the blanket aside, she moved to stand and felt a familiar burning on her leg when she moved too far away from the tree she’d slept beside. “Oh no.” The silver cord glinted in the dim light of the crescent moon. She sank back onto the ground, her throat burning with the surging tears threatening to burst from her eyes.
Jael was no friend.
Not at all.
He was her captor.
Once again, she’d been tricked, and it broke her heart. Wasn’t there anyone in this world she could trust? What if all her hopes and dreams about a good king were nothing more than another deception? How could she know? How would she ever know?
“Why do you weep, child?”
Kardia gasped and sat up with a frightened cry. A shadowed figure sat on a fallen log a few feet away from her, his face hidden within the folds of a cloak the color of a pool of water at night. A tall staff was clutched in one hand. Something about the staff seemed familiar.
“Do not be afraid. I am not here to harm you.”
