Wardens of Archos

by Sarina Langer

  The room Rachael had been given led out onto a small balcony. She stepped outside and left the door open. It was a bright night; the full moon lit the mountain and Naikino in a soft glow. In the courtyard below, small, blue lights danced under the stars. Rachael smiled. The blue wisps were unlike anything she’d ever seen before. Magic was beautiful, despite the vast levels of destruction it could cause. It was bad people who had ruined the gifted’s reputation. Out here, magic was as innocent as the stars above.

  The door to her room opened and closed. Cale moved quietly, but Rachael recognised his footsteps regardless. He leaned against the balcony, his back to the wisps.

  “Are you all right?”

  How was Rachael supposed to answer? Did Cale truly want to know, or did he ask to be polite? Perhaps it didn't matter how she felt. She had a world to save whether she was tired or not.

  “I’m fine.”

  “No, you’re not.”

  Cale turned around and looked at her. Rachael kept her eyes on the lights dancing below.

  “They are called sei,” he said. “Night wisps. It’s a shame we don’t have anything like them in Rifarne.”

  Rachael had to agree. She could just picture them dancing around the small garden behind the house Cale had shared with his sister, or the cottage Arlo had lived in, which had become a haven for wildlife.

  “Do you think we ever did?”

  “Who knows. Maybe at one point, before the sorcerers destroyed their magic.”

  For a while they stood next to each other in silence, admiring the quiet performance in the courtyard.

  When Rachael couldn’t hold it in anymore, she sighed. “I wanted to trust Kaida.”

  “Mist Women have their own agenda,” said Cale. “But that doesn’t mean she wants to hurt you.”

  “Doesn’t it?”

  Cale moved closer, his hand inches from hers on the balcony railing. “If she wanted to hurt you, Rachael, she could have done so back at the palace. We didn’t need to come all the way here for that.”

  “And if she needs my blood for some kind of ritual that she can only perform here?” Rachael looked at Cale then, and their eyes met.

  “Do you think that’s why we’re here? So she can sacrifice you?”

  No matter how betrayed Rachael felt, her gut feeling to trust Kaida was still there. In a world that had shunned her and wanted to watch her die in agony, she’d often thought of her instincts as her only friends, but feelings could be treacherous. That was all her gut instinct was. A feeling.

  Rachael let out a long, frustrated sigh. “But why the lies? Why can’t she tell me what she’s looking for?”

  Cale shrugged. “As I said, Mist Women have their own agenda. I don’t like it, either, but if this weapon can help us survive, maybe even win, I won’t turn it down.”

  “How bad must it be if she doesn’t want to tell me about it?”

  Cale smiled and took her hand in his. “Who knows? She won’t get past me, Rachael. I’ll die before she can harm you.” He froze and pulled back, taking a few steps away from her. Rachael wished he’d come back. Having her hand held like that was strange, but comforting and nice. She’d allowed Cale to come closer than anyone had ever wanted to come. The warmth of his skin had chased away the shiver she’d felt before.

  Only a few weeks ago, Cale had avoided all eye contact with her and she had misunderstood his intentions. Perhaps she’d misjudged Kaida, too.

  “I’d prefer it if it didn’t come to that.” It was odd to have people care about her—to care about others herself—but Rachael liked it. The world was still a dark place full of deceit and ulterior motives—in that regard her life hadn't changed a bit—but at least now she didn’t have to get by on her own.

  “Do you know about a prophecy involving dragons?”

  Cale raised his eyebrows. “Why do you ask?”

  “They are extinct, aren’t they?” Rachael was surprised to hear her voice waver. Was she truly afraid of a legend? She knew how to survive two lowly thugs, but all the magic in the world wouldn’t protect her if a dragon attacked.

  Cale came closer again. His fingers twitched toward hers, but he kept them to himself, and laced both of his hands together instead. For a moment, she hoped he'd change his mind.

  “They are. No one has seen a dragon in a long time. It’s thought they all went extinct around the same time the old kingdom fell. There are many people who believe the powerful spells the sorcerers used had far reaching consequences. It makes sense that dragons, as beings of pure magic, were affected.”

  Rachael nodded but couldn’t shake the feeling they were missing something.

  “When we were in S'saros Gora, I spoke to a woman. Or I thought I did; it was like I blinked and she was gone.”

  “Is that why you looked confused when I found you?” Rachael nodded. “I admit, I didn’t see a woman. It’s possible she used magic so only you could see her.” He frowned. “If I’d known someone was upsetting you, I’d have walked over sooner. What did she say?”

  “She said something about a spell of the dragon. It almost sounded like prophecy, but I think it was incomplete. I can’t remember her exact words.”

  “There are many fake fortune tellers out there, Rachael, even here in the South. Not everyone possesses the gift, and those who don’t are sometimes jealous and pretend they know more than they do. I'm sure it's nothing.”

  “How did she just disappear if she doesn't have the gift?”

  “She might have some small ability, or she’s familiar with the spaces between the tents and is used to making a quick exit. How easily were you able to escape inside the alleys in Blackrock when you had to?”

  Rachael frowned. It wasn’t the same. “There were no alleys in the market. Only more tents and tables. And it wasn’t just her that was gone, it was all her things, too.”

  “Then perhaps she worked from elsewhere. What you saw could have been a mirage.”

  “A mirage?”

  “It’s a form of the gift native to Krymistis. You don’t see it outside the desert often, but it involves making people see anything you like. It's sometimes used by bandits who lure thirsty or tired travellers deeper into the desert, showing them an image of a lake and trees. The travellers die of thirst, and the bandits rob them.”

  “That’s horrible!”

  Cale nodded. “That’s not the only use for it. It can be used as a tactical advantage in war—or by fake fortune tellers in a market. What you saw was probably only a reflection of the real person wielding the magic. You thought you were sitting opposite her, but she was hiding in a nearby building where she could watch you without any threat to herself.”

  It sounded plausible, but Rachael hated that she'd been played. “That’s not the only time I’ve heard dragons mentioned.”

  “It’s not?”

  “No. Back in the White City I had a vision. Or I think it was one. I’ve never had visions of the past before, but since Kaida has amplified my necklace it happens more often.”

  “What did you see?”

  “Temple Isle, and the people who hid the relics we found. They had to hurry up when a dragon appeared and tried to kill them.”

  Cale took her hand in his again. This time he didn’t pull back, and Rachael laced her fingers through his.

  “Unusual, but we did know your gift would develop eventually. Dragons were more common back then. The vision must have made you nervous, and the fortune teller played to that fear.”

  Rachael nodded. Cale was probably right. “Do you think there’s a prophecy related to it in the Tome of Ar’Zac Dar?”

  “There might be.” Cale smiled. “Would you be able to read it if there was?”

  Rachael sighed. “No, I guess not.”

  She stifled a yawn. The full moon stood high in the night sky, and the sei had slowed their dance. Talking to Cale had made her forget how tired she was. She let go of his hand and moved away from the railing.

  “We have a
busy day ahead. I’d like to talk to you and Kiana about our next steps in the morning. Maybe we can help Kaida with her research, and leave sooner.” Rachael doubted Kaida would be any more willing to talk in the morning, but perhaps she could give them pointers without compromising her secret.

  “Rachael, wait—”

  When she turned around, she bumped into Cale. She hadn't realised he had followed her. He stood so close she could feel his breath on her cheeks, and she resisted the temptation to run her fingers over his scar.

  “What is it?”

  “I—” He looked away, his arms restless by his side. “I hope you sleep well. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  She watched him leave, her hand still warm from his touch.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Naikino was the most breath-taking place Rachael had ever been to. While Kaida did her research, Rachael had ventured into the town below with Cale and Kiana. They had agreed to help Kaida for a few hours in the morning and in the afternoon, but eventually her eyes had begun to hurt and Kaida had suggested they explore the town. Rachael had been grateful for the distraction and had left, especially because Kaida’s instructions to find details about the last war had been vague at best.

  Now that they had descended the mountain path into the village, the Mist Women’s temple felt worlds away. It felt good to breathe fresh air again. For the first time since they had arrived the night before, the heavy incense didn’t fill every corner of her consciousness. Rachael no longer felt watched by Kaida, Yoko, and Natalia, and the anger she’d felt the night before dissipated with every step they took away from the house. Her mind kept coming back to Cale, and her hand in his. How nice it had felt to know someone cared and wanted to stand closer than anyone had ever done. She didn’t know what it meant beyond that. She wasn’t sure what to do with it.

  Naikino was secluded, nestled between the mountains and cut off from curious eyes. The roads leading away from it soon curved; Rachael had to follow them around the corner to see if anyone approached. Even that only worked on one end of the village; the other end provided her with a twisted path which snaked along the mountainside. Children played in the streets by chasing each other with little, glowing orbs of pure magic. People went about their business, and an air of serene contentment filled the town. The people here were happy. The trees' purple petals glistened pink in the sunlight. It was hot outside, but the mountains provided enough shade for them to be comfortable.

  Kiana and Cale were more relaxed, too. Kiana’s fingers weren’t constantly brushing against her daggers, and an amazed smile played on Cale’s lips. The first time she’d met him, she had thought a boyish charm hid behind the scar. Seeing that childlike curiosity now was infectious.

  The water from the fountain was cool on her hands, and refreshing when she drank some.

  “It’s a shame Kaida’s friends don’t live somewhere else,” said Kiana. “Naikino is pretty, but there isn’t much to see.”

  Rachael agreed. As peaceful as the village was, she missed the bustling market of S'saros Gora and the White City. She could have spent hours there without running out of sights to see, but here their options were limited. Naikino was beautiful, but it was a sleepy place as separated from time itself as it was from the rest of the country. She felt cut off from the world, and it was both relaxing and unsettling. Her worries about being a good ruler didn’t exist here. She could be herself—only she realised she didn’t know any more who that was.

  She’d been nothing but a homeless orphan ever since her parents had abandoned her. Her old life of begging and ignoring the sores on her bare feet was the only other life she knew. Her new life in the palace didn’t suit her. It was too polished, and Rachael found it hard to trust the soft fabrics and abundant comforts. Out here she felt safe, but she was exposed, too. No one fussed over her or made sure she wore the right shoes with her dress. That her outfit matched the occasion. The people of Naikino didn’t follow her every step. No one cared she was here, and it was liberating.

  “Come,” said Kiana. “Let’s walk a little higher up the mountain. Maybe we can get a good view of Midoka from up there.”

  Cale had already gone ahead, and looked back as he waited for them.

  “I’ll stay here for a moment. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”

  As much as she liked having Kiana and Cale around, she’d missed being on her own without anyone expecting anything from her. She might never have another chance like this again. Once they were back in Rifarne, she would be a queen trying to avoid a war with the demons and their Master. Out here it was easy to forget the threat of the Dark One and his Mothers still existed, if only for a moment.

  Rachael wanted to use the opportunity while she had it.

  “I’ll stay with you, then,” said Kiana. “We don’t know how safe the area is.”

  Kiana was right, but Rachael wanted her moment of freedom more. She still had her sword; she wasn’t defenceless. “I’ll be fine. You won’t be far, and I won’t take long. I’ll be there soon, I promise.”

  Kiana frowned. “Don’t take too long, or we’ll come back to find you.”

  Rachael waited until Kiana and Cale had disappeared up the mountain path before leaning over for another sip of water. Her own reflection stunned her. She’d seen herself many times in the palace, but she hadn’t had the time to drink in this new image of herself. Before she’d fled Blackrock, her skin had been dry and gaunt after years of malnourishment. Every part of her body had been caked in filth and mud. Now, after months of being looked after—first by Ailis, and now by Elyn—she barely recognised herself. Her hair was glossy and had grown longer than it had ever been. Back on the streets she’d wondered what it might feel like to have long, luscious hair, like the wealthy merchants’ wives who had sometimes thrown her stale leftovers. Now it nearly reached the middle of her back, and she ran a hand through its silky strands. She was still thin, but she hadn’t felt hunger in months. Her skin no longer looked stuck to her bones, but had a healthy glow to it.

  Even the small scar on her cheek suited her. Healer Thea had offered to hide it, and Rachael was sure Kaida could heal it completely, but she wanted to keep it. Seeing it now in the water of the fountain, she was happy with her decision.

  She was amazed that, with her dark hair, dark eyes, pale skin, and the necklace, she looked every bit as pretty as those girls she had envied. The well-fed ones, who would never need to work a day in their lives. Was that how a beggar would see her now? With the same disdain she had once felt?

  Her eyes caught those of a child on the other side of the fountain. The little boy clutched a stuffed bear to his chest and watched Rachael with curiosity. Self-consciousness fluttered at the back of Rachael’s mind. Did other people still see hints of the poor beggar she’d been, or did Elyn’s work hide all remnants of her old life? Did they see just another person, or was she too well dressed for that? Back in Blackrock, there hadn't been any doubt. People had blamed her for her visions and had feared her. Rachael had always known their attitude toward her, but she couldn’t tell what this boy was thinking as he was staring back at her.

  What was it Lady Nerine had told her on board her ship? Not a day went by when no one tried to kill her. Rachael had already dealt with assassins, and there were plenty of people in Rifarne who opposed the rule of a gifted orphan with no regal background. There would be more. In that regard, nothing had changed. People still wanted to get rid of her. They simply wore prettier dresses and pretend smiles as they cornered her and stabbed her in the back.

  Rachael walked around the fountain and knelt next to the boy, who eyed her every move with suspicion. She couldn’t blame him; she was a stranger in these parts, and she imagined that, in a place where everyone knew each other, visitors were rare. A bit of paranoia wouldn’t hurt him.

  The boy surprised her when he held out his hand. Rachael took it in hers, and he beamed up at her in response. She didn’t know how to react when he walked, but felt
compelled to follow him.

  He took her to the other end of the small village and walked around one of the houses. Rachael’s curiosity piqued. She was surprised to see a small cave behind the house, and smiled when the boy turned around to her again. He had a little hideout, a safe place, much like her blanket and spot between the alleys had been her haven.

  The boy ignited a small, green flame in his open palm when they went inside. He gently placed it on the rocky surface of the cave as if he was worried it would go out if he moved too fast, and repeated the same motion twice more until the small cave was well lit. Then he ignited a small brazier in the centre, and blue flames joined the green fire. Their shadows danced across the walls and the ceiling and drew her in. The inside of the cave glittered in the play of light and came alive before her eyes. No wonder the boy liked it here.

  Rachael was about to smile her approval at him when she realised he was gone. She turned around to see if he had left the cave, but the entrance had vanished. It was just her, alone in the middle of a small cave, mocking shadows dancing all around her. The flames no longer looked pretty but menacing, and the cosy interior closed in on her—a motion the flickering flames accelerated.

  “Hello?” She felt her way along the wall to search for an exit, but there was nothing. No matter how far around she went, she found nothing but cold stone. If she couldn’t get out—would Cale and Kiana know where to look, or would she die here, mocked by dancing shadows? Her heart was racing with her growing panic. Her hand gripped her sword’s hilt, but she wasn’t sure what good it would do.

  A breeze hushed through the small space, and she shivered. A breeze suggested there was a way out, but she’d found none. The hairs on her arms and back stood on end. Had something whispered? Her eyes raced across the spectacle around her, blue and green flames licking at the rocks, and froze on the blue-shining brazier. The flames had grown and, while their movements were still random, they had taken on the unmistakable shape of a dragon. It grew until it filled half of the small cave.