“I am fine, but I thank you for asking. My body and mind are accustomed to travelling in this fashion. Yoko and Natalia will need to recover for a few days before attempting it again, however.” Kaida's smile turned into pride. “They did well. Regardless of what they told you, they have not performed this spell as often as I have. They did well for two so young.”
Kaida didn't look much older than Yoko and Natalia, but Rachael doubted she'd get a truthful response if she asked Kaida about her age right now.
“Which way do we go?”
They had arrived in the middle of a busy square. Shops and a couple of stalls were nearby; people went about their business largely unconcerned by their arrival; although, some of them gave them curious glances. Rachael guessed it was so common in Paranossa that people no longer cared. It was just another part of life; nothing special to gaze at in fascination. She wondered what reaction they would get if they arrived in the White City like this. She didn't think they'd receive any fascination there, either, but panic and fear.
Kaida turned to a road on their right. “The palace is this way. Please, follow me.”
Rachael was more than happy to walk along instead of taking the lead for a change. It gave her more time to take in the new surroundings and drink in the foreign culture. Behind her, Ludo had thrown Reeve over his shoulder with a wide grin on his face.
Everything looked so different to what she was used to. The houses were made of sandstone, and little lights lit by the gift hung over almost every door. Even though they were in the middle of the desert, the city wasn’t dirty, but well cared for. The sun shone down on them with a heat that rivalled Cephy’s fire, but the breeze from the sea made it pleasant.
Magic was everywhere she turned, just like it had been in Midoka, but there were weapons, too. Parashi walked the streets, and people looked at them with reverence. The children especially paid attention whenever a warrior walked past, and followed their every step. Rachael couldn’t help but notice many of the children carried little weapons themselves. At first glance Rachael had believed them to be made of wood, like the toys she’d seen in Blackrock and the White City, but when she looked closer she realised they were real weapons. Their tips were blunt and wouldn’t do any real damage, but they were real swords nonetheless.
“Every child receives a blade when they are born,” said Kaida. “As the child grows, the sword is adapted by the local blacksmith to grow with its bearer. When the child comes of age, the blade is sharpened. Their weapons serve them a lifetime.”
“And if the child doesn’t want to join the army?” asked Kiana.
“They keep the weapon no matter their decision. It is theirs, and Krymistian weapons have small amounts of the gift laced into their metal. They recognise their rightful owner. I suspect you know a few things about this yourself.” Kaida nodded to the sword at Rachael’s hip, and Rachael instinctively reached for the hilt. It warmed when she touched it, as if to welcome her back.
“But this sword wasn’t given to me when I was born,” said Rachael. “We found it in the market. Anyone could have bought it.”
“Your weapon is older than any of the swords you will find here. Perhaps it recognised your gift, or perhaps it simply grew tired of its inaction.” Kaida smiled. “Who can say?”
“How can that be? How can it recognise my gift when we haven’t met before?”
“Some legends say that we do not turn to dust when we die. Our mortal body decays, but our soul moves on to be born again one day. Those same legends claim the unique signature of our gift remains the same when we are reborn because it belongs to our souls, not our bodies. Our gift stays with our soul, and thus we can recognise each other in another life by such unique traces. Perhaps your sword has recognised you in the same way.”
It sounded too fantastical even with everything Rachael had seen since arriving in S’saros Gora, but a small part deep within her nudged her to believe it. She wasn’t religious; she’d never given what would happen after she died much thought. She hadn’t believed it mattered.
“We are here.”
Rachael looked up to see a grandiose building before her. The fountains and grounds stretched out before the entrance made everything she’d seen in Rifarne pale in comparison. Built from the same material as the other houses in Paranossa, it stood out by its sheer size and large red banners hanging from the walls. The fountains and bridges lent the grandeur a relaxing calm, and the sound of flowing water made the heat that much more bearable. It reminded her of a temple more than a palace.
When two Parashi approached, Rachael tensed. She was surprised to see them bow their heads in respect to her.
“Our Lady Nerine is expecting you. This way.”
Kaida returned the same gesture, and followed.
If Rachael had thought the palace to be beautiful from the outside, she was stunned by its interior. Marble lined the floor and walls, and paintings of past rulers decorated the corridors. Large windows flooded the rooms with enough sunlight to reach every corner, and another fountain trickled away in the left corner surrounded by plush seating. They came to a stop only moments after having entered the building.
“Wait here,” said one of their escorts, and disappeared behind the doors.
“The throne room,” said Kaida, “is the first room Krymistians come to. Their rulers would not make it difficult for them to receive the answers they seek.”
To the right of the throne room Rachael noticed another door, smaller than those leading to the throne but guarded by two Parashi. She imagined it led to the rest of the palace.
Their escort returned. “Right this way.”
Her throne in the White City was an intimidating hall. Here it was welcoming and friendly. The hall was dressed in more white marble, and large windows high up flooded the room in light. The throne itself, while overlooking the entire room from a small dais, wasn’t so oppressing she feared to approach it. She felt beckoned forward, and smiled when Lady Nerine caught her eyes.
Lady Nerine sat to the left of her husband, both dressed in deep reds and looking every bit like strict parents to the entire country. The lady smiled, while her husband regarded Rachael with curiosity. Neither of them made her want to walk the other way.
“Ah, Rachael! It’s good to see you again.” Lady Nerine walked over to greet them. “I’m glad you made it. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to repay your hospitality.”
“Thank you,” said Rachael, hoping she could remember her royal etiquette training. “I’m afraid we can't stay. We’re here on important business.”
“Of course. Could I interest you in staying the day? We have rooms prepared for you, and your business will be easier once you’ve eaten and bathed.”
Kaida spoke up before Rachael could reply. “It is important we reach the ruins of Archos as soon as possible, my Lady Nerine.”
Lady Nerine's husband got up and joined them.
“Your business must be important if you would seek something buried so long ago,” he said.
“Then you understand why we cannot stay for long.”
“I never thought I’d see the ruins opened while I live, but I trust your judgement,” said Lady Nerine.
“We’ll send a small force of our best warriors with you for your protection,” said her husband. His accent was thick and rolled off his tongue. “Queen Rachael, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Lord Siraj. I apologise that I could not attend your coronation in person. I trust my Nerine has been a proud ambassador in my stead?”
Rachael smiled. “She has.”
“I will accompany you to the ruins,” said Lady Nerine. “You will need a guide, and I know this desert well.” Lord Siraj was about to object when she smiled at him. Just like that he was silenced. “My love, they will need a guide. Are you saying there’s someone better suited to the role than I?” He didn’t argue, and Lady Nerine continued. “Our warriors will fight harder knowing I lead them. You’re needed here, but they will be sa
fer with me by their side.”
Lord Siraj sighed. “Before you go, we’ll see to your friend.” He nodded to Reeve, who was now stirring and moaning on Ludo’s shoulder. “And my Nerine is right, you will travel faster if you’ve eaten. Stay the night, and we’ll see to it you’re well prepared for your journey.”
“I need to visit your blacksmith, my lord,” said Kaida. “I have something which needs his immediate attention.”
“Of course,” said Lady Nerine. “You may come and go as you please, Kaida. In the meantime, why don’t we discuss the journey ahead?”
“Thank you,” said Rachael. “I don’t know how much I’ll be able to tell you. Kaida knows the details better than I do.” She realised how unacceptable this was. Rachael knew she needed to remind Kaida to be more open and forthcoming, but how could you convince one of the deadliest women in the world to do something she didn’t want to do?
“I’m sure you know more than enough. Perhaps I can fill in the gaps.”
In that moment the doors opened, and a warrior brought in a man. He clutched his fist to his heart and bowed. “My lord and lady, this man has come to speak with you.”
Lord Siraj smiled. “If you’ll excuse me?”
“Of course. Rachael, come with me. Let’s discuss strategy while the men talk about business.”
“What do you know of the ruins you seek?” Lady Nerine asked as she sat on a bed of plush silk cushions.
“Nothing.” Rachael had never seen this much comfort in one room before. It seemed its only purpose was to sit and rest in comfort. Cushions of all sizes, most of which were made of silks, adorned every surface. There wasn’t one hard edge in sight. “I only know what Kaida told me—we need to get there as soon as possible, and a long time ago something was hidden there. I—” Rachael swallowed. She’d never talked about her visions with Lady Nerine, but she was known as the Prophet Queen. There was no point hiding her ability. “I saw it for myself in a vision.”
“Please, sit.” Lady Nerine gestured to the cushions closest to her.
Rachael felt like she stood in a sea of infinite comfort, and glided into its gentle waves, wondering how she would ever get up again.
“May I ask what your vision showed you?”
Behind her, Kiana sighed in appreciation as she and Cale also sank down.
“Not much. There were warriors and a sorcerer. They carried several items, but my attention was drawn to a book. They seemed nervous.” Rachael hesitated when she remembered the dragon she’d thought off inside her vision. “They entered the ruins together, and sealed something away. Kaida mentioned wardens.” She shuddered. One of the warriors had watched her, seen her, even though she hadn't been there. She still had no explanation for what had happened.
Even submerged in her abundance of soft pillows, Lady Nerine looked like the authority on all things. “This much I can confirm. Several years ago, a small band of my warriors scouted the area. They reported ghost watchers who had their arrows trained on them, and whose eyes followed my Parashi’s every step. They didn’t engage in battle or attempt to communicate, but my warriors understood. They knew they weren’t wanted, and they knew there was nothing there for them.”
“And you didn’t investigate?” asked Cale.
“The Krymistian desert is home to many creatures. The wardens, as Kaida called them, are only a small part of its wondrous population. They have made their home in the ruins, and we didn’t come to take it away from them. There’s nothing in the ruins of any interest to us. We saw no reason to disturb their peace.”
“How will they react when we get there?” asked Kiana.
“You saw them in your vision, Rachael. I believe they are waiting for you. I don’t think they’ll harm you.”
“Then why send your warriors with us? Why come yourself if I won't be in any danger?”
“I didn't say there wouldn't be danger. The wardens aren’t the only beings who inhabit this desert, but they won’t attack you while I’m with you. They know me, and serve me as surely as any other inhabitant of Krymistis.”
“Just what lives out there?” Rachael didn’t know much about the desert, but she did know it was inhospitable to most life forms. The heat and prolonged dry spells weren’t a natural habitat for most creatures.
“Spirits, mostly. They aren’t vicious, but some are more mischievous than others. Some would lead you deeper into the sands if you came unprepared. Once you follow them, you never find your way out.”
Rachael swallowed. This desert sounded less appealing the longer they talked.
“What do you know of the ruins, Lady Nerine?”
“They’re called the ruins of Archos. When the war neared its end, ancient magic was sealed away within. There's a tale we tell our children: one day the Sparrow will come to release her old servants, and claim what is hers.”
“How are they my servants?” Rachael knew what she meant to the Sparrows now, and Cale saw her as their leader, but she was nothing of the sort. Cale was their leader in every respect.
“I believe it goes back to the old days, but it’s not a subject I’ve studied in depth. There’s not much information that has survived to this day. Truly, if anyone here knows anything about them, it would be you, Cale.”
Behind her, Rachael could hear his body shuffle against the plush fabrics. “I don’t know anything, either. All I know is that the Sparrows used to protect the king as his private army.”
“Then perhaps the wardens will have some answers for you. But you should rest. I will have dinner cooked for you, and you may retreat to your rooms at any time. Your beds were prepared when you entered the city.”
“How did you know we were here?” asked Rachael.
“Your arrival was reported to me. No one uses the focus point without my knowledge, and it’s not every day the rumoured Prophet Queen of the Gifted pays a visit!”
Rachael had a lot to live up to—or many people to let down.
Rachael was grateful to sink into bed. The food Lady Nerine had prepared for them had been a showcase of the finest Krymistian cooking, and for the first time in her life Rachael had only stopped eating when she hadn't been able to eat any more. The food was so different to what she’d grown used to in the White Palace, and she’d enjoyed all the new flavours too much to stop just because she was full.
Now that she had retired to her room, she didn’t think she could move. Cale and Kiana had been assigned their own rooms, too, and Rachael was relieved that both would get a rest. They’d been so busy looking out for her, they had earned the break; the two Parashi outside her door were enough protection.
The bed was every bit as soft as the sea of cushions had been, and she was tired from dinner. A good night’s rest was exactly what they needed, especially after everything Lady Nerine had told them about the desert. Rachael still knew only little about the vast place, but none of it made her want to go. It sounded all too easy to get lost, even without the shelter of buildings and walls. She had no experience with spirits. The only similar encounter she'd had was with the Mothers, and she didn’t wish to run into them again anytime soon. The spirits in the desert sounded friendlier than the demons, but she didn’t want to be led away from the group only to die of thirst under the hot sun amongst burning sands.
Rachael hadn't seen as much of Paranossa as she’d hoped, but the city called to her. She liked it here. The capital built from sandstone felt as familiar and comforting as any foreign place could; in a strange way, she’d returned home. She hoped to visit again once this madness was over—not as a queen passing through, but as a visitor indulging in the local culture.
The image of the ruins was still as clear in her mind as it had been during the vision as she drifted off to sleep. They must have been beautiful once, before the sands had swallowed them whole. Only crumbs of a faint memory remained now, the civilization which had once lived there long forgotten. How different life must have been then. Had it been a bustling city full of life, like P
aranossa and S'saros Gora were now? What would they find when they disturbed what was left?
How likely were the wardens to allow her near the treasure? They had been guarding it for a long time. Protecting it had been their sole purpose since the war had destroyed their homes. Would they be relieved to hear their duty had come to an end, or would they continue to protect the only routine they knew? What would happen to them once Rachael took the treasure?
And then the sorcerer was right there with her, looking at her. She was outside the entrance to the tomb in the middle of a sandstorm, and she was surrounded by warriors. But they weren’t human anymore. They were the spirits of the men they had once been, glowing with a blue, iridescent light. And they were waiting for her.
Rachael sat up with a start, her heart racing. There was no doubt about it this time—the wardens were calling for her.
She was so caught up in the implications she didn't notice the shadow in time.
Chapter Thirty-One
Rachael gasped when a knife was pressed against her throat, and a hand covered her mouth.
“Quiet, now. This isn't personal, I promise. I actually quite like you, for what it's worth.”
Rachael bit down hard on Ludo's fingers. She jumped up when he backed away from her, and moved away from her bed.
“Bezcya!”
Dizziness flooded her mind. Why hadn’t she been able to see what he was? Reeve had tried to tell her back in the Halls of Reflection, and instead of listening, she’d defended Ludo. She had allowed an assassin to travel with her, to gain her trust. Her world swayed under feet; Ludo was Tramuran. Was he a spy for the ambassador?
She needed her sword, but it lay next to her pillow, right next to Ludo. She needed to get him away from it if she wanted to be able to defend herself.
Ludo slid off the bed. His knife was small but bigger than anything she had at her disposal.
“Why?” she asked. “I thought—” Even now, with Ludo's intentions clear and despite her nausea, it was hard to see him as an assassin. He was too boyish, too lovable, too innocent to kill anyone for money. Worse yet, she’d relied on Cale and Kiana to spot any danger. When had she stopped listening to her own instincts? Would she have seen Ludo for what he was if she still lived on the streets?
Wardens of Archos Page 19
