The Shattering Song (Song Magic Book 2)

by Imogen Elvis

  “Did the queen manage to get the catcher?”

  Lady Madella hooked a finger through a chain around her neck and lifted a shard of white crystal out of her clothing. “As you see. We are lucky she agreed to help us. It is a dangerous game for a queen to commit treason on this level.”

  “No one’s going to catch her,” Lara said. “We’ll stop Sachio before anyone finds out. Then it won’t matter.”

  “And how do you intend to do that?”

  “We… were hoping you would be able to help us come up with a plan for that,” Lara faltered. “Master Talor promised that if we could get a song catcher, he would use it.”

  “But we need to do it before Master Sachio has Kade executed,” Briar added.

  “In that case, we’ll need to move quickly. The execution is set for tomorrow at noon.”

  Briar froze, and it took a moment for her to be able to form words, “So soon?” They needed more time to find a way to save Kade. More time to stop Master Sachio. But of course, he would know this. No wonder the execution date was so close.

  “Lord Sachio feels that it would be better to resolve this quickly.” Lady Madella folded her hands around her drink, pursing her lips.

  “We need to get this catcher to Master Talor,” Lara said. “He’s supposed to meet us at our lodgings tonight. We could give it to him then.”

  “I doubt he will come,” Lady Madella said. “The entire song council has been called to the castle, and they will remain there until after the execution. He will find it almost impossible to come and meet you.”

  That put a wrinkle in all their plans. “Why has the song council been summoned?” Briar asked.

  “Because the ruling council is now openly seeking to put Lord Sachio on the throne. However, crowning him requires the breaking of the long-held rule that states that no ruler may also have magic. In order to crown Lord Sachio, both councils have to agree.” Lady Madella took a delicate sip of her tea. “Please, drink.”

  Briar folded her hands around the fragile cup, staring unseeingly at the tea. Master Sachio’s careful takeover of the song council made even more sense in the light of this new information. It wasn’t only that he wanted to be the head of the song council, but he also needed their support for his bid for the throne.

  “Is there any way for us to reach Master Talor before the execution?” Briar asked. “If we could just get the catcher to him…”

  “The councils are not convening again until after the execution. I could potentially reach Master Talor beforehand, but it would be difficult, and it would place us in grave danger.” Lady Madella shook her head. “I’m not so sure that that is the best course of action.”

  “So, by the time we manage to give the catcher to Master Talor and have him use it on Sachio, it would be too late for Kade.” Lara left her seat and paced the length of the room. “We can’t just let him die. There has to be another way.”

  What they needed was some way to get the catcher to Master Talor, and for Master Talor to be close enough to Master Sachio to be able to use it before Kade was executed. With the execution set for midday tomorrow though, Briar doubted they were going to be able to put all the pieces in place fast enough. Unless…

  “How likely is it that the councils will attend the execution tomorrow?” Briar asked.

  “It is the execution of the crown prince,” Lady Madella said. “This will be a state event. Both councils are required to be present.”

  “So Master Talor, Master Sachio, and you will all be in the same place at the same time,” Briar said slowly. A hazy idea took shape in her mind.

  “What are you suggesting?” Lara asked, swinging round.

  “Well, what if we gave Master Talor the catcher at the execution? He would be close enough to Master Sachio to use it, and we could break Master Sachio’s hold on the king, which would save Kade. It’s risky, but it’s our only opportunity.”

  “Using Kade’s execution as the means to stop Sachio.” Lara nodded. “That feels rather poetic actually. Though I still want to know why Kade didn’t trust us enough to tell us that he was planning to hand himself over to the Nameless Ones. We’re his friends. Why wouldn’t he have told us?”

  “Listen to yourself,” Lady Madella said mildly. “Would you have let Levi go through with this if you had known? Briar is right. As far as I can see, the execution has not only stalled the proceedings for deposing the king but has also given us an opportunity to stop Sachio. Kade’s given you a chance by sacrificing himself, Lara.”

  Lara whirled on the noblewoman, fire in her eyes. “We might have objected to it, but we could also have helped him. But he didn’t trust us. He just threw himself to the wolves, and we’re left to pick up the pieces.” She stomped to the far end of the room and threw herself into a chair, facing the wall.

  Briar stared down at her hands. In a way, she did understand now why Kade hadn’t told them what he was planning. Lady Madella was right. They would never have agreed to let him sacrifice himself if they had known, even if it was the only way to succeed. Kade would have found it so difficult to share the plan too, if only because he would have been struggling to go through with it. Their disapproval would have made handing himself over that much harder for him.

  “You’re judging him too, aren’t you?” Lady Madella said.

  “Not exactly.” Briar said slowly. “I know why he did it. And I know it was necessary. I’m just sad that he thought I wouldn’t understand why it had to be done.” Briar shrugged. “But that’s selfish.” And yet she wanted to be selfish. She wanted to gather everyone together and to hold onto them forever. But the more she held on, the more they slipped through her fingers. First Ava. Now Kade. Would she lose Lara too, before the end?

  “Maybe he found it too hard to tell you. It’s hardest talking to the people you love the most, sometimes,” Lady Madella said.

  Briar twisted her fingers together. “Whatever the case, it’s done now, and we need to make the most of what he’s given us. Do you think that this plan will work?”

  “It will if we can get the catcher to Master Talor. However, it does present its own set of problems. For one, I am a very public figure. People will be watching me everywhere I go, especially at an occasion such as this. I will struggle to pass the catcher off discreetly, even at an event as… distracting as an execution,” Lady Madella said.

  “If you couldn’t reach him, who could?”

  “A servant might be able to reach the master unnoticed.”

  “Do you have one we could trust?”

  “With something as big as this?” Lady Madella lifted one shoulder. “I trust my staff, but I wouldn’t wish to test their loyalty like this. It needn’t be one of my servants, though. As long as the person is wearing the correct clothing, no one would question them.” She lifted her cup to her lips and took a sip, watching Briar over the rim. “You could do it.”

  “Me?”

  “Why not? You know how to keep your head down and not call attention to yourself. Lara is too used to being treated like a lady, even now, after all her time away from the court. She could never hold the right demeanour. But, with the right clothes, you could go anywhere, and no one would even look at you.” Lady Madella set her cup aside. “It would be much easier for you to get the song catcher to Master Talor in my place.”

  Getting the catcher to Master Talor would mean getting close to Master Sachio, close enough for him to see her. That sent a shiver down Briar’s spine. But she had no right to stand back and make someone else do the work for her. If she wanted to see Master Sachio stopped, then she had to be willing to step up and do her part. Briar clasped her hands together and nodded. “I’ll do it.”

  “You’ll do what?” Lara flung herself out of her chair and stalked back down the room, dropping into a seat next to Briar. “You’re making plans without me.”

  “Well, if you would stop storming off like a child then maybe you would be present to help.” Lady Madella’s voice was mi
ld. “Drink your tea before it goes cold, Lara. Briar is going to deliver the catcher to Master Talor.”

  “What about me?” Lara asked. “What am I supposed to be doing in all of this?”

  “Will this be a public execution?” Briar asked.

  Lady Madella nodded. “A powerful argument was made opening the execution up to the public so that they could see the lengths Lord Sachio is willing to go to keep them safe. Sway the people’s opinion further in his favour.”

  “That means Lara could slip in with the rest of the crowd.” Briar frowned in thought. “Where is the execution taking place?”

  “There is an entertainment area outside the castle with a stage and seating. We hold plays and concerts there sometimes. Or we did before- well, the king takes less pleasure in such entertainments nowadays. The general public stands around the stage, and a little way back, tiers of seating are raised in stone so that the nobility can sit and take their ease. And right at the top is the royal box. It’s connected to the castle. The king and queen will be up there. Lord Sachio too, no doubt.”

  “You could get close to Kade,” Briar said to Lara. “Close enough that if something goes wrong and Master Talor takes longer to use the catcher than we thought, or the king needs more time to recover, you could distract the guards, delay the execution.”

  Lara’s frown deepened. “Isn’t there some way I can help you stop Sachio? The faster we stop him, the sooner Kade will be safe.”

  “This is important,” Briar said. “We need to protect Kade.”

  “We also need to stop Sachio. Can’t you get me into the stands too, Madella? If I’m down on the ground, I’ll be too far away to do anything to help.”

  “Levi is the crown prince. We cannot allow Lord Sachio to take his life. I think this is an excellent idea. You will position yourself near the stage. Briar will be in the stands with me. Between the three of us, we can both protect the prince and fight Lord Sachio. Just because you’re not coming at Lord Sachio with your sword drawn doesn’t mean that you’re not fighting hard. We just need you in a different place.”

  Lara pursed her lips and looked away, but she didn’t protest any further. And it was true. They did need someone to look after Kade. Their victory would be hollow, indeed, if his life were the price. Kade might be willing to risk it, but Briar wasn’t sure she could trade him for any victory. Not now. Not ever.

  CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

  The carriage rumbled and swayed through the busy streets of Mizra the next morning, heading for the castle. Briar and Lara sat on one side, their backs to the horses, facing Lady Madella, as they had before. Only this time there was more space without Kade squashed in beside them. Briar would much rather have been squeezed for room. She smoothed down the skirt of the brown servant’s dress she wore, borrowed from one of Lady Madella’s serving girls. She felt invisible the moment she put it on as people’s eyes glided right over her. Hopefully, this disguise would be enough to get her to Master Talor. Around Briar’s neck hung the song catcher on its thin silver chain. It nestled beneath her dress, its weight reminding her with every breath just how vital their mission was.

  Lady Madella was dressed like the fine lady she was in an ornate dress, its hem sweeping the floor when she walked. Jewels wove through her hair, almost like a crown. dress was of a sombre green, deep, like the shadows in a forest, and her jewels were dark. They reminded Briar of mourning clothes. Everything about the noblewoman was a careful balance. She wore enough colour so that no one would accuse her of supporting the prince. However, elegant as her attire was, it could hardly be called festive. They were heading for an execution, not a party.

  “Stop the carriage,” Lara said, finally breaking the heavy silence that had reigned ever since they had left Lady Madella’s home. “I’ll walk from here.”

  “It’s still quite a distance to the castle,” Lady Madella said. “We can take you closer.”

  “I know what I’m doing. Trust me.” The corner of Lara’s mouth twisted into a humourless smile. “It’s better if I walk.”

  Trust. That was what Lara needed most right now. It was easy to see Kade’s choice not to share his plan with them was still twisting a knife into Lara. Briar bit her lip and nodded. “Be careful.” She knocked on the wall behind her.

  The carriage slowed, pulling out of the main flow of traffic and coming to a halt at the side of the road. Lara didn’t even wait for the coachman to climb down from his seat before throwing open the door.

  “I’ll see you both at the castle,” she said. “Don’t let us down, Briar.” She closed the door firmly behind her and disappeared into the crowd.

  “Drive on,” Lady Madella called. The carriage rumbled off again, the motion doing nothing to soothe the sudden nervous buzz in Briar’s chest. She fingered the catcher through the fabric of her servant dress. Concentrate on what she needed to do. She wouldn’t let any of them down today.

  “What do I need to know? Is there anything I should remember, as a servant?” Ava would have known what to do. Something twisted painfully inside Briar’s gut at the thought, and she swallowed hard.

  “Stay at least a pace behind me at all times. And keep your eyes lowered. Some nobles are very particular about the behaviour of servants, and they do not like to be stared at. Try not to draw their attention.”

  Briar nodded, her hands curling in her lap. She could do that. “You said the nobility are seated in tiers. Will the song council be near the ruling council?”

  “They are seated at the same height, but on opposite sides of the royal box.”

  “So, I will need to pass the box to reach the song council.” Which meant Briar would have to walk right in front of where Master Sachio was sitting. If he should recognise her… But he wouldn’t. Not with her disguise. If she kept her head down, he would never know she was there at all.

  “I can get you to the ruling council’s seating,” Lady Madella said. “You’ll have to make your way around the song council by yourself.”

  “I can do that.” Briar’s nails dug into the palms of her hands. She couldn’t let a single thing stray from their plan. Only if she followed all the steps perfectly did they all get to come home.

  “We’re almost there.” Lady Madella gestured towards the window.

  The carriage passed through the wide main gates and rumbled up towards the castle. Though soldiers still guarded the gate, Lady Madella’s crest worked its magic, and no one stopped them. The castle loomed high above them, reaching for the light, wispy clouds. Gaily coloured banners adorned the towers, gently swaying as they caught the breeze. Each banner was embroidered with a different crest or coat of arms. Briar thought she spotted Lady Madella’s crest, but at this distance, it was hard to be sure.

  As the carriage neared the courtyard at the front of the castle, it joined a line of others, winding its way slowly past the front steps and around the corner. Finally, it ground to a halt. Briar peeped out the window. The whole line of carriages stood still, allowing the occupants of the carriage at the head of the line to alight. Stop, start. Stop, start. The people climbing from these carriages looked more suited to a party than an execution. Ladies wore gaily coloured dresses, ribbons and flowers in their hair. A man’s laughter floated back to Briar’s ears. The sound set her teeth on edge. How could anyone laugh when they’d come to watch someone die?

  Finally, Lady Madella’s carriage reached the entrance to the square. A footman opened the door, offering his hand to Lady Madella. She gathered her deep green skirts in one hand and stepped down from the carriage, graceful and poised, her face blank of all emotions. Briar wiped her sweaty palms on the skirt of her dress and followed. Stay one pace behind. Keep her eyes down. Don’t draw anyone’s attention. She was a servant, nothing more.

  They passed through the small gate that led into the outside entertainment area. Two guards stood sentry at the entrance, one on either side of the door. Briar’s heart beat a little faster, but no one challenged Lady Madella’s ri
ght to enter. Their eyes seemed to slide right over Briar as if she didn’t even exist. As they passed into the square, Briar looked around, her eyes flickering under her eyelashes. As Lady Madella said, a stage stood at one end of the large square, empty except for the large execution block set right in the centre. A ring of soldiers stood around its base, their bright blue uniforms forming a wall between the stage and the throng of city folk who poured in through another set of gates on the opposite side of the square.

  Tiers of seating rose against the wall of the castle, perfectly placed so the nobles could see everything that happened on the stage without having their view blocked by someone else’s head. Two more guards stood one on either side of a set of stone steps that rose up through the seating. They bowed to Lady Madella as she approached and stood aside to let her pass. Briar hurried after the noblewoman, trying not to press too close in her worry. One pace behind. Breathe. She belonged here.

  Most of the nobles’ seats were already filled. Women chattered together eagerly, giggling behind their hands, or flirting with the men seated around them, batting their eyelashes and posing to show themselves off at their best advantage. Older men talked together with a sense of self-importance, their brows furrowed as though they were making grave decisions, even though they sat at what was obviously considered a social occasion.

  There were some faces here that Briar recognised too, such as the Redfern family. Lucien’s family. He sat high in the tiers with his parents, his sister, Glissando, and her fiancé. Briar lowered her head a little further, her hands curling into tight little fists. It would never do for Lucien to recognise her now.

  The seats for the ruling council were placed right at the very top of the seating. They were a little removed from those of the other nobles, and a scattering of soldiers stood nearby. It appeared that most of the ruling council had already gathered. They seemed a little graver than the rest of the nobles, not laughing and gossiping, but talking in low tones, or not at all. There was an air of concern, their responsibilities weighing heavy on their shoulders, exhaustion in their hollow eyes.