Twice Blessed

by Taryn Noelle Kloeden

  “You?” Kado shrank to his knees.

  “Kado, I believe you remember Councilor Amblin Laevul?” Terayan prompted. “He has quite a talent for glamor illusions, you see.”

  “Did you really believe anyone would care for you? Your own father didn't want you, neither of them, why would I?”

  Tears dripped off Kado’s jaw. How easily Terayan had manipulated him, convinced him to leave Fenear, to leave Katrine—who had only ever tried to get through to him—and for what?

  A ghost.

  An illusion meant to control him.

  “You’re sadistic.” Kado backed away from the bars. “Why would you do this?”

  “I needed the white wolf broken. The best way to break anyone is to give them exactly what they want, and then take it away,” Terayan explained. “The rest—the ring, the knowledge I had of your past, there were merely insurance policies to make sure you would return when the time was right.”

  Amblin laughed. “And because it was fun. I should go, Tallis. I will see you soon.” He turned and left without another word.

  “Right for what?” Kado asked, hating his shaking voice.

  “You’ll find out soon enough. Now come, Kado, I must prepare you.”

  “Prepare me for what?” Kado demanded.

  “Not your concern.” Terayan waved his right hand.

  An invisible power forced Kado's arms behind his back.

  “Now,” Terayan said as the cell door eased open on its own. “You will come with me, Kado Aronak. And you would be wise to do as I say. Your new Fenearen friends will soon be in my grasp—if they aren’t already. Do as I say, and some of them might live. Try to escape, and I promise you they will die, but not before they have suffered for your insolence.”

  Kado gulped. “You're bluffing. You don't have anyone”

  “Not yet,” Terayan allowed. “But I will. Rayna Myana, Mina Tsanclar, Kellan Kemar, Channon Lyallt and Katrine Saelia are on their way. One of my Maenoren informants told me just this morning. Don't you know anything about your own kind? Fenearens always come in swarms, like rats.”

  His chest tightened. His mother had died for him, and now Katrine and her friends were in danger, because of him. “Don’t hurt them. I’ll do whatever you want.”

  “Will you walk with me, or do I need to continue making my point?”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  “A sensible choice. Come.”

  Kado, still bound, followed Terayan out of the cell.

  Terayan led the way out of the cell block and into the chamber beyond.

  Kado glanced around, trying to remain calm, to focus on taking in as much of his surroundings as he could. He had to gain his bearings if he had any hope of helping Katrine or the others.

  The dungeon chamber was musty. Rats skittered away from Terayan’s oil lamp as they reached a staircase leading upward.

  Kado started up the first step, but Terayan gripped his arm.

  “This way.” He turned to the wall opposite the stairs.

  A tapestry hung, doing little to keep out the drafts. In the dim light, with his wolf senses locked away, Kado could barely make out the faded thread work. It depicted a naval battle. Caravels and cogs exchanged cannon fire. Men fought on boarded ships. At the center of the tapestry, a sea serpent breached the surface, its gray-green scales covered in spears and arrows.

  “The Killing of Erelim,” Terayan named the piece. “The Guardian of the Eastern seas, but he guards something else here.” Terayan pulled up at the tapestry’s hem, revealing a door. “After you.”

  The tunnels led them up for some time, before twisting and leading back down. Kado lost all sense of where he was, or how much time had passed. He wondered if Katrine and the others were safe.

  Maybe Terayan had been lying about that too, as he'd lied about Isaac.

  Kado hoped so, but Terayan’s calm, almost casual demeanor did little to dispel Kado’s concerns.

  Terayan followed him closely, giving him directions when they came to a fork in the tunnels, but otherwise walking in maddening silence.

  In the close tunnels, Kado heard Terayan’s measured breaths. There was no hint of anxiety in him, only confidence and ease.

  “Stop here.” Terayan gestured toward a heavy iron door.

  “What is this, a vault?”

  Terayan gave no response. Instead he approached the circular door. He ran his fingers through the air in front of it, as if running them through water. He paused, closed his hands into fists, and pulled them apart.

  A pop sounded in Kado’s ears—a change in pressure, or something else?

  Terayan grasped the vault door’s wheel and turned. It clicked and swung open.

  Kado followed Terayan into the chamber.

  It was dark. As his eyes adjusted, his hands were suddenly freed. He brought them forward, rubbing his wrists, only to have something cold and heavy clank over them.

  Wall sconces fluttered to life. Kado’s hands were shackled together.

  Terayan grabbed the chain and pulled Kado against the nearest wall.

  “What is this?” Kado demanded.

  “I have some business to attend to before the time is right, but don’t worry, I’ll be back.” He attached Kado’s chain to the floor.

  There was no use struggling. Instead, Kado looked around. It was a windowless stone room, somewhere in the bowels of Tenavar Palace.

  A table stood in one corner, a carafe of wine and several goblets upon it. A shelf was beside it, overburdened with books, scrolls, and glass jars with labels too small to read in the dim light.

  Most unsettling of all, the flagged stone floor where Kado was chained was arranged in a strange pattern. Grooves ran in sharp lines, radiating around the center like spokes in a wheel. Something about the pattern sent a shiver down Kado's spine.

  Terayan tracked Kado’s gaze. “You will understand soon enough.” With that, he left Kado chained and alone.

  Rayna leaned forward on Sudmaris's back, narrowing her eyes against the ocean spray.

  It was just under an eighty league journey from the small harbor town to Halmstead—a stone’s throw for the great leviathan. They would arrive in the Kyrean capital well before midday.

  Yes, Sudmaris said in her head. We are making good time. The question is, what will you do if we are still too late?

  Rayna glanced back at the other four passengers. They all looked rather green, but from their pensive expressions, she surmised Sudmaris was continuing separate conversations with each of them.

  I gave Marielana my word. I intend to honor it.

  There is a vast distance between intentions and actions, Rayna Myana.

  She sighed. I know that. What was it Alvo had said to her about Kado? You may yet succeed in saving the white wolf from the darkness in his own good intentions.

  The Wanderer spoke truly. Sudmaris blinked his massive silver eye. I feel bound to warn you of something else, Rayna Myana.

  What's that?

  When last we met, I warned you of the damage done to Channon's soul by the Hex. I see inside his mind as clearly as I see yours now. Though he may try, there are wounds impossible to heal, as there are choices impossible to unmake.

  Rayna tightened her hold on Channon's hands where he held her waist. What are you trying to tell me, Sudmaris?

  I once told you it is not the dilemmas of our life that define us, but rather how we cope with the consequences our choices bring. Whatever choice you make, be certain you are prepared to face its ramifications, Rayna Myana. The same is true for Channon. A soul that is broken can be re-made, but to do so may carry a heavy price.

  Rayna stared ahead as Sudmaris coasted to a slower pace. Halmstead’s harbor materialized on the horizon. What price?

  That I cannot know. Terayan will try to use those you love against you, as Rhael once did. See that he does not get the chance.

  She gulped. I understand what I want, and who I love, isn’t more important than protecting this worl
d.

  I can only trust you will remember that.

  A school of strange, iridescent fish raced past them.

  Channon gasped as they breached the surface, taking to the air on scaly wings. His blue eyes reflected boyish wonder, and in that moment, Rayna believed his soul was far from broken.

  I’m taking you four within a half-league of the harbor. Sudmaris announced to them all. Know that my best wishes go with you/

  “Thank you, giant fish.” Kellan lightly slapped Sudmaris’s bumpy skin.

  “Can’t say I’ll miss this.” Katrine said as she swallowed hard. “No offense.”

  Sudmaris laughed in their minds. You could never offend me, brave Katrine Saelia. Now Onward, you’ve no time to waste.

  “Thank you, Sudmaris,” said Mina.

  Channon stroked Sudmaris. “I wish there were a way to repay you.”

  There is.

  Rayna could not help but assume that message was meant only for her.

  After they said their final goodbyes, Rayna, Mina, Katrine, Channon, and Kellan dove into the cool waters.

  Sudmaris disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared.

  As Marielana had said, finding a way back would be up to them.

  Rayna and her friends came ashore on a rocky outcropping east of the harbor. It was deserted, except a few sandpipers and a little spotted dog nosing around a dead fish.

  The dog barked a warning as Rayna and Channon waded toward it.

  Rayna flashed her toothiest snarl, and the mutt scampered away, its nub of a tail tucked.

  Mina, Katrine, and Kellan were right behind them as they all collapsed onto the sand and seaweed.

  “Would you look at that? I didn’t almost drown this time.” Mina coughed. “Progress.”

  Kellan wrung out his hair. “Where to now?”

  “The only safe place we know.” Rayna stood. “The Peddler’s Toe.”

  “Makes sense.” Mina poured water out of her boots. “We can get the latest news from Rita, and see if she’s heard anything about Kado.”

  “Right,” said Katrine. “But how are we going to get there unnoticed?”

  “It isn’t far,” Mina replied. “If we act naturally and move quickly, I’d say we have a chance.”

  Following Mina’s advice, they made their way to the city, following the uneven cobblestones into the Lower City.

  Dozens of people bustled this way and that.

  The horrible scents of so many humans and animals crammed together assaulted Rayna’s salt-plugged nostrils. Burning meat, sweat, dung—each odor was more offensive than the last. She could not understand how anyone could live this way.

  Their cloaks did little to conceal their identities, and with the wanted posters bearing each of their faces plastering the walls of every tavern and shop, it was a wonder no one spotted them.

  But, Rayna supposed, the poorer folk of Halmstead seemed focused on their own needs. They did not have time to search every stranger’s face. She was grateful for their distraction, though their obvious neediness pulled at her sympathies.

  “We’re almost there,” Mina whispered. “The Toe is just around this—”

  She stopped short as they rounded the corner leading to the court that housed the Peddler’s Toe and other taverns.

  The Toe’s faded red door lay on the ground, torn from its hinges. The sign shaped like a malformed boot still swung beside the entrance, but the word TRAITOR was scrawled across it in blood.

  “No!” Mina shouted. “Rita!” She ran toward the grisly scene.

  “Mina, wait!” Rayna raced after her. “We have to get out of here.” She wrapped her arms around the shorter woman’s waist, pulling her back.

  Several patrons of the nearby establishments stuck their heads out of windows, marveling at the scene.

  “She might be hurt, I have to—I have…” Mina’s words dissolved into sobs.

  Rayna embraced her friend. She pressed her head into Mina’s curls. “I’m sorry, Mina. We have to go, before someone alerts the guards. Please.”

  A metallic whoosh signaled Kellan unsheathing his twin blades. “It's too late for that.”

  Drunks were not the only ones staying in the neighboring taverns. Dozens of men bearing the council guard crest poured out of the buildings on all sides of the Toe.

  They were surrounded within moments.

  Rayna, Channon, and Katrine shifted into wolf form.

  “I wouldn’t do that, darling.” The crowd of soldiers parted, revealing Gabriel Garrison. The hateful captain’s face was ruddy with drink, but it was clear from his measured steps he wasn’t intoxicated. “Even you can’t fight your way out of this.”

  Rayna reluctantly re-took her human form. He was right. There was no escape.

  She fought back tears. What a reckless fool she was. Rayna touched Channon hackles, urging him to shift back as well.

  “Where’s Rita?” Mina demanded.

  “Dead. Did you really think we wouldn’t find out about your helpful friend, Mignonette? She was hanged right in this very court. We kept her up for a week, until the locals started complaining of the smell.”

  Mina gritted her teeth. “You’ll pay for that.”

  “Yet another empty threat from Rayna Myana and company. We ought to make a drinking game of this, eh boys?” He took a swig from a flask at his hip.

  “How rude of me.” Garrison offered it to Kellan. “I assume you want some, Kemar.”

  Kellan’s shoulders heaved. His gray eyes bore into Garrison, but he said nothing.

  They all hated Garrison, but none had more reason than Kellan.

  Rayna linked her arm to his. “Do your worst. We’re prepared to die.”

  “If only those were my orders.” He produced a trio of Monils. “You, at least, I’m bringing in alive. I’d like the others breathing, too, but any resistance and my men won’t hesitate.”

  Rayna looked to her companions.

  Tears streaked Mina’s freckled face.

  Kellan shook with barely controlled rage.

  Katrine whimpered, eyeing the Monils.

  Channon caught her gaze, his face shockingly calm. “Run,” he whispered. “Please.”

  She shook her head. If Marielana or Sudmaris could see her now, they might urge her to run, too, to abandon her friends, lest she be caught and used for Terayan’s dark purposes.

  But no matter what she'd promised, she was a wolf, and a wolf could not abandon their pack.

  More than that, she would never leave Channon, no matter how he begged her.

  For better or for worse, they would face whatever came next together.

  Rayna raised her arms in surrender. The others followed.

  Garrison addressed his men. “Put them in bonds and hoods. We’ll go by the tunnels.”

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Silver bounded down the road to Anhorde.

  A group of ragged peasants ran the opposite direction, but screamed at the sight of the wolf-formed Fenearens.

  Silver shifted human. “Wait!” She called after the scattering Maenorens. They were all women and children. “We're here to help!”

  The other Fenearens took their marginally less threatening human forms as well.

  Marielana halted her horse.

  “Please, what is going on?” Roxen asked.

  A middle-aged peasant woman clutched a basket to her chest. “They've taken the castle, and the Regent with it.”

  “Who?” Arlo demanded.

  “Lord Revine, a nobleman. He and his followers turned on the Regent.”

  “Revine went to the balcony,” broke in a teary-eyed girl. “He said Seperun is to be executed. Rhael's son Rhalen has already been freed from the Cult of Demetrian. Revine intends to place him on the throne, and remake our alliance with the Republic.”

  “No,” Silver breathed.

  “If that happens,” said Marielana. “This war is over before it begins.”

  “Where's the Maenoren army?” Arlo dema
nded.

  “Most of the regiments were sent to either the shore or the Pass of Kiriathin, in case of invading Kyreans.”

  Arlo cursed. “No doubt these traitors are in league with the Councilor. What perfect timing for another civil war.”

  “But the people rose up,” said the Maenoren woman. “Those hale enough took up arms—whatever they had—but it's no use. There's no getting into the castle.”

  “When is the execution?” Haerian asked.

  “I don't know, please I need to go.”

  “Of course,” said Silver. “Thank you for your help.”

  With a nod, the woman rejoined her party.

  Silver looked to her packmates and Marielana.

  Their faces were resolute. They all understood the task at hand.

  They had to save Seperun, help him quash this rebellion, or they would not stand a chance against the Kyreans.

  Marielana revealed a silver flask and dagger. “Without a river or ocean nearby, I'm afraid all I can offer are my hand-to-hand combat skills and minor enchantments. My presence in the capital may prove more of a liability to you warriors than it's worth.”

  “Not to mention, General Pheros will kill me if I let anything happen to you,” Silver said.

  “Indeed. I will stay behind.” She took Silver's hand. “Be safe, Alphena Silverine. I will use my magic to send a message to one of Seperun's most powerful allies. He should send reinforcements soon.”

  “Do you want one of us to stay to protect you?” Roxen asked.

  Marielana twirled her dagger. “I did not say I was useless on my own, Beta Roxen. Go now and help whom you can. I will be fine.”

  “See you soon, Priestess.” Silver formed and led the way to the city's gate.

  Mobs of Maenoren farmers, herders, and shop-keepers filled the streets. They raised their scythes, clubs, and torches, shouting.

  But as Silver and the others made their way through the throng, they saw the woman had been right. It was no use.

  The iron doors to Anhorde were barred. Try as the people might to save their champion, Seperun was trapped within, and Silver had no way of knowing if he were still alive.