by Bryant Reil
“You can't kill them!”
“Indeed I can, but I suppose you mean you don’t want me to. If you prefer to do it yourself, that's fine.”
“I don't want anyone to kill them!”
“They were going to kill me. And probably you.”
“Well, yes. But they can't now.”
Herleif frowned. “They won't stay frozen for long. Only until I am out of range.”
“Yeah, but they aren't - oh, you did this? Of course, who else would have done it? - they aren't going to catch us on foot.”
“They will hurt someone else if I let them go.”
“They aren’t real bandits. Just desperate people. We can send someone back for them at the next town.”
“I told you. They won't stay frozen that long.”
“They'll be easy to track in the snow.”
“Perhaps, but there may be more. Anyone we send will be at risk.”
“Well, maybe we could just play with them a bit. Put some humor in it. They'll realize we didn't hurt them when we had the chance. They probably aren’t bad folk, really.”
Herleif sheathed his sword and climbed back up to his seat on the coach. “You and I have different definitions of bad. Do as you will. However, I will be driving this route again next week. If I see them again, they will die.”
“Fair enough.” Kyla hummed to herself as she replaced the arrows with lavender stalks and the bows and sword with sticks. She then used some of her jam to draw funny mustaches on all the non-bearded bandits. The one with the beard got a single large eyebrow. All the while Herleif sat and watched, expressionless.
“Finished?” Herleif finally asked.
“Yeah.” She looked over her work. “I mean, it’s kind of silly but it's better than hurting them, right?”
“They may find this more humiliating than humorous.”
Kyla shrugged. “Better than killing them. I think they’ll get the message. I mean, they’re regular folk. Not criminals.”
“You’d be surprised how many criminals are regular folk who became desperate.”
“Well, I’m not going to hurt them while they’re defenseless. It seems villainous.”
“Perhaps, but I’d rather be a living villain than a dead fool.”
“I’d rather die a kind fool than live as a villain.”
Herleif sighed. “Then a kind, dead fool is how you’re going to end. Now get in the coach. We're running late.”
Chapter Two
Forget-Me-Nows
Kyla's eyes popped open as she leaped from her bed. She had been nearly asleep when Aura broke the news. “You’re WHAT? When is it? Can I come? Does anyone else know? We need to tell Eunoe and Aspen!”
Aura grabbed Kyla by the sleeve and yanked her back before she could reach the door. The Daughter of the Air was nearly transparent, so Kyla knew she was uncomfortable. “No! Shh! Please. I shall tell them in the morning. The wedding won't be for two months. And yes, of course you're invited. I wish to ask you and Eunoe and Aspen to be my maids.”
“Oh! Really? What does that mean? What do I wear? Yes, of course I’ll do it!”
“Just so you know it's very windy in Aeolis, and high off the ground. If you're afraid of heights it might be uncomfortable.”
“Are you trying to talk me out of it? I'm fine with heights. I ride on Castor all the time. It's underground I hate, and I still go there all the time. This'll be my first non-elf wedding! Is it anything like an elf wedding? Because those are pretty boring.”
“I am not familiar with elf weddings.”
“Too many speeches. Lots of food, though.”
“We usually have no food as we do not eat. However, as we are inviting many creatures of flesh, I shall be seeking a caterer.”
“Well, that’s something. Will there be a ball?”
“There will be no ball. There will be many speeches. I do not believe you will find the wedding enjoyable, but I would appreciate your presence.”
“Yes, of course!” Kyla took a careful look at Aura's downcast face. “I feel like I’m more excited than you are.”
Aura glided to her bed. “It is late, and I have an early class in the morning. We should sleep.” The Daughter of the Air drifted onto her mattress and lay with her hands over her chest.
Kyla had many questions but felt they would not be well received. “Yeah. It's getting late. Good night.”
***
The doors slid open as Titania flew through the underground corridor. The walls were trimmed in mahogany, and delicate gold patterns were etched into the jade walls. Overly lavish, as only herself, Oberon, and Myam had access to the lower level of the palace. Perhaps long ago the hall had seen more traffic, but now it was dimly lit and isolated.
“Lovely to see Your Majesty.” Myam bowed as Titania hovered in the doorway to the baku kennel. The Queen grew to Myam's size and folded her fairy-wings around her torso. The old reptilian woman pulled back her hood. “Pardon, but I was expecting the King.”
“He has gone to Dassidin on the advice of High Seer Imel. There are stirrings of dissent.”
Myam nodded. “Yes, I have seen it.”
One of the baku rubbed against Myam’s leg. The small creature looked like a koala with an elephant's snout and feet. It purred softly as Myam stroked its ears.
“Any clues on Erebus’ whereabouts?” Word of Erebus' defeat was widespread, but no one knew what became of him. The official word was that Oberon had defeated him, but this was a lie, and Titania hated answering to it.
Myam frowned. “No. The baku have seen his disciples in many dreams, but none witnessed the god of darkness himself. I suspect the seers have found nothing either.”
“No. It's perplexing. Nyx must be shielding knowledge of his whereabouts, but the Seers haven't found any sign of her.”
“She won't be found unless she wants to be, I expect.”
“We have an army looking for her.”
“She is a goddess, with millions of years to master her craft. Yet I will keep looking. Someone knows something. Someone whose mind Nyx will not think to shield.”
Titania jumped as a baku ran in through the far wall. She often forgot they were spirits. They turned solid if they wished to be scratched and petted. This one ran straight to Myam and extended its long snout, which she took tenderly. Her eyes glazed as she described the dream the spirit creature showed her.
“Blood and fire. Screaming. Another nightmare. A lot of these, of late. No worries for the little girl who dreamed it, Your Majesty. The baku consumed the images in her mind, and she will remember nothing.”
“Wonderful,” Titania sighed. “It would be more wonderful if the girl hadn't lived the terror in her waking hours. Thank you, Myam. Tell me if you learn anything.”
***
Of all the people Kyla knew, Elial Ciana was the one she trusted most to give the ball of aurichalcum containing Erebus. He could pass it to the King and Queen, and Kyla would be done with the god of darkness forever. She stuffed the jar of jam in her bag and headed to the Communications building.
There was a smell of fresh paint, as many of the scorched buildings had recently been repaired after Erebus’ forces assaulted the campus. Not all the buildings were back in operation– the Assembly Hall, worst damaged of the lot, was little more than a charred framework that hadn’t yet been cleared.
The stone walkways between the buildings were not yet clean, and Kyla’s mind churned with memories of fire and combat as she stepped over scorched stones and brown patches of dried blood.
The Communications building had suffered little damage but had been repainted and the white and gold facade gleamed in the winter sun. The doors looked new, and Kyla took the handles with the tips of her fingers, not wanting to smudge the polished brass. Her footsteps echoed on a freshly-mopped floor as she entered. The rugs and furniture had been removed, and there were no other people in the front lobby, so it felt rather large and empty.
Elial’s office was
the first room in the corridor ahead. The door was open. Kyla rehearsed in her mind what to say. She was handing over the imprisoned god of darkness, whom she had captured. Should she sound heroic? Or humble?
The Professor was in his office, but he wasn’t alone. The woman sitting in front of his desk had raven hair and a long black gown and smelled of moonflowers. She looked familiar. No: she felt familiar. Kyla couldn't recall her face. Yet how could she forget? She was beautiful and sat with a regal posture. She smiled as Kyla entered. Kyla sighed. She couldn't talk to Elial about Erebus with this woman present.
Elial rose to his feet. “Kyla! Perfect timing. We were just talking about you. Please, have a seat.”
“What? Okay.”
Elial took a chair from against the wall and set it next to the woman. Kyla sat down, her eyes glued to the stranger's face. Her silver eyes emanated comfort and trust, which helped Kyla relax. But there was something about her that was - well - Kyla didn't know what, but it wasn't normal.
Elial retook his seat. “Kyla, this is Sophrosyne. She has filed a request to be your patron in a work-for-credit program. It means you’ll work full-time instead of taking classes.”
“Oh, hi.” Kyla habitually extended her arm to greet the woman. The woman, though certainly no elf, clasped Kyla’s wrist in the Elvish fashion, and her touch made Kyla's skin tingle.
Kyla turned to Elial. “It sounds more exciting than classes. I already have some work experience. Mostly handing out flyers, but I did once deliver a message to a dragon from the Minister of Public Works.”
Sophrosyne answered before Elial could speak. Her voice was soft but penetrating. “You will find working for me challenging yet rewarding. We will be working outside the confines of Elial's Communications program. I have specifically requested your assistance. We have a mutual friend.”
“Oh. Really? Who? Denzig?”
“Denzig doesn't know me, but I am aware of his regard for you. You do know Marik Esilgard, correct?”
“Oh. Oh! You're his lady friend from Apple Lake, right? Wow, he really did well for himself.”
“Our relationship is not the sort you are thinking. However, I have followed your previous term, and you are exactly the type of person I need for some clandestine work.”
“Oh, sure!”
“Since you don't know what 'clandestine' means, I will explain. The work is secret. You can only speak about it with those whom I permit. Elial Ciana is not one of them.”
Elial leaned forward. “Pardon, Sophrosyne. I need to know what my students are up to at all times.”
“Not this one. Speak with Anh-Bul, if you like.”
Elial’s soft eyes hardened. “He's behind this? I will speak to him.”
“The Director is not involved in any of my affairs, but I cleared everything through him before seeking you. Please take no offense, but we are dealing with sensitive matters.”
“It is my job to manage all the sensitive subject matter that passes through Equinox!” Elial frowned. “Wait here. I'm going to have a little chat with Anh-Bul.”
Kyla watched as Elial stormed out of the office. Sophrosyne was still smiling.
“Don't worry,” she whispered. “He has already forgotten where he was going.”
Kyla turned in her seat. “What?”
“He can’t recall what I just told him. He's wandering the hallway now, trying to remember where he was headed. When you see him again, you aren't to tell him anything beyond that you are working for me. And there's one more thing of utmost importance.”
“What?” Kyla was leery of all the secrecy, and a little bothered that Sophrosyne was toying with Elial's mind, but curiosity captured her attention.
“Don't tell him - or anyone else - that you have Erebus tucked inside that jar of jam.”
***
As Marik swung the door wide, it took all his internal strength not to express his shock at seeing Sophrosyne sitting across from Anh-Bul and stared at him with a condescending smile.
“You wanted to see me, Sir?”
Anh-Bul gestured at an empty chair. “Oh, yes. Please, have a seat. This is Sophrosyne. She requested to meet you here in my office.”
“A pleasure!” Marik extended his arm in greeting.
Sophrosyne clasped his wrist in the Elvish fashion. “A pleasure indeed.”
Sophrosyne's face was unsettling, in that Marik could never read her mood. Her polite smile, he was sure, hid some sort of mischief, though whether it be playful or vengeful he couldn’t guess.
Marik’s legs slowly bent as his bottom inched toward his seat, Sophrosyne never breaking her smile until the chair creaked beneath his weight.
Then her smile faded. “The Director here tells me you passed along a most important document.”
Sophrosyne must be aware Marik had copied Kyla’s rubbing before giving it to Anh-Bul. If she didn’t know before, she was reading it in his mind now. But if this upset her, why make a show of it in front of Anh-Bul?
“Yes, it was a note from one of the students,” he confessed, knowing well that Sophrosyne knew everything already. “Kyla Nim. She had passed it along to me, and I gave it to Anh-Bul. The Director.”
Anh-Bul looked Sophrosyne in the eyes. It was a sign of trust for gorgons, but a practice much feared outside their culture as they could turn their target to stone. Sophrosyne, however, met his gaze with an even expression.
The Director cleared his throat. “Yes. King Oberon demanded I bring it to him, but he was indisposed so I have given it to the Queen. Perhaps I could seek an audience for you if you wish to—”
“That won't be necessary,” Sophrosyne interrupted. “I'm actually here because of your concern.”
Anh-Bul sat speechless. He looked confused. “What concern?”
“That copies have been made.”
“How-what? I've never mentioned anything about—”
“You didn't need to mention it. Marik, why did Anh-Bul give a copy of the rubbing to the Queen instead of the original?”
Ah. That’s why she was here. Marik had given Sophrosyne the original and Anh-Bul the copy, and he must have noticed. The Director was not as witless as Marik had judged. But how had he known?
Anh-Bul stood in his chair and slammed his hands on the table. “You made a copy, and didn’t think I’d notice? Well, The King and Queen don’t want these floating around. What were you thinking?”
“Yes. I made a copy for our records.”
“Well, go get it! We need to destroy it!”
Marik looked at Sophrosyne, who looked back under a cocked eyebrow. “I'm afraid I no longer have it.”
Sophrosyne smiled. “It behooves us to learn to be careful, doesn’t it?”
Anh-Bul gestured at Sophrosyne, though her eyes never left Marik. “And how on earth does she know all about this?”
“Oh, she knows everything we know.”
“And more,” Sophrosyne added.
Anh-Bul sat back down. His snake-hair hissed and writhed. He put his face in his hands before looking back up at Marik. “You've been telling her government secrets? You've been spying on me?”
Marik stretched his arms and clasped his hands behind his head. “Yes, but don’t stress over it. You’re about to forget the whole thing.”
Chapter Three
Digging for Dunkin
Aias took control of Eunoe’s body and jumped into a combat stance as Aspen burst through the door. The dryad’s green hair was splayed over her reddish-brown face and neck as she fought for breath.
“Oh!” Aspen clapped her hands over her mouth. “I didn’t mean to startle you. May I speak with Eunoe?”
“Ish balik comok.” Aias, relaxing, relinquished control.
“Sorry.” Eunoe, through her spiritual connection to Aspen, sensed a desperate sadness. She offered a hug before sitting back on the bed. “I told him he could take over if we ever need to fight. Now he’s over-excited. What’s going on?”
“Vock and I decided to
take some time apart.”
Eunoe peered over the rim of her glasses and frowned. She knew this would happen. “You mean you’ve broken up?”
“No. I guess. For now. Yes. Do you need help with your homework?”
She seemed reticent, and Eunoe didn’t want to pressure the poor girl. Vock was her first love, and the relationship short-lived. “Oh. This isn’t homework. Professor Aegelis says I need to file a patent for Castor.”
“A what?”
“A legal document. It says I invented the flying tiger. I have to write out the pattern and everything.”
“You’ve never done that before.”
“Sure, I have. I just haven’t bothered you with it.” Eunoe gathered her papers to resume her work.
Aspen sat on the floor. “Did you know you’re sitting like Aias?”
Aias, the ancient soldier whose soul now resided in Eunoe’s body, was becoming more active in Eunoe’s life. He had once been satisfied to sit in the back of her mind, but now was interested in what she ate, how much she exercised, and what time she went to bed.
Eunoe nodded. “I’m a little worried our souls are blending.”
A wave of concern rushed from Aspen to Eunoe. “I feel it, too. You need to make him a new body.”
“I’ve started, but we can’t agree on the color. He keeps showing me purple, but when I try it, he says I’m wrong.”
“Isn’t he bug-man? Bugs see different colors, don’t they? Maybe it’s a color you can’t see.”
Eunoe nodded. “Possible. We decided on a nice red-brown that he seems happy with. Very similar to your skin. I could use your help with color comparisons if you’re free later.”
“Yes! Oh, I’d love to. I was so sad when you made Castor without me, you know.”
“I know, but you were always with Vock.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Oh, Aspen! I know you need a life outside me. I’m surprised I haven’t driven you mad.”
Aspen laughed. “I think I went mad quite some time ago!”
There was a soft knock at the door before it swung open and Kyla strode into the room. She handed Aspen a plate topped with a raw trout. For Eunoe, she had a small bowl of raspberries. Aspen thanked her and bit into the fish immediately, but Eunoe hesitated.
