One of the dryads, a slender female, guardian of a holly, stepped up to Kalla and handed the Healer a set of fox-flutes. She graciously accepted the offering, thanking the beautiful tree spirit, who gave her an enigmatic smile and joined the others at her King's side. Kalla gave King Holly a puzzled look.
“I am sorry, Great One. I do not know how to play the fox-flutes.”
Holly reached out, touching her forehead where the crescent markings were, and in her mind Kalla heard the Song she must play and the manner of its playing.
“You know all you need, to play the Song of the Trees. At your request, the High Clerics will grant you access to the Sacred Grove here in Imperia Argosia. When they hear you play, they will remember it.”
“I thank you, Great One. I will do as you ask, as soon as I may,” she said softly.
“And I thank you, Lady Amaraaq. Sleep now and recover your strength,” Holly said, as Kalla's grip on the journey realm began to fade.
“And remember, bring Prince Kaze back to the Forest!” Inari's words were the last she heard before things faded altogether.
* * *
Vander blinked, finding himself in the Grove of Gasta. Before him was the frozen form of Gasta himself, muzzle still outstretched where the guardian had touched the foolish young mage on the forehead, forgiving him even as the enchantment took hold. This dream was a familiar one, born of deep guilt. What he had done here had been a terrible crime, worthy of the harshest punishment.
The War Mage sank to his knees with a sob. Of all the memories Kalla had seen, this she did not know. He cringed to think of how she might react if she did. He hugged himself, slumped at the statue's feet, struggling against the tightness in his throat.
Vander wished there was something he could do to free Gasta, to restore the noble Keeper to life. Any price would be worth paying to rectify one of the greatest mistakes he had ever made.
“Any price, little wolf?” a soft voice asked. Vander snapped his head up, focusing on a shadowed figure walking towards him.
The being was tall, a towering giant of a man, yet Vander knew he was no mere man. His skin was pale grey, rough-looking, like tree bark. A mane of hair, dark green in color, had oak leaves and acorns interspersed throughout. He wore pants and tunic of a deep, dark green with tiny oak leaf patterns decorating the edges and upon his head bore a leaf crown cast of shimmering gold. Bright green eyes somberly regarded the kneeling mage. Vander bowed his head to the ground before the being who could be none other than King Oak, the Argosian deity of spring's rebirth.
“Any price, Great One,” the War Mage whispered.
“Truly?”
“Yes, Great One. I would pay any price to fix this mistake, if there were a way to do so.”
“There is a way, little wolf. He is not gone, merely petrified. He can be set free, though you might not like the price.”
“How, Great One?” Vander asked.
His heart grew heavier as he listened while King Oak told him what he must do to free Gasta. The price was a harsh one indeed, yet it was one Vander was willing to pay.
“I will do so, Great One,” he said softly.
King Oak gave him a penetrating look, then nodded in satisfaction.
“I do believe you will. Sleep now, young one. Remember your commitment when you wake once more.”
Evergreen Palace, Imperia Argosia, Argoth, Year of the Mythril Serpent, 2014 CE
Aleister woke slowly, but made no move to rouse himself. Kalla was still sleeping peacefully beside him, her head resting against his shoulder, and he had little desire to move. He smiled to himself, remembering the first time she had fallen asleep thus, within the Deep Forest. His grin turned wry, recalling her fearsome reaction to be woken.
Grey light filtered into the room, brightening by the second. As his eyes adjusted, he was surprised to find the red frost wolf curled up beside Kalla. Well, Vander didn't surprise him. The surprise was Kasai who, in his harrier form, was wedged between the wolf and Kalla.
Aleister's smile deepened. Kalla seemed to attract people. People changed by being around her. He had seen it in Vander, in Kasai, even in himself.
The harrier stirred to wakefulness, fixing a bright accusing eye on Aleister. The Fox grinned as Kasai yawned, then jerked his hand away as the hawk snapped his beak at it in irritation. Kasai carefully edged away from them before willing himself to change. Aleister frowned as he noticed that his Mage clutched a pair of fox-flutes to her chest.
Aleister kissed her on one fluffy ear and gently moved away to stand himself. From the balcony he heard soft voices. Looking out, he saw that Sir Lukas and Manny were already awake. He nodded towards the balcony. Kasai nodded back, and they padded softly out, careful not to disturb the sleeping magi.
“Good morning, Lord kyl'Malkador. Sir Lukas,” Aleister said, nodding to each in turn. The hawk echoed his greeting.
“Good morning, Prince. Good morning, Master Kasai,” Manny responded. Aleister winced at the title, but let it be.
“I checked on Lady Kalla and Lord Vander when I woke. They rest peacefully and should wake soon.”
Aleister breathed a silent sigh of relief at the news.
Manny paused for a moment to look out at the rising sun, staining the sky orange and rose, before he continued.
“I was surprised to find Vander such a capable Healer, despite what I learned from Lady Kalla. He did a superb job, such that even Lord Hauss could not find fault. I wonder if she has become as skilled a War Mage as he is?”
The Fox shook his head. “I don't know, Lord kyl'Malkador. She has been given no reason, as yet, to test that.”
As they waited for the others to waken, or the Argosians to summon them, Manny quizzed Kasai of life on the Plains, and Aleister of life elsewhere. Aleister smiled to himself, thinking how very sheltered the young mage seemed. He knew that novice magi rarely left the Kanlon, and never so without the company of a maester, a Mage that had earned Kyl' as part of their name.
Finally he became aware of Kalla stirring and hurried back inside in time to help her up, the others following behind. She frowned at the fox-flutes, but said nothing regarding them as she tucked them safely away. Their noise was enough to wake Vander and the wolf huffed grumpily, stretching out his paws. With a sigh, he shifted and immediately turned his attention to Kalla. His look was one of relief when he saw that she was up and about.
“You gave us quite a scare yesterday, Dashkele,” he said. She favored him with a warm smile.
“You did a good job,” she replied, assessing her own body and the healed damage. “But what of Emperor Sykes.”
“He is well. Lord kyl'Malkador saw to that. Our cover is blown of course. The Fleet Admiral was none too happy. …And Sir James is dead, at least as far as we know. Grosso took his body away before any could make sure,” Vander replied.
“He did take a shot to the chest at close range. Grosso doesn't seem to be near as skilled in healing as any of you. Surely he couldn't have healed the Praetor,” Kasai said.
“Grosso is not,” Vander said softly. “But if the Nagali had a use for Sir James, he could very well have used the Artisan as a conduit.” The War Mage shivered, recalling his own experiences. Al'Dhumarna had still found him useful after he had taken out Gasta and had thus deigned to give Vander a tiny fraction of power, but that tiny bit had been enough to allow the War Mage to teleport himself and Shingar out of the Forest with no ill effects, a feat he would otherwise have been unable to pull off.
A soft knock on the door interrupted them. Without waiting to be acknowledged, Cleric Eddasson walked in, flanked by two of the Guard. The young Cleric beamed at them.
“Good. You are all awake and looking well. The Emperor would like to see you,” Zacharias said.
“The Emperor fares well?” Kalla asked. The Cleric nodded.
“Indeed he does, no thanks to the young Lord kyl'Malkador here. And your own efforts, milady. He would like to see you as soon as possible. If you wil
l please come with us.” He turned to exit, then looked back at Kalla again, eyes full of hidden laughter. “And the answer to your question is yes, milady, as soon as we may.”
Kalla frowned at the departing Cleric and followed him out the doors. The others filed in behind her, with the two Guard taking up the rear. They were taken not to the conference room this time, but to Sykes' own quarters. More Guard were posted around the doors. They gave the group of Magi an assessing look, still not sure how angered they should truly be. Zacharias knocked on the door, and at a soft command from within, led the group into the room.
Sykes sat in a chair surrounded by a number of people- High Cleric Morgansson, the Fleet Admiral, Sir Marcus, now dressed in the uniform of Praetor, and, to Kalla' surprise, Admiral Karlgraffsson. The Emperor looked weary and careworn. He cast a look towards the newcomers, his dark blue eyes tired and thoughtful. He rose heavily to his feet and bowed graciously to her.
“Lady kyl'Solidor. Or should I call you Lady of Wolves?” At her shocked look he smiled and elaborated. “The High Clerics have told me all about who and what you are. Admiral Karlgraffsson has confirmed what he could. I thank you, Lady, for freeing me from Grosso's influence.
“It feels… it feels as if I have been half-asleep this whole time. And to think, I ignored the counsel of those I should have most trusted.” Sykes paused, looking to Sir Lukas. The Magister met his gaze unflinching. “You have my apologies, Sir Lukas, for ever doubting your loyalty. Glad I am that young Lord kyl'Malkador came along when he did.”
“I did what I felt needed to be done, Your Grace. I'm only sorry that I didn't succeed.” Lukas replied.
“People make mistakes, Your Grace. The point is what you learn from it. All's well that ends well, as the Arkaddians are wont to say. It's a good philosophy,” Kalla said with a sly look at Kasai. The hawk scowled at her a moment, before returning the grin.
“As you say, all's well that ends well. The Lady is right, Your Grace. You are alive, as is Sir Lukas. Grosso is gone, along with his influence. You did not end up in an unnecessary war,” Kasai said.
“I'm glad to see you chose Marcus to replace James. He will serve you well,” Lukas said softly.
“Yes, I have little doubt of that, Sir Lukas,” Sykes said sadly. He turned his attention back to Kalla. “Great Lady, what reparations would you have of me, to repay our discourtesy?”
“You owe no such reparations. But, we were in earnest when we said that Dashmar seeks an alliance with Argoth. Both would benefit, I should think. It is true that Dashmar is full of a great many natural resources. The Wolf People have little use for metals or gems. What they do have need of is the availability of more food. Life in the mountains is harsh. I would have it be less so,” Kalla said.
“Very well, Lady Kalla. Shall we return to the conference room? I think breakfast would be in order before anything else,” Sykes said. She nodded and followed as the Emperor and his people left the room. She fell in step beside Ventaal.
“I am glad to see you are well, Kalla,” he said softly.
“Thank you. But, Admiral, what are you doing here? You must have gotten in some time last night.”
“Aye, the Fleet Admiral summoned me. She wished to know how it had come to pass that I had let you through the borders in the first place. I do not know yet what the Emperor will choose to do with me,” Ventaal replied.
“What did you tell them?” Kalla asked.
“The truth. I told them the truth. That I let you through knowing full well that you were magi, but that it was also truth that the Dashmari ruler wished to seek an alliance with Emperor Sykes. My actions were treason, though I would not change them for anything. More good than bad came from it, no matter what happens, but at the very least I should be stripped of my command.”
“And the worst?” Kalla asked quietly.
“Exile. Or at the very worst, execution.”
“I'm sorry, Ventaal, that you should be punished for helping us. I don't think it will come to that, though. Emperor Sykes is not that cruel.”
“I don't regret it, not at all. No, I doubt it will come to my execution either, but…” his voice trailed off as they arrived at the conference room. The Admiral gestured for her to enter and followed behind. Their seating arrangements were much altered this time, with Kalla where 'Kartoff' had been seated and Aleister in her spot, followed by Vander and Kasai, then Manny and Sir Lukas. Marcus occupied Sir James' spot. There was a great deal less tension with this meal, a great deal more bantering conversation.
The Castellan and his servants brought in a meal of eggs mixed with mushrooms and sausage and apples from the Palace's cold cellars. As they ate, Kalla managed to coax from Zacharias how they had learned of who she truly was. Apparently she wasn't the only one to have received a visit from the Tree Lords that night. She was a little concerned though, at how quiet Vander was during the meal. He spoke little and seemed preoccupied.
The meal was finished and the room once more became a conference room. Kalla spent the rest of the morning in negotiation with Sykes and together they reached an amiable agreement. Argoth would be allowed greater mining rights in Dashmar, in return for imports of much needed foodstuffs. Kalla had requested that Admiral Ventaal and the Kujata be sent as the Argosian emissaries. She had been pleasantly surprised when Sykes agreed with no fuss. Ventaal had been just as surprised. As late afternoon approached, Emperor Sykes sent Owyn off to have two copies of the trade agreement drawn up. They stood to stretch and Zacharias spoke up.
“Perhaps now would be a good time to retire to the Grove. The others may come as well, if they wish,” he said.
“Now is as good a time as any.” She looked to the rest of her group. “They will come. It is fitting that they should be there,” she said. Aleister and the others gave her quizzical looks, but said nothing aloud as they followed Jonas and Zacharias through the Palace.
“What is going on, milady?” Aleister asked. Briefly she told him of her meeting with King Holly and of his request.
“Ah, that explains where the flutes came from then. I had wondered,” he said, laughter bubbling in her mind. The Fox found it amusing and was delighted to learn that they would be going back to the Forest.
“Never thought I'd see you happy about going into a forest,” Kalla responded with laughter of her own.
At the center of the Evergreen Palace stood a great grove of trees, surrounded almost completely by a clear moat of water. This grove was the seat of the Clerics' power, the heart of Argosian spirituality. The grove was open to the sky, the waters channeled from the nearby Algassey River, entering through one section of the Palace and exiting another. Kalla recalled overflying the Palace with her father, when she was much younger. The Evergreen and its grove were breath-taking from the air. From above one could see that the Palace was laid out in a series of concentric, spiraling circles of green granite interspersed with the elegant tree towers. At the center of the rings had stood a majestic grove of Regal Oaks, sharing space with Royal Pines and Imperial Holly.
Kalla grew still as she entered the grove, crossing over the small bridge that spanned the burbling river. This place felt as the Deep Forest did. Immeasurably old and sacred. Without being told, the group stopped at the fringes of the trees, even the Clerics. Kalla paid them no heed, as the Song began to fill her blood. Settling herself at the base of an immense oak, she closed her eyes and began to play.
Time stood still, or so it seemed to the Fox, as his mage played. He saw that the others were as captivated as he was by the haunting music. A slight rustling sound joined the sound of flute and water. Aleister's breathe caught as he realized that the noise came from the trees themselves. The branches swayed gently, though there was no breeze here to cause such and it seemed to him that if he didn't look directly at them, he could just make out the forms of androgynous figures within the trees.
A sensation of being watched prickled his sharpened sensitivities and it was without surprise that he
found there were now kitsune all around the grove. Most stayed on the fringes of the trees, across the way from the Emperor's group. A few came as far as Kalla and two even came to where he stood, watching him with sly, knowing eyes.
The Healer's music wound to a close and as it did so the trees rustled louder, then stilled suddenly. As if it were a cue the kitsune darted away, disappearing into the darkness and safety of the trees. Kalla opened her eyes slowly. She could feel the difference in the air and knew that she had been successful. The Tree Lords were free now, to act once more in this realm.
We thank you, Lady Amaraaq, a voice whispered in her mind, the sound of leaves in the wind.
She smiled. You are welcome, Great Ones. The Healer rose to her feet and walked to where the others stood. Looks of awe greeted her and there were tears damp on the cheeks of a few, Vander and Sykes among them. She frowned, looking at the War Mage with sharpening concern. He looked more withdrawn now than he had earlier.
“That was beautiful, Lady kyl'Solidor,” the Emperor said softly, pulling her out of her thoughts. “I did not know you played the fox-flutes.”
“I do not, Your Grace. This is the one and only time. I thank you for the compliment though,” she said with a small smile and handed the flutes to Zacharias. The young Cleric reverently wrapped them in a forest green cloth he had brought with him. The young Cleric departed with the flutes, leaving them in Jonas' care. The elder Cleric led the small group back to the conference room, where Owyn now waited with the trade agreements. Kalla and Sykes looked them over before each signed both sets of documents. Kalla tucked her copy into her robes and touched fist to heart.
“I thank you, Emperor Sykes. I truly believe that both our peoples will benefit from this.”
“And I, you, Empress Kalla. I have no doubt that we can learn from one another,' Sykes responded, returning the gesture.
“Indeed. By your leave, Emperor, I will prepare a message to Aryff, Dashmuynin of the Blood Wolves. In the absence of myself or Vander kyl'Solidor, it is Aryff who serves as Regent,” Kalla said. Sykes nodded and Owyn went to retrieve paper and quill for the Healer. When she finished her letter, Kalla sealed it and turned it over to Admiral Karlgraffsson, with the admonition to send it ahead of the flagship.
Empress of Wolves (Evalyce Worldshaper Book 3) Page 5
